Begovic to Chelsea?

[CanadianSoccerFan]

Didn't see this posted anywhere.

quote:Chelsea have inquired about Asmir Begovic, 21, the Portsmouth goalkeeper who was born in Bosnia but has Canadian nationality. At Chelsea he could count as one of their eight “locally trained” players, which they must have in their 25-man squad for the Champions League next season, because he has played for Portsmouth for three years before turning 21.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article6481880.ece

[jpg75]

So he'd essentially be a "quota filler" in the lineup, the third-string goalie behind Cech and Hilario. I guess they don't feel comfortable with Rhys Taylor as the third-string? Or does he not meet the "homegrown" label?

[Dare431]

I certainly hope that a bid for him wouldn't be accepted. Unless they offer massive wages (which they wouldn't for a guy who would rarely see first team action), it's unlikely to happen. It's Chelsea's fault they've become a club amassed with foreign players and can't fill their homegrown requirement. Just speculation, I reckon

[KAS]

This would be a bad idea. Although there was a time (a couple of seasons ago?) when injuries led to Chelsea's third keeper getting a few starts, Begovic would probably never see the pitch.

Chelsea could pay well of course, but would they pay more than Portsmouth would considering that Portsmouth would actually play him. It is also alot cheaper to live in Portsmouth than West London. Besides, Abromovich is starting to hold back money while Portsmouth is soon going to be Man City Jnr with UAE oil money.

Chelsea third keeper = a potentially lucrative career dead-end. Begovic is better off staying in Portsmouth and learning more from an aging and currently injured David James who Begovic can replace next year for atleast a few games.