Chelsea’s decision to sell Djordje Petrovic is attracting fresh scrutiny after the Serbian goalkeeper continued to deliver impressive performances for Bournemouth, with former Premier League shot-stopper Brad Friedel suggesting the Blues may have been too quick to let him leave Stamford Bridge.

According to The Athletic on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Friedel believes Chelsea could eventually regret allowing Petrovic to join Bournemouth for approximately £25 million in 2025. The 26-year-old has developed into an important player for the Cherries, with his displays this season further highlighting his progress.

Petrovic arrived at Chelsea from New England Revolution in 2023 for a reported fee of around £14 million. During his time with the London club, he made 31 appearances, recorded seven clean sheets and conceded 44 goals before completing his move to Bournemouth.

Since joining the south-coast side, the Serbian has established himself as a regular option between the posts. He has now made 51 appearances for Bournemouth, demonstrating consistency and earning recognition for his development.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Friedel praised Petrovic’s ability and questioned whether Chelsea might have reconsidered their decision to sell him. The former goalkeeper, who represented Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, described Bournemouth’s acquisition as an excellent piece of business.

Friedel told presenter Andy Jacobs that Bournemouth had secured a quality goalkeeper, noting that Petrovic had previously played in Major League Soccer before moving to Europe. He also admitted that Chelsea might now be wondering whether allowing the Serbian to depart was the right decision.

Petrovic’s statistics provide further evidence of his contribution. He has featured 11 times across all competitions this season, conceding 14 goals and keeping four clean sheets. His performances have strengthened his reputation and raised questions about Chelsea’s goalkeeping recruitment decisions.

Nevertheless, Chelsea’s current options have also produced encouraging numbers under manager Xabi Alonso. Emiliano Martínez has conceded 11 goals in six appearances and registered one clean sheet, while Mike Penders has allowed six goals in six matches and recorded three shutouts.

Penders has also posted a 70 per cent save rate, marginally higher than Petrovic’s 60 per cent and Martínez’s 69.4 per cent. The Belgian youngster has therefore demonstrated considerable promise during his opportunities in the first team.

Martínez, however, leads the comparison for total saves, having made 25 interventions. His Premier League goals-prevented figure of plus 1.65 is also the highest among the three goalkeepers, suggesting that he has made a positive contribution beyond the number of goals conceded.

The Argentine is currently recovering from a fractured jaw, leaving Penders with an opportunity to strengthen his claim for the first-choice position. His recent performances have provided Chelsea with reassurance while Martínez remains unavailable.

Although Petrovic’s progress at Bournemouth has prompted questions about Chelsea’s decision to sell him, the club will be hoping that Martínez and Penders can deliver the consistency required throughout the campaign. Their performances will help determine whether the changes made to the goalkeeping department ultimately benefit Alonso’s side.