Mauricio Pochettino has followed the advice of Roy Keane and axed Edouard Mendy from the Chelsea squad. The 31-year-old goalkeeper faced an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with Kepa Arrizabalaga preferred by Graham Potter and Frank Lampard between the sticks.
Mendy, who has now completed a move to Al-Ahli, featured just ten times for the Blues in the Premier League last season, keeping only one clean sheet. Even when called upon in the Spaniard's absence, the Senegal international struggled to impress and he was even branded as the west Londoners' 'weak link'.
Despite losing his mojo following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel, Mendy played a major role in one of the most successful periods in the club's history, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. On a personal note, he was named UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season and Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2021.
Announcing his exit, Chelsea acknowledged Mendy's accomplishments with a heartwarming statement. It reads: "Having started his career in the lower tiers of French football – and even spending several months without a club – Mendy rose to the pinnacle of European football with Chelsea.
"A hugely likeable character on and off the pitch, he will always have a place in our history for his significant contributions to our 2021 Champions League triumph. For that, and for everything else, we are grateful. Good luck, Edou!"
However, every good story must come to an end and Keane certainly believes that Chelsea will be better off without Mendy between the sticks. Speaking on ITV in December, the former Manchester United midfielder slammed him for his shaky displays at the World Cup.
"You mentioned their goalkeeper, Senegal's," Keane said. "I think he is a weak link for them. He's not that great. And he's certainly not (the form he was in a year ago)."
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With Mendy moved on, Chelsea are thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer. The Blues have been heavily linked with the likes of Mike Maignan at AC Milan and Diogo Costa at Porto, but it a move for either of the duo could cost a pretty penny.
