Chelsea transfer news: How will Eduardo fit in?

Chelsea are reportedly set to sign Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Eduardo. How will the veteran fit into Antonio Conte’s plans and what will it mean for the squad?

Eduardo will join in the next week, Dinamo Zagreb boss Zlatko Kranjčar told reporters.

"Eduardo has got the big honour to go to a big club such as Chelsea. Yes I think he is leaving for Stamford Bridge after the Salzburg game. – (Goal)"

Dinamo Zagreb play Red Bull Salzburg in a Champions League playoff round on August 24, meaning Eduardo will likely not be available until next month.

The 33-year-old came through the ranks of Braga’s youth academy until he joined the first team in 2005. A series of loans preceded a move to Genoa in 2010, where more loan moves followed until he was released to Zagreb on a free transfer.

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The goalkeeper was in the Portugal squad for the 2016 EUROs, but did not see game time en route to his country’s win. Other than the European Championship, Eduardo is a twice winner of both the Portuguese League Cup and the Croatian First Division.

The move could signal an imminent exit for Asmir Begovic. A lack of game time has reportedly unsettled the Bosnian goalkeeper, who could join Everton alongside Remy as part of a deal for Lukaku.

The transfer could also have a lasting impact on Jamal Blackman’s future at the club. If he’s behind Courtois and Eduardo in the pecking order, the 22-year-old may become fed up with endless loan moves and force a permanent transfer away.

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Most likely, Eduardo is simply here to fill the role of back-up keeper while Blackman matures. At 33, he will bring the experience that’s been lacking in Chelsea’s goalkeeping department since Petr Cech left. Perhaps he’ll even take on the role of coach once his time playing is over.

Whether he’ll actually get game time is another question. A lack of European football will cut down on the number of matches Chelsea play this season, so Antonio Conte could opt to play Courtois in the domestic cup games usually reserved for the second keeper.

Seeing as how Eduardo is at a later stage of his career and is much less sought-after than Begovic, it’s likely he’ll accept a reserve role. Yes, that’s normally the opposite of what a coach wants in a player, but in this case, having a quality player happy to sit behind Courtois is a massive plus.

Of course, this signing is also an insurance policy for if/when Courtois is injured. Eduardo has no problems with injuries – he’s played over 3,000 minutes every season since 12/13 – and can be trusted to do a job when called on. His side kept 18 clean sheets in 32 league matches last season, further evidence of his competency.

If nothing else, Eduardo will be a solid servant for Chelsea, whether he sees the field or not. As a back-up to Courtois, or even as third-choice keeper, he’ll succeed as an experienced and reliable squad member.