Last night, the Blues arrived in Boston to participate in the World Cup. Just a few months ago, Lucas Chevalier (24 years old) would certainly have been part of the trip. Author of good performances in the LOSC jersey, the French goalkeeper had caught the eye of the French staff, who had opened the door to the A. Lining for Mike Maignan for a moment, some saw in him a serious competitor or even his successor to the starting position. Ultimately, Chevalier lost a lot in a few months. Last March, during the final gathering of the Blues before the World Cup, he was demoted in the hierarchy of goalkeepers. He moved to No. 3 behind Brice Samba (Rennes). Despite everything, he retained the hope of being among the 26 during the month of June.
A terrible year
But on May 14, Didier Deschamps put an end to his hopes by calling Robin Risser, who passed him in the final sprint. It must be said that the latter has done great things in Lens this season. Chevalier had a very difficult year at PSG. Recruited to succeed Gianluigi Donnarumma, the footballer, who was bought for €55 million (bonus included) last summer, went from starter to Matvey Safonov’s understudy. In addition to the injuries, he struggled to convince and showed irregularity. He was not reassuring in the Parisian cages. Downgraded, the native of Calais ultimately participated in 26 matches in all competitions (28 goals conceded, 10 clean sheets).
It should be noted that he has not been on the meadow since January 23. It was against AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1 (1-0 victory). Winner of the Champions League and Ligue 1, Chevalier hoped for better individually. This summer, he is expected to take stock of his situation with PSG, he who does not want to relive such a season. He will then advise on what to do next, just like Paris, who did not expect that by betting so much on him. The idea was for it to settle down over time. But Luis Enrique was not completely convinced and gave his confidence to Matvey Safonov for the second part of the year. Despite a complicated season, Lucas Chevalier remains a young goalkeeper (24 years old) who has a certain potential and qualities.
Knight is not a priority
If his experience in Paris may put off some, others are keeping an eye on him. A few weeks ago, Tottenham were cited as a potential landing spot. But Spurs have other names in mind and his arrival would depend on the departure of Guglielmo Vicario, who is being courted by Juventus. But this is plan B, since the priority of the Piedmontese is Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa). Behind them comes Lucas Chevalier according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. During discussions between Paris and Juve, the Frenchman’s name would have arisen for a loan. But he is not plan A. In the event of the departure of Dibu, who is getting closer to an agreement with Juventus, the former LOSC player is cited among the potential targets by the Birmingham Mail. Robin Risser, James Trafford and Bart Verbruggen are also mentioned.
Unai Emery wants a younger goalkeeper to succeed Dibu. Lucas Chevalier is mentioned, but he is in competition with goalkeepers in a better dynamic and more solid for some, especially for those who are already playing in the Premier League. Besiktas is also cited as a candidate to revive the Frenchman. In search of reinforcement, the Turks have visibly checked the name of Chevalier. In Türkiye, At Spor indicates that the profile of Elia Caprile, Cagliari goalkeeper, is appreciated internally and that he is a priority. In any case, Lucas Chevalier favors a more attractive sporting project. For the moment, we cannot say that things are happening at the gate for the Frenchman, who is coming off a difficult year. It is not a priority and is only a backup plan for several clubs, which are moving forward on other issues. This could change from the first movements with other goalkeepers. And Chevalier cannot count on the World Cup to revive himself.
