Chelsea have snapped their first goalkeeper this summer as they complete the signing of Robert Sanchez from Brighton
Robert Sanchez, 25, is Chelsea’s sixth signing this summer joining the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Angelo Gabriel.
He is tipped to replace former Chelsea goalie Edouard Mendy, who left the club to Al Ahli following a contract stand-off and struggle for game time.
Sanchez starred for Brighton last season, making 21 Premier League appearances for the club but subsequently lost his starting berth to Roberto De Zerbi’s first choice goalie, Jason Steele, who was previously used as a backup for Robert Sanchez.
Following his struggles with the Seagulls, Sanchez was set to leave this summer. Brighton were also ready to part ways with the Spaniard but at the right offer.
Chelsea have reportedly paid Brighton £23m for the deal with the Spaniard signing a long-term Chelsea contract till 2030.
The 25-year-old will be expected to play second fiddle to fellow Spaniard and Chelsea first-choice goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has found favor as well with Chelsea new manager, Mauricio Pochettino after he stepped up his game under former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
However, the signing of Robert Sanchez is expected to trigger a stiff competition between the two goalkeepers for a place in Chelsea starting lineup.
After a spell with Levante youth in his home country, Robert Sanchez moved to Brighton youth in 2013. He signed his first professional contract while still plying his trade with the club’s youth academy in 2015. After five years in Brighton academy, Sanchez transitioned to Brighton first team in 2018, signing a new three year contract.
He has made 87 Premier League appearances for the club but has struggled for a starting role in the club’s lineup. He was loaned to Forest Green Rovers in 2018 and Rochale 2019.
In 2021, Brighton tied Sanchez down to a new four-year contract as they insist on keeping him due to his impressive performance when keeping the sticks for the Seagulls.
Sanchez made 27 Premier League appearances for the Blues last season and had a year remaining on his Brighton contract.
He was linked with an exit from the club after struggling on the peripheries hence Brighton needed to sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Manchester United were linked with a move for the Spaniard following the departure of David De Gea but have now lost him to rivals Chelsea who have now completed the signing of the player.
Robert Sanchez will hope to breath life back to his career as he opens a new chapter with Chelsea.
Futballnews understands Chelsea are still on the chase for Moises Caicedo, another Brighton player, to add to their summer signing list. Despite series of rejected bids for Caicedo, the club are still hopeful of a deal with the Seagulls who are holding out for a £100m transfer fee for the player.
