Robert Sanchez has completed a summer move to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea paid Brighton £25 million for the Spanish goalkeeper.
Sanchez emerged as a target for the Blues this summer after Mauricio Pochettino told the club’s officials that he wanted a strong backup goalkeeper following the sale of Eduoard Mendy to Al-Ahli.
The 25-year-old comes to Stamford Bridge with plenty of Premier League experience, having made 23 league appearances for Brighton last season before losing his starting place to Jason Steele.
“Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country,” Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said in an official statement.
“We are excited to watch him work with Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching team during the season ahead.”
First day as Chelsea player! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/lQaYB7fXlO
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2023
Sanchez joined Brighton as a 15-year-old in 2013 from La Liga side Levante, signing his first professional contract with the Seagulls two years later.
Although things did not work initially, he eventually made his Premier League debut for Brighton in November 2020 after loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale.
Chelsea’s plans for Sanchez
Sanchez is Chelsea’s sixth summer signing following the acquisition of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Lesley Ugochukwu and Angelo Gabriel.
The Spaniard will compete with fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga for a starting berth.