Reports suggest that both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. Despite having several options between the sticks, the London clubs are said to be considering the 25-year-old Spanish international as a potential transfer target this summer.
Sanchez began his career at Levante before joining Brighton in 2013. He has since made 88 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls, conceding 101 goals and keeping 28 clean sheets. The goalkeeper has been a regular for the Spanish youth sides, playing 42 times for the U21s before making the permanent step up to the senior squad.
You might argue that Sanchez’s loss of playing time is owing to an injury, but Jason Steele’s tenacity at the back for Brighton has impressed many. Sanchez has played in 23 games this season for Brighton across all competitions. It’s possible that Brighton may let the Spanish international go this summer since he hasn’t played in over two months. In his five league appearances, Steele has three clean sheets, whereas Sanchez has only two in his past 12 Premier League games.
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Chelsea allegedly has their pick of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy, and Marcus Bettinelli between the pipes, but they are contemplating bringing in Sanchez to replace the injured Mendy, who started the season as Chelsea’s first-choice custodian before losing his job to Kepa after only six league games.
However, Hugo Lloris, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, and Alfie Whiteman are now available for Tottenham Hotspur to choose from in goal.
Lloris has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for quite some time, but his future with the team is uncertain. The 36-year-old’s contract expires in 2024, and there have been no rumours of an extension. He may need to be replaced shortly.
According to statistics compiled by FBref, Sanchez has a higher save percentage (66.7% from 72 shots on target faced) than Ederson (62.3% from 61 shootings faced for Manchester City). But in terms of saves, he ranks a disappointing 15th. The stars would have to align for a trade to go through, as Brighton would not want to let him leave without a successor in place.
Whether or if Chelsea or Tottenham are prepared to pay Sanchez’s asking price this summer is still up in the air. Brighton may be reluctant to allow the young Spaniard leave without a viable successor, despite the fact that he has showed promise.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how this story develops over the coming months.