Chelsea is set to Offload goalkeeper Robert Sanchez this summer
Chelsea FC is reportedly looking to sell goalkeeper Robert Sanchez this summer, despite acquiring him only a year ago.
This development comes as new manager Enzo Maresca prepares to reshape the team’s roster and playing style.
Robert Sanchez joined Chelsea last summer with the intention of becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Initially, it appeared that he had won over then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, who described him as “great” early in his Chelsea career. However, Sanchez soon found himself sidelined, with Djordje Petrovic taking over the starting position by early 2024.
Why Enzo Maresca wants a new Goalkeeper.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, writing on his Substack, Chelsea is actively seeking to move Sanchez out of the club.
The decision aligns with Maresca’s vision of implementing a possession-based style of play, which necessitates an expert ball-playing goalkeeper.
Phillips noted, “A goalkeeper has become a priority because Enzo Maresca wants an expert ball-playing goalkeeper to be the pinnacle of his build out from the back possession-based football.”
Consequently, Sanchez is expected to be the casualty of this transition, with Chelsea hoping to at least recoup the fee they paid for him.
The club’s focus on enhancing the squad’s compatibility with Maresca’s tactical approach indicates that significant changes could be forthcoming. While it remains uncertain whether Chelsea will bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, the club’s strategy clearly points towards refining their squad to better fit Maresca’s system.
This shift also raises questions about the future of Djordje Petrovic, who, despite being favored by Maresca, has limitations in his passing game that might affect his standing as the team’s number one.
Chelsea’s busy summer transfer window last year included not only Sanchez but also several other promising young talents. Among these, Cole Palmer has been a standout, earning accolades at the club’s in-house awards night.
The previous transfer window was headlined by the signing of Moises Caicedo for a club-record fee, further emphasizing Chelsea’s aggressive approach in the market.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea fans can expect more activity as the club seeks to align its squad with the new managerial vision. With Sanchez likely to be on the move, the club’s efforts to rebuild and optimize their team for the upcoming season will be closely watched.
