Roberto De Zerbi has decided to leave goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at home ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The 25-year-old lost his number-one position to Jason Steele in March, as boss De Zerbi felt that Steele was more suited to his philosophy of playing out from the back.
After being replaced by Steele, Sanchez requested to be left out of multiple matchday squads.
De Zerbi spoke to the media in May, saying the ‘keeper took matters into his own hands.
“Robert [Sanchez] decided everything at the moment. We spoke before the Arsenal game and we decided the best solution was to stay at home.”
However, Spanish ‘keeper Sanchez looks set to drop further down the pecking order with the recent arrival of Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for a fee of £16.5 million.
The two-time Spanish international still has two years left on his current deal with the Seagulls, but his future looks in serious doubt and may depart the club before the end of the transfer window.
What next for Robert Sanchez?
It certainly looks as though Sanchez has played his last game for Brighton.
Chelsea and Manchester United were both said to be interested in the ‘keeper earlier on in the transfer window.
Despite United parting with David De Gea, they have stepped up their efforts to sign Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana with a deal expected to be wrapped up next week.
Chelsea on the other hand have sold ‘keeper Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, so may be interested in adding another body to their goalkeeping department.
However, after his spell on the sidelines at Brighton, it is safe to say wherever the Spaniard ends up he will be demanding regular first-team minutes.