Brighton and Hove Albion have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sell ‘keeper Robert Sanchez.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper fell down the pecking order at the Seagulls in March, with boss Roberto De Zerbi admitting that he preferred Jason Steele due to his ability with his feet.
The Spaniard had a fallout with De Zerbi over his lack of game time and was subsequently left out of the Seagulls’ tour of the US.
According to David Ornstein, Sanchez will undergo a medical imminently and will be challenging Kepa Arrizablaga for the No 1 spot.
It is unknown what the fee for Sanchez will be, but the deal means he will be reunited with goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts, the man who is responsible for Sanchez’s best form during his time on the South Coast.
A good deal for Brighton and Chelsea
After Sanchez was left out of the tour, it was a sign that his Brighton career was all but over.
Brighton have already added to their goalkeeping department with the signing of youngster Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for a fee in the region of £18 million.
The deal allows for the shot-stopper to fight for valuable game time elsewhere, whilst the Seagulls will receive a decent fee for a player who was desperate to leave the club.
One thing is for sure is that Sanchez is a talented ‘keeper and this move allows for a fresh start for him. He needs to take the opportunity with both hands, proving he deserves the opportunity at one of the biggest clubs in world football.