Chelsea, part of the English Premier League, announced the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on a long-term contract for seven years, on Saturday. Reports indicate that Chelsea paid £25 million (approximately $31.87 million) to acquire the 25-year-old goalkeeper, who is a member of the Spain national team. This signing comes after Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy transferred to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia this summer. Chelsea aims to bolster its squad under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, following a 12th-place finish last season, marking the team's worst end to the competition since 1994.
Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart, who serve as the co-sporting directors at Chelsea, stated, "We are delighted to welcome Robert to Chelsea; he will add a lot of efficiency to the goalkeeping position." The officials added, "Robert has repeatedly proven himself in the Premier League and has represented his country internationally. We are excited to see his work with Mauricio and his coaching staff during the new season." Sanchez joined Brighton's academy in 2013 and has appeared in 87 Premier League matches, but he became the second-choice goalkeeper behind Jason Steele, who played 15 times in the last 16 matches of the competition. Sanchez will compete for the starting goalkeeper position at Chelsea with fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga.
