On Saturday, Chelsea confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion. According to British media, Chelsea will be paying 25 million pounds ($31.87 million).
The Spain international, who has appeared in 87 Premier League games for Chelsea, has signed a seven-year deal and will shortly join the first-team squad at Cobham.
Rob's rise to the top! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Nb0PQCIAmB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2023
Sanchez left his home country at the age of 15 to join Brighton’s club’s academy and advanced through the club’s levels. He had successful loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale before becoming the Seagulls’ first-choice goalkeeper for the 2020/21 season.
The 25-year-old instantly made an impression in the Premier League, establishing himself as an outstanding shot-stopper and goalkeeper comfortable at building possession and starting attacks.
In his first full season as Brighton’s starting goalkeeper in 2021–2022, Sanchez’s efforts helped the Seagulls keep 11 Premier League clean sheets, a club record in a single league season.
During that same season, he also made his debut for Spain, defeating Georgia 4-0 in a World Cup qualification match. He was also included in the teams for the Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cups.
Last season, Sanchez helped Brighton reach the FA Cup semi-finals, keeping clean sheets in both the quarters and the semi-final, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United. It was his 91st and last appearance for the Seagulls.