Chelsea have completed the transfer signing of Robert Sanchez, who has swapped Brighton for the “amazing opportunity” to work with manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Spaniard moves in a deal worth £25 million, signing a seven-year contract with the Blues. He will now compete with compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga for the no.1 shirt this season.
Sanchez fell out of favour with Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi last season and lost his starting spot to Jason Steele. With Bart Verbruggen arriving at the club this summer, the goalkeeper was unlikely to regain his place in the first team.
“I started really my career here in England,” Sanchez told Chelsea’s official website. “Brighton has given and provided me everything I needed as a goalkeeper inside and outside the pitch to get the maximum potential out of me which I’m really happy I have done and thankful. Obviously now it is another bigger challenge and I’m ready for it.
“Choosing Chelsea was the best choice that I could have picked because of the opportunities that they have presented in front of me is amazing to develop more as a goalkeeper, learning and to compete for the spot and show everybody how good I can be.”
When asked about working under Pochettino, he said: “Really excited. Amazing opportunity to work with a coach of that level. Obviously I have watched him at his past clubs, what he has done and I think what he brings to the club, the family [feel] around the players is really good and his play style is something that I suit really well. I am going to contribute good to win trophies to the club with him.”
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Upon confirmation of the transfer, Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Robert to Chelsea and he adds further quality to our goalkeeping unit.
“Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country. We are excited to watch him work with Mauricio and his coaching team during the season ahead.”
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