Chelsea’s dire want for a brand new first-choice goalkeeper turned much more obvious on the weekend when Robert Sanchez made one more howler in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
In an try to gather an extended cross to Erling Haaland from Metropolis ‘keeper Ederson, the Spaniard discovered himself in no man’s land, permitting Haaland to show and lob the ball over him into an empty internet.
The error was his fifth main on to a objective this season – the joint-highest whole within the Premier League.
Talking after the Metropolis recreation, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted that regardless of Sanchez’s propensity for errors, he trusts the 27-year-old between the sticks.
“We belief Robert for positive,” Maresca stated. “He’s utterly conscious he’s making errors on this second. We belief Robert. Now we have one total week and we are going to see the response for the following recreation.
“Robert, for positive, is totally conscious he has to do higher,” he added. “He is aware of completely. On this second it’s like this. The great factor is he’s the primary one realizing, conscious that he has to do higher.”
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Apparently, earlier than the sport, Maresca stated that whereas he does belief Sanchez, he could not must for an excessive amount of longer.
Requested whether or not Sanchez could be Chelsea’s No 1 for a few years to come back, Maresca stated: “For this season? Little question. However then sooner or later, we do not know. It isn’t solely about Robert. It isn’t even about me, you already know? I’m targeted on this second, this season.”
So come the tip of the season, who might Chelsea herald to exchange Sanchez? Right here, we have outlined seven doable replacements for the Spaniard.
1
Gregor Kobel
Borussia Dortmund
Gregor Kobel has been considered one of German soccer’s standout goalkeepers since becoming a member of Borussia Dortmund in 2021, conserving 46 clear sheets in 142 video games for BVB, together with 7 in 27 Bundesliga matches final season.
Although he is struggled somewhat extra this time period, it appears to be extra a mirrored image of Dortmund’s poor kind as a group – resulting in the sacking of Nuri Sahin – than his particular person performances.
Kobel’s spectacular stats and lack of errors final season make him a really perfect candidate for Chelsea. His expertise in European competitions would even be a big asset.
2
Djordje Petrovic
Strasbourg (on mortgage from Chelsea)
Djordje Petrovic was Chelsea’s first-choice ‘keeper for a lot of final season beneath Mauricio Pochettino, however was deemed surplus to necessities when Maresca took over in the summertime.
Now on mortgage with sister membership Strasbourg, it could be simple for Chelsea to convey him again into the fold in the event that they so need, and it could actually be a fast repair to an issue place.
The 25-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 and was lately described as “world-class” by Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior.
“Now we have seen big progress from Petro,” Rosenior stated of the Serb. “He’s a world-class goalkeeper. We see it on daily basis and it’s nonetheless paying off at present.”
3
Diogo Costa
Porto
Diogo Costa has been one of many steadiest fingers in Europe over the previous few years, conserving 77 clear sheets in 181 video games for Porto, together with 11 in 19 league video games this season.
Nonetheless, it was his outstanding efficiency finally summer season’s European Championship that really captured international consideration. In Portugal’s last-16 conflict in opposition to Slovenia, Costa made historical past by saving all three of the opposition’s penalties within the shootout – a feat by no means earlier than completed within the event’s 66-year historical past.
Following that heroic show, Chelsea reportedly approached Costa throughout the summer season switch window, however the 25-year-old finally stayed at Porto. In late 2024, CaughtOffside reported that the Blues remained involved in Costa, however that Porto are anticipated to demand a hefty £59 million charge for his or her star goalkeeper.
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4
Mads Hermansen
Leicester Metropolis
Based on experiences, Maresca wished to signal Leicester Metropolis shot-stopper Mads Hermansen in the summertime, however as a substitute ended up signing Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal.
Hermansen was the Italian’s first-choice ‘keeper throughout his promotion-winning season on the King Energy Stadium, conserving 13 clear sheets in 44 video games.
Maresca is known to be an admirer of the Dane’s skill to play out from the again, which is one thing Sanchez has struggled to do that time period.
TeamTALK reported in November that Leicester would need £35m for his or her present No 1.
5
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Bournemouth (on mortgage from Chelsea)
Kepa Arrizabalaga stays on Chelsea’s books, however the world’s costliest goalkeeper is presently on mortgage at Bournemouth, the place he is performed a key function for Andoni Iraola’s aspect this time period.
The Spaniard has began 16 of the Cherries’ 23 Premier League video games this season, conserving 5 clear sheets and saving 76.3% of the pictures he is confronted (as per FBref) – which is the second-best file within the division, paradoxically degree with Sanchez.
Although a return to Stamford Bridge for Kepa (which he supposedly needs) would make sense on paper, his file in west London makes for poor studying.
In his second season with Chelsea in 2019/20, the previous Athletic Bilbao star recorded the worst save proportion of any goalkeeper within the Premier League, stopping simply 54.5% of the pictures he confronted.
If Chelsea can get the Bournemouth model of Kepa again, nice. In the event that they get their outdated model again, much less so.
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6
Filip Jorgensen
Chelsea
Signed by Chelsea from Villarreal in the summertime, Filip Jorgensen has but to make a big affect within the Premier League, however has proven promise in cup competitions, conserving 5 clear sheets in 11 video games.
He additionally boasts a mightily spectacular save proportion, having stopped 80% of the pictures he is confronted within the Premier League, whereas he is saved 83.9% within the Convention League, as per FBref.
At simply 22 years outdated, Jorgensen might supply a long-term answer for Chelsea in objective, and clearly has the potential to develop right into a top-tier goalkeeper.
Nonetheless, to do this, Maresca wants to offer him extra of an opportunity within the league moderately than persist with Sanchez regardless of his steady errors. Doing so will little question be irritating the teenager and probably placing a dent in his confidence.
7
Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool
Earlier this 12 months, Liverpool’s Caiomhin Kelleher expressed his need to go away Anfield, stating he needs to “go and be a primary and play week in, week out”.
Although he is impressed when known as upon, the 26-year-old has by no means been in a position to displace Alisson as Liverpool’s common No 1. In August, the Reds additionally accomplished the £30 million signing of Valencia ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will transfer to Merseyside subsequent 12 months.
Kelleher has saved seven clear sheets in 14 video games for Liverpool this season and appears at residence at a high Premier League aspect.
