Chelsea’s dire want for a brand new first-choice goalkeeper grew to become much more obvious on the weekend when Robert Sanchez made one more howler in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
In an try to gather a protracted move 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 aim this season – the joint-highest complete 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 certain,” Maresca stated. “He’s utterly conscious he’s making errors on this second. We belief Robert. We’ve got one complete week and we are going to see the response for the subsequent recreation.
“Robert, for certain, 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 might not must for an excessive amount of longer.
Requested whether or not Sanchez will 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’s not solely about Robert. It’s not even about me, ? I’m centered on this second, this season.”
So come the tip of the season, who might Chelsea usher in 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, protecting 46 clear sheets in 142 video games for BVB, together with 7 in 27 Bundesliga matches final season.
Although he is struggled a little bit extra this time period, it appears to be extra a mirrored image of Dortmund’s poor kind as a workforce – 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 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 below Mauricio Pochettino, however was deemed surplus to necessities when Maresca took over in the summertime.
Now on mortgage with sister membership Strasbourg, it will be simple for Chelsea to convey him again into the fold in the event that they so need, and it will definitely be a fast repair to an issue place.
The 25-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 and was just lately described as “world-class” by Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior.
“We’ve got seen large progress from Petro,” Rosenior stated of the Serb. “He’s a world-class goalkeeper. We see it day by day and it’s nonetheless paying off right this moment.”
3
Diogo Costa
Porto
Diogo Costa has been one of many steadiest fingers in Europe over the previous few years, protecting 77 clear sheets in 181 video games for Porto, together with 11 in 19 league video games this season.
Nevertheless, it was his outstanding efficiency ultimately summer time’s European Championship that actually 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 achieved within the event’s 66-year historical past.
Following that heroic show, Chelsea reportedly approached Costa throughout the summer time switch window, however the 25-year-old in the end stayed at Porto. In late 2024, CaughtOffside reported that the Blues remained inquisitive about Costa, however that Porto are anticipated to demand a hefty £59 million payment for his or her star goalkeeper.
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4
Mads Hermansen
Leicester Metropolis
In response to experiences, Maresca needed 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, protecting 13 clear sheets in 44 video games.
Maresca is known to be an admirer of the Dane’s means 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 most costly goalkeeper is at the moment 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, protecting 5 clear sheets and saving 76.3% of the photographs he is confronted (as per FBref) – which is the second-best report within the division, sarcastically degree with Sanchez.
Although a return to Stamford Bridge for Kepa (which he supposedly needs) would make sense on paper, his report 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 photographs 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 impression within the Premier League, however has proven promise in cup competitions, protecting 5 clear sheets in 11 video games.
He additionally boasts a mightily spectacular save proportion, having stopped 80% of the photographs 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 resolution for Chelsea in aim, and clearly has the potential to develop right into a top-tier goalkeeper.
Nevertheless, to try this, Maresca wants to provide him extra of an opportunity within the league relatively than persist with Sanchez regardless of his steady errors. Doing so will little doubt be irritating the teen and probably placing a dent in his confidence.
7
Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool
Earlier this yr, 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 yr.
Kelleher has saved seven clear sheets in 14 video games for Liverpool this season and appears at residence at a high Premier League aspect.
