Chelsea and Sunderland will both be happy with their goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Robin Roefs right now.
Both men are having good campaigns, with the latter now being linked with a move to Sanchez’s Chelsea.
It has been claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing Roefs in a potential £50m deal this summer.
With that in mind, how do the two Premier League shot-stoppers compare?
Robert Sanchez of Chelsea reacts after Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers scores
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Robert Sanchez and Robin Roefs have very similar save percentages
If Chelsea do go on to land Roefs, they will not really be signing an upgrade on Sanchez.
This season, their save percentages have been almost identical. According to FotMob, Sanchez has a save percentage of 70.8%, while Roefs’ is only marginally higher (71.1%).
Sanchez has also kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League, which is one more than Sunderland’s No.1.
Robin Roefs or Robert Sanchez – who would you rather in goal for Chelsea?
Roefs is valued at £50m 💵
Of course, Sanchez is playing in a stronger defence on paper. His critics will argue that he should have more clean sheets than a goalkeeper playing in a newly-promoted side.
Whatever the case, Roefs does not look like he is going to be a clear upgrade on Sanchez. And if Chelsea are going to pay £50m on a new shot-stopper, then they have to be just that.
Chelsea were interested in Mike Maignan, but he recently put pen to paper on a new contract at AC Milan. It means the Blues will have to sign Roefs or another No.1 if they do want to replace Sanchez in the summer.
Robin Roefs of Sunderland FC plays during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Burnley
Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Why a move for Robin Roefs seems unlikely
For as good as Roefs has been in the current campaign, it would be a surprise if Chelsea forked out £50m on the Dutchman, and not just because of Sanchez’s form.
Chelsea fans cannot forget that the club also own the promising Mike Penders, who has a big future in the game.
Roefs is only 23. Signing him could easily block Penders’ pathway into the Chelsea senior squad. There is no need to do that or replace Sanchez.
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