Robert Sanchez is now the target of interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs, and may be prepared to leave Chelsea if he is not guaranteed to remain the club’s number one.
Sanchez actually enjoyed a much-improved campaign between the sticks at Stamford Bridge throughout the 2025/26 season.
There was a bizarre moment when the Champions League Round of 16 tie came around where Liam Rosenior decided to drop Sanchez for Filip Jorgensen to face PSG.
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After that, the Spaniard was back amongst the side for the rest of the season, although it looks as if the promising Mike Penders is set to join him the first team squad.
Simon Phillips has reported that Sanchez will not be happy competing for his spot in the XI, and will become ‘unhappy very fast’ if this becomes the case.
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He said on his Substack: “The uncertain bit is Robert Sanchez. If he is told that he will be competing for number one for Penders, sources believe that he will not be content with that. Sanchez wants to be a number one and does not want to play second fiddle.
“If he loses his number one spot, he will become unhappy very fast. Sources also believe that Penders coming in and not being number one will be detrimental to his development so far, and there are real concerns around this.”
Jorgensen has asked to leave Chelsea this summer after it has become clear he is not in the conversation to become the number one at the club.
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Sanchez has Saudi interest
Phillips has reported that a number of Saudi clubs have already made contact with Sanchez’s camp over a possible transfer this summer.
He said: “Sanchez has interest from other clubs that has come in to his agents, and we can reveal that some Saudi clubs have already made contact.
“Our sources have confirmed that Sanchez will assess his situation at Chelsea this summer once he sees how the setup is looking and what changes the club make around goalkeepers.”
Xabi Alonso has always shown a preference for playing out from the back, potentially pushing him to take a serious look at Penders.
The Belgian enjoyed a strong season at Strasbourg on loan this season, and the club have had high hopes for him since they decided to bring him in as a teenager.
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