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Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has informed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez that he is free to leave the club this summer, as per reports. The Spain international was first-choice between the sticks for the Blues in the 2024-25 season, but they appear set to part ways with him.
Football.London reports that Maresca has told Sanchez that he does not feature in his plans for the club going forward. The club are looking to revamp their goalkeeping department and will do so without Sanchez, who has been asked to find a new club.
Robert Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25 million move in the summer of 2023 and became the first-choice under Mauricio Pochettino. He was unseated by Djordje Petrovic in the second half of the campaign before regaining his starting berth under Maresca.
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Sanchez made 32 league appearances for the Blues in the 2024-25 season, conceding 34 goals and keeping ten clean sheets. The 27-year-old committed five errors leading to goals in the 2024-25 season, undermining his place as the long-term first-choice for the Blues.
Chelsea signed both Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders last summer, with Jorgensen serving as back-up to Sanchez during the season. Penders, 19, spent the season on loan at Genk and is set to return and fight for a place in the squad during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Maresca's side pursued a deal for Mike Maignan this summer but failed to sign the Frenchman in time for the Club World Cup. They may return for the 29-year-old once the transfer window opens, with a view to selling Sanchez.
Chelsea signal intent to sell star as they strip him of shirt number
Chelsea have signalled their intent to sell star forward Joao Felix this summer after new signing Dario Essugo was handed his shirt number. The Portuguese star spent the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan, having only joined the Blues last summer.
Essugo has been handed the number 14 shirt by the club ahead of his potential debut in the FIFA Club World Cup next week. By this action, the club has shown that Felix does not have a future there and will be made available for a transfer this summer.
Joao Felix joined AC Milan in the winter and managed just two goals and no assists, leading the club to opt against signing him permanently. He will not be a part of the squad for the Club World Cup, and will hope to sort his future as soon as possible.
