Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has completed a loan move to Como, where he will work with former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge after a difficult spell in goal, with his display in Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham appearing to bring his time as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper to an end.
Sanchez was considered responsible for both Fulham goals during that match, and Chelsea have since strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £7.5m.
The move to Como is understood to be a straightforward loan agreement. It does not include either an option or an obligation for the Serie A club to buy Sanchez permanently.
Chelsea confirmed the transfer in a brief statement, which also outlined the goalkeeper’s record since joining the club from Brighton and Hove in August 2023.
> “Sanchez arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brighton and Hove in August 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Blues. > > “The 28-year-old was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. > > “We look forward to supporting Rob throughout his time in Italy. > > “Good luck, Rob!”
Sanchez’s departure follows the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea’s new manager. The Spaniard’s decision to move the goalkeeper down the pecking order, combined with the recruitment of Martinez, left Sanchez without the club’s number-one position.
He now joins Como for the rest of the campaign, linking up with Fabregas, who is in charge of the Italian side. The move gives Sanchez the opportunity to continue playing in Serie A after his position at Chelsea became increasingly uncertain.
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove in August 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Blues. During his time in west London, he was part of the squads that won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
His loan transfer brings a temporary end to a Chelsea spell that had begun with him establishing himself as a regular goalkeeper but concluded with competition for the position increasing. Emiliano Martinez’s arrival from Aston Villa has further altered the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy, while Sanchez will now continue his career in Italy with Como.