Chelsea star CONFIRMS 2026 transfer plan

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has ruled out a 2026 exit by confirming “the club always told me I am No 1.”

The Spaniard has been widely criticised since moving from Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge for €23 million in 2023, with fans and pundits constantly stating that an upgrade is needed for the Blues to challenge for major honours.

However, Sanchez has enjoyed an upturn in form over the past few months and he played a key role in Chelsea’s triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final in July.

Despite a foolish red card versus Manchester United in September, Sanchez has performed well since the start of the 2025-26 campaign and he was imperious during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Although Chelsea have been linked with a new goalkeeper for several months, they ultimately decided against signing AC Milan’s Mike Maignan this summer and multiple outlets have revealed that a new option will not arrive in 2026.

Instead, the west London giants are set to stick with their current options of Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and youngster Mike Penders, who is on loan at sister club Strasbourg for the season.

This appears to have been backed up by Sanchez, who has also confirmed that he remains “happy” at Chelsea, essentially ruling out an exit next summer.

Robert Sanchez: ‘I am No.1’

Speaking after Chelsea’s win over Spurs, Sanchez told reporters (via The Athletic): “I feel confident, I am fit and at my best.

“I have always felt settled because the club always told me I am No 1. But on a personal level and my performance, I have to say yes (this is the most settled he has been at Chelsea).

“I have reached a very good level now. I am consistent, I have the confidence, I have the fans behind us (me) so everything helps a little more.”

Sanchez added: “When you play for one of the best teams in the world, a massive club, you are always going to be under pressure when the team, or you, don’t perform.

“Obviously being the last line of defence, you normally get the blame for it (when it goes wrong) even if it is not your (fault). But that’s the life I chose, it is what I like. I enjoy it.

“I feel great, I feel the defence is doing great, I think the team is doing great. We can always do better but at the end of the day you can only do so good.

“Personally I am happy. I have the confidence from my boys, the manager and the club to keep doing as good as I am doing. I will keep doing the same.”

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