Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has joined Italian side Como on a season-long loan, bringing an abrupt end to his spell as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper after losing his place to Argentina international Emiliano Martinez.
The 28-year-old Spaniard had started Chelsea’s Premier League campaign and was expected to remain a central figure between the posts. However, his position came under renewed scrutiny after a costly mistake in Chelsea’s opening-day victory over Fulham.
Sanchez allowed Josh King’s effort to slip through his hands at the near post during a difficult display as Chelsea eventually secured a 3-2 victory. The error added to concerns about his consistency and intensified the debate surrounding the goalkeeper’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea subsequently moved quickly to strengthen the position, signing Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million.
The timing of Martinez’s arrival was significant. He was handed his Chelsea debut in Sunday’s 4-3 victory over Brighton, just hours after the club confirmed his transfer. Sanchez, meanwhile, was left out of the matchday squad.
The decision effectively signalled the end of Sanchez’s role as Chelsea’s No. 1, despite the club having previously shown a willingness to support the goalkeeper.
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 and had made 112 appearances for the London club. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he helped Chelsea win both the Conference League and the Club World Cup.
His departure represents a dramatic change in fortunes for a player who had been trusted as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for much of his Chelsea career.
Como offer fresh opportunity
Sanchez will now continue his career in Serie A with Como, who are managed by former Chelsea and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
BBC Sport understands that Como have an option to buy Sanchez permanently at the end of his loan spell, giving the Italian club the opportunity to make the move permanent if the goalkeeper impresses during the season.
For Sanchez, the switch provides a chance to rebuild his reputation away from the intense scrutiny surrounding Chelsea.
His mistakes against Fulham, combined with Martinez’s arrival so close to the transfer deadline, left him surplus to requirements despite the club previously being keen to back him.
Chelsea still have other goalkeeping options available. Among them is Belgian youngster Mike Penders, who arrived from Genk in a deal worth £17 million.
Penders made his Chelsea debut during the Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town last week and was named among the substitutes for the weekend meeting with Brighton.
Como strengthen ahead of Champions League campaign
Como have also been active in the transfer market as they prepare for an important season following their impressive fourth-place finish in Italy last term.
The club have signed Italy international Moise Kean on loan from Fiorentina, with an obligation to buy. The 26-year-old striker scored eight goals in 26 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season.
Kean previously played in England with Everton and also had spells with Juventus, while his arrival adds further attacking quality to a Como side preparing to compete in the league phase of the Champions League.
The Italian club’s recruitment of Sanchez and Kean underlines their ambitions following a breakthrough campaign, while Chelsea’s decision to loan out their former first-choice goalkeeper highlights the rapid changes taking place in the squad under manager Xabi Alonso.
For Sanchez, what began as a long-term opportunity at Stamford Bridge has ended with a move to Italy — but with the possibility of a permanent transfer and Champions League football, Como could offer him an important new chapter.