Chelsea urged to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel called on the club to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, naming Manchester City’s James Trafford as the ideal successor. Mikel said, “Sanchez is not that guy… he is not reliable, he is not consistent,” and urged new manager Xabi Alonso to act.

Former Ireland international Shay Given echoed the criticism, highlighting Sanchez’s inconsistent form and recent mistakes. Given suggested that Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher could be a transformative signing for Chelsea, adding that the club needs a reliable presence between the sticks this summer.

Both former players noted that despite Chelsea’s recent high‑profile signings under Alonso, the goalkeeping position remains a critical weakness for a team with title ambitions.