From Chelsea flop to hero? Robert Sanchez is 'perfect,' says Cesc Fabregas

19 Sept 2026 14:05 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Como manager Cesc Fabregas has praised much-maligned Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following his loan move.

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The Spaniard was hounded out of Stamford Bridge in the dying embers of the summer transfer window, with Chelsea deciding to pounce on a market opportunity in the shape of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Ever since he joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023, Sanchez has been a hugely divisive figure. Despite being the No.1 under every Blues manager, the 28-year-old has never been completely convincing.

Current ETV

Robert Sánchez

Como

Robert Sánchez

Como

ETV Range

€11.7M - €14.3M

Even last season, when his performance levels were much improved, the spectre of a high-profile blunder always loomed large. Sanchez simply does not instil confidence, which isn't a great trait to have when you're a goalkeeper.

After a dire start to this season against Fulham this season, Chelsea decided to cut their losses. Well, kind of. They would have preferred to sell Sanchez, but it was too late in the window, so they had to make do with an initial loan move.

Fabregas impressed with Sanchez

The shot-stopper has been temporarily parked at Como. Chelsea and the Serie A side have a strong relationship, likely aided by the fact that former Blues star Cesc Fabregas is in charge of the latter. He was briefly considered as an option by Chelsea before Xabi Alonso was appointed.

Prior to Sanchez's move, Como had already signed Blues defender Trevoh Chalobah for around €30 million. On Monday, the goalkeeper made his debut for the Italian outfit, coming into the team for last season's No.1 Jean Butez.

Although Sanchez didn't manage to keep a clean sheet in a 2-1 win, Fabregas seems to be delighted to have him available and to have the ability to rotate his goalkeepers without a meaningful drop-off in quality.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Frosinone, the Como boss said: "Robert Sanchez is a player who comes from a very important team, he’s won trophies and was under constant pressure - you have to always win there, it was a great opportunity to always win.

"Since he’s arrived, it’s been perfect for me. We didn’t expect it at the start. For me, that’s the important thing, I think it’s important [to have options].

"If Butez or Sanchez plays, maybe it’ll be due to fatigue or the volume of the matches. They dive on the ground a hundred times a day, it’s tough with so many games.

"It was a test [against Parma]. It was the first time Butez hadn’t played in a year and a half. But if we want this dynamic in some matches, it’ll be based on feeling. It won’t happen in every match, but it will happen."