Robert Sanchez signs new four-and-a-half year deal with Brighton

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Brighton have confirmed that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has put pen to paper on a new, extended contract with the club until the summer of 2025.

Earlier this season, Sanchez usurped Maty Ryan to become Brighton’s undisputed number one goalkeeper, with the Australian subsequently being loaned out to Arsenal after losing his place in the starting XI.

Though the seasiders are still languishing down near the relegation zone, Sanchez has been one of their better performers and was key to their six-match unbeaten run from mid January to mid February which seen the club pull themselves away from danger a bit more.

Manager Graham Potter praised the impact Sanchez has made on the team since coming in, as well as his goalkeeping coaches.

“We’re really pleased Robert has committed his long-term future to the club, after some impressive performances since his debut last year,” he told the official club website.

“Robert has already shown what an exciting prospect he is, with a great attitude and mentality. He has adjusted quickly to the Premier League, and we believe he has all the attributes to develop into a top-class goalkeeper.

“Credit is also due to Ben Roberts and Casper Ankergren, the club’s goalkeeping coaches, who, along with a number of staff in our academy, have helped Rob and guided him through his development.

“We are looking forward to working with Rob and helping him continue with his development.”

Sanchez’s youth career was spent with Levante in Spain before he moved to Brighton at the age of 15.

He would move up the club’s youth system before making his debut in November of 2020 in a Premier League fixture versus Tottenham.

Sanchez has started 14 matches in the English top flight this season for Brighton, conceding 13 goals but securing six clean sheets from those games, with the club now sitting 16th in the table.