Robert Sanchez could be back on Newcastle United’s transfer agenda.
The Magpies have been linked with goalkeeper after goalkeeper in recent months, with Eddie Howe eyeing more competition in between the sticks.
At one point it looked like a move for Dean Henderson was nailed on, but that has proven not to be the case. There have also been rumours about Switzerland number one Yann Sommer, while there was a ridiculous claim about Jordan Pickford heading to St James’ Park.
But with Dan Ashworth arriving and refining Newcastle’s transfer plan, Brighton’s main stopper Sanchez could be back in the mix.
Newcastle back in for Robert Sanchez after March rumour
Back in March, the Sun claimed that Newcastle could make a move for Sanchez this summer. They claimed the Magpies were lining up a £20million offer.
The 24-year-old’s name hasn’t been mentioned much in transfer discussions since then, with all the focus being put on Henderson from Manchester United.
However, with that deal seemingly off, Newcastle could turn to Sanchez.
That’s according to Dean Jones of Give Me Sport, who states that Sanchez is ‘highly regarded’ by the Magpies.
Dan Ashworth factor could influence move
Of course, the arrival of Ashworth at St James’ Park increases the intrigue around a move for Sanchez.
The 51-year-old is the club’s new Sporting Director, and has had a busy first week in the hot seat. He brought Matt Targett back, while the Sven Botman deal is potentially edging towards a conclusion.
Sanchez is a player Ashworth will know well, given his time at the Amex. In fact, the goalkeeper is a perfect example of how Ashworth can help the club be more fluid.
Graham Potter obviously wants his side to play out from the back, meaning his goalkeeper needs to be comfortable in possession. But rather than splash out on a new stopper, the Seagulls were able to turn to Sanchez, who has been with Brighton since 2013.
Now Potter has the quality of player he wants in goal, and described the Spaniard as ‘fantastic‘ in an interview last year.
Ashworth will likely have had a part to play in that. In a recent interview with NUFC TV, he spoke about how his role includes seeing what academy players the has that could fill a role, rather than spending money on a new signing. This is likely what happened with Sanchez.
But could Newcastle’s current relationship with Brighton hinder a deal in this instance? We took Dan Burn off them in January, and now we’ve nabbed their main man behind the scenes.
A bid for Sanchez might be a step too far. But he certainly has the skills Eddie Howe wants in a goalkeeper, and is young enough to have a long future at St James’ Park.
This move feels unlikely, but it is certainly surrounded in intrigue.
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