Chelsea Identify Sánchez’s Replacement Ahead of January 2026 Transfer Window

Chelsea Identify Sánchez’s Replacement Ahead of the January 2026 Transfer Window

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of a new goalkeeper as they prepare for the upcoming January 2026 transfer window, with growing indications that the club has identified the ideal replacement for Robert Sánchez.

According to multiple reports, Chelsea are considering a surprise loan move for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, who has found himself out of favour at Camp Nou. The German goalkeeper, a long-time pillar of the Catalan side, has seen his starting role threatened following the arrival of Joan García, the former Espanyol standout who impressed across Europe last season.

Barcelona’s decision to invest €25 million in García reportedly caused internal friction, with sources revealing that Ter Stegen was unhappy about what he perceived as a sign that his time as first-choice keeper was nearing its end.

The tension reportedly escalated after the veteran shot-stopper underwent back surgery during the summer. Ter Stegen allegedly posted an update about his recovery on social media without consulting Barcelona’s medical staff a move the club considered unprofessional. Matters worsened when he refused to sign a release form granting the club access to his medical records, delaying García’s registration just before the start of the La Liga season.

In response, Barcelona were said to have considered legal action and even temporarily stripped Ter Stegen of the captaincy before internal mediation restored his role. Despite public support from fellow goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, insiders suggest the relationship between Ter Stegen and the club remains strained.

Amid the uncertainty, Sky Sports reports that Chelsea are exploring a loan deal for Ter Stegen in January as manager Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his goalkeeping department.

Sánchez’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear, and Maresca is said to value Ter Stegen’s experience, leadership, and composure qualities Chelsea have lacked since the departure of Edouard Mendy.

The London club also maintain strong interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, who is viewed as the ideal long-term solution. However, while Ter Stegen represents a short-term reinforcement, Maignan could be pursued as a free agent next summer, though Chelsea face competition from Juventus and Bayern Munich.

If completed, Ter Stegen’s arrival would not only provide Chelsea with much-needed stability between the posts but also mark one of the most intriguing goalkeeper moves of the 2026 winter transfer window.