Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Sanchez’s replacement as the January 2026 transfer window draws closer.
Numerous reports have indicated that Chelsea might have possibly found the best replacement for Sanchez as the January 2026 transfer window draws closer.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a surprise loan move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-AndrĂ© ter Stegen, who has fallen out of favour at Camp Nou. The German shot-stopper, once a mainstay between the posts for nearly a decade, has seen his role diminished following the arrival of Joan GarcĂa, the former Espanyol standout who impressed across Europe last season.
Barcelona’s decision to invest €25 million in GarcĂa has sparked internal unrest, with sources suggesting that Ter Stegen was furious over the signing, interpreting it as a signal that his reign as the club’s first-choice keeper had come to an end.
The tension deepened when, after undergoing back surgery during the summer, Ter Stegen shared his own injury update on social media without consulting Barcelona’s medical team, a move the club viewed as unprofessional. Matters escalated further when he reportedly refused to sign a release form granting the club access to his medical documents, delaying GarcĂa’s registration just before the start of La Liga.
In response, Barcelona were said to have considered legal action and briefly stripped Ter Stegen of the captaincy, emphasizing that no player was above the club. Although he was later reinstated following internal mediation, relations remain tense. Fellow goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has publicly backed Ter Stegen, insisting the German still has the quality to reclaim his best form.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are now exploring the possibility of signing Ter Stegen on loan in January as they look to reinforce their goalkeeping department.
The move comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Robert Sánchez, whose long-term future as the club’s No.1 remains unclear. Manager Enzo Maresca reportedly sees Ter Stegen as the experienced and composed presence Chelsea have missed since Edouard Mendy’s departure.
The London club also admire Mike Maignan of AC Milan, viewing both him and Ter Stegen as top-tier options capable of bringing stability to their defence. While a loan for Ter Stegen could be finalised mid-season, Maignan remains the preferred long-term target.
Chelsea believe the French international could leave Milan as a free agent next summer, potentially making him a marquee signing. However, they may face stiff competition from Juventus and Bayern Munich, both of whom are also monitoring Maignan’s situation closely ahead of the 2026 January transfer window.
