Brighton's Robert Sanchez could have a choice of countries to represent if his good form continues
Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is in demand on the international scene, with both England and Spain enquiring about his availability for national selection.
Sanchez has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Amex, ousting Mat Ryan as the Seagulls’ first choice goalkeeper, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The 23-year-old was born in Spain, but could be available for England through FIFA’s eligibility rules, which state that any player living in a country for 36 consecutive months after their 18th birthday could represent that nation internationally.
Sanchez moved to England as a 15-year-old, when Brighton signed him from Levante’s third team after a successful trial period. The 6’6″ stopper has bided his time on the South Coast, going on loan to Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale before making such an impact in the first team at Brighton that Mat Ryan was allowed to leave on loan to Arsenal earlier this season.
Gareth Southgate doesn’t have the largest pool of English goalkeepers playing regularly in the top flight, and is said to be impressed by the 23-year-old. Spain currently have a wide selection of stoppers, including David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Unai Simon, but with Kepa badly out of form, an opening could be on the cards.
Sanchez has never played internationally at any level, but could have a choice of allegiance if his good form continues.
