Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has publicly urged the club to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, describing current number one Robert Sanchez as neither reliable nor consistent enough to help the team win trophies. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel insisted that every Chelsea fan is crying out for a new goalkeeper and that the club must act to rectify the position.
Mikel's Criticism of Sanchez Intensifies
Mikel has been a vocal critic of Sanchez for some time, and his latest comments are his most direct yet. “I’ve said it so many times that Sanchez is not that guy. He is not that guy that will win us trophies,” Mikel said. “Everybody knows that! I can’t keep repeating myself here every time, every season, week in, week out.”
The former Nigeria international believes the issue is clear to everyone at the club, including new manager Xabi Alonso. “I’m sure Xabi Alonso knows that, the club knows that. Why can’t we rectify that? We’re building a solid team right now, we’re bringing in players that can help improve the squad,” he added.
Trafford as the Solution
Mikel pointed to Trafford, a 23-year-old England international, as the ideal replacement. “I’m looking at a goalkeeper from Manchester City: James Trafford. He’s there, he’s available. Why don’t we go and get him?” he said. Trafford had a difficult debut season at City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival limiting his playing time, and Leeds United are reportedly close to securing his signature.
Mikel highlighted Trafford’s qualities, saying, “He’s good with his feet, he’s a very, very good shot-stopper. We saw how he played before Donnarumma arrived, I think he’s a really, really good goalkeeper. Why don’t we go and get him?”
Chelsea's Summer Transfer Activity
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market under Alonso, moving away from their youth-focused approach after a disappointing tenth-place finish last season. The club made a statement with a £117 million move for Morgan Rogers, beating Arsenal to the midfielder. They have also added experienced Premier League players Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, who have nearly 1,000 combined appearances in the top flight.
The Blues are also set to announce the signing of Racing Santander left-back Pep Chavarria, following Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid. However, no significant progress has been made on the goalkeeping front, which Mikel believes is a critical gap.
Sanchez's Error-Strewn Tenure
Sanchez has been at Stamford Bridge for three seasons, but his performances have been marred by frequent errors. Mikel stressed the need for consistency, saying, “If you look at last season that’s what’s lacking from the team: experience, consistency. We made way too many mistakes on the pitch, way too many red cards, way too many discipline issues.”
With Leeds United edging closer to signing Trafford, Mikel’s plea adds pressure on Chelsea to act swiftly. “Everybody is trying to get him right now. Donnarumma is there, Donnarumma is going to play. He wants to play. An English goalkeeper, a young and talented goalkeeper, 23 years old. Why don’t we go and get him?” he concluded.
