- Sanchez joins Sevilla on a free after leaving Udinese
- Move comes after Lukebakio’s €30m exit to Benfica
- Chilean returns to La Liga 11 years after Barcelona exit
Sevilla have reached an agreement to sign veteran forward Sanchez on a free transfer from Udinese, according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and AS. The 36-year-old Chilean is expected to land in Spain in the coming hours to finalise his contract with the Spanish club.
The move marks a return to Spanish football for Sanchez, 11 years after he departed Barcelona for Arsenal in 2014. Sevilla moved quickly to secure the experienced forward as a direct replacement for Dodi Lukebakio, who is set to join Benfica in a €30 million (£26m/$35m) deal. Sanchez’s signing is part of a busy transfer deadline day for the Andalusian side as they look to reinforce their squad following a difficult previous campaign. The Chilean was also linked with Fenerbahce, but the move didn’t materialise.
Since last playing in La Liga for Barcelona in 2014, Sanchez has played for six different clubs across three major European leagues. His career has included spells at Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter (twice), Marseille and, most recently, Udinese.
Sanchez will undergo a medical and sign his contract before the transfer window closes on Monday evening. He is expected to compete for an immediate first-team role, with his chances boosted by Lukebakio’s sale and a recent injury to winger Chidera Ejuke. Sevilla remain active in the market, with the club also reportedly pursuing a deal for a defensive midfielder before the deadline.
