Amidst the after-effects of the departure of Eden Hazard and a transfer ban looming, Chelsea are planning to extend Willian’s stay at the club, it has been reported.
The Blues are readying a new two-year contract extension for their Brazilian winger whose contract expires in the summer of 2020, according to a report from The Sun.
The transfer ban that looks almost inevitable this summer has forced Chelsea’s hand to move away from their policy of handing only one year deals to players over 30.
The 30-year-old winger also attracted interest from Spanish Primera Liga side Barcelona. Willian managed eight goals and 14 assists in 56 appearances for the Blues in all competitions this past season.
Right decision by Chelsea to extend Willian’s stay?
Since the Europa League triumph, it has been a bit of a turmoil at Chelsea who are on the verge of losing their manager Maurizio Sarri to Serie A side Juventus as well.
Willian, who will turn 31 before next season kicks-off in August, has been a key part of Chelsea’s success in recent years all thanks to his all-round performances on the pitch.
The Brazilian isn’t getting any younger, but he has been at the club for a while now, and knows the ins and outs of how the Premier League works. Although Chelsea are likely to have a new manager next season, a senior player like Willian could help in reducing the transition time once again.
Willian managed 1.4 crosses, 1.3 long balls and 2.3 key passes per game in all competitions last season, and was a key player for the Blues. The veteran’s 1.8 shots per 90 minutes also highlight his confidence in and around the penalty area.
With limited wingers in Pedro, Christian Pulisic, and Callum Hudson Odoi, Willian’s extension makes a lot of sense as the Blues won’t have to scratch their head for a replacement.
In his six-year spell at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian has shown his importance time and time again. Seeing the current scenario, a contract extension for the 30-year old sounds like a step in the right direction for the Blues.
Stat Courtesy: Whoscored, Transfermarkt