Frank Lampard’s Chelsea seem to have finally found some form this season. But there are issues in the squad that needs to be solved, even before the transfer ban on the club is lifted.
The latest conundrum for the Blues is the contract situation of Brazilian winger Willian.
Speaking to the media recently, the 31-year old revealed that his heart is still at Chelsea and that he is ready to extend his stay in London, beyond the end of the current season, which remains the last in his contract with the club.
“I love this club, I love to live in London and my family loves it here. I have been here six years already so everything is perfect for me. Of course, there is more I want to do at Chelsea, win the Champions League!’, he said in that interview.
So should Chelsea look to offer him a new deal?
Willian And His Numbers
In his six years with Chelsea, the Brazilian has lifted two league titles, a Europa League title, a League Cup and an FA Cup and was crucial in most of those victories.
He has 52 goals and 53 assists in 296 games across all competitions for Chelsea but has been inconsistent for over a year now.
He registered just three goals and seven assists in 32 appearances last season under Maurizio Sarri and at 31, is not as effective as he used to be.
Willian has been handed just 146 minutes of league action this season, coming back from an injury and it does not look like Frank Lampard is too keen on giving him a place in the starting XI regularly, especially in the league.
He scored just one goal in Brazil’s Copa America triumph recently but his experience is something which could still be valuable for a Chelsea side that is full of youth with players like Hudson-Odoi, Mount and Pulisic coming up through the ranks.
Should Chelsea Offer Him A New Deal?
The same story also claims that Lampard wants Willian to stay but at his age, the winger will only be a backup to the likes of Christian Pulisic and Pedro.
He is quick and has a keen eye for a goal and on his day, is still a match-winner. He may not get regular game time in the Premier League but could be Chelsea’s weapon in other cup competitions.
The fact that Willian will be free to talk to potential suitors in January will rush Chelsea into making a decision but unless he shows some form before the turn of the year, it makes very little sense for the Blues to stick with him for another season, especially if the player is looking for regular gametime.
Chelsea are looking to build with youngsters who can rule the league for years to come and Willian does not add much, except for his experience.
His presence in the squad as a regular first-team option could also restrict the growth of a youngster like Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is just coming back from an injury. The Blues also have the likes of Lucas Piazon and Charly Musonda, both of who are highly rated so Willian’s stay at Stamford Bridge might just come to an end at the end of the current season.
He will be a free-agent then and will certainly find clubs that are ready to gamble on him so letting Willian’s contract situation as is, could be the best move for all involved.
