Why Chelsea should allow Pedro to join Fenerbahce on a free transfer
According to Turkish publication Takvim (h/t The Sun), Fenerbahce are lining up a free transfer for Chelsea star Pedro next summer.
The Spanish forward, 32, has featured eight times in all competitions for Chelsea this season, but only three of those have come in the Premier League. He has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard, who has opted for a young and exciting starting XI.
Pedro is out of contract in 2020 and can talk to foreign clubs in January over a free transfer. The report (h/t The Sun) adds the Blues are unlikely to offer the winger an extension as Lampard targets new young signings in January if their transfer ban is lifted.
That being said, should Chelsea run down Pedro’s contract and allow him to sign with Fenerbahce at the end of the season?
Pedro moved to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona back in the summer of 2015 and has gone on to score 42 goals and 26 assists in 191 matches. He is one of the long-serving players in the squad and has scored a lot of important goals in his time so far.
However, the Spanish World Cup winner is now being overlooked by Lampard, with the likes of Mason Mount, Willian, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi preferred ahead of him.
After starting the first two games against Manchester United and Leicester, he has played just one league game in the subsequent eight. In fact, the veteran forward is not even making it to the matchday squads over the last few weeks.
That clearly suggests that Pedro doesn’t have a future at Chelsea under Lampard, who has promoted academy kids and is eager to give regular opportunities to younger players. Pedro, without any doubt, is a quality player with a wealth of experience but the winger is already 32 and his powers are on the wane.
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Chelsea cannot hand players new deals, such as they did with David Luiz, especially to those who are approaching the end of their careers. A switch to Turkey would bode well for Pedro as the Super Lig isn’t as demanding as the Premier League.
Verdict
The Blues must sign quality players in January if their transfer ban is lifted. Letting Pedro leave on a free transfer in the summer won’t be a bad option as the Spaniard is past his prime and isn’t a part of Lampard’s long-term plans at the club.
