Why Chelsea should hand Willian a new deal as quickly as possible
Frank Lampard has told the club’s media that he wants Chelsea to hand Willian a new deal. (h/t The Sun)
Willian, 31, has re-found his best form of late, becoming a vital component of Lampard’s young Chelsea side. The £120,000-a-week Brazilian winger has bagged three goals and as many assists across all competitions so far. He wore the armband and was the man of the match in the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
But Willian is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer in January but Lampard has already stated that he wants to keep hold of the 31-year-old. That being said, should Chelsea hand a new contract to the Brazilian?
Without any second thoughts, the Blues must secure Willian’s future as quickly as possible.
Willian joined the Blues from Russian side FC Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and has scored 55 goals in 307 appearances across all competitions. He was in and out of the Chelsea team under Maurizio Sarri last season, yet he managed 8 goals in 56 games as the 31-year-old played a big role in helping his club win the Europa League.
Under Lampard, the Brazil international seems to be a player reborn. In fact, he has become indispensable to Lampard and neither Christian Pulisic, Pedro nor Callum Hudson-Odoi has made as many appearances as Willian.
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In Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi, who are 21 and 19 respectively, the future of Chelsea’s flanks is secure, but with Pedro also in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, it might not be wise for Chelsea to let both of their more experienced wingers leave next summer.
Willian looks more likely to stay as his presence and experience have been valuable for the south London outfit alongside his youthful team-mates.
Verdict
Willian has been a loyal servant to Chelsea, helping the club win two Premier League titles, one EFL Cup, FA Cup and the Europa League. Given the manner he has bounced back and cemented his place in Lampard’s starting XI, the Brazilian definitely deserves a new deal.
