Offering David Luiz a new contract could be a masterstroke for Chelsea

David Luiz made a shock decision to re-join his former club Chelsea back in 2016. He considered his decision meticulously and even took a huge pay cut to return to west London, according to The Telegraph.

Antonio Conte brought the Brazilian, who currently earns £120,000-a-week, back to the club. Conte’s decision to re-sign the 31-year-old was vindicated by stellar performances from Luiz at the heart of Chelsea’s defence; leading the Italian to his first-ever Premier League title in his maiden season at Chelsea.

However, since the start of the 2017/2018 campaign, Luiz fell out of favour with Conte. This paved the way for academy product, Andreas Christensen, to emerge through the ranks and stake a claim for his place in the side. When given the opportunity, Christensen grasped it with both hands and that seemed to spell the end for David Luiz.

The paradox of it all was that after a string of poor results and performances in his second season, Roman Abramovich decided to relieve the Italian of his duties. And now, Luiz looks like a player reborn under current Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.

The Brazilian has reinvigorated his career this season after playing in a system that suits him better. As a result, Chelsea want to ensure Luiz does not get sidetracked and continues this rich vein of form by offering the defender a new contract, according to Evening Standard.

Chelsea’s decision to offer Luiz a new contract could be a masterstroke, especially with Gary Cahill being linked to Manchester United (h/t Daily Star). The club captain has fallen down the pecking order with the likes of Luiz, Antonio Rüdiger and even Christensen working wonders.

Should the England international seek a move elsewhere, offering Luiz a contract extension seems like the next best thing for the Blues.

David Luiz is loving life on and off the pitch under Sarri, according to reports in Daily Mail. After returning to the line-up, the centre-back is clearly repaying the faith shown in him by the Chelsea boss. And the results are crystal clear on the field.

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The Blues have truly benefitted from Luiz’s resurgence and he has been one of the underlying factors for Chelsea’s defensive solidarity this season. After being frozen out by former boss Conte, Luiz seems to have no intention of leaving at the moment and could become an important figure under Sarri’s reign.