Why Chelsea should not offer Willian a long-term contract extension
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are in talks with winger Willian over a new longer-term contract with the club.
The veteran Brazilian has signed a short-term extension to stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season. Willian’s future at Stamford Bridge still remains unclear, with manager Frank Lampard recently confirming that talks are still ongoing with the player over his potential stay at the club beyond this season.
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old winger is a popular figure at Chelsea, having arrived at the club back in 2013. Willian has won two league titles, one FA Cup and a Europa League Cup during his time with the Blues, making him a key player in the side.
The veteran winger still continues to be a main feature in Lampard’s side and has made 38 appearances for them across all competitions this season. He has also contributed to the side with 7 goals and 6 assists this term, proving that he is nothing short of talent despite his growing age.
Chelsea have talented wingers in their side apart from Willian
Despite being one of the key performers for the Blues, Chelsea’s decision to extend his stay for a longer duration will not be a wise move by the club. The current Chelsea squad is already filled with a lot of talents, especially on the wings, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic waiting in the queue.
The two young wide-men have had a fantastic season with the Blues this term and are eager to establish themselves as the side’s first-choice players. Despite being troubled by various injuries, academy graduate Hudson-Odoi has impressed this season. He has scored three goals and five assists in 25 matches for Chelsea.
Pulisic, who arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer, has been sensational in his maiden season with the Blues. He has racked up an eye-catching 7 goals and 6 assists from 24 matches.
Lampard also has the young Mason Mount at his disposal, with the attacking midfielder at times taking over the winger’s role this season.
The 21-year-old has featured five times as a winger out of his overall 42 appearances in the season and has scored and assisted once. With so many talented youngsters already in their ranks, it seems totally unnecessary of Chelsea to extend Willian’s stay. He will soon turn 32 this August and it would be wise of Lampard to build a team for the future than just for the present.
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Verdict
Considering Willian’s £120,000-a-week wages, it would be foolish of the club to offer him a new deal beyond this season. They can rather save some money and use it to strengthen areas that need real improvement.
Also, with talented wingers such as Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic eager to prove a point, it would be best that the Blues let go of the veteran Brazilian when this season finishes.
