Chelsea’s new boss Frank Lampard will be given the power to decide whether to retain or let go of Willian.
The Brazilian international has not returned to London after helping Brazil win the Copa America. Willian was actually a late replacement after the Brazilian superstar, Neymar Jr., got injured.
Willian has a year left on his contract with Chelsea and the bosses at Stamford Bridge have put the burden on their new manager. Whether or not Willian will have a new contract or an extension, the final say will be Lampard’s.
Before Lampard joined the Blues, Maurizio Sarri and Chelsea were preparing for an extension for the 30-year-old Brazilian international amid interest from La Liga giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, if both parties agree to an extension, how long will that be? Would it be a year or two? As per Chelsea’s protocol, players 30 years old and above are given a year extension or in the case of the 32-year-old David Luiz, a couple of years.
Since he became the new manager of the Blues, Lampard has not seen Willian and is expected to make a decision once he returns from Japan and Willian from Brazil.
Barcelona are said to be ardent admirers of Willian and will swoop the Brazilian should the Blues fail to rubber-stamp fresh deals.
Lampard, on the other hand, is still keen on keeping most of his key players while a transfer ban is in effect.
Updates on other Chelsea players:
Ethan Ampadu is said to be closing on a deal with a yet to be named Bundesliga outfit. Ampadu did not join the team in Japan for a series of friendlies. He reportedly flew to Germany. However several reports claim that the 18-year-old will be joining Aston Villa on loan.
Kasey Palmer was part of the squad in Japan and is being eyed by Swansea.
