Player News: N’Golo Kante is expected to sign a new contract with Chelsea
After returning to light training with teammates, N’Golo Kante is about to sign a new deal. The Telegraph (Subscription required), (via Sun.UK) reports that negotiations between Chelsea and his agents have gone well.
The 31-year-old was spotted training at Cobham with Chelsea players, but it was noted that it was a gentle session as the French midfielder is getting close to being fully fit.
In just four months, after the end of the current season, Kante’s present contract at Stamford Bridge will expire, (Transfermartk). The 31-year-old was linked with a number of teams, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and even Liverpool, but a contract extension will see him stay at Chelsea.
Since August, Kante hasn’t appeared for the Blues. Given the seriousness of the injuries, it was difficult to predict when he would recover after having surgery in October.
The former Leicester player has yet to play under Graham Potter after suffering an injury under Thomas Tuchel, who was eventually sacked. Due to the midfielder’s absence for most of the season, Chelsea also suffered.
What should Chelsea do?
We lacked steel and stamina in midfield. Of course, this isn’t the only reason we have been poor, but Kante’s impact on the team has been felt in his absence. A lot of what he did wasn’t noticed by us then but is sorely missed right now.
His contract extension is great news for Chelsea because he still contributes so much and his return will give Potter more options in the midfield..
Additionally, his performance during Chelsea’s journey to the 2020–21 Champions League final showed that he should not be written off. The 31-year-old international from France still has many years left in which he may be helpful to the club. Now with the addition of Enzo Fernandez, both players could form a strong partnership in midfield.
We’ve been lacking a runner in midfield who can direct play and keep things flowing smoothly from the centre of the park and Kante’s return would surely solve that problem. Of course, he may not be the same player he was during his heyday, but we have elite fitness coaches and a manager who can get the best out of him.
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Kante is an asset if used properly. Not every problem can be solved by going out and splashing money. If the Frenchman doesn’t satisfy on his return from injury, then a new contract would at least ensure that we can get something for him if he leaves SW6.
It’s a win-win for us. But we should make sure that it isn’t a long-term deal with high wages, considering the risks associated with Kante due to his age and recent injury problems.