It is no longer news that Chelsea are in talks with N’golo Kante for a new contract. The Frenchman’s current contract with Chelsea ends in May and he is free to start negotiations with other teams from January 1.
Chelsea are hoping to tie Kante to a new contract before the end of the season so that he won’t leave for free just like Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger did last summer. It raises the question, does Kante deserve a new contract with Chelsea?
Without any iota of doubt, the former World cup winner will go down as one of the best players to have ever played for the club. He has won a Premier League title and one Champions league title for the club and based on his achievements, he merits a contract extension.
However, his recent injury worries should be a big concern. He missed 13 games due to injuries last season which is no big deal but when you take into consideration that Kante has featured just two times this season for the club, you will realize that there is trouble.
A player’s best quality is his availability, he is of no use when he is always injured. Kante’s recent injury record is a big red flag if Chelsea chooses to see it. This concern gets bigger when you take into consideration that the French midfielder is 31, and the probability of his injury record getting better is slim.
It should also be noted that giving Kante a new contract extension will make no financial sense. He earns £295,000 at the moment, a new contract might make him the highest earner at Chelsea. Giving an ageing and injury-prone player such money would be very unwise.
Chelsea are already looking to rebuild the midfield and that explains the club’s links with Enzo Fernandez, Jude Bellingham and Moses Caicedo and that is the way to go for the club.
The club should devote their resources into rebuilding an ageing and energy-lacking midfield. Getting players like Declan Rice, Moses Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez or Jude Bellingham should be the club’s utmost priority now
While players like Kante and Jorginho have served the club faithfully, it is time to let them go for a new generation of players. Giving Kante a new contract is a very risky decision which Chelsea might regret in the future.
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