According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo (translated by the Daily Mail), Barcelona are prepared to reignite their interest in Chelsea winger Willian who is set to be out of contract at the end of this campaign. The same source has revealed that Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is keen on bringing the Brazilian playmaker to the Nou Camp and is hoping to come to a pre-contract agreement with the player in January.
Lampard Has Gotten The Best Out Of Willian This Season
The 31-year-old winger has made an impressive start to this campaign following a run of productive performances for the Pensioners in the Premier League. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in 15 matches for Frank Lampard’s side across all competitions.
Willian has averaged 1.8 tackles, 2.3 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the English top-flight this season (stats via whoscored). He is vastly experienced at the international level, having secured 69 caps and nine goals for the Brazilian national side thus far.
Lampard has managed the Brazilian’s game time quite well and has been able to get the best out of him every time he has stepped on the playing field. However, the former Corinthians attacker is heading into the twilight years of his football career. Therefore, next summer would be his last chance to seal another big move to a top European club. Unless Lampard manages to make him commit a few more years to the West London club, Willian will likely welcome a chance to move to Barca with open arms at the end of this campaign.
What Does The Experienced Midfielder Offer On The Field?
Willian can still be one of the best playmakers in the English top-flight when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. Even though he has lost a yard of pace from his game, the Brazilian wide player has still managed to be productive for Chelsea in the final third. He is also not afraid to put in a tireless shift at the back when his team are on the backfoot when leading late in games.
Recruiting Willian: Wise Move For The Catalans?
At 31, the South American sensation still has a few years left in him to play at a high level so the Catalans will do well to snap him up next summer. Valverde needs more experienced options in attack after his squad was hit with several injuries over the past couple of months.
Willian will be a brilliant addition to the Barca squad as he will improve their depth significantly and will also add a few goals and assists to their frontline. It could prove to be a clever move for Valverde if he manages to secure the signature of the Brazil international.
