CHELSEA MANAGER FRANK Lampard revealed earlier today that he intends to extend Willian and Olivier Giroud’s contracts if the Premier League season is given the go-ahead to return.
Both players are free agents on 30 June – and Spurs and Arsenal have already been linked with Brazilian winger, Willian. In response, the 31-year-old said: “When I saw that news (about Tottenham’s interest), I was surprised – I said ‘where did people get this from?’ Because I didn’t even talk to him (Jose Mourinho) on the phone, and I didn’t meet him either, because I didn’t leave the house,” Willian told GloboEsporte.
“So, this news is not really true. I didn’t meet him. Of course, I have a good friendship with him, sometimes we chat. But really, lately I haven’t had any contact with Mourinho.”
In the meantime, Lampard wants to convince his out-of-contract duo to stay. “It is still uncertain if and when play will get underway. We have big players [out of contract] so that’s something I’m obviously looking at very carefully,” Lampard said in an interview with Sky Sports News.
“The ones who are out of contract here have been great servants for the club, and actually have a lot of feeling for the club.
“Of course they’ll be concerned about themselves, in terms of how training is now is and if the pre-season is a rush they’re going to have to make sure they’re alright.
“So it’s going to have to be something we have to look at, hopefully we can make that arrangement can be made so they can stay with us.
“I would love the squad to look as it has all season, but we’ll have to see how that works.”
Elsewhere, The Athletic have reported that RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner may move to Liverpool either this summer or else in 12 months time, when he can trigger a release clause in his contract.
Werner is available now for €60m but if a club wants to wait 12 months then he can be bought at a reduced price of €40 million. The Athletic also reported that this figure drops to €25 million in 2022. Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested although Werner’s preference, reportedly, is Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot has been linked to Everton by the Daily Mail. The 25-year-old Frenchman is also on Arsenal’s radar.
So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.