Antonio Conte told Chelsea could lose 29-year-old attacker
Pat Nevin believes there is a chance Willian could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window
Pat Nevin believes there is a chance Willian could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.
The Brazil international was named Chelsea’s player of the season in 2015-16 as he was one of the few Blues players to emerge with credit following a disastrous campaign.
However, Antonio Conte’s appointment as Chelsea manager has seen Willian fall down the pecking order at the west London club over the past 18 months.
The South American was largely used as an impact substitute following a return of eight goals and two assists in 15 starts and 19 appearances from the bench in their title-winning campaign.
Willian’s opportunities have been at a premium in the current campaign following one goal and one assist in seven starts and seven substitute appearances in the Premier League.
The Brazilian scored a late equaliser from the bench to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s opener in a 1-1 draw with top-six rivals Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
Willian has been linked with a potential renunion at Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window, while Barcelona have also been touted as a potential destination for the 29-year-old.
Former Chelsea winger Nevin believes Willian could leave Stamford Bridge in January given the west London side’s recent tendency to allow talented players leave.
“This is the team that sold De Bruyne and Salah. Of course there is a chance he could go,” Nevin told Irish radio station Newstalk.
Willian has won two Premier League titles and the League Cup during a four-season stay at Stamford Bridge so far.
