N'Golo Kante is close to signing a new contract with Chelsea. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media ahead of the Manchester United game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter has addressed the contract situation of midfielder N’Golo Kante, emphasising his focus on getting the player fit.
Kante is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this season, he rejected a verbal offer of an extension, citing reasons for wanting a longer duration in the deal.
The Frenchman picked up a hamstring injury in the second game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur and has been out since. Recent revelations about his injury have been damning. The 31-year-old is set to miss another few months of action, meaning he won’t be going to the World Cup to defend the Championship with France in Qatar.
Talking about Kante’s contract situation and focus on getting him fit, here’s Potter (h/t Football.London):
“The most important thing for us and me is we help him get fit. That’s the focus. He has a long road ahead so we have to make sure he gets the right treatment and when he is enjoying his football, we can think about those things then.”
Kante’s injury issues have been ongoing since the last couple of seasons now. The Frenchman’s availability is fast becoming a bane for the club, despite his undoubted qualities on the pitch.
Right now the focus is rightly on his recovery, but from January 1 onwards, the 31-year-old can speak to foreign clubs to sign a pre-contract agreement.
Should Chelsea take a chance and offer him a deal he wants? The answer is not based on the current and recent past evidence. As good as he has been over the last six years, the Frenchman’s lack of availability and his age cannot be brushed over.
The best solution would be to let the player get fit, hope that he plays a great second half of this season and then give him a send-off for all of us to remember. He deserves that after playing key roles in Chelsea’s 2017 Premier League and 2021 Champions League win.
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