Chelsea tie down Pedro and Willian until the end of the season
Chelsea have agreed short-term contract extensions with Pedro and Willian until the end of the season.
The two wingers, officially out of contract at Stamford Bridge on June 30, cut it fine before Tuesday’s cut-off date for the extensions to be agreed.
Pedro’s agreement appeared to hinge on decisions at Roma, the Italian club he has agreed to join on a free in the summer transfer window.
Pedro has agreed a short-term extension to his contract to play for Chelsea until August
Willian, also out of contract next week, has also agreed to play on until the season ends
‘As a result of the global pandemic and the subsequent delayed conclusion to the campaign, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to be allowed to enter into short-term contract extensions with players whose deals were due to expire at the end of this month,’ Chelsea said in a club statement on Tuesday evening.
‘Willian and Pedro were among those affected, and they and the club have now mutually agreed to extend contracts until the finale of the current season.
‘It means they will be available for our remaining Premier League fixtures in 2019/20, as well as any future involvement in the FA Cup and Champions League.’
Brazilian Willian was set to become a free agent next week when his contract expired.
Brazilian winger Willian played for Chelsea as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday afternoon
But following extensive talks with Chelsea coach Frank Lampard and director Marina Granovskaia on Monday and Tuesday, both Pedro and Willian have committed for a little while longer.
Both players will be available for all remaining Chelsea games in the 2019-20 season, in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Pedro was on the bench as Chelsea won their first Premier League match following the restart at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The deadline for signing short-term contracts for the remainder of the season expired on Tuesday evening.
Substitute Pedro (right) applauds Oliver Giroud after the striker scored their winner at Villa
This provision has been put in place following the Covid-19 crisis to help clubs retain those players out of contract on June 30, with the season now set to continue until August.
The Blues play at home to Manchester City in the league on Thursday evening and then play Leicester City in the FA Cup this weekend.
Chelsea have successfully managed to tie down forward Olivier Giroud and goalkeeper Willy Caballero on short-term arrangements until the end of the season.
Chelsea’s final Premier League match of the season will be on July 26 but they could also be in the FA Cup final scheduled for August 1.
