Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are wondering what will happen to a crowd favourite if Sanchez is to make the journey across London.
Alongside the fact he’s an amazing talent, the depth he’ll bring to the Chelsea squad alongside the other winter transfer window signing Ross Barkley is much needed this season – as Conte has sometimes dealt with a lack of options in that area of the pitch.
What many of the locals in the pub are thinking, though, if Sanchez was to move, who would that impact in the team? Willian would, surely, be a likely casualty. The Brazilian isn’t playing much as it is, and it seems like that Sanchez would knock him even further down the pecking order.
As a result, if Sanchez comes to Stamford Bridge, it might be time for him to say goodbye to Stamford Bridge – and here are TWO reasons why…
Lack of First Team Minutes
With it being a World Cup year, every player across the world will be looking at getting regular first-team action in, especially this second half of the season. Alongside the arrival of Sanchez, Willian won’t be getting the minutes he wants and needs to secure his place in the World Cup squad for Brazil.
He’ll be more than likely used in a squad rotation by Conte, but after having four good years at Chelsea and winning the League twice in that time – a part-time role wouldn’t go down to well.
Pedro has typically been preferred by Conte during his time in London, and so whilst Pedro and Sanchez may be competing for a starting berth, Willian is likely to be one tier below them on the bench.
Frustration Over Losing His Place
It’s never going to be easy to lose your place, and Willian will surely have already thought about his future this season. He’s hardly played, and given how influential he has been in the past at Stamford Bridge, that must be tough to take.
Antonio Conte has been a divisive manager since moving to London, with a fallout between Diego Costa being the most notable example of this.
Willian will no doubt be frustrated already, and if Conte decides to bring in another option ahead of him, that is sure to sting.
If that happens, Willian should look to move on and prove a point. He saved Chelsea’s season a few years ago, and if the club aren’t going to value him, then another top European side no doubt will.
