The former Premier League Champions are in the midst of a rebuilding process at Stamford Bridge. Having put up one of the worst title defences in modern history, Chelsea are more determined than ever to re-establish themselves as a title contender.
In order to do so, Chelsea must sign top players and recruit more world-class academy products, part of that process also means completely clearing out ‘deadwood’ at the club, that includes players and coaches. Antonio Conte is set to be replaced by Maurizio Sarri in the coming weeks and with that managerial change, current players may or not make the cut. Today, the player in question is Pedro.
Should Chelsea keep or sell the Spaniard?
When Pedro first signed for Chelsea in 2015, the whole of the Premier League took notice. For the Spaniard it was a choice between the Blues or Manchester United, however, he firmly chose to go to West London. And why was his decision such a big deal? Because he’s one of Barcelona’s most successful players.
With Lionel Messi and David Villa, Pedro formed a deadly alliance at the Nou Camp. In that time, the wide forward won three Champions Leagues, five La Liga titles and three Spanish cups. Just to add to his resume, Pedro was a World Cup winner and European Champion before he arrived in England.
Such experience has been invaluable for Chelsea, as he’s helped them to win a Premier League title and FA Cup trophy in the two seasons he’s been there. However, now at the age of 30, Pedro’s place at the Bridge has come under question with many viewing him as not much more than a squad rotation player.
In 131 appearances for the Blues, the Spaniard has scored 28 goals. Last season, Pedro’s role as a squad rotation player already came to fruition as he only started 17 league games, while starting as a substitute for another 14. In those 1524 minutes of league football, the 30-year-old only scored four goals, thus providing more reason for him to be sold in the summer.
Truth be told, in Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 system, Pedro has found himself down the pecking order. Eden Hazard is, of course, a bonafide starter in the two behind the striker, with the other spot usually going to Willian.
Pedro is an experienced member of this Chelsea squad that as aforementioned, has a know-how of how to win major trophies in high-profile situations. But if he can’t produce the same output he did in the years before, then he should move out the way to let others come through.
The Blues are reportedly working on deals to sign Gonzalo Higuaín and Aleksandr Golovin to bolster their attack. This would spell an end for Pedro’s time at the Bridge, as Golovin would be a direct replacement for him. The Russian would operate in one of the two spots behind the striker, further pushing Pedro down the pecking order. Chelsea should cut their losses with Pedro and sell him this summer. To recoup the £19million they paid for him would be impossible, but a fee in the region of £10m wouldn’t be unreasonable.
