Chelsea: Caballero’s future at Stamford Bridge

Willy Caballero has already played a bigger role at Chelsea this season than he could’ve ever imagined. He should extend his stay at Stamford Bridge by another year for this reason and many others.

Caballero’s contract is up at the end of June. The 38-year-old turns 39 in September, so it’s highly unlikely he lands a starting job anywhere. This has factored into the Argentine sticking around Stamford Bridge for as long as he has. However, it would be wise for Chelsea to offer Caballero another one-year extension and for Caballero to accept.

The future goalkeeping depth is uncertain with the position being the most scrutinized this season for the Blues. As it stands, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the main man between the sticks. That could change soon as whispers in the transfer market suggest Chelsea could move for Ajax’s Andre Onana. If another goalkeeper were to find his way to Stamford Bridge, Caballero would be the third-choice keeper, but that shouldn’t discourage the veteran.

Assuming Onana—or another young keeper—is brought in to compete with Arrizabalaga, one is certainly going to win the competition before the start of the January window. Of course, that’s if Arrizabalaga isn’t sold beforehand. It’d be silly for Chelsea to keep two expensive keepers on the books, so the scenario presents a unique opportunity for Caballero to slot into the second-choice position. A chance few 38-year-old’s get in their footballing careers.

If the prospect of potentially being a back-up keeper at one of England’s biggest clubs is not enough to keep Caballero around, maybe the idea of mentoring some of the game’s best young talent will. Obviously without a public statement, there is no way to know what Caballero is thinking at this point in time. But it seems as if the 38-year-old has enjoyed his three-year stint with the Blues thus far.

Extending Caballero also makes sense on multiple levels for Chelsea. First and foremost, it allows Jamie Cumming to further his career elsewhere. The 20-year-old has a lot of potential and being a third-choice keeper for Chelsea is not an ideal situation for the youngster. If the Blues extend Caballero, it will free up Cumming to go out on loan and further develop his game. Besides, the only reason Cumming is third-choice keeper at the moment is because of homegrown player rules. Those may change due to COVID-19, but even then, it’s difficult to see Chelsea struggling to meet the minimum requirements anyways.

Re-signing Caballero would also give Chelsea the best third-choice keeper in the world. Caballero is a top professional and a very skilled keeper. He may be old, but he’s got a few years left in him. He’s not too expensive and even if he was, the experience and leadership he brings to the goalkeeper’s room is worth it. Frank Lampard obviously values what Caballero brings to the table. Simply put, he’s the ideal veteran.

With so many rumors surrounding the club, there aren’t even murmurs regarding Caballero’s future. This means either the club or player has made up their mind, so let’s hope the Argentine puts pen-to-paper and extends his stay at Stamford Bridge.