Chelsea: Athpilicueta’s contract was automatically renewed, ruining his move to Barcelona

An incredible development became known about Chelsea and him on Thursday Thesar Athpilicueta. The leader of the European and World champions would be free in the summer to continue his career at Barcelona, ​​with whom he had been linked, but his contract with the ‘Blues’ has been automatically renewed!

The 32-year-old Spaniard played a certain number of games in March and if he hits that number his contract would be automatically extended for a season, just like the two sides signed in December 2018.

That… detail wasn’t on the table when the international defender spoke to the ‘Blaugrana’ to wear their shirt in the summer as his contract with the English side expired on 30 June. Instead, it emerged hours after reports that Barcelona had met with representatives of Antonio Riediger, another Chelsea defender who is free this summer.

The automatic expansion is not prevented by the restrictions imposed on Chelsea by virtue of Roman Abramovich, which prohibit the club from transferring, loaning, selling or renewing.

Given the Catalans’ plight, they will find it difficult to buy the player with a summer transfer, meaning Athpilicueta will remain at ‘Stamford Bridge’ for the 11th season.