If it is true that Yaya would like certain guarantees over playing time if he stays, I think it is almost certain he will leave. No-one can give a player at his age that - Personally I think the fact that he wasn't in the team for so long at the start of this season, and worked on his weight and telling his agent to be quiet is the primary reason he has bounced back so well. Less stress on his body and all that. Some players are naturally super fit - Silva being one - and will play at a high intensity well into their 30's, Lampard was another. Looking physiologically at Yaya I think as he gets older it will be harder for him to carry on at the level we aim to be at. I have no doubt that several teams will be knocking on his door because he is still a very good player. But here's the rub, we have stagnated a little and to get to the level where we can become elite you need energy and intensity alongside ability. Chelsea for all the fact that I don't enjoy the way they play have won the PL this year based on fitness, work rate and particularly that certain players actually put in the extra effort alongside the quality - Hazard, Costa for example!
Yaya has been immense for us for a long period, and has written himself into our history. I would only look to offer him another year if he is prepared to play only in games like last week - but that in itself maybe counter productive as with him the team slows down a lot and Pep wants us to play with fluidity and pace. It would also be nice to reduce the average age of the squad so that the team has time to grow together - who knows what Pep is thinking, and I guess a lot will depend on Gundogan and perhaps a new signing or two. I just can't see him maintaining his position as a talisman and don't think it's in his, or the clubs interest to leave when he has not been a big part of the team. Best guess is he will leave to have a further 2/3 years 1 of which will be in the PL with Newcastle or a similar club.
Yaya has been immense for us for a long period, and has written himself into our history. I would only look to offer him another year if he is prepared to play only in games like last week - but that in itself maybe counter productive as with him the team slows down a lot and Pep wants us to play with fluidity and pace. It would also be nice to reduce the average age of the squad so that the team has time to grow together - who knows what Pep is thinking, and I guess a lot will depend on Gundogan and perhaps a new signing or two. I just can't see him maintaining his position as a talisman and don't think it's in his, or the clubs interest to leave when he has not been a big part of the team. Best guess is he will leave to have a further 2/3 years 1 of which will be in the PL with Newcastle or a similar club.