Willy Caballero signs Chelsea contract extension; goalkeeper staying until 2021

George Flood20 May 2020

Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Willy Caballero has signed a one-year contract extension at the club.

The veteran Argentine was due to become a free agent next month, but will now remain at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2020-21 season after the club exercised their option to extend his deal.

Caballero, 38, joined Chelsea on a free transfer following his Manchester City exit in 2017 and has gone on to make 31 appearances for the club across all competitions, winning the FA Cup and Europa League.

During that time he has primarily served as back-up to Thibaut Courtois and then Kepa Arrizabalaga while often playing in domestic cup competitions, though he did enjoy a run of five consecutive starts in February after the latter was dropped by manager Frank Lampard following a succession of high-profile errors.

Caballero appeared nine times in total for Chelsea in 2019-20 before the season was suspended in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"I am very happy to make this announcement," Caballero said after signing his extension. "It is a privilege to be part of this Chelsea squad and the Chelsea family, at one of the most historic clubs in the Premier League.

"It is a difficult time for everyone right now so I feel blessed by this opportunity and truly appreciate it.

"I want to thank my team-mates for helping me to be my best and I want to thank the boss and the club for extending my contract.

"I’m sure they will continue to demand the maximum from me and I will compete with the same energy as always. I am very happy."

In Pictures | Chelsea players return for training

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Lampard added: "I trust in Willy, he trains brilliantly and is a great professional. He stepped into the team earlier this year and showed his quality, and his experience is invaluable in the dressing room.

"I’m delighted he will be with us next season."

Chelsea have yet to agree extensions with their other three impending free agents in forwards Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud, though Lampard has indicated a willingness to keep them at the club.

The Blues have until June 23 to agree short-term extensions with those players lasting until the end of the delayed 2019-20 season.

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