Some wonderful news out of Stamford Bridge this afternoon, as young defender Andreas Christensen has signed a new long-term 4.5-year contract, committing his future to Chelsea through 2022. The deal had been rumored for a few weeks, and unlike the contract extensions of Courtois and Hazard, got done right quick.
And there was much rejoicing!
Andreas Christensen has today signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 9, 2018
Full story https://t.co/0UT79M6P3b pic.twitter.com/tA7Wxeu38P
The contract signals another step in the right direction in making Christensen the first player since John Terry to graduate from the Academy to the first-team. Like Terry, Christensen had an intermediary loan step (JT’s was six months, AC’s was two years), but since coming back to the club in the summer, has established himself as a key player in the starting lineup, even pushing David Luiz out of the spot that made him one of the best defenders in the world under Conte’s tutelage.
“It feels really good to sign a new contract and I’m just happy to be committed to Chelsea for the future. I’ve played a lot of games, I’m enjoying it at the club and everything is working well.”
-Andreas Christensen; source: Chelsea FC
Christensen becomes the second young player to commit his long-term future to the club after Charly Musonda signed a new deal last month. Christensen’s path to stardom is a lot clearer however. Some might say he’s already there.
“This contract is reward for the excellent form Andreas has shown in the first half of the season. He showed immense potential when he signed for Chelsea in 2012 and is now enjoying the benefits of the dedication and professionalism he has shown since.
“After two seasons on loan in Germany we were convinced he was ready to be a part of the squad this season and he has grasped the opportunity with both hands. We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea and we look forward to four-and-a-half more successful years with Andreas at the club.”
-Marina Granovskaia; source: Chelsea FC
Now it’s time to continue working hard and continue improving every day.
Congrats, Andreas! Here’s to many more years.