Lampard: Will he accept a 50% pay cut to stay at Chelsea?

He scored his 198th goal for Chelsea on Saturday and is now just FOUR goals away from Bobby Tambling’s all time Chelsea record. Surely Frank Lampard will surpass the great Tambling’s record this season but it’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen to Frank Lampard at the end of this term.

Earlier in the week, it had been reported that Lampard would be offered a year’s extension to keep him here for another season. Then, we had seen in the press that Lampard’s agent stated that as far as he is concerned, the situation had not changed but surely after another good performance and his 10th goal in 14 games, Chelsea will follow up the reports with a new deal.

The problem is, according to the press, Chelsea are only prepared to offer Frank Lampard a contract cutting his salary by 50% with additional bonuses based on appearances. Frank Lampard is reportedly earning £160,000 per week on his current deal so the new contract would be £80,000 plus bonuses. The same report argues the fact that LA Galaxy, AC Milan AND Paris St Germain are more than willing to offer Lampard a more lucrative contract to move away.

So what would Frank Lampard do? What do you hope he does?

I am of the opinion that money doesn’t matter to Lampard and that’s not the important factor for him anymore. He loves Chelsea and has always spoken of the fact that he would love to finish his career here. I am almost certain that if this reported new deal is being offered, Lampard would accept it and sign for another year but you can’t deny the lure of a final challenge in his career.

I think it’s also important that we remember the World Cup in 2014. Lampard has spoken of his intention to keep playing at the highest level with a view to making the squad for the trip to Rio, Brazil and I think that has a big part to play in any new contract he signs.

Roy Hodgson has spoken of Lampard’s contract situation and has urged him to stay in Europe to remain under consideration.

For me, there is one concern and that is Paris St Germain. Reports again the in media this morning have linked Carco Ancelotti with a move to Real Madrid to replace Jose Mourinho at the end of the season with Mourinho taking the job in Paris. The appeal to manage in France with plenty of money available could be something that tempts Jose to move to France and he could tempt Frank Lampard to sign a two year deal to be a part of his new project there if he takes the job.

If that happens, you would imagine it would be hard for Lampard to turn it down bearing in mind the relationship he had with Mourinho.

Ideally, I want Mourinho back here next season and for the club to ensure Lampard remains. However, at the moment what happens to Frank Lampard is anyone’s guess but for Frank, he will just keep playing his football.

Carefree & KTBFFH