“It’s very difficult”- Belgian star puts talks of potential Chelsea move on hold until after World Cup

Brighton star and Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard put future talks on hold till after the World Cup

Speaking to Play Sports (h/t Evening Standard), Brighton and Hove Albion winger and Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard has put talks for a potential January move on hold until after the FIFA World Cup.

The Belgian international’s contract with the Seagulls expires next summer, and he has been linked with the Blues since the time former Brighton boss Graham Potter took over the job at Stamford Bridge.

Trossard did previously share about wanting to move to Chelsea, but would not settle for a bench role. His contract situation has attracted the interest of the Spanish side Atletico Madrid. With his current deal expiring next summer, foreign clubs can talk to him for a pre-contract agreement from January 1 onwards.

Here’s what the 27-year-old said regarding holding talks till the World Cup gets over (h/t Evening Standard):

“It’s very difficult to answer that. That will have to wait until [after the World Cup]. I’m not on it at all right now. Brighton and the World Cup are the next goals. Afterwards, we’ll see where it ends.”

The former Genk player has done no harm to his prospects this season, with five goals and two assists in nine league appearances, including a fantastic hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield.

Positionally, Trossard can play as a winger on either side and can operate as a wing-back as well. He has played as a false nine from time to time.

The 27-year-old is a shrewd user of the ball and works hard off it. His final product has improved in the last few seasons, which adds substance to his overall game.

With the future of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech up in the air, Chelsea would have room to add a winger to their squad. Knowing Trossard can be available either on a cut-price deal in January or as a free agent in the summer, the Blues should make an offer to sign him.

More Chelsea News:

• Contract situation of Chelsea target Leandro Trossard means he is of interest to Atletico Madrid
• Paul Robinson tells Spurs that selling Chelsea target Harry Kane for £88m would be good business
• Romano: Serious chances that N’Golo Kante could leave Chelsea for free next summer

The player and the manager know each other from their time on the south coast, hence the adaptation period would not be too long. Moreover, the player is at an age where he is going to play some of his best football.