Chelsea Midfielder Set To Quit The Club

Yossi Benayoun has not had a great time since he arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2010. A long-term injury in his debut season, followed by loan spells to fellow London clubs West Ham United and Arsenal has seen him fall way down in the pecking order for the Blues this season, with the Israeli national barely managing to even make it to the substitutes’ bench.

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez chooses the in-form veteran Frank Lampard, the young Brazilian international Oscar or Ramires in the heart of midfield over the 32-year old Benayoun. With the midfielder entering the twilight of his career, he is looking for as much game time in the first-team as possible.

Benayoun spent the first half of the season on loan at West Ham and therefore has hardly played any part this season for the Blues. Since his return he has been limited to occasional cameos in cup games and a solitary start in the league. As Chelsea are still fighting on 3 fronts this season he can hope to at least get a few chances down the stretch.

With Benitez expected to shuffle his squad for the important FA Cup clash against Manchester United on Sunday Benayoun might get a chance in the attacking midfield role or more likely will appear off the bench late on in the second half as Benitez might look to give a few of his first-team regulars some much needed rest with a view to the second leg of their Europa League tie against Steaua.

These occasional chances have understandably upset Benayoun, who is looking to quit Chelsea in the summer. A couple of Russian clubs have reportedly made inquiries about the midfielder’s availability. The clubs are believed to be Rubin Kazan and Lokomotiv Moscow and apparently he might be open to a switch to Russia.

Benayoun’s agent Ronen Katsav gave an interview with Russian paper Izvestia, and when he was asked about his client’s potential move to Russia, he said that Benayoun will be sitting down with him and considering all the offers on the table.

“The player is concentrating on this season and he is committed at Chelsea,” Katsav said.

“He will be released at the end of the season and, being a good player, it is normal that there is interest from several clubs.”

“Before the expiry of his contract we will consider all offers.”

Chelsea can surely understand Benayoun’s decision to quit the club, and hopefully would be happy to let their player go elsewhere so he can play more regularly. Do you think that a move to Russia would suit Benayoun well?