Todd Boehly could give Chelsea's next manager a tricky puzzle about star defender Thiago Silva.
Thiago Silva welcomed back into the Chelsea squad in the 0-2 Champions League loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday, after missing the last seven games with a cruciate ligament injury. The veteran has become one of the Blues' most important players since arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 but concerns have been raised about his future. it at the club.
Silva has signed a number of short-term contracts since joining Stamford Bridge, most recently in February, quelling rumors this could be his final season at Chelsea by extending his contract for until the summer of 2024.
He became the club's key leader, regularly wearing the captain's armband in Cesar Azpilicueta's absence and proving to be one of the Premier League's quietest defenders. However, Chilean newspaper Canal13 have claimed that one of the goals of Brazilian side Fluminese is to bring in the 38-year-old, who played for them after returning from his first European debut. The report says it is working on a deal for Silva to return to his hometown, with a move expected in January or next summer.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea FC:
First leg quarter-final - UEFA Champions League
Thiago Silva prepares to face Real Madrid against Chelsea. (Image:
Getty)
Fluminense has long been interested in Silva, with club president Mario Bittencourt recently confirming his desire to sign Silva in the near future. Speaking to Lance in January, he said:
“We are waiting for his decision first with Chelsea, we don't know if he will extend there or not. We are awaiting this news, then we will or will not initiate a conversation with him to bring him back to Fluminense."
Silva himself even admitted that he will one day return to Fluminese. Speaking during his final year at PSG, Silva explained:
"Everybody knows how much I love Fluminense because when I was sick they opened the door for me. I will always be grateful to them, but I still have goals in Europe."
Fluminense Brazilian defender Thiago Silv
Thiago Silva celebrates Fluminense's goal during his days at the Brazilian club. (Image:
Getty)
If Silva feels that next year is the right time to return to Brazil, it will be a blow to Boehly's upcoming management appointment.
Frank Lampard is taking the helm temporarily after Graham Potter became the second man sacked by Chelsea this season, although the next permanent hire may want to keep Silva at the club for as long as possible. Several midfield additions have been made since Boehly and his teammates took over, such as Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, Benoit Badiashile and Marc Cucurella, but some of their performances have been called into question. against Real Madrid when Silva still proved to be an outstanding player. valuable asset in the heart of the defense - even at the late age of his career.
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