Thiago Silva could potentially request the cancellation of his Chelsea contract at the conclusion of the current season. Despite his age, Silva has proven to be a crucial signing for the Blues, bringing valuable experience to the team’s defense.
The veteran defender has made 114 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumph in the 2021 Champions League. Silva recently signed a contract extension until 2024, but that decision was made under different circumstances, with Graham Potter as the head coach and Chelsea’s involvement in the Champions League.
However, the situation has changed, and Silva expressed frustration regarding certain mistakes made by the club’s owners during their tenure. As per Globo Esporte, the 38-year-old has been tempted by the opportunity to return to his native Brazil for the 2023-24 season.
The report suggests that the presence of Marcelo, formerly of Real Madrid, at Fluminense has influenced Silva’s desire to make a similar move and rejoin his former club. Silva had a successful stint at Fluminense early in his career, making 80 appearances before transferring to AC Milan in 2009.
Silva’s potential decision comes at a time when Chelsea is going through a period of transition, with the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach. Pochettino is likely to oversee significant changes to the squad, including reducing the number of players to account for fewer fixtures and the club’s financial situation.
Pochettino has reportedly expressed interest in including Levi Colwill, a Chelsea academy graduate currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, in his future plans. This further adds to the need for Chelsea to create space for young talents and manage the wage bill by potentially discussing Silva’s future.
Whether Silva departs in the summer or at the end of his contract in 2024, Chelsea does not anticipate receiving a transfer fee for the Brazilian international, considering his age and contractual situation.
