The President Of Fluminense Asserts That A Chelsea Defender Is Set To Depart The Club This Summer
The President Of Fluminense Asserts That A Chelsea Defender Is Set To Depart The Club This Summer
According to Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva will depart the Premier League club this summer. The 39-year-old is nearing the conclusion of his fourth season at Stamford Bridge, a period that has been widely considered a resounding success.
Having clinched the Champions League in 2021 and the Club World Cup in 2022, Silva has not only added to his trophy cabinet but has also extended his tenure in a physically demanding league, accumulating a total of 146 appearances in all competitions.
However, as the Brazil international enters the twilight of his career, it has been widely speculated that Chelsea may opt to part ways with the seasoned center-back in the upcoming transfer window.
While Silva once held a prominent role in the Blues’ defensive lineup, there has been uncertainty surrounding the club’s plans for the experienced figure in the dressing room.
However, in recent weeks, the dynamics have shifted, with Silva sidelined since sustaining an injury against Crystal Palace on February 12.
Although he has since recovered and rejoined the squad, Mauricio Pochettino has opted for other players, leading to a general consensus that a contract extension is unlikely, given Chelsea’s imperative need to significantly reduce expenditures.
A return to Fluminense, where Silva began his career and made 97 appearances, has long been discussed. Fluminense president Bittencourt has indicated that preparations for Silva’s return to his homeland are already underway.
In an interview with Globo Esporte, Bittencourt stated, “I’m close friends with Thiago, and our conversations cover various topics, not just his potential return to Fluminense. While there’s nothing concrete at the moment, we’re eager for him to return home.”
“Based on the information we’ve received, it appears that his contract with Chelsea will expire in the middle of the year, and he won’t be extending it. It seems that he has a desire to play for Fluminense in Brazil.
“Once he is available at Chelsea, we will resume discussions with him. He will then be able to assist us in this crucial year.”
The new Brazilian top-flight season is set to kick off on April 13, with Fluminense participating in Copa Libertadores group stage matches before launching their campaign for the title.
In the immediate future, Silva is expected to maintain his focus at Chelsea. There is a possibility that he could feature in the match against Burnley on Saturday due to injuries to Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah, although Benoit Badiashile is likely to partner Axel Disasi.
However, Chelsea are entering the match against Burnley with five new injury concerns, complicating their efforts to remain competitive in the race for European qualification.
