Chelsea defender Thiago Silva edging closer to emotional return to boyhood club Fluminense

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been in regular touch with his former club Fluminense as his contract with the Blues nears expiration. As per reports from Goal.com, Silva speaks to the Brazilian club’s president nearly every week.

Thiago Silva likely to leave Chelsea

Having joined Chelsea in 2020 after his incredible years with Paris Saint-Germain, Silva is now reportedly willing to bring an end to his tenure with the Blues.

With the club focussing their attention and efforts towards newer and younger players, Silva’s playing role in the squad has reduced significantly. His presence in the dressing room as a mentor and a guide could still be very useful as Mauricio Pochettino assembles his young squad.

A versatile, ball-playing center-back Thiago Silva was a rare breed when he first came into prominence with AC Milan in the early 2010s. His aerial and ground abilities, combined with his sheer physical strength make him one of the toughest defenders to face.

In his time with Chelsea so far, Silva has made 146 appearances across competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. With the Blues, the Brazilian has won one UEFA Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup and also the FIFA Club World Cup.

Silva has also been ever-present for the Brazilian national team. He has made a total of 113 appearances for his country, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.

The Blues’ well-rounded squad development

Owner Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea was the talk of the town last summer. That was followed by an extravagant spending spree as the club signed several players among Europe’s most talented, spending close to half a billion.

They have done extremely well to have a roster of defenders in preparation for the departures of Thiago Silva, and perhaps Ben Chilwell later down the line. Centrally, Chelsea have Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. They also have Levi Colwill, who can also play as a left-back when needed. On the right side, club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto make up an exciting flank.

Now, Pochettino will need to refocus his energy into ensuring most of the newly-signed players reach their full potential with the club.

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