Veteran Chelsea centre-back in talks with former club regarding a potential return

Chelsea star Thiago Silva holds talks with Fluminense regarding a potential return in the summer

According to journalist Nicolo Shira (h/t The Sun), Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has held talks with Fluminense for a potential return at the end of the season. He had left his former club for AC Milan in 2009.

The Brazilian will be a free agent in the summer since his contract with the Blues will expire at the end of the 2021/22 season. The South American club is said to have contacted his representative, Paulo Tonietto, regarding a move ahead of next season.

The 37-year-old is still a regular for Thomas Tuchel and has made 12 appearances this season across all competitions. Last season, his contributions helped the team to UEFA Champions League glory after beating Manchester City in the final.

However, the English club will be boosted by the defender’s interest to stay at Stamford Bridge. He prioritises staying at his current club but is keeping all his options open should something happen in the future.

Marina Granovskaia is expected to engage in negotiations shortly for an extension till 2023. Should he be tempted to move to Brazil, the club could depend on Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah, who have impressed in recent outings.

#Fluminense dream #ThiagoSilva’s return and have opened talks with the agent of the centre-back (P.Tonietto) to try to complete the deal next summer. Silva’s priority at now is still #Chelsea, which will discuss the possible contract extension until 2023 in the next weeks. #CFC

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) November 16, 2021

The European champions are also linked with a move for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who could cover for Silva if the transfer to Fluminense is finalised. Tuchel would likely not want to restructure his backline given the success it has had so far under his management.

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It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the centre-back with talks set to happen in the coming weeks. Looking at Silva’s involvement so far, it would be understandable that a one-year extension could be the way forward.

However, with Sarr and Chalobah rising through the ranks, it would also make sense if he is allowed to move on.