What a transfer window it is shaping up to be for Chelsea and manager Frank Lampard. First Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell seemingly imminent, and now they have confirmed the addition Thiago Silva on a free transfer.
Chelsea Sign Thiago Silva
Done deal! 🙌 Welcome to Chelsea, @TSilva3! #OhhThiagoSilva
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 28, 2020
Coming off Brilliant Champions League Final
Although his Paris Saint-Germain side were beaten by a Bayern Munich side that has simply dominated football this year, Silva put in an excellent showing. At the age of 35, he locked down the best striker in the world in Robert Lewandoski on football’s biggest stage.
It was a performance that truly showed that class is permanent, and he still has so much to offer. There were potential talks of a PSG renewal, as well as maybe a Fiorentina move, but it was Chelsea who gave him the most attractive offer.
He signs on a one-year deal with the option of a second year. Silva will bring his invaluable experience to a Chelsea backline that looked very poor at times last season, conceding 54 goals in the Premier League.
Yes, he turns 36 next month, but make no mistake about it, he is as reliable as ever, which he showed in a spirited effort against the best team in the world.
A New Leader for Lampard’s Chelsea
Ever since John Terry departed, and maybe also Gary Cahill, the Blues have lacked a clear leader at the back. Cesar Azpilicueta has since become the club captain, but as dependable as he is, he lacks a certain Terry-esque leadership quality.
While Azpilicueta will certainly remain the captain, Silva will bring that leadership and experience on and off the pitch, which is sure to help Chelsea’s defensive unit. Expect him to be a starter if he hits the ground running.
Fikayo Tomori, Ethan Ampadu, and Andreas Christensen will learn a lot from the Brazilian veteran, whose eight-year stint at PSG produced a hoard of trophies. Tomori, in particular, is blessed with lightning pace but his inexperience affects his positioning at times.
He won’t be the captain, but no one at the club has played at the top for longer, so he will definitely be a leader in the dressing room. This is a very shrewd acquisition for Lampard and Chelsea, and Thiago will certainly vindicate it if he can turn this defence around next season.
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