According to Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Chelsea have opened negotiations with evergreen central defender Thiago Silva regarding a contract extension. The Brazilian’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the current season, but the Blues have expressed a keen interest to keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva Is Keen on Extending His Chelsea Stay
#ChelseaFC 💙 pic.twitter.com/Mn0kTBGKMF
— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) January 21, 2023
Age Is Just a Number for the Magnificent Thiago Silva
The 38-year-old originally joined Chelsea as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020 on a one-year deal with the option of a second, which he exercised in June 2021.
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Chelsea have now communicated their intention for Silva to stay for at least another 12 months and Johnson reported that “there is confidence that a deal will be agreed soon.” If the defender puts pen to paper on a new contract it will take him past his 39th birthday in West London.
Silva has already discussed his future with The Athletic in October and expressed how he needs clarification as soon as possible. He said: “I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea, also for my family arrangements. It is not easy if I don’t have a new contract — I will have to decide what to do. This is an important decision and so we will see what will happen.”
Chelsea’s Pillar of Defensive Prowess, Calmness and Leadership
Silva has been an unbelievably consistent signing since he joined three years ago. During his impressive stint at Stamford Bridge, he has helped guide the team to a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
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He made 32 league appearances last season and has appeared in 18 of Chelsea’s 20 league matches this campaign. Although Chelsea have signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in the last six months, Silva remains Chelsea’s most reliable central defender.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has made his appreciation for the defender abundantly clear and hopes that he extends his stay. He said: “The level he can play at and the amount of respect he has throughout the game is incredible. All I can do is help him reach the best levels he can at the club. And the rest is something for him and the club to think about.”
Chelsea legend John Terry is also a huge admirer of Silva and has previously described the veteran as “unbelievable,” wishing that he could have been his defensive partner.
