Brazil international Thiago Silva has completed his move to Chelsea, according to David Ornstein. The 35-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Blues and there is the option of a second year too. Silva arrives on a free transfer from French champions and Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain.
Thiago Silva Completes Chelsea Move
A Good Addition
Despite being 35 years old (and turning 36 a few weeks into the season), Thiago Silva is an excellent piece of business by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard – particularly on a free transfer.
The Brazilian has consistently been one of the top-performing centre-backs in Europe with PSG and before them too during his three years at AC Milan.
He will help to shore up a defence that proved costly too many times for Chelsea last season. They conceded 54 times in the league, which was the worst defence in the top half of the table and was bettered or equalled by two sides in the bottom half.
Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to remain as captain given the length of Silva’s contract, but the Brazilian can provide a different type of leadership which the defence can benefit from. Azpilicueta is such a consistent performer which is what makes him key to the Blues, whereas Silva is more of a vocal motivator, particularly in the dressing room.
More Signings Coming
As well as Silva’s arrival, Chelsea are also closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.
The Blues are certainly not messing about in this window having already secured Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
There were concerns that Chelsea were only focussing on attacking talent in this window – concerns that were fair considering the porous defence from last season.
However, Silva’s arrival goes some way to calming any left-over nerves regarding the backline.
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