Thiago Silva will go down as one of the best deals that Chelsea have ever done, with the Fluminense defender costing the club nothing.
Chelsea signed Silva from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer back in 2020, and the Brazilian helped the Blues to win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Silva could return to Chelsea one day as a coach, something that supporters would love after developing a great rapport with him during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Fans would also be happy if the club signed another experienced centre-back like the 41-year-old, which could happen in the near future if the right opportunity presents itself.
Chelsea open to making ‘Thiago Silva-type signing’ as Antonio Rudiger’s contract runs down
Journalist Simon Phillips recently shared on his Substack Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that he has been told by someone “very high up” at Chelsea that the club would be willing to make another “Thiago Silva-type signing”. If so, then bringing Antonio Rudiger back home is a no-brainer.
Rudiger, who left Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2022, is into the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and could thus be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The German is 32, making him three years younger than Silva when Chelsea signed him from PSG.
Like the Brazil international, though, Rudiger is a quality centre-half who obviously has a lot of experience.
He has made 157 appearances at Real Madrid after making over 200 at Chelsea. Amid concerns about the age of Enzo Maresca’s defence and the lack of experience there, Rudiger could be the ideal signing for the Blues next year.
Chelsea’s current transfer policy is to sign young players with high ceilings, but it looks like the club are willing to make an exception for the right individual. Rudiger is that individual.
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud recently showed his appreciation for Rudiger, naming him as one of the best footballers he has played alongside in his career.
Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger’s final season together
The last time Silva and Rudiger lined up alongside each other was in the 2021/22 campaign, which was a successful one for Chelsea.
That season, the Blues came third in the Premier League and won both the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s defence was still going strong at that point, with Silva and Rudiger at the heart of it. The former made 48 appearances that campaign, while the latter made 54.
Currently third in the Premier League table, just six points behind leaders Arsenal, Chelsea would easily be one of the favourites for the title if they still had Silva and Rudiger playing in their backline.
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