Chelsea have been warned if they don't hand Thiago Silva a new contract their Premier League rivals will sign the veteran defender instead. The 38-year-old sees his deal at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season but, despite his impressive age-defying performances, the Blues are yet to extend his tenure.
Silva has featured 18 times for the west Londoners in the Premier League this season, helping Chelsea keep five clean sheets. The Brazil international has been key in helping the club keep their head above water amid a turbulent transition period on and off the pitch.
He initially joined the Blues in 2020 on a two-year deal, winning the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. In January 2022, Silva was rewarded for his spectacular displays with a one-year extension.
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With the Brazilian continuing to impress, remaining as pivotal as ever before, there have been calls for the club to hand the centre-half a blank cheque. After showcasing his 'brilliant' ability in Chelsea's goalless draw with Liverpool, the Blues have been warned that their Premier League rivals will happily sign Silva if Todd Boehly chooses not too.
"Thiago Silva’s performance was just extraordinary at the back," said Tony Cascarino on the talkSPORT Weekend Sports Breakfast show. "I just laugh at someone who is 38, gets in a one-on-one with Nunez, who is lightning quick and, ok, might catch half-a-yard but he doesn’t get away from Thiago Silva, which is extraordinary. Just brilliant defending.
"He was outstanding again for Chelsea, Thiago Silva. He’s got [Paolo] Maldini in him. [He could] play until 40 quite comfortably.
"If Chelsea didn’t offer a contract to him at the end of the season there will be plenty that would, without a doubt. I would if I was in a management position. I would be saying, 'I will take him for a year, absolutely'."
Then, when Cascarino was asked whether he would sign Silva at Liverpool, he added: "Yeah, if I could get him for nothing and get him in, absolutely.
"He’s a fabulous footballer, he’s so composed, rarely gets in trouble. Everyone talks about his age and how you can get behind him and run at him, I can’t think of many who actually outrun him and get in behind. He seems to read the game so well.
"If they’re still doing it and it’s a one-year deal – go and have another year with them."
Rival Premier League clubs will be able to sign Silva on a free once his deal at Chelsea expires in the summer, meanwhile foreign clubs are eligible to begin pre-contract talks in January. With no sign of the Brazilian extending his stay at Stamford Bridge as it stands, Cascarino's Liverpool dream could materialise...
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