Moises Caicedo has just strengthened Willian’s claim that Chelsea should re-sign defender
Chelsea’s priority in the January window will be signing a midfielder to finally replace Enzo Fernandez, with Alex Scott the leading candidate. But a centre-back could also be considered.
Chelsea’s defence remains Xabi Alonso’s biggest weakness. The attack is excellent; the return of Moises Caicedo has improved the midfield alongside the impressive performances of newbie Jordan Henderson.
In goal, Emi Martinez is the signing of the summer, according to John Terry. All three positions have a veteran option whom younger players can learn from: Danny Welbeck, Henderson and Martinez.
But at centre-back, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Maxence Lacroix – although they are experienced – do not have an older head to lean on. Willian has suggested re-signing Thiago Silva.
Should Chelsea really consider re-signing Thiago Silva?
It might seem ridiculous, in that Silva is now 42 years of age. But ever since the Brazilian veteran left the club in 2024, Chelsea have been unable to replace Silva – who is back with boyhood club Fluminense.
Silva initially left Chelsea two years ago for Fluminense, before moving to Porto and then back to the Brazilian side. Willian recently told John Obi Mikel’s podcast that Chelsea should consider re-signing Silva.
Willian said: “If I was the owner [at Chelsea], I’d put him back straight away. Maybe not every game, but to have him in the team, the young players. Unbelievable player”.
Are you taking Thiago Silva back at Chelsea? If so, in what capacity?🤔
What Caicedo has just said about learning from Silva…
Now, Caicedo has just inadvertently added weight to Willian’s comments, explaining why signing Silva would significantly help Chelsea. He has spoken of how he has learnt more from Silva than any player.
“You learn from the previous ones, like Thiago Silva. He was an example for us. He tried to help us in every moment. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us,” Caicedo told Chelsea’s website.
Why Silva return makes sense and his Chelsea numbers
Yes, Silva is now 42, and while Chelsea have signed Henderson, Welbeck and Martinez, the chances of them going back for Silva are unlikely. Even if Silva’s Fluminense contract ends at the end of the year.
But as a leader, as a player that Lacroix, Fofana, Colwill and Chelsea’s other centre-backs can turn to, there is no one better who is still playing and can learn from. Especially given Silva knows the club inside out.
In the middle of a back three, Silva could still do a shift as an emergency option without a doubt, having played at Chelsea 155 times and being part of Thomas Tuchel’s team that won the Champions League.
The strikers have Welbeck to turn to, the midfielders have Henderson for advice, and Martinez is perfect for Chelsea’s young goalkeepers. The defenders need a player who can coach them; Silva would be ideal.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
