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Expert insight from Brazil
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Some players defy the theory that age catches up with you. Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is certainly one of them. He signed for Chelsea back in 2020 from Paris Saint-Germain when he was already 36 years old. It proved to be a masterstroke bit of business as he went on to lift the Champions League with the Blues in 2021. Silva departed Stamford Bridge last year to return to Rio De Janeiro and play for Fluminense. And despite previously speaking about his wish to retire with his boyhood club, reports in Brazil now suggest that the former Chelsea defender has said his goodbyes to his Fluminense team-mates, and will soon depart.
This has put Premier League and other European clubs on red alert. The defender's contract runs until the end of the season, but, after his side were knocked out of the Copa do Brasil, there have been suggestions that he could depart in January. He has made his ambitions of playing in next summer's World Cup clear, and the suggestion is now, therefore, that he will not retire, and instead, aged 41, look to return to Europe to be closer to his family in London.
The inside track from Brazil
Thiago Rabelo is a well respected journalist in Brazil and also one of Transfermarkt's Content Managers in South America. He has followed Silva's career closely since 2010 and interviewed the man himself a number of times. He brings us more on Silva's time in Rio: "Despite nearing the end of his career at 41 years of age, Silva is still capable of delivering great performances. In his farewell match for Fluminense, the legendary Brazilian defender had a masterful performance and efficiently neutralised Rayan - the country's newest prodigy. Even with the insane Brazilian calendar, where Fluminense played 79 matches in 2025, the defender maintained good physical condition for most of the year.
"Silva can play anywhere he wants. We're talking about a player who belongs in the gallery of the best of all time. Besides still having good physical condition, Silva manages to compensate for the difficulties caused by age with extraordinary intelligence." Hearing this endorsement of the defender could certainly sway some of Europe's top clubs to give Silva one last run out. But it's next Summer's World Cup that the defender is aiming to be his last farewell.
Silva will be just three months off of turning 42 when the tournament commences - can he really make the plane? " I would like to see Silva playing one more World Cup," reveals Rabelo. "Not like a starter, I think Brazil have better options like Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Eder Militão. But I can’t imagine Ancelotti choosing Silva for another World Cup, even with all the admiration the Italian coach has for him." With all this in mind, here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out five European clubs who could potentially sign the Brazilian veteran this January.
Five clubs who could sign Thiago Silva this January
AC Milan
One club already being heavily linked with the Brazilian is his former club in Serie A, AC Milan. Massimiliano Allegri's side have found themselves in the title race this season, and may be looking for some extra experience for the business end of the campaign. The Italian top-flight is often a division where older defender's can still prosper give the tactical nature of the league, and Silva has a strong bond with the club.
Chelsea
Another one of his old club's that could provide Silva with one last hurrah could in fact even be Chelsea. His family are in London, and he is adored at the club. It's also worth considering the lack of experience within the Blues rank which has caused problems since Silva's departure. Chelsea's oldest player this season has been Tosin Adarabioyo at 28. Silva could be the perfect role model for this young, but talented squad.
Fulham
A top Brazilian player at Chelsea who great success later on in his career at Fulham - we've seen it before with Willian, could we see it again with Silva? The Cottagers have had a mixed bag of a season, but at times, have looked more open than usually under Marco Silva. Perhaps his Brazilian namesake could help plug some of those gaps.
West Ham
Another London side who could look to pounce at the prospect of Silva wanting to be in the English capital could be West Ham. The Hammers have had a miserable start to the campaign and find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle. Silva could be just the man they need to led them to safety.
Liverpool
Finally, a more surprising transfer destination could in fact be Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds are extremely short at centre-back and could do with some short-term cover. The wealth of experience that Silva could bring could very well be beneficial to Arne Slot's team, and the Brazilian would likely jump at the chance to play for such a strong side.
