Chelsea excited to complete Silva transfer
CHELSEA have hailed Thiago Silva’s “proven world-class credentials” after finalising the Brazil centre-back’s free transfer from Paris St Germain.
The 35-year-old has signed a one-year Stamford Bridge contract, with the club holding the option of another 12 months.
Silva’s addition will help manager Frank Lampard restructure his defence, and follows Wednesday’s £45m capture of England left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester. Silva’s eight years in France ended with PSG’S 1-0 Champions League final defeat by Bayern Munich, and the Blues have moved quickly to tie up a deal for the 89-cap Brazil star.
Silva ought to be approaching the twilight of a glittering career, Chelsea insist he has the evergreen and elite qualities to provide a significant boost to Lampard’s reshaped Blues.
“We are delighted to be able to add a player of Thiago Silva’s proven world-class credentials to our squad,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
“Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt his experience and quality will complement the many exciting talents we already have here.
“Thiago will be an excellent fit and we hope he can add some new trophies to his impressive list of honours.”
Silva’s age profile represents a clear departure from Chelsea’s usual protocol of focusing major signings on players edging towards or already in their prime.
But Lampard’s desire for a leader at the heart of his defensive reshuffle has proved critical in the veteran’s arrival. • WOLVES have accepted Tottenham’s £15m offer for Matt Doherty.
The right-back is due for a medical this weekend ahead of the move. Doherty wanted the switch after 10 years at Molineux and is expected to complete the deal in the next few days.