'Matter of time' for Thiago Silva to return to Brazil

According to self-proclaimed football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fluminense are strong contenders to sign legendary centre-back Thiago Silva this summer.

The Brazilian giants are reportedly close to bringing the defender back to Brazil this summer with the Chelsea defender out of contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 39-year-old, who is still playing for the Brazilian national team having collected 113 caps ahead of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America this summer, will leave the Blues after four seasons at the club in which he has made 152 appearances and won the UEFA Champions League as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Fluminense, who reached the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final in December before losing to Manchester City, are still coached by the ‘Brazilian Guardiola’, Fernando Diniz, and boast a squad that consists the likes of Ganso, Marcelo, Renato Augusto and Douglas Costa.

Silva played 143 times for Fluminense between 2006 and 2008 after spells with RS Futebol, Juventude, Porto’s B team and Dinamo Moscow to start his career. Since leaving Fluminense, he has played for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain as well as, of course, Chelsea.

During his stellar career, he has won the Copa do Brasil, which he achieved with Fluminense, as well as one Serie A title, seven Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France, six Coupe de la Ligue, a Supercoppa Italiana, five Trophee des Champions as well as an Olympic silver and bronze medal, a Copa America and a FIFA Confederations Cup.

As reported by Romano, his return to his home country and the Maracana has been described as simply a ‘matter of time’ with a contract taking him through to June 2026 with the apparent intention being he is involved with the Selecao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in North America.