Chelsea star targeted for 'dream' summer transfer

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 21 Mar 2024 18:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea look set to lose one of their key stars this summer after a director of Brazilian side Fluminense admitted that they are 'dreaming' of bringing Thiago Silva back to his boyhood club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Silva has become a fan favourite and crucial first team player since joining Chelsea in 2020, although the 39-year-old maintained his desire to return to Brazil at the end of his career.

Fluminense director Fred has admitted that the Brazilian outfit speak to Silva ‘almost every week’ and that the door is ‘wide open’ for his ‘inevitable’ return.

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"Thiago Silva has been a dream of ours for a long time, the president speaks to him almost every week,” Fred told ESPN Brazil. “Thiago has a contract in England, we support him. He knows that here he has the doors wide open for his return.

“There is nothing (forwarded). We have to be careful not to put pressure on Thiago. Fans love Thiago, we love Thiago, and Thiago loves Fluminense.

“One day it's inevitable, it will happen, it's the player's desire, the club's desire and we hope it happens as soon as possible.”

Silva keen to return to Brazil after time in Europe

Silva has shown some signs of a decline this season with his performances, having also missed the last month through injury, while Chelsea are looking to continue their transition towards a younger core.

The defender made more than 100 appearances for Fluminense before moving to Milan in 2009 and he has played in Europe ever since.

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Silva has never hidden his desire to one day play again for Fluminense, however he has signed a one year extension at Chelsea in each of the last three seasons.

But Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt also spoke of his desire to bring Silva back to the club, saying: “It depends much more on him than on us. But he [Silva] said that when his contract ends there, he will return home. I hope he comes back."