- 12 hours ago
Chelsea must AVOID making foolish Thiago Silva replacement decision
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 23 Apr 2024 16:13 BST
- 3 min read
Thiago Silva has reportedly decided to leave Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The Brazil legend hinted that a departure was likely following the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Silva has chosen to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of June.
Silva’s decision will be officially confirmed by the player soon, according to Romano.
With Mauricio Pochettino set to lose the 39-year-old, Chelsea have been heavily linked with signing a replacement. However, the Blues may not need to sign a Silva successor at all.
READ MORE: Three possible Thiago Silva replacements after Chelsea exit hint
Do Chelsea need a Thiago Silva replacement?
Trevoh Chalobah has been heavily linked with a summer exit, but he has proven himself to be a classy operator in recent weeks.
The Cobham academy graduate has started in each of Chelsea’s last three matches and while selling him would help with FFP regulations - due to the fact he would count as ‘pure profit’ - the west London club would be foolish to sell the Englishman.
READ MORE: Palmer A, Lavia F - Grading every Chelsea signing this season
Furthermore, with Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile in Chelsea’s ranks too, signing a new centre-back shouldn’t be a priority for the Blues if they decide to keep hold of Chalobah.
In addition, Bashir Humphreys has enjoyed a decent loan stint at Swansea City, apart from a recent injury lay-off, and could return to the fold at Stamford Bridge as a back-up option.
Those six players are good enough to fill the void left by Silva, especially as his role in Pochettino’s squad has diminished in 2024. If Fofana is able to return to full fitness, and remain injury-free, he is a shoe-in at right centre-back, while Colwill will be deployed next to the Frenchman in Chelsea’s first-choice pairing.
As for Chalobah, he is good enough to compete with Disasi and Badiashile for the role of first-choice alternative at Stamford Bridge.
Signing someone like Ousmane Diomande is obviously an attractive proposition, but saving money and simply keeping Chalobah at the club would be the sensible option, especially as it could help Chelsea land Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
