Relief for Chelsea as fan favourite agrees contract extension

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been handed a boost with defender Thiago Silva agreeing a contract extension, according to reports. 

As per Fabrizio Romano, the veteran centre-back has verbally agreed a new 12-month extension to his current deal, which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until next summer.

Silva, 38, arrived in west London back in 2020 following the expiry of his contract at previous club Paris Saint-Germain.

Since then, the Brazil international has played an integral role for Chelsea, and is now regarded by many as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

The Brazilian played a crucial role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup victories that followed.

When joining Chelsea back in 2020, Silva initially only signed a one-year-deal, with the option of a further 12 months that was activated during his first year in London.

Silva is a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge

He then penned an extension for a further 12 months last year, but having already made 24 appearances across all competitions so far this term, the club have offered the central defender another new deal.

Since arriving in the capital, Silva has made more than 100 appearances for The Blues across all competitions, including 74 in the Premier League.

Romano claims that the player has accepted the terms of the new deal and it is now being confirmed, with an official announcement from the club expected soon.

The contract will take Silva’s senior career into its 19th season, with the defender having made his senior debut for Brazilian side Fluminense during the 2005/06 campaign.

Since his debut, Silva has made more than 500 appearances in Europe for Chelsea, PSG and Italian side AC Milan.

Over the course of his near two-decade career, Silva has lifted 33 trophies, including seven Ligue 1 titles and the Copa America with Brazil.