Despite now being on the wrong side of 40, Thiago Silva could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League, with four clubs reportedly holding talks ahead of the January transfer window. The centre-back, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players, has seen and won it all during his career.
Imposing, ruthless, yet highly technical, the former PSG icon has been a stalwart in every dressing room he has joined, both for his performances on the pitch and his proven leadership. Just as his playing days seemed to be winding down - with his most recent move taking him back to Brazil with Fluminense for a third time - it now appears he could be getting a second wind.
According to various reports, the 41-year-old has his sights set on a return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He has not been called up since December 2022, but a return to European football could help him add to his 110 international caps.
Four Premier League Clubs Interested in Capturing Thiago Silva
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva looking into the Stamford Bridge stands
Silva's stint with Chelsea between 2020 and 2024 saw him captain the club to a Champions League title, proving he is more than capable of keeping up with the pace and physicality of English football. Despite his return to Fluminense in 2024, his family remained in London as his sons, Isago and Iago, are part of The Blues' academy.
With national team manager Carlo Ancelotti open to the defender coming out of international retirement, Chelsea are one of the clubs that have been made aware of his availability next month. According to TEAMtalk, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace are the three other clubs interested in him, as it seems a move to London is his most realistic choice.
As it stands, there are no offers on the table for Silva, but talks are taking place with intermediaries. But while he has a preference for where he moves, he's reportedly open to switching to Spain, France, and Italy as well, with the latter previously seeing him thrive in a three-year stint at AC Milan.
Why Silva Remains Highly-Sought-After
Fluminense's Thiago Silva staring.
FIFA Club World Cup - Semi Final - Fluminense v Chelsea - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 8, 2025 Fluminense's Thiago Silva before the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Teddy Sheringham, who played for West Ham at 40 years, 8 months, and 28 days old in December 2006, currently holds the record for the oldest outfield player in Premier League history. Silva would be set to smash that milestone by nearly a year if he returns to England soon, naturally raising questions about whether he still has what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Erling Haaland.
But he has barely missed a minute of action, playing over 30 games for Fluminense, and is clearly ready to step back onto the pitch - one reason he is attracting interest ahead of a potential January move. Silva was also named in the Club World Cup Team of the Tournament over the summer, after facing the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan, before being eliminated in the semi-finals by his former club, Chelsea.