Thiago Silva is set to join FC Porto.placeholder image
Thiago Silva is set to join FC Porto. | Getty Images
The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain star had been linked with a January return to the Premier League.
Chelsea, West Ham and Crystal Palace have all missed out on the chance to bring Thiago Silva back to the Premier League this January with the Brazil international having secured a transfer to Europe ahead of the World Cup next summer.
The 41-year-old left Stamford Bridge in 2024 to join Brazilian outfit Fluminense and enjoyed a strong spell in his home country. However, with the defender’s contract coming to an end at the Brazilian outfit, it had been speculated that he was eyeing a return to Europe.
That came with the veteran, who impressed at the Club World Cup this summer, wanting to prove he is still one of the world’s best to secure his spot in the Brazil squad for the World Cup.
West Ham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea miss out on Brazil international
TeamTALK had claimed that Chelsea were interested in a reunion with Silva, who lifted the Champions League with the Blues in 2021. Enzo Maresca is to be without the services of Levi Colwill for the rest of the season, with space for another centre-back in his side.
The outlet also claimed that West Ham and Crystal Palace could also be looking at a move for the free agent. The Hammers have been porous all season with new manager Nuno Espirito Santo expected to be backed in the market, while the Eagles could still lose Marc Guehi in the New Year as transfer speculation continues.
However, none of those three London rivals will complete a head-turning move for Silva. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday afternoon, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “BREAKING: Thiago Silva to FC Porto, here we go! The Brazilian defender is back in Europe as planned.
“Agreement signed on short term deal for Thiago, new centre back for Farioli and strongly wanted by André Villas-Boas. Deal until June 2026 plus option until June 2027.”
Chelsea had been urged to re-sign Thiago Silva
That’s a blow for the Premier League clubs with former top flight striker Darren Bent having urged Chelsea in particular to pursue a move, believing that Silva still boasts the quality to make a difference.
He told talkSPORT: "I mean, if I'm Chelsea, I'm trying to bring him back in some capacity and if that's the play, that's the play. I watched him in the Club World Cup to be fair, and he still looked...
"Yes, of course, he's not as quick as we know he can be, because he's obviously older in age. But his brain is still quick, he's still getting his body positioning in the right place, he was very rarely getting caught out with the ball in behind.
"Because he knows full well, 'I'm not the quickest anymore so, as they're about to clear it, or clip it over the top, I'll drop ten yards'. Now, I played against Thiago Silva when he was in his pomp, oh my goodness, animal, Brazil vs England, animal, everything. Jumps, quick, powerful but now, he reads the game so well and if I'm Chelsea, I'm trying to bring him back."
In other news, 'Top performance' - Enzo Maresca names Chelsea player who stood out against Newcastle United.
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