There is a world in which Thiago Silva and Raphinha could have played in the blue of Chelsea together, and amid the Blues’ current defensive struggles, Raphinha had some praise for Silva.
Ever since Silva left in the summer of 2024 to return to Brazilian side Fluminense, Chelsea have lacked a leader at centre-back. Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley was more proof of that, conceding from a cross.
Micah Richards has identified Chelsea have a problem from crosses, whether that be in open play or in set-pieces. If 41-year-old Silva, now with FC Porto, was still in the defence, that wouldn’t be a problem.
Would you take Thiago Silva back at the club?
Do you agree with John Terry?
Chelsea are expected to stage a summer revamp of their options in the middle of the defence, with the club open to selling Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile, as well as Axel Disasi.
Raphinha heaps praise on Chelsea icon Thiago Silva
Indeed, Chelsea have been linked with a whole host of potential centre-back signings. Nottingham Forest star Murillo is a £50m option, while Jose Mourinho’s Benfica star Antonio Silva has been recently linked.
Raphinha and Thiago Silva.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
But until Chelsea can properly replace Silva, the Blues will struggle at the back. Speaking at an Adidas Predator event, Raphinha named Silva as the hardest to dribble past: “During training, Thiago Silva.”
Silva spent four years at Chelsea, clocking up 155 appearances between 2020 and 2024. The 113-time Brazil international, who continues to prove age is just a number, won the Champions League at Chelsea.
Raphinha could have joined Thiago Silva at Chelsea in 2022
A year after winning the Champions League trophy, Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich for a whopping £4.25 billion. Since then, Boehly has splashed the cash, treating Chelsea like a business.
Imagine Thiago Silva and Raphinha in a Chelsea shirt together 🔥
It almost happened in 2022!
Raphinha and Thiago Silva.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Indeed, his first 12 months saw Boehly splash more than £600m and it could have been more, had they won the race for Raphinha. Chelsea agreed terms for Raphinha, but he was desperate to join Barcelona.
Raphinha spoke recently if he was ever close to joining Chelsea in 2022: “Ever since I played my last game for Leeds, I knew of Chelsea’s interest. But I had a dream and I did everything I could to play for Barça.”
Eventually, Raphinha joined Barca for less money than Chelsea had offered from Leeds United. Since then, Raphinha has gone on to become one of the best players in the world, unlucky not to win the Ballon d’Or.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox