Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Once upon a time, Marco Silva could have been Chelsea manager. He was in the running for the Blues gig after choosing not to sign a new deal at Fulham, but instead, he has moved to Benfica.
The Portuguese gaffer, who has previously held spells with Watford and Everton in the Premier League, was one of the frontrunners throughout the search for a new manager. But Chelsea chose Alonso.
Silva was linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs before he decided to return to Portugal for a third managerial spell. Having managed Estoril and Sporting Lisbon before England, he is now Benfica boss.
He replaces Jose Mourinho, who has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell. But Silva is determined to affect the Chelsea squad this summer; he is keen on signing a Chelsea defender before the deadline.
Marco Silva wants to lure Tosin Adarabioyo to Benfica
On Sunday, Tosin Adarabioyo struggled in the heart of Chelsea’s defence as the Blues failed to surpass Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim. A 3-3 draw, with Tosin at fault on a number of occasions.
Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea FC
Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Chelsea need to offload centre-backs this summer. The signing of Maxence Lacroix took their number of options to 10, though on Sunday night, Chelsea and Como confirmed a £31m deal for Trevoh Chalobah.
Benoit Badiashile is being linked with Napoli, while Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana and plenty of other options in defence face uncertain futures. According to CM Journal, Silva wants Tosin.
Indeed, the former Fulham boss has made his old defender a priority for Benfica, after the Portuguese giants sold Antonio Silva to Bournemouth. Tosin has two years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
What Marco Silva once said about Tosin and Xabi Alonso’s stance
On Sunday, The Chelsea Chronicle gave Tosin a 3/10 for his performance. But if ratings were based on his desire to defend his teammates, Tosin would have got a 10. He was constantly in the thick of things.
That is why Alonso might be tempted to keep him. Reports say Alonso wants Tosin around to provide his leadership in the dressing room, but Tosin will know that he is going to struggle for game time next term.
Wesley Fofana of Chelsea with team mate Trevoh Chalobah
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
A move to Benfica will surely appeal to Tosin, especially under a manager who once said this about the Blues ace: “Tosin is a special player for us. The way he can defend the box but also on the ball.
“He is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back). He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room,” Silva said about Tosin while at Fulham.
It feels like a move that might suit all parties. While Alonso might prefer to have Tosin in the dressing room, he will hardly stand in his way if Tosin requests to go. Signed on a free, his sale would be profit.