Thiago Silva decides on next club ahead of Chelsea exit - reports

Thiago Silva has decided to rejoin former club Fluminense once his Chelsea contract expires this summer, according to reports.

The veteran defender confirmed earlier this week that he would leave the Blues at the end of the 2023/24 season, bringing down the curtain on a four-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Silva has been linked to various clubs from across Europe as well as Saudi Arabia, but several reports — first called by Brazilian outlet — claim he has agreed to return to Fluminense this summer.

Fluminense will not announce the deal until Chelsea's season is over as a mark of respect, while Silva is facing a race against time to pull on a blue shirt again after picking up an injury in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Chelsea close out the 2023/24 campaign with games against West Ham United this Sunday, Nottingham Forest on 11 May and Bournemouth on 19 May.

Silva will officially put pen to paper on a contract with Fluminense in a trip to Rio de Janeiro in the coming weeks. He previously played for the Tricolor between 2006 and 2009, with his impressive performances earning him a move to AC Milan.

Chelsea signed Silva on a free transfer in 2020 after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired and played a starring role in their Champions League-triumph that season.

He quickly cemented himself as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and remains popular with supporters to this day, while his veteran presence in a young Chelsea dressing room has proven important in the last couple of years.

Chelsea have been linked with out-of-contract Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo as they plan for life without Silva. However, they face stiff competition for the 26-year-old, with Newcastle United also interested in his services.

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