Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has signed a new one-year contract to remain at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2024.
The 38-year-old has established himself as the leader of Chelsea’s defence since joining from Paris St Germain in August 2020 in what was initially seen as a short-term venture but has grown into much more thanks to the consistency of his performances.
“I am honestly so happy to continue my career with the Blues,” said Silva, who helped Chelsea to Champions League glory in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
“When I signed my first contract here, it was to just do one year. Now it is already the fourth. I could not have imagined that, but really it is a very special moment for me to sign and stay at Chelsea.”
Chelsea’s January shopping spree included a £35million move for Benoit Badiashile from Monaco, adding to the numbers in the centre of defence, but despite the growing competition, securing Thiago for another year was still a priority for Chelsea.
“We’re delighted that Thiago has decided to continue with Chelsea,” chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said in a statement.
“He’s a world-class talent, as he’s proven over many years for club and country, and his experience, quality and leadership skills are vital to our vision going forward.
“We’re thrilled he has extended his contract with us and we look forward to more success with him ahead.”
Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile is in contention to start against West Ham this weekend despite being ineligible to play for Graham Potter’s side against Borussia Dortmund next week.
The 21-year-old January signing was excluded from Graham Potter’s Champions League squad alongside summer striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“The most important thing is to focus on West Ham,” said Potter.
“That’s the best way to prepare for any future game. We’re really happy with Benoit, he’s available and he’s in our thoughts for West Ham, then we have to make a decision on Wednesday. But we worry about that after West Ham.”
Badiashile has impressed alongside Silva at the heart of Chelsea’s defence since joining for £32.7million from AS Monaco, with the team yet to concede a goal in the three games since he came into the side.
He was left out of Potter’s Champions League selection with the manager preferring to add more attacking reinforcements ahead of the knockout rounds, opting instead for Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix.
Felix will be available to face the Hammers in what will be his first appearance since being sent off on his debut against Fulham in January, though none of Potter’s injury absentees are ready to make a return as he seeks to close a 10-point gap to the Premier League’s top four.
“We all saw his impact (Felix) in his 60 minutes before the red card,” Potter said.
“You can see his quality every day. He’s a player that can make a difference for us. At the same time it’s about helping integrate into the team, and for him to understand what we’re trying to do. But the signs are really positive.”
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