Why Thiago Silva’s son, 15, could be the key to defender signing new Chelsea contract

Thiago Silva’s 15-year-old son could be the key to his father extending his contract at Chelsea by a further year. The Brazilian defender has previously spoken of his desire to return to his homeland to close out his legendary career but he could reportedly stick around in England for an extra 12 months as his son Isago da Silva is still under contract with the Blues.

Silva has been linked with a move back to his boyhood club, Fluminese, once his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in June. The Copa Libertadores champions attempted to snap him up last summer but Silva chose to sign a one-year extension in west London instead.

According to the Daily Mirror, the 39-year-old may be forced to snub Fluminese’s approach once again, providing he can reach an agreement with Chelsea, as his teenage son’s Cobham contract is due to run until the summer of 2025.

To add further complications, Silva’s youngest son, Iago, 12, is also on the books with the Blues and both of his boys don’t want to live in Brazil despite their father’s desire to move back. 

“Everyone knows how much I would like to return to Fluminense, but today it’s hard to talk to my family [about it] because my children don’t want to live in Brazil,” Silva told Ge Globo. “It’s a very complicated situation, but we still have a year to reflect and understand what we’re going to do next year.”

But Fluminese haven’t lost hope of securing his signature. Club chairman Mario Bittencourt insists he is “sure” Silva will return to Maracana before he hangs up his boots.

“I continue with this desire to bring him in,” Bittencourt told TNT Sports. “For the brilliant player he is, for his high performance at his age. That he’s a great Tricolor. I’m sure that one day he could play for Fluminense again.”

Silva started his career at the Fluminese academy before returning to the club for a second spell between 2006 and 2009. The Serie A side stuck with Silva after he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and hospitalised for six months. As a result, he has a great affinity for the club.