Thiago Silva completes Chelsea medical as Paris St-Germain confirm exit
Thiago Silva is waiting to sign the documents to become a Chelsea player after completing a medical in Milan on Thursday.
Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the 35-year-old’s exit on Thursday – despite last-ditch efforts by the Champions League runners-up to offer him a new deal.
After having his medical in Milan, the centre-back is expected to fly from Italy to London on Friday to begin a 14-day period of self-isolation before joining up with Frank Lampard’s squad.
Although joining on a 12-month contract, it is believed the Brazil international could stay at Stamford Bridge for a further season.
Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “Thiago (Silva), thank you for eight years of unforgettable memories, leadership and commitment.
“You are one of the greats and your legendary status at PSG will live forever.
“My very best wishes to you and your family for your new adventures, you will always be part of our family and our history, Merci Captain.”
Silva said his goodbyes to PSG fans in a social media post on Wednesday evening ahead of his proposed move to the Premier League.
“Today a cycle ends, after eight years with the PSG team I would like to thank my teammates, the whole technical team and management, the fans, my family, God and friends, for all these happy moments we experienced in the city of light,” he said.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry appeared to welcome the proposed move in a reply to the post.
PSG manager Thomas Tuchel remained a huge advocate of Silva – and continued this week to try to keep the former AC Milan defender in Ligue 1 for a ninth season.
However Silva’s fellow Brazilian, PSG’s sporting director Leonardo, did not share Tuchel’s plan and wanted Silva to leave.
One source in Brazil told Sky Sports News relations between Silva and Leonardo had deteriorated, prompting Silva to want a fresh challenge at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Chelsea have been keen to strengthen having been banned from signing players last summer.
The London club completed the signing of left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester for £50m on Wednesday, with the England international arriving at Stamford Bridge on a five-year-deal.
The Blues also remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen to sign their forward Kai Havertz before the start of the new season.
Silva won seven Ligue 1 titles during his time in France, but leaves the club having failed to achieve the European success desired most in Paris.