Chelsea gifted perfect chance to solve Enzo Maresca issue with Thiago Silva repeat

Borussia Dortmund have handed Chelsea the perfect opportunity to sign a replacement for Thiago Silva. The 39-year-old left Stamford Bridge this summer when his contract expired, and has rejoined Fluminense as a free agent.

The departure of the former club captain has left the Blues seemingly short of experienced leaders, an accusation regularly aimed at the squad in the 2023/24 campaign.

When Silva and newly appointed skipper Reece James were out injured, it was 24-year-old Conor Gallagher who took the armband under Mauricio Pochettino, but the England international is expected to be sold this summer.

Pochettino’s successor Enzo Maresca is yet to name his new captain. But the Italian is likely to be alerted to the fact that Dortmund skipper Mats Hummels is now set to be on the market on a free after it was confirmed he would be leaving the Bundesliga club.

In a released statement, he said: “It was a huge honour and joy for me to have played for BVB for so long and to have been part of the journey from 13th place in January 2008 to what Borussia Dortmund represents today. This club and its fans are something very special – and for me even more than that.”

Hummels will depart after 13 years and 508 appearances across two club spells. He joined Dortmund from Bayern on loan in 2008 before signing permanently the following year, and although he rejoined Bayern in 2016 he went back the other way again in 2019.

The announcement follows the news that manager Edin Terzic was also leaving the club. Dortmund reportedly agreed to terminate the contract of the 41-year-old, despite taking the side to the Champions League final.

Hummels, 35, was pivotal in his club’s run to that final, where they were eventually beaten by Real Madrid at Wembley. But the centre back proved he could still perform at an elite level, named in the eventual team of the tournament.

Like Silva did, the 2014 World Cup winner would bring composure and organisation to Chelsea’s back four. And he would also fill the leadership void that the potential departure of the Brazilian and Gallagher would create.

The lack of transfer fee is also likely to appeal to Todd Boehly and co. Chelsea reportedly need to make player sales this summer in order to ensure they don’t fall foul of current profit and sustainability rules.

And Chelsea have already bolstered their defensive ranks with one free signing this summer. Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, has become Maresca’s first signing after leaving Fulham.