Thiago Silva set for surprise new Chelsea role as unexpected transfer ‘confirmed’

Chelsea news: Cesar Azpilicueta is set to leave the club this summer, leaving a huge void for Thiago Silva and Reece James that the Blues must now fill without a captain.

Mauricio Pochettino faces the biggest challenge as Chelsea manager even before becoming head coach. With his official start date not earlier than July 1, things could be very different when he arrives at Cobham.

He is likely to be without a group of at least seven first-team players, as well as Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix, whose loans have not been renewed.

Even for a big team of 32 players, that’s quite a difference. Now, in the final week before the actual preparations for the pre-season tour of America begin, Pochettino must prepare for a reality many have not anticipated.

After 11 years at the club, Cesar Azpilicueta will leave Chelsea and step down as captain.

The 33-year-old replaced John Terry as permanent captain after leaving Stamford Bridge in 2017. Since then he has guided the team to wins in the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Super Cup UEFA and the Club World Cup. He also captained three FA Cup final defeats and one League Cup final defeat.

After a glorious spell at the club, he is now preparing to move to new pastures, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer guru says Azpilicueta has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan and could have his contract terminated by Chelsea to ensure the deal goes through.

Out of respect for Azpilicueta, who made his 500th blue appearance for Chelsea earlier this season, the Blues would terminate his contract. After being linked with a move to Barcelona for much of last summer, he has signed a late two-year extension.

With injuries and extra competition in the squad, he has played just 1,500 minutes of league football, the least since he joined over 500 minutes.

Compared to the 2019/20 season, his playing time has more than halved. It is proof that he has struggled to work as a full-back or a conventional full-back in recent seasons, although he has continued to remain an important option as a full-back in a back three .

It now looks like he will move on before the Pochettino era really begins, leaving plenty for the new manager and players to replace.
Azpilicueta is expected to leave the club due to a lack of experience and notable managers.

Thiago Silva is said to be the only first-team player over 30, while only four players are said to be over 25. Potential newcomers aside, Silva is now miles ahead of the closest player in age. Now he may also have to take on a new role in the team.

As vice-captain following Jorginho’s departure in January, the Brazilian has steadily taken over the armband since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and will now be a prime candidate to take on the full-time job.

Apart from Reece James, Ben Chilwell and possibly Raheem Sterling, there is a great lack of choices in this regard. While there are emerging leaders within Enzo Fernandez who fit this picture, there is much to replace in terms of leadership and experience.

For Silva, who himself has a one-year rolling contract, that would be nothing new after spending his entire career as leader and captain, but it would also be an interim solution for the 38-year-old who is unable to play forever.

after you. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also captained matches this season with other options off the pitch, but his long-term future is uncertain. James is a natural fit, but he’s a shy character and could possibly serve as Silva’s replacement for another season.

However, after appointing Hugo Lloris as his captain at Tottenham Hotspur shortly after arriving, Pochettino will now need to quickly assess his squad and make a similar choice at Chelsea.