Thiago Silva has been a major contributor for Paris Saint-Germain this season but it could very well be his last in the French capital as his contract expires this June.
The 35-year-old has certainly played well enough to deserve an extension but given his age and his lofty wages, Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, may opt to go in a different direction.
Silva’s agent, Paulo Tonietto, hasn’t ruled out a return to the player’s former club, AC Milan, saying that Silva “has a great love for Milan” and that “everything is possible” via Milanlive.it.
Milan recently signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and with the Rossoneri wallowing in 10th place currently in Serie A, they may try to reunite Ibrahimovic and Silva (they played together at Milan from 2010 to 2012) and hope they’re able to return to their former glory.
PSG has several defenders in their squad who could step up and fill Silva’s shoes (Abdou Diallo, Presnel Kimpembe, and Thilo Kehrer), but none of them have impressed enough to call them the heir apparent. With that in mind, Leonardo may look for a suitable replacement elsewhere.
One player who will likely be on the market is Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international will cost upwards of €70-€75 million, according to Foot Mercato, and the same outlet reports that the Ligue 1 leaders are prepared to offer him a salary of €12 million per year.
PSG are not alone in their admiration of Koulibaly. Manchester United have made it clear they intend to pursue the defender and some reports indicate that a deal between the Red Devils and Koulibaly has already been agreed upon. Regardless of what the truth is, PSG should assume there will be stiff competition for Koulibaly’s services next season.
I may be biased but I believe the PSG project is likely more enticing to Koulibaly than trying to restore Manchester United. PSG can offer just as much of a salary but also a place in the starting lineup of a team competing in the UEFA Champions League. Beat that, United.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
