Many are expecting for Thiago Silva to walk once his contract expires whenever the 2019-20 season concludes. With no serious reports regarding an extension, it seemed like the Paris Saint-Germain captain wouldn’t be returning for another season.
That all could be changing and the 35-year-old might be sticking around. Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, spoke with RMC Sport and highlighted the positions he’d like to improve when the transfer window opens. Of the positions mentioned, center-back was not one of them, which is odd because of Silva’s assumed departure.
According to Brazilian journalist Isabela Pagliari on Europe 1 (via Canal Supporters), Les Parisiens are in the beginning stages with Silva over a possible extension and that explains why Leonardo isn’t prioritizing center-back.
“Paris Saint-Germain wants to offer a new contract to Silva. The conversations between the two parties are only at the beginning,” Pagliari said. “He gives priority to PSG because he loves the club, he is an idol in Paris.”
Furthermore, Silva staying in Europe, preferably with PSG, will increase his odds of making the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar according to Pagliari.
“He feels good in Paris, in Europe, he recently obtained French citizenship (March 2019). In addition, he wants to play the World Cup in Qatar in 2022,” Pagliari said. “Staying in Europe is easier to play the best matches and be seen by Brazil coach Tite.”
It appears as both sides want to get a deal done, and with Leonardo not looking at other center-backs, it seems as though it will get done.
“With the crisis, things have changed a bit for everyone, we don’t know how the transfer window is going to be, what start and end dates, it’s a bit vague at the moment,” said Pagliari. “What is sure, PSG wants to extend Thiago and wants him to stay.”
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