It’s an end of an era at Paris Saint-Germain as captain Thiago Silva will not receive a contract extension from the club and will be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
According to L’Equipe, Silva and his representatives were hoping for an extension of two years but Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, just didn’t see that as something that was in the best interest of the club.
PSG have told club captain Thiago Silva his contract won’t be extended following the completion of their Champions League campaign, according to @lequipe
He’s won 21 trophies since joining the club in 2012 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZQsIyG5N3H
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 8, 2020
First of all, Silva is 35-years-old and while he may think he can play until age 40 at a high level, Father Time is undefeated.
Secondly, Silva’s wages are sky-high (€1.5 million gross monthly according to L’Equipe) and in the age of the coronavirus, where PSG is expecting substantial financial losses, they can’t afford to pay a player in his mid-30s that kind of salary.
What do you think of PSG not offering Thiago Silva a contract extension?
— PSG Talk 💬 (@PSGTalk) June 8, 2020
Finally, the reason why this was the best decision for the club is that PSG has Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos. We saw this partnership against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League this season and they were outstanding in shutting down Erling Haaland. They have the speed, power, and technical ability to be one of the better duos in Europe, and its time to give Marquinhos the captain’s armband and let those two continue to develop.
Losing Silva will sting. There’s no doubt about it. He’s provided some memorable moments since he arrived from AC Milan in 2012, but all good things must come to an end.
This is the best moment of Thiago Silva's career at PSG. That goal against Chelsea. Still gives me goosebumps.https://t.co/VYpbgywdEq
— PSG Talk 💬 (@PSGTalk) June 8, 2020
The only question that remains is whether will participate in the Champions League when it resumes in August. Silva’s current contract runs until June 30, so, if he wants to win his first Champions League title, he’ll have to sign a temporary extension for the next couple of months, which I expect him to do.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
