Chelsea’s January transfer window eventually ended up being a low-key affair.
The Blues welcomed just two new faces to Stamford Bridge throughout the duration of the window – that being the addition of Charlton Athletic youngster Mason Burstow and the signing of Derby County starlet Dylan Williams – albeit with the former set to remain on loan with the League One side.
The lack of any real senior action in the window might have frustrated Chelsea supporters, especially with the Blues looking keen to add defensive options to their squad, whilst the club continue to challenge on multiple fronts.
However, boss Thomas Tuchel arguably got exactly what he was looking for, with veteran defender Thiago Silva having penned a new deal in the opening days of January.
With the Brazilian’s previous deal expiring in the summer, he committed to a new one-year contract at Stamford Bridge and extended his Chelsea stay into a third season.
He will now stay until the end of the 2022/23 season, a decision that has been hailed by Tuchel himself.
Speaking after the news of Silva’s extension, the German said: “We are happy because the new contract makes him calm, he needs to be calm as he is a very sensitive and emotional person.
“This makes him also so precious for our team and dressing room, he can feel emotions and different ones form others so can help so much.”
(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Silva’s decision to sign fresh terms cannot be understated, both for now and for the future.
The former Paris Saint-Germain player has been an excellent defensive presence for the Blues since his free transfer arrival, having racked up 60 appearances in all competitions and playing a huge role in the club’s second Champions League success.
His influence has not halted there though, with Silva continuing to represent an excellent mentor for the club’s current defensive options, as well as the promising youngsters at Cobham.
Committing him to a new deal, though, has also seen Marina Granovskaia alleviate some serious transfer pressure for the summer.
Silva was originally one of four defenders heading into the final few months of their Chelsea contracts – Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta being the others.
Should the four all have departed, that would likely have seen the Blues commit to a considerable outlay in order to find replacements.
Whilst that might still be the case heading into the summer, Silva’s signature on his new contract reduces that dire need and will be a signing that Tuchel will be delighted with, regardless of the January window being a low-key affair otherwise.