Moises Caicedo has just strengthened Willian’s claim that Chelsea should re-sign defender

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday 14 October 2026, Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has strengthened the argument for the club to consider re-signing Thiago Silva after revealing how much he learnt from the Brazilian defender during their time together at Stamford Bridge.

Former Chelsea winger Willian has urged the club to consider bringing Silva back, believing his experience and leadership could benefit the current squad.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has improved his midfield options following the arrival of Jordan Henderson and the return of Caicedo.

However, defensive concerns remain, with the club potentially considering reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.

Silva left Chelsea in 2024 to return to Brazilian side Fluminense. After a subsequent spell at Porto, the veteran defender returned to his boyhood club.

Despite being 42, Silva remains a respected figure among Chelsea supporters and former teammates because of his experience and leadership.

Willian recently discussed the possibility of bringing his former teammate back during an appearance on John Obi Mikel’s podcast.

“If I was the owner [at Chelsea], I’d put him back straight away. Maybe not every game, but to have him in the team, the young players. Unbelievable player,” Willian said.

Caicedo has now provided further evidence of Silva’s influence, highlighting the guidance he received from the former Chelsea centre-back.

“You learn from the previous ones, like Thiago Silva. He was an example for us. He tried to help us in every moment. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us,” Caicedo told Chelsea’s official website.

Silva made 155 appearances for Chelsea and was part of the team that won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.

His experience could prove valuable to Chelsea’s current defensive options, including Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix.

While Chelsea have recruited experienced players in other positions, the defence lacks a comparable senior figure who can guide younger teammates through the demands of top-level football.

Silva’s familiarity with the club could also make him a useful mentor, although a return remains speculative. His age and current commitments at Fluminense would need to be considered before any move could materialise.

Chelsea are more likely to prioritise strengthening their midfield in January, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott reportedly among their leading targets.