Chelsea have confirmed the exit of three players, including Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, ahead of Enzo Maresca’s arrival.
Silva, who has spent four years with the Blues, will return to Fluminense as a free agent.
Joining him in leaving the club are Josh Brooking and Noah Hay.
Thiago Silva’s exit marks the end of an illustrious chapter for Chelsea, where he played a key role in their recent successes.
“It’s been an incredible journey at Chelsea,” Silva remarked in his heartfelt departure.
Despite these departures, Maresca retains most of his squad but faces potential further exits.
The futures of Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher remain uncertain.
Chalobah has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Gallagher, meanwhile, is attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Chelsea will kick off their pre-season under Maresca against League Two side Wimbledon in July, with the match set to take place at Plough Lane in South West London.
Chelsea have officially announced the departure of three key players as they prepare for the new season under the leadership of incoming manager Enzo Maresca. Among those leaving is veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who has decided to return to his former club, Fluminense, after a four-year stint with the Blues. Silva's time at Chelsea has been marked by significant contributions to the team's successes, including their Champions League triumph.
In addition to Silva, young talents Josh Brooking and Noah Hay will also be departing the club. Brooking and Hay, although less prominent in the first team, have shown promise and will be seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
Silva expressed his gratitude and reflected on his time at Chelsea in an emotional farewell message. “It’s been an incredible journey at Chelsea,” he remarked, acknowledging the support from fans and the memorable moments he experienced during his tenure.
While these exits signify a period of transition, new manager Enzo Maresca will be inheriting a squad that largely remains intact. However, the club is still facing uncertainty regarding the futures of several key players. Trevoh Chalobah has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United, adding to the speculation surrounding his career. Similarly, Conor Gallagher is attracting interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham, leaving his position at Chelsea in question.
The team is set to begin their pre-season preparations under Maresca's guidance, with their first match scheduled against League Two side Wimbledon. This fixture will take place at Plough Lane in South West London in July, providing an early opportunity for Maresca to assess his squad and implement his strategies.
As Chelsea fans look forward to the new season, the departures of Silva, Brooking, and Hay mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The club will be aiming to build on their past achievements and navigate the challenges of the upcoming season under new leadership.
The evolving situation at Chelsea underscores the dynamic nature of football, where player movements and managerial changes are integral to the sport's ever-changing landscape. Supporters will be eager to see how Maresca's tenure unfolds and how the team adapts to the new challenges ahead.
