Everton weigh up move for 35-year-old veteran star – Is Ancelotti making the right choice?

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Why Everton should swoop in Thiago Silva on a free transfer this summer

According to Sportal (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Everton are weighing up a summer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed another solid campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, making 30 appearances in all competitions, including six in the Champions League. However, the Brazilian is out of contract at the end of the season and he is open to the idea of finishing his career in the Premier League, the report adds. (h/t The Liverpool Echo)

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Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Thiago Silva prepares to shoot the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 6, 2019. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Everton lost just once in 11 league games before they faced defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Since then, they have failed to muster a win and are currently 12th in the league standings. Before the Premier League season was suspended, the Toffees were humiliated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Everton have conceded 46 goals already so far and they don’t have enough defensive backup in their ranks. Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane are the only three centre-backs available at the manager’s disposal. None of the defenders has delivered consistent performances and thus, Carlo Ancelotti should prioritize strengthening the backline with proper reinforcements.

The Toffees boss should bring in a young, energetic and dynamic defender to bolster his options at the back. Also, the Merseysiders could do with an experienced centre-half. In that regard, Thiago Silva would be a perfect fit for the team as he has been putting in consistent performances at PSG for some years now.

Carlo Ancelotti head coach for Everton reacts on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti head coach for Everton reacts on the touchline. (Getty Images)

Silva joined PSG back in 2012 after spending three years with AC Milan. He has played over 310 times for PSG, scoring 17 goals in the process. The defender has won 20 domestic trophies during his time with Les Parisiens. The 35-year-old has been an integral part of the club’s success in recent years and has won six Ligue 1 titles at Parc des Princes.

The Brazilian international is coming towards the end of his career at 35 but he has a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that should benefit this Everton side. Silva is a born leader and his organisational and leadership skills are also apparent through his success in captaining Brazil and PSG.

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Thiago Silva of Paris SG in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park on February 18, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Getty Images)

Having tasted tremendous success in his career, the former Milan star could have a great influence on young players around him at Everton. Even at 35, Silva still has some gas left in his tank and having worked with Ancelotti before, the central defender’s partnership with the Italian could work on Merseyside.

Verdict

For some years now, Everton have lacked an inspirational figure in defence. Silva could very well be that figure for Everton, at least on a short-term. He’s been a hugely successful player with PSG and could perform well in the Premier League if he continues with the same form.

All in all, on a potential free transfer at the end of the season, the Brazilian centre-back’s acquisition would be a coup for the Toffees.