Zenit’s Nino is Fluminense’s top target to replace Thiago Silva in 2026; understand the scenario

Who appears as a possible replacement next season is Nino, who wants to leave Zenit, in Russia, to return to the tricolor jersey. If there is competition from other Brazilian clubs, the captain of the Libertadores 2023 title will give priority to Flu, who is moving towards opening negotiations with Zenit-RUS, after the refusal of the Russians during the last transfer window.

Behind the scenes of Thiago Silva’s farewell

As revealed by GLOBO, the Monster had already promised his wife, Belle Silva, that he would return to Europe to finish his playing career near his family, who live in London, England – the couple’s two sons, Isago and Iago, play for Chelsea’s youth teams.

Already aware of Thiago’s desire, the board of directors of the Tricolor would like to extend his contract – it would end in June 2026 – with a view to competing with the Libertadores next year, but, at the same time, they understood the irreversible desire of the athlete, so much so that there was already an agreement so that he could leave the club even before the end of the contract.

Between the comings and goings of both sides, Thiago and his family were mentally exhausted because of the distance covered. Another factor that weighed in the balance was the physical problem. Critical of certain pitches and the Brazilian calendar, the defender suffered injuries more than expected, which also reinforced the idea of ​​retiring in Europe.

Even if he was not called up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazilian team, Thiago maintains his dream of playing his fifth World Cup in 2026. Besides England, the defender could play in other countries, such as Italy and France. One of the possible destinations is Milan, his former club, which has already expressed interest in recruiting him, according to the local press.

— Can you imagine if I end my career with a world champion title? It would be an absolute dream and the perfect time to stop, the player told France Football magazine.

Thiago is already planning his future off the field, but not that much. Indeed, the idea is to move on to a coaching career in around three years, possibly in a youth category or a smaller team in Europe. At Chelsea it would be easy for the children to already play for the club and for the family to live in London. It is with this in mind that the star recently bought a house in the city.

In January last year, two clubs – one from Europe and the other from the Arab world – expressed interest in Thiago as coach once he retires. Since then, the defender has been preparing for his new role.

With 66 matches and five goals, he finished his second stint at Flu without a title, but even more idolized by the supporters. Before returning to Brazil, the defender turned down offers from English and Italian clubs to fulfill his dream of playing for the club again.