If reports coming out of France are true, AC Milan defender Thiago Silva is about to smash the transfer fee record for a defender with a deal that could be worth up to 50 million euros.
According to ESPN, French newspaper L'Equipe broke a report on Monday that French giant Paris Saint-Germain has agreed to a deal with AC Milan for the Brazilian international. The deal is valued between 40 and 50 million euros, or approximately $50 and $62 million. It would shatter the previous record for a defender, set in 2002 by Rio Ferdinand's 30-million-pound ($46 million) move to Manchester United. L'Equipe also reported that Silva's annual salary would be around nine million euros.
Silva, 27, has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the world. He has played with Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Fluminense before moving to Milan in July 2009.
He has attracted attention from some of the top clubs in England including Barcelona and English Premier League champion Manchester United. But, PSG, who has had their eyes on the Brazilian for some time, have apparently beaten out their competition.
Silva will recognize several of his new teammates. Fellow Brazilians Maxwell, Nene, Alex, Ceara and Thiago Motta all play for PSG.
While they gain one Brazilian, it looks as though the club will fail in their attempt to sign another. AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has said he has no intention to leave his club despite interest from PSG and Corinthians in Brazil.
"I have every intention to remain in Europe for many years before I return to Brazil. I can only thank these clubs but I will stay at Milan. I will remain until the last day of my contract, which expires in 2014. I am grateful to this club for all it has done for me.
