Reports from the Spanish capital are suggesting Chelsea are set to continue their trend of signing former midfielders.
With Matic returning to the Bridge having nurtured himself into a fine talent whilst at Benfica, it is now likely that Tiago Mendes is making a comeback.
Having only spent a single season with the Blues (a season that delivered the Premier League title), the 33-year-old is said to be looking for one last ‘killer contract’ and relishes the thought of working with former manager, José Mourinho, once again.
Though the signing may not be as groundbreaking as some Chelsea fans would like, the Atlético midfielder has shown he is still capable of producing on the big stage, and is touted as being a depth player rather than a first team choice.
There are a number of key areas Mourinho must strengthen in aid of challenging for top honours next season, and whilst Tiago Mendes isn’t a revelation, he is certainly someone who knows the club and knows how Mourinho expects his players to perform.
The Portuguese is likely to be offered a one year deal, which would buck the Blues’ trend of strictly signing players under 30, but if Mourinho believes his fellow compatriot can add experience and steel to a midfield in need of rotation, then the chances are he’ll be able to convince the Chelsea hierarchy towards his way of thinking.
