‘Unfortunately’ - Chelsea and PSG icon shares honest thoughts on Jhon Arias big-move to Wolves
Jhon Arias played alongside Thiago Silva in his final game for Fluminense
After a slow start to the summer transfer window in terms of incomings, Wolves have exploded into life after agreeing a £19m deal to sign Jhon Arias from Brazilian outfit Fluminense.
The Colombian has huge boots to fill as he arrives to likely replace Matheus Cunha in the No.10 role next season but has plenty of credentials, having been capped 31 times for his country while also winning the Copa Libertadores (the South American equivalent of the Champions League) with Fluminense back in 2023 while forming part of the Team of the Tournament.
Arias notably played alongside Andre, who also traded life in Rio de Janerio for a move to the West Midlands last summer.
Fluminense has been the home of many talented players over the years, but perhaps the most high-profile from the current crop is 113-time Brazil international Thiago Silva, who once starred for the likes of Chelsea, PSG and AC Milan. He’s a modern day great in his position and is still going strong at the age of 40 after featuring heavily in the Club World Cup.
Thiago Silva admits he’ll miss Jhon Arias after Wolves transfer
Jhon Arias seemingly played his final game for Fluminense during a 2-0 defeat to Cruizerio and was judged to be one of the most threatening attacking stars on the team despite a disappointing outcome.
After the match, Thiago Silva, who played in the match told local outlet Lance: “A guy who loves club, loves what he does. He put character first, the love for the fans, especially to play today.It’s not easy, with his head there, an interesting contract for him, for the family, being able to get hurt and see everything thrown down the drain.
“We have to value this gesture, and a lot, but it’s a guy we’ll miss. Unfortunately, soccer is like that, I’ve already had my trip to Europe, I know how it is, and we lose a player of this size for us, it’s very delicate. However, we understand the player’s side, the dream he has, and you can be sure wherever he is, we will be rooting for him.”
What to expect from Jhon Arias at Wolves
Jhon Arias is a versatile footballer with the ability to thrive both as a left-sided winger and as a central attacking midfield playmaker. He scored 47 times in 230 appearances for Fluminense across all competitions while showing great creativity with 55 assists. He helped his team reach the semi-final of the Club World Cup and contributed one goal and an assist during that competition.
“Fluminense picked him up for nothing in Colombia, he wasn’t particularly rated, and he’s probably been their best player in Brazilian football,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery, via talkSPORT.
“It really surprised me when he didn’t go after, I don’t know if you remember the game against Manchester City at the end of 2023 when City just walked through them and beat them 4-0. But Arias carried the fight, he looked totally at home in that company.”