Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of re-signing Tiago Mendes on a free transfer after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired at the end of last month.Â
According to Spanish newspaper ‘Marca’, Tiago has agreed a  2 year deal to seal his return to Stamford Bridge having previously represented the club during the 2004/05 season.
Portuguese journalist Goncalo Lopes says that the deal is done and that the player will join manager Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff as assistant manager after his 2 year contract with the Blues expires.
Another Spanish paper, ‘AS’, is also reporting the same Tiago story, adding that the player wanted to move to Dubai or Qatar, before Mourinho convinced him to return to West London, an opportunity the player could not turn down.
The Portuguese midfielder was reportedly in tears after he left Chelsea for Lyon in 2005, just a season after joining the Blues.
Spanish reports also claim that a deal to bring Tiago’s (now) ex-Atleti teammate Filipe Luis to Stamford Bridge is also close to being complete. Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the player but are yet to agree a fee with the Spanish champions for the Brazilian left-back.
Tiago reportedly played a big role in convincing newly-arrived Diego Costa to Chelsea. He has reportedly also convinced Luis to make the move to the Premier League, with the Brazilian being one of his closest friends at Atletico.
Tiago’s arrival could signal the end of John Obi Mikel’s time at Chelsea with the Nigerian likely to be sold. Following the arrival of Cesc Fabregas, Mikel would now have to compete with the Spaniard, Nemanja Matic, Ramires and a fit-again Marco van Ginkel.
With Mourinho clearly not preferring the Nigerian during the last campaign, it looks like the end is near for Nigerian star.
Tiago will likely play a bit-part role in Chelsea’s midfield next season. Mostly serving as a reliable back-up to the club’s vast midfield options.
