Former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian is keen on a return to the Premier League as Fulham enter negotiations with the Brazil international, as reported by Goal.
A 33-year-old who, during his most recent adventure in England’s top flight, would have been a clear frontrunner for the division’s ‘Flop of the Season’ award, presuming a footballing equivalent of The Razzies existed.
Fulham’s apparent interest in Willian has raised more eyebrows than an Ancelotti surprise party.
But head coach Marco Silva – rightly or wrongly – obviously believes he can get a tune out of a footballer who, let’s not forget, was one of the Premier League’s most influential attackers as recently as the 2019/20 season.
Yes, the 70-time Brazil international was a disaster at Arsenal. But should one bad season at the Emirates overshadow nearly a decade of sterling work at Stamford Bridge? That is the question Fulham must answer, as they weigh up one of the summer’s most intriguing transfers.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea man Willian could return to Fulham
According to Goal, Willian is open to a third spell in England. It is no secret that the former Shakhtar Donetsk star loved life in West London – a desire to stay in the capital was a key factor in his decision to join Arsenal when contract talks with Chelsea collapsed – and Fulham would offer Willian and his family the chance to return to their roots after a troubled spell at Corinthians.
Goal add that a clause exists in Willian’s Corinthains contract. One that allows him to leave the club if a European side comes calling.
“Honestly, I can’t answer that,” Corinthians coach Vitor Perreira said when asked about Willian’s future this weekend.
“Whether he’s happy or not, I don’t know. It has to do with his family. This is a situation that I cannot answer, or guarantee anything.”
According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, having allegedly spoken to one of Willian’s close friends, the two-time Premier League winner could find out whether he is free to leave at some point in the coming days.
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