Exclusive: £90,000-a-Week Star Willian ‘In Talks’ Over Fulham Exit – Saudi Pro League Exclusive: £90,000-a-Week Star Willian ‘In Talks’ Over Fulham Exit – Saudi Pro League
Exclusive: £90,000-a-Week Star Willian ‘In Talks’ Over Fulham Exit – Saudi Pro League

June 26, 2024

Exclusive: £90,000-a-Week Star Willian ‘In Talks’ Over Fulham Exit – Saudi Pro League

Fulham winger Willian is set to depart Craven Cottage as a free agent in the coming days, having entered discussions with multiple potential suitors as he seeks a new challenge ahead of the upcoming season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

This potential departure is another setback for Fulham manager Marco Silva, who has already lost central defender Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea after the player rejected several contract offers to stay at the club. Silva is now preparing for another key player to leave before the squad returns for pre-season training.

The Portuguese manager has been in discussions with Fulham’s vice-chairman and sporting director, Tony Khan, as he looks to bolster his squad. However, with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic leaving for Al-Hilal in a £46 million deal less than a year ago and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Joao Palhinha’s future, Fulham may face a significant rebuild this summer.

Willian Set to Prioritize Summer Move Away from Fulham

Credits to SPL Image Gallery

According to GMS sources, Willian has played his last game for Fulham after opting to explore other opportunities instead of extending his stay at Craven Cottage. The Brazilian winger is in talks with multiple clubs ahead of a summer move, having decided against signing a one-year contract extension. With his £90,000-per-week deal set to expire on June 30, Fulham is preparing for his departure without securing a transfer fee.

Despite this setback, Fulham remains on good terms with the 35-year-old, with the club’s hierarchy and coaching staff respecting his decision to seek a new challenge. Willian, a pivotal contributor to Fulham’s solid 2023/24 campaign, leaves a void in the squad, particularly on the left flank.

Alex Iwobi, who joined Fulham from Everton last season and scored six goals in 33 appearances, is poised to step up and fill the left-wing position in Willian’s absence. However, manager Marco Silva may also consider entering the transfer market for a replacement goalkeeper, especially given the uncertainty surrounding other key players and the potential squad rebuild facing the club.

Willian, once described as “immense” by former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, is currently assessing his options for the next phase of his career. Numerous clubs have shown interest in the experienced winger, and he is now carefully considering his ideal destination. His departure adds to Fulham’s growing need to reinforce their squad as they prepare for the 2024/25 season, especially following the high-profile exits of key players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and ongoing doubts around Joao Palhinha’s future.

As Fulham faces the prospect of multiple exits, the club will need to act swiftly to address potential gaps in the squad and ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League. For now, Willian’s focus is on his next challenge, with several suitors eager to secure his signature for the upcoming campaign.

Saudi Pro League and MLS Emerging as Potential Destinations for Willian

Credits to SPL Image Gallery

Sources at GMS have revealed that Willian is attracting interest from the high-spending Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer in the United States, indicating that he may be closing the chapter on his career in English football after stints with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Fulham.

While the winger could follow in Aleksandar Mitrovic’s footsteps by accepting a lucrative offer from the Middle East, Al-Shabab is no longer among his potential suitors. Willian nearly joined the club less than a year ago. Still, Fulham denied his request to leave shortly after signing a contract extension, especially after Mitrovic’s departure to a Saudi Arabian club.

Recently ranked by GMS as one of the top 11 Premier League players nearing the end of their contracts, Willian has fallen off Al-Shabab’s radar. The club is now focusing on acquiring a striker as it prepares for Vitor Pereira’s first full season in charge, and Willian’s age has influenced its decision-making process.

As Willian evaluates his options, a move overseas seems increasingly likely. This would mark a significant shift in his career as he seeks new challenges in a different league.

Be your team’s biggest fan! Explore our site to show them how much you believe in them.

Footballnewstoday | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A


author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.