A general view of a corner flag at Craven Cottage before the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Swansea City. PA Photo. Picture date: Wednesday February 26, 2020. See PA story SOCCER Fulham. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ''live'' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal star Willian in talks with Saudi Arabian club – just 10 days after signing new deal with Fulham
Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are reportedly in talks with Willian – just 10 days after he signed a new contract with Fulham.
Willian, 34, joined Fulham on a free last summer and surprised many with his consistent performances, scoring five goals and making six assists in 30 appearances.
Though the winger had been brilliant for Chelsea for seven years, winning two Premier League titles and the Europa League, he had endured nightmare spells at Arsenal and Corinthians before returning to England.
Though his contract with the Cottagers had expired, he was convinced by Marco Silva to extend his stay in west London, recently penning a new one-year deal with the option for a further year.
Interest in the former Brazil international was high with Nottingham Forest also attempting to sign him, so Fulham were relieved to have tied him down to Craven Cottage.
Or so they thought, as Fabrizio Romano now reports that Al-Shabab have ‘concrete interest’ in Willian and have approached him with a formal bid.
Furthermore, the player is now speaking with the club about the proposal in what could prove to be a sensational U-turn.
Saudi Arabia have raided the Premier League for many players this summer, including former Chelsea stars Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante.
Al-Shabab are yet to make a statement signing this summer, with their only notable current player being former Argentina International Ever Banega.
Fulham will now have to deal with this transfer saga as well as the one surrounding Aleksandr Mitrovic, who it is said is trying to force his way out of the club and move to the Middle East.
Al-Hilal are desperate to sign the striker but have seen their latest bid worth £40million rejected as the Cottagers want at least £50m, with Mitrovic reportedly furious at this and unwilling to play for the club again.
