Fulham risk losing free agent signing just days after announcement
By Evan Curnew
Willian spent last season at Fulham after signing as a free agent on a one-year deal. After impressing with the Cottagers, recording 11 goal contributions, Willian earned himself plenty of free agent interest. The clubs linked to the Brazilian winger included multiple Saudi Pro League clubs, Nottingham Forest and the club he had just played for Fulham. Ultimately, last month, Willian rejoined Fulham on another one-year deal.
Willian featured for Fulham in the Premier League Summer Series in the USA. Now in a shocking turn of events, Willian could leave for the Saudi Pro League. Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Al Shabab has been in contact with the London-based club to express their interest in singing Willian. Romano states that the Saudi club has made a ‘formal’ bid for the winger, and Willian is now in contact with Al Shabab about their bid. Al Shabab finished fourth in the league last season and is not one of the SPL clubs taken over by the Public Investment Fund.
The Atheltic’s Simon Johnson and Peter Rutzler have given even more details on the evolving situation. Al Shabab has reportedly offered to double Willian’s salary, and the club will be expected to pay a fee for Willian. As of now, nothing suggests a deal is advanced.
Marco Silva’s side will feel hard done even if they get a small fee for Willian. It’s unheard of to see a club sign a free agent and subsequently sell him in the same transfer window.
Fulham may already have their Willian replacement lined up, though. As The Top Flight has covered, Everton’s Demarai Gray is a serious target for Fulham, and personal terms are already agreed upon. Of course, the fee for Gray will significantly outweigh the money Fulham could get for Willian. Both are natural left-wingers, but Demarai Gray would be much more of a long-term commitment versus the evident short-term commitment to Willian.