Brazilian winger Willian is hoping to become football’s latest export to Saudi Arabia just over two weeks after signing a new contract with Fulham.
The player has agreed personal terms with Saudi club Al-Shabab and has already communicated to Fulham and the manager, Marco Silva, his intention to leave and begin a new chapter in his career. Fulham, for their part, are determined to rebuff the bids and keep Willian at the club.
Fulham announced on 17 July that Willian had agreed a new deal with a contract extended to 2024 after last season’s maiden campaign at Craven Cottage. His contract had expired and there had been a bid from Nottingham Forest and a previous one from Saudi but he had chosen to re-sign for Fulham.
Willian had told FFCtv: “I’m completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham. Happy to continue the work that I did last season with all my teammates and the whole club. I think it’s a club that can do even better this season, so I’m happy to continue this amazing adventure.”
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Willian first arrived at Fulham on the final day of last summer’s transfer window, making his debut as a substitute away to Tottenham Hotspur two days later.
The 70-cap Brazil international ended the campaign with five goals – one of which won the Premier League’s goal of the month, as well as the club’s goal of the season award – along with six assists in 27 top-flight starts.
Willian’s consistent form made him popular with the fans and put him in contention to win player of the season at Fulham, eventually finishing fourth in the voting.
