Willian back at Chelsea after ‘talks over Fulham return’
Fulham held in-person talks with Willian over a return to the club before the Brazilian was spotted at Stamford Bridge, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Brazilian is a free agent, having left Greek club, Olympiakos, and Football Insider revealed exclusively on 23 January that the former Fulham man was ready to snub interest from the Saudi Pro League to return to the Premier League.
Everton showed an interest in the former Chelsea winger, but a deal never materialised for the winger.
Fulham have now agreed a deal in principle for the wingers return to the club [Sky Sports], having enjoyed two successful seasons in West London after leaving Corinthians in Brazil.
Ben Jacobs posted on X that Willian had been spotted at his old home, Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea beat West Ham 2-1 (3 February).
Whilst The Times’ Peter Rutzler highlighted in a post on X that there is no rush to get a deal over the line, despite the transfer window expiring just an hour after the match, as his free agent status gives Fulham a week to agree a deal and register the winger.
Fulham move slowly to give Marco Silva the help he needs in push for European football
Football Insider Verdict
Willian has showed a penchant for performing in the Premier League, and despite his disappointing spell in Greece, Fulham fans will welcome him back with open arms.
However, with the Brazilian looking like the only signing that the Whites will make in the winter transfer period, many fans are likely to be left feeling disappointed.
Aleksandar Mitrovic departed for a reported £50million [BBC Sport] in August 2023, but there have been no signs of a replacement a year-and-a-half later.
Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz have both performed admirably in his stead, with the Mexican starting to show signs of the form he displayed during his Wolves days.
Neither striker is viewed by fans as a genuine replacement for the Serbian striker, but any hopes of a replacement will have to wait till the summer it seems.
Striker is not the only position that required attention in January, as Kenny Tete’s injury means that Timothy Castagne is the only recognised right-back that Marco Silva can call upon.
The Whites have submitted multiple bids for St Johnstone’s Brodie Dair, but the young striker is viewed as being a future prospect, as opposed to an immediate first-team option.
There were also tentative links to Paul Pogba, but nothing concrete has emerged, despite what Fulham star, Andreas Pereira, would wish.
In other news, Pereira sent a message to Fulham fans amid exit rumours.
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