Willian to Sign New Deal with Fulham on Improved Terms
Willian, the Brazilian winger, has made a surprising u-turn over his Fulham future and is set to sign a new contract with the club on improved terms. This news comes after the player had earlier rejected a contract extension in west London. However, Fulham had to deal with interest from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, which led to Willian reconsidering his decision.
The 34-year-old has now turned down Steve Cooper’s side in order to stay at Craven Cottage, where he has experienced a late career renaissance. Manager Marco Silva played a crucial role in convincing the former Chelsea and Arsenal player to stay. However, Silva may not be as fortunate with star forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Mitrovic, the Serbian striker, is currently being pursued by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has been engaging in significant spending this summer, and they are keen to secure Mitrovic’s services. Fulham has already rejected two bids from Al Hilal, who finished third in the league last season and have recently added Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly to their squad.
Despite interest from Saudi sides, Willian has decided to remain with Fulham, a team he impressed with last season. After returning to England last summer following a stint with Corinthians in Brazil, Willian made a significant impact as Fulham quickly moved away from the relegation battle. He contributed five goals and five assists, marking his best career output since the 2019/20 season with Chelsea.
While Willian’s future at Fulham seems secure, Mitrovic’s situation remains uncertain. The 28-year-old striker is eager to boost his salary, but Fulham has rejected a second offer worth £35 million from Al Hilal. It remains to be seen whether the Saudi club will make an improved bid or if Mitrovic will remain at Craven Cottage.
The decisions of both Willian and Mitrovic have significant implications for Fulham’s upcoming season. Willian’s experience and attacking prowess will be crucial for the team’s success, while Mitrovic’s goalscoring ability will be sorely missed if he departs. Manager Marco Silva will need to carefully manage the situation and ensure that the squad remains focused and motivated.
Fulham fans will undoubtedly be relieved by the news of Willian’s contract extension. The winger’s performances last season provided a much-needed spark for the team and helped them secure their Premier League status. With his decision to stay, Fulham can now build on their progress and aim for an even stronger campaign in the upcoming season.
As for Mitrovic, his desire for a higher salary is understandable, considering the lucrative offers from Al Hilal. However, Fulham’s rejection of two bids indicates their determination to keep hold of their star striker. It remains to be seen whether Al Hilal will make a third offer or if Mitrovic will accept Fulham’s stance and commit to the club for the foreseeable future.
In conclusion, Willian’s u-turn over his Fulham future is a positive development for the club. The Brazilian winger’s decision to sign a new deal on improved terms demonstrates his commitment to the team and his belief in their potential. While the situation with Mitrovic remains uncertain, Fulham will be hoping to retain their star striker and continue building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.