Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star 'in London' and ready to snub big-money Saudi move for Premier League return
The former Chelsea star most recently played for Olympiacos and is currently a free agent.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian has returned to London after leaving Greek side Olympiacos at the start of January following an unsuccessful spell at the club.
He spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, making over 330 appearances for Chelsea after joining in 2013. Willian scored 63 goals and contributed 57 assists for the Blues, helping them to two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and a Europa League title.
The Brazilian left Chelsea in 2020 to move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, where he spent one season under Mikel Arteta. He made 37 appearances for the Gunners during the Covid-19 Pandemic, scoring one goal, and contributing seven assists.
After that, Willian then moved back to Brazil to play for his boyhood club Corinthians, before a return to London just one year later when he signed for Fulham. In two seasons at Craven Cottage, Willian became a fan favourite, scoring 10 goals, and providing seven assists for Marco Silva’s side.
Willian left Fulham despite the fact that they offered him a new contract in the summer, in order to join Olympiacos, however, the move to Athens has not worked out for the winger.
He could now be making a move to his fourth Premier League club at the age of 36, as he looks to re-ignite some of the recent form that he showed at Fulham.
Ex-Chelsea star Willian could move to Everton
According to Football Insider, the Brazilian winger has been linked over a move to Everton, and the reason why he is back in England, could be to try and push a move over the line to join the squad at Goodison Park.
The report suggests that clubs from the Saudi Pro League have made contact in trying to sign the winger, however, his preference is to move back to the Premier League, where he has found a lot of success.
The Toffees currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone. They had a recent positive result under new (returning) manager David Moyes after they beat Tottenham 3-2 at Goodison Park last weekend.
With injuries to attackers Armando Broja, Dwight McNeil and Youssef Chermiti, Willian could come in for the Toffees and help add some depth, and Premier League experience amid their battle to stay in the top flight.
Fabrizio Romano issues ‘3 English clubs’ update on Willian
Following reports linking Willian over a move to Moyes’ Everton, football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on X that the Brazilian winger has three clubs that are keen to sign him in the near future.
Romano said: “Willian has just arrived in London to meet with his agents and assess options with more than 3 English clubs keen on signing him immediately. He’s available as free agent after leaving Olympiacos, ready for new chapter.”
It has not been confirmed as to who the other two clubs may be, however, down to the fact that Romano did not confirm that they are all Premier League clubs, any of the top Championship teams could also make a move for the 36-year-old.