Fabrizio Romano provides transfer update on 'special' ex Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal star

Former Fulham and Chelsea winger Willian travelled to Athens on Sunday evening ahead of a potential free transfer to Greek outfit Olympiacos following his release from Craven Cottage this summer.

The Premier League veteran had spent the last two years at Fulham but left the club at the end of his contract, despite the West London side's best attempts to agree a renewal. Willian has since been looking for his next opportunity as a free agent and had spoken of his determination to carry on at the highest level even at 36 years old.

On Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to social media platform X to provide an update on the player's future. He wrote: "Willian travels to Athens tonight in order to visit Olympiacos and discuss potential free move. Willian, assessing options as free agent with several possibilities on the table after good season at Fulham."

The Brazilian registered five goals and two assists across all competitions for Fulham last season. The winger has made a total of 317 Premier League appearances during his time at Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham, with 63 goals and 57 assists to his name.

In April, Fulham boss Marco Silva said that he would do his 'maximum' to keep Willian at the club for another season. He said: “Last season he had an offer from either Saudi or Dubai, we know that. It is up to him to decide what is best for his future and his family.

“From my side, I am going to do my maximum to keep him with us. I have many conversations with Willian about everything, not just his contract. He is a special player, I have a strong relationship with him, a special one. Everything is so clear between me and him. The player wants to wait until the end of the season.”

Speaking to BBC Sport this week, Willian opened up on his future and admitted that he had decided to leave Fulham this summer back in January or February. The player also admitted that he could still make a Premier League return - the transfer deadline may have passed but clubs can still sign free agents so long as there is space in their squads.

Willian said: “I decided to leave Fulham much before the end of the season in January or February. I had it in my mind that I would leave after speaking with my agent and family. It wasn't a decision made at the end of the season but a couple of months ago.

“I am looking at some options at the moment. I am thinking about possibilities in Europe, England, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the MLS - just not Brazil as an option for me.

"I am trying to see all the possibilities and think about making the right decision right now. I have some offers already and this is the key moment to decide my next challenge.”