Fulham’s Brazilian attacker Willian is facing an unexpected departure from the club this summer, despite signing a fresh contract just last month.
The player had an impressive season at Craven Cottage, contributing five goals and five assists in 27 Premier League matches during the 2022-23 term, helping Fulham secure a comfortable 10th position finish, merely nine points off the European spots.
Having joined Fulham from Corinthians in 2022, Willian proved his worth in the Premier League. However, a recent revelation in his contract has now put his future at the club in doubt.
According to a report from Premier League Brasil, the player has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave the club if he receives an ‘out of common’ financial bid.
The stipulation caught the attention of Al Shabab, a team from the Saudi Pro League, who wasted no time in making a significant offer of £200,000 per week.
With ambitions to build on their fourth-place finish in the previous season, the Saudi club is eager to add the Brazilian winger to their ranks.
Personal terms between Willian and Al Shabab have been agreed upon, indicating that the player is ready for a new challenge outside of European football. He has also communicated his desire to leave the Premier League to his current boss, Marco Silva.
Notably, just a month ago, Willian extended his contract with Fulham for another year, with the option for an additional season. This decision came in response to interest from Nottingham Forest, as the West London club aimed to secure the player’s services.
Despite the transfer speculation surrounding him, Willian has actively participated in Fulham’s pre-season, featuring in a 68-minute appearance during their Premier League Summer Series match against Chelsea in the United States.
As the new Premier League season approaches, Silva’s men are gearing up to face Hoffenheim in a friendly match at Craven Cottage before their league opener against Everton on August 12 at Goodison Park, where they will be looking to make a strong start to the campaign.