In a stunning twist that could see one of the Premier League's most dramatic career turnarounds, former Chelsea fan favourite Willian is reportedly in advanced talks to return to London football—but not with a familiar giant.
According to exclusive reports, Fulham are leading the charge to sign the 34-year-old Brazilian winger, who is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with Corinthians. The potential move comes just over a year after his ill-fated and expensive departure from Arsenal.
From Hero to Zero and Back Again?
Willian's career trajectory has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After seven glorious years at Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles, his high-profile move to rivals Arsenal in 2020 turned sour almost immediately. Despite signing a lucrative three-year deal, he managed a mere one goal in 37 appearances before his contract was mutually terminated after just one season.
His subsequent return to Brazil with Corinthians was meant to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, it was marred by disappointing form and shocking incidents—including having missiles thrown at him by his own supporters and receiving sickening racist abuse online.
Why Fulham? Why Now?
Fulham manager Marco Silva appears to be the driving force behind this unexpected move. The Portuguese manager worked with Willian during their time together at Chelsea, and clearly believes he can still extract quality from the experienced wide man.
For Fulham, the potential signing represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward opportunity. As a free agent, Willian wouldn't command a transfer fee, and his wages would likely be structured with performance-based incentives—a far cry from the £220,000-per-week deal he had at Arsenal.
A Calculated Gamble
This move could benefit both parties tremendously. Willian gets a chance to redeem his Premier League legacy and prove his nightmare at Arsenal was merely a blip. Fulham gain an experienced, technically gifted player who knows the league inside out—valuable for a team looking to establish itself in the top flight.
While some may question his age and recent form, there's no denying Willian's quality when motivated. His creativity, set-piece delivery, and ability to play across the front line could provide crucial depth for Silva's squad as they prepare for their Premier League campaign.
All eyes will now be on Craven Cottage to see if this surprising transfer gamble pays off for both club and player.
