Willian ‘could join Al-Shabab’ just TWO WEEKS after penning his new deal at Fulham, with the Saudi Arabian side ‘approaching the veteran winger with a lucrative offer’
- Willian signed a new deal at Fulham last month after speculation over his future
- He was courted by Nottingham Forest but decided to extend his time at the club
- Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab are now preparing a major move for the Brazilian
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Willian could depart Fulham for Saudi Arabia – just two weeks after he rejected interest from Nottingham Forest to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage.
The 34-year-old, formerly of Chelsea and Arsenal, penned a new one-year contract on July 17, ending speculation over his future.
Mail Sport reported how, after his initial deal ran down, Willian held talks with Forest over a potential move and even visited their training ground.
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He ultimately snubbed the offer from Steve Cooper’s side and decided to stay in west London after an impressive debut season at the club which saw him score five goals and register six assists in 27 Premier League appearances.
However, according to The Telegraph, Willian is now being targeted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab.
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The report states the suitors are planning to double his current salary, although no official offer has so far been forthcoming for the Brazilian winger.
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Fulham – who are hoping to build on last season’s 10th place finish – would expect a transfer fee to be paid for Willian if he does depart Marco Silva’s side.
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When he signed his new deal, Willian had outlined his delight at extending his stay for another season.
He said: ‘I am completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham.
‘Happy to continue the work that I did last season with all my team-mates and the whole club.
‘I think it’s a club that can do even better this season, so I’m happy to continue this amazing adventure.’
The rise to prominence of the Saudi Pro League continues to provide a headache for Fulham with Silva rejecting a £40m offer to take over at Al-Ahli this summer.
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Meanwhile, Al-Hilal – who Silva also rejected an offer from – are in for star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Cottagers have already turned down several bids having slapped a £52m price tag on his head.
However, Mitrovic is desperate to make the move and did not feature in any of Fulham’s pre-season games on their US tour.
The club are keen to bring in further reinforcements this summer having only added Calvin Bassey from Ajax and Raul Jimenez from Wolves so far.
Chelsea‘s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Demarai Gray of Everton are among their targets ahead of starting the season away at the Toffees on August 12.
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