Fulham will reportedly ‘resist any offer’ for Willian this summer. This is after he communicated his wish to leave them just weeks after rejoining to move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab.
Saudi Pro League sides are doing business with European outfits. The likes of Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ruben Neves have all moved to Saudi Arabia recently.
Those are just a few examples of the masses that have upped sticks to play in Saudi Arabia. However, one man who won’t be allowed to make a similar move is Fulham’s Willian.
That comes from the Evening Standard. They state the Cottagers will ‘resist any offer’ for the winger this summer, after Al Shabab approached him and offered to double his wages.
It was reported recently that Willian had communicated his intention to leave Fulham, having ‘agreed personal terms’ with Al Shabab.
That’ll shock Londoners, as he only rejoined them a few weeks ago. Indeed, the Brazilian’s initial contract – lasting a year – ran out this summer, and he turned down an offer to extend.
However, that he then accepted Fulham’s next offer means it’ll have been very surprising when he decided to leave for Al Shabab.
Fulham could now accept an offer from them on the principle that they may not want players without loyalty playing for them. However, it makes sense why they’d want to keep him around.
They obviously want him to continue having an impact for them – he was directly involved in 11 goals last season – or they’d wouldn’t have offered him a new deal multiple times.
As such, while he clearly wants to try his hand in Saudi Arabia, and reap the rewards of a contract worth double what he earns now, Fulham will remain stern and turn down any offer Al Shabab – or any other side – makes.
Whether or not the Cottagers get the same player that helped them to a 10th-placed Premier League finish next season remains to be seen.
It would be expected that he’d try his way for his side. They’ll hope that’s what happens despite them – fairly enough given he agreed to stay with them – forcing him to remain.
