Willian ‘set to leave Fulham after rejecting one-year extension’
Willian is reportedly expected to leave Fulham on a free transfer after he rejected a new contract offer.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal winger returned to the Premier League last summer, signing a one-year deal with Marco Silva‘s side.
Willian enjoyed a successful season with the Cottagers, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 27 Premier League appearances.
After achieving a commendable 10th-place finish, the West London club presented the 34-year-old with a one-year extension.
According to The Standard, Willian has decided against signing a new contract, and he will now leave the club on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire tonight.
Willian was open to extending his stay at Craven Cottage, but Fulham were unwilling to improve the terms of their proposal.
The winger is keen to remain in the Premier League, and he has already opened discussions with other top-flight clubs over a deal.
Willian spent seven years at Chelsea between 2013 and 2020, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Europa League.
During his time with the Blues, he scored 63 goals and provided 62 assists in 339 appearances across all competitions.
He was unable to replicate that form as an Arsenal player, registering one goal and seven assists in 37 games during the 2020-21 campaign.
After spending just one season with Arsenal, he returned to Brazilian club Corinthians, before leaving in August last year.
News of Willian’s departure will come as a blow to Fulham, who are also contending with the uncertainty surrounding Silva’s future.
The Portuguese manager has a £6m release clause in his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.
The Fulham hierarchy reportedly fear that Silva could leave this summer after it emerged that he is in talks to switch agents.
Silva, who has previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, is wanted by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, but he is keen to remain in the Premier League.
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