Transfer Centre

Fulham confirm Willian stay

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 17 July 2023

Fulham confirm that Willian will stay at the club for the 2023-24 campaign, after turning down approaches from Nottingham Forest and Saudi Arabia.

Fulham have confirmed that Willian will stay at the club for the 2023-24 campaign.

The 34-year-old saw his initial one-year deal at Craven Cottage expire at the end of last month, meaning that he has been a free agent for the entirety of July so far.

Nottingham Forest are understood to have held talks with him during that time, while there was also interest from the Saudi Pro League.

However, reports emerged earlier this week that Willian had turned down those offers in favour of staying in West London, and the Cottagers have now confirmed the news.

The Brazilian has put pen to paper on another season-long deal at Craven Cottage, although this time the club have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.

"I'm completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham," he told the club's official website.

#WillianStays 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Od2Dp1CzOp
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 17, 2023

"Happy to continue the work that I did last season with all my teammates 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."

Vice-chairman Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled that Willian will return to Fulham for at least one more season.

"He was a very important addition last summer and was a significant contributor during one of the most successful Premier League campaigns our club has ever had.

"We're all very excited that he'll return to Craven Cottage as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League together."

Willian initially joined Fulham last summer after leaving Brazilian side Corinthians, securing a return to the Premier League following previous stints with London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

The winger went on to make 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-23, scoring five goals to help Fulham secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Marco Silva's side will open their 2023-24 league campaign away to Everton on August 12.