Nottingham Forest ‘confident’ of snatching Fulham star after meeting, with major incentive driving deal
Nottingham Forest are reportedly ‘confident’ that they’ll be able to sign Willian over Fulham after ‘face-to-face talks’ which followed the rejection of a contract from the Cottagers.
Willian’s Premier League return last season was something of a surprise. Indeed, the winger had cancelled his contract with Arsenal in August 2021 in order to move to Corinthians, in his native Brazil.
His last season with the Gunners saw him score one Premier League goal and provide five assists in 25 games. That he’d only been there a season before deciding he wanted out did not bode well.
However, he returned to England last season with Fulham, and looked a man reborn. The winger scored five goals and provided six assists in the Premier League as the Cottagers finished 10th.
Yet it seems he doesn’t want to continue at Craven Cottage. His initial period at the club was only a year, and his contract ran out this summer.
The Evening Standard reports the Brazilian has rejected a one-year contract to remain with them. That’s one reason that Nottingham Forest feel they’re in the ascendancy.
The Midlanders are reportedly ‘confident’ of beating Fulham to the snare. Willian has reportedly been offered ‘better terms’ by Forest, which ‘includes the chance to end his career at Olympiakos’, a partner club of theirs.
While an ‘improved offer’ has also been sent by Fulham, their competitors clearly aren’t worried it’ll be accepted.
Instead, they seem to be putting their energy into the snare of Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Chelsea winger will reportedly ‘snub offers’ from Saudi Arabia to remain in the Premier League, and it’s believed Willian not returning to Fulham could ‘give them the edge’.
They’re competing with Forest and Crystal Palace for the snare. But if given the chance of all of those clubs, knowing that there’s going to be a space for a winger at Fulham if Willian does not return, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were the destination Hudson-Odoi chose.
He’ll have big shoes to fill, but will be hopeful that finally having a consistent role at a Premier League side allows him to progress his game and become a star.
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