Fulham boss Marco Silva discusses Willian’s Fulham future ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Sheffield United.
Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted he has spoken to Willian about his future with the club.
After spending a year with Corinthians, Willian returned to the Premier League in the summer of 2022, joining Fulham on an initial one-year deal.
Willian looked set to leave Craven Cottage at the end of last season after he allowed his contract to expire amid interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
However, the Brazilian ultimately decided to sign a new contract with Fulham, signing a new one-year contract with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
With his deal set to expire on June 30, Willian recently stated he will wait until the summer before deciding whether to stay with the club for the 2024-25 campaign.
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Silva has now backed up Willian’s stance, confirming that he has held conversations with the 35-year-old about his future in West London.
“The Willian situation is more or less the same as last season,” the Fulham boss told reporters ahead of Saturday’s away meeting with Sheffield United.
“When he first joined us, he signed a one-year deal. During the season I had conversations with him, and we decided to leave it for the end of the season.
“This season I have had some conversations with him throughout this season. He’s going to wait until the end of the season. Of course, it’s important for a player at his age to assess how’s feeling, to analyse the season and then take decisions. Of course, we respect that situation for him.”
Willian has been a valuable player for Silva’s side this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 30 competitive appearances.
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Who else is out of contract at Craven Cottage?
In addition to Willian, defender Tosin Arabioyo is nearing the end of his contract and it is currently unclear whether he will sign a new deal with the club.
With Fulham keen to retain Adarabioyo’s services, they are willing to offer him a lucrative deal in a bid to ward off interest from potential suitors.
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have both been linked with the centre-back, while Italian giants AC Milan have also been mooted as a possible destination.
Fulham are said to be working on a deal new for Bobby Decordova-Reid, whose current contract will expire at the end of the campaign.
Goalkeeper Marek Rodak and full-back Kenny Tete are also out of contract, although their deals both include one-year options.