It’s been claimed by Sky Sports that Willian seriously considered signing for Nottingham Forest this summer. It was claimed last week that the Reds had offered him a contract but he’s now set to sign for Fulham for a second stint at the club.
According to Kaveh Solhekol, the winger was courted heavily by Forest. He believes the player visited the Forest training ground last week and holds a lot of respect for the club and for Steve Cooper.
For whatever reason, however, he’s now decided to stay with Fulham. The 70-cap international is set to pen a new two-year contract with Fulham after starring for them last season.
Willian was a bit of a surprise arrival at Craven Cottage ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He didn’t disappoint though and scored five goals and registered six assists during the season.
Forest do have a requirement for a new winger this summer. They’re quite short in that area and clearly, they felt that Willian could do a job for the club during 2023/24.
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The player is set to stay in West London now, with Forest heading back to the recruitment plan. Fulham had been linked with Callum Hudson-Odoi but this could now open the door for Forest.
It’s no surprise he’s chosen to stay with Marco Silva. He’s a big fan of the player and last season he called him ‘world-class’ after some particularly good form.
Willian seriously considered signing for Forest
Solhekol told Sky Sports earlier today: “It’s been well documented that he was in advanced talks about a move to Nottingham Forest.
“That is an offer he seriously considered, he’s got a lot of respect for Nottingham Forest and a lot of respect for Steve Cooper – and for the owners as well.
“There have been some suggestions actually that Forest were offering him more than he will be getting at Fulham.”
It’s perhaps not the end of the world that this one hasn’t happened for Forest. There was certainly an element of short-termism about it and there are better options out there.
Forest need to get moving quite quickly though. There are under five weeks until the start of the new season and it’s important that the right recruitment is added.