The power of Saudi Arabia’s ‘oil money’ is ongoing. It’s targeting players whose contracts haven’t even dried.
Brazilian flanker Willian, 34, re-signed with Fulham last month. It’s a one-year deal with an option for a second year. Willian, who has played for the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, appeared to be done with Europe when he returned to his native Corinthians in 2021.
However, he signed for Fulham last season and showed that he was still a force to be reckoned with with five goals and five assists in 27 league games. At the end of the season, Fulham failed to agree a new contract and he was released as a free agent. 메이저놀이터
Needing to find a new path, he was linked with Nottingham Forest and even went to their training center. However, negotiations continued with Fulham and the deal was finalized. “I’m happy to be back with my teammates and the club. I think Fulham can do even better this season,” he said.
However, a number of clubs backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF) have shaken up European soccer. Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Leo Neves, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Marcelo Brozovic, and a host of other big names have all stepped foot on Saudi soil.
Fulham have yet to see an influx of oil money, but there have been moves to sign striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and midfielder Joao Palinha. With Fulham perpetually in mid-table, the influx of transfer money is an opportunity for new players, but a drain on resources for fans, who will be upset if Marco Silva’s side are targeted by Al Ahly.
In the meantime, Willian has reportedly received a bid from Al Shabab and is in negotiations. The Daily Star, a British publication, expressed its surprise on March 3 (KST), saying, “Willian re-signed with Fulham just two weeks ago, but it has been confirmed that he is in talks with Al Shabab.
After signing, Willian accompanied Fulham on their preseason tour of the United States, where he played against Brentford, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. Surprisingly, Al Shabab will pay Willian a weekly wage of £200,000. ‘They are even willing to pay him a penalty for not signing a new contract with Fulham.’
Al Shabab is more interesting to see if the deal actually goes through as it is not one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nasr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli or Al Ittihad that PIF has acquired. Al Shabab is another traditional powerhouse in the Saudi league. Kim Seung-kyu is the starting goalkeeper. They finished fourth last season.