Willian could leave Fulham for free despite new contract as clause emerges
Willian has a clause in his Fulham contract that could see him leave for free this summer - just weeks after the Brazilian committed his future to the Cottagers.
The 34-year-old, who impressed at Fulham last season, has signed a new one-year deal at Craven Cottage on July 17, having received an offer from Nottingham Forest. The Cottagers also installed a club option to extend Willian's contract by a further 12 months until 2025.
However, despite putting pen to paper on fresh terms, Willian could be on his way out after Al-Shabab lodged an offer to sign him. This is because of a 'secret clause' in his contract which says that in case he gets an 'out of common' financial bid, he can leave Fulham for free, according to Premier League Brasil.
The Saudi Pro League side fit that bill and have offered him a one-year deal worth £200,000 per-week, which is double the amount he is earning in west London. Willian has already reportedly agreed personal terms with Al-Shabab and has told Marco Silva he would like to depart and take up a new adventure in the Middle-East.
It would be a bitter pill for Fulham to swallow after Willian only signed a one-year contract extension two-and-a- half weeks ago. The ex-Chelsea winger scored five times and provided six assists in 27 Premier League appearance for the Cottagers following his move as a free agent last summer.
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Speaking after penning a new deal last month, Willian said: "I'm completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham. 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."
Willian impressed for Fulham last season (Getty Images)Fulham owner 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! Come on Fulham!"
Willian joined Fulham on the final day of last summer's transfer window, making his debut as a substitute in a game against Tottenham two days later. He grabbed his first assist in a dramatic 3-2 win over Forest, before going on to notch his maiden goal against Leeds the following month.
Having finished the season on 11 goal contributions, Willian was subject to transfer interest from several clubs around the globe, including fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest. Willian even travelled up to look at the Reds' training complex before deciding to sign for the Cottagers.
But Fulham could now be saying goodbye to the two-time Premier League winner, having worked hard to retain his services. Al-Shabab finished fourth in the Saudi Pro League last season and face Al Akhdoud on the opening weekend of the season.
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