Willian has re-signed for Fulham after agreeing a new one-year deal at Craven Cottage.
The 34-year-old had undergone a medical at Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, who were offering a two-year contract and increased wages, but has chosen to remain in west London where his family feel at home.
Forest also offered him a chance to finish his career at Greek giants Olympiacos, who are also owned by shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, but Willian has now undergone a fresh medical with Fulham and put pen to paper on new terms.
Fulham manager Marco Silva is understood to have been crucial in Willian's decision to stay after allowing him to excel upon his return to the English top-flight last season.
Never in doubt. ✍️😏#WillianStays 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/u3n3yj7yws
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 17, 2023
Willian notched five goals and six assists in 27 league games as Fulham secured a top-half finish after promotion from the Championship.
“I’m completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham,” Willian told FFC TV.
“Happy to continue the work that I did last season with all my team-mates 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 is now expected to join the Fulham squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face Brentford, Aston Villa and Chelsea over a two-week period.
Fulham chief Tony Khan said: “I'm thrilled that Willian will return to Fulham for at least one more season. He was a very important addition last summer, and he was a significant contributor during one of the most successful Premier League campaigns that our club has ever had.
“We're all very excited that Willian will return to Craven Cottage as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League together. Come on Fulham.”
Fulham, meanwhile, remain in talks with Callum Hudson-Odoi, a former team-mate of Willian’s at Chelsea.
The Cottagers still want to sign further attacking talent this summer, having seen Manor Solomon choose Tottenham over them and opting against keeping Daniel James after a loan spell from Leeds.
