Everton offered chance to sign Willian amid rival Premier League interest
Everton are one of several Premier League clubs who have been offered the chance to sign Willian on a free transfer, according to Paul Joyce.
Joyce reported via The Telegraph‘s online edition (16 January) that after mutually terminating his contract at Greek side Olympiacos, Willian is eyeing a return to the Premier League to continue his career at the age of 36.
Since winning two Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea, Willian has also had spells with Arsenal and Fulham, but his next move could take the former Brazil international north to Goodison Park.
Willian only left Fulham for Olympiacos last summer at the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage, and with the Toffees in desperate need of reinforcements out wide, his availability has put them on alert.
Willian transfer update showcases dire situation at Everton
Upon the completion of the Friedkin Group’s takeover on 19 December, few Blues fans will have thought the first signing of their shiny new era would be a 36-year-old free agent from the Greek Super League.
There’s no doubt that Willian has plenty of pedigree at Premier League level, but with the Brazilian now well beyond his peak and his last title win coming almost 10 years ago, he’s hardly an ideal target.
Strengthening the right flank – as well as up front after Armando Broja’s latest injury setback – is a clear priority for the Toffees before 3 February, but interest in Willian suggests they’re scraping the barrel.
A lack of financial wriggle room despite Friedkin’s takeover leaves David Moyes with his hands tied unless player departures are first sanctioned, with Broja returning to Chelsea now a real possibility.
Willian is far from the kind of flashy right winger the Blues have been linked with signing in recent weeks [Jeunes Footeux, 25 December], but with Everton lacking across their entire frontline, he could still prove to be a welcome addition.
In other Everton news, Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling reacted to a hypothetical transfer involving one out-of-form Toffees star.
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