Willian ‘hopes’ Fulham sign former Chelsea team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi and reacts to Marco Silva staying
Posted by  badge Boss on Jul 25, 2023 - 06:48PM
Willian impressed at Fulham last season under Marco Silva (Picture: Getty)

‘hopes’ sign his former team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi and says he is delighted has snubbed Saudi Arabia to remain at Craven Cottage.

Hudson-Odoi has but the Blues are keen to drive up his price .

The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the most highly-rated young players in the when he burst onto the scene, attracting substantial interest from German giants Bayern Munich.

Chelsea rejected a bid worth up to £70m for Hudson-Odoi in 2020 but they may live to regret that decision as the forward’s career has stalled.

Having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, Hudson-Odoi was sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season but he was unable to revive his career in the Bundesliga, scoring just once in 21 appearances.

Despite his recent struggles, Fulham are keen to secure his signature this summer and Willian insists he ‘hopes’ the deal goes through.

‘If he comes here it would be good for us and I hope he can come,’ the former Chelsea winger said.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is closing in on a move away from Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

‘I don’t know if he will join. I haven’t spoken to him. I am waiting after seeing it in the newspapers and media! He is a very good player.’

Willian impressed at Fulham last season after securing a shock return to the Premier League following a brief spell at his boyhood club Corinthians.

One of the favourites to go down following their promotion to the English top-flight, Fulham proved their doubters wrong by finishing 10th on 52 points.

Fulham have been sweating over the future of their manager Silva, who was offered a £40m payday to manage Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli on a two-year deal.

But the Portuguese manager has reportedly turned down the offer and Willian said: ‘It is good that he can stay with us. He is a top coach. For me, he is one of the best coaches in the Premier League.’

Willian was also heavily linked with a move away from Craven Cottage earlier in the summer and was believed to have undergone a medical at fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Marco Silva has committed his future to Fulham (Picture: Getty)

Asked about the speculation he would leave Fulham, the Brazilian added: ‘Of course, they wanted me to go there but it was never close.

‘It was a few weeks of having conversations with Fulham but they were always my first option. When we reached the agreement, it was easy to decide, to be here and play for this club.

‘I enjoyed my last season and I hope to enjoy myself again this season.’

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