Marco Silva suggests Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian are staying at Fulham despite Saudi Arabia interest
Fulham manager Marco Silva has indicated that Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian will remain at the club this summer. Both players participated in Fulham’s final friendly match against Hoffenheim, which ended in a 2-1 victory. Mitrovic, who had previously expressed his desire to leave the club, received a warm reception from the fans upon his return to Craven Cottage. The Serbian striker had been considering a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, but Fulham blocked the move. Silva had stated that Mitrovic would not play until he rejoined the rest of the squad for training, but the situation seems to have been resolved as Mitrovic played in the recent friendly matches. Willian, who had also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, started the match against Hoffenheim. The Brazilian player had already made two U-turns this summer, initially leaving Fulham at the end of his contract to join Nottingham Forest, only to change his mind and sign a new deal with Fulham. He then requested that the club accept an offer from Al-Shabab after agreeing to personal terms. However, Silva’s comments suggest that both Mitrovic and Willian are likely to stay at Fulham for the upcoming Premier League season. This news comes as a significant boost for the team.
Fulham manager Marco Silva is confident that forward Aleksandar Mitrovic and winger Willian will stay at the club despite interest from Saudi Arabian suitors.
It was reported last week that Mitrovic and Willian had been subject to a significant bid from Saudi Arabia fourth tier side Al-Hilal Team.
Silva addressed the situation, admitting that there would naturally be interest in such key players, and that discussions had taken place with those making the bid, but ultimately he was reassured by both players’ intentions to stay at Craven Cottage.
“I spoke with them,” Silva said. “I know their desire was the same that I have: to stay here at Fulham.
“Naturally when you have very good players with some kind of interest outside, it is normal. But both of them were very clear, so the interest was not so strong.
“They have spoken to each other and made it clear that they want to stay and that is good news for us.”
Such news of continued commitment is welcome after a transfer window which saw several players leave Fulham, including Tom Cairney, who joined West Bromwich Albion.
It is expected that both Mitrovic and Willian will be on the park for Fulham’s next Championship game at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest.