Everton is reportedly considering signing the 36-year-old Brazilian winger, who is currently a free agent.
The Times reported on Friday that Everton, currently battling to avoid relegation in the Premier League, is exploring the possibility of signing Willian, the experienced 36-year-old Brazilian winger.
Willian is now a free agent after his contract with Greek club Olympiacos was mutually terminated just four months into his stay. This decision came after a challenging period in Greece, where the player struggled to make a significant impact, registering only one assist in 11 appearances.
Everton’s interest in Willian could be seen as an attempt to inject creativity and experience into their squad as they fight to climb out of the lower ranks of the Premier League table. The team, managed by Sean Dyche, has been facing a difficult season and could benefit from Willian’s wealth of top-flight experience and proven ability in crucial moments. With the January transfer window open, the potential move would provide Everton with a short-term solution to address their attacking shortcomings.
Willian’s career in the Premier League is highly regarded, making him an appealing option for Everton. The winger enjoyed remarkable success during his time in England, where he played for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Fulham, accumulating over 300 appearances in the competition. While at Chelsea, Willian was instrumental in helping the team secure two Premier League titles, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled winger. His creativity, precise set-piece delivery, and work rate made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian international also had a brief stint at Arsenal before moving to Fulham, where he reunited with Marco Silva. Under Silva’s management, Willian showed flashes of his former brilliance, delivering important performances that highlighted his ability to adapt to different tactical systems and maintain his influence on the pitch despite his advancing age. This connection with Silva could potentially play a role in convincing Willian to make the move to Everton.
In addition to his accomplishments in England, Willian has enjoyed a successful career on the international stage and in other leagues. He began his professional journey with Corinthians in Brazil before moving to Europe, where he signed with Shakhtar Donetsk. At Shakhtar, Willian won numerous domestic titles and gained valuable experience in European competitions. After a brief spell with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, he joined Chelsea in 2013, where he spent seven successful years.
Willian’s most recent experience, however, was less fruitful. After leaving Fulham, he joined Olympiacos in the summer of 2024, but his time in Greece proved to be a mismatch. The winger struggled to find consistency and adapt to the new environment, ultimately leading to his early departure. Despite this setback, Willian remains a player with significant pedigree, and his interest in returning to England suggests he is eager to prove that he still has the quality to compete at the highest level.
For Everton, signing Willian would bring not only experience but also a sense of urgency and leadership to their squad. With the club currently facing mounting pressure to secure points and move up the table, the addition of a seasoned professional with a history of performing in high-stakes matches could provide a much-needed boost. The potential transfer also aligns with Everton’s recent trend of signing experienced players on short-term deals to address immediate needs.
As the January transfer window unfolds, the coming weeks will determine whether Everton and Willian can finalize a deal. The move would mark another chapter in Willian’s storied career, while offering Everton a chance to bolster their attacking options in a critical phase of their season. Whether the winger’s return to the Premier League materializes remains to be seen, but his track record and desire to continue competing at the top level make him a compelling target for the Merseyside club.
