Willian Borges da Silva is once again a Fulham player. The 36-year-old Brazilian returns to South London after a short stint with Olympiakos.
Willian Borges da Silva, a name synonymous with flair, creativity, and technical excellence, has made his return to Fulham, a club where he enjoyed great appreciation from fans during his previous spell.
The 36-year-old Brazilian winger, once a key figure in the Premier League with Chelsea and Arsenal, is set to embark on what could be the final stretch of his illustrious career. Having signed a contract until the summer, Willian now has a chance to rekindle his connection with Fulham supporters and make an impact in the latter half of the season.
His return to Craven Cottage comes after an underwhelming stint at Olympiakos, where he struggled to find his rhythm. The veteran attacker joined the Greek club in the summer, hoping to make a difference in a new environment, but things did not go as planned. In his brief tenure at Olympiakos, Willian managed only one assist in eleven official matches, failing to hit the heights expected of a player with his pedigree. His final European appearance for the club came on December 12, when he started against FC Twente in the Europa League, a match that ended in a 0-0 draw.
Despite his recent struggles, Willian's return to Fulham brings renewed optimism for both the player and the club. Fulham manager Marco Silva will be hoping that the experienced winger can provide valuable depth and creativity as the team aims to finish the season strongly in the Premier League. Currently sitting in ninth place, Fulham has performed admirably, but with the competition for European spots heating up, the addition of a seasoned player like Willian could prove beneficial. His ability to unlock defenses, deliver pinpoint crosses, and contribute with goals could offer Fulham an extra dimension in attack.
Willian originally joined Fulham in the summer of 2022 after leaving Corinthians, returning to English football following a disappointing spell back in his homeland. Many doubted whether he still had the legs to compete in the Premier League, but he quickly silenced his critics with a series of impressive performances. Over two seasons, he became an integral part of the squad, contributing with crucial goals and assists while also bringing leadership and experience to a relatively young team. His departure last summer was met with disappointment from Fulham fans, who had grown fond of his silky skills and composed style of play.
Throughout his career, Willian has been known for his versatility and ability to perform at the highest level. After making his mark in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, he moved to Chelsea in 2013, where he won multiple domestic and European honors. His seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge saw him win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Europa League, solidifying his status as one of the top wingers of his generation. His move to Arsenal in 2020 was less successful, and after just one season, he left the club by mutual consent before returning to Brazil with Corinthians.
On the international stage, Willian has represented Brazil 70 times, scoring nine goals. He was part of the squads that competed in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, as well as Brazil's victorious Copa América campaign in 2019. His experience at the highest level of football makes him a valuable addition to any squad, and Fulham will be hoping to benefit from his knowledge and technical prowess in the months ahead.
As he begins this new chapter at Fulham, many will be watching to see whether Willian can still make a meaningful impact in the Premier League. While age may no longer be on his side, his intelligence, vision, and technical ability remain sharp. If he can regain his form and fitness, he could play a crucial role in helping Fulham achieve their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
For Fulham fans, seeing Willian back in their colors is a welcome sight. Whether he will be able to replicate his previous performances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his return adds excitement and experience to the squad as they look to make their mark in the latter stages of the Premier League campaign.
