Manchester United could swoop in to sign Chelsea winger Willian when the transfer window commences. The experienced Brazilian’s contract with the Blues expires at the end of the season, and he hasn’t agreed to a new contract with the London club.
According to France Football, the Red Devils could offer the Brazilian a three-year contract, which Chelsea aren’t interested in committing to right now. The Blues want to give Willian a two-year contract. United have reportedly established contact with the Brazilian’s representatives.
The 31-year-old has been with the Premier League side since 2013, making over 320 appearances for the club, scoring 59 goals and assisting 59 times.
Willian: A canny option for Ole?
Manchester United need to add a few quality players to their squad before the start of the 2020-21 season. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Jadon Sancho, who will add quality to the right side of United’s attack, but they may need another winger to give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more options. This is provided they manage to land the in-demand English sensation this window, which looks like an uphill task as of now.
Their current option, Daniel James has had a good first season with the club, but a loan spell will help him develop as a player. This would leave United with a few alternatives out wide, with Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata – neither natural wingers – the other options.
Willian would be a decent signing for Manchester United as he is a player who has vast experience in the Premier League and is a hard-working player that would fit into Solskjaer’s system. A quick winger, Willian can take on defenders and beat them, while also putting in fine crosses into the box. The Brazilian contributes in defence as well, and his work ethic is something that makes him a solid player out wide.
His winning mentality with Chelsea and his experience of having worked under various world-class managers hold him in good stead at this stage in his career. Willian might not have set the stage on fire recently in a Chelsea shirt but a change of scenery could help spruce up his approach. He still chips in with top-quality displays every now and then but consistency is an issue which could be addressed in a different set up with fresh challenges in the offing.
But, Manchester United should ensure that they do everything possible in their attempts to land a world-class attacker like Jadon Sancho in the summer, as Willian may not offer the consistency or the quality that Sancho or any other winger of his ilk has. The Brazilian could be a solid squad player for Manchester United, and him being available on a free transfer makes this a good deal for the club, who will also be affected financially by the ongoing pandemic.