Crystal Palace plot Bosman move for Willian

Crystal Palace will look to sign 34-year-old Brazilian winger Willian on a free transfer after his contract with Fulham expired.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Willian is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Brazilian winger is a free agent after failing to sign a new contract with Fulham. And the Eagles want to sign the Premier League winner in a Bosman move in the summer transfer window.

Willian is a well-travelled winger who has spent most of his professional career in London. The 34-year-old began his playing days at Corinthians before moving to Europe by joining Shakhtar Donetsk. And he rose to prominence during his stint in Ukraine before seeing his stock skyrocket at Chelsea.

The Brazilian winger enjoyed a memorable seven-year stint with Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles. But he wandered around for a couple of years after leaving the West London club, with spells at Arsenal and Corinthians not working out. However, his fortunes improved again after returning to London by joining Fulham last summer.

The experienced winger was pivotal for Fulham as they clinched a top-half finish this past season. And he managed a solid tally of five goals and six assists in 30 appearances. But Willian’s stint with Fulham has ended after just one season, with his contract expiring on Friday. And with the Cottagers failing to tie him to a new deal, he is bracing himself for a new adventure.

The Premier League-winning Brazilian winger wants to remain in London despite quitting Fulham. And Crystal Palace will offer him the opportunity to continue his association with London clubs. With the veteran attacker enjoying a second wind this past season, he can be an asset for Crystal Palace.

The Eagles are keen on returning to the top half of the Premier League table after a topsy-turvy ride last season. And the 34-year-old can be a short-term solution for Crystal Palace, thus making him a viable target. But they have also shown interest in other attackers, including Arnaut Danjuma.

Willian’s pedigree in the Premier League makes him an attractive option for Crystal Palace. And it will be interesting to see if the Eagles succeed in keeping the Brazilian winger in London heading into the 2022/23 season.

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Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has landed a new job, signing a three-year contract with RC Strasbourg.

The 47-year-old ex-Arsenal midfielder was sacked by the Eagles in March.

Vieira had also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Leeds United.

“I am particularly happy to join Racing,” said Vieira. “I know the history and the identity of this club, the fervour it arouses, the importance it has for its region, which is a place of football and passion.

“The rebuilding of the club in recent years, under the direction of Marc Keller (Strasbourg president), is an example to be admired.

“Working with him is a real pleasure for me. Today, a new cycle begins for Racing and it is exciting as a coach to be able to build something while relying on the values that have defined the strength of the club.”

Chelsea’s owners recently agreed to acquire a majority stake in the Ligue 1 club.

It is part of a multi-club ownership model favoured by BlueCo, a consortium led by Todd Boehly.