When a Brazilian international is available on a free transfer it’s always a bonus.
When that player has had the career Willian has, he needs to be picked up quickly. Adept at playing behind the striker and on either wing, he could be just what a number of clubs need.
Whether that be as a high impact substitute or a starter but who needs the Brazilian winger right now?
Liverpool
It looks like yet another quiet window for the Reds. With owners Fenway Sports Group hit hard by the fallout of the coronavirus, reports indicate any big transfer fees aren’t on the agenda.
However, reinforcements are needed at Anfield. The Brazilian would be a perfect addition to the Reds. At 31, he may be older than their usual targets, but his quality is still evident.
Able to play on either wing in Liverpool’s 4-3-3 system, he’d be capable of providing a high quality of competition for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. In comparison to Divock Origi, the Brazilian is far superior statistically.
Willian’s expected goals match the Belgian, but he’s getting almost three times the assists. This creativity could be key in unlocking stubborn defences. His versatility also means he’d be comfortable in a 4-2-3-1, which Jurgen Klopp has been known to use on occasion.
Leicester City
It’s been a tough campaign for the Foxes as they missed out on the top four. Despite a blinding start, injuries cost Leicester dear and that can’t happen again. With Willian, they’d solve their issues of depth out wide at least.
He’d not only offer a player coming off the bench for Brendan Rodgers though, he’d be a more than capable starter.
Statistically, he matches up to Harvey Barnes offensively, while he consummately beats Ayoze Perez. With 16 goal contributions in 29 appearances, he’d be more than good enough in terms of output. Snapped up on a free transfer he wouldn’t be a burden on the coffers for Leicester either.
Arsenal
Willian’s links to the Gunners are strong and it’s not hard to see why There are bigger fish to fry for Arsenal, but a new attacker certainly wouldn’t go amiss. He’d be able to slot straight into Mikel Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 system behind Alexandre Lacazette. With his work-rate and speed behind Lacazette, he would be effective in Mikel Arteta’s press.
If a more defensive approach was taken, he’d also be a great option off the right side. While Arsenal fans may want to see Nicolas Pepe start every game, some competition would do him good. Willian has outperformed Pepe on goals and assists in the Premier League as well as averaging 2.62 passes per 90 compared to Pepe’s 1.74.
