By Dave Marshal
Jose Mourinho could be set for a sensational move for Chelsea midfielder, Willian, when the transfer window comes alive in January. The 28 year old midfielder was one of Mourinho’s biggest supporters while at Stamford Bridge. At the start of the season, Willian was an automatic pick for Antonio Conte, but a family bereavement back in October meant he was out of the first team picture.
A culmination of injuries and little emotional imbalance due to the death of his mother meant he had to settle for a place on the Chelsea bench. At this time, though, the Blues were at the start of their current six-match winning streak, a sequence of results that had pushed the Brazilian down the pecking order, with Pedro being preferred in his stead. Pedro, it seems has cemented his place on the right wing of Conte’s favoured 3-4-3 formation, which may leave Willian to re-assess his future at Stamford Bridge.
Willian may be interested in working with Mourinho at Old Trafford. The Portuguese was influential in Chelsea signing the attacking midfielder from Anzhi Makachkala for a whopping £32m,as he favoured Willian ahead of the popular Juan Mata, who was adored by the fans. If the situation at Chelsea continues till the turn of the year, the former Shakhtar Donetsk sensation may be willing to swap London for Manchester. A fee on the region of £25-35m is being mooted by the Old Trafford hierarchy, who feel that amount may be enough to test Chelsea’s resolve for their Player of the Season for the last campaign.
Willian is an attacking midfielder of the highest repute. He can play anywhere across the front three and possesses the typical Brazilian flavour of step overs and entertainment for the fans. He is creative, can shoot and tracks back to also help the defence. He was instrumental for Chelsea, as he was the only shining light in what was a dreadful campaign. He signed a contract extension this summer, taking his contract duration to the summer of 2020.
Chelsea may be more open to selling him to a foreign club, as he would strengthen Manchester United. But, he could yet be a vital member of Conte’s team once again. After all, we are only one-third into the new season.
