Willian confirms he'd like to move to the Premier League
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 26, 2012 2:34 PM GMT
in Chelsea FC: Transfer Rumours & News
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I think most of us were fairly shocked when we successfully bid for Javier Pastore this past summer and he decided to join Ligue 1 instead of moving to England. While is certainly understandable that players will occasionally prefer the warmer climates of Italy and Spain to playing in the best domestic league in the world, it was simply shocking to see Pastore opt for such a step down from the top leagues in Europe. An interview with Willian this morning reveals that he's not likely to take the same route, so those of you still reeling from the Pastore debacle can sleep a little easier at night. From the horses mouth:
To play in a league that is seen throughout the world would be good for my hopes of playing regularly for Brazil, especially with the World Cup at home in two years' time. That is my aim. I've worked hard for four years to establish myself in the national team.
I'm certainly a bigger Willian fan than most here, and I think the addition of Willian would make this an excellent January window. I think we were all expecting Cahill, but Willian, Omeruo, and De Bruyne would really be three solid bits of business for the future. I'm sure we'll be hearing more on this in the near future...
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Probably not in January
But that was fairly unlikely anyway. I doubt it’s an either/or situation though with the amount of departures we’re expecting this summer. We’re going to have a lot of open roster spots to fill.
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 26, 2012 2:49 PM GMT up reply actions
Good news
You said – “Combined with our good relationship with Shakhtar” – can you expand?
Their CEO specifically mentioned that the two clubs have a very good working relationship over the weekend.
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 26, 2012 2:48 PM GMT up reply actions
Great
I just read about his goalscoring record, I must say that its not great for a winger but any idea on his chances created or assists made for Shakhtar?
13 assists this season so far
He seems a very good player from what I have seen and heard. seems like he would add a lot to our side.
Where would he play?
@ Stephen, how would he fit in if we sign Kevin DuBruyne as well? Don’t they both play on the left?
KDB wouldn't start for a few years in my opinion
Especially if he’s to be loaned out for the next year and a half. KDB is apparently very versatile and can play left, right and behind the striker. Same goes for Willian and Hazard. In that case in the even that we got all three all of them could play at the same time. Also Danny and Mata can play left right and behind the striker so all in all we could have those 5 players competing for 3 positions. Although by the time KDB starts playing for us Danny would most likely be playing in the CF position.
Willian is pretty versatile
He can play either wing or centrally. A Willian purchase shouldn’t be viewed as blocking anyone.
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 26, 2012 3:28 PM GMT up reply actions
Shouldn't worry about the squad situation yet.
If Chelsea did sign both Willian and De Bruyne the roster situation wouldn’t have to be addressed for atleast 2 seasons. (Its already been stated that if KDB does sign he’s staying at Genk for the rest of the season on loan than next season might be sent out to another European club like they did with Courtois. So if all that is true than who knows what might be available when KDB is on Chelsea’s squad. Lamps might be retired as well as Essein, Mikel. Even Romeu might be back in Barcelona (hoping not though)
Doubt Mikel will retire anytime soon
He’s only 24
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 26, 2012 3:29 PM GMT up reply actions
If he gets another injury like his last
I’d agree. But as of now, he is not leaving us. And why would we let him go?! One of the best midfielders in the world.
We've seen him play for, what, 40 minutes since he came back from his injury?
Given that he never quite got back to his best after the first knee injury.
I expect that he will still be an important piece in the Chelsea puzzle for a couple of years yet, but there’s the very real possibility that he has done some permanent damage to his knee that renders him a bit rubbish.
Mikel is 24. How is he going to retire in 2 years?
The Nigerian Perspective!
by Iced O on Jan 26, 2012 3:30 PM GMT via mobile up reply actions
And not an orange labelled
do-it-yourself store? Or the name of a Jedi master? Uh … :D
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
A true winger!
Would love to see him in a Chelsea jersey, and he is a realistic target. He would inject pace and width into a team that can already move quickly with the likes of Ramires, Mata, and Cole. And he is versatile (as stated above) allowing him to move comfortably/more freely in the opponents final third. Not necessarily known for his goal scoring, but he creates chance after chance – he may be just what Chelsea need to get Torres into goal scoring gear!
KTBFFH
how is his crossing?
we could use a pinpoint crosser a-la Antonio Valencia, if willian is at least half as good a crosser as valencia it could be super useful
by blue_is_the_colour on Jan 26, 2012 4:13 PM GMT reply actions
Re: Pastore
From what’s come out afterwards it seems as though we might have pulled out of negotiations, once we discovered the headache his third-party ownership would have caused.
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