Real Madrid reject chance to sign Willian for exorbitant price — reports

Silly Season may be over in England, but it’s still going strong in Spain, which is where today’s bit of nonsense comes from.

According to rumor mongers at Onda Cero as well as meddling Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo, Willian has recently been offered to Real Madrid as they move forward in their post-Cristiano Ronaldo reality. The price was supposedly an eye-watering €80m, with €10m additionally going to the agent, which might provide a clue as to where this whole story may be coming from.

Obviously, Real aren’t dumb so they rejected the offer, adding, reportedly, that Willian is not the “profile of footballer” that they’re looking for. Ouch. Certainly, in terms of marketing, Willian, who turned 30 a couple weeks ago, comes nowhere near to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, or even Eden Hazard. Sorry, Willian!

The story also doesn’t make much sense in terms of timing nor intent. If Willian had wanted to move, he had plenty of chances to do so earlier in the summer. If Chelsea had wanted to sell, we also had reported offers from Barcelona at least, and possibly Manchester United as well.

“My will is staying at the club, unless they want to sell me. We never know, but I have been always clear about my wish of staying here. My head is here at the Chelsea, but we never know about tomorrow. I hope to remain at the club.

“I have always been clear about enjoying playing for Chelsea, I have never (said) that I wanted to leave the club, but some situations that have happened with the other coach left me upset.”

-Willian; source: ESPN Brasil via teamTalk

Willian had grown disillusioned under Conte, but says he’s revitalized under Sarri. He’s featured in all three official games this season, including starts in both Premier League matches played so far. He does only have two years left on his contract, like Hazard and Pedro, so a decision about his future will have to be made in the next 12 months or so.