478 replies to this topic

[Gilvorak]

Apparently we're interested in Willian according to the Daily Mail

Quote

Liverpool are trying to thwart Chelsea's attempts to sign another talented Brazilian talent by lining up a move for Willian.

The former Brazil Under-20 international is on the radar of Europe's top clubs after his impressive Champions League displays for Shakhtar Donetsk this season.

In an addition to their long-running interest in Brazil whizkid Neymar and the recent capture of Lucas Piason - the Blues are also eyeing a move for Willian.

But Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has identified the 22-year-old as a potential summer acquisition and has already registered the club's interest with Shakhtar.

Owner John Henry is expected to supplement his £57.8million January outlay on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez with further signings in the summer and Willian's name features high on the club's wishlist.

Anfield scouts will travel to Barcelona on Wednesday to watch Willian in the Champions League quarter-final and another impressive performance could force the Merseysiders' hand.

Shakhtar Donetsk value Willian in the region of £22million - though any deal will include a number of performance related add-ons.

Barcelona have also been linked with the attacking midfielder.

And this is what he had to say about the rumours.

Quote

Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian has indicated he would relish the chance to join Chelsea.

Willian, 22, is reported to have attracted the interest of Barcelona and Chelsea after his performances for Shakhtar in the Champions League, including a brace in the recent 3-0 win over Roma.

The former Brazil Under-20 international's contract is due to expire in 2012 but, as he has a £25 million release clause, interested parties could make the move this summer.

"[Chelsea's interest] makes me happy, but there is nothing concrete as yet," he told R7. "There is no offer. It makes me happy, though, because it means my efforts are receiving recognition.

"There are some Brazilians there and they have great players. Chelsea are a big club in England."

Willian also said that he would love to link up with 19-year-old Santos forward Neymar should he make the move to Stamford Bridge.

"Neymar is a great player," he said. "Despite his age, he is already showing he has a lot of quality. It would be great to play with him - he's doing brilliantly at the moment."

If we can get him for around Ozil to Madrid price (£13m) it would be an amazing buy BUT that will pretty much mean we won't be going for Neymar again. I don't think we can afford to get him, VDW and Willian all in the same transfer window especially after we spent £70m on Torres and David Luiz in January.

[Blue RebelZ]

25mn for a player whose contract up on 2012 & still to get Brazil senior call is simply insane.

[Box of Tricks]

Divide £25m by 3 and you'll be getting closer to his actual value.

I remember him scoring a rather decent goal in the Champions League group stages two or three years back which made me stand up and take notice of him, but I don't think he's a player to get excited about or an improvment on what we currently have.

[Zianfranco Gola]

As far as I'm aware Shakhtar are pretty well off. They wouldn't see selling one of their best players for £10-15m as good business, regardless of how long he has left on his contract / whether he expresses his desire to leave. Surely after their CL progress this season they'll be looking to add quality, not lose it?

[ish]

he came for something like 19mill but not sure if thats including wages so doubt he wil come for less then that. more likely his agent after a better contract.

in terms of liverpools owner digging deep I doubt it. suarez and carrol were bought with the money from torres and babel.

[Chel-Sea-FC]

If we can't get him for a reasonable amount he should not go to Liverpool. Atleast Shakhtar are in the CL

[3Sphinx]

How does he compare with Douglas Costa? Don't they play similar positions?

[Blue RebelZ]

Willian is yet to get an EU passport & no way near of getting into Brazil team. Can't see how he can come in England.

[brasileiro]

3Sphinx, on 02 April 2011 - 01:41 AM, said:

How does he compare with Douglas Costa? Don't they play similar positions?

No...

Willian is a typical Brazil´s #10. Is being placed at the left side by Shaktar coach, but it at his best as a true AMD.

Douglas Costa is at his best playing at the right or letf in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.

[Voff4eG]

I think it would be better to buy Costa... He is more right winger, but he can play amost everywhere in attack, he is younger and as for me he is similar to Nani, because of his wonderful shot from the left, he can add speed on the rigtht, and that`s what we need, especially if we want to play 442

[chelsea fan forever]

Costa is quality but he is going to united.

[Blue RebelZ]

Costa is way too hyped and inconsistent.

[Voff4eG]

He is not hyped, he is rather good actually... I have an opportunity to watch Shakhtar in national leage and he is rather good

[Alec_Cobas]

I know Daily Star isn't the most reliable source, but...

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian.

Roman Abramovich is ready to press ahead with a Chelsea summer spending spree, despite preparing to sack Carlo Ancelotti, by making a £13m bid for the Brazilian.

In-demand attacking midfielder Willian is one of the billionaire owner’s top summer targets as he bids to inject fresh, young blood into the Blues’ ageing squad.

Abramovich signalled his intent to win the race for the 22-year-old by dispatching a delegation led by his personal assistant to Ukraine to open talks with Shakhtar.

Marina Granovskaia has been placed in charge of many of Abramovich’s priority transfer dealings and her involvement in the discussions with Shakhtar is a sign of Chelsea’s determination to get a deal for Willian done.

Ukranian champions Shakhtar have already signed Willian’s replacement, another Brazilian, Dentinho from Corinthians.

Chelsea’s move for Willian places a question mark over the future of Florent Malouda, who plays in the same role as the Brazilian.

Premier League runners-up Chelsea have been forced into action due to the growing interest in Willian.

He joined from Corinthians in 2007, and helped them reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time this season.

Arsenal view Willian as a potential replacement for Samir Nasri.

Arsenal will look to sell Nasri this summer if the Frenchman, whose current contract runs out next year, snubs a new deal.

Spurs and Liverpool have also been tracking Willian along with Barcelona.

[Smirnoff Experience]

That's also in the Daily Mail. Says pretty much the same as the Daily Star article.

I've never seen him play so I don't know how good he is.