Sep 11, 2018; Landover, MD, USA; Brazil midfielder Willian (19) controls the ball past El Salvador defender Juan Barahona (17) in the second half during an international friendly soccer match at FedEx Field. Brazil won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

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Veteran Winger Willian Returns to Brazil With Gremio

Former Fulham winger Willian has reached a verbal agreement to return to Brazil, signing an 18-month contract with Gremio. Willian’s deal with Gremio will run until the end of 2026 and will see the 37-year-old bring his vast experience back to his homeland after a long career in Europe.

Willian had been considering another season in the Premier League following the end of his Fulham contract last May. As a free agent, he remained eligible to join an English club outside the transfer window. However, Willian instead opted for a move to Porto Alegre.

Willian To Undergo Medical on Thursday

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Willian is now set to travel to Brazil to complete his medical before officially signing with Gremio. The former Fulham winger has agreed terms on an 18-month contract running until the end of 2026. It will mark his return to Brazilian football after more than a decade in Europe.

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🚨🔵⚫️ Willian will travel today to Brazil in order to undergo medical and sign in as new Gremio player!

Deal done with former Fulham winger. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/VJl9zz3XAA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2025

Willian featured in ten Premier League games for Fulham last season during his second stint at the club, having also played for the Cottagers between 2022 and 2024. Willian has been capped 70 times by Brazil, having made 327 Premier League appearances across spells with Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham. He has also previously played for Corinthians and Shakhtar Donetsk. Though MLS and Saudi clubs also expressed interest in the Brazilian, Willian is now set to close out his career in Brazil.

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Gremio currently sit 13th in the Brazilian Serie A table with just six wins from 21 matches. The club will hope that Willian’s creativity and leadership can boost their attack and help them reach the upper half of the table. Their next fixture is against Mirassol after the international break, and it remains to be seen if the veteran winger will feature in that match.

Gremio

Willian

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.