NewsOK member benefits

Anzhi signs Willian from Shakhtar

Published: February 1, 2013 Comment on this article

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala has signed highly coveted Brazilian playmaker Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth €35 million.

photo - FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 file photo Brazilian midfielder Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk in action during a group E Champions League soccer match against Chelsea FC at Donbas Arena stadium in Donetsk, Ukraine. On Feb. 1, FC Shakhtar and FC Anzhi reached an agreement regarding Willian’s move to the Russian club in a euros 35 million ($48 million). (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File)

FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 file photo Brazilian midfielder Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk in action during a group E Champions League soccer match against Chelsea FC at Donbas Arena stadium in Donetsk, Ukraine. On Feb. 1, FC Shakhtar and FC Anzhi reached an agreement regarding Willian’s move to the Russian club in a euros 35 million ($48 million). (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File)

Multimedia

Photoview all photos

Article Gallery: Anzhi signs Willian from Shakhtar

Anzhi said on its website Friday that Willian signed a "long-term" deal with the club and will arrive at its training ground on Saturday.

Shakhtar said on its website Friday that it "thanks Willian for the years spent at the club, for his goals and professionalism. We wish our former player success in his new team."

Willian played a key role in helping Shakhtar reach the knockout round of the Champions League this season, and his departure deals a big blow to the Ukrainian team's chances of overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.

He becomes the latest marquee signing for Anzhi, the big-spending Russian club which is coached by Guus Hiddink and also includes Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.