Fulham Announce Two Confirmed Exits and Open Talks With Captain Cairney | OneFootball

Fulham Begin Rebuild with Willian and Vinicius Departures

Experienced Duo Leave Craven Cottage

Fulham’s summer overhaul is underway as two experienced members of the squad prepare to leave the club. Both Willian and Carlos Vinicius are set to exit when their current contracts expire at the end of June. Their departures signal a fresh start for Marco Silva’s side, who are now focused on shaping a younger and more dynamic team ahead of the new Premier League season.

Willian’s second stint with the Cottagers saw him contribute significantly, particularly with his experience and composure in tight matches. Over two seasons, he provided technical balance and attacking intelligence in a side that often relied on shape and discipline. His departure, though expected, leaves a gap in terms of leadership and quality in the final third.

Photo IMAGO

Vinicius, meanwhile, found opportunities limited. With other forwards preferred in the pecking order, he struggled for consistent minutes. The decision not to renew his deal reflects a desire to move in a different direction up front, one built on power, pace, and versatility.

Cairney and Tete Offered New Terms

While some are heading for the exit, Fulham are working to retain key figures within the squad. Club captain Tom Cairney has been offered a new contract in a move that underlines his ongoing value both on and off the pitch. As a long-serving player and influential voice in the dressing room, his leadership remains a crucial component of Fulham’s identity.

Right-back Kenny Tete is another player the club hopes to keep. Known for his consistency and defensive awareness, Tete’s presence would provide continuity in an area of the pitch that has been a strength under Silva’s tenure. Retaining experienced figures like Cairney and Tete will be vital in managing the balance between evolution and stability.

Photo: IMAGO

Youth Development Remains Key

Fulham are also putting renewed emphasis on the development of their academy talent. Contract offers have been made to promising young players including Luc De Fougerolles, Callum Osmand and Lemar Gordon. This move reaffirms the club’s commitment to building a pathway from youth to senior football, a strategy that could prove crucial in both financial sustainability and long-term squad depth.

Integrating young talent into the first-team setup is never straightforward in the Premier League, but Fulham have shown signs in recent seasons of being willing to give youth a chance. The next step is ensuring those players are supported with the right coaching, opportunities, and leadership around them.

Silva’s Planning Ahead of Crucial Season

The early activity in the window suggests that Fulham are not standing still. The exits of Willian and Vinicius open space for fresh attacking options, while contract offers to established leaders and young players indicate a deliberate, forward-looking approach. With the top-flight landscape becoming increasingly competitive, Silva will know that clarity, cohesion and recruitment quality are essential.

Fulham’s recent seasons have been built on discipline and structure, but adding more cutting edge in the final third, and depth across the pitch, will be necessary to push forward. The moves made so far suggest the club recognises this. Now, the focus shifts to who comes in next, and whether the blend of youth and experience can take Fulham into a more ambitious phase.