📰 Fulham Make the Call: Tete, Cairney, and Willian Among Key Contract Talks…

📰 Fulham Make the Call: Tete, Cairney, and Willian Among Key Contract Talks…

 

Fulham have begun the final stages of a major contract reshuffle this summer, with decisions now made on six senior players whose deals were set to expire this month. Among the most notable names involved in the discussions were Kenny Tete, Tom Cairney, and Willian, all of whom have played key roles in Fulham’s recent Premier League resurgence.

According to sources close to the club, Kenny Tete will leave on a free transfer, ending his four-year spell at Craven Cottage. The Dutch full-back is understood to have agreed terms with Everton, where he’ll sign a three-year deal.

Club captain Tom Cairney, meanwhile, has been offered a one-year extension with a reduced role, including responsibilities as a mentor to the club’s rising midfield talents. Negotiations are ongoing, and Cairney is reportedly weighing offers from the Championship and abroad.

Veteran winger Willian has not been offered a renewal, with the club opting to free up wage space to pursue younger, high-energy options on the wing. The Brazilian, now 36, made 21 league appearances last season but was used primarily from the bench.

🗣️ “These decisions are never easy, especially with players who’ve contributed so much to Fulham’s journey,” a club insider told West London Football. “But this summer represents a strategic reset, not just sentiment.”

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🔁 Players Retained

In contrast, Fulham have activated one-year extensions for:
• Harry Wilson
• Adama Traoré
• Raúl Jiménez

All three are expected to remain involved in first-team plans for the 2025/26 campaign, with Silva praising their professionalism and experience.

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🧩 Squad Transition in Motion

The moves signal a shift toward renewal and long-term planning. With targets like Zinchenko and Ricardo Pepi on the radar, Marco Silva appears to be building a squad that can sustain Fulham’s Premier League status and push for top-half consistency.

More announcements are expected in the coming weeks as Fulham finalize their summer transfer blueprint.

🔁 Midfield Makeover – Wilson’s Fresh Role

July 1, 2025 — Fulham

Following his contract extension, Harry Wilson is now set to occupy a hybrid midfield role. Training ground insiders reveal Marco Silva plans to use him as a “press-reset specialist” — sealing space and initiating attacks in transition. Wilson has also been given a club ambassador role to connect with Fulham’s growing Welsh fan community.

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🛡️ Defensive Depth – Hunt for Centre-Back Reinforcement

July 2, 2025 — London

With the backline undergoing scrutiny, Fulham have targeted Kervin Melo, a 23‑year‑old Dutch defender from AZ Alkmaar. The club are preparing a £7 million offer, touting him as a long-term partner for Tosin Adarabioyo―offering height, ball-playing skills, and Eredivisie pedigree.

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🗣️ Captaincy Uncertainty – Ream’s Leadership

July 3, 2025 — Fulham HQ

Despite stepping back from international duty, Tim Ream is ambiguous on his future at Craven Cottage. As interim captain duties shift between Ream, Palhinha, and Trent Alexander-Arnold (new signing), the club are said to be holding off on naming a permanent leader, preferring to assess synergy in pre-season.

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🎯 Transfer Radar – English U-21 Target Emerges

July 4, 2025 — Fulham Scouting Department

Fulham scouts are tracking Ethan Pike, a dynamic England U‑21 midfielder from Preston North End. A player source suggests Fulham are preparing a £12 million bid, viewing Pike as a “tactical injector” likely to compete with Palhinha and Wilson for a starting role.

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🔧 Tactical Brief – Pre-season Kit Reveal

July 5, 2025 — Club Announcement

Ahead of the Algarve training camp, Fulham have revealed their new pre-season kit — clean, all-white with red trim inspired by Craven Cottage’s riverside setting. Club designers say it “symbolises a fresh start under Silva,” and merchandise is due to launch on July 7.

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✨ Snapshot Summary:
• Wilson: Tactical and ambassadorial role
• Defensive Target: Dutch centre-back linked
• Captaincy: Still open—Ream/PALH/AA‑A in contention
• Youth Addition: Engaging England U‑21 midfielder
• Kit Launch: New pre-season design unveiled

Following weeks of internal evaluation, Fulham have now finalized their decisions on the futures of six senior players whose contracts were set to expire this summer. While some are set for new chapters, others will remain at the club in newly defined roles.

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🔚 Confirmed Exits: Tete & Willian Say Goodbye
• Kenny Tete: After four years and 122 appearances, the Dutch full-back is heading to Everton on a free transfer. Sources reveal Tete was offered a one-year extension by Fulham but chose a longer-term deal at Goodison Park.

🗣️ “Fulham has been my home, but the time felt right for a new challenge,” Tete said in a farewell message.

• Willian: The 36-year-old Brazilian winger will also depart after two seasons. Despite scoring four goals in 2024/25, the club opted not to renew his deal due to age and shifting tactical plans.

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🟡 Pending: Tom Cairney’s Captaincy Legacy in Limbo

Club captain Tom Cairney has been offered a player-coach hybrid deal, allowing him to transition into the coaching staff while remaining registered as a player. Fulham hope Cairney, a fan favourite and veteran of their promotion journey, accepts the offer by the end of June.

🗣️ “Tom is Fulham through and through. We want his legacy to grow beyond the pitch,” said manager Marco Silva.

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✅ Extensions Activated: Wilson, Jiménez, Traoré Stay

Fulham have triggered one-year contract extensions for:
• Harry Wilson – expected to play a hybrid midfield-winger role
• Raúl Jiménez – valued for experience off the bench
• Adama Traoré – seen as an impact sub in tight matches

Silva praised all three for their professionalism and willingness to embrace changing roles in a reshaped squad.

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📊 The Bigger Picture

These decisions reflect Fulham’s push toward a younger, more dynamic squad capable of challenging for a top-half Premier League finish. With key targets like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ricardo Pepi in advanced discussions, the club is carefully balancing experience with evolution.

💔 Farewell Tributes: Tete & Willian Say Goodbye to Craven Cottage

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🇳🇱 Kenny Tete – The Silent Warrior Bids Farewell

122 appearances. 4 seasons. 1 promotion. Countless tackles.

Kenny Tete arrived quietly from Lyon in 2020 but quickly became one of Fulham’s most consistent and trusted full-backs. Whether fending off wingers or making overlapping runs, Tete’s defensive intelligence and calm presence made him a fan favourite.

🗣️ “It’s never easy to say goodbye. Fulham gave me a home when I needed it most. I leave with nothing but respect and love for the badge and the people. Craven Cottage will always feel like family.”
— Kenny Tete

He now begins a new chapter at Everton, but his contribution to Fulham’s recent resurgence will be remembered for years.

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🇧🇷 Willian – A Touch of Class Comes to an End

Having arrived as a veteran voice in 2023, Willian brought elegance, experience, and quiet leadership to Fulham. His time may have been short, but his impact — especially in cup fixtures and key moments off the bench — was lasting.

🗣️ “This club gave me joy in the twilight of my career. I hope I gave Fulham fans memories to smile about. Obrigado, from my heart.”
— Willian

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🎙️ Player Reactions: Cairney & Wilson Speak

🏴 Tom Cairney — Reflecting on Loyalty & Transition

Still in talks over a player-coach role, the Fulham captain shared his thoughts on the club’s transition:

🗣️ “Fulham is my life. If this is a new chapter as a mentor or coach, I’ll give it the same love I gave the shirt every matchday. I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s coming.”

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🏴 Harry Wilson — On Staying & Stepping Up

Fresh off a one-year extension, Wilson spoke on his renewed role in Silva’s plans:

🗣️ “I’ve matured at Fulham. It’s more than just about minutes — it’s about moments. I’m ready to take responsibility and help the club keep rising.”