Fulham braced for double exit blow as Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid ponder next moves

Evening Standard

·28 June 2024

Fulham braced for double exit blow as Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid ponder next moves

Attacking duo will soon become free agents, but could both still end up remaining at Craven Cottage

Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are set to become free agents next week, despite Fulham’s best attempts to keep both players.

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The wingers are each out of contract on Monday but have both been offered new contracts to remain at Craven Cottage.

De Cordova-Reid has been offered a two-year deal, while Willian, who turns 36 in August, will only entertain one-year contracts at this stage of his career. Both players look set to become free agents before deciding their futures.

It is understood that Fulham would be willing to keep working on potential new deals for both players even after their employment by the club officially ends on July 1.

Decisions: Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian must both decide on new contract offers from Fulham

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Last summer, Willian let his contract expire at Fulham, considered his options and ultimately agreed a new one-year deal in west London.

Manager Marco Silva is keen to keep both players, especially Willian, but they both have interest from other clubs and are yet to decide their final moves. A number of Brazilian clubs are hopeful of securing Willian's signature.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal man Willian has made 67 appearances and scored 10 goals since joining Fulham in 2022.

De Cordova-Reid, 31, signed for Fulham initially on loan in 2019, and has scored 32 times in 209 appearances for the club. He may not decide his future until he is finished competing in the Copa America with the Jamaican national team.

Fulham have already confirmed that goalkeeper Marek Rodak, currently at Euro 2024 with Slovakia, will leave as a free agent this summer. Leeds see him as a viable replacement if Illan Meslier is sold.

Fulham have also released Tyrese Francois and Terence Kongolo, while centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo let his contract expire and has since joined rivals Chelsea on a free transfer.