Fulham FC have announced that ten of their players will be released when their contracts expire at the end of June. This decision is part of the club’s preparations for the 2023/24 season and includes some notable names such as Joe Bryan, Shane Duffy, and Paulo Gazzaniga.
Joe Bryan, who has made 117 appearances for the club, including two promotion campaigns, and had spent the last season on loan at Ligue 1 Nice, is among those set to depart. Shane Duffy, the former Brighton centre-back, and Paulo Gazzaniga, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Girona, are also on the list of players to be released.
However, it’s not all departures at Craven Cottage. Willian, the former Chelsea and Arsenal man, who contributed five goals and six assists in 30 games last season, is among the five out-of-contract Fulham players who have been offered new deals. The others include Neeskens Kebano, Luciano D’Auria-Henry, Stefan Parkes, and Devan Tanton.
In addition, Fulham has activated one-year extension options for Ibane Bowat, Martial Godo, and Jay Williams. These decisions reflect the club’s strategic planning as they look to build on their successful return to the Premier League, where they finished tenth in their first season back in the top-flight.
However, the future of star midfielder Joao Palhinha remains a concern for most Fulham fans. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon for £20million at the beginning of last season, has been linked with a move to West Ham. His sensational performances have also attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United.
As the dust settles on these announcements, it’s clear that Fulham is entering a new era. With a mix of departures and potential new contracts, the club is shaping its squad for the future, aiming to build on the successes of the past season. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the club’s performance in the 2023/24 season.
