The tricky issue of Marco Silva's release clause

It has been a month since Silva was offered a new deal at Fulham. Is the clause the blocker?

Since I last sat down to write about our beloved Fulham, there have been ups and downs. But one thing remains consistent: Fulham’s board and Marco Silva are yet to agree on the terms of a renewal. As I predicted, the signature remains elusive. Marco had earned the right to a new deal, but now it’s being discussed, we are yet to see both sides reach and agreement.

Marco suggests that he has given the board no hint that he wants to leave. Yet the absence of any real confirmation leaves me wondering: does a person who isn’t saying they want to leave, actually want to stay?

Saying you don’t want to leave, but failing to commit to staying, is a sign of Marco’s ambition. Make no mistake, Marco has done an incredible job for us. Fulham can beat anyone on their day and his record in SW6 speaks for itself.

There will be elements of negotiations that could become sticking points. Particularly when discussing the renewal of the release clause that has been in his contract since 2023. It’s reported that it currenty sits somewhere between £10m to £15m. It is this clause that has probably kept him at Fulham - or certainly played a role. It has arguably helped to create stability under Marco. A good move by the club’s hierarchy then?

Marco has reportedly interviewed for the Manchester United job since signing that extension in 2023. He also attracted interest from Spurs and Saudi Arabia. For a manager who attracts big clubs, would it be sensible to renew that clause for another three years? Or is it Fulham standing in his way when it comes to his career? It’s effectively a transfer fee we’re talking about here.

Some fans may even be saying “raise the fee”. It would tie him even tighter to Fulham, making it even harder for a club to come along and poach him. But if Fulham have attempted to raise it, there’s every chance Marco says it’s too onerous. We know how players act when they want to move on. I for one wouldn’t want Marco to get frustrated at a club that he may feel has a ceiling.

Another alternative is to remove the clause entirely. Unshackle him. But obviously, once that happens, the club - and Marco - must deliver. Fulham would have to back the boss in the market. If they did, it might well persuade him to stay. But it would also remove Marco’s financial safety net should the club terminate the deal due to results.

So as the weeks roll on, watch this space. Fulham might claim his bad start to the season warrants a lesser commitment, hence the timing of the offer. Marco will be saying the board delaying investment has led to a backwards step.

For the record, I suspect the buy-out clause may change to a certain degree. Is it fair to tie a manager to his position, and then fail to back him to the hilt? And equally, if the club decides to call time on the relationship, they need to be wary of cost.

Time is running out - this impasse is having an impact on the season. With the lights about to go up in the most hectic period, I anticipate a brilliant show ahead, so make it happen, team Khan.