It is confirmed Fulham striker Rui Fonte has left Craven Cottage for SC Braga.
It's reported a deal is close to being agreed, which will consist of Fonte returning to his former team on a free transfer and Fulham receiving 30% of any future transfer fee.
Fonte scored three goals and supplied five assists for Fulham in twenty-nine appearances. Fonte was deemed surplus to requirements last season, by joining Lille on loan where he scored one goal in twenty appearances and has been again this year.
With such a fringe player leaving Craven Cottage, there are key advantages to this potential deal.
Not needed squad member
The main benefit for Fulham is that they have been able to get a deal for a fringe player that was taking up an important squad place and wages. After the debacle last season, off-loading any unneeded wage bills will be an important part to the rest of Fulham's transfer window manoeuvres.
In addition to removing his wages, Scott Parker now has one less player to concern himself with in the attacking areas. With Ivan Cavalerio, Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Reid, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara all ahead of him, there was little point to keeping Fonte on their books.
Additional financing help
While there is no transfer fee involved, the 30% sell-on fee clause is a good supplement to have if the club needs any additional financial help in the future.
The wastage of £100m last year will cause an astronomical effect on their finances if they do not get promotion in the next 2-3 years. If the worst happens, and Braga sells Fonte again, the sell-on clause could prove to be pivotal.
Youth
Another advantage to Fulham allow Fonte to leave is it will open a squad space for any youth player that may impress manager Scott Parker.
In the early rounds of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, managers tend to rotate their team to avoid injuries and give game time to players who the manager feels deserves a chance. By off-loading Fonte, it could open a space for a youth player to impress Parker and break into the team.