Grêmio announces veteran midfielder Willian out of club plans

Grêmio confirmed that 37‑year‑old midfielder Willian is no longer part of the squad for the 2026 season. Coach Luis Castro informed the player that he will not be selected for upcoming matches and that the club will seek to terminate his contract, which runs until the end of the year. Willian remains on the payroll and the club is still negotiating outstanding salary and rights payments, while aiming to cut the wage bill from roughly R$ 23 million to R$ 18 million.

Willian, who has featured in 28 games for Grêmio with two goals and five assists and helped win the state championship, is now free to discuss a move abroad, with the United States’ MLS and Middle‑East leagues mentioned as potential destinations. At the same time, Grêmio has announced the signing of Croatian midfielder Filip Krovinović on a contract through 2028 as a direct replacement in the midfield.

Willian will continue training with the squad while his representatives pursue a new club, and the club will handle his registration separately from the first‑team matchday list.