Willian leaves Grêmio after quiet spell, echoing subdued Corinthians return | OneFootball

Grêmio have terminated Willian’s contract early, ending his short stint in Porto Alegre. The 38-year-old leaves after a quiet spell that mirrors his second return to Corinthians in 2021 and 2022.

According to Globo.com, he was announced in September 2025 on a deal to year-end, but it was cut short. He debuted in a Gre-Nal at Beira-Rio, assisting André Henrique in a 3-2 Brasileirão win.

In only his third outing he suffered a right-foot injury that sidelined him for almost two months. He did not reappear until round 36 of the Brasileirão.

In 2026 under Luís Castro he began on the bench and featured regularly, then was stood down in late March to treat a chronic right thigh tendon issue. He returned about a month later without securing a regular place.

He made six further appearances, three from the start. His last official game was on 17 July against Mirassol, when he came on at half-time.

His Grêmio totals were 28 matches, 1,433 minutes, two goals, both penalties, and five assists.

At Corinthians, the academy graduate also departed early after 45 games and one goal, later saying he was disappointed and that social media threats to his family prompted the exit.

He then spent two seasons at Fulham, had a brief stint at Olympiacos, returned to Fulham, then joined Grêmio. Now a free agent, he has nine Brasileirão outings and can still move to another Série A side, with a 12-match limit, though he prefers to play abroad.

Source: Globo.com

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