The only possible way out of the signing fee is to let the contract run out and then sign him back up. It may or may not work, but you definitely have to pay the fee if you sign the contract now. If nothing else, this will reduce the signing fee because the player's value will be reduced. There is no difference to the length of the contract whenever you sign it. My one question is, do his previous skill points carry over after his contract runs out and you offer him a brand new one at the start of next season?