Monday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/26...

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Results

Sunday 30/08
Chelsea	4-3	Brighton
Leeds	1-1	Brentford
Sunderland	1-0	Fulham
Man Utd	5-2	Ipswich

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Sunderland 1-0 Fulham
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa criticised his team's attitude, commitment and desire after defeat by Sunderland, whose first Premier League win of the season came courtesy of substitute Wilson Isidor's strike.

Isidor came on in the 64th minute and made a decisive impact in a scrappy game of few clear-cut chances.

He nearly scored when found unmarked in a central position in the penalty area, only to hit the foot of the left post after the opportunity had been created by Granit Xhaka and Enzo le Fee.

Isidor, who got a goal for Haiti during the summer's World Cup, then made it 1-0 in the 75th minute.

The breakthrough came when fellow substitute Habib Diarra did superbly with a rapid run down the right wing and Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno could not gather his low cross, with Isidor able to convert to put the Black Cats ahead.

A furious Arbeloa, after only his third competitive match in charge of Fulham, said he "didn't like the attitude of my team" and added: "We didn't even fight, we didn't run, poor technical level. We were not in the game."

Fulham were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea on the first weekend of the season, in a thrilling game.

"Against Chelsea at home, it's easy to run and fight but you have to do it every game," said Arbeloa.

"It's about the character, the mentality, and ambition. We didn't win any second balls. We want to be competitive, it's the most important thing for a team. We were not at our level - we need to show something more."

Fulham put in a disappointing performance and could not break through an organised and hard-working Sunderland defence, failing to produce a shot on target.

It means the Cottagers have lost both of their Premier League matches so far.

Sunderland analysis: Strong defence from Black Cats
The first half lacked quality, with both sides guilty of wasting good positions with poor final passes or lack of composure in front of goal.

Sunderland created a good chance in only the fifth minute when Xhaka spread play with a pass out wide and Thomas Meunier put a cross into the penalty area, only for Trai Hume to fail to connect with the ball from 10 yards out.

The Black Cats finished seventh in the Premier League last season, to earn a first shot at a European competition since 1973-74, when they went out of the Cup Winners' Cup in the second round.

Despite conceding a last-minute goal to lose 2-1 at promoted Ipswich in their opener, with former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke scoring the winner, Friday's Europa League draw lifted the mood.

A dream away tie at Italian giants AC Milan on 10 December is something for Sunderland fans to relish, with home games against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia, Polish side Jagiellonia and Levski Sofia of Bulgaria, along with further trips to Portugal (Torreense), Poland (Lech Poznan) and Belgium (Anderlecht).

But one of the big questions for Sunderland fans is how their squad will cope when they have a minimum of eight extra fixtures and regularly have to play on Thursday and then Sunday.

After losing at Ipswich, it was important the Black Cats picked up three points here and they managed to do that, with Xhaka the outstanding player with his long-range passing and inspirational leadership.

At Portman Road, individual mistakes had proved costly, but boss Regis le Bris had reason to be delighted by the team effort against Fulham and the way his side defended.

Nordi Mukiele and Romaine Mundle typified that resolute spirit with last-ditch blocks to help shut out Fulham.

"It's good to be back at home and win again," said Le Bris.

"The Premier League is really demanding and we faced a really good team. The lads did really well to manage their threat and create opportunities up the other side."

Fulham analysis: Plenty to ponder for Arbeloa
Former Real Madrid boss Arbeloa took over at Fulham after Marco Silva's June departure, and his side scored five goals in their first two competitive matches.

After the defeat by Chelsea and then a 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup against League One side AFC Wimbledon, this time the goals did not flow.

Arbeloa, his players and Fulham's fans will all have been left frustrated. Despite having 58.4% of possession, the Cottagers frequently got into promising positions and were let down by a final pass or lack of composure in front of goal.

Their best chance dropped to Josh King when the game was goalless. Unmarked when played in by Alex Iwobi, King could only shoot wastefully over.

Striker Gonzalo Garcia joined from Real Madrid in early August and scored in both of Fulham's first two matches, but he was among those to disappoint on Wearside.

He failed to test home goalkeeper Robin Roefs, with Garcia's best two chances being charged down by firstly Mukiele and then Mundle.

Fulham beat Sunderland home and away last season but now have no points from two games. They will be looking to get their first league win next Saturday at home against Crystal Palace, another side with two defeats from two matches.

The transfer window closes on Tuesday and the lack of threat up front may convince Arbeloa that his side need further attacking options if they are to match or improve upon last season's 11th-placed finish.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cq8e3lw3rk3pt

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Post-Sunderland Press Conference
Álvaro Arbeloa knows improvements are needed if his Fulham side are to have a successful season in the Premier League.

It was a relatively even contest on the whole in Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, but a greater cutting edge from the hosts saw them eke out a 1-0 win.

"It wasn't our game, for sure," our Head Coach admitted. "We were far from our level. We were talking during the half-time, that obviously you can have some bad days or even come here in a difficult stadium against a European team, and maybe you have a bad day with the ball, like it was in the first half, but you need to put more energy, better attitudes, better mentality.

"So, we improved during the first 20-25 minutes of the second half, but then we concede a [shot off the] post, and four minutes later the goal. So yes, we need to improve in many things of our game, soon.

"And the first thing is that we need to know what you have to do to win games – put more energy and, like I said, better mentality and attitude as a team. And yes, we need to demand more from ourselves."

A further frustration was that Sunderland had given us a warning sign shortly before the goal when Wilson Isidor struck the post, with the forward making no such mistake soon after when presented with a similar chance.

"The first one was after we lost the ball. We know that we need to control the counter attacks, especially from the people that is far from the ball.

"And yes, the next one we try to press, and you need to be aware and keep the line, and try to block the runners. I know it's not easy, but when you press higher you are taking some risks, that we want to take, and we need to defend much better in those situations."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/30/post-sunderland-press-conference/

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Fulham lose at Sunderland and wait for first point under Arbeloa
Wilson Isidor's winner saw off Fulham, leaving them still waiting for their first Premier League point under new boss Alvarao Arbeloa.

In a game of few chances, Josh King had one for Fulham in the first half but fired over.

Arbeloa made a double change early in the second half, sending on Shea Charles and Ryan Sessegnon in an attempt to get his team going.

But it was Sunderland who broke the deadlock courtesy of Isidor – shortly after the striker missed a great chance when he hit the post after being set up by Enzo Le Fee.

Habib Diarra broke down the right and delivered a fine ball to the striker, who this time made no mistake.
Fulham: Leno, Castagne (Sessegnon 68), Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Berge (Kevin 83), Iwobi, King, Bobb (Charles 68), Gonzalo, Palacios (Smith Rowe 77)
Subs not used: Lecomte, Cuenca, Reed, Zepa, Muniz.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sunderland-v-fulham-final-report

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Sunderland 1-0 Fulham: Wilson Isidor decisive as Alvaro Arbeloa's wait for first league win goes on
Cottagers could not find their rhythm on Wearside

Sunderland claimed their first win of the season as they edged out Fulham 1-0 thanks to Wilson Isidor's goal, just days after he signed a new contract with the Black Cats.

Brought off the bench midway through the second half, Isidor rattled the post when it was easier to score before converting a similar chance with 15 minutes left at the Stadium of Light.

The 26-year-old's finish in the same week he committed to Sunderland until 2030 ensured the Wearsiders claimed their first win against the Cottagers in six matches, stretching back to December 2017.

Regis Le Bris' side started their campaign last weekend with a last-gasp defeat at Ipswich, where former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke scored the winner, but they held on here to claim victory.

It was a drab contest for large spells, with Sunderland showing more energy although Fulham, who were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea in their curtain-raiser, saw Josh King spurn a couple of first-half chances.

Fulham conceded after just 31 seconds against the Blues but they were more cohesive at the back early on, even if Sunderland had the first opportunity.

Granit Xhaka's cross-field pass was expertly cut back by Thomas Meunier into the path of Trai Hume, who could not connect with the ball as a decent chance in a cagey first quarter of an hour went begging.

While Sunderland pressed the action, they rarely looked like cutting through and it was Fulham who came closest to a first-half strike.

Alex Iwobi's ball over the top saw King ghost into the area, although the 19-year-old's first touch took him away from goal and his left-foot finish from an acute angle sailed harmlessly over.

The teenager had another opening just before half-time but, as he tried to go through on goal, he was nudged off the ball by Nordi Mukiele, restored to Sunderland's defence in place of Luke O'Nien.

Sunderland went up a gear after the break but their final ball was still wanting as Nilson Angulo's cross was just too high for Brian Brobbey, who then headed off-target a short while later.

The home side were susceptible on the counter though, with Mukiele once again riding to the rescue as he forced Garcia wide then blocked the shot.

Cesar Palacios rifled over and Le Bris soon turned to his bench, bringing on Habib Diarra and Isidor, who should have broken the deadlock after 71 minutes.

Another perfectly-weighted ball forward from Xhaka saw Enzo Le Fee direct a first-time low cross to Isidor, but, with the goal gaping, the Haitian's strike came back off the post.

Just a few minutes later, though, Isidor atoned as Sunderland took the lead after their two substitutes combined brilliantly.

Diarra latched on to a long ball down the right and his low cross saw Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno come haring out and make a desperate lunge but Isidor was on hand to get there first and fire into the net.

Substitute Romaine Mundle could have made sure of victory after finding space from Xhaka's ball over the top, only to shoot straight at Leno.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-fulham-result-premier-league-isidor-arbeloa-b1295190.html

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Arbeloa demands 'better mentality' after Fulham defeat
Alvaro Areloa felt Fulham needed to show a better attitude and mentality in their 1-0 loss to Sunderland.

The Whites failed to have a shot on target on Wearside in what was an uninspiring performance.

Fulham have started the new campaign with back-to-back league defeats – and the new head coach highlighted areas where his side need to improve.

He said: "It wasn't our game for sure. We were far from our level.

"We talked at half-time that you can have some bad days, to come here in this stadium versus a European team, maybe have a bad day with the ball, like it was in the first half. But you need to put more energy, better attitude, better mentality.

"We improved during the first 20-25 minutes in the second half and then they hit the post and four minutes later the goal.

"So yes, we need to improve many things of our game for sure.

"The first thing we need to know is to have what it takes to win games, put more energy and, like I said, at the beginning, better mentality and attitude as a team, and yes, we need to demand more from ourselves."

Fulham could be in for a busy couple of days ahead, with the transfer window closing on Tuesday.

They are looking to bring as many as four new players in.

"We are working with the club and we know that we have some days left, and yes we are working to improve the squad for sure," said Arbeloa.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/arbeloa-demands-better-mentality-after-fulham-defeat

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Everton eyeing last-gasp move for Kenny Tete, personal terms agreed
Everton are closing in on signing Fulham full-back Kenny Tete; the Toffees have already agreed personal terms with the Dutch defender.

Everton are targeting Fulham right-back Kenny Tete before the transfer deadline, as per a report from Sky Sports. Personal terms have already been agreed, as David Moyes pushes to complete a late move for the experienced defender.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tete has agreed terms with Everton, leaving negotiations between the two clubs as the remaining hurdle in the proposed transfer. The Toffees are keen to bring in a new right-back and have identified the 30-year-old as their preferred solution.

Moyes's team also sought Tete last summer when his Fulham contract was approaching expiry and came close to securing his services, only for Tete to remain at Craven Cottage. Everton have now returned for the defender, with the manager determined to strengthen the position before the window closes.

Tete could end up joining Everton in the coming days
Moyes has been prioritising established depth over squad size; Tete's Premier League experience fits that brief. The Toffees currently have Nathan Patterson as their specialist right-back, while Jake O'Brien can also fill the position when required.

However, Moyes prefers to use O'Brien in his natural centre-back role and may sell Patterson. That decision has compelled him to use Merlin Rohl as a right-back, which has increased the urgency to recruit another right-back, with Tete emerging as a realistic target in the final days of the window.

Fulham, meanwhile, could be prepared to sanction Tete's departure if their financial demands are met. The Dutchman has fallen behind Timothy Castagne in the pecking order, while the West London club are already working on a potential replacement.

The Cottagers are in active negotiations with Rayo Vallecano for Romanian international Andrei Ratiu, who has emerged as their preferred option to strengthen the right side of their defence. The arrival of Ratiu would further reduce the need to retain Tete and could make it easier for Fulham to approve his move.

Tete has been with Fulham since joining from Lyon in 2020 and has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender. The deal hinges on Everton and Fulham agreeing on a fee, though the Cottagers' simultaneous pursuit of Andrei Ratiu could accelerate Tete's departure.

The Merseyside club will therefore hope their agreement with Tete gives them the advantage as they attempt to complete a last-gasp raid for the Dutch defender.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/30/everton-eyeing-last-gasp-move-for-kenny-tete-personal-terms-agreed/

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Tete set for Everton as Fulham look to wrap up Ratiu signing
Kenny Tete is close to a move to Everton for £9m, with Fulham looking to wrap up a deal to sign Andrei Ratiu.

The Dutch full-back almost joined the Toffees last summer after his contract expired at Craven Cottage.

Fulham persuaded him to sign a new three-year deal.

However, a year later, Tete now appears set to sign for David Moyes' side.

He was therefore not in the Fulham squad for their match at Sunderland.

Rayo Vallecano's Ratiu has agreed personal terms and is expected to sign before the transfer window closes.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/tete-set-for-everton-as-fulham-look-to-wrap-up-ratiu-signing

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Sunderland make approach for Kevin Danso, face Fulham battle
Sunderland will look to sign 27-year-old Austrian international Kevin Danso from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Kevin Danso is also the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the final days of the ongoing transfer window, and they have set their sights on the 27-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender. However, Sunderland's entry complicates the issue, as the Black Cats have submitted an enquiry to sign him.

The update comes around Roberto De Zerbi's bombshell comments this weekend, revealing the player's desire to leave Tottenham. As relayed by Sky Sports, the Tottenham manager said, "Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave."

"Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wanted to leave, and the other, Pape Sarr, the same, but he suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train. I love these players, they are great guys but if they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we find other players."

How has Kevin Danso fared at Tottenham so far?
Kevin Danso has had to bide his time since joining Tottenham Hotspur from RC Lens. The North London club initially signed the 27-year-old centre-back on loan from the Ligue 1 outfit in February 2025 before completing a permanent move for £21 million in the subsequent summer transfer window.

While the Austrian international has made over 50 appearances for Tottenham in the last 18 months, he has never been an undisputed first-choice starter. The situation has worsened in the early days of the 2026/27 season, as he has managed only one substitute appearance, though he scored in that outing; the arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi has exacerbated the player's situation.

What next?
Sunderland's interest in Kevin Danso reflects their need for defensive depth. Luke O'Nien is on the wrong side of 30, while Aji Alese faces an uncertain future; participation in four competitions demands competition for starting places. Danso, despite limited starts at Tottenham, offers Premier League experience and a proven centre-back profile.

As for Fulham, the need is equally pressing. The Cottagers lost Issa Diop to Ipswich Town earlier this summer, and recent reports have linked Jorge Cuenca with a move away from the West London club, with SL Benfica vying for his signature. Danso represents a viable target for the final days of the transfer window.

Notably, Danso is not the only centre-back on Sunderland's shortlist. According to TEAMtalk, the Black Cats are also keen on signing Tosin Adarabioyo. Both defenders offer Premier League experience, though Danso's immediate availability may prove decisive.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/30/sunderland-make-approach-for-kevin-danso-face-fulham-battle/

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Newcastle United 'Also In The Picture' As Fulham Hold 'Very Complex' Talks For Attacker
Newcastle United are 'also in the picture' for Roma winger Matias Soule, amid Fulham trying to put together an agreement for him.

Fulham have hit the accelerator on a swoop for Roma's Soule as the end of the transfer window approaches and are looking to get a deal done.

Roma are demanding a fee of €40m for the Argentine wide-man, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer.

Soule's agent is currently in Rome for talks with Roma and, according to Italian journalist Eleonora Trotta, 'the negotiations with Fulham are very complex'.

The Cottagers could well have to cope with competition too as it is suggested Newcastle are 'also in the picture' for Soule.

Newcastle are looking to sign Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo and it is unclear if Soule is viewed as an alternative or whether the Magpies would want him regardless.

At €40m, the deal will be an expensive one for either Premier League side to do, but Soule is available for a late move and options are more limited late in the window.

It was suggested earlier this summer that Soule does prefer a move to the Premier League if he leaves Roma.

His spell at Roma has not been universally well received and earlier this summer, one Italian journalist urged the Giallorossi to sell him.

It now remains to be seen if Roma will offload Soule before the transfer window closes and whether he completes a switch to the Premier League.

The Argentine came through the youth set-up at Juventus, but really made an impact during a loan stint at Frosinone.

He joined Roma in 2024, picking the Giallorossi over Leicester City, who had been looking to take the winger to England.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/08/30/newcastle-united-also-in-the-picture-as-fulham-hold-very-complex-talks-for-attacker/725833/

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Arbeloa: 'We need to improve many things' after Fulham's away defeat
The Fulham head coach commented on another loss, this time on the road at Sunderland.

Alvaro Arbeloa addressed another defeat for Fulham from their first away day of the new campaign.

The Spaniard saw his side end up on the wrong side of the West London derby as they lost 3-2 against Chelsea on Monday at Craven Cottage. They hoped to atone for that result against Sunderland, whom Ipswich Town beat 2-1 last weekend, but the players could not produce the goods on Sunday.

'You have to run, fight, and be narrow'

Wilson Isidor buried a cross from Habib Diarra in the second half, having hit the post from a similar situation a few minutes earlier as Enzo La Fee provided the service from the other side of the field.

Disappointed with the display, Arbeloa seemed to suggest his squad need to sustain their standards game to game — especially as Fulham have a poor away record to address this season. Only Leeds United picked up fewer points on the road last term from the teams that survived in the topflight.

Arbeloa on the Sunderland defeat

"It was a tough game for us. We didn't deserve it. In the second half, the first 20 minutes, we were at a level where we can play football with that energy and focus and the quality we want. Sunderland were better for many minutes. We need to improve many things, especially energy and the attitude.

"If you want to come here and play like you want to play, then you need to have the mentality. It's not easy but we are a new team with new ideas. We will improve with time. We will have ups and downs. We need to realise we need to show more energy and fight for every ball.

"Chelsea is a very tough team but when you face a team like that in your stadium, the motivation is high. You have to do it every single week, we know that.

"It is a target for my team [to improve our away form.] Some days we will play as bad as today but that means you have to run, fight, and be narrow."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/08/30/fulham/1269632-arbeloa-we-need-to-improve-many-things.html

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Fulham rival Crystal Palace in Hugo Larsson chase as talks held
Fulham and Crystal Palace are competing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, with the Swedish midfielder in talks with both clubs as a potential late-window arrival.

According to TEAMtalk, the young midfielder could be a late-window arrival in the Premier League as the London-based sides battle for his signature. The Premier League outfits have held talks with Larsson, with a £25 million price considered sufficient to prise him away from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hugo Larsson, a highly rated Swedish midfielder, remains a key member of the Bundesliga club's squad over the last two to three years, although late interest is now emerging from England. He has made 113 appearances across all competitions since his move from Malmo in 2023.

The Swede was reportedly linked with teams like Manchester United earlier in the summer transfer window, but the interest never matured into a formal approach. Now, clubs like Fulham and Crystal Palace are interested in signing him.

Will Hugo Larsson move to the Premier League?
Larsson was reportedly linked with Crystal Palace recently, with the South London outfit seeking a midfield addition late in the summer transfer window. There were some reported links with Neil El Aynaoui as an option, although with the Moroccan international now set to join RB Leipzig, they may have moved on to Larsson, who appears to be their preferred target.

Fulham, under Alvaro Arbeloa, are targeting a midfield upgrade as part of their lofty campaign ambitions. Larsson has reportedly held talks with both sides to determine which team suits his style. The Swedish international could be made available for a £25 million fee, offering a dynamic midfield addition to either club.

Fulham, with Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi presently occupying midfield roles, could benefit most from Larsson's arrival. The £25 million-rated midfield sensation would strengthen either side's midfield options in what promises to be a competitive campaign.

Crystal Palace, despite having a solid midfield core, face depth challenges across multiple positions as they pursue continental and domestic honours. Pierre Sage may require additional cover to manage the fixture congestion and maintain ambitions across multiple competitions. With the transfer window closing imminently, either Fulham or Crystal Palace must move quickly to secure Larsson's signature by the deadline.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/30/fulham-rival-crystal-palace-in-hugo-larsson-chase-as-talks-held/

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Fulham submit €35m bid to Rennes for Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, but...
Fulham are reported to have tabled a €35m bid to Stade Rennais in their pursuit of Abdelhami Aït Boudlal (20), according to reports in Onze Mondial.

However, this bid – the second submitted by the London club – is said to have been rejected by the Breton club's management, whose priority is reportedly to extend the Moroccan defender's contract, which runs until 2028. Only an offer in the region of €50m could now persuade SRFC to part with the 20-year-old before the transfer window closes.

A product of the Mohammed VI academy, Aït Boudlal joined Rennes in the summer of 2024 and made a name for himself during his loan spell at Amiens SC in 2025. Having made his Ligue 1 debut last season, he has now made 22 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Last November, Aït Boudlal also earned his first senior cap for Morocco, having previously represented the country at various youth levels.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2026/fulham-submit-e35m-bid-to-rennes-for-abdelhamid-ait-boudlal-but/

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'Submitted A New Bid' – Fulham Back For Target But Unsuccessful
Fulham have gone back in with a new offer to sign Rennes centre-back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, but again it has been knocked back by the Ligue 1 club.

The Cottagers have identified the 20-year-old as a top prospect and are trying as hard as they can to bring him to Craven Cottage.

Earlier this summer they put a bid of €28m on the table for Rennes to consider, but saw it rejected by the French side, whose preference is to keep the Morocco international.

Now, with not long left in the window, they have 'submitted a new bid' for Ait Boudlal, according to French outlet Onze Mondial.

The new offer for the defender comes in at €35m plus add-ons, a significant improvement on the first proposal, but it has been rejected.

Rennes are in no mood to let the defensive prospect depart this summer and rather than selling him they are instead focused on locking him down on a new, longer, contract at the club.

Fulham will now have to consider what they want to do and whether it is worthwhile making a third and improved offer for the centre-back.

The Cottagers may well need to switch their attentions elsewhere given just how firm Rennes have been about not cashing in on him.

Ait Boudlal came through the youth system in Morocco's national youth academy and was signed by Rennes in the summer of 2024.

He was sent out to get experience on loan at Ligue 2 side Amiens in the 2025 winter transfer window.

Last term served as his breakthrough at Rennes, with 21 outings across the course of the season and two goals.

Ait Boudlal, whose current deal with Rennes runs until the summer of 2028, has already played twice in Ligue 1 for the club this term.

 

https://insidefutbol.com/2026/08/30/submitted-a-new-bid-fulham-back-for-target-but-unsuccessful/725853/

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Fulham make move to sign Matias Soule
Fulham are pushing hard to sign Argentine attacking sensation Matias Soule from AS Roma before the end of the transfer window.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have contacted AS Roma about signing Argentine winger Matias Soule, as the Premier League club explore a move late in the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has previously attracted interest from Aston Villa and other English clubs. He has established himself as an exciting attacking player in Serie A and could now be offered the opportunity to continue his career in the Premier League.

The young right-winger has 25 goal contributions in his 82 outings for AS Roma, highlighting his growing influence in Italy. The Argentine youth international enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign, as he recorded seven goals and eight assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

His performances contributed to AS Roma securing a top-four finish in Serie A, further increasing his profile in the European transfer market. Soule joined the Giallorossi from Juventus in July 2024 after struggling to establish himself as a regular at the Turin club.

Why is Alvaro Arbeloa interested in Soule?
The move to the Italian capital has proved transformative, with the Argentine gradually developing into an important player for the Giallorossi. Soule's ability to operate primarily on the right wing makes him an appealing target. He can also contribute from a more central role, giving Fulham greater tactical flexibility in the final third.

Soule has only recently established himself as a key part of the Serie A club's plans, and his impressive 2025/26 campaign means the Giallorossi have little reason to rush into selling him. The player's previous links with Premier League clubs demonstrate that his performances have not gone unnoticed in England.

For Fulham, their approach represents an attempt to discover whether a deal can be negotiated before the deadline. Soule would bring Serie A experience, attacking versatility and considerable room for further development to the Premier League.

Despite adding Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios to his squad, Alvaro Arbeloa wants more firepower. With Oscar Bobb the only recognised right-winger, Soule could cover for him as well as compete for the number ten role. If needed, the 23-year-old can also be deployed in deeper roles. He will certainly be a great fit for their setup.

Whether the West London club can turn their initial enquiry into a concrete offer remains to be seen, but their approach has put Soule's future firmly under the spotlight.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/30/fulham-make-move-to-sign-matias-soule/

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Everton closing in on deal for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete
Everton's long search for a right-back has taken them back where they started more than a year ago – Fulham's Kenny Tete.

The are various media reports suggesting that Everton are close to agreeing a fee of £9m for the Dutchman, who was close to signing for the Toffees on a free transfer at the start of the 2025 window.

That deal was seemingly all agreed, but Tete changed his mind at the last minute and instead signed a new three-year deal with the Cottagers.

Everton have not come close to signing another right-back since, with Jake O'Brien gamely filling in for another season, Nathan Patterson appearing sporadically and Seamus Coleman finally calling time on his Everton career in May.

Merlin Rohl has impressed in the position during the first three games of the season, but he is still a midfielder playing out of position.

The search has at times looked desperate, with Guela Doue supposedly the top target but deemed too expensive. Timothy Castagne, also of Fulham, Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz ,Aston Villa's Matty Cash, Celtic's Alistair Johnson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka - now of Aston Villa - have also all been mentioned.

But in keeping with a chaotic 48 hours that saw a shock Harrison Armstrong move to Nottingham Forest kiboshed thanks to fan pressure, Iliman Ndiaye reportedly edge closer to Tottenham and Richarlison head the other way, Tete is now the man (again).

The former Lyon and Ajax player was not in the Fulham squad for Sunday's defeat at Sunderland, a sign that a move might be afoot. The west London club are in talks with Rayo Vallecano over a deal for Romanian full-back Andrei Rațiu, which has seemingly paved the way for Tete to head to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear, whose position is now under scrutiny after a chaotic few days, said in an interview earlier this month that a new right-back was a "top priority" and was "confident" one would be brought in before the deadline.

Sifting back through last summer's targets for a player who has already turned the club down has left the fans feeling a little underwhelmed, but it is at least a specialist right-back who should improve the squad provided he stays fit.

But with 48 hours left of the window and Evertonians still getting their heads round what occurred over a frankly bonkers weekend, there will likely be plenty of twists and turns yet.



https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/everton-2026-27-season-premier-league/82581/everton-closing-in-on-deal-for-fulham-right-back-kenny-tete