Friday Fulham Stuff (20/07/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United Striker Place Transfer Request As Fulham Retain Interest: Should Benitez Let Him Go?



Latest reports confirm that Aleksandar Mitrović has officially asked Newcastle United for a transfer away to Fulham. The Serbian forward no longer wishes to put on the black and white colours and wants to make his switch to Craven Cottage on a permanent basis. Rafael Benitez has seemingly agreed to the sale while putting up a £30m asking price.

In the present market, the 23-year-old might just be worth the lofty sum, especially after his performances for the Lillywhites last term but Fulham are not willing to go beyond £20m. They have already spent big to acquire Maxime Le Marchand and Jean Michael Seri earlier this summer. Adding more quality options is the best way to take up the Premier League challenge next term but dishing out for another big-money move might not be optimal right now.

Mitrovic arrived at Craven Cottage in January and immediately started firing on all cylinders. He racked up 12 goals in 17 Championship appearances to help Fulham gain promotion to the English top-flight.

It was refreshing to see the 23-year-old find his shooting boots and finally be able to prove his doubters wrong, including Benitez himself. Slavisa Jokanovic has managed to extract the best out of the centre-forward and is eager to sign him for the immediate future.



Newcastle miraculously climbed their way up to the 10th spot of the Premier League table after spending the majority of the season near the relegation scraps. Despite Dwight Gayle's shoddy form in front of goal, the former Chelsea manager implemented a strategic masterstroke to win against some of the best teams in the entire league.

Benitez also understands that maybe a similar result cannot be achieved in the coming season if he fails to make additions to the current squad. With Mike Ashley yet to meet his budgetary demands, maybe Mitrovic's sale will give the manager enough leverage to go after quality players.

The 23-year-old probably can be ruled out as a bust at Tyneside but is a potential star in London. His brilliant run of form even earned him a starting spot for his country in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

If he is openly unhappy to play for the Magpies, maybe it is time for Benitez to start lowering his asking fee and to take the best offer available. In the current situation, it can be considered to be the best possible decision for all the parties involved.



https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/newcastle-united-striker-place-transfer-request-as-fulham-retain-interest-should-benitez-let-him-go/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham linked with a move for Milan Badelj

West Ham and Fulham are said to be going head to head over the signing of free agent Milan Badelj.

The experienced midfielder is able to move for free this summer after seeing his contract at Fiorentina reach its expiration at the end of the recently-concluded season.

Badelj played a part for Croatia at the World Cup as they made an unlikely appearance in the final of this summer's competition.



However, his future remains unresolved, with a number of clubs understood to be keen on signing him this summer. According to Italian news outlet TMW, London-based duo West Ham and Fulham are among the potential suitors.

The 29-year-old is believed to be closing in on a move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg, but TMW claim that both West Ham and Fulham are making late efforts to lure him to the Premier League.

Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes are being linked with moves away from the Hammers this summer, indicating that Manuel Pellegrini may be on the lookout for midfielders this summer.



https://readwestham.com/2018/07/19/west-ham-linked-with-a-move-for-milan-badelj/

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Wolves make eleventh hour bid to hijack Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic move?

Fulham are reportedly set to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Premier League Newcastle United - but what about Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Aleksandar Mitrovic appears to be closer to a permanent move to Fulham than ever before.

The Serbian striker scored 12 goals in a prolific loan spell at Craven Cottage in the second half of last season as Slavisa Jokanovic's side eventually earned promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

And The Standard are claiming that Fulham are close to signing him from Newcastle in a deal worth around £20million, with Slavisa Jokanovic confident that a deal for the former Anderlecht target man is all but done.

Fellow Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers, then, are in last-chance saloon if they want to bring Mitrovic to Moline.

The Chronicle stated that Wolves had shown an interest in January and the Northern Echo reported that they were still interested at the start of the summer. Though despite sealing a permanent deal for Leo Bonatini and landing Raul Jimenez on loan, they should not sit and wait while Fulham dot the Is and cross the Ts.

Jimenez is far from a prolific goalscorer, notching just 19 goals in 101 league games for Benfica and Atletico Madrid. Bonatini, meanwhile, hasn't scored since December and is 25 games without a goal in all competitions.

Mitrovic, however, is a player in the form of his life and with Premier League experience to boot. And a prolific centre-forward is one thing missing from Wolves' squad.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/19/do-should-wolves-make-eleventh-hour-bid-to-hi-jack-fulhams-aleks/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Reignite Interest On 22 Y/O Southampton Defender: Right Fit For Jokanovic?



Fulham are prepared to revive their interest on Southampton full-back Matt Targett this summer. According to recent reports, the Cottagers are hoping to re-sign the Saints full-back during this summer transfer period and have increased their offer to £8m in order to get their man. The London side have already seen their initial £5m bid get rejected by the South-coast club and are now confident that they can get the deal over the line with their improved offer.

It is believed that Slaviša Jokanović's side are on the lookout for a new left-back ahead of the new season in the English top-flight and have set their sights on re-signing Targett, who had spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage. The Saints prospect had put in some solid displays at the back under Jokanovic's leadership which has not gone unnoticed by the London outfit.

Hence, they have wasted no time in making an offer for the English starlet with the transfer deadline day fast approaching. Targett has represented the English national team at various youth levels and also has some experience in the English top tier, after making 27 appearances for the Saints in the league so far.

The 22-year-old is exactly the kind of talent who can thrive under the expert stewardship of Jokanovic if given the opportunity to showcase his talents once again at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have managed to seal a return back to the Premier League after winning the Championship playoff final against Aston Villa earlier this year. Jokanovic is in dire need to strengthen his squad if his players are to avoid the drop in the upcoming campaign.

The addition of Targett will definitely bolster Jokanovic's defensive options ahead of the new season. The Cottagers has some talented full-backs such as Cyrus Christie, Maxime Le Marchand and Ryan Sessegnon competing for a place in their starting XI. The potential acquisition of Targett will undoubtedly improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within Jokanovic's squad.

At 22, the Eastleigh-born youngster still has his prime years ahead of him which the Londoners could look to benefit from, in the next few seasons. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Targett and whether he ends up making a switch to South-west London before the start of the new season.



https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/fulham-reignite-interest-on-22-y-o-southampton-defender-right-fit-for-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

2018 Fulham Player Profiles: Denis Odoi
How will the fullback turned center back cope with Premier League football?



Basic Stats: 41 appearances | 33 starts | 8 substitutions | 2,948 minutes | 2 goals | 0 assists

Economics: £900,000 Transfer Fee | Signed: 2017 | Contract Ends in Summer 2019 plus a 1-year option

Stats by Seven-Game sequences

WhoScored Rating Chart

Radar

All data from whoscored.com

Transfermarket Value Chart

From transfermarket.co.uk

CC Thoughts: In his two seasons with Fulham, Denis Odoi has certainly had an eventful tenure. While being advsertised as a fullback on both the left and the right side of the pitch, the former Lokeren player eventually found his way at center back despite not being all that tall. But after losing his spot in the starting XI to Ryan Fredericks, Scott Malone and Ryan Sessegnon last season, Odoi was always willing to do whatever it took to help the club win and, boy, did he do it with flying colours.

That's not to say that Odoi didn't do it without plenty of hardship along the way. He was always known as being a defense-first fullback that didn't provide that much mobility in the position when he arrived at Craven Cottage. However, he was considered a much safer option for Fulham if they were to play teams that knew a thing or two about counter-attacking, so it's not like he lacked any set of skills. It just needed to be honed in an area of the pitch that would best suit him and Fulham's needs.

Enter him playing center back and his inclusion into the position when coming on as a substitute at Reading after Tomas Kalas' early red card. Afterwards, he put in another stellar performance starting in the same position at Leeds United. Odoi went on to start at Fullback 10 times this campaign, but it was his remaining 21 times at center back where he really made his mark.

That doesn't mean that he had some trials and tribulations in his new-found position. Odoi would end up picking up two terrible red cards (the first was at Brentford while the second was against Aston Villa in the playoff final) that really could have costed Fulham promotion. But otherwise, Odoi's mobility during his time as a fullback really came in handy while partnering with Tim Ream to finish off the league campaign. His performance in the second leg against Derby County will stick into the minds of supporters everywhere thanks to his second half goal that put Fulham ahead in the two-legged tie for good. And even after his red card at Wembley, it's as if everyone at the stadium forgot that Fulham were playing with ten men as the rest of Odoi's teammates took their defensive performance up another gear to punch their ticket to the Premier League.

Which leads us to many things. First of all, despite Odoi's heroics, was he really that much of an upgrade to Tomas Kalas at center back and did he simply ride the wave once a few tweaks to the starting XI were implemented (Marcus Bettinelli's addition being among the biggest of those tweaks)? Or was he able to take advantage of the opportunities that Slavisa Jokanovic gave him after a poor run of form by Kalas and no other quality center back options behind him?

Like the rest of his teammates, Odoi will have to prove himself once more now that he will be playing in the top flight of English football. But like the rest of his teammates, Odoi has seen his fair share of adversity and he is willing to go through another round of adversity if that's what it takes.

Key Stat: 2.96 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. Despite only being 5'10", Odoi was able to use his athleticism to claim plenty of headers this campaign. In the end, his success rate in the air is only bettered by two taller and more imposing teammates: Tomas Kalas (3.46 per 90 minutes) and Aleksander Mitrovic (4.41 per 90 minutes).

Your thoughts: So what say you. Is Denis Odoi a Premier League caliber center back after his performances this past season? Or at age 30, this is the most we can get out of the Belgian and it is time for either Maxime Le Marchand or another addition to the squad to take his place? Don't be afraid to share your thoughts in the comments below.




https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/19/17590250/2018-fulham-player-profiles-denis-odoi

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make offer for goalkeeper Fabri from Besiktas, who eye David Ospina - sources

Besiktas are considering a move for Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina following an offer from Fulham for their No. 1 Fabri, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Super Lig outfit have yet to strike a deal for Fabri but have already begun making preparations for their first-choice keeper's potential exit this summer, sources have indicated.

Ospina is on a shortlist of keepers Besiktas have drawn up should the 30-year-old join the recently promoted Premier League side.

The two deals could go in tandem as Besiktas want to avoid selling a key player without lining up a replacement, as was the case when Cenk Tosun was sold to Everton in January.

Sources said Ospina has been offered to Besiktas through his agents and would be prepared to play in the Super Lig next season.

The Colombia international has been considering his options after being relegated to third-choice keeper at Arsenal following the signing of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen. However, agreeing a fee with Arsenal could prove to be a potential stumbling block for Besiktas.


Fabri of Besiktas. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

The Black-Whites are operating on a tight budget this summer because of pressure from UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules to curb spending, as well as the weakening of the Turkish Lira to the Pound and Euro.

Fabri has just 12 months remaining on his contract and has not been offered an extension.

If a move goes ahead, Fulham goalkeeper coach Jose Sambade would be set for his third reunion with Fabri. Sambade previously worked with Fabri at Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas. And the coach is a keen admirer of Fabri and played an important role in convincing the keeper to make the move to Turkey in 2016.

Besiktas finished the 2017-18 Super Lig campaign in fourth place and will compete in the Europa League next season.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3570079/fulham-make-offer-for-goalkeeper-fabri-from-besiktaswho-eye-david-ospina-sources

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham completing this £20m deal could take them straight into the Premier League top-10

Why Fulham will be completing a massive coup by signing Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham will be aiming to make a strong start to their Premier League life as the club embark on a new journey under manager Slavisa Jokanovic. The manager has already completed massive deals for two players.

The Cottagers have signed Nice duo Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand for a combined fee believed to be in excess of £30million. Seri was expected to join another top club but made headlines by arriving at the Craven Cottage.

The club have also been linked with Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic over the last few days. Fulham are reportedly interested in prizing away the out of favour striker from St. James' Park.

He enjoyed a successful loan spell with Fulham last season and the club want to make the move permanent this time around. Fulham are said to be close to completing a £20million deal for the player. Turkish outfit Fenerbahce has also shown a keen interest in acquiring his services but the Cottagers are in pole position to do so.

Newcastle will be more than willing to accept a £20million deal after signing the striker for £13million back in 2015. Rafa Benitez has been working on a limited budget and could certainly use some funds for himself.

Mitrovic arguably played the best football of his career under Slavisa Jokanovic last year. He made a total of 20 appearances for the Cottagers in the championship last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 1 assist. He also scored a goal each in the Premier League and FA Cup for the Magpies before making his move to the Craven Cottage.

The 23-year-old Serbian has a number of impressive traits and qualities to go on and become a top Premier League striker. He is a clinical finisher inside the box and a menace. The striker is constantly on the move in the final third, keeping the defenders on their toes at all times.

He also poses a huge aerial threat from set-pieces. Mitrovic is strong and capable in the air. The striker boasted an average of 4.1 shots per game in the Championship last season.

Fulham have already broken their transfer record in their successful pursuit of Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand.

The club seem ready to break the bank to sign the Serbian. He would complete a very successful and fruitful transfer business for the manager as they bid to make a strong start to their Premier League journey next season.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/20/fulham-completing-this-20m-deal-could-take-them-straight-into-the-premier-league-top-10/

[WhiteJC]

 
Do it Poch – Tottenham cannot afford to lose to Fulham in the race to sign this mercurial Brazilian attacker

Why Spurs must lose out on Malcom despite interests from Fulham

The World Cup fever is finally over with France clinching the ultimate glory, defeating Croatia in a highly-entertaining final and the clubs, across Europe, will now dive into the transfer market with more aggression and intent to lure their preferred options.

Tottenham Hotspur, an admirable European force under Mauricio Pochettino, are significantly quiet so far in the ongoing summer window. The current squad has done enough to claim a Champions League berth thrice in a row and Daniel Levy will be keen on keeping hold of his key resources to replicate a similar show.

The North Londoners were linked to a move for Brazilian hotshot Malcom back in January following his exquisite run of form with Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux but will face stern competition from fellow London rivals Fulham this term, who returned to Premier League under Slavisa Jokanovic.

Although Spurs seem to have fallen behind, multiple offers have been tabled for the 21-year-old wide attacker and the Cottagers are rumoured to have locked horns with the Serie A giants Inter Milan to acquire his service.

The statement from the West Londoners is pretty clear as they are on a mission of salvaging their lost pride with marquee recruits and Tottenham, who are supposed to chase silverware after years of title drought, should not lose it out to the Premier League new boys.

Malcom, predominantly a right-winger, netted 12 times and assisted 7 in 35 league outings last season and is regarded as a huge prospect in Brazil's next generation. He should be eyeing a more ambitious move now to uplift his game and Tottenham's profile will indubitably lure him.

Pochettino is known for raising the youth and handing them opportunities to shine, thus, must bring out the best in him and slot the Selecao sensation down the right flank, allowing Christian Eriksen to operate in a central attacking role.

Dele Alli should be utilised in a slightly deeper role due to his combative and physical traits and the presence of Heung-min Son on the other flank will help Spurs to penetrate more and terrorise opponents' defensive line with more attacking opportunities for the talismanic Harry Kane.

Spurs, therefore, should pursue their interest in the starlet, who ticks all the boxes to fit Pochettino's brand of football and will eventually become a renowned name in world football if he continues to progress in a proper environment.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/20/do-it-poch-tottenham-cannot-afford-to-lose-to-fulham-in-the-race-to-sign-this-mercurial-brazilian-attacker/