Sunday Fulham Stuff (29/07/18)...

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:33:09 AM

Fulham should sign Espanyol's Aaron Martin who could leave for £10.5m fee

Fulham are in the market for a left-back as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Fulham are still keen on signing Southampton left-back Matt Targett though their chances now appear to be slimmer so far into the summer transfer window.

With the new Premier League season just around the corner and the Saints' apparent refusal to allow the left-back to re-join Fulham where he spent last season on loan, it could now be time to move on.

The Cottagers have made four new signings this summer, but they are still short in certain areas and a left-back is no doubt a priority for boss Slavisa Jokanovic, as they would want to keep Ryan Sessegnon further up the pitch.

As it looks like a deal for Southampton's Targett is difficult to do, the west London club would be wise to seek other alternatives and one player who could be even better for a moderate fee is Espanyol's Aaron Martin.

A fresh report in Mundo Deportivo claim the Spain U21 international is attracting interest from the likes of Napoli and German club Mainz 05, while Espanyol are holding out for a 12 million euros fee (£10.5 million).

Such a figure is a potential bargain for a player who has already made over 60 appearances for the club while featuring for an excellent Spanish U21 side six times.

The 21-year-old has a huge amount of potential and considering Napoli's reported interest in him, he has all the ingredients to go to the very top and that's exactly the sort of player Fulham should be targeting.

The Cottagers will have aspirations to establish themselves as a top 10 Premier League club, but first and foremost they must make sure they preserve their top-flight status and to do so they need more players.

Martin made 32 La Liga appearances last term and is a forward-thinking player who loves to join the attack and put crosses into the box – ideal for Fulham's possession-based attacking style of play.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/28/tt-fulham-should-sign-espanyols-aaron-martin-who-could-leave-for/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:37:55 AM

Fabri can be ideal for FPL rotation

The Scout on how managers can combine Fulham signing with another goalkeeper to profit from home fixtures

Are you on the lookout for a cut-price goalkeeper in Fantasy Premier League?

Fabri (£4.5m) could be your man.
The numbers

Fulham's new signing arrives from Besiktas having been voted the best goalkeeper in the Turkish Super Lig in each of the last two seasons.

He earned 25 clean sheets in 66 league appearances in that period, conceding 57 goals.

And his total of 99 saves last season was bettered by only nine FPL goalkeepers.

Fabri will compete with Marcus Bettinelli (£4.5m) for a starting role and the Spaniard's stats appear to give him the edge.

Fabri v Bettinelli

2017/18	Fabri	Bettinelli
Mins/save	30.9	40.1
Mins/goal conceded	102.0	130.5
Mins/clean sheet	255.0	186.4

Home clean sheets

Most of Fulham's clean sheets in their promotion campaign came at home.

Nine of their 15 shutouts last season were recorded at Craven Cottage.

And a good run of opening home fixtures promotes investment in their defensive options.

Between Gameweeks 1-20, only one of Fulham's 10 home matches scores more than three in the Fixture Difficulty Ranking (FDR).

How to gain

And if you find the right second goalkeeper for your FPL squad, managers can take full advantage of those home fixtures.

Jordan Pickford (£5.0m) and Alex Smithies (£4.5m) are two such options. Everton and Cardiff City's fixtures work well with Fulham's.

By rotating Fabri with one of Pickford or Smithies FPL managers can guarantee a home match for their starting goalkeeper for the majority of Gameweeks.

Seven of the Toffees' 10 clean sheets last season were at Goodison Park, while the Bluebirds claimed 11 of their 19 clean sheets at home.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/788857

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:42:12 AM

2018/19 Fulham Season Preview

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Fulham Manager Slavisa Jokanovic celebrates with the trophy during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium on May 26, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Offside/Getty Images)

Fulham return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2013/14 season after winning promotion via the Championship play-offs last season. Tom Cairney scored the solitary goal in the Wembley fixture against Aston Villa to send the Cottagers back into the top flight.

Fulham Season Preview
Last Time Out
After spending two of their four years back in the Championship languishing towards the bottom, Fulham made the play-offs in the 2016/17 season, only to be beaten by Reading in the semi-finals.

However, they bounced back last year after a terrific season under Slavisa Jokanovic. The former Watford boss oversaw a stunning run of form which saw his side go 23 games unbeaten before succumbing to Birmingham City on the final day, which saw them lose out on automatic promotion to Cardiff City.

Before this run took place, Fulham were part of the highest-scoring Championship game of the season, as they ran out 5-4 winners in a thriller against Sheffield United at Brammal Lane. Teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon scored a hat-trick as Fulham, then in 17th, overtook three teams by defeating the then-third-place Blades.

Key Player
The Cottagers had a number of excellent players that aided their return to the Premier League, but the key man has to be 18-year-old Ryan Sessegnon. The teenager is already tipped for a big future in the game and many felt that he should have been part of the England World Cup squad, including manager Jokanovic.

Sessegnon started the season as a left-back but after his goal-scoring capabilities were discovered, he was quickly moved further up the pitch. He amassed 15 league goals for Fulham last season, a quite incredible total for someone not only of his age, but who also is not a striker.

Sessegnon has been linked to other clubs in the Premier League throughout the summer, but he seems keen on staying in West London for at least another season to establish himself as a Premier League player.

Manager – Slavisa Jokanovic
Jokanovic has had a well-travelled managerial career, starting at Partizan Belgrade in his home country and then going on to Muangthong United in Thailand. The Serbian has had one spell in England before, with Watford, and joined Fulham in 2015.

After steering them clear of relegation in the 2015/16 season, he achieved two consecutive top-six finishes with the Cottagers.

This is also the longest amount of time he has spent with a club, accumulating 130 games as their manager, with a win percentage of 46.9%.

He is a favourite with the Fulham fans and was even named as an outside choice to replace Antonio Conte at Chelsea, a job since taken by Maurizio Sarri.

Predicted Finish
Fulham have always been a neutral favourite to many, mainly due to their fairly attacking brand of football. It served them well in the Championship but the Premier League also requires a defensive resilience that evades them at the moment. During their 23-game unbeaten streak, they kept 11 clean sheets.

However, they have spent big in that area with the signing of Maxime Le Marchand from Nice. He looks set to replace one of Tim Ream and Denis Odoi in the heart of defence.

If Fulham really want to survive, they will also need to find a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic. The forward spent the second half of last season on-loan from Newcastle and scored 12 times in 17 appearances.

There have been multiple reports suggesting that Fulham are interested in pursuing another deal for the Serbian, and if they can, expect Fulham to survive the drop. 13th should be a realistic target for Jokanovic's men.

http://lastwordonfootball.com/2018/07/28/2018-19-fulham-season-preview/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:47:34 AM

2018 Fulham Player Profiles: Tim Ream
Let's Take a Look at the Club's Player of the Season

WhoScored Rating Chart

Radar

All data from whoscored.com

Transfermarket Value Chart

From transfermarket.co.uk

CC Thoughts: With Tim Ream winning the Player of the Season by the club, he is no longer just hidden in the shadow of Fulham's senior squad. But it wasn't long ago that plenty were wondering if the American was even good enough to start in the Championship. Now he's key man that guided Fulham back to the Premier League, has turned his game around to be among the most hard working players in the club, and at 30 years old, has really put his game together to be prepared for 2018/19.

It has been a whirlwind journey for Ream. For starts, he was supposed to be among the next big names to replace Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu represent the United States at center back. Instead, it took a while for him to find his footing in England once he made the move from New York Red Bulls to Bolton Wanderers. By 27, Ream was stuck in England's second tier without a solution to get out of it.

When he signed for Fulham in 2016, it seemed like a last ditch effort for both the club and the player. The club were desperate to get back to the Premier League and Ream wanted to come good on the potential that he showed when he was playing in the MLS. It took quite a while for him to gain the favor of the home support, but once Slavisa Jokanovic came over and rebuilt the rest of the squad, things fell into place for Ream.

By the time the club were in the midst of their historic unbeaten run, he became one of their most indispensible players. At first, Ream was simply known as a tidy ball-possession center back. But lately, his grit and determination were what stood out the most as the campaign went along and it help garner that we all have seen since.

Now he is rewarded with a chance to prove himself at center stage in one of the toughest leagues in football. However, with the arrival of Maxime Le Marchand and the added buzz that Alfie Mawson might be another addition to Fulham's lavish transfer window, who knows if Ream might become a full fledged starter. But with so much adversity that has come his way, you know he'll be there till the end to prove that he belongs on the pitch every matchday.

Key Stat: 285 clearances. By a comfortable distance, no Fulham player was better at hoofing the ball out of the park than Mr. Ream himself. The next closest on that list is Tomas Kalas with only 182 clearances and Ream's total is the highest he has ever had over a full season since his 2013/14 season with Bolton when he garnered 217.

Your thoughts: So how do we all feel about Mr. Ream? Do you think he deserved being the Player of the Season? How do you expect he'll perform against Premier League competition? Don't be afraid to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/28/17621232/2018-fulham-player-profiles-tim-ream

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:48:36 AM

Fulham in pole position to sign Swansea defender Alfie Mawson - sources

Fulham are leading the race to sign Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, sources close to the London club have told ESPN FC.

The 24-year-old has impressed since signing from Barnsley in 2016, and won his first England callup for the friendlies against Netherlands and Italy in March.

Fulham are ready to pay £25 million for Mawson, with boss Slavisa Jokanovic keen to bolster his defensive options following promotion to the Premier League and Swansea resigned to losing him.

A number of clubs including West Ham and Burnley have been linked with Mawson following Swansea's relegation from the Premier League last season.

He is still recovering from the knee surgery that ruled him out of England's World Cup squad, but is expected to be back to full fitness soon.

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3577164/fulham-in-pole-position-to-sign-swansea-defender-alfie-mawson-sources

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:49:54 AM

Fulham's counter offer not ruled out, situation now coming to a head

On July 25th, Mundo Deportivo reported Fulham are 'willing to fight' for Espanyol's David Lopez, while the La Liga outfit have offered a new deal to the Spaniard.

The same newspaper now claims the Catalan club will make a great effort to retain the 28-year-old at the club, who is a key part of Rubi's project, both on and off the pitch. They also mention about making a proposal to the Barcelona-born player's agent.

Espanyol are awaiting a response from Lopez, who is still tempted by Fulham's offer as they are ready to triple his wages.

The possibility of a counter offer from the English club is still 'not ruled out'.

There is willingness from both parties to find an agreement in a short period of time.

A renewal now feels closer than it did at the beginning of the week and there's every chance Fulham have been somewhat used in this process, but the London club will be aware how these things work.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-counter-offer-not-ruled-club-close-agreeing-new-deal-player/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:53:23 AM

Fulham keen on securing Alfie Mawson

Fulham will be delighted with how their summer transfer window has panned out thus far, as they continue to attract big-name players to Craven Cottage.

Indeed, the Cottagers have already managed to draft in the likes of Andre Schurrle and Jean Michael Seri this summer as they plan for the challenges of the new campaign. And, it doesn't look as if Slavisa Jokanovic is about to stop there, as according to the Daily Star, Fulham are keen on securing the services of Alfie Mawson.

Interestingly, it's believed that Fulham are keen on bringing Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson to Craven Cottage.

Although, they face stiff competition from two fellow Premier League sides, as Burnley are also keen and West Ham United have supposedly held talks with the Welsh club.

The Cottagers want another defender having snared Maxime Le Marchand recently.

THE VERDICT:

The Cottagers will be desperate to land a defender after missing out on Le Marchand recently, with there being no better alternative than Alfie Mawson, who has already proven himself in the Premier League.

So, Slavisa Jokanovic is looking to work even more wonders in the English capital after securing the signatures of Andre Schurrle and Michael Jean Seri, as another star is on his radar.

https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham-keen-on-securing-alfie-mawson/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:54:15 AM

Report – Aleksandar Mitrovic To Leave Newcastle Imminently

There's a report in This Is Futbol that Aleksandr Mitrovic is likely to leave Newcastle imminently – the report does not mention which club he will go to – but we expect it to be Fulham.

Mitro was on the plane to Portugal yesterday with the rest of the first-team squad, but the report says he will leave Portugal and come back to England today to finalize his move away from Tyneside.

Mitrovic has had three years on Tyneside but has never really fitted into Rafa Benitez' long-term plans at Newcastle.

The recent news was that Fulham bid £16M for the striker and Newcastle wanted £20M so maybe they made a deal for around £18M and split the difference.

Today's news in some outlets had suggested they were only £2M apart – so it would not be a surprise if a deal has indeed been struck between the two clubs.

We'll know if this report is accurate if indeed Mitro heads home today.

http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/07/28/report-aleksandar-mitrovic-to-leave-newcastle/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:56:11 AM

U18s Coventry 1-1 Fulham

It was an incredibly windy day at the Coventry training ground throughout the 90 minutes. The match finished as a 1-1 draw, as Ollie O'Neill scored early on for the Young Whites.

It was five minutes before either side created a half chance with the difficult conditions.

Connor McAvoy sprinted down the right wing and whipped a dangerous ball into the box for Trialist A. Coventry's centre-back was able to get his body in between him and the ball and marshal out the danger.

Fulham made it 1-0 in the 12th minute. O' Neill was slipped in through the channel and the winger took it on his left, slipping it past the on-rushing keeper.

A quarter of an hour in and Tristan Cover was terrorising the right back, keeping wide and stretching the defence.

He darted towards goal after bringing down a long ball, he was clipped just outside the area. Cameron Antwi took the free kick, but the wall did its job. Fulham won a corner but the wind was playing havoc and no ball was getting near its intended target.

25 minutes into the match and Cover found O'Neill with a fantastic pass that curled past the whole defence. O'Neill laid it back to Cover who set up Jonathan Page, however, the midfielder blasted high over the bar.

Fulham had all the chances, half an hour in and Cameron Antwi chipped ball forward for O'Neill, but the keeper came off his line and smothered the ball at his feet.

Seven minutes before the break Coventry found a goal after a good spell to bring themselves level.

Having won a corner on the left, a ball was floated to an unmarked centre half towards the back post and he headed past George Wickens, although the Fulham keeper was being impeded.

Coventry started the second half better, 53 minutes in and they thought they had taken the lead.

The number 9 latched onto the ball and fired, Wickens got a glove but the wind blew the effort over the line. Luckily for the Young Whites the linesman raised his flat for offside.

Fulham were peppering the Coventry goal after that, Elias Frei and Harvey Elliott both had shots go wide.

An hour into the fixture and the Young Whites had their best chance to retake the lead. Trialist D stole the ball off the centre back as they tried to play from the back.

He ran through for a one on one but the goalie made a strong save.

In the following 15 minutes Elliott had two chances cutting across goal from the right. The first was carried over the bar by the wind and the second was blocked for a corner.

In the dying minutes Jose Garrido sent a sensational long cross-field ball over the Coventry defence, Elliott picked it up and fired at goal.

The keeper made a tremendous save for what would have been a fantastic goal. That save ensured the match finished a draw.

Fulham Lineup: Wickens, McAvoy, Trialist B, Garrido, Cover (45' Amekortu), Page, Antwi, Trialist C (45' Frei), O'Neil, Trialist A (45' Trialist D), Frei (Elliott)

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/28/u18s-coventry-1-1-fulham

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 07:58:03 AM

EPL: 5 Things to watch in Fulham's 2018/19 Season

The Cottagers make their triumphant return to the top of English football under new leadership, and with many new faces around the pitch. They may have enough talent to climb up the table.

The Kid's Alright

English wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon may only be 18 years old. He may not have a defined position on the pitch. But if he can carry his form from last season into the Premier League, it won't be long until he is a household name. The talented winger/left back looks set to be the next great English talent, and the Cottagers rode his already prodigious skills to promotion last season.

Sessegnon played a key role against Aston Villa in the playoff final to send Fulham through. Sessegnon looks like a budding world-beater, and watching him grow into the Top Flight should be a wonderful time, especially if you support Fulham.

Familiar Foes

It hasn't been long since Fulham were Premier League regulars, spending 12 consecutive seasons in the Top Flight from 2001-02 to 2013-14. But, since Mohamed Al-Fayed sold the club in 2013, the Cottagers have languished in the Championship. Finishing as low as 20th, Fulham did not find the Championship easy by any means. But a 23-game unbeaten run saw the team finish third, and after coming from behind to beat Derby County, Fulham secured their ascent against Aston Villa at Wembley.

Fulham's return re-opens local rivalries with the other London clubs, particularly Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Seeing the black-and-white of the Cottagers in the Premier League just feels right, and Craven Cottage should be adorned in full regalia this season.

New Men in Town

Fulham has been very active in the summer window, bolstering their roster with four new players, and more potentially on the way. Joining the side this season are keeper Fabri from Besiktas, defender Maxime Le Marchand and midfielder Jean Michael Seri from Nice, and winger Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Fabri and Le Marchand are nice pieces to support the team, but Schurrle and Seri are the gems of the class and should be regulars in the starting eleven. Schurrle has Premier League experience at Chelsea and was a role player on Germany's World Cup winning side of 2014. His speed, skill and shooting ability will take some of the pressure off of Sessegnon to carry out the attack.

Seri had been recruited by the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea before signing with Fulham, showing that the midfielder's all-around quality has turned more than a few heads. With more new signings, including potentially a new striker, on the horizon, Fulham fans have plenty of fresh talent to cheer for.

https://thetopflight.com/2018/07/28/epl-5-things-watch-fulhams-2018-19-season/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:00:26 AM

Fulham join race for Mexico's Hector Herrera

Portuguese outlet Record has reported that Fulham have joined the race for Mexico and FC Porto star, Hector Herrera.

According to Record, Fulham have already submitted one offer for Herrera but it was rejected by Porto who demanded a higher fee, the amount Fulham submitted is unknown.

Arsenal are also said to be keeping an eye on Herrera this summer.

Versatile midfielder

Herrera began his career in Mexico with CF Pachuca for whom he played a total of 54 games, in which he scored two and assisted two.

He would then sign for FC Porto in July of 2013 for a fee in the region of £9.9 million.

Since joining Porto Herrera has gone on to play 192 games, in which he scored 26 and assisted 36.

The Mexican international is also a very versatile midfielder. He is naturally a central midfielder.

However, he can also play central attacking midfield, centre defensive midfield, left mid, right mid, left-back, right-back and even right wing.

So, if Fulham do land Herrera, he would be a solid squad player.

Play-off winners

Fulham enjoyed a very impressive 2017/18 Championship campaign. They finished 3rd in the Championship and scored a superb 79 goals in 46 league games. Only league winners Wolves managed more.

As a result of finishing 3rd Fulham earned themselves a playoff spot. They would beat Derby County 2-1 over two legs of the semi-final and they would go on to beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the final.

Now that Fulham have returned to the top flight of English football for the first time in four years, they are looking to improve upon their squad in order to survive the upcoming season and signing Herrera would go some way to doing that.

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/fulham-join-race-for-mexicos-hector-herrera/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:02:40 AM

Newcastle agree deal with Fulham for sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham have agreed a fee with Newcastle United for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic has returned to England from the club's base in Portugal to complete the move.

The striker had travelled with his team-mates yesterday for the games against Porto and Braga.

However, Mitrovic is now finalising a £20million move to Craven Cottage.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season at the club, which was promoted through the play-offs.

Mitrovic had reported back to United for pre-season training this week.

The Serbia international had been given an extended break following his involvement at the World Cup.

Newcastle and Fulham had been some way apart on a fee, but the Gazette reported earlier today that progress had been made in talks.

And the deal could be finalised in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, manager Rafa Benitez has named his starting XI for the Porto game.

Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-agree-deal-with-fulham-for-sale-of-aleksandar-mitrovic-1-9274371

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:03:56 AM

Aleksandar Mitrovic fly's back to the UK – Sky Sports confirm NUFC have accepted Fulham bid

Some breaking news in the last few moments, confirming that Aleksandar Mitrovic is now flying back to the UK after Fulham had a bid accepted for the striker.

The Serbian had travelled with the squad to Portugal ahead of friendlies with Porto tonight and Braga next Wednesday, however it seems his move back to Craven Cottage is now all set to go through after the two clubs finally agreed a fee.

It had been reported that Fulham were only prepared to pay £16m – with us demanding a minimum of £18m – but it looks like a compromise has now been met.

As confirmed by Lee Ryder, this should now 'trigger' the arrival of another striker – perhaps Salomon Rondon?

The fee is not yet known but it's expected to be in the region of £18m.

http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/07/28/aleksandar-mitrovic-flys-back-to-the-uk-sky-sports-confirm-nufc-have-accepted-fulham-bid/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:06:27 AM

Newcastle accept Fulham's £22m Aleksandar Mitrovic bid
Deal could rise to £27m with potential add-ons

Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic looks set for a permanent move to Fulham after a £22m bid was accepted, according to Sky sources.

The Serb left Newcastle's Portuguese training camp on Saturday to finalise his move to Craven Cottage.

Talks have continued over the last few days to secure a return for Mitrovic after his four-month loan spell ended in June.

Discussions had hit a stumbling block with the Whites initially prepared to pay £16m, while Newcastle wanted £18m.

It is understood the final fee is £22m, which could rise to £27m with potential add-ons.

Speaking after Newcastle's 0-0 in Porto on Saturday, manager Rafael Benitez defended Mitrovic's sale and told Sky Sports News: "It means we can bring in another striker and we can be stronger."

Yoshinori Muto has already agreed terms with Newcastle to join from Mainz, although the Japan striker will have to wait for next week's hearing over his work permit to finalise the move.

Asked if offloading Mitrovic meant bringing in another striker as well as Muto, Benitez added: "Yes. We did this business with Muto because we needed to do something more.

"I don't control the accounts but if you do the maths we have enough money."

Mitrovic scored 12 goals in 20 matches while on loan at Fulham last season, as the club secured promotion to the Premier League via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

He made four appearances for Serbia at the World Cup, scoring once in the defeat to Switzerland.

Mitrovic joined Newcastle from Anderlecht in 2015 after scoring 44 goals in 90 appearances for the Belgian side.

He has since struggled for the same consistency with the Magpies, netting only 17 times in 72 appearances for the club.

Benitez admitted earlier in July that he was being forced to "wheel and deal" in this summer's transfer market and would have to sell players to generate funds.

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11452578/newcastle-accept-fulhams-20m-aleksandar-mitrovic-bid

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:08:25 AM

Fulham 0-0 Fiorentina player ratings: Andre Schurrle makes an impressive debut for the Whites

It took 18 penalties to decide a winner - here's how we rated the side

Fulham started this game far better and had the best opening chance when Cyrus Christie beat his man into space and crossed for Andre Schurrle, but the new signing blasted the ball over the bar.

The Whites continued using the ball as the game progressed but were unable to find much of a breakthrough, despite Christie and Luca de la Torre causing problems in between the lines.

The next chance fell to Fiorentina, who broke Fulham's offside trap to break one on one, but the striker panicked and lashed the ball over the bar as Fabri came rushing out to meet him.

Neeskens Kebano continued to cause problems and had two good efforts saved well by the Fiorentina keeper as Fulham continued to press for a winner.

It was to be penalties to decide the winner and after 18 penalties, Steven Sessegnon's miss meant that the Italian side won the Cup of Traditions.

Fabri - 6

Continued to show how good he was with his passing range, consistently picking out his full backs. Flapped at an attempt to punch away an easy cross.
Cyrus Christie - 8

Caused problem after problem going forward. Was a constant threat for Fiorentina and was probably the main man for Fulham.
Tim Ream - 8

Continued his usual solid performances in the heart of defence, tracking his runners well and reading the game even better.
Denis Odoi - 6

Had a fairly decent game in the heart of defence without having to really do much. Looked assured on the ball when playing out from the back.
Ryan Sessegnon - 6

Didn't have as much influence in this game from left back as he did in the first one when playing left forward. Did get forward when he could do and did a decent job.
Kevin McDonald - 7

Shielded the back four and stopped Fiorentina from being able to break at pace through the middle of the park.
Stefan Johansen - 5

Much like the first game, struggled to create much of an impact in that central midfield role. Gave away too many sloppy passes.
Jean-Michael Seri - 6

Continued to demonstrate his eye for a pass but found himself more involved in pressing Fiorentina high in his more advanced role, which he did well.
Andre Schurrle - 7

Started very brightly and showed the quality he possesses, with his first touch beating two men as he cut through Fiorentina's defence. Wore out as the game progressed, however.
Luca de la Torre - 6

Constantly ran into the channels and created space in the middle for the midfielders and forwards to get into and attack.
Neeskens Kebano - 7

Started to exert influence on the game as the match progressed, causing problems between the lines for Fulham.

Substitutes:
Steven Sessegnon - 6

Did well defensively and got forward, but not to the extent that Christie was able to do when he was on.

https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-fiorentina-schurrle-player-ratings-14964502

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:11:14 AM

Fulham should smash their transfer record once again with a move for this £27m-rated goal getter

Fulham will be hoping to have a massive impact on the Premier League in the coming season as they make their return to the top flight following their playoff victory last term.

The Cottagers, led by charismatic manager Slavisa Jokanovic, already have a talented squad to choose from, and added further to that talent by splashing the cash on French midfielder Jean Michael Seri just a few weeks back.

However, more is likely to be needed in terms of goals for the Cottagers, and we at the Transfer Tavern had been keeping a close eye on the World Cup over in Russia, hoping to pick out some potential talent for the Premier League new-boys.

Indeed, one player who impressed was Belgium star Dries Mertens, who despite not always being a regular for Roberto Martinez, offered a key contribution to his country as they finished third overall.

The wide attacker, who is valued at a whopping £27m by Transfermarkt, has been in superb form for a number of seasons now for his club side Napoli, and has earned a reputation as being one of the most lethal marksmen in the country when on form.

Fulham are going to need goals to ensure they stay up, and while Seri might be a brilliant addition in the middle of the park, signing someone with proven quality and the ability to get goals and assists at the top level would be a shrewd piece of business by the club.

The 31-year-old is a superb, proven player, and Fulham would surely have no regrets in signing the Belgian if they can secure a deal.

https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham-should-smash-their-transfer-record-once-again-with-a-move-for-this-27m-rated-goal-getter/

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:12:41 AM

Fulham and Newcastle United agree deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Whites have been eager to sign the striker throughout the summer and Mitrovic is now on his way to the UK to complete the deal

Fulham and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The 23-year-old had flown out to Portugal for the north east club's pre-season camp there, but has returned to the UK to sign for the west London club after the two parties finally came to an agreement.

Talks between the two parties have been ongoing since the end of last season, where Mitrovic helped Fulham to the Premier League after scoring 12 goals between January and the end of the season after arriving on loan on Deadline Day.

He had made it clear during his time in SW6 that he would like to return to west London, while Slavisa Jokanovic also made it no secret he would like his countryman to be signed permanently, and it now looks like Tony Khan has been able to do just that.

It's been an ambitious transfer window for Fulham after winning promotion to the top flight, having added Jean-Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Frabi and Andre Schurrle to their ranks, and they will now further boost it by concluding a deal for Mitrovic.

Discussions had been ongoing, with both clubs not being able to agree a fee for the 23-year-old, but it now looks like Newcastle have accepted Fulham's offer, with Mitrovic now flying back to the UK to finalise a move.

A deal could be finalised by as soon as the start of next week, with Fulham taking on Sampdoria on Wednesday night in their penultimate friendly before the new Premier League season.

The club are still on the hunt for a new left back and would also like to add a centre back to their ranks before the August 9 deadline.

https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-newcastle-aleksandar-mitrovic-deal-14964735

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:14:09 AM

Fulham set to seal signing of Mitrovic

Fulham and Newcastle have agreed a deal for Aleksandar Mitrović to move to Craven Cottage on a permanent basis.

West London Sport previously reported that the Whites were edging towards a deal to sign the striker despite reports elsewhere suggesting negotiations had stalled and Fulham were looking at alternative targets.

Mitrović, 23, is set to move for around £20m and has been given permission to leave Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Portugal and return to England to finalise the transfer.

He played a key role in Fulham's promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances after joining on loan from Newcastle in January.

He subsequently made it clear to the Magpies that he wanted to leave the club and sign for Fulham this summer.

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-set-to-seal-signing-of-mitrovic-from-newcastle

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:17:49 AM

Fulham agree £20m deal to sign Newcastle striker Aleksandr Mitrovic following successful loan spell

Fulham have agreed a £20million to sign Aleksandr Mitrovic from Newcastle
The Serbian impressed on loan last season and helped them gain promotion
Newcastle will now press ahead with a loan move for striker Salomon Rondon

Fulham have agreed the protracted transfer of Aleksandr Mitrovic from Newcastle United in a deal worth up to £20million.

The Serbian striker impressed on loan at Craven Cottage during their push for promotion and is a key signing for Slavisa Jokanovic having scored 12 goals in 20 games last season.

Jokanovic has been keen to sign Mitrovic on a permanent basis all summer and looks to have finally got his man after the two clubs came to an agreement on Friday.

Fulham have agreed a £20m deal to sign Serbia striker Aleksandr Mitrovic from Newcastle

Mitrovic impressed at Fulham last season and was key to helping them get promoted

Mitrovic's impending exit will pave the way for a new striker to come in at Newcastle with Rafa Benitez weighing up several options.

Newcastle are pressing ahead with a proposed loan swap for West Brom striker Salomon Rondon with Dwight Gayle going the other way.

Rondon is extending his contract with Albion by a year and the clubs are discussing an option to make both loans permanent at the end of the season.

Fulham are in talks to sign Swansea's Alfie Mawson and hold interest in Espanyol's David Lopez and Porto midfielder Hector Herrera.

Newcastle will now press ahead with a loan move for West Brom striker Salomon Rondon

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6002765/Fulham-agree-20m-deal-sign-Newcastle-striker-Aleksandr-Mitrovic.html

WhiteJC · July 29, 2018, 08:18:49 AM

Aleksandar Mitrovic leaves Newcastle camp after 'fee agreed with Fulham'

Mitrovic is heading back to the UK.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has left Newcastle's pre-season trip to Portugal after a fee was agreed with Fulham.

The Cottagers have been wrangling with Newcastle over a price for the Serbian striker, who was a key figure in their promotion push after spending the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic scored 12 goals in 17 games for Fulham after making just five appearances for Newcastle during the first half of the season, but the Magpies did not want to allow the 23-year-old to leave on the cheap.

With no agreement in place, Rafael Benitez took Mitrovic to Portugal, where Newcastle were playing a friendly against Porto on Saturday evening, but Press Association Sport understands the striker left the tour to head back to the United Kingdom after some common ground was reached.

Mitrovic joined Newcastle from Anderlecht in the summer of 2015 for £14.5million and has scored 17 goals in 72 appearances.

http://sport.bt.com/football/aleksandar-mitrovic-leaves-newcastle-camp-after-fee-agreed-with-fulham-S11364286110981