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

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic set for permanent Fulham move after he departs Newcastle pre-season camp

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 Serbia 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 £14.5 million and has scored 17 goals in 72 appearances.



http://sport360.com/article/football/transfer-news/295780/aleksandar-mitrovic-set-for-permanent-fulham-move-after-he-departs-newcastle-pre-season-camp

[WhiteJC]

 
Swansea City Set To Lose Star Defender To Fulham: Why It Is Not The End Of The World For Potter!

Swansea's City lost their top-flight status last season and will now play in the Championship, hoping to get back into the top flight in the first time of asking. However, playing in the second tier might see the club lose a few of their first team stars this summer and one such player, inching closer to an exit is defender Alfie Mawson.

A transfer target for the likes of West Ham United and Burnley, Mawson is now reportedly close to joining Fulham in a £25m deal this summer. He was crucial to Swansea's plans last season but how can they continue life without Mawson? Should the defender have stuck with Swansea for another year?

Having started his senior career with Brentford, the 24-year old moved to Swansea City back in 2016 and cemented a place in the first team immediately. He started every game for the Swans last season and though they went down, he stood as one of the most consistent players for the club. Mawson is yet to break into the England senior side but at his age, has enough time to make an impact on the highest stage.

Strong in the air and in hold up play, Mawson is a confident defender, who loves to take on a challenge. He never shies away from responsibility and can be a real asset in build-up play, but what makes him effective is his ability to make interceptions and blocks inside his box, soaking up pressure against even the toughest of opponents.

Currently still rehabilitating from an injury he picked up late last season, Mawson is a potential star for England and belongs in the top flight. He may have helped Swansea back to the Premier League in no time but he will want to continue to compete with the best in the country and will be desperate to continue playing in the Premier League.

Slavisa Jokanovic, the manager at Fulham, has already signed a defender in Maxime Le Marchand from France and also has Tim Ream, Tomas Kalas and Denis Odoi in his ranks from the last season. However, none of those names have previously played a single game in the Premier League, making Mawson's acquisition a necessity for the club.

Fulham are ready to pay £25m for his services, which will be hard to turn down for Swansea. The Championship outfit can use that money to buy a replacement, and improve on other areas of the squad, making this deal a win-win for all parties.



https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/swansea-city-set-to-lose-star-defender-to-top-flight-club-why-it-is-not-the-end-of-the-world-for-potter/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Tie Down Key Midfielder To A New Contract: A Huge Boost For Jokanovic?

Fulham have officiated the contract extension of midfielder Kevin McDonald. The 29-year-old has signed a two-year extension that will keep him at the club till 2020. Additionally, Fulham also have the option of extending his contract for one further year, largely depending on his performances.

McDonald played a vital role in the club's promotion back to the top flight and is delighted to have signed a contract extension with the Cottagers.

"I feel settled here, it's a great place to play, it's got everything needed for a Premier League club, and thankfully that's what we are," McDonald told Fulham's website.

"Hopefully we can kick on this season. It's been a great couple of years and, having extended my contract, I couldn't be happier." – he added.

This will be a huge boost for Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic as he seeks to lead the newly promoted side to a positive campaign. And given the influence McDonald has had in the past couple of years, he is definitely a reliable choice for the 49-year-old manager.

McDonald initially joined Fulham back in 2016 when he moved from Wolves for a fee of €1.5 million. He made as many as 43 Championship appearances during his first season at the club, scoring three goals whilst mustering four assists. Although the Cottagers still failed to gain promotion to the top-flight during that corresponding season, the 29-year old's influence in midfield was clearly evident.

In the following season, the former Wolves midfielder was once again a crucial part in Fulham's senior side, making 42 appearances. He scored three goals, which included strikes against Barnsley and Millwall on the way to Fulham finally getting promoted last season.

His impressive performances earned him a third-place finish in the club's Player of the Season awards in both his campaigns at Craven Cottage. And as the West Londoners brace themselves for a new challenge of playing in the English top flight, Kevin McDonald will undoubtedly play a key role.

The 29-year-old will mostly be deployed at the heart of the 4-1-4-1 formation with new signing Jean-Michael Seri and club captain Tom Cairney partnering him in a slightly advanced position. He will be tasked with the responsibility of screening the defence whilst also complementing his midfield partners.

Alternatively, he could also operate alongside Cairney in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Seri being deployed as the number ten. And given his qualities in the centre of the pitch, one would expect him to establish a regular spot in the Fulham starting eleven next season.

Stats Courtesy: Whoscored



https://madaboutepl.net/2018/07/fulham-tie-key-midfielder-new-contract-huge-boost-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Go for it Jokanovic – Signing this 28-year-old proven PL performer could be brilliant for Fulham

Why Harry Arter could be a good addition for Fulham

According to a report, Bournemouth are ready to sell their midfielder Harry Arter this summer. Bournemouth's willingness to offload Arter has alerted newly-promoted Premier League club Fulham.

Arter, 28, has been a fantastic servant for the Cherries, having made over 250 appearances for Bournemouth. He has been a mainstay in the Bournemouth midfield as the club endured several highs and lows in the Premier League.

But Eddie Howe's club are ready to move on from Arter ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. But should Fulham make a move for the midfield ace?

Fulham won back promotion this past season and could offer Arter the chance to remain in the top-flight next campaign.

Arter has been a phenomenal player for Bournemouth since joining from non-league side Woking in 2010, helping the club first achieve promotion to the Championship and then to the Premier League.

Arter has gathered a lot of experience in the Premier League since Bournemouth won promotion back in 2015. However, he played a less prominent role for Eddie Howe's men last term.

The 28-year-old endured an injury-hit campaign that limited him to just 16 appearances in all competitions. Due to injuries and loss of form, Arter slipped out of favour under Howe, and a fresh move to reignite his career could be smart for him.

Keeping in mind Arter is a proven Premier League player, Fulham must make a move for him. Slavisa Jokanovic has already strengthened his midfield by breaking the bank for Ivory Coast international Jean Michel Seri.

While Kevin McDonald has provided a boost by signing a two-year contract extension, the Cottagers would do well to squeeze Arter into their plans.

Arter can do so much to add value to Fulham's engine room. He is a hard-working midfielder who doesn't know anything else than giving 100% on the pitch. The 28-year-old is a tireless worker, gritty and capable of making an impact.

The Republic of Ireland international is a tidy passer of the ball and is a leader that Fulham need in their squad. Having proven himself in the top-flight in recent seasons, Arter would add depth and steel to a Fulham midfield that already has the likes of Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen and new signing Jean-Michael Seri.

Arter may not be a star name but he would bring so much experience and know-how to the side that is keen to make waves in the Premier League next term.

At 28, Arter can still provide few years of high-quality football and the Cottagers must do everything to get him on their books ahead of the new campaign.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/29/go-for-it-jokanovic-signing-this-28-year-old-proven-pl-performer-could-be-brilliant-for-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham inquire about Celtic defender Kieran Tierney

According to a report published by The Sun, Fulham have made an inquiry with Scottish giants Celtic about possibly signing defender Kieran Tierney.

Despite only being 21-years-old, Tierney is vastly experienced at the highest level and boasts 133 professional appearances for the Hoops. He has also previously captained the club and well as the Scottish national team.

The left-back position is currently not an issue for the Cottagers as they have the young sensation Ryan Sessegnon as their first-choice in that position.

However, Sessegnon who is touted as the future of English football is likely to leave the club in the near future. If he has a decent Premier League campaign during the upcoming season, it would be very surprising if he remains at the club beyond next summer.

Investing in Tierney would be a good idea as the club will eventually need a new left-back once Sessegnon departs.

Tierney certainly has the potential to occupy this position and excel.

Tierney is however a product of the Celtic youth development system and is in no rush to leave his boyhood club.

The Hoops also offer him almost certain regular first-team football as well as the opportunity to play in the Champions League-which he will not get if he moves to Fulham.



http://sportslens.com/report-fulham-inquire-about-celtic-defender-kieran-tierney/239714/

[WhiteJC]

 
Singapore football star gets sidelined by military service
Teenager Ben Davis has a contract to play for an English Premier League team, but has been red-carded by mandatory military service

To see a young player signed by an English Premier League team is the dream of many Southeast Asian football fans. But for Ben Davis and football fans in Singapore, the fantasy did not last long.

Only 24 hours, in fact.

On July 13, the 17-year-old signed a two-year contract with Fulham FC. The following day, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Singapore revealed in a media statement that Davis was expected back in December to report for his mandatory two years of National Service (NS) as his application for a deferment had been rejected in June.

The MoD raised concerns that Davis, who also holds British and Thai passports and can play for Singapore's national team after becoming a citizen of the island state in 2009, would not return to serve if he received a deferment.

"Mr Davis' actions are meant to further his own professional career, not national interest," the statement said, adding that Mr Davis' father would not commit to a date for his son to complete his service.

In a public reply, Davis senior countered that his son was not able to do so because of the unpredictability of trying to make it in such a highly competitive sport.

"There are a lot of variables all dependent on his development and progression, and anyone who understands how professional football and sports works will understand this," he said in a statement released to the media. "In my discussions ... I was clear that Ben should do his NS, but the question is just when."

Davis, born in Thailand to a Thai mother and British father, moved to Singapore as a child and was granted citizenship in 2009. Moving to England in 2016, he impressed during trials for Fulham's academy in 2017 and was offered the professional contract he recently signed.

It was a rare piece of good news for Singapore football fans. Local football has been in the doldrums in recent years, but interest in the big European leagues, especially England's, has remained high. The national team has slipped to 169 out of 211 in the world rankings, behind traditional minnows such as Grenada and Belize, and the average attendance at local league matches has fallen to about 2,000.

This has led to some comments on social media saying the Singapore football scene would be healthier if those debating the rights and wrongs of the Davis case and getting excited about the prospect of one of their players in the English Premier League engaged more with local football.

However, the prospect of an English Premier League star returning home to play for the Singapore national team is an exciting one. Deferments for sportsmen and women, however, are rare in Singapore as authorities argue that such pursuits are usually personal and not for the benefit of the country as a whole.

Most fans and those involved in the sports industry appear to support the teenager over the government. One argument is he can bring pride and prestige to the small nation by playing in the world's most popular football league, and then do his duty when the relatively short career that all football players enjoy is over.

Joseph Schooling, a 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, was one of only three athletes to have been granted a postponement.

Schooling told Davis to listen to his heart. "Obviously, I come from a different sport, I was in [a] different situation. I can't advise him on what to do," he said. "He should get together with his parents, decide what's the best plan for himself and go from there. It's definitely a difficult situation for him. But my advice to him would be to follow his dreams."

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) wants to see Davis in the Premier League and eligible to play for the national team. The governing body of Singapore football said it will help Davis with an appeal to the MoD.

"We believe that the support for a Singaporean to play at the highest level will have benefits to the community and nation," the FAS said. "We will work with Benjamin and his family ... with a view to seeking to persuade [the MoD] of the merits of the application and to assuage [the MoD's] concerns over Benjamin's national service commitments, and to find a balanced solution to the issue which best serves our nation's interests."

The MoD has already indicated that if no new facts are presented then the appeal will fail. If so, what happens next is anyone's guess. One nightmare scenario for local fans would see Davis choosing to play instead for Thailand, his mother's homeland.

Thailand, which has also never had a local player star in the English Premier League, is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.

"The Thailand national teams are constantly and continuously scouting for players locally and overseas who are eligible," said Benjamin Tan, the deputy chief executive officer of the Thai League and ironically a Singaporean. The Thai Premier League is regarded as the strongest in Southeast Asia.

"So we will be open about such an opportunity given to these players. Having seen him play, he will definitely be an asset. If Ben's family are exploring options to keep his football dream alive, I will be more than happy to facilitate discussions and take this forward."

The saga is far from over and may go to extra time.



http://www.atimes.com/article/singapore-football-star-gets-sidelined-by-military-service/

[WhiteJC]

 
Rafa Benitez speaks out about Aleksandar Mitrovic following news of his £22m move to Fulham

Rafa Benitez has admitted that Aleksandar Mitrovic is now all set to join Fulham, wishing the Serbian all the best ahead of his move to Craven Cottage and hoping that he scores 'lots of goals' – just not against us!

It was revealed last night that Fulham had now agreed a fee with Newcastle , with them believed to be paying an initial £22m which could even rise to £27m with 'add ons'.

The Serbian left our training camp in Portugal last night and should now be back in the UK, ready to put pen to paper with Fulham ahead of a permanent move to West London.

Here's what Rafa's had to say on his imminent exit:

    "I think it's done. I think he has an agreement with Fulham & I wish him all the best.
    "Hopefully he can score a lot of goals but not against us!
    "But it's something we were expecting & it's a case of looking to see if we can bring someone else to replace him."
    "We are working and trying to bring in new players to bring in new competition."

Speaking of his replacement, it looks like West Brom's Salomon Rondon could be that man.

Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but there's some pace gathering to claims that we will complete some sort of 'swap deal' seeing Rondon arrive and Dwight Gayle go the other way.

Would you be happy if Rondon and Muto arrived at Mitrovic and Gayle's expense?



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/07/29/rafa-benitez-speaks-out-about-aleksandar-mitrovic-following-news-of-his-22m-move-to-fulham/

[the nutflush]

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/

27m for a 31 year old?  Not going to appen.....

[Barrett487]

Swansea City Set To Lose Star Defender To Fulham: Why It Is Not The End Of The World For Potter!

Swansea's City lost their top-flight status last season and will now play in the Championship, hoping to get back into the top flight in the first time of asking. However, playing in the second tier might see the club lose a few of their first team stars this summer and one such player, inching closer to an exit is defender Alfie Mawson.

A transfer target for the likes of West Ham United and Burnley, Mawson is now reportedly close to joining Fulham in a £25m deal this summer. He was crucial to Swansea's plans last season but how can they continue life without Mawson? Should the defender have stuck with Swansea for another year?

Having started his senior career with Brentford, the 24-year old moved to Swansea City back in 2016 and cemented a place in the first team immediately. He started every game for the Swans last season and though they went down, he stood as one of the most consistent players for the club. Mawson is yet to break into the England senior side but at his age, has enough time to make an impact on the highest stage.

Strong in the air and in hold up play, Mawson is a confident defender, who loves to take on a challenge. He never shies away from responsibility and can be a real asset in build-up play, but what makes him effective is his ability to make interceptions and blocks inside his box, soaking up pressure against even the toughest of opponents.

Currently still rehabilitating from an injury he picked up late last season, Mawson is a potential star for England and belongs in the top flight. He may have helped Swansea back to the Premier League in no time but he will want to continue to compete with the best in the country and will be desperate to continue playing in the Premier League.

Slavisa Jokanovic, the manager at Fulham, has already signed a defender in Maxime Le Marchand from France and also has Tim Ream, Tomas Kalas and Denis Odoi in his ranks from the last season. However, none of those names have previously played a single game in the Premier League, making Mawson's acquisition a necessity for the club.

Fulham are ready to pay £25m for his services, which will be hard to turn down for Swansea. The Championship outfit can use that money to buy a replacement, and improve on other areas of the squad, making this deal a win-win for all parties.



https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/swansea-city-set-to-lose-star-defender-to-top-flight-club-why-it-is-not-the-end-of-the-world-for-potter/

More sloppy journalism, unless we signed Kalas in secret. Also, Kalas played in the prem against Liverpool in 2014

[Fulham1959]

From the FFC website report on yesterday's tournament (extract) :

"Fulham 0-0 Fiorentina- 8-9 on penalties: After an hour and fifteen minutes rest bite Fulham were back in action. Jokanović made three changes, introducing André Schürrle for his first Fulham appearance, Kevin McDonald  and Luca de la Torre in place of Cairney, Le Marchand and Kamara respectively."


So, they had a rest and a bite to eat, maybe ?

[Fulham1959]

From the FFC website report on yesterday's tournament (extract) :

"Fulham 0-0 Fiorentina- 8-9 on penalties: After an hour and fifteen minutes rest bite Fulham were back in action. Jokanović made three changes, introducing André Schürrle for his first Fulham appearance, Kevin McDonald  and Luca de la Torre in place of Cairney, Le Marchand and Kamara respectively."


So, they had a rest and a bite to eat, maybe ?

Has now been corrected on the Offal :-)