Friday Fulham Stuff (08/03/18)...

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Fulham Spending Bigger Than Most Others The Facts Tell The True Story

In the days after that glorious afternoon at Wembley Stadium, an afternoon where Fulham finally achieved promotion back to the top-flight of English football, one thought dominated my mind.

I was anxious as to whether the club would be prepared to make a go of life in the top-flight and surprise a few people or whether they'd be prepared just to survive and keep their top-flight status for another season.

Thankfully, it appears to be the former.

Those who run the club have obviously decided that if a job is worth doing it is worth doing well and have ensured that Slavisa Jokanovic has been given the tools to do the job he is, clearly, quite capable of.

At the time of writing and with the possible acquisition of Alfie Mawson still to come, we stumbled across the following Twitter posting, which leaves everybody in no doubt as to how serious the clubs' hierarchy are of taking Fulham to another level:



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-spending-bigger-than-most-others-the-facts-tell-the-true-story/

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Fossey stakes his claim & Mitrovic returns - 5 key points from Fulham's defeat to Sampdoria

The defeat to Sampdoria threw up a few talking points ahead of the final pre-season - here's what we took from the game

Fulham's penultimate pre-season ended in defeat against Serie A side Sampdoria at Aldershot Town's EBB Stadium, with Gaston Ramirez' brilliant strike the only goal.

The result will disappoint Slavisa Jokanovic ahead of the final game against Celta Vigo at Craven Cottage on Saturday before they start their Premier League campaign to Crystal Palace the following week, but the performance had its positives.

The emergence of Marlon Fossey at right back, Andre Schurrle's livewire performance and the return of Aleksandar Mitrovic - the evening in Aldershot threw up a load of talking points for us to digest as we get down to the business end of the pre-season preparations.

Here's what we took from the 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria.

The emergence of Fossey

The production line of Fulham's Academy continues to roll out players, and this summer the emergence of Fossey is another testament to the work being done there.

The 19-year-old had been training with the first team towards the end of last season and has been involved in a number of games so far for Jokanovic's pre-season and hasn't looked out of place whatsoever.

Against a well drilled Sampdoria side, Fossey looked Fulham's best player down that right flank, with his touch and running game a particular highlight from a solid evening.


Fulham's Marlon Fossey during the pre-season friendly match against Sampdoria. (Image: Daniel Hambury/PA Wire)

He performance was so good that the Italian side almost looked frightened every time he got on the ball, backing off him and allowing him to run riot.

However, at just 19 he isn't the finished article yet - his crossing was hit and miss and he faded as the game went on, but it seems to me that another gem from the academy has been unearthed this summer.

With Cyrus Christie looking likely to hold down that right back spot, could Fossey be the back up to him for the coming Premier League season?


Marlon Fossey vies with Jakub Jankto of Sampdoria (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

We've seen Jokanovic trust youth before - why not with Fossey?

Schurrle's positive performance

Another positive to take was the performance of Fulham's new German winger, Schurrle.

He started out on the left in front of Steven Sessegnon and was constant live wire throughout the first half, with his running at the full backs cause problem after problem for Sampdoria.


Andre Schurrle in action (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

They couldn't man mark him either - he liked to drift across the front three and was often found either in the middle or on the right causing problems and linking up well with Luca de la Torre and Fossey.

He didn't get a goal and didn't really get into the box as much as he would've liked, but with it being just his second game in white it's certainly starting to come together for Schurrle.

Mitrovic is back

A half hour cameo saw the return of Mitrovic after he signed from Newcastle United earlier on the week, and the love in between him and the fans picked up where it left off.

When he was warming up at half time, the chorus of 'Mitro's on fire' put a smile on the striker's face, and he even had a little dance to the song when warming up.

However, you could see he was lacking match fitness in his half hour spell - he struggled to hold the ball up like he did last season and didn't really involve himself in the game too much.


Aleksandar Mitrovic in action against Sampdoria (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

But you have to remember, Mitrovic has had no pre-season behind him and was thrown straight into a game against defenders who haven't played a World Cup and have been training for the past month.

He may not be ready for Palace in a week, but once he's back up to scratch we should see the Mitrovic of last season.

Struggling with the ball over the top

Denis Odoi and Maxime Le Marchand started the game as Fulham's centre backs, and while Odoi won't start the season there having been sent off at Wembley Stadium and receiving a two-game ban, we saw what the pair could do in that slot.

It was a decent showing, particularly from the Frenchman, but one worry was the ball over the top from Sampdoria's midfield that seemed to be the outlet that did the most damage.


Denis Odoi on the ball (Image: Daniel Hambury/PA Wire)

Time and time again the Serie A side dinked that ball over the heads of the pair of them, meaning they were running towards their own goal with Sampdoria's striker in between them.

Neither are the fastest of players and it was a worry, but Fabri looked to possess some decent reading of the game and was quick off his line to clear.

There was one time when he was beaten to the ball but the striker wasn't able to direct it goalwards - it's something to keep an eye on on Saturday.

Where is Alfie Mawson?!

Fulham's soon-to-be newest recruit was nowhere to be seen after his medical a couple of days ago.

It's yet to be made official by the club and he wasn't in attendance at the EBB Stadium last night to watch the side lost out to Sampdoria, leaving fans wondering if something has gone amiss with his transfer.

If last night taught us anything, it's that Fulham still need recruits at the back, but it'll be interesting to see where Mawson fits into the side.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fossey-stakes-claim--mitrovic-14980579

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Fossey catches the eye

With his great shock of curly hair, no-one is likely to miss Marlon Fossey on a football field. The American defender has been talked out of as one of the coming generation for some time at Motspur Park and, with the summer departure of Ryan Fredericks and a space in the first-team squad as Cyrus Christie's understudy up for grabs, he couldn't have timed his fine pre-season any better.

Fossey looked more than useful three weeks ago in Fulham's first summer outing at the EBB Stadium when he slotted in at full-back against Reading, but last night with Italian outfit Sampdoria – and their noisy band of travelling supporters – would prove an entirely different test. The young full-back wasn't overrawed by the step up in class. In fact, it looked like he relished it.

His sense of adventure on the ball means he meets the first set of Slavisa Jokanovic's criteria when it comes to running the rule over a full back. Whenever he got the ball last night, Fossey was looking to drive forward and his close control means he can carry it a long way. An intelligent runner and ready of the game, Fossey is a real athlete – like most modern full backs – and he's got a pair of fine feet that can carry him deep into opposition territory.

He was seriously tested as a defensive operator during his time on the field as Sampdoria took a little while to get into their groove, but his positioning looked solid and you could see that the 19 year-old had really benefited from training with the senior squad. Jokanovic had him training with the first-team towards the tail end of last season and he's really kicked on over the summer. If this friendly was a shoot-out between Fossey and Steven Sessegnon, who lined up on the other flank, to see who could hold down the right back duties, then the young American appeared more impressive. That's not to say that Sessegnon was in any way poor, but Fossey's emergence has been something of a surprise given that the Sessegnon twins have already got more than a taste of first-team football.

Aside from Andre Schurrle, who had another encouraging cameo on the opposite flank, Fossey was Fulham's most frequent threat in the final third and the Italian appeared frightened by his energetic and endeavour. The consistency of his crossing might have been the only negative, with several either overhit or cut out at the near post, although he did provide the Whites' most promising moment in the second half – flashing a measured low ball across the six-yard box that Dennis Praet nearly turned into his own net.

We may look back at this period in Fulham's history in a few years as a golden age for the output of the club's academy. Fossey has all the attributes to go on to the highest level and, if his mature displays during the summer are anything to go by, he might make his impact sooner rather than later. An eye-catching cameo against strong Serie A opposition means the right back certainly seized his opportunity last night.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fossey-catches-the-eye/

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Smajic on trial at Fulham

Fulham have taken Bosnian teenager Edis Smajic on trial from FK Sloboda Tuzla after watching him closely towards the end of last season.

The 18 year-old attacking midfielder is widely considered to one of Bosnia's most promising talents in many years. He made his debut for Sloboda Tuzla aged just seventeen, coming on as a substitute in a goalless draw against NK Metalleghe-BSI, and was slowly integrated into the first team for the reminder of the season. Smajic, a classy ball player with an eye for goal, enjoyed a breakout season last year, scoring seven goals in 32 appearances as Sloboda finished tenth in the Bosnian top flight.

Fulham's status as a Premier League club and their reputation for giving youth a chance meant that Smajic, who has been first tracked into the Bosian under-21 side after impressing at the younger age groups, was eager to make a move to England to try and earn a senior contract. The Londoners appear to have seen off rumoured interest from a Dutch top-flight outfit and will now run the rule over Smajic during the next week. He arrived at Motspur Park yesterday to begin training with Fulham's under-19 and under-23 squads and the Whites would have to pay upwards of £500,000 if they decide to pursue a permanent deal.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/smajic-on-trial-at-fulham/

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Johansen: Coming Together

Stefan Johansen has plenty of confidence heading into his debut season in the Premier League having been impressed with Fulham's transfer business so far this summer. 

The Norwegian captain was a half-time substitute against Sampdoria as the Whites went down 1-0 to a Gaston Ramirez goal but put on a promising show against the Italians. 

"At this stage of pre-season we've been working really hard," Johansen told fulhamfc.com, "The training has been hard and a lot of players have got minutes in their legs. 

"We've made some good signings now as well, so we are starting to get to where we should be and we still have a week-and-a-half until the real deal starts. 

"Mitro has come in and we know him, André Schürrle is a World Cup winner so that says it all. 

"Mika and Max came in and will be good signings for our squad and Fabri as well has now come in so we are starting to get to where we should be as a squad. 

"As I said we have been working really hard for four weeks now and there is one more game until the real deal starts but I think we are starting to look ready for it," he said.

Johansen was delighted when he found out Aleksandar Mitrović was returning to the Cottage and thinks it is a good fit for both the player and the Club.

"We have obviously talked to Mitro since last season and he always wanted to come back here, he knows the Head Coach well, he knows the players around him and he knows the Club, so it's a good match both for him and for us obviously so I'm sure he will do big things.

"André is a great guy and a great player as well, you can see his quality already so he will be a useful signing for us in this coming season," he said.

Next up for Fulham is Celta Vigo on Saturday, a week before the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace and Johansen is chomping at the bit to return to Craven Cottage. 

"Saturday is the last game before the Premier League starts and it's a friendly but it's the last real test we have before the main thing starts.

"We are finally back at the Cottage and hopefully we can win the game and put on a good performance and get some more minutes in the legs before Crystal Palace.

"After the season finished last year, most of the boys couldn't wait until the season started again.

"This is where we want to be, playing against Crystal Palace, we open at home and the Cottage is going to be full.

"We had some great games there last year with fantastic atmosphere's and we hope the fans can turn up the same way as they did last year and it's up to us to put on a show for them," he said. 



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/02/johansen-coming-together

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Fulham Face Uphill Battle To Land Senegal Centre-Back

Fulham are interested in taking Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodj to England this summer, but the negotiations are expecting to be complicated.

The west London outfit have spent big on the eve of returning to the Premier League and they are not looking to slow down going into the final week of the transfer window.

Fulham are still in the market for a centre-back and the club have been scouring the market for options to strengthen their backline ahead of the start of the season.

And it has been claimed Anderlecht defender Mbodj has emerged as a target in the final week of the transfer window.

According to Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws, the Cottagers are interested in signing the Senegalese centre-half but negotitions are expected to be protracted.

Anderlecht have seen off interest from Premier League sides in Mbodj in recent years and are not keen to see him leave the club this summer too.

With only a week left, Fulham are sailing against the wind to conclude negotiations for the defender and get a transfer over the line.

The Craven Cottage outfit are expected to pursue the defender's signature in the coming days and it remains to be seen whether they will be pull off the complicated transfer.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2018/08/02/fulham-face-uphill-battle-to-land-senegal-centre-back/384644/

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Celta Vigo Tickets On Sale

Join us at Craven Cottage this Saturday for our final pre-season fixture when the Whites take on La Liga side Celta Vigo.

With kick-off at 3pm, watch Slavisa Jokanovic's side in action ahead of our 18/19 Premier League campaign, where fans could see several summer signings make their first Fulham appearances in SW6.

Tickets are priced at £21 for adults with under-18s just £2* and are available online, over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person fro the Fulham Ticket Office.

Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/02/celta-vigo-tickets

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Premier League survival only aim for David Wagner as boss points to financial gap to Wolves, Fulham and Brighton

The boss says there is "no chance" of the Terriers aiming for anything other than securing a third season in the top flight

Huddersfield Town head coach David Wagner says there is "no chance" of the Terriers aiming for anything other than Premier League survival this season due to the financial disparity between them and their rivals.

Town earned a second season in the top flight last year with remarkable back-to-back draws with Manchester City and Chelsea , with the Terriers proving nearly all of the pundits and bookmakers wrong in the process.

And the boss is targeting the same achievement again this season, suggesting that Town can only aim for survival with the promoted teams having much more financial backing than the West Yorkshire side.

Wagner pointed to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham as examples of the gap in resources, before highlighting Brighton & HOve Albion as their nearest competitors in terms of money.

In an interview with SportBild, Wagner was asked whether the aim for the season was anything other than survival.

The boss replied: "No chance! Because the promoted teams Fulham and Wolves have financial means that are beyond our imagination.

"We still have the lowest budget, but the gap to the club with the second-least funds, Brighton, has become bigger.

"The challenge is difficult, but also exciting. If we manage to recapture the energy and euphoria in the town, the stadium and the club, then we can do it."

When asked who the surprise package of the season would be, he added: "Wolverhampton. They have so much money. As new signings, they have just got two Portuguese national team players."



https://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-survival-only-aim-14980882

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Middlesbrough set to sign ex-Leeds United and Fulham stopper - reports

Middlesbrough are set to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, according to reports....

The Teesside Gazette claim that a move for the experienced stopper is set to be finalised, in a move which leaves fellow goalkeeper Connor Ripley's future in the balance.

Lonergan, 34, left Leeds in July after his second spell at Elland Road was cut short just twelve month into his two-year deal - meaning he will be able to sign for Boro as a free agent.

A product of Preston North End's youth academy, Lonergan has also represented Bolton, Fulham and Wolves among others during a career which has seen him rack up over 380 appearances.

Now, the 'keeper is set for a move to the Riverside Stadium where he will battle with Darren Randolph and Dimi Konstantopoulos for a starting spot under Tony Pulis.

The move for Lonergan, however, could spell the end of Connor Ripley's time on Teesside with the 25-year-old now facing an uncertain future.

A string of impressive loan spells failed to earn the young stopper a chance in the Boro first team, and the Gazette claim that the club will not stand in Ripley's way should they receive an appropriate offer for his services.



Read more at: https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough-fc/middlesbrough-set-to-sign-ex-leeds-united-and-fulham-stopper-reports-1-9281591

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Marlon Fossey scouting report: How Fulham's latest wonderkid got on against Sampdoria

We kept a close eye on the teenage defender in the 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria in Aldershot

Marlon Fossey has made a name for himself in Fulham's pre-season games this season and it could stand him in good stead for the upcoming Premier League season.

The 19-year-old has looked assured of himself in the right back role for the Cottagers so far this season, rotating with Cyrus Christie as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to give them both game time ahead of the new season.

After losing Ryan Fredericks to West Ham, there's space in that position for Fossey to make a name for himself as Fulham look for competition and depth in their squad.

Two years ago it was Ryan Sessegnon who made a name for himself at Aldershot Town's EBB Stadium when he scored against Brighton and Hove Albion in the pre-season of 2016, now it seems to be Fossey who is getting fans excited.

We kept a close eye on how the US U20 international got on against Sampdoria in their 1-0 loss - here's what we thought of him.

Strengths

It was clear from the off that Fossey wanted to get on the ball and attack Sampdoria's left back with pace, and that's exactly what he did throughout the game.

When he was in possession of the ball, the Serie A side stepped off him and almost looked frightened to engage the teenager in case he beat them down the flanks with his pace.

One moment that stood out for me in the first half was about 10 minutes in when Fossey trapped the ball after it landed from a high clearance, beating two men with his touch before scything into the middle of the park, cutting Sampdoria to shreds.

He was a constant outlet down the right too and looked to be everything that Jokanovic looks for in his full backs - attack minded but able to get back and defend.

Fossey also demonstrated he was able to beat a man when required, while he was able to play intricate pieces of football with the likes of Luca de la Torre and Andre Schurrle when they came over to his side of the pitch.

Of course, playing left back means your first job is to defend, and that's something the 19-year-old did well.

A lot of his breaks from the back came from either his ability to win the football or by his reading of the play, which allowed him to intercept a number of balls down the left.

Weaknesses

Despite a really good showing, there were a few weaknesses we noticed in Fossey's game last night, which are to be expected from a 19-year-old still learning his trade.


Marlon Fossey vies with Jakub Jankto of Sampdoria (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

One of these was his final ball into the box.

Fossey got himself into a number of good positions down that flank and had opportunities to put balls into the 18-yard box, but the quality of these crosses were inconsistent, with some not beating the first man while others flew far over the back post.

That said, he did deliver a couple of quality balls, mostly when he fizzed them low and hard across the face of goal and was unlucky not set up a Fulham goal when the Sampdoria man deflected his effort just past the post.

He faded as the game went on, but at 19 and with a number of substitutes in the game that is to be expected from a teenager.

But that fade meant more mistakes crept into his game, with Fossey starting to lose the ball more and more before being subbed for Christie.

Verdict

I was extremely impressed by Fossey, and with the squad needing depth in every position, I don't see any reasons from the pre-season schedule to tell me why the youngster can't be the back up right back this season.

He's been with the first team since last season and is now getting game time, while Jokanovic clearly doesn't see any problem with using youth in his team, like we saw with Sessegnon two years ago and the likes of Luca de la Torre and Tayo Edun last season.


Marlon Fossey against Sampdoria (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He still has a lot of learning to do, especially in terms of the playing in the Premier League, but you can only get that teaching experience by playing first team football, and that's something he's done in abundance this summer.

While I'm sure Christie will start at right back, I can see Fossey being used in the cup games this season as Fulham continue his development.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marlon-fossey-scouting-report-how-14981569

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Fulham leading Mboji race

Fulham are leading the race to sign Anderlecht centre back Kara Mbodji, according to reports from Belgium this morning.

The Premier League new boys are ready to pay £4.5m to offer the Senegalese international defender his dream move to England. Mboji has been heavily linked with a move over the past twelve months, with Crystal Palace and Leicester City having previously been keen on signing the powerful centre halve.

The 28 year-old, who can also fill the holding role in midfield, made his breakthrough after moving to Norwegian side Tromso in 2010, where he impressed at the heart of their defence and was twice voted runner-up in the Norwegian player of the year awards. After 70 appearances in three seasons, he earned a move to Ghent, where he won the Belgian Cup in his first season and eventually joined Anderlecht in a deal worth £4m.

Mboji starred as Anderlecht stormed to the Belgian title in 2016-2017, making 29 appearances and scoring four goals. He has won 47 caps for his country at senior level – scoring five goals – and went to the World Cup with Senegal in Russia, but did not make an appearance during the tournament. It appears as though Mboji's days with Anderlecht are numbered as Hein Vanhaezebrouck wants to rebuild his defence with younger players and is willing to part with the powerful defender in a cut-price deal.

Slavisa Jokanovic is still seeking reinforcements in defence for his squad, despite the impending arrival of Alfie Mawson from Swansea. The imposing 6ft 4in centre half could fit the bill and Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws suggests the Whites are in pole position to secure his services, despite strong interest from Turkish and Dutch clubs. The Whites have recruited heavily from Belgium over recent seasons, with current utility defender Denis Odoi enjoying an outstanding Fulham career after arriving from Lokeren two years ago.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-leading-mboji-race/

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Why Jean-Michael Seri has the potential to be Fulham's match winner in the Premier League

Fulham beat the likes of Chelsea to his signature and will be looking to take the Premier League by storm

Jean-Michael Seri - the latest coup in the Fulham revolution.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Barcelona last summer and has drawn lofty comparisons with none other than Xavi, their former midfield general and the beating heart of the Pep Guardiola era.

A fanciful line to draw between one of the all-time greats and a very good 26-year-old who was making waves for Nice?

Maybe but there are similarities in the way they both play football, if not parity with regards to their calibre as footballers.

Ajax are one side that can testify to the quality that Seri possesses. The Ivorian laid on assists home and away in their two-legged qualification play-off with the 2017 Europa League finalists for the chance to make it into the Champions League group stage last season.

In the second match of the tie, he surged through the box to slip a back heeled pass across goal for Vincent Marcel to make it 2-2 (3-3 on aggregate) to send the French side through on away goals.

Making match-winning contributions from midfield is what Seri does.

In 2016/17, only three footballers played more through balls in Europe's top five leagues than the Ivory Coast international – Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.


Jean Michael Seri (R) vies Angers' defender Vincent Manceau (L) (Image: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images)

He is also a tough and nimble dribbler who is excellent at shielding and keeping the ball to pass it on or bring it forward.

Rather than being a weakness, he has turned his diminutive size into one of his key strengths. At five-foot-five in height he uses his low centre of gravity to his advantage, and is quick on the turn and has good close control in tight spaces.

The season before last, he completed 89% of his attempted take ons and won 63.89% of his tackles.

Seri credits his sturdiness with the ball and skill in possession with his upbringing in south-western Ivory Coast. He began playing for his local club at the age of eight.

In an interview with French magazine Le Point, he said: "Training footballers in Africa is special. Up to a certain level, we play barefoot but that meant we had more contact with the ball and therefore we got a better technique even before we put boots on."

In an era where pressing and counter-pressing players with the ball in midfield is becoming increasingly important, having a footballer comfortable with being closed down, and capable of getting themselves out of trouble can be a great advantage to a team.

Fulham are a side that was known in the Championship for their ability on the ball and skill in playing their way out of tricky situations when team press them high, and it looks like Seri has all the attributes to fit into Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

We've seen the way Stefan Johansen plays in that box-to-box role for the side and the devastating effect it can have on teams - my mind thinks back to that performance at Huddersfield Town two seasons ago where the midfield carved the Terriers apart, with Johansen key in that role.

Seri will certainly add to that midfield.

He has all the attributes. For Nice, he provided a similar impetus from deep to unlock their attacking potential, while the season before last, he was ranked fourth in Europe's top five leagues for creating big chances last season, behind only Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and Angel Di Maria.

His ability to thread a through ball is a striker's dream, and now Fulham have got a deal over the line for Aleksandar Mitrovic he'll thrive living off those passes from Seri.

Signing Seri was a coup for Fulham and a piece of business that could see them looking up the table, rather than nervously glancing over their shoulders at the lower reaches.




https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jean-michael-seri-fulham-winner-14900391

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Fulham's interest in player is 'most concrete', transfer to Craven Cottage 'ideal scenario'

Anderlecht's Kara Mbodji is attracting interest from Fulham, if reports are to be believed.

Het Laatste Nieuws claims the Cottagers 'want' the Senegalese international and the Belgium club are working to find a solution.

The clubs in France and Turkey have registered their interest in the 28-year-old through intermediaries, but the English side's interest is the 'most concrete' one.

A move to Craven Cottage seems to be the 'ideal scenario' because they can meet the Jupiter Pro League outfit's asking price of €5m and also, the player dreams of playing in the Premier League.

The transfer window in England closes on August 9th and if Anderlecht allow the former Genk man to join Slaviša Jokanovic's side, they will be able to quickly offload him.

The report also mentions Leicester City and Crystal Palace were looking at the option of signing him in the past, but his employer's €10m asking price and problem with his knee saw them end their interest. HLN claims Mbodji is 'completely fit' and is training 'effortlessly' for the last few days.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-interest-player-concrete-transfer-craven-cottage-ideal-scenario/

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Matt Targett can be Southampton's future – the club must avoid selling him this summer

Amid plenty of speculation linking him with a move away from the club this summer, Matt Targett turned in an impressive display against Celta Vigo in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.

Fulham are desperate to sign Targett on a permanent basis this summer having been left excited by his short stay at Craven Cottage last term. The left-back spent the second half of last season on loan with the Whites and was a class act for the Championship side.

In fact, Fulham lost only twice when Targett was on the pitch last season, further inferring his influence on proceedings at the club. The 22-year-old was instrumental as Fulham deservedly secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Targett's consistency and quality at left-back enabled Slavisa Jokanovic the option to utilise Ryan Sessegnon in a more advanced position down the left flank, which helped massively as Fulham booked their place in the top-flight ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Inevitably, Targett's exploits during his first ever loan spell away from Southampton have left Fulham wanting more. The club have already submitted a formal proposal to sign Targett, but Saints are reluctant to let go of their promising defender.

Nevertheless, it seems Southampton would be willing to negotiate the sale of Targett if their alleged valuation of £15 million is met. On paper, the sum is reasonable for a player who is currently regarded as one for the future and a backup option at St Mary's Stadium.

However, Southampton should give serious consideration to Targett's predicament at the club, with the youngster continuing to look like a player capable of performing regularly at a high level.

Southampton have, for many years now, prided themselves on the development and integration into the senior squad of their youth players. Targett is an embodiment of this, following his steady progression over the years and sporadic opportunities in the first-team.

However, his development has rapidly accelerated in the last seven months and Targett is a better, more refined player for his spell at Fulham. He has returned to Southampton in fine form and has already proven his worth in pre-season under Mark Hughes.

Targett took to the pitch at St Mary's for the first time since making the move to London in January on Wednesday night as he was introduced at half-time, with Saints two goals down to Celta Vigo.

With Cedric Soares still absent, Targett was deployed on the right-hand side of Hughes' wing-back system and took to the unfamiliar role as though it was second nature. Despite being left-footed naturally, Targett didn't look out of place on the opposite flank and was comfortable in possession.

The Saints academy graduate set up two goals in fine fashion, displaying both intelligence and precision on his supposedly weaker foot to offer his side two golden chances to get a foothold back in the game, which they duly capitalised on.

Of course, no club should make a decision on their player's future based on one sole outing, especially in a non-competitive fixture. However, Targett's display against Celta Vigo was more a reiteration of a widely-held view among many Southampton fans; he could prove to be an important part of the club's future moving forward.

Targett wants to be playing first-team football on a regular basis this season, irrespective of which club it is for. Moving forward, it's likely that the only place he will slot in at Southampton will be at either left-back or left wing-back, and this position is occupied by the extremely gifted Ryan Bertrand.

The 28-year-old is set to be the club's captain for the season and only injury or suspension would likely see him miss a fixture. This would indicate that unless Bertrand is shifted to play at left centre-back, as he often has in pre-season, Targett's role would merely be as a backup player.

However, Southampton's defensive frailties are well-documented and it's clear for all to see that there is a shortage of quality in central defence. Wesley Hoedt, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek are all unconvincing, Maya Yoshida remains hit and miss and new boy Jannik Vestergaard is expected to need time to adapt.

Bertrand, though, is perhaps Saints' best defender. Albeit not a natural centre-back, Bertrand reads the game superbly and would offer Southampton a much-needed cool head at the back, along with technical ability.

Playing the England international in central defence would certainly inhibit his attacking capabilities on a weekly basis – something that Hughes would understandably be keen to avoid – but perhaps it is something that is now a necessity given the frequency of mistakes committed by the aforementioned trio of defenders.

This, though, would open up the door for Southampton to give one of their most promising young players the game time he not only deserves but needs in order to flourish and exercise his ability. Targett is a capable crosser, a good defender and is able to partake in combination play in narrow spaces. These credentials make him a more than viable pick for the left wing-back spot.

It's easy to say that Southampton should sell Targett for £15 million and then recruit an attacking player with the money. After all, up to now, he is just a 'backup player'.

However, Southampton would be selling more than Targett if they do indeed choose to sanction the transfer. They'd be surrendering yet another piece of their proclaimed identity as a football club; a young talent who has progressed through the academy and blossomed before he's even been given the chance to shine on a regular basis in a red and white shirt.

Matt Targett, if he is rightly afforded the opportunity to impress, has the potential to be a huge part of Southampton's future on the pitch. That kind of promise should be priceless this summer, as the club looks to mend its damaged identity.



https://readsouthampton.com/2018/08/02/matt-targett-can-be-southamptons-future-the-club-must-avoid-selling-him-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make Willems enquiry

Fulham are interested in signing the Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Jetro Willems, according to reports from Holland this afternoon.

The Whites are seeking a left back ahead of the Premier League season so that Slavisa Jokanovic can continue to utilise teenage wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon as a left winger, where he terrorised Championship defences in the second half of last season. Fulham have failed with approaches for Manchester City youngster Oleksandr Zinchenko and Werder Bremen's Swedish international Ludwig Augustinsson and had a second bid for Southampton full back Matt Targett rejected earlier this week.

Dutch football website Voetbalprimeur reports that Fulham have asked Eintracht about how much the Dutch international would cost and Willems' agent is quoted as admitting that 'something is going on' and the report suggests that 24 year-old would be keen on a move to England. The attacking left back only moved to Frankfurt last summer having won back-to-back Dutch titles with PSV Eindhoven but was not guaranteed a first team spot, making 28 appearances as Eintracht won the DFB Pokal.

Fulham will face competition from Roma, who have reportedly included Willems on their shortlist as they also search for a new left back. An experienced campaigner, Willems has won 22 caps for Holland and played in all three of the Dutch group games at Euro 2012.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-make-willems-enquiry/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mawson seals Fulham move

Alfie Mawson has joined Fulham for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The defender was a consistent performer during his two-year spell at Swansea City, who he joined from Barnsley in a £5 million deal.

Although initially he had to be patient in his bid to land a place in the Swans first team, Mawson seized his opportunity when it came.

He became a mainstay of the side under Paul Clement as the Swans pulled clear of relegation danger in 2016-17.

And Mawson played every minute of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign, with his impressive club form earning him a call-up to the England squad in the spring.

Mawson has been linked with a number of clubs following the Swans' relegation to the Championship, and it is Fulham who have secured his signature.

Former Brentford and Wycombe defender Mawson departs having made 71 appearances and scoring seven goals for the Swans.

He had a knee operation in May, but is expected to be fully fit soon.

Mawson joins a Fulham side who are back in the Premier League having won the Championship play-offs last term, with the move seeing him return to his native South-East.

He has signed a four-year deal at Craven Cottage.

Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Alfie for his service and wish him well in his future career.



https://www.swanseacity.com/news/mawson-seals-fulham-move

[WhiteJC]

 

The Club is delighted to confirm the capture of Alfie Mawson from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old centre-back has signed a four-year deal, tying him to Fulham until at least the summer of 2022.

Born just 15 miles away from Craven Cottage in Hillingdon, Mawson came through the ranks at Brentford, making his professional debut as a 19-year-old in the League Cup.

He took in brief loan spells at Luton Town and Welling United, and had his first full season of senior football in 2014/15, scoring seven times in 51 appearances as Wycombe Wanderers reached the League Two Play-Off Final where they were beaten by Southend United on penalties.

His efforts that year were duly rewarded, winning the club's Player of the Season award.

Mawson was playing in League One the following term, with his performances for Wycombe attracting the attention of Barnsley.

In his one full season at Oakwell, Mawson again demonstrated his knack for goals, bagging seven in a campaign that saw him make a further two Wembley appearances. They were far more fruitful this time, though, as Mawson helped the Tykes win both the League One Play-Off Final, and the Football League Trophy.

Four matches into the 2016/17 Championship season – in which time he had already scored two more goals – Mawson moved to the Premier League when Swansea swooped for his services. He quickly established himself at the heart of the Swans' defence, scoring four times in 27 appearances as they comfortably avoided relegation.

That form saw him rewarded on an international level as he was called up by England for the Under-21 European Championship, scoring once and playing every minute as the Three Lions reached the Semi-Final stage, where they were beaten by Germany on penalties.

Mawson played 44 more times for Swansea last season and scored three goals, including the winner against Liverpool, and his consistency saw him named in Gareth Southgate's senior England squad for the first time in March.

Mawson said: "I'm really happy to get this over the line and join Fulham. I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going.

"I'm excited to be a part of this great Club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League."

Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Alfie Mawson! Alfie is an exciting young player with a strong future at a position of major importance to our club.

"Alfie is also very highly regarded by our scouting department and our data analysts, giving us great confidence in our back line as we prepare long term for Premier League competition.

"It's only fitting that such a fine homegrown talent like Alfie will flourish in the presence of the finest supporters in London at Craven Cottage for years to come. Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/02/totally-mawson

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham confirm signing of Alfie Mawson in £15m deal from Swansea

Fulham have confirmed the signing of defender Alfie Mawson on a four-year-deal from Swansea.

The 24-year-old becomes the latest summer arrival at Craven Cottage, joining the likes of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mawson was a stand-out player for Swansea during the 2017-18 season, scoring three times in 44 appearances as they unsuccessfully battled against relegation.

His strong form saw Mawson receive a call-up from Gareth Southgate to the England senior squad in March.

"I'm really happy to get this over the line and join Fulham," the centre-back told the club website.

"I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going.

"I'm excited to be a part of this great club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League."

Fulham are back in the top flight of English football again for the first time since their relegation in 2014.

A 1-0 play-off final victory over Aston Villa was enough to send the Cottagers up from the Championship.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11457910/fulham-confirm-signing-of-alfie-mawson-in-15m-deal-from-swansea

[WhiteJC]

 
Alfie Mawson: Fulham sign defender from Swansea City

Mawson made 65 league appearances for Swansea after joining them from Barnsley for £5m in 2016

Premier League newcomers Fulham have signed defender Alfie Mawson from Swansea City on a four-year contract in a deal that could cost up to £20m.

The 24-year-old featured in all of the Swans' Premier League games last season, earning a call-up to the full England squad.

Barnsley will also receive a payment due to a sell-on clause.

"I'm excited by the project going on here and I can't wait to get going," said Mawson.

"The football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it.

"I'm excited to be a part of this great club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League."

Mawson's career began at Brentford, while he also had loan spells with Luton, Welling and Wycombe before joining Barnsley.

He moved to Swansea in 2016 and was a mainstay in the club's defence last season, but could not prevent their relegation in May.

Fulham have already signed Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for a reported £22m, Spanish goalkeeper Fabri from Besiktas, German forward Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund, as well as Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri and French defender Maxime le Marchand from Nice.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45024377

[WhiteJC]

 
Alfie Mawson joins Fulham in £20million transfer from Swansea as Cottagers complete sixth summer signing

The centre-back becomes the south-west London club's sixth signing of this summer's transfer window

Alfie Mawson has joined Fulham in £20million transfer from Swansea.

The centre-back becomes the south-west London club's sixth signing of this summer's transfer window, and puts pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Mawson said: "I'm really happy to get this over the line and join Fulham. I'm excited by the project going on here and the football being played last season was lovely on the eye but also effective and I can't wait to be a part of it and get going.

"I'm excited to be a part of this great club moving forward and to help achieve success in the Premier League."


Alfie Mawson has joined Fulham in £20million transfer from Swansea (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Tony Khan, vice chairman and director of football operations at Fulham, added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Alfie Mawson! Alfie is an exciting young player with a strong future at a position of major importance to our club.

"Alfie is also very highly regarded by our scouting department and our data analysts, giving us great confidence in our back line as we prepare long term for Premier League competition.

"It's only fitting that such a fine homegrown talent like Alfie will flourish in the presence of the finest supporters in London at Craven Cottage for years to come. Come on Fulham!"

Mawson joins Jean Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Fabri, Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic through the door at the Cottage, as newly-promoted Fulham have splashed the cash this summer.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alfie-mawson-joins-fulham-20million-13023388