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Friday Fulham Stuff (10/03/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 09, 2018, 12:02:46 PM

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WhiteJC

 
Chambers: Amazing To Watch

Calum Chambers says his experience of watching Fulham last season played a major role in his decision to join the Club.

The defender caught enough of the Whites' successful 2017/18 campaign to convince him to swap North for South-West London when the opportunity presented itself this week.


When asked what it was like to watch from the outside, he replied: "It was amazing. The run you guys went on towards the end of the season was incredible.

"The style in which Fulham played is not easy, in that league especially, so to do that and be successful with it was great to see.

"Everyone can see that Fulham's a club that likes to play football, play football from the back, through the lines. That's the style of football I like to play as well, so I think it fits me and suits the way I play.

"I'm really excited. I watched a lot of Fulham last season, I really like the way they play football, there's a good manager, it's a great club, so I'm really excited for the season ahead.

"I know a lot about the Club, so when I heard that Fulham were interested in having me here I was really happy and I wanted to come. Everything just felt right."

A full England international, Chambers has ambitions of returning to Gareth Southgate's squad, but knows that will only happen if he performs well for the Whites – which is his primary goal.


"For me, first off, I want to do well for Fulham," he said. "I want to come here and show everyone what I can do, and then obviously the long-term goal is to get back in the England squad as well.

"But my first aim is to come to Fulham and do well for the team, and give everything I can.

"Competition for places is huge, it keeps everyone on their toes and makes everyone perform at their best ability. There are players coming in, which will push everyone to be the best they can be.

"I've played quite a few [Premier League] games now, and I want to come here and show the experience I've gained in the past."

Having played at Craven Cottage before, Chambers is looking forward to stepping out at the famous old ground once again on Saturday, if selected for the season opener against Crystal Palace.

"It's a good stadium, it's got a lot of history," he said. "I remember the fans in the crowd and the atmosphere being very good, so I'm looking forward to hearing that again.

"It will be a nice pitch and hopefully a good day, so I'm really excited for it."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/calum-chambers-amazing-to-watch

WhiteJC

 
Fulham: 2018/19 Premier League Season Preview

After earning promotion back to the Premier League, and a very busy transfer window, how will Fulham fare in their first season back in the top flight since the 2013/14 campaign?

Last Season

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic successfully led the Cottagers back to the Premier League after a 4-year absence from the top flight. The first two of Fulham's campaigns in the Championship were utter disappointments, with the West London side finishing in the bottom half on both occasions. There seemed to be an emergence of creeping doubts as to whether Fulham would ever make it back to the top flight, particularly after the play-off semi-final heartbreak at the end of the 2016/17 season. Last season, however, was a different story, as Fulham embarked on a scintillating run of 23 games unbeaten, finishing 3rd and narrowly missing out on the illustrious automatic promotion spot after a wounding defeat to Birmingham City on the final day. Fulham were made to do it the hard way, defeating both Derby County and then Aston Villa on their quest to return to the Premier League.

Manager and Preferred Tactics

Slavisa Jokanovic began his managerial career in his home country with Serbian team Partizan Belgrade before enduring a spell at Muangthong United in Thailand. Since then, he has honed his coaching skills in Bulgaria, Spain, Israel and also briefly at Watford. His current position as Fulham head coach has arguably been his most successful. After steering the Cottagers away from Championship relegation, the Serb has guided Fulham to two top 6 finishes and has established himself as a true fan favourite at Craven Cottage.

In terms of tactics, Jokanovic doesn't seem to remain faithful to one particular formation. Instead, he prefers to adjust his system to the type of players he has at his disposal. This Fulham side have thus far adopted a philosophy of intense pressing with quick turnovers. Following the signings Jokanovic has made so far in this window, we could see a Fulham team that plays expansive football in an attempt to best utilise the abundance of pace and attacking talent in this team.

Key Player

Last season's promotion back to the Premier League was a wonderful team effort from Fulham, but if one player who particularly stood out above his team mates had to be identified, it would have to be Ryan Sessegnon. After starting the season at left-back, Sessegnon's goal scoring capabilities were revealed and the player has since adopted the left wing position, finishing the season with a total of 15 league goals – a truly breath-taking feat from an 18-year-old. The teenager has been linked with a move to bigger Premier League clubs, but for now it seems as though he will remain in West London where he will be keen to show that he is able to not only live up to his own hype, but also the relentless demands of the Premier League.

Captain

At the start of the 2017/18 season, Fulham named Tom Cairney as club captain and he has been instrumental in Fulham's return back to the Premier League. In January 2018, Fulham rejected two offers from West Ham for Tom Cairney, which stood at £15m and £18m respectively, thus highlighting how integral he is to Fulham's success. The decision to reject both offers proved crucial, as Cairney scored the only goal in the play-off final win against Aston Villa and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season Award. Cairney is expected to play a key role this season and Fulham will need him to be at his best if they are to have a successful campaign.

Transfer Activity

So far this transfer window, Fulham have highlighted just why promotion to the Premier League is so invaluable at the moment, having reaped the rewards of the multiple millions awarded to them from current television deals. This was no better exemplified than by the signing of Jean Michael Seri from Nice for £27m – a player who had previously been linked with Barcelona and Manchester City.  Seri's performances last season weren't quite as impressive as the mightily high standards he had set himself the season before, but from Fulham's perspective, this transfer oozes ambition.

Other impressive signings include World Cup Winner Andre Schürrle on a two-year loan deal and the permanent signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic for a reported £22m. Schürrle will add pace and creativity and will hope bring the best out of Mitrovic, who scored 12 goals in 20 games for Fulham last season whilst there on loan. Together with Ryan Sessegnon, Schürrle and Mitrovic could really form a potent front three.

2018/19 expectations

First and foremost, Fulham must survive the Premier League this season, particularly after the money spent during this transfer window. Fulham have been known for their attacking brand of football in the Championship, but a solid defence is absolutely crucial in the Premier League and this could be Fulham's downfall this season unless further transfers are made. A successful and realistic return back to the Premier League would be a bottom half finish but comfortably escaping relegation, and with a manager such as Slavisa Jokanovic at the helm, there is no reason why this couldn't come to fruition.



https://90maat.com/2018/08/09/fulham-2018-19-premier-league-season-preview/

WhiteJC

 
Borussia Dortmund fans' jealousy drove me out of club - Andre Schurrle


Fulham's Andre Schuerrle during a friendly against Florenz. TF-Images/Getty Images

Andre Schurrle said fans' jealousy drove him to return to England and is why many Germany internationals do not play in the Bundesliga.

Schurrle, 27, joined Fulham last month on a two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund, the club he joined from Wolfsburg in 2016.

He spent two mediocre seasons at Dortmund, scoring three Bundesliga goals in 33 of a possible 68 appearances, and not only did he lose his place in the national team, he became a target of ironic chants of "Schuuuu" and "We'll drink until Schurrle scores" from some supporters.

"We had a difficult last two years when I was in Dortmund," Schurrle, who earned a Premier League winners' medal with Chelsea in 2015, told the Sun. "It was not easy, the relationship between fans and players. It's a big jealousy thing in Germany that you have from fans -- not the hardcore fans, because they always stand behind their team.

"It's not easy, especially for a German national team player who did great things in the past and maybe is struggling. That's why I think most of the German national team play abroad because if you don't play for Bayern Munich and you don't always win, it's difficult."

Andre Schurrle said fans' jealousy drove him to return to England and is why many Germany internationals do not play in the Bundesliga.

Schurrle, 27, joined Fulham last month on a two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund, the club he joined from Wolfsburg in 2016.

He spent two mediocre seasons at Dortmund, scoring three Bundesliga goals in 33 of a possible 68 appearances, and not only did he lose his place in the national team, he became a target of ironic chants of "Schuuuu" and "We'll drink until Schurrle scores" from some supporters.

"We had a difficult last two years when I was in Dortmund," Schurrle, who earned a Premier League winners' medal with Chelsea in 2015, told the Sun. "It was not easy, the relationship between fans and players. It's a big jealousy thing in Germany that you have from fans -- not the hardcore fans, because they always stand behind their team.

"It's not easy, especially for a German national team player who did great things in the past and maybe is struggling. That's why I think most of the German national team play abroad because if you don't play for Bayern Munich and you don't always win, it's difficult."



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3590161/borussia-dortmund-fans-jealousy-drove-me-out-of-club-andre-schurrle


WhiteJC

 
FST Election Results 2018

FULHAM SUPPORTERS' TRUST

SOCIETY BOARD ELECTION AUG 2018

INDEPENDENT SCRUTINEER'S REPORT AND ELECTION RESULTS

It was an honour to be asked to be the independent Scrutineer for the Fulham Supporters' Trust Board Elections 2018 and it has been an interesting experience.

Nine vacancies were declared, and ten nominations were received but on informing the nominees one decided to withdraw leaving us with nine nominees for nine positions.

Therefore, as the Independent Scrutineer, and in line with rule 3.7 of the Election Rules, I declare those nine nominees appointed.

Those appointed are: Ian Clarke; Sue Couch; Dan Crawford; Chris Gilbertson; Tom Greatrex; Les O'Gorman; Gerry Pimm; Archie Rhind-Tutt; and Owen Smith.

In line with the current Constitution, at the first Society Board meeting lots shall be drawn to determine which four nominees are appointed for a two-year term, or part thereof, and the other five will then be deemed to be appointed for a one-year term or part thereof.

There should then be a further election prior to the next AGM where three vacancies will be declared, and the five retiring Directors will be eligible to stand again for election as will any other eligible members. This will then leave the required two spaces for co-opted Directors.

As part of my role I am required to report whether the current Society Election Rules Regulations and Procedures and the Society Constitution were adhered to. I am satisfied they were.

However, I consider that both the current Election Rules, Regulations and Procedures and the current Constitution are no longer fit for purpose and need to be updated as a matter of urgency. The former for the next Election and the latter for proposal to the next AGM.

I would recommend that both are reviewed in consultation with Supporters Direct who will advise on best practice.

Best wishes, Neil Le Milliere

Independent Scrutineer 2018



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/8/9/fst-election-results-2018.html

WhiteJC

 
PL2 Live Stream: Manchester United

Fulham's opening PL2 Division 2 fixture against Manchester United will be streamed live on fulhamfctv for subscribers on Friday evening.

The Under-23s' first match is against the Red Devils and kicks off at 7pm at Motspur Park. Last season Manchester United were relegated from the PL2 Division 1, Fulham finished eighth in Division 2.

"You don't get a bigger game for the Under-23s than Man United at the start of the season," said Head of Academy Coaching Steve Wigley.

"The fact that they found themselves relegated last year, it was a strange season because their Under-18s won the league.

"That tells you that they have good young players coming through and that is a game to excite anybody anytime you play the big clubs."

Tickets are also available on the gate, £3 or free for season ticket holders.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/pl2-live-stream-manchester-united

WhiteJC

 
Paul Merson's Premier League predictions:

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Saturday 3pm)

It all depends on how Wilfried Zaha performs as he makes all the difference. I don't think they won a football game without him last year, so Palace will have done well to keep hold of him.

This is a real benchmark for Fulham early on, playing a team that struggled last season but are better than what they were.

I'm going to go for a draw, but if I had to pick a winner it would be Palace.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15205/11466964/paul-mersons-premier-league-predictions-newcastle-v-spurs-liverpool-v-west-ham-arsenal-v-man-city


WhiteJC


The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a loan deal which keeps him at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2018/19 season.

Rico has made 170 appearances for Sevilla's first team during his career, keeping clean sheets in almost half of those, and has also been capped by Spain at senior level.

Born in Sevilla, Rico joined his local club as a youngster and progressed through the ranks before making his debut at the beginning of 2014/15, going on to make 37 appearances as the club's first choice goalkeeper despite his tender age.


His maiden campaign culminated in a first ever trophy, as he was in goal for Sevilla's 3-2 Europa League Final win against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

Rico added the same medal to his collection a year later as Sevilla defeated Liverpool 3-1 at FC Basel's St. Jakob-Park.

That proved to be the start of a prosperous summer as it preceded a call-up to the Spain squad for the 2016 European Championship where he was one of three goalkeepers alongside Iker Casillas and David De Gea, making his debut in a warm-up match against South Korea – a 6-1 win for the Spaniards.

Rico made 85 appearances for Sevilla across the following two seasons, the first of which ended in a fourth place finish, and the subsequent featuring a two-legged Champions League knock-out victory over Manchester United.

Commenting after putting pen to paper, Rico said: "I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Tony Khan added: "I'm excited to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla. Sergio is a world class goalkeeper, and thus, his services have been in great demand.

"Sergio joins a very talented cast of goalkeepers under contract at FFC, and he answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition. Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/sergio-rico-joins-on-loan

WhiteJC

 
Fulham sign Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico on season-long loan

Fulham have signed goalkeeper Sergio Rico on a season-long loan deal from Sevilla.

The 24-year-old has made 170 appearances for Sevilla, winning the Europa League twice, but lost his position as first choice at the tail-end of last season.

The once-capped Spain international was reportedly interesting several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, before the Blues completed a deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Rico is poised to battle with Fabri, who Fulham signed from Besiktas, and incumbent Marcus Bettinelli, for the No 1 jersey at Craven Cottage.

"I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League," Rico told the club's website.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467366/fulham-sign-sevilla-goalkeeper-sergio-rico-on-season-long-loan

WhiteJC

 
Bryan joins Fulham

Fulham have completed a deal to bring in left back Joe Bryan from Bristol City for a fee believed to be around £6m.

The Whites' swooped for one of the Championship's most impressive full backs last night – which might Bryan's proposed move to beaten play-off finalists Aston Villa collapsed in acrimonious fashion. The Premier League new boys had identified Bryan, who had an excellent season as the Robins narrowly missed out the play-offs, as one of their potential targets earlier in the season and return to sign the 24 year-old after it became clear that Southampton were unwilling to allow Matt Targett leave St. Mary's.

An attack-minded full back, Bryan has made more than 200 senior appearances at Bristol City and famously scored the opening goal as Lee Johnson's side beat Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-final last term. His arrival means that teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon can continue to play as a left winger and Bryan, who was part of the Bristol City side that won promotion from League One and the Football League Trophy in 2014/2015, is in line to make his Fulham debut against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Bryan told Fulham's official website:

Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me. The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime. I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in.

Fulham's director of football operations, Tony Khan, added:

I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship. He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/bryan-joins-fulham/


WhiteJC


The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Bryan from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.

The left-back has signed a four-year-deal with Fulham, with a Club option to extend by a further year.

Bryan, 24, has established himself as one of the finest left-backs outside the top flight over the last few seasons, helping the Robins enjoy a number of successful campaigns on the pitch.

Born in Bristol, Bryan progressed through City's academy and made his Championship debut in a 3-2 win over Leicester City as an 18-year-old in March 2012.


The following season he played 12 times in the Championship during the first half of the season, prior to a loan switch to Plymouth Argyle, who he helped remain in the Football League.

In his absence, Bristol City had slipped into League One, but in the two seasons that followed he continued his development having established himself as the club's first choice left-back.

After a campaign of consolidation, 2014/15 was a hugely successful one for City, with Bryan scoring seven times in 50 appearances as they won the title with 99 points and claimed the Football League Trophy at Wembley.

In their first campaign back in the second tier, the Robins comfortably avoided relegation, a feat they replicated in 2016/17.

Bryan then played a pivotal role in one of their best ever campaigns. A fantastic start to proceedings saw City establish themselves as promotion contenders, and although they were unable to sustain their league form, they still secured a top half finish.

They really captured the nation's attention in the League Cup, though, when they reached the Semi-Finals.

Having already knocked out Premier League Stoke City and Crystal Palace, Manchester United arrived at Ashton Gate in the Quarter-Final, with Bryan opening the scoring with a stunning strike in a 2-1 win.

The other Manchester side awaited in the last-four, but the eventual winners proved too strong despite a spirited Robins display, with City claiming a 5-3 aggregate win across two legs.


A real fan favourite, Bryan departs his boyhood club having made 230 appearances, during which time he scored 20 goals.

Speaking from Motspur Park after putting pen to paper, Bryan said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/joe-bryan-signs

WhiteJC

 
Fulham agree deal for Joe Bryan with Bristol City



Fulham continued their busy Deadline Day by signing left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old looked set to move to Aston Villa on Wednesday, but he is now a Premier League player - having come through the ranks at Ashton Gate.

Bryan told his new club's website: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down, as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Fulham's vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan said: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan.

"Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club!"

Fulham have capped a busy summer with a string of deals on Deadline Day and will get their Premier League campaign up and running at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11726/11467430/fulham-agree-deal-for-joe-bryan-with-bristol-city

WhiteJC

 
Fulham deadline day signing Joe Bryan reveals why he snubbed Aston Villa for Whites

FULHAM have completed the signing of left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City.

Bryan, 24, joins the Premier League new boys for a fee in the region of £6m

He has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with Fulham holding an option for a further season.

Bryan was set to join Aston Villa before Fulham hijacked their move at the 11th hour.

He was on the brink of putting pen to paper with the Championship club before the Whites pounced.

And Bryan has revealed he had to move to Craven Cottage because he could not turn down the chance to play in the Premier League.

He said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."


Fulham new boy Joe Bryan could not turn down Premier League football

Fulham director of football Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan.

"Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"

Bryan became Fulham's second signing on transfer deadline day after Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

The 24-year-old, who has one cap for his country, joins the Whites on a season-long loan from Sevilla.

"I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League," he said.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto was the third player to complete a move to Craven Cottage.


Fulham have signed Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla

The 24-year-old will spend the season on loan and provide competition for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"I'm very happy to come to the club and sign," Vietto said. "I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow.

"It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible."

Fulham kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday (3pm).



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/722380/Fulham-Deadline-Day-Signing-Joe-Bryan-Snubbed-Aston-Villa-News-Rumours-Gossip


WhiteJC

 
Fulham seal flurry of late deals on Deadline Day

Fulham joined Everton in making the most of Transfer Deadline Day in the Premier League.

The Cottagers absolutely went for it.

Newly-promoted Fulham had already had a superb transfer window after signing Andre Schurrle, Alfie Mawson, Jean Serri, Calum Chambers and Aleksandar Mitrovic, but they kept signing players on deadline day.

Take a look at this lot...

    Joe Bryan – Left back arrives in a reported $8 million fee from Bristol City
    Sergio Rico – Signed on loan from Sevilla, talented goalkeeper
    Andre Zambo Anguissa – Holding midfielder from Marseille set to arrive for club-record $38 million
    Luciano Vietto – Argentine striker set to join on loan from Atletico Madrid
    Timothy Fosu-Mensah – A season-long loan deal from Manchester United for the versatile Dutch defender, if it goes through in time

If all of these deals are completed then it would mean Fulham have spent over $128 million, more than any other newly-promoted team in a single window in Premier League history.

American owner Shahid Khan doesn't want the bitter taste of relegation from the PL again and he's splashing some serious cash to make sure Slavisa Jokanovic's men don't finish in



https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/08/09/fulham-seal-flurry-of-late-deals-on-deadline-day/

WhiteJC

 
Joe Bryan explains decision to join Fulham over Aston Villa from Bristol City

He has left his boyhood club for the Premier League

Joe Bryan says he could not turn down the opportunity to move to the Premier League after joining Fulham.

The left-back has joined the newly-promoted Cottagers from Bristol City after a stunning transfer hijack which saw the Robins accept an offer from Aston Villa before Fulham made a bid.

Bryan subsequently decided to join Fulham and told the club's website that he had to seize the opportunity of playing in the Premier League.

He said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Cottagers owner Tony Khan said Bryan has already shown his quality in meetings against the Robins last season.

He said: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bryan-explains-decision-join-1881367

WhiteJC

 
Joe Bryan completes last-minute switch from Bristol City to Fulham after Cottagers hijack Aston Villa deal

    Fulham beat Aston Villa to sign left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City
    The 24-year-old was heading for Villa preparing to take a medical
    Bryan has indicated to Villa he would like the chance to play in Premier League
    Fulham improved their offer for standout performer in last year's Championship

Fulham hijacked Joe Bryan's £6million move to Aston Villa to complete an 11th-hour signing of the left-back.

The Craven Cottage club had grown frustrated in their attempts to sign Southampton's Matt Targett and made enquiries for Bryan initially last month. 

Aston Villa were in pole position to sign Bryan and he underwent a medical at Villa Park on Wednesday, but the Championship side lost out when Fulham emerged as late suitors.


Joe Bryan completed a last-minute switch to Fulham, who beat Aston Villa to his signature


Fulham had been frustrated in their pursuit of Southampton's left-back Matthew Targett


He cost £6million to prise from Bristol City after an impressive season in 2017/2018


Bryan though has indicated to Villa he would like the chance to play in the Premier League and Fulham improved their offer.

The 24-year-old was a standout performer in last year's Championship and impressed against Manchester City and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

Cameroon international midfielder Anguissa was due to fly in from France on Wednesday ahead of talks with Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic keen to add extra bite to his team.

Jokanovic has seen Andre Schurrle, Alfie Mawson, Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and most recently, Arsenal defender Calum Chambers all arrive this summer but still wants to strengthen the spine of his team.

He ideally wants greater experience wary that his young squad could suffer with nerves on the Premier League stage. Fulham though have been keen to invest in youth.


Bryan had indicated he wanted to play in Premier League and Fulham improved offer


Fulham had a busy transfer deadline day, with Spanish keeper Sergio Rico also joining


WhiteJC

 
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa joins Fulham from Marseille

Fulham's fifth and final Deadline Day deal saw Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa join for a fee Sky Sports News understands to be £22.3m.

The 22-year-old has penned a five-year-deal at Craven Cottage, subject to a work permit being granted.

The signing caps off a busy Deadline Day for the Premier League newcomers, having also signed Sergio Rico, Luciano Vietto and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan, and Joe Bryan for £6m.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to," Anguissa told the club's website.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the club, and the supporters."

Anguissa is a Cameroon international, representing his country 11 times since making his debut in March 2017.

He helped Marseille reach the Europa League final last season, while he also made 37 Ligue 1 appearances as the club finished fourth in the table.

The midfielder was a first-team regular at Marseille in their past two campaigns, having joined the club from Stade de Reims in 2015.

It has been a busy summer for Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who has made a number of key signings after guiding the club back to the top-flight.

Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson have all arrived for significant fees, while Andre Schurrle and Calum Chambers have also joined the Cottagers on loan.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467342/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-joins-fulham-from-marseille

WhiteJC

 
Paul Merson's transfer grades: Liverpool top of the class, Spurs expelled


Paul Merson grades the transfer window for each Premier League club with Liverpool, West Ham and new boys Fulham top of the class.

But which Premier League clubs did best and which clubs fell foul of the Soccer Saturday expert Merson? Read on for his team-by-team grades...

Arsenal: B
Major ins: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen, undisclosed), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus, free), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria, undisclosed), Matteo Guendouzi (Lorient, £8m)

Major outs: Santi Cazorla (Villareal, free), Calum Chambers (Fulham, loan), Per Mertesacker (retired), Lucas Perez (West Ham, £4m) Jack Wilshere (West Ham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They needed a defender. Lichtsteiner is 35 and has been a very good player, but how many 35-year-olds are playing at the back in the Premier League? But he's had to buy experience, we're not in a position where Arsene Wenger can buy 17 or 18-year-old talent and hope they're good in five years. I think he's bought well, but it is going to take time. You have to give this manager time but I think he'll be alright.

He couldn't have a worse start with Man City at home and Chelsea away so for me, you just have to give him time but it'll be different, even on Super Sunday, you'll see the way they'll set up and you know there will be a plan. It won't be like the old days.

Bournemouth: C
Major ins: David Brooks (Sheffield United, undisclosed), Diego Rico (Leganes, £10.7m), Jefferson Lerma (Levante, £25m)

Major outs: Benik Afobe (Wolves, £12.5m), Adam Federici (Stoke, undisclosed), Max Gradel (Toulouse, undisclosed), Lewis Grabban (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Harry Arter (Cardiff, loan)

MERSE SAYS: I worry for Bournemouth a bit. I think they'll be alright, I just look at them and think that defensively, they let in too many goals. Eddie Howe hasn't gone out and bought centre-halves and he's been very loyal to players that have always been there. I do worry for them a bit, but they do score goals. I think they'll just stay up but they need a centre-half in my opinion.

I like Charlie Daniels, I didn't think they needed a left-back. No disrespect to the centre-halves, but they've been there for a long time and they leak goals for fun unless he's looking to play a three at the back and play the new lad at wing-back and bring Daniels in as a back three, I don't know, but I think Daniels will be hard done by if he's left out.

Brighton: B+
Major ins: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar, undisclosed), Leon Balogun (Mainz, free), Florin Andone (Deportivo La Coruna, undisclosed), Jason Steele (Sunderland, undisclosed), Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior (RB Leipzig, undisclosed), David Button (Fulham, undisclosed), Yves Bissouma (Lille, undisclosed), Percy Tau (Mamelodi Sundowns, undisclosed), Billy Arce (Independiente del Valle, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Wigan, undisclosed), Brighton - Martin Montoya (Valencia, undisclosed)

Major outs: Sam Baldock (Reading, £5m), Conor Goldson (Rangers, undisclosed), Uwe Huenemeier (SC Paderborn, free), Tim Krul (released), Jamie Murphy (Rangers, undisclosed), Liam Rosenior (retired), Steve Sidwell (released), Jiri Skalak (Millwall, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Wigan, loan-back)

MERSE SAYS: I like Brighton, but you never know with Brighton's business. If I'm being honest, there's a lot of players coming in that I don't know, but I didn't know Pascal Gross and he was the star last season. I always think they've got good scouting down there and they have to go looking for the unusual players. For them, it's a B+ and wait and see.

Burnley: B+
Major ins: Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough, £15m), Joe Hart (Man City, £3.5m), Matej Vydra (Derby, undisclosed)

Major outs: Scott Arfield (Rangers, free), Dean Marney (released)

MERSE SAYS: I worry for Burnley. Matej Vydra has scored goals in the Sky Bet Championship, but I don't know if he can do it in the Premier League. They've had to go and buy Joe Hart with two goalkeepers injured. Ben Gibson is a good centre-half.

I always weigh up football teams with how the tennis rankings work. If you're in the semi-finals of Wimbledon one year and Flushing Meadow, you've got to do that again next year. Will Burnley be able to beat who they did last year with the big teams? Will they win at Chelsea - I don't think so, take three points away from there. Will they get points at places like Tottenham? They've bought players in Vydra and Gibson who are not proven in the Premier League, in my opinion, but they are decent enough players. Vydra did well in the Championship, I like Gibson and let's be honest, two years ago, Hart was England's No 1 by a distance. I still worry for them though, not because of those players, but after what they did last year, I just don't see them winning those games.

Cardiff: C
Major ins: Victor Camarasa (Real Betis, loan), Greg Cunningham (Preston, undisclosed), Josh Murphy (Norwich, undisclosed), Bobby Reid (Bristol City, undisclosed), Alex Smithies (QPR, undisclosed), Harry Arter (Bournemouth, loan)

Major outs: Omar Bogle (Birmingham City, loan), Lee Camp (Birmingham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They've got Harry Arter on loan, who turned down Watford, which was a surprise for me. Again, he has brought players in that have performed in the Sky Bet Championship, but are not proven at all in the Premier League. It's a big gap in my opinion, but he has brought players in who are hard-working, enthusiastic, have a point to prove and will work their socks off and that's what Neil Warnock wants. There's no Premier League experience there but there's a lot of hunger there and a lot of people who will be in the Premier League and want to be there.

Chelsea: B+
Major ins: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao, £71.6m), Rob Green (Huddersfield, free), Jorginho (Napoli, undisclosed), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid, loan)

Major outs: Trevor Chalobah (Ipswich, loan), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, £35m), Kenedy (Newcastle, loan)

MERSE SAYS: I don't know what's going to happen at Chelsea, if I'm honest. You have to remember, the Spanish window hasn't finished yet. If Luka Modric does go and Real Madrid have all that money to play with, they go for Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante and then suddenly, Chelsea are a mid-table team. I like Jorginho, he's top drawer. Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid could be anything, but the goalkeeper is only 23 - you tell me how many world class goalies there are at 23, if any.

In time, it could be a good transfer, but not now. This is going to be hard for Kepa, he will probably turn out to be great, but that is a lot of money for a kid and in goalkeeping terms, he is a kid. It's very rare you get goalies that young going for that much. It's a lot of money.

Crystal Palace: B
Major ins: Vicente Guaita (Getafe, free), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham, undisclosed), Max Meyer (Free), Jordan Ayew (Swansea, loan)

Major outs: Yohan Cabaye (Al-Nasr, free), Lee Chung-yong (Released), Damien Delaney (Cork, free), Bakary Sako (released)

MERSE SAYS: I thought Cheikhou Kouyate was a very good signing, but the one for them is Wilfried Zaha staying. For me, they never won a football match when he was injured so he's a must for them. By keeping him, they stay in the Premier League again and that's what it's all about.

But I do like Kouyate, I thought for £9m, that was cheap as chips.

Everton: B+
Major ins: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk, free), Lucas Digne (Barcelona, £18m), Richarlison (Watford, £40m), Joel Robles (Real Betis, free), Yerry Mina (Barcelona, £28.5m), Andre Gomes (Barcelona, loan)

Major outs: Ramiro Funes Mori (Villarreal, undisclosed), Kevin Mirallas (Fiorentina, loan), Wayne Rooney (DC United, free), Ashley Williams (Stoke, loan)

MERSE SAYS: It's a lot of money for Richarlison. I watched him in a few games last season and after the first six games, you would've paid that for him, but the next 32, you wouldn't have bought him for that. Goalies will win you as many games as Richarlison will. You go through football in time with World Cups, Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues, those big tournaments that you win, no one does it without a good goalkeeper. I've got no problem with people paying £60m for a goalkeeper.

Yerry Mina is a 6ft 5in centre-half and I think he suits Everton. Goodison Park has a nice, tight pitch and Man Utd were talking about getting him but they play on the halfway line and he's not going to want to be chasing back. Everton play deeper, he's decent at set-players and Everton are good at set-plays.

Fulham: A
Major ins: Calum Chambers (Arsenal, loan), Fabri (Besiktas, undisclosed), Maxime le Marchand (Nice, undisclosed), Alfie Mawson (Swansea, £15m), Andre Schurrle (Borussia Dortmund, loan), Jean Michael Seri (Nice, undisclosed), Sergio Rico (Sevilla, loan), Joe Bryan (Bristol City, £6m), Luciano Vietto (Atletico Madrid, loan), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Manchester United, loan), Andre-Frank Anguissa (Marseille, £22.3m)

Major outs: David Button (Brighton, undisclosed), Ryan Fredericks (West Ham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They've put their money where their mouth is. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers and Andre Schurrle have all played in the Premier League and you look at the Cardiff situation and very few of those have played in the Premier League, so that's a big advantage. A lot of people were after Mawson and Schurrle could be anything. I like Fulham and I like their business.

Huddersfield: B+
Major ins: Juninho Bacuna (FC Groningen, undisclosed), Adama Diakhaby (Monaco, undisclosed), Erik Durm (Dortmund, undisclosed), Florent Hadergjonaj (Ingolstadt, £4.5m), Ben Hamer (Leicester, free), Terence Kongolo (Monaco, £17.5m), Jonas Lossl (Mainz, undisclosed), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke, undisclosed)

Major outs: Rob Green (Chelsea, free), Tom Ince (Stoke, £12m), Dean Whitehead (retired), Michael Hefele (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I'll be honest, I don't know a lot of the players they've bought in. £12m for Tom Ince is good business but you always have that thing when you're bringing in players from other countries about how quickly they'll settle. Again, Huddersfield have had a go, it could catch up with them, but then again, who knows. Like I said, I don't know too many of the players but one of them could be a gem and a player of the season for them so the manager knows what he's doing and he knows these players.

Leicester: B+
Major ins: Filip Benkovic (Dinamo Zagreb, £13m), Jonny Evans (West Brom, undisclosed), Rachid Ghezzal (Monaco, undisclosed), James Maddison (Norwich, £22m), Ricardo Pereira (Porto, undisclosed), Danny Ward (Liverpool, £12.5m), Caglar Soyuncu (Freiburg, £19m)

Major outs: Ben Hamer (Huddersfield, free), Robert Huth (released), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, £60m), Ahmed Musa (Al-Nassr, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I think James Maddison and Jonny Evans are good players, Danny Ward is decent. They've done good business but Riyad Mahrez was always going to go, although he went early, which is good. They would have got a bit for Ahmed Musa and it's a shame Robert Huth had to retire. I like their business.

It's the pace on the break with Leicester, they are not going to dominate football matches - they won the league with 30-odd per cent of play. Mahrez is going to be a big miss for them but I like Maddison, he's a good young player and he'll get better as the years go on, so it will be interesting watching him play. Evans is a good player, I thought Arsenal should have gone for him, to be honest, but they've done good business.

Liverpool: A+
Major ins: Alisson Becker (Roma, £67m), Fabinho (Monaco, £43.7m), Naby Keita (Leipzig, £52.75m), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke, £13.5m)

Major outs: Emre Can (Juventus, free), Ryan Kent (Rangers, loan), Danny Ward (Leicester, £12.5m), Harry Wilson (Derby, loan)

MERSE SAYS: They've made unbelievable signings. Xherdan Shaqiri could be one of the signings of the window, he could be worth £35m now and the season hasn't even started. This team will close the gap. Win the Premier League? No, but they can beat Man City in a one-off game. They did it enough times last season, but 25 points is a lot to make up in one season. It won't be trhough a lack of good buys, though, because they are really good buys. Their Achilles heel for me will be against the lesser teams and if they can break them down but I'm all over Liverpool, I think they're the team who will come second.

Pep Guardiola did all his business early when he came in last year like Jurgen Klopp has done this window. He bought very good full-backs for a lot of money and Klopp has done the same. He needed a couple of midfielders, a player who can come in if one of the front three get injured and play with guile because that's their problem - breaking teams down. Clubs go there and put 10 behind the ball and you need to break them down and Shaqiri has got that in the locker. Naby Keita runs off the ball so I'm definitely looking forward to watching Liverpool.

Manchester City: C
Major ins: Claudio Gomes (PSG, free), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester, £60m)

Major outs: Angus Gunn (Southampton, undisclosed), Joe Hart (Burnley, £3.5m), Yaya Toure (released)

MERSE SAYS: I think they'll win the league by double digits, but they've only bought in Mahrez who won't play a lot. You talk about goalkeepers going for £60m-£70m and they're going to play every game, but how many games will he play? It's another body and another player with all the games that are coming up. We see it every year with teams, though, they win the league and they just stick with what they have. You've got to move forward. McDonald's sell more burgers and chips than anyone but they still do adverts. That's the thing I always think about Premier League winners - you've got to go out and kick on again. For me, they're probably a player or two short with all the games they've got, but they do go for everything.

Manchester United: C
Major ins: Diogo Dalot (Porto, undisclosed), Lee Grant (Stoke, undisclosed), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk, undisclosed)

Major outs: Daley Blind (Ajax, £14.1m), Michael Carrick (Retired)

MERSE SAYS: They've not done anything. Fred didn't play for Brazil, Lee Grant is going to be third choice goalkeeper and they've lost a great midfield player in Michael Carrick, Daley Blind's gone - just nothing has happened.

I don't think Jose Mourinho's outbursts are him, I think it's at the Ed Woodward situation. I don't think he's helping the cause and he's the one who has to get these deals over the line. When Sir Alex Ferguson was there, they got them over the line but when David Moyes went, he couldn't get players over the line and in the end, he got Everton players because he knew them and could sign them.

This is not Man United. There is something going on behind the scenes and I don't think Woodward is helping Mourinho as much as we really think.

Newcastle: B+
Major ins: Martin Dubravka (Sparta Prague, undisclosed), Kenedy (Chelsea, loan), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, undisclosed), Salomon Rondon (West Brom, loan), Fabian Schar (Deportivo, £3m), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, free), Federico Fernandez (Swansea, £6m)

Major outs: Adam Armstrong (Blackburn, £1.75m), Jack Colback (Nottingham Forest, loan), Chancel Mbemba (Schalke, undisclosed), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad, undisclosed), Matz Sels (Strasbourg, £3.5m)

MERSE SAYS: I like Kenedy, I thought he did really well last year. I don't mind Salomon Rondon, I know they let Dwight Gayle and Mitrovic go, but if they can get him going, he's a handful. I don't know much about a couple of the other players, but keeping Kenedy on loan is a big deal for them, he was one of their best players last season. People are worried about Newcastle, but I'm not worried about them. I think they'll be alright.

Southampton: B+
Major ins: Stuart Armstrong (Celtic, £7m), Mohamed Elyounoussi (Basel, £16m), Angus Gunn (Manchester City, undisclosed), Jannik Vestergaard (Borussia Monchengladbach - £18m), Danny Ings (Liverpool, loan)

Major outs: Sofiane Boufal (Celta Vigo, loan), Guido Carrillo (Leganes, loan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord, loan), Dusan Tadic (Ajax, £15m)

MERSE SAYS: Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel is a good player, he's going to be a nightmare for me to pronounce, but he's a good player. I think Southampton are looking to not be back in a relegation battle, it frightened them last year, and I think the fans have got into a reality now. I think Southampton will be alright, they've done OK business and if Elyounoussi can play like he did at Basel, he'll be a star. Stuart Armstrong is a good player too so I'll go B+ on the potential of the signings.

Tottenham: Expelled
Major ins: None

Major outs: None

MERSE SAYS: Tottenham are expelled. There's no one. There's a saying 'keep doing what you're doing and you'll get the same results' so that means they'll come third or fourth at best. Their best XI when they get them out is a very good team, but it is getting them out week in, week out. They've just moved into that new stadium and they need to stay in the top four, that's their fault. It's a shame because two years ago, they were trying to win the league and now, they're looking at top four football.

Jack Grealish is a decent player, but he isn't going to win you the league. It's one of them, he's a young player, he's English so let's bring him in, but he's not going to play so, for me, they're right to stick their heels in saying 'we rate him at this much' but he won't be a loss to Tottenham.

Watford: C
Major ins: Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona, £11.5m), Ben Foster (West Brom, undisclosed), Adam Masina (Bologna, £3.5m), Marc Navarro (Espanyol, undisclosed), Ken Sema (Ostersunds, undisclosed), Ben Wilmot (Stevenage, undisclosed), Domingos Quina (West Ham, undisclosed)

Major outs: Nordin Amrabat (Al-Nassr, undisclosed), Costel Pantilimon (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Richarlison (Everton, £40m), Mauro Zarate (Boca Juniors, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I like Ben Foster, he's a top goalkeeper, but I really worry for Watford. Gerard Deulofeu, one minute he's great and the next, he's not. He's a five or a nine - you never get that consistent seven every week. Foster will save them points, there's no question, but I think they're in a relegation battle.

West Ham: A
Major ins: Felipe Anderson (Lazio, £35m), Fabian Balbuena (Corinthians, undisclosed), Issa Diop (Toulouse, £21.9m), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City, £7m), Ryan Fredericks (Fulham, free), Lucas Perez (Arsenal, £4m), Xande Silva (Vitoria de Guimaraes, undisclosed), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal, free), Andriy Yarmolenko (Borussia Dortmund, £17.5m), Carlos Sanchez (Fiorentina, undisclosed)

Major outs: Reece Burke (Hull City, undisclosed), James Collins (released), Patrice Evra (released), Sead Haksabanovic (Malaga, loan), Jordan Hugill (Middlesbrough, loan), Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: They've had a go. They've got Jack Wilshere on a free and people are wondering if he'll stay fit but you'll be surprised by how many games he plays. I like their business, they've put their money where their mouth is this time around and brought in a better quality of player. There are a couple of players who will need time to settle, they're coming from places where the football is a lot different. Lukasz Fabianski was great last season and I like their business.

Wolves: B+ with potential
Major ins: Benik Afobe (Bournemouth, £12.5m), Willy Boly (Porto, £10m), Leo Bonatini (Al-Hilal, undisclosed), Jonny Castro (Atletico Madrid, loan), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht, loan), Raul Jimenez (Benfica, loan), Diogo Jota (Atletico Madrid, £12.6m), Roderick Miranda (Olympiakos, loan), Joao Moutinho (Monaco, undisclosed), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed), Adama Traore (Middlesbrough, £18m), Ruben Vinagre (Monaco, undisclosed), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht, loan)

Major outs: Benik Afobe (Stoke, loan), Barry Douglas (Leeds, undisclosed), Carl Ikeme (retired), Prince Oniangue (Caen, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: Again, I don't know a lot of the players but they are buying players for big money. Even without those players, I thought they'd be alright this season because they were outstanding last season. They played some great football and if they come in and play like they did last season, they'll cause problems to a lot of football teams. I'm looking forward to seeing Wolves because they were so far ahead of everyone in the Sky Bet Championship, it'll be interesting and they could have some real scalps this season.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11704/11467136/paul-mersons-transfer-grades-liverpool-top-of-the-class-spurs-expelled

WhiteJC

 
Fulham seal loan deal for Vietto

Fulham have taken Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The 24 year-old striker spent part of the last two seasons on loan with Valencia and Sevilla and was also part of the Atletico Madrid side that reached the Champions' League final and finished third in La Liga. He has struggled for game time despite teaming up with Diego Simeone, the manager who gave him his first taste of professional football at Racing Club in Argentina, and was eager to gain a taste of English football.

Vietto told Fulham's official website tonight:

    I'm very happy to come to the club and sign. I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow. It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible.

Fulham's vice chairman and head of football operations, Tony Khan, said:

    I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Luciano Vietto on loan from Atlético Madrid. Luciano is a versatile young attacking player, and he has already gained great experience against elite competition in La Liga. Luciano is a very addition and we're very excited that he has joined the club.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-seal-loan-deal-for-vietto/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham add five in deadline day bonanza

Fulham have confirmed the arrivals of Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa on a busy deadline day.

24-year-old Sevilla academy graduate Rico has made 170 appearances for the Spanish side during his career, and has also been capped once by the national team.

Rico was an integral part of the Sevilla squad for four seasons and won the Europa League twice before losing his position as first choice keeper last season.

"Sergio joins a very talented cast of goalkeepers under contract at FFC, and he answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition," Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan said in a statement.

Rico could feature in the Slavisa Jokanovic's squad when they host Crystal Palace in their opening league match on Saturday.

Fulham also confirmed the signing of left-back Bryan from Bristol City on a four-year contract, with an option to extend by a further year.

Just as the 7pm deadline passed they also announced the signing of Vietto on a season-long loan.

Late on Fosu-Mensah's loan move from Manchester United was confirmed.

And the final transfer was confirmed an hour and a half after the official deadline with midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa arriving from Marseille.



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2018-2019/_sto6881603/story.shtml

WhiteJC

 
Luciano Vietto joins Fulham on loan from Atletico Madrid

Fulham have completed the signing of Luciano Vietto on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old Argentine has feature prominently for Diego Simeone's team during pre-season but will now spend the 2018-19 campaign with the Cottagers.

"I'm very happy to come to the club and sign. I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow," said Vietto.

"It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible."

Vietto signed for Atletico in June 2015 for a fee in the region of £18m from La Liga rivals Valencia - where he scored 12 goals in 32 games - but he has faced limited opportunities since moving to Madrid.

The 24-year-old made 19 league appearances in his debut season, but was loaned to Sevilla for the 2016-17 campaign, finding the back of the net six times in 21 matches.

Vietto featured just six times for Atletico in the Spanish top flight last season and spent the second half of the campaign on loan back at Valencia.

Fulham have experienced a busy transfer window this summer, bringing in big-money signings such as Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson among others.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467256/luciano-vietto-joins-fulham-on-loan-from-atletico-madrid