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Saturday Fulham Stuff (11/08/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, August 11, 2018, 06:55:49 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Results





Friday
Man Utd
2 - 1 Leicester

WhiteJC

 
The Inside Scoop: Zambo Anguissa

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is quite the name for a new signing, but the young midfielder from Cameroon is an unknown quantity to many, so our man Jack J Collins reeled in a French football expert to give you the lowdown on what to expect from the big fella in the middle.

To answer the big questions about the fifth of Fulham's deadline day acquisitions, he turned to Peter Rutzler, who works for The i and Get French Football, where he regularly features on their podcast.

JC: Where does Anguissa play in the 6-8-10 that Fulham tend to have as a midfield three? Is he the holding midfielder Fulham have been crying out for?

PR: Anguissa is a defensive-minded central midfielder, known for using his striking physicality to protect the backline and force turnovers. It's often a reductive, throw-away comment to describe a player as purely 'physical' and 'imposing', but in Anguissa's case, this wouldn't be wide of the mark.

He is exceptionally strong and quick, and this made him an outstanding foil for Marseille during what was an impressive season. Coupled with this is an excellent ability to retain and recycle possession from deep, leading to Anguissa becoming one of the most assured central midfielders in France last year.

His idol is Yaya Toure, and there are comparisons to be made regarding his imposing stature, but I'd say in terms of game play, he's more of a Yaya without the goals. Both he and fellow Whites signing Jean Seri fit the label of a box-to-box midfielder, but unlike the former Nice midfielder, it's in defence where Anguissa operates best. With that in mind, you most certainly could say he is the midfield enforcer Fulham have been crying out for.

JC: Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is that horrible mistouch against Atleti, but how good a season did he have overall last year?

PR: That mistake was gut-wrenching for Anguissa. He actually started the Europa League final against Atleti exceptionally well, appearing nerveless on the ball and helping Marseille to more or less control proceedings. But after that dreadful touch helped to gift Antoine Griezmann the opener, it was all downhill from there.

However, the fact he started that game reflects just how far he has come in such a short amount of time. Only Luiz Gustavo, a summer signing from Wolfsburg this time last year, played in more games during the last campaign than the Cameroon international, and this marked a clear departure, as he has gone from a player thought to be on the periphery at the Velodrome, to a key asset.

He did not start every game, it must be said, rotating his midfield role with the more creative Morgan Sanson and on occasion the diminutive Maxime Lopez. But in the big games, his defensive insurance was important, especially for Gustavo. The Brazilian was one of OM's best performers last season, and this was in part due to inclusion of Anguissa in the starting line-up, who offered him greater license to move up the field and effect play in the final third.

The best example of this came during OM's thrilling 2-2 draw against PSG, where Gustavo opened the scoring with brilliant long-range effort. OM had a brilliant season with a hugely disappointing finale. They were in the mix for a Champions League spot in the league and had the chance to win a European competition at the home of rivals Lyon. Neither happened, but the fact they reached that stage, with Anguissa playing a huge part in that, shows the midfielder's value.

JC: Mixed emotions from OM fans on Twitter–many seem happy about the money, but is this a vastly overinflated fee?

PR: In short, yes, it's a little inflated. Of course, this depends on what Fulham ultimately end up paying for him, but around £20 million should be the absolute maximum at this point. Anguissa was good last season, but he was not a standout name and nor is he the finished article yet by any means.

I think where Fulham will find value is that he fills a role that desperately needs filling. If he can adapt quickly, and that's a big if considering the struggles of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Florian Thauvin and others who have struggled to make the switch from French to English football, then he could well prove value for money.

JC: There's obviously huge potential—but just how much moulding will Fulham have to do to make him a Premier League quality player?

PR: With that all in mind, I think it's evident that Fulham may need to do some moulding this season. When Anguissa was released by Reims three years ago, before he was picked up by OM, it was felt he was not astute enough tactically. Since then, he has come on leaps and bounds, especially recently under OM manager Rudi Garcia, who has helped dispel that idea.

But it is still an area of his game that needs working on. The biggest challenge though, as touched upon, is adapting to the Premier League. Ligue 1 is a slower, more intricate division and the pace of the English top flight has taken many a French import by surprise. What works in his favour though is that physicality is one of his best assets.

JC: Overall a better deal for Fulham or Marseille?

PR: It's a tough one, but the French club perhaps edge it. Financially, the deal works better for OM. They look set to pick up £25 million with a couple of weeks to spend it, and for a player who has had more or less one successful, consistent, season in the French top flight, that is pretty good going.

But this is by no means a misstep by Fulham. He fills a void and brings European and international experience to the Whites midfield. He is also only 22, and therefore can be seen as a longer-term investment as well. If he can adapt quickly, he can be asset this season.



https://fulhamish.co.uk/post/2018-08-10-the-inside-scoop-zambo-anguissa/

WhiteJC

 
BUSY BOYS Fulham took their summer spending beyond £100million with FIVE signings on transfer deadline day

The London club have landed 12 new players in total this summer

Fulham made a significant statement about their Premier League intentions on deadline day as they land five new signings.

The newly-promoted Cottagers had already welcomed a number of major arrivals to the club during the window – led by Jean-Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson – and continued to be busy as the clock ran down.

Goalkeeper Sergio Rico and midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa joined, with loan deals for Manchester United' Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Atletico Madrid's Luciano Vietto also wrapped up alongside Joe Bryan's arrival from Bristol City.


Luciano Vietto arrived from Atletico Madrid

Since the end of their promotion-winning campaign Fulham have now added an entire team's worth of new talent, at an estimated cost of more than £100million.

Rico, a one-cap Spain international, was a surprise addition to the squad after agreeing a season-long loan and looks sure to be installed as the club's new number one.

Vice-chairman Tony Khan told the club website: "Sergio is a world-class goalkeeper, and thus, his services have been in great demand. He answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition."

Anguissa's deal still requires a work permit to be completed and was processed after the 5pm deadline – Fulham and Marseille having filed a deal sheet to allow the extra time.


Anguissa joined from Marseille and has been likened to Yaya Toure

The Cameroon international, who reportedly cost more than £20million, said: "I am delighted to have signed for Fulham.

"This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to. 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."

Deal sheets were also required for Vietto, who spent last season on loan with Valencia, and Fosu-Mensah, the Red Devils defender who turned out for Crystal Palace in 2017/18.

Left-back Bryan, who had been close to signing for Aston Villa just days ago, put the finishing touches to a £6million deal and like his new employers will get the chance to prove his Premier League credentials this term.



https://talksport.com/football/409372/fulham-spending-beyond-100million-with-five-more-signings-transfer-deadline-day/


WhiteJC

 
Borussia Dortmund: Andre Schurrle's comments show his poor mentality

André Schurrle appears to have lost class with losing his spot at Borussia Dortmund. While some will use a flashy headline, the source material has lingering questions. Did Schurrle actually rip into the fans for their behavior?

We've all seen an upset player on and off the field. Yet, Per ESPN, André Schurrle says the fans drove him out of Borussia Dortmund and had him flying back to England. This sounds ludicrous and at the same time, makes a lot of sense.

Regardless what anyone does, hecklers always exist. Fans do it all the time for various reasons, but if you can't take commentary that is a separate issue. Frankly, the way fans got to Schurrle made me chuckle. My favorite is "we'll drink until Schurrle scores" because we know he doesn't where the back of the net is.

    "It's a big jealousy thing in Germany that you have from fans — not the hardcore fans, because they always stand behind their team." – André Schurrle

The statement just shows his poor mentality. There is no one set of fans he appears upset with, he believes fans are jealous of him. Then he excludes the hardcore fans for no apparent reason.

Borussia Dortmund's most expensive transfer lives in his own world. One where he thinks the fans are wrong about his play. Schurrle's stats on the other hand: 51 games played with only 8 goals and 9 assists in two years (Transfermarkt). Any attacking player would seek to improve those numbers before providing an excuse for why they dislike the fans.

Schurrle cost Borussia Dortmund 30 million euros and his displays failed to justify the price tag. When you are are the club's record signing, the fans are right to expect more and demand consistently good performances.

At least Zorc and Farve were honest with the winger. It isn't just them that have stated this, but numerous opinions and outlets claimed Schurrle was surplus to requirements. He didn't make a strong case to be a starter and frankly never has since he left Chelsea. His showing at the 2014 World Cup was decent, but it's all gone downhill since then.

The final nail in the coffin, BVB will get Schurrle back in two years. Although, it's doubtful this poor attitude will lead to open arms upon return. Lets hope he can salvage his career at Fulham and earn a permanent move away from Borussia Dortmund soon.



https://bvbbuzz.com/2018/08/10/borussia-dortmund-andre-schurrle-comments-poor-mentality/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's frantic transfer window sets the pulse racing

Even in your wildest dreams, you couldn't have envisaged a transfer window like this. Fulham appear determined not to waste the chance that Premier League football returning to Craven Cottage this season. Tony Khan and his colleagues have bought Slavisa Jokanovic an entire new team in just a summer, spent more than £100m and attracted some serious talent to the club. The ambition that has been shown by the Khans is incredible. We set a new record this summer with the first promoted club to ever spend over £100m in their first summer and we have signed some mouth watering additions to add to a very talented squad. However, with the new signings coming in, the likes of Denis Odoi, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen and Marcus Bettinelli have to be wondering if they'll be getting much game time this upcoming season.

The most exciting arrival for me is no doubt the signing of Jean Michael Seri from Nice. Just twelve months ago that he appeared on the verge of joining the Spanish giants Barcelona, but the move collapsed right before the deadline. Seri has also been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but, much to our surprise, Tony Khan and the Fulham board managed to persuade the classy midfielder to sign on the dotted line at London's oldest club. His stats are also impressive, making the most completed passes in the Ligue 1 and also claimed three individual honours last season, Prix Marc-Vivien Foe award, Nice Player Of The Year as well as being selected in the Ligue 1 team of the year. Former Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen lauded him as the new Clarence Seedorf, which is some comparison. If Seri can reach those heights that he has achieved in previous seasons, he may well be our best signing of the window and it all adds to the dizzying excitement of a new campaign.

Our shrewdest signing of the summer window has to be Andre Schurrle. His previous Premier League experience and versatility is just what we required, as the spine of the side that triumphed at Wembley had very little top experience. Schurrle can play anywhere in the front three and his years of experience playing at the highest level will certainly help the likes of Mitrovic, Sessegnon grow and have a successful season. Schurrle has stated that it was the football we play which persuaded him to join a club wanting to reach the next level and with a two-year loan deal secured, he could have a major part in taking Fulham there.

Overall, it has been an enjoyable 2018 for us, gaining promotion back to where we belong, securing 12 fantastic additions to our squad and agreeing new deals with key players Tom Cairney, Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald. I have seen a lot of people complimenting the work of the Fulham board over these past 3 months and with just over 24 hours to go until the first ball is kicked, what a time to be a Fulham fan! COYW!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulhams-frantic-transfer-window-sets-the-pulse-racing/

WhiteJC

 
Paul Merson states his prediction for Fulham's clash with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage

Former Arsenal midfielder has his say on the London derby between Fulham and Palace

Fulham and Crystal Palace meet in a London derby tomorrow (Saturday) at Craven Cottage.

And former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson says he feels that this will be a "real benchmark" for the newly-promoted Cottagers as they play their first Premier League fixture in four years.

Coincidentally, it will be against the last team that they faced in the top flight, with Palace drawing 2-2 on their most recent visit to Craven Cottage for a Premier League fixture, back in May 2014.

And Merson is anticipating a similar result this time around after stating his prediction in his weekly feature for the Sky Sports website.

The former England man said: "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."

And Merson is predicting a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, although he says if he had to pick a winner, it would be Palace.



https://www.football.london/crystal-palace-fc/fixtures-results/paul-merson-prediction-fulham-palace-15010153


WhiteJC

 
'What a signing': Fulham fans react as Timothy Fosu-Mensah joins on loan

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Manchester United, becoming the Cottagers ninth summer signing.

Fulham have continued their summer overhaul as Timothy Fosu-Mensah joins on a season-long loan from Manchester United.

The Premier League new boys were very busy on transfer deadline day, completing up to five deals with Fosu-Mensah signing prior to André-Frank Zambo Anguissa being announced.

The Dutch international has been warmly received by fans of the west Londoners, who will be chomping at the bit to see their new-look side in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Eagles themselves had Fosu-Mensah on loan last season and the 20-year-old will be eager to join up with his new teammates as they prepare for their Premier League adventure.

Predominantly a full-back, Fosu-Mensah can operate as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, which will help the Cottagers throughout the season.

Naturally, Fulham fans are delighted with their newest signing and many will be hoping to see the United loanee in action on Saturday.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/08/10/welcome-fulham-fans-react-as-timothy-fuso-mensah-joins-on-season/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham spent a packet on transfers but main aim is still survival, says Kevin McDonald


Deadline day deal: Joe Bryan arrived from Bristol City for £6m ( Getty Images )

Fulham have shown they mean business on their return to the Premier League.

The west Londoners became the first promoted club to spend more than £100million on Thursday, with five signings on a frantic deadline day.

Fulham brought in Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for £22.3m, Joe Bryan for £6m and also added Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Luciano Vietto and Sergio Rico on loan to complete an impressive transfer window.

Owner Shahid Khan told Standard Sport in May that Fulham would do more than just make up the numbers in the top flight, and his investment is a real statement of intent.

Fulham have also signed Jean Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Andre Schurrle, Fabri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Calum Chambers and Alfie Mawson.

The spending has increased expectation levels ahead of their opener at Craven Cottage against Crystal Palace on Saturday. On paper, they could flourish in a division that appears to be open outside the top six.

"We are going to give it a right old blast this season," says midfielder Kevin McDonald. "We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to prove to everyone what we can do, prove that this is where the club belongs. The owners have invested money wisely and bought some really good players. That can only benefit the team."

Fulham and Wolves, another promoted side who have reached for the chequebook, look like they could invigorate the Premier League.

McDonald, though, says survival is still the primary objective.

"People are seeing all these big names coming in and the money we are spending so it is understandable that from the outside expectation levels have been raised," he says. "But we are a level-headed group of players and we know where we stand.

"We would be naive to start looking above to the top half of the table. First and foremost we have got to establish ourselves as a Premier League team. Of course we want to finish as high as we can but we know it is going to be a long, hard season."

McDonald insists the big spending does not add extra pressure.

"We are a new team coming to the league so I do not think there is pressure on us," he says. "Outsiders always think the three promoted teams are favourites to get relegated.

"With the signings we have made maybe we are different."

Tomorrow's side is likely to be considerably different from the one that won the play-off final against Aston Villa. The starting line-up tomorrow could feature just five players — Tim Ream, Ryan Sessegnon, McDonald, Tom Cairney and Mitrovic — who started at Wembley in May.

The five players who joined yesterday are unlikely to play but Seri, Fabri, Chambers, Le Marchand and Schurrle could start. And Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic is committed to the high-intensity, possession-based game.

"The gaffer wants us to play the exact same way," says McDonald. "He got us here playing that way and that is not going to change."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-spent-a-packet-on-transfers-but-main-aim-is-still-survival-says-kevin-mcdonald-a3908346.html

WhiteJC

 
Revealed: Why Fulham's move for Southampton full-back Matt Targett broke down

The Cottagers had wanted to bring their former loanee back to west London this summer but a deal was never agreed

Fulham had a successful transfer window - but one move that didn't happen was the return of Matt Targett from Southampton.

The 22-year-old spent half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage and helped the side gain promotion from the Championship via the play-offs and was wanted back in west London by the recruitment team this summer.

The club bid for him at the start of the window, a bid that was rejected, but football.london understands that Fulham bid a further £15million for Targett the day before the deadline, which was also rejected by Southampton, who said they wanted £20million for the left back.

It was at that stage the club decided to go for Joe Bryan, making a bid for the Bristol City man that was accepted at the last minute, with the 24-year-old already having gone for his medical at Aston Villa.

However, it's football.london's understanding that the Saints then came back to Fulham on deadline day over Targett and said that a £15million bid would now be accepted, but the Cottagers would not do business having been presented with no reasonable negotiations on a move for Targett during their pursuit, while Bryan's move was also close to completion.


Matt Targett (Image: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

That Bryan deal was announced just before the 5pm deadline, while Fulham added a further four signings by the end of the day to give Slavisa Jokanovic 12 new players for his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.

That gets underway on Saturday at the Cottage when Crystal Palace visit for the first top flight game at the stadium for four years, although it's unlikely that all of the new recruits will be ready to take part in the game.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/revealed-fulhams-move-southampton-full-15012648


WhiteJC

 
fulhamfctv Update

Ahead of the Club's first fixture back in the Premier League this Saturday against Crystal Palace, fulhamfctv packages for this season are confirmed below.

Due to broadcast restrictions in the Premier League competition, the Club's popular live matchday video streams for overseas supporters will unfortunately no longer be available.

As a result of this change, the dedicated international subscription packages will not be available to buy.

Instead, all supporters based in the United Kingdom and overseas will be able to access the Club's live matchday audio commentary for all 38 Premier League matches, as well as cup competitions where permitted, via two fulhamfctv packages – the existing monthly £4.49 and £45 annual offering.

Fans currently subscribed to the 17/18 International Annual Package are advised that in order to continue watching or listening to fulhamfctv, when this package expires they will need to re-subscribe to one of the available subscriptions.

In addition to live audio commentary with Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, subscribers will also continue to enjoy match highlights and full match replays, as well as exclusive interviews and live streams from selected PL2 and U18s matches, starting this evening with enhanced coverage of Fulham's PL2 clash with Manchester United. Join Gentleman Jim and watch the action unfold at Motspur Park, kick-off 7pm.

fulhamfctv will continue to bring fans closer to the Club, as you enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, player features, selected live PL2 matches from Motspur Park and Craven Cottage and much more.

*All existing £4.49 monthly and £45 annual subscriptions will automatically renew as appropriate.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/fulhamfctv-update

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's Potential Starting XI Is Incredible

Ahh the fresh smell of a new Premier League season, you simply can't beat it. Despite it only being the start it's inevitable that we think what could be the end and unlike most years you won't find most people thinking last season's play-off winners, Fulham, will be going down.

Predictions are difficult, especially when it comes to season long ones, or at least they usually are. There won't be many people predicting anything other than Manchester City winning the Premier League this season and we'll all be surprised if they don't.

Most people expect Liverpool to finish second but after that the top four seems pretty open with questions about Manchester United, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Down near the bottom though it's more intriguing than usual. Often the newly promoted sides are quickly pencilled in as relegation fodder but outside of Cardiff City that's not the case this season.

Wolves, powered by Jorge Mendes, have continued to buy impressively this summer, after shocking the world with their move for Ruben Neves last year, and are expected to be safe.

Last season's play-off winners Fulham are in a similar position too. Usually the team coming up through the play-offs are thought to be at a disadvantage but their transfer dealings have been so impressive it's left them with a hell of a potential team:


Last season Ryan Sessegnon was so good in the Championship for the Cottagers that people were genuinely calling for him to be included in Gareth Southgate's side for the World Cup.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's arrival on loan from Newcastle last January spurred the side on to get into the play-offs and then beat Aston Villa in the final and he' now joined permanently.

The defence is potentially completely new with Joe Bryan joining from Bristol City, Alfie Mawson coming from relegated Swansea City, Maxime Le Marchand arriving from Nice and Callum Chambers and Timothy Fosu-Mensah making loan moves from Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.


Seri is a ridiculously good signing. Image: PA Images

Jean-Michael Seri was wanted by Barcelona and plenty of Europe's footballing elite last summer so his signing is a coup of the highest order.

There's quality in pretty much every position and it's not a stretch to imagine Slaviša Jokanović taking his side into the top 10!




http://www.sportbible.com/football/transfers-best-xi-fulhams-potential-starting-xi-is-incredible-20180810

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Break Spending Records To Arrive In The Premier League In Style


Fulham haven't rested on their laurels since earning promotion

Fulham's return to the Premier League has been backed by the spending power of Shahid Khan and the Cottager's deadline day spending took their total outlay in the window over the £100M threshold, a record-breaking effort.

Having already made a bold statement by bringing in the highly-rated Ivorian midfielder Jean Michaël Seri - once a target for Barcelona - and the World Cup winner Andre Schurrle on a loan deal from Borussia Dortmund, they kept Jim White busy on the final day of the newly-restricted English transfer window.

Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico, another loan signing, along with a lend of Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United and the Argentine striker Luciano Vietto from Atletico Madrid were forced through just in time to get the requisite paperwork done.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, a £22.3M buy from Marseille, came in alongside the left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City in a £6M deal and drove their spending past the levels of any newly-promoted team in the history of the league.

That took the total number of players added to Slaviša Jokanović's squad to a total of twelve as a remarkable campaign of squad-strengthening, potted out by Khan's son Tony, has been undertaken by last season's Championship play-off winners.

In doing so the Craven Cottage hierarchy have, in effect, taken an unprecedented nine-figure punt on the club maintaining their top-flight status.

Fellow Premier League newcomers Wolves made a significant splash themselves, bringing in 13 players at a reported cost of £66M, as both try to take a running jump at the moneyed upper tier of the emglish football pyramid.




https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-break-spending-records-to-arrive-in-the-premier-league-in-style


WhiteJC

 
Hammers miss out on late deal to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

West Ham failed in a late move to beat Fulham to the signing of midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

According to the London Evening Standard, the Hammers had been hoping to beat the Premier League new boys to his signature, but he opted for Craven Cottage in the final hours of the transfer window.

Anguissa's move to Fulham was one of the biggest deals on transfer deadline day, with Slavisa Jokanovic's men sealing a £30 million deal for the player.

The midfielder is highly-rated back in France is expected to now form a key part of Fulham's midfield, alongside Jean-Michael Seri.

West Ham themselves were very busy on the final day of the transfer window, signing Lucas Perez and Carlos Sanchez from Arsenal and Fiorentina respectively.

The arrivals of the aforementioned Sanchez and Jack Wilshere, who also joined from Arsenal earlier in the window mean that Manuel Pellegrini has added depth to his midfield options this season.



https://readwestham.com/2018/08/10/hammers-miss-out-on-late-deal-to-sign-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa/

WhiteJC

 
Man United fans share their feelings after Fosu-Mensah joins Fulham for the season


Jose Mourinho will not be happy with how the summer transfer window went.

The Portuguese manager was chasing a centre-back throughout but he could not persuade any of his targets to join the club.

It was reported that Mourinho made a last ditch effort to buy a centre-back on transfer deadline day, with Diego Godin, Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld all linked to the club.

But in the end there were no new arrivals, which would have frustrated Mourinho greatly.

While Mourinho was unable to add to his squad on deadline day, there was a notable departure.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah was allowed to leave on loan to Fulham.

But how do Manchester United fans feel about letting the youngster leave?

It turns out that they were not happy at all, and a large selection of supporters raised a very good point to Mourinho.

Many fans expressed their disappointment that one of their young stars had been allowed to leave the club.

And they could not believe that Mourinho had sanctioned the move, especially as Mourinho was unable to add to his options at centre-back.



https://www.givemesport.com/1370263-man-united-fans-share-their-feelings-after-fosumensah-joins-fulham-for-the-season?autoplay=off

WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Crystal Palace
SAT 11 Aug 2018   Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage



Aleksandar Mitrovic has signed permanently for Fulham, having scored 12 goals on loan last season

TEAM NEWS

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has a host of summer signings to choose from, including record buy Jean Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle.

Alfie Mawson is out until September after knee surgery, while Dennis Odoi serves the final game of a suspension.

Crystal Palace new signings Cheikhou Kouyate, goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and Jordan Ayew are in contention to play.

Fellow new recruit Max Meyer is not yet match fit, while Scott Dann, Connor Wickham and Jonny Williams are all out.


MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@SteveBowercomm: A 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace back in May 2014 marked the end of Premier League football for Fulham but a repeat of that fixture begins life back in the top flight for the Whites.

Slavisa Jokanovic has realised the need for new faces, and heavy recruitment has only raised the level of anticipation.

Palace need only to go back to the opening day of last season, when they were well beaten by Huddersfield, to be warned of the potential momentum of a play-off winner.

Revered ex-Fulham boss Roy Hodgson returns to the club where he will always have a place in history, but determined to mark his 71st birthday on Thursday in positive fashion.


VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic: "It's important to show ambition and desire to stay up - that's our first target.

"We're building a team to be competitive at this level. We've made a great investment in the transfer market and I'm hoping we'll see an immediate benefit."

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: "We know more than most (after Palace lost all seven of their opening fixtures last season) what a bad start can bring.

"We just need to make sure we are fully prepared for the first game and make a good game of it. We feel we're ready."


LAWRO'S PREDICTION

It is sure to be a good atmosphere in Fulham's first game back in the top flight since 2014, and I am backing them to start with a win.

Prediction: 2-1


Slavisa Jokanovic is the first Serbian to manage in the Premier League

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Crystal Palace's sole win in their last eight matches against Fulham was 2-0 in the Premier League at Selhurst Park in 2004.
    The Eagles have not won at Craven Cottage since a 3-2 triumph in the second tier in 1986.
    There have been 13 goals scored in the last three matches between the clubs.

Fulham

    Including the play-offs, Fulham won 20 and lost only two of their final 27 Championship matches.
    Fulham's last league defeat at Craven Cottage was 2-0 by Bristol City on 31 October 2017.
    The Whites have kept clean sheets in each of their past five Premier League opening fixtures.
    Fulham have not lost an opening day home fixture since a 2-1 third tier defeat by Tranmere in 1989.
    This game marks their 500th top-flight home match. The first was in 1949.

Crystal Palace

    Crystal Palace ended 2017-18 unbeaten in six games, including four wins.
    Both of Palace's opening day Premier League wins have been in away games: against Everton in 1997 and Norwich in 2015.
    The Eagles won only one of their eight London derbies last season.
    Roy Hodgson was Fulham's manager between 2007-10 and led them to the 2010 Europa League final, where they lost to Atletico Madrid.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45067373


WhiteJC

 
Premier League promoted clubs: Wolves, Fulham show transfer ambition; Cardiff less so

From the good (Juninho, Edwin van der Sar, Bryan Roy) to the very, very bad (Corrado Grabbi), the Premier League has seen it all when it comes to the transfer activities of promoted clubs.

On the eve of the 2018-19 campaign, here's how the three latest additions to the division fared in the summer transfer window.

Wolves: Champions League quality gives them real bite
Wolves effectively began their Premier League preparations a year ago, with the £15.8 million acquisition of Ruben Neves from Porto -- a Championship record -- setting the tone for everything that followed.

A Premier League-quality squad operating in the second tier, Nuno Espirito Santo's men were Wolves in sheep's clothing in the Championship, storming to the title with 99 points, and this summer's transfer business leaves them well equipped for a tilt at the European places.

Several of the loanees who made important contributions to the promotion campaign have been given permanent contracts, among them French centre-back Willy Boly, Portuguese winger Diego Jota and Brazilian forward Leo Bonatini. Experienced Portugal internationals Rui Patricio (free) and Joao Moutinho (£5m) were the headline arrivals, the 30-year-old goalkeeper and 31-year-old midfielder bringing some Champions League smarts to the West Midlands and swelling the number of Jorge Mendes clients on the playing staff at Molineux to six.

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, a loan signing from Benfica, and the jet-heeled Adama Traore, a £20m recruit from Middlesbrough, have added depth to Nuno's options in attack, while Belgium international Leander Dendoncker, who signed on loan from Anderlecht on transfer deadline day with an option to buy next season, can operate in defensive midfield or at centre-back.

Wolves' last Premier League experience, in 2011-12, ended with an abject 20th-place finish after a return of one win from their last 24 games. Six years on, they return to the top flight an entirely different beast.

Fulham: Cottagers will look up not down
Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham won an army of admirers with their artful passing football in the Championship last season and they went about their transfer dealings with an audacity that will have unsettled many of the more established teams in the Premier League.

The Cottagers had landed some impressive recruits even before the deadline-day splurge that made them the first promoted club to have spent over £100m on new transfers in the summer transfer window. At around £25m, Jean Michael Seri was the stand-out acquisition, the gifted Ivorian midfield organiser brought in from Nice alongside versatile defender Maxime Le Marchand just a year after narrowly missing out on a move to Barcelona.

Centre-back Alfie Mawson, signed from Swansea for £15m, was another coup, while Calum Chambers joined on loan from Arsenal. Up front, Aleksandar Mitrovic returned from Newcastle on a permanent basis after contributing 12 goals to Fulham's promotion campaign, with former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle coming back to west London in a loan switch from Borussia Dortmund.

So far, so good, but deadline day saw a further five new players arrive. There were permanent moves for Cameroonian holding midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, a £22m arrival from Marseille, and left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City, as well as eye-catching loan deals for Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico, young Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto.

Fulham achieved four top-half finishes during their previous 13-year stint in the Premier League and with the players that they have brought in during the close season, that feat looks well within their powers.

Cardiff: Warnock remains true to promotion blueprint
When Cardiff were last promoted to the Premier League, in 2013, their summer outlay said a lot about how they saw themselves as a club, with a recruitment drive that brought in such exotic names as Chile hard man Gary Medel, Denmark striker Andreas Cornelius and Uruguayan centre-back Maximiliano Amondarain. Cardiff went down at the end of the season and within two years, all of the eight players that they signed that summer had left the club.

Cardiff went back to basics under Neil Warnock last season, securing automatic promotion despite having the lowest pass completion figures in the Championship, and their summer transfer activity has been in keeping with that approach.

The club's first four signings all came from Championship sides -- goalkeeper Alex Smithies from QPR, left-back Greg Cunningham from Preston, winger Josh Murphy from Norwich and striker Bobby Reid from Bristol City -- and it was not until deadline day that they looked further afield, securing Spanish midfielder Victor Camarasa on a season-long loan from Real Betis and bringing in Harry Arter on loan from Bournemouth.

Reid, who is reported to have cost £10m, will be expected to ease the goal scoring burden on Kenneth Zohore, having found the net 19 times in the Championship last season after being converted from a midfielder into a striker by Robins manager Lee Johnson.

Arter will add some much-needed top-level know-how to Warnock's midfield, but for all their rough-edged durability, Cardiff's squad looks perilously low on quality. It could be a long season.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog/soccer-transfers/3/post/3591180/premier-league-promoted-clubs-wolves-fulham-show-transfer-ambition-cardiff-less-so

WhiteJC

 
Andre Schurrle: Dortmund, Germany fans' 'jealousy' comments misinterpreted

Fulham's new loan signing Andre Schurrle says he was misinterpreted when saying jealousy from fans drove him away from Germany.

Schurrle left Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer, joining Premier League side Fulham on an initial two-year loan deal. It ended a difficult spell in Germany, where he was criticised by sections of his own support.

"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," Schurrle was quoted as saying in an interview with The Sun this week.

Schurrle, 27, joined Borussia Dortmund from Wolfsburg in 2016. He only played 33 of a possible 68 Bundesliga matches, in which he scored three goals, before returning to England having played for Chelsea between 2013-15.

"You could read in English media that I criticised the jealousy in Germany as well as the fans of Borussia Dortmund," the 2014 World Cup winner wrote on Twitter.

"I did not make such statements. Instead, I made an objective statement that as a national team player and world champion you are met with high expectations and that also I was not able to fulfil them in Germany."

Sections of the Dortmund support were not pleased with Schurrle's signing, and later mocked the winger with ironic "Schuuuu" and "We'll drink until Schurrle scores" chants.

Quoting a kicker interview also released this week, Schurrle ended his message by writing: "Because of various reasons, it wasn't easy for me recently. In England, I am now only looking at what's ahead of me."



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/fulham/story/3591179/andre-schurrle-dortmund-germany-fans-jealousy-comments-misinterpreted

WhiteJC

 
'We were 15 minutes too late' - how Aston Villa missed out on their top transfer target

Revealed: Steve Bruce explains the 'painful' story after missing out on Joe Bryan

Joe Bryan was just 15 minutes away from joining Aston Villa, boss Steve Bruce has revealed.

The 24-year-old left-back had completed his medical and was on the way back to Bodymoor Heath to sign a bumper new contract when Fulham called to register an interest.

In that short car journey from the hospital to the training ground, Bryan's mind was changed and he eventually moved to Craven Cottage for more money and the promise of Premier League football.

Still visibly frustrated by missing out on the defender, who at £6million, would have become the most expensive signing for 18 months, Bruce said:

"We were close and I'm totally disappointed.

"He was here but we were probably 15 minutes too late.

"I've never had it that close before (and then missed out).

"It was painful.

"But in my job, you get used to disappointments.

"I think he would have been a terrific acquisition for us because Neil Taylor is our only naturally left-footed player in a wide area.

"He (Bryan) could have played in a few areas for us but it was not to be.

"It has happened, it has gone."

Clearly, though, the feeling is still raw.

Bryan had been on Bruce's radar for the past three transfer windows but the money wasn't available to sign him.

Backed by new owner Nassef Sawiris, the boss thought he had finally got his man after the fee, personal terms and a medical were all wrapped up.

Signing the contract was all that remained until the call from Fulham arrived.

"He came up, had all the medical tests and came back to the training ground," Bruce continued.

"In that 15 minutes of coming back from the hospital to here, his agent had the phone call.

"Fulham didn't get their No.1 choice.

"And when the call comes from the Premier League, it's hard to compete.

"Financially, they blew us out of the water in terms of salary.

"To be fair he stayed in the Belfry for a couple of hours but the longer the day went on, the more the lure of the Premier League and financial package, made him decide to go to Fulham.

"It wasn't to be.

"It is frustrating and disappointing because he fits the remit of what we are looking for - young, energetic and a good player who has played two or three years in the Championship and done really well, but that's life."

So how did Bruce react and did it put a dampener on an otherwise-successful transfer window?

"When I was younger I would be chewing wasps and wanting to smash everything in sight, kick the cat and the rest of it!" he laughed.

"It is all the work you put in, hour after hour after hour.

"But if it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/we-were-15-minutes-late-15013202


WhiteJC

 
Chambers really is a top quality coup for ambitious Fulham


Fulham look well equipped to avoid relegation following an excellent summer transfer window.

The Cottagers have significantly strengthened their squad ahead of their first Premier League campaign in four years. Slavisa Jokanovic earned plenty of praise for the style of play he implemented at Craven Cottage, and their performances were rewarded following victory in the play-off final against Aston Villa. The Serb has made some astute signing as Fulham look to beat the drop next year.

They sealed a club-record deal for highly-regarded Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael-Seri as well as he permanent move for Aleksandar Mitrovic who impressed on loan last year. Fulham also won the race for Swansea's Alfie Mawson and sealed a superb loan deal for Borussia Dortmund's Andre Schurrle. Still, it's another of their signings who could be seen as the best transfer into Craven Cottage yet.

The Cottagers have agreed a season-long loan move for Arsenal defender, Calum Chambers, despite his signing a new deal in north London Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the Englishman will prove to be an excellent addition to the squad and the fact he's been trusted with a new contract indicates just how valued he is.

Chambers made just 12 appearances in the Premier League last season but staked a claim for a starting role with some impressive performances towards the end of the campaign. However, his route to the first-team was blocked by the arrival of Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old will provide Fulham with some much-needed cover at centre-back as well as right-back where he has frequently featured throughout his career. With Mawson set to miss the first four league games, Chambers will have the opportunity to grab a place in the first-team.

A long-term centre-back partnership of Mawson and Chambers would be fantastic for Fulham.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/chambers-really-is-a-top-quality-coup-for-ambitious-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Kevin McDonald: 'Expectations are high for Fulham after new signings'

Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has said that the club have heightened "expectation levels" this season after their impressive transfer window.

The West London club have spent around £100m on 12 new players following their promotion back to the Premier League, bringing in the likes of Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"We are going to give it a right old blast this season," said McDonald. "We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to prove to everyone what we can do, prove that this is where the club belongs. The owners have invested money wisely and bought some really good players. That can only benefit the team.

"People are seeing all these big names coming in and the money we are spending so it is understandable that from the outside expectation levels have been raised. But we are a level-headed group of players and we know where we stand.

"We would be naive to start looking above to the top half of the table. First and foremost we have got to establish ourselves as a Premier League team. Of course we want to finish as high as we can but we know it is going to be a long, hard season."

Fulham face Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in their opening league fixture on Saturday.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/mcdonald-expectations-are-high-for-fulham_333039.html