Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/04/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham poised to beat Man United to transfer of £50m Premier League starlet

Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Fulham winger Ryan Sessegnon this summer, ahead of Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain.

The 18-year-old has endured a hugely frustrating season at Craven Cottage, as the club have been relegated back to the Championship after just one year back in the top flight.

The English starlet has contributed two goals and six assists in 31 Premier League appearances, but he has ultimately failed to live up to expectations after spearheading the club's promotion charge last term.
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Despite Sessegnon's woes on the pitch, he still has plenty of potential suitors lining up to bid for his services this summer, including Spurs, Man United and PSG – as per The Sun.

Fulham are bracing themselves for an influx of lucrative offers when the transfer window reopens and this could be their last opportunity to cash in on the teenager, with his current contract at the club set to expire in 2020.

The Sun reports that Tottenham are poised to beat Man United to Sessegnon's signature, given Mauricio Pochettino's influence in any potential deal.

The Argentine boss is keen on bringing the attacker to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and his policy of promoting youngsters to the first team would bode well for his development over the next few years.

The England Under-21 international would fit nicely into the club's wage structure too, whereas, at Old Trafford, he might have to start further down the pecking order before breaking into the first team.

Sessegnon was rated at £50 million before embarking on his debut campaign in the Premier League – as per The Sun – and although his stock might have dropped slightly over the last 12 months, Fulham should still be able to command a fee within that region.

It is high time Tottenham started splashing the cash in the transfer market again after over a year of inactivity and Sessegnon would be a strong first acquisition for the club this summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/04/17/tottenham-poised-to-beat-man-united-to-transfer-of-50m-premier-league-starlet/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Newcastle United could swap Dwight Gayle for Tom Cairney

Newcastle United are looking to capitalise on Fulham wanting Dwight Gayle to bring the long-term Rafael Benitez to St. James' Park

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United could swap Dwight Gayle for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

Fulham are interested in snapping up Gayle from Newcastle, following their relegation to the Championship.

The striker near enough guarantees goals in the second tier, and Newcastle are open to offloading him in the summer.

But Rafael Benitez's side have reportedly spotted an opportunity to utilise the Cottagers interest in Gayle to their advantage.

Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Cairney, but have been unable to agree a deal as yet due to Fulham's prohibitive £30 million valuation of the midfielder (The Sun).

However, they are now hoping to snap up the Scottish international by using Gayle in any deal.

Newcastle are hopeful of agreeing a trade deal which could leave both parties involved happy.

Newcastle are on the look out for central midfielders this summer, with the futures of Isaac Hayden, Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey all insecure right now.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/04/17/report-newcastle-united-could-swap-dwight-gayle-for-tom-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

 
Football transfer rumours: Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham Hotspur?

Today's rumours are keeping it Reggaeton


Ryan Sessegnon looks to be heading out of the Fulham door. Photograph: Javier García/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

While few, if any Fulham players have covered themselves in anything approaching glory during their disastrous return to the Premier League, Ryan Sessegnon is one of several who are unlikely to be with the club when they return begin their Championship campaign next season. Assorted tabloids are reporting the left-sided 18-year-old is likely to be in big demand this summer, with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham all believed to be interested in luring him away from Craven Cottage. It is the club from the new White Hart Lane who are believed to have the whip-hand and with just one year left on his contract, Sessegnon would almost certainly be available for considerably less than the £50m he was valued at a year ago.

Bild say Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt, but will have to duke it out with Juventus and Real Madrid to secure the 22-year-old's services. The German newspaper claims the release clause on Brandt's contract will drop to around £21m this summer; something of a steal for a player who would probably be quite cheap at twice the price. On loan at Monaco since January, Leicester's 30-year-old midfielder, Adrien Silva, will make his move permanent come season's end, according to the good people at France Football.

Arsenal and Manchester United are prepared to go toe-to-toe in a battle to win the heart, mind and urgently required defensive talents of Barcelona central defender Samuel Umtiti. An unused substitute spectating from the bench as his side ripped Manchester United a new one at the Camp Nou last night, the 25-year-old Frenchman is believed to have his eye on a move to Juventus, whose Champions League exit at the hands of scintillating, irrepressible Ajax suggests they too are in dire need of a man of his talents. Wherever Umtiti ends up going, his departure will free up a dressing room peg for Ajax star Matthijs De Ligt at Barça. Meanwhile in Germany, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl is being courted by Manchester City and PSG.

Resigned to losing Eden Hazard to Real Madrid this summer, Chelsea have identified in-demand Lille winger Nicolas Pépé as a potential replacement for their diminutive Belgian superstar, but will have to get their pesky transfer ban overturned and come up with the thick end of £70m to have any chance of landing their man. Further north, the future of Rafael Benítez as Newcastle manager remains up in the air, but the Star say he has presented his employer Mike Ashley with a summer shopping list bearing the names of Bournemouth midfield duo Ryan Fraser and David Brooks, as well as that of break-out Burnley star Dwight McNeil. If true, the Rumour Mill applauds his optimism.

Having been confined to the periphery of first-team proceedings with a recurring groin injury since arriving on loan at Arsenal in January, Barcelona midfielder Denis Suárez could be headed for pastures new and Neapolitan this summer, according to his agent. Rather than take up their £20m option on Suárez, Arsenal may take a punt on PSG's Christopher Nkunku instead. And finally, Wolves like the cut of teenage Liverpool winger Rafael Camacho's jib and may try to make him a card-carrying member of their Portuguese enclave ahead of next season.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/17/football-transfer-rumours-ryan-sessegnon-to-tottenham-hotspur

[WhiteJC]

 
Three players Newcastle United should look into from Fulham

Alongside Huddersfield Town, Fulham's ticket is punched to the Championship. We look at some players Newcastle United should consider.

As we highlighted earlier this week, there are players for Huddersfield Town that might make sense for Newcastle United. Today, we take a look at the other relegation-clinched side, Fulham.

Ryan Sessegnon

He is the obvious one here and will be a in high demand across the EPL. Bursting on the scene for Fulham as a 16-year-old, the now 18-year-old can play as a winger, midfielder, or wing-back. He has great pace and leads the club in assists.

Positive: He's a ridiculously talented player and is only 18 years old.

Negative: He will likely be too expensive.

Tom Cairney

Newcastle United have been linked with the Fulham captain before, even talks of a swap deal for Jonjo Shelvey. He's a talented, hardworking player. His best statistical year came back in 2016-17 when he tallied 12 goals and 11 assists.

Positive: Strong leader that can add depth to the midfield.

Negative: Lack of production in recent years and age (28).

Aboubakar Kamara

This is an interesting one. Very interesting. Kamara is a big, powerful striker. In 13 appearances for Fulham this season, he buried three goals. But, he had an altercation with none other than Aleksandar Mitrovic at a team yoga session, then was arrested for another incident with a member of the staff. Fulham banned him from the club and sent him on loan to Yeni Malatyaspor.

Positive: His strength and pace could make for a replacement of Salomon Rondon if needed.

Negative: He hasn't produced consistently at the highest level and clearly has some issues with his discipline and temper.



https://newcastletoons.com/2019/04/17/three-players-newcastle-united-should-look-into-from-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham player fancies a transfer to another English club this summer

Andre Schurrle joined Fulham on a two year loan deal last summer, with a get-out available if the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.

The player himself spoke of that clause earlier this year, and with Championship football now confirmed for next season, he's set to leave the club.

In Germany the player's situation peaks interest.

Here's a World Cup winner down on his luck, and at 28 years of age, what should be the peak of his career, not really knowing what he's going to be doing next season.

SportBild report a Borussia Dortmund return is unlikely, with the Bundesliga club not counting on a player they have contracted to June 2021.

Another loan is reasonably possible, given BVB were happy for the two year deal with Fulham.

SportBild say Schurrle fancies a transfer to another club in England, presumably in the Premier League, but at this point they don't go as far as to suggest who that may be.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-fancies-transfer-another-english-club-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United Eyeing A Swap Deal For This Fulham Midfielder: A Win-Win For All Parties

According to a recent report by the Northern Echo, Newcastle United are willing to give up Dwight Gayle in their efforts to land Tom Cairney from Fulham during the summer transfer period. The same source has revealed that the Magpies are planning to send Gayle to Craven Cottage if they can secure the services of Cairney in this off-season.

The Cottagers midfielder has been ravaged by injuries this season which is why he has been a forgotten man in the Premier League. The fact that Scott Parker's men have already been relegated to the EFL Championship doesn't bode well for their chances of keeping hold of their best players ahead of the new campaign.

Why Newcastle Can Benefit From Acquiring Cairney's Services
Hence, a potential swap deal might be on the horizon which could benefit all parties. Newcastle are in dire need of strengthening their options at the centre of the park so a move for Cairney could help them create more opportunities from midfield next season.

Why Dwight Gayle Could Be A Useful Asset At Craven Cottage Next Season?
In contrast, the Whites of West London can also reap the rewards of recruiting a Championship-proven player like Gayle. The English forward has scored 21 goals and provided seven assists in 36 appearances while on loan at West Bromwich Albion this season. There is no doubt that he has what it takes to be a success story at Craven Cottage.

What Will Cairney Bring To The Tyneside Club?
Cairney had finally started to show some glimpses of his brilliance when he opened the goal-scoring in Fulham's 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. The Nottingham born talent is an excellent distributor of the ball and has a wide range of passes in his locker. He is also capable of making some driving runs from midfield but lacks the pace to beat his marker in 1v1 situations.

Cairney-Gayle Swap Deal: Good Move For All Parties?
Rafael Benitez needs a player with a bit of oomph in central midfield so Cairney can potentially be a realistic option for him to consider ahead of the new campaign. If the Magpies can manage to seal a permanent move for Salomon Rondon, then there is no reason why they would want to keep Gayle at St. James Park. Hence, a potential Cairney-Gayle could be a good move for everyone involved.



https://the4thofficial.net/2019/04/newcastle-united-eyeing-a-swap-deal-for-this-fulham-midfielder-a-win-win-for-all-parties/

[WhiteJC]

 
Indecisiveness could cost Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon is back in the headlines with the summer transfer window fast approaching, but a move away from Craven Cottage may not be on the youngster's mind (yet).

Ryan Sessegnon is a bit of a buzz-name for national newspapers now we are coming up to the summer window. The Sun, for example, have thrown about numerous rumours regarding his future, nominating Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United along and Borussia Dortmund as suitors, because – why not?

Stick the player in any headline accompanied by some big team from around the country or Europe and guarantee to create some sort of rumour storm. Realistically though, how much does the player want to leave?

Spurs are said to be the frontrunners for his signature and could get the deal done this summer with a sizable cash offer.

Mauricio Pochettino's work with players over the past five years is apparently one of the main factors, with Harry Kane's meteoric ascent to England captain referenced, while Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier are all also viewed as inspirations for Sessegnon.

For all the interest however, the £50million man could opt to stay on at Fulham for another year and see out his contract, which expires in 2020.

Now, this would be a catastrophe for all parties involved. Fulham would lose out on sizable training compensation, Tottenham would miss out on their man and Ryan Sessegnon would almost certainly see his window of opportunity slip away.

Selfishness is the key now. Sessegnon must take the plunge for the good of his career; there is no use sticking around in the Championship another year. What will it achieve? More experience at a level far below his huge potential? More playing time and possible injuries? Hero status at Fulham and a missed chance at Tottenham?

It's time to be bold.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/tottenham/indecisiveness-could-cost-spurs-target-sessegnon-his-career/

[WhiteJC]

 
"I wasn't ready" – Striker changes tune over failed Fulham transfer

Back in 2017, Fulham, in full Fulham fashion, were scrambling around the transfer market trying to sign a striker towards the end of January.

Many offers were made for players such as Sergi Enrich and Aboubakar Kamara (who eventually joined a few months later), and added to that list late on in the window was STVV striker Yohan Boli, whose reported €3m deal failed to materialise,.

Eventually landing Cyriac on loan from KV Oostende, the Cottagers failed to gain promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs that season, eventually doing so in the following campaign.

A few days after the window shut, Boli spoke to the Belgian press about his failed move, claiming there simply 'was not time' for the deal to be made.

Two years later, the forward, still at STVV, has changed his tune, citing a different reason for the move not going through, as he revealed to Sport/Foot in an interview.

He said: "The last day of the window, I was called in the early evening to the general manager's office, who had something to tell me. I thought I'd messed up, so I was a bit stressed. The club had received an offer and a three-year contract was waiting for me. My heart started pounding harder.

"I couldn't believe a Championship club was interested in a player who a year and a half before was in third division. Everything needed to happen quickly and I was expected in Antwerp for a medical. I spoke to my family, and I decided to not go. I wasn't ready."

The 25-year-old has been in decent form for the Belgian side this season, scoring 12 goals in 29 league appearances so far, as well as assisting teammates five times.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-wasnt-ready-striker-changes-tune-failed-fulham-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Games for the Weekend 20/04
We visit Bournemouth for this weekend's game.

Both teams had good results last weekend, wasn't it great to score two and keep a clean sheet!
Not that it really matters but I think we might sneak a result against Bournemouth, they're a good team but have little to play for, their safe in mid-table but won't be competing for a Europa run.
Mitro' is due a goal, or two?, and for some reason I fancy him to get on the score sheet, mind you I think that every game so its about time he proved me right!

COYWs

Games of Interest...
Friday 20th
Liverpool v Huddersfield

Saturday 27th
Bournemouth v Fulham
Huddersfield v Watford
Newcastle v Southampton

Sunday 21st
Cardiff v Liverpool


come on over to the Friends of Fulham forum and join in the conversation...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=650

[N_O_W_S]

Interesting to see that Newcastle are still convinced that there are legs in the Cairney move.

Also, must be tongue in cheek about R Sess?? I am hopeful of him staying but in my heart realise that the club has to look at whether there is a chance of his contract running down and him leaving on a free / adjudication. No idea where he will end up.