Fulham star thinks he needed another year at club – Needs met at Craven Cottage
Fulham star Calvin Bassey believes he needed another year at Ajax to really establish himself and learn from his experiences with the Dutch side.
Ajax Showtime report on comments from the Fulham defender today. He's been speaking on the Ziggo Sport programme Kick 't Met. During that he reflected on his unsuccessful time in Amsterdam.
Ajax difficulties
The defender joined the Dutch side from Rangers in a €23m deal in 2022, after impressing under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.
The plan was for him to be the replacement for Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine, a fan favourite, had established himself as a key player at the club before leaving that summer to join Manchester United.
Calvin Bassey was unable to replace him successfully, though. Instead, he endured a difficult year at Ajax during which he was regularly criticised, with even the most minute mistakes often leading to analysis and further criticism.
He left after one year to join Fulham, where he has since become a key player under Marco Silva. Now 26-years-old, he reflects on his time at Ajax well, believing that he just needed more time.
"It was the tactical aspect of understanding where you need to be and knowing where your next pass is going," he said.
"At Ajax, a full-back plays more like a number six in possession, or he moves as soon as you get the ball. So, if you understand it tactically and you know where your next pass needs to go, it gets easier.
"If my first touch was to the outside – which was natural for me, because I expect the full-backs to be there, my passing lane was immediately blocked, because the full-back at Ajax can cut inside."
Fulham confidence
The problems that plagued him at Ajax, haven't been apparent at Fulham. But he puts that down to a different style and having time to adapt to how Fulham want him to play. That was time he was not afforded at Ajax.
"The English league is easier for me because I am used to English football," he added.
"Many managers come from abroad; mine is Portuguese, but it is the system I am familiar with. What you do at Ajax takes time.
"Players who were new needed more time to adapt. When you are young, and at that time I was 21 or 22, I might have needed another season to settle in. Just like in England.
"I needed a year there to settle in as well. After that, I played the most matches and became Player of the Year at the club."
The defender now feels comfortable in the Premier League, and in the game in general. That, he feels, comes from experience. That was something he wasn't given time to pick up while at Ajax.
"I feel that I understand the game better. But that is clearly due to the experience you gain," he concluded.
"The only way to know you are doing something wrong is to just do it wrong. But it is also about the mentality. You have to be willing to make mistakes so that you can improve."
https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-star-thinks-he-needed-another-year-at-club-needs-met-at-craven-cottage/
Fulham, Coventry City in transfer tussle to sign Andrej Ilic
Newly promoted Coventry City are set to battle Fulham for the signature of Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic.
According to a report from Football Insider, Fulham and newly promoted Coventry City are keen on bolstering their attack ahead of next season, and they are set to battle it out for the services of Union Berlin forward Andrej Ilic. With just a year left on his deal, the German club are ready to listen to offers, and both English clubs are looking to make the most out of it.
Ilic joined the Berlin-based outfit in the summer of 2024 from LOSC Lille. While it was an initial loan deal, the move was made permanent last summer. The Serbian international has been one of their standout performers this term. He has been involved in a total of 34 matches and has contributed towards 18 goals (6 goals, 12 assists).
His performances have placed him on the radar of a number of top clubs in Europe. Coventry and Fulham have both taken note of his performances and are now looking to bring him to the Premier League this summer.
While he is known for his aerial prowess and hold-up play, he has impressed one and all with his creativity. The 26-year-old has been the go-to man for Union Berlin in the final third, but they are ready to cash in on him. With just a year left on his deal, they are already bracing themselves for offers.
Premier League duo are after Andrej Ilic
He is not actively pushing for a move, but is unlikely to turn down an opportunity to move to the Premier League. While the German club blocked a winter exit, they will listen to offers this time around, and both Fulham and Coventry have been put on alert.
The Cottagers could end up losing Harry Wilson in the summer, and they are looking at the versatile Ilic as a capable replacement. Even if they do push for another right back, the Serbian could certainly help replace his output.
While Haji Wright has done an exceptional job for Coventry, Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante have supported him well in the Championship; they still seek more firepower as they prepare for a return to the top flight. Meanwhile, investing in a striker like Ilic could go a long way in helping them keep hold of the highly sought-after Frank Lampard.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/05/20/fulham-coventry-city-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-andrej-ilic/
From Portugal: Fulham in last ditch attempt to keep Marco Silva – Hint at better transfer window
Fulham are making what Portuguese media describe as an increasingly urgent effort to keep Marco Silva. Fresh reports claim the club are now willing to offer promises they previously refused, in an attempt to stop him leaving this summer.
The Fulham manager remains one of Benfica's leading targets if José Mourinho departs for Real Madrid. There is now a growing feeling in Portugal that the coming days could be decisive.
According to A Bola, Fulham are pushing hard behind the scenes to convince Silva to renew his contract and stay at Craven Cottage. Also, the report describes the London club as effectively 'pressing' the manager for a decision, as they try to avoid losing him.
Importantly, the Portuguese newspaper claims Fulham are now prepared to "give Silva things they did not offer him last season".
While the report does not go into precise detail, the suggestion is clearly tied to competitiveness and squad planning. It is also tied to the scale of the summer rebuild Silva wants before committing his future.
Fulham trying to change Silva's mind
The latest update paints a picture of a club scrambling to avoid a major managerial loss.
Silva has repeatedly insisted no decision has been made yet. However, his recent comments to the British press hinted at why this summer matters so much to him.
"The summer ahead will be one of the most important for Fulham's future. We are going to analyse things and have some meetings. I need to stay calm to deal with many aspects," he explained.
That fits perfectly with the latest Portuguese claims.
According to them, Fulham have continued insisting on a renewal while also promising guarantees about the competitiveness of the squad moving forward. Those discussions are said to be creating genuine doubts in Silva's mind about whether to leave.
The timing is critical because Fulham are entering a defining transfer window. Silva has stabilised the club in the Premier League, but there is a clear sense he wants stronger backing if he is going to continue leading the project long-term.
Benfica waiting for Mourinho domino
Meanwhile, Benfica are effectively waiting for the Mourinho situation to fully unfold before making their move.
Portuguese reports continue to insist Benfica expect Mourinho to accept Florentino Pérez's proposal to return to Madrid. Once that happens, Benfica are expected to formally advance for Marco Silva.
The report adds Benfica are prepared to offer Silva a two-year contract alongside a sporting project built around reclaiming the Portuguese title. In addition, the project focuses on returning strongly to the Champions League.
Silva's relationship with Benfica director-general Mário Branco is again highlighted as an important factor. The two previously worked together at Estoril and are viewed internally as people capable of quickly organising the next phase of the club's rebuild.
Add to that the plane trip Mourinho and Silva took to London together. With that, you'll have plenty to elaborate.
Decision could arrive quickly
The newspaper claims Silva could be ready to announce his decision after Sunday's final Premier League match against Newcastle.
That would explain why Fulham are now pushing so aggressively to resolve the situation.
There is also another layer in Portugal's reporting. While Ruben Amorim reportedly has strong support internally at Benfica, A Bola states he currently has no plans to coach next season unless a major foreign proposal suddenly arrives.
That contradicts Correio da Manhã's claim that Amorim is their priority target.
Also, that leaves Silva looking increasingly like Benfica's most realistic option – unless Fulham's late push, and promises of a bigger future, manage to change his mind.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/from-portugal-fulham-in-last-ditch-attempt-to-keep-marco-silva-hint-at-better-transfer-window/
Fulham need certainty ahead of the final day
Enough is enough.
Another Premier League season is drawing to a close. They go faster and faster every year.
I think this has been one of the least interesting in recent memory.
That's not a bad thing in the sense that we've never been in danger, but it's not a good thing in that, well, it's just been a bit boring.
Sammy hit the nail on the head far better than I could when he talked about 'That Fulham Feeling' this week, so I'll not go over well-trodden ground, but that apathy he mentioned? I'm feeling it.
Which brings me to Newcastle United on Sunday. A game with absolutely zero for either team to play for. It'll be a stroll in the sunshine and all-round pleasant day.
Snore.
But the final day is a time to reflect on the campaign just gone, and a chance to look ahead to the future. What academy starlets will make a cameo and whet our appetites? Will an unsung or maligned player take the game by the scruff of the neck and put a marker down for next term?
But on this final day, all I want is closure.
Last season we were all a bit confused about how to treat Tom Cairney. Was he off? Was he staying? No one had said a word, so we were all left in limbo. Thankfully, TC stayed, but if he'd left it'd have been a rubbish way to bid him adieu.
This season it's a similar story. Nothing's been said about the future of Harry Wilson, though we've all made an educated guess that the Welsh wizard is off, if not to Villa then some Premier League club a rung or two above us (and, let's face it, there are a few rungs at the moment). We'll all gather and say "Thanks for the memories". And boy has he given us some. All the best, Harry.
Then, there's goodbye we've all been thinking (and talking, and writing, and tweeting) about.
Does Marco not owe it to the fans - and to himself - to say a proper goodbye? If that's the way he's leaning (and only he knows), then why not sit down with the family, with friends, take a deep breath and make the call before Sunday?
Genuinely at this stage, what is he waiting for?
Silva's done fantastic things at this football club during his five-years in the dugout, and he's helped orchestrate some unforgettable moments. It'll be a real shame if that contribution to our history isn't recognised in the proper way.
I don't want a video of a chair, only for Marco to come into frame and sit on it. I want to be able to sing "He's a geeeenius" from H5 with tears in my eyes, remembering 2021/22, remembering battering the Bees, remembering Muniz at the Bridge.
Just typing those memories out stokes the lukewarm embers of that Fulham feeling deep within me. Knowing what the future holds ahead of the 2026/27 campaign feels like the least we're owed as fans.
The season has fizzled out - please Fulham and Marco, don't let the final day be the wet fart that punctuates it. Use it as a moment to galvanise the fans and give us a platform to jump into what looks to be a summer that could move the needle.
COYW.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulham-need-certainty-ahead-of-the
Everton well-placed to sign Abdul Fatawu amid Aston Villa, Fulham links
Everton are interested in signing 22-year-old Leicester City attacker Abdul Fatawu during the summer transfer window.
Leicester City have been relegated to League One, and the beleaguered English club are likely to lose players. Abdul Fatawu wants to compete at the highest level. The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for him amid his emerging links with Everton.
Everton have had an impressive season, and they will be an attractive destination for the player. The Toffees are well placed to get the deal done, and they will now work to agree on a deal with Leicester City. Meanwhile, they will face competition from Aston Villa and Fulham, as per a report by TEAMtalk.
The Leicester City attacker has 17 goal contributions this season, and he has been an important player for them. The youngster has the quality to thrive in the Premier League as well, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for all three clubs. It is no surprise that they are looking to snap him up. He could be available for a reasonable fee, given his current situation.
The 22-year-old Ghanaian international can operate as a right-sided winger as well as on the left. His versatility would be a huge bonus for any club that manages to sign him.
Aston Villa and Fulham also want Fatawu
Aston Villa have secured UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, which could make them a more attractive destination compared to Everton or Fulham. It will be interesting to see if the player is willing to join them and compete in Europe next season.
He should look to join a club where he can play regularly. Sitting on the bench at a Premier League club would not be ideal. Aston Villa will have to provide him with the necessary assurance to convince him of the move. However, with Jadon Sancho unlikely to remain at Villa Park and Evann Guessand closing in on a permanent move to Crystal Palace, a vacancy will open up.
On the other hand, Fulham need more quality in the final third as well. They have been dependent on Harry Wilson this season. They need more quality in the attacking unit if they want to push for European football next season. Fatawu will look to sort out his future quickly and focus on his football. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be hard for him to turn down.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/05/20/everton-well-placed-to-sign-abdul-fatawu-amid-aston-villa-fulham-links/