Fulham to face Al-Ahli(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/f7d15760-8065-11f1-9b08-c939f30662cf.jpg)
Fulham will face Al-Ahli Saudi FC in a friendly in Portugal as part of our pre-season preparations.
The game will be played at Estadio Municipal Albufeira at 6pm on Tuesday 28th July and will be open – as a free entry event – to the public.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/15/fulham-to-face-al-ahli/
Chibuike Nwaiwu agrees to join Fulham, club-to-club talks to follow
Fulham will look to sign 22-year-old Nigerian international Chibuike Nwaiwu from Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor this summer.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Chibuike Nwaiwu is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their sights set on the 22-year-old Trabzonspor defender.
The two parties already have an agreement on personal terms, and Fulham can now focus on testing Trabzonspor's resolve with upcoming talks between the two clubs. The Turkish Super Lig outfit will demand around €30 million to part ways with Nwaiwu this year.
Who is Chibuike Nwaiwu?
Chibuike Nwaiwu is the latest promising defender from his homeland to rise in prominence. The 22-year-old spent his formative years in Nigeria and graduated from the youth division at Borussia Digitals Sporting Academy Limited. The youngster subsequently represented two Nigerian clubs before arriving in Europe in September 2024 by joining Wolfsberger AC.
However, Nwaiwu's spell in Austria ended earlier this year, and he spent the second half of the 2025/26 season with Trabzonspor, making 21 appearances thus far while chipping in with three goals and one assist. Meanwhile, the Nigerian defender's progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Fulham among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Fulham's interest in Chibuike Nwaiwu is understandable. While the Cottagers have a solid defensive unit, recent reports have linked a few players with a summer departure. They are worried about Jorge Cuenca's future, in particular, with Benfica recently joining the race to sign him.
So, Fulham must pursue a centre-back, and they have set their sights on several candidates, including Mariano Troilo. However, Nwaiwu is also a viable target, with his physical profile making him a suitable option for the West London club.
The Nigerian defender can also be a long-term solution for Fulham due to his age, as at 22, his best years are ahead of him. However, it is unclear if the Cottagers are ready to pay €30 million to quickly strike an agreement with Trabzonspor over a possible deal.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/15/chibuike-nwaiwu-agrees-to-join-fulham-club-to-club-talks-to-follow/
Jack Kelly on Fulham: Excitement but risk of the unknown as Arbeloa takes charge
It has been a whirlwind summer at Craven Cottage.
The post-Marco Silva era has officially arrived, and it is ushered in by a name that took many of us by surprise—not because of his pedigree, but because of the sheer timing of the announcement.
Álvaro Arbeloa is the new head coach of Fulham, signing a three-year deal. He was announced late on a Tuesday evening at quarter to midnight, thrusting the club into an entirely new tactical direction just as the squad returned to pre-season training at Motspur Park.
With pre-season firmly under way, I sat down with fellow Fulham-supporting journalists Joseph Gunning and Jon Harland in the latest West London Sport Fulham podcast (available on YouTube, major audio platforms and embedded below) to talk about what this means for the club, the squad, and the fans.
Jon hit the nail on the head when he spoke about huge excitement, but also some concern.
A new philosophy: front-foot football
With Arbeloa, we are looking at a style of play that is highly positive and very front-foot. He wants to dominate possession of the ball, which is exactly the kind of progressive, enjoyable football fans want to see.
The Spaniard's tactical blueprint points heavily toward an attacking 4-3-3:
The anchored six: To make this system work, a strong foundation in midfield is non-negotiable. He relies on a dominant defensive midfielder to control possession and stop counter-attacks. Looking back at parts of last season, this is an area where Fulham really lacked, making midfield signings a priority this window.
Aggressive pressing: Unlike the mid-block structure occasionally used under Silva, Arbeloa's teams press high and aggressively from the front.
Full-back focus: As a highly decorated former full-back himself, Arbeloa's system places immense emphasis on the wide defenders. This could prove to be fascinating for Antonee Robinson, whose athleticism perfectly suits a high-pressing, overlapping role.
However, a front-foot approach brings real risk. In Spain, Arbeloa's sides occasionally fell short against counter-attacking opponents, picking up heavy defeats after getting caught too high up the pitch. How he balances that natural aggression with Premier League pragmatism remains a major question mark.
Clearing the decks: Wilson and Jiménez depart
The exit of Harry Wilson to Leeds is a significant blow in terms of raw goals. He spent five great years at Fulham, providing some incredible moments. Yet, with Wilson demanding north of £100,000 a week at age 29, Leeds taking that massive financial commitment off Fulham's hands represents a sensible bit of business. It opens the door for Oscar Bobb, who is adjusted and ready to explode on that right wing.
Meanwhile, Raúl Jiménez has rejoined Wolves, leaving Rodrigo Muniz and new permanent signing Jonah Kusi-Asare as the primary central options. Kusi-Asare's £5.2m arrival from Bayern Munich is an exciting piece of business, but the reported £20m buy-back clause is a frustrating modern reality of dealing with European giants, as Joseph explained in the podcast.
Unlocking the Motspur Park pathway
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Arbeloa's appointment is his commitment to youth development.
While Silva stabilised the club brilliantly, his apparent reluctance to trust young academy prospects was a persistent source of frustration.
Arbeloa, who cut his teeth managing Real Madrid's Under-19s and Castilla, represents a breath of fresh air for our academy stars.
Players like Jon Esenga and Amissah—who currently have contract offers on the table amid interest from the likes of Arsenal—will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of playing under a manager who has won a World Cup and Champions League as a player, but understands the youth pathway inside out.
From midfielder Luke Harris to defender Luc De Fougerolles, there are big decisions to make regarding who is ready for first-team minutes and who needs a progressive loan. The balance must be exact; relying too heavily on youth in a league this unforgiving can easily backfire.
Transition and the ultimate opening-day test
This is the first time in years we can genuinely call this a transitional period for Fulham. Having had the stability of Silva for so long, this is a massive structural shift.
But transition doesn't mean disaster. Fulham, in my opinion, have far too much quality to end up in a relegation dogfight. A stable mid-table finish around 11th or 12th is the realistic expectation, but if the board backs Arbeloa's target profile in the remaining weeks of the window, the club could push on quickly.
The ultimate litmus test of this new era arrives on the very first night of the season.
Arbeloa will lead Fulham out under the Cottage floodlights for a massive west London derby against our fiercest rivals, Chelsea.
If he can guide them to a result on the opening night, he will have rubber-stamped his name into Fulham folklore before the season has even warmed up.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jack-kelly-on-fulham-excitement-but-risk-of-the-unknown-as-arbeloa-takes-charge
Get To Know: Álvaro Arbeloa
We asked Fulham's new Head Coach some quickfire questions on his first visit to Craven Cottage since his appointment.
Who's the best player you've ever played with?
It's not easy to choose one because I was very lucky to play with so many Ballon d'Or winners like Ronaldo Nazário, Zidane, Figo, Owen, Modrić, Benzema, but I think the best was Cristiano. His talent, his ambition, his character, his passion, and he was an incredible player.
Which trophy you've won means the most to you?
Difficult choice again! I won everything with my country, I won everything with my club. The World Cup, two European Championships, I won two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. They are two different dreams, so I can't choose just one!
Describe yourself as a coach in three words.
I don't like describing myself - I prefer to describe the team that I want to build. I want to build a team that plays with courage, with personality, and with high standards.
Which former Fulham player or manager do you admire the most?
Well I think Roy Hodgson. What he achieved here was incredible and I have a lot of respect for him.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
The first game here at Craven Cottage. I can't wait to play here in front of our supporters.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/15/get-to-know-alvaro/
Five things we learnt from Alvaro Arbeloa's first interview
Other than that he's a suave looking fella...
Álvaro Arbeloa's work permit may have taken forever and a day to come through, but finally he is in SW6.
On Tuesday he was taken for a tour of the new Riverside stand and then he did an interview with Fulham's official channel in a setting that looked more akin to a beach club on the French Riviera than a football stand.
It's an official interview in the first week of his new job, so we were hardly expecting bombshells, but there were some interesting nuggets from Arbeloa's chat with Geoff Pruce, which we'll break down now.
1. He's here to build something
Arbeloa said all the hits here; great fans, historic club and stadium etc. What was most interesting though is how he talked about how he wants to 'build' something at Craven Cottage.
Obviously he was never going to say that his plan was to stay for one season and go to a bigger club, but you did get a genuine feeling that he feels that there's a long-term project here. He spoke about the ambition of the owners and said that "the club has everything it needs to take the next step". Quite exactly what Arbeloa thinks that "next step" is probably needs further scrutiny, but fans will hope that means either European football or reaching a cup final.
2. He wants signings through the door quickly
Possibly the most eyebrow raising moment was Arbeloa talking about the club's potential moves in the transfer market. He spoke about how the club need to sign players who improve the squad while also acknowledging we have lost some good players this summer.
The key line however that will please fans more than any other was "the sooner they arrive the better", citing that every day working together matters with six weeks until the first game. It will be interesting to see if Tony Khan and the rest of the recruitment team can actually deliver on that request. If they do, I imagine Marco Silva will be scratching his head wondering why they never did that for him.
3. Expect an attacking Fulham
As we suspected, Arbeloa confirmed that his style of play will be attack-minded. There were a few cliche lines in here about playing with "courage" and "personality", but I was certainly happy to hear him confirm that he wants players to be brave with the ball and aggressive when out of possession.
I feel like Fulham fans have become accustomed to possession football and playing out from the back, so I am really glad we have chosen a head coach that will allow for some continuation on that front.
4. He'll lean on mentality over experience - for now
If there's one stick to beat Arbeloa with it's his CV. Six months in charge of Real Madrid and then a lot of time with the youth set-up at Los Blancos before that. Not many managers or head coaches get a job in the Premier League with such little experience elsewhere.
When asked about that six months in charge of the first team at Real Madrid, he mostly just spoke about how "winning is the standard" and how having the "right mentality" is important. We didn't really learn much here, but I guess this wasn't the time to give a blow-by-blow account of Kylian Mbappe's fight with the coaching staff.
In all honesty, how he plans to deal with his lack of flying hours in the technical area is what I'd like to hear a bit more of from Arbeloa. It's one of those questions that will probably only happen if and when he speaks to the press. How will he cope when directly up against coaches like Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta in the heat of the battle? I'm sure he's got an answer, but we didn't really get one here.
5. His Spartan motto isn't just for Instagram
If you're not aware, Arbeloa has the phrase 'No retreat. No surrender. That is Spartan law. 🛡' as the bio on his Instagram.
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d-8g!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F00666e74-8435-48c8-9166-90e5c4dcb6b4_1792x742.png)
I must admit that I quite like it - the sort of bio you might have had on MySpace back in 2008.
Obviously, it's a quote from the film 300 - and I personally am looking forward to seeing scenes like this in the Craven Cottage dressing room before the Monday Night Football (™) against Chelsea.
Geoff asked Arbeloa for the reasoning behind having it as his Instagram bio and he answered that while he thinks results matter, he said that "attitude is the most important thing". He wants his team to always keep fighting until the end in every game.
I must admit that I am still on the fence about whether Arbeloa is a good appointment or not. The honest truth is that none of us know how it's actually going to go in a real-world situation.
However, I also will admit that he carries himself brilliantly and I think the Fulham players will respect him when they meet him today. Heaven knows we've taken a big gamble here, but I'm definitely warming to Àlvaro Arbeloa and it would be great to see him succeed here.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/five-things-we-learnt-from-alvaro
Kingy's England experience
Ahead of England's World Cup Semi-Final against Argentina, we caught up with Josh King, after he was invited to join the Three Lions' pre-tournament camp back in June.
Josh, you spent a couple of weeks with the England camp over the summer – how was that experience for you?
It was incredible, to be honest. It was one of those experiences where as soon as you leave, you're gutted and you wish you could have stayed. It's probably one of the best experiences of my life, to be honest, and I'm just really grateful to have had the opportunity to be around the lads and stuff.
There's so much talent in the squad, who stood out to you in the training sessions?
It's hard to pick one or two who stood out. I think [Harry] Kane – top leader, top professional. His finishing and the way he conducts himself is at the highest level, so I think he's one who definitely stood out. And there was a lot of other players who made me feel welcome – [Jude] Bellingham, [Ebere] Eze, [Declan] Rice, all of them were really welcoming. Top, top players, and I feel like I've learnt a lot from them, which is really good.
The question is, is it coming home..?
You know what, I feel like people won't believe me, but I have said from the off that it's coming home! I think the team's got enough quality, enough experience and nous, in the dressing room to make it happen. So, yeah, I think it's going to be a W for the country.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/15/josh-king-england-experience/
Nottingham Forest open talks to sign £17m star also wanted by FulhamNottingham Forest have been in contact to sign a new left-back, as the speculation surrounding Neco Williams' future at the City Ground continues.
In fact, Manchester United have now hijacked Forest's talks regarding a new contract, in an attempt to take the Welshman to Old Trafford.
Since then, it has been revealed Williams has also been attracting interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but a move to United is appealing, despite coming through the ranks in Liverpool's academy.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the former Liverpool man's future, the Tricky Trees have set their sights on a new left-back, and there has now been a further update on their pursuit of Sevilla's Joaquin Oso.
Nottingham Forest make approach to sign Oso According to a report from TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have now made contact regarding a deal for Oso, but there could be competition for his signature, with Tottenham, Newcastle United and Fulham also keen.
The Spaniard has a release clause of around £17m included in his Sevilla contract, but there is a feeling he could be available for even less, potentially making him a low-cost addition to Oliver Glasner's squad.
Football FanCast's Verdict| Credibility | Should Forest decide to sanction Williams' departure, they will need to sign a left-back this summer, so signing Oso could be savvy. That said, it may be difficult to replace the Wales star, given his consistency, missing just one Premier League game last season. |
| Finances | Forest have splashed the cash in recent years, shelling out £37.5m on Omari Hutchinson and £34m on Dan Ndoye. As such, a deal for the Sevilla star costing less than £17m shouldn't be too much of a problem. |
| Insight | Despite being a left-back by trade, the 23-year-old is also capable of playing further forward. Last season, he picked up two goals and three assists in 23 La Liga matches, primarily featuring as a left-winger. |
| Impact | Given Oso's versatility, he could be brought in as a direct replacement for Williams or compete for a spot in the starting XI further forward. As Glasner often utilises a three-at-the-back system, featuring as a left-wing-back could also be ideal. |
Why Oso could be perfect for GlasnerGlasner prefers to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Tyrick Mitchell being deployed in a left-wing-back role when the Austrian manager was at Crystal Palace.
With that in mind, it could be perfect for the new Forest manager to bring in a left-back capable of pitching in defensively and contributing further forward.
Oso ticks those boxes, considering he has spent the majority of his career playing as a left-back, but has also received praise for his ability in forward areas.
Former Sevilla Atletico coach Jesús Galván described the Forest target as "dynamic, very powerful and with an innate ability to create danger."
The Sevilla star's availability on the cheap is an added bonus, although the Tricky Trees should be able to spend big this summer, following Elliot Anderson's big-money move to Manchester City.
https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-now-make-transfer-approach-oso-fulham/
Fulham step forward for Norwegian after WC heroics – Club ready to cash in
Marcus Pedersen impressed for Norway at the World Cup and could be in line for a Fulham move.
The defender has spent two seasons at Torino, establishing himself as an important part of the side. This has led to him becoming a regular for the Norwegian national side. He played four times at the World Cup, scoring once.
His goal came in the 3-2 win over Senegal, and he started against Cote D'Ivoire in the knockout stages.
With the player's stature now growing, Fulham have made attempts to sign him.
Initial talks held
Today's La Stampa – via ToroNews, report that the World Cup has helped Marcus Pedersen attract interest from Fulham. They have moved for him, holding initial talks.
Crucially, Pedersen is keen on a move to England. He wants to take advantage of his raised profile and leave the Turin club.
Torino, at their end, are happy to cash in. Their valuation remains unknown.
The Urbano Cairo-owned club paid a package worth €4.5m to sign him permanently after an initial loan. This suggests a deal shouldn't be too complex for the London side.
Our take: Situation could be in Fulham's favour
When Marcus Pedersen joined Torino permanently in 2025, he signed a two-year deal. Now, his contract runs out in 2027, even if the Italian side have the option for a renewal. It shows the move was always seen as a way to gain playing time before joining a bigger club.
It swings the situation in Fulham's favour, who can sign him for an affordable fee right after an impressive World Cup.
At 25, Pedersen still has a lot of room to grow. In the past, he has also filled in at left and is versatile enough to play further forward too. A deal for him could be a bargain for Alvaro Arbeloa's side.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-step-forward-for-norwegian-after-wc-heroics-club-ready-to-cash-in/
Belief truth isn't being told over Fulham transfer cancellation – Transfer now seen as difficult
Fulham are not telling the truth about the cancellation of the deal for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi earlier this year.
That's the opinion of journalist Valentijn Driessen, who believes Fulham haven't said what really went on with the 23-year-old striker. His comments are relayed by Voetbal Zone.
Fulham cancellation
Ricardo Pepi appeared destined to join Fulham this summer following months of speculation about a move.
Fulham had chased the American striker throughout the January transfer window, with PSV electing to eventually block the deal at the end of the month.
Fulham revived their interest in the following months and a deal seemed likely. The two sides eventually agreed to a transfer and Pepi even travelled to London for a medical. Then came a 'rollercoaster' of emotions as the deal collapsed.
Reports in the Netherlands explained that Fulham and PSV had been unable to agree to when the deal would take place and he'd officially leave the Dutch side. That led to the whole affair collapsing, leaving Pepi frustrated with developments.
"Of course he's been rejected"
Valentijn Driessen, though, believes that there's more to the story than is being told. When asked by fellow journalist Johan Derksen on Vandaag Inside, he made his opinion clear.
"Of course he's been rejected," he said.
"But they don't mention that. It was all sorted. He was only supposed to go to England for a medical, and then suddenly he's back. It's going to be difficult to sell that lad."
He even wonders whether Pepi will get regular playing time at PSV next season. The striker was supposed to demonstrate his ability at the World Cup this summer. But instead, he managed just 202 minutes across five games and failed to score.
The little impression he made will not have been enough to draw new suitors to the table. And it could have hurt his chances at PSV as well.
"Alassane Pléa is fit again now and seems to be making quite an impression. He might end up spending another year on the bench," added Driessen.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/belief-truth-isnt-being-told-over-fulham-transfer-cancellation-transfer-now-seen-as-difficult/
Fulham submit new offer after 2 bids rejected – Player pushing for PL move
Fulham are stepping up their efforts in their ongoing pursuit of Trabzonspor's Chibuike Nwaiwu this summer.
The Turkish club invested €6m to sign the centre-back from Wolfsberger AC in January. He cemented his place quickly and made 21 appearances, and this didn't go unnoticed.
Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Turkey of Fulham's interest, but he wasn't keen on a move initially.
The Nigeria international has changed his stance and is now open to a move. On Tuesday, we relayed news he has agreed on a four-year contract with the London club.
Fulham refusing to backdown
Footy-Africa states the Premier League side have submitted an offer of around €25m but makes no mention of Trabzonspor's response.
Punch Sports in Nigeria pick up on that and shares more on Fulham's offers.
They have returned with a new offer of €25m plus €3m bonuses, after the Turkish club rejected their opening €20m bid.
Trabzonspor have again turned it down and are demanding €30-35m. He has a contract until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €10m. This won't put off Álvaro Arbeloa's side, who are expected to return with a new offer.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, who was initially reluctant to leave, wants to push for a move to the Premier League side.
Update on Fulham's pursuit from Turkey
Fotomaç provides the Turkish view on Fulham's efforts to sign the 22-year-old defender.
This seems more advanced than claims from Nigeria, as the newspaper states Fulham have submitted a third bid of €30m. This is probably including bonuses.
Trabzonspor have granted Álvaro Arbeloa's side permission to hold talks with Chibuike Nwaiwu, and the latter has found an agreement for a contract until 2030.
Fotomaç claims the 'countdown to the transfer has begun', indicating the clubs would find an agreement eventually. This is likely the expected scenario considering all parties in favour of Chibuike Nwaiwu's transfer to Fulham.
Chibuike Nwaiwu's transfer situation
Changed his stance and now wants PL move
Trabzonspor give London club permission to hold talks with Nwaiwu
Personal terms in place
Fulham return with €30m bid after €28m and €20m rejected
https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-submit-new-offer-after-2-bids-rejected-player-pushing-for-pl-move/
Tottenham, Fulham, Newcastle United fall behind Fiorentina in Oso chase
Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, and Newcastle United are all trailing Fiorentina in the race to sign Sevilla defender Oso.
Fiorentina have moved into pole position in the race to sign Joaquin Martinez Gauna, better known as Oso. That has left Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Fulham playing catch-up in the race to land the versatile Sevilla star this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, the Serie A side have made the strongest progress in negotiations for the 23-year-old Spanish full-back, whose impressive performances in La Liga last season have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Newcastle United have already opened discussions with Sevilla to better understand the conditions of a potential transfer, while Tottenham have also made enquiries. Fulham have likewise been credited with an interest, but none of the English clubs have advanced as far as Fiorentina.
La Viola are understood to be in regular contact with Oso's representatives and view him as a long-term solution on the left side of their defence. The player is also believed to be open to moving abroad this summer, giving Fiorentina further encouragement as talks continue.
Who will win the race for Oso?
While the Serie A side currently appear to be leading the chase, Premier League clubs still have time to launch a late move if they decide to accelerate their interest before the transfer window closes.
Although the Spaniard has a €20 million release clause in his contract, the report suggests that Sevilla may accept a lower offer as they look to improve their financial position this summer. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise over the past season thanks to his versatility and consistent performances.
Oso featured 30 times across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists. While the majority of his appearances came as a left-back, he featured as a winger in the second half of the season. That ability to perform effectively in multiple positions has made him an attractive option for clubs seeking tactical flexibility.
The Magpies are looking at Oso as someone who can compete with Lewis Hall for a place in the starting XI. While the Cottagers already have Ryan Sessegnon and thein-demand Antonee Robinson in their ranks, the Spanish full-back is someone who could come in case any of them end up leaving this summer.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/15/tottenham-fulham-newcastle-united-fall-behind-fiorentina-in-oso-chase/
Fulham 'Have Made An Enquiry' – Cottagers Explore World Cup Star DealFulham have made an enquiry about Norway World Cup star Marcus Pedersen as they try to land a new right-back, according to journalist Jack Kelly.The Cottagers enjoyed a decent campaign, finishing eleventh in the Premier League, missing out on European football by just one point under boss Marco Silva.
Fulham were criticised though towards the end of the campaign for being unwilling to take risks to win games.
Since then, Silva has been replaced by ex-Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been looking into the transfer market to strengthen his side.
Fulham have shown interest in several players in the transfer window and the west London club are pushing forward with plans to recruit a new right-back.
Pedersen, who currently plays in Serie A with Torino, has garnered interest from Fulham over a potential move in the summer transfer window.
Now, Fulham 'have made an enquiry' about Pedersen to Torino to strengthen the right side of their defence this summer.
It is unclear what Torino's stance on letting the Norwegian go is.
Marcus Pedersen's career history| Club | Years |
| Tromso | 2018-2020 |
| Molde | 2020-2021 |
| Feyenoord | 2021-2025 |
| Sassuolo (loan | 2023-2024 |
| Torino (loan) | 2024-2025 |
| Torino | 2025- |
Pedersen initially arrived at Torino on loan from Feyenoord, before making his move from the Netherlands to Italy permanent in the summer of 2025.
The 25-year-old defender put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club, and an option for a further year is also included in his current contract with Torino.
In the recent campaign, Pedersen made 32 appearances in all competitions, despite a few injuries, and contributed to five goals in the process.
His performances at club level did not go under the radar, as he got called up for the World Cup, where he helped Norway reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history and also scored one goal in the tournament.
However, Pedersen is not the only defensive target for Fulham, as the Cottagers have shown 'interest' in Serie A defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who plays at Genoa.
Norton-Cuffy would represent an option familiar with English football, unlike Pedersen, though Scandinavian players have historically found football in England to be something they can adapt to.
Shopping in Serie A appears to be appealing to Fulham at the moment and it remains to be seen if they make progress on a swoop for Pedersen soon.
https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/15/fulham-have-made-an-enquiry-cottagers-explore-world-cup-star-deal/719996/
Fulham receive approach for Rodrigo Muniz – Club open talks after striker admitted return dream
Flamengo are trying to bring Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz back to Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro side have already opened talks with the Premier League club over a deal.
That's according to journalist Caio Fontinelle. He reports the Brazilian club have identified the 24-year-old as their priority target to strengthen the attack. They have already begun discussions with Fulham.
The claim has since been echoed by NetFla,. The outlet states negotiations are underway as Flamengo continue their search for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season.
According to the report, Muniz's previous spell with the club is also viewed as a factor. This could make any adaptation easier should a deal be completed.
Muniz was at the centre of a transfer battle between Leeds United and Atalanta last summer. Ultimately, he remained at Fulham. Even so, he struggled for regular minutes. He played fewer than 1,000 in the Premier League and contributed one goal and one assist.
Return links emerge after Muniz admission
The timing is notable given Muniz's own comments in a recent interview to ESPN Brazil. In it, he admitted he expects to play for Flamengo again one day. The striker, who came through the club's academy before joining Fulham, said:
"Yes, for sure. Being Brazilian, with many games there, it's a place I will return to one day."
Muniz also made it clear he still has strong ties with the club.
"I still have friends there and I have a special affection for Flamengo because I came through the academy."
Those comments were made way before reports emerged of Flamengo opening talks with Fulham, but they now add extra context to the developing situation.
Fulham stance remains unknown
Neither Caio Fontinelle nor NetFla reveal how advanced the negotiations are. They also do not state whether Fulham are willing to sanction a transfer.
For now, the key development is that Flamengo have identified Rodrigo Muniz as their main attacking target. They have already opened club-to-club discussions with Fulham as part of their plans to strengthen the squad for the new season.
The Brazilian arrives as a target after a difficult campaign in England, having managed one goal in 19 appearances across all competitions, but the reports suggest Flamengo believe bringing back a player who already knows the club could help strengthen their attack while easing the transition into the squad.
Whether those talks develop into a formal agreement now depends on how negotiations between Flamengo and Fulham progress in the coming days.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-receive-approach-for-rodrigo-muniz-club-open-talks-after-striker-admitted-return-dream/
'Preliminary Agreement' – Fulham Close In On Target
Fulham have 'reached a preliminary agreement' to sign Chibuike Nwaiwu with Trabzonspor, it has been claimed in Turkey.
Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January and quickly established himself as a regular starter for the Black Sea Storm.
In the recent Super Lig season, the 22-year-old made 16 appearances for Trabzonspor, while also contributing with three goals and one assist, helping his club secure a third-place finish in the league.
His impressive performances also earned him his Nigeria debut in March, with the 22-year-old going on to win three caps for his country.
Nwaiwu's displays in Turkey have attracted transfer market interest with Fulham appearing to be the front-runners.
It was recently suggested that the Cottagers renewed their pursuit of the Trabzonspor defensive star, with personal terms understood to be in place as the Premier League side were pushing to complete the deal.
With fresh developments emerging, the Nigerian's move to Craven Cottage this summer is looking more likely.
According to Trabzonspor insider Serdar, Fulham have reached a preliminary agreement with Trabzonspor to sign Nwaiwu.
It has been suggested that the Black Sea Storm want a portion of the transfer fee upfront and they have rejected a long-term instalment plan.
Capable of operating at centre-back, right-back, in defensive midfield and in central midfield, the 22-year-old's versatility made him an attractive option in the market.
It remains to be seen when Fulham are able to finalise the deal and bring Nwaiwu to Craven Cottage.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, the Cottagers will be looking to add quality signings to their squad and push for higher ambitions next season.
In order to further bolster their defence, Fulham have made an enquiry about Norway World Cup star Marcus Pedersen as they try to land a new right-back.
The Cottagers are also 'interested in' Brooke Norton-Cuffy but face competition from fellow Premier League side Everton.
https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/15/preliminary-agreement-fulham-close-in-on-target/720017/
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham vying for Leo Scienza
Leo Scienza's stock has risen sharply after a campaign in which he became central to Southampton's push back toward the Premier League.
The Brazilian winger combined direct output with a broader creative influence, turning himself into one of the most closely watched players outside the top flight. Across spells with Southampton, and FC Heidenheim, Scienza finished the season with 10 goals and 10 assists from 47 appearances across all competitions.
He featured 44 times for the Saints and played a major role in their promotion campaign, earning the club's Player of the Season award from supporters. According to AS, interest is now building across England and Europe.
Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all believed to be monitoring the 27-year-old, while Everton and Leeds United have also previously tracked him. Como and Atalanta are admirers in Italy, with Real Betis and Real Sociedad following developments from Spain.
Southampton are not expected to make negotiations easy. Scienza has become one of their most influential attackers, and his ability to create as well as score means replacing him would be costly.
The strongest interest may come from clubs looking for an immediate Premier League contributor rather than a developmental signing. Scienza already understands English football and is coming off the most productive season of his career.
Why Scienza appeals to Aston Villa, Tottenham, Palace, and Fulham
From a tactical perspective, Scienza's value extends beyond his 20 goal contributions. He led the Championship for big chances created and fouls won, showing how frequently he disrupted defensive structures through movement, dribbling and close control.
Aston Villa could use him as a flexible option across Unai Emery's attacking line. Scienza can start wide before moving into central pockets, which would suit the West Midlands club's rotations around the striker and attacking midfielders.
For Tottenham, his ability to receive between the lines and combine quickly would fit Roberto De Zerbi's possession-heavy approach. He is not simply a touchline winger; he can act as a secondary creator when Spurs draw opponents forward.
Crystal Palace would benefit from his directness and ball-carrying in transition, while Fulham may see him as a ready-made source of creativity and goals from wide areas. The concern is age and valuation. At 27, Scienza should be assessed as an immediate-impact signing rather than a long-term resale project. Southampton will therefore need to set a price that reflects his importance without making the deal unattractive.
Which club would suit Scienza best?
Aston Villa and Tottenham offer the highest competitive ceiling, but both could also provide less guaranteed playing time. Palace or Fulham may offer the clearer route to becoming a first-choice attacker. Scienza has earned a Premier League opportunity, and the best move will be the one that gives him a defined role rather than simply the biggest badge.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/15/aston-villa-crystal-palace-fulham-tottenham-vying-for-leo-scienza/
Fulham fail with two bids to sign Chibuike Nwaiwu, deal close
Fulham are closing in on the signature of Trabzonspor defensive sensation Chibuike Nwaiwu, despite having two offers rejected.
Fulham remain firmly in the hunt for Chibuike Nwaiwu despite seeing two offers rejected by Trabzonspor, with the Premier League club edging closer to striking a deal. According to a report from PUNCH, the Cottagers have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the highly-rated Nigerian defender and are prepared to hand him a contract running until 2030.
However, negotiations with Trabzonspor remain ongoing after the Turkish side turned down both of Fulham's bids. The London club tabled an initial proposal of €20 million before returning with an improved package worth €28 million, consisting of €25 million guaranteed and €3 million in add-ons.
Despite the improved offer, the Turkish outfit remain unconvinced and are reportedly holding out for a fee between €30 million and €35 million. The London club are nevertheless expected to return with another proposal as they step up their pursuit of one of Nigeria's brightest defensive talents.
Nwaiwu has quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after young centre-backs after an outstanding spell in Turkey. Having joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January 2026, the towering defender wasted little time making an impression.
Standing at 1.93 metres, Nwaiwu became a regular in the first team, making 21 appearances across all competitions. He also contributed three goals, including a memorable winner against Turkish champions Galatasaray, while playing a key role in Trabzonspor's Turkish Cup triumph.
Why Fulham are keen on Nwaiwu's signature?
Nwaiwu offers Fulham a long-term centre-back prospect combining physical presence with composure on the ball. Those qualities earned him his first opportunities with the Nigerian national team, where he has already collected three senior caps.
Although initially open to staying in Turkey, Nwaiwu has informed Trabzonspor through his representatives that he prefers moving to the Premier League. This gives Fulham a significant negotiating advantage.
The Turkish outfit, meanwhile, are determined to maximise the value of one of their prized assets. The club paid around €6 million to sign Nwaiwu just a few months ago, meaning a sale worth more than €30 million would represent a remarkable profit and become the biggest transfer sale in the club's history.
With personal terms already agreed and the player keen on the move, the remaining obstacle is finding common ground on the transfer fee. Fulham remain optimistic that another improved offer will soon convince Trabzonspor to cash in, as they look to address the lack of depth at the heart of their defence by signing the 22-year-old.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/16/fulham-fail-with-two-bids-to-sign-chibuike-nwaiwu-deal-close/
I note above still some discussion about Pepi.
Please, hard pass on this player. FFC can do so much better. No thanks to Pepi.