"I'm living a dream" – Fulham player loving Premier League life and sets next target
Fulham's Kevin believes his first season in the Premier League has put him on the right path towards another major ambition – playing for Brazil.
The 23-year-old has now completed his first campaign at Craven Cottage and spoke at length to Globo Esporte about life in England.
Kevin wants to be involved when Brazil begin their new cycle following the World Cup. He believes staying at a good level with Fulham could put him in contention very soon.
"I really believe that in the next cycle I can be with the Brazilian national team, starting with the first call-ups after the World Cup," he said.
"I believe that by maintaining a good level and improving on what I'm already showing, I can be called up."
Kevin played 31 times for Fulham last season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He knows those numbers need to improve if he wants to compete for a place in Brazil's attack.
"I think I really need to improve the numbers, add to the good performances and improve the numbers, goals and assists," he explained. "Then, consequently, the call-ups will come."
Fulham winger is "living a dream" in England
His international ambitions are closely connected to his experience at Fulham. Kevin grew up watching English football and makes no attempt to hide how much playing in the Premier League means to him.
"I think the Premier League is a dream that I'm living as a player," he said. "I always watched a lot of Premier League games when I was younger. Being able to play here today is very rewarding for me.
"It's also a league that involves a lot of strength, where every game is very difficult to play. There are no easy games."
That first season has also forced Kevin to adjust his game. He sees a clear difference between Fulham and his experiences at Palmeiras and Shakhtar Donetsk.
At those clubs, he was accustomed to playing for teams which generally controlled possession and attacked more. English football has given him a different challenge.
"At Palmeiras and Shakhtar, because we controlled the games more, we attacked more," Kevin explained. "Now, the Premier League isn't like that. One team attacks, the other defends, all the time. The game is about transitions. I think that changed things a lot."
Biggest change since leaving Brazil
The winger doesn't believe his biggest development has necessarily been technical. Kevin already had pace and the ability to beat opponents before arriving at Fulham. He has tried to retain those qualities while becoming a more complete player.
For him, the biggest change has happened in his head.
"What really changed was more my mentality. I've been improving things," he said. "I try not to lose the things I already had, because I already had speed and dribbling. I've just been improving them."
"And today what has changed most in me is really my mentality. I've been able to understand the game more, understand what the game demands and also what the manager demands."
That tactical education could be particularly important given the competition Kevin faces for a place with Brazil.
He believes his own profile can help him stand out. Dribbling remains an important part of his football, although he also points to his physical strength.
"I think my style of play helps me a lot nowadays," he said. "Despite being light and liking to dribble, I'm also a strong player. I think that's very difficult nowadays in football, because it's a more studied game, a game that's more established by the coaches."
Praise from Palmer and Cunha
There have also been some slightly surreal moments during Kevin's first year at Fulham. Playing in the Premier League has put him alongside footballers he previously watched from a distance.
Some of them have already gone out of their way to compliment him.
"There were games when they came to talk to me afterwards, praised me, and I didn't know what to say," Kevin revealed.
"There was a Chelsea game when Palmer came to talk to me. Matheus Cunha came to talk to me after a game I played as well."
For a player still relatively early in his career, those conversations have made an impression.
"It's really nice for us younger players when that happens because sometimes we're starting our careers and we're already seeing a guy who's more established, more recognised, talking about you and praising you."
Kevin now wants to turn that progress into better numbers during his second season at Fulham.
Do that, and the 23-year-old believes the next step can be Brazil – perhaps alongside some of the old Palmeiras friends he already knows so well.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/im-living-a-dream-fulham-player-loving-premier-league-life-and-sets-next-target/
Fabrizio Romano: Fulham 'agree deal' to sign £30m Shea CharlesHere is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Fulham are finally set to get their man after agreeing a deal to sign Shea Charles from Southampton. The Cottagers have agreed a deal worth as much as £30m.
Those in West London have kickstarted their transfer window as of late, using Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid connection to land Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. Now, in another big-money deal, Charles is set to arrive.
| Fulham's summer signings 26/27 | Position | Previous club | Approx. fee | What they bring |
| Gonzalo García | ST | Real Madrid | £34m | Mobile striker; movement, finishing and intelligence |
| César Palacios | CM/AM | Real Madrid | £8.5m | Technical midfielder; creativity, carrying and versatility |
| Jonah Kusi-Asare | ST | Bayern Munich | £34m | Young, powerful striker with significant potential |
| Shea Charles | CM/DM | Southampton | £30m | Athletic midfielder; defensive ability, composure and press resistance |
A deal for Charles makes perfect sense following the departure of Sasa Lukic. Even as Southampton failed to earn promotion in controversial fashion last season, the midfielder certainly impressed.
By the time that the Championship campaign came to an end, the 22-year-old had five goal involvements to his name and won more than six duels per 90. Whether it's in or out of possession, Charles has the potential to become a complete midfielder.
Arbeloa will be delighted that things have picked up on the transfer front. Fulham lost Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson earlier in the window on top of losing manager Marco Silva. For some time, there was plenty of concern about their lack of business coming the other way.
With the Premier League campaign fast approaching, however, they're finally back in the market for reinforcements.
A deal to sign Charles wasn't always on the cards, either. The Southampton man initially caught the eye of Leeds United, who submitted an offer to secure his signature, only for Fulham to swoop in and hijack the Yorkshire club.
Fulham agree deal to sign Shea CharlesAccording to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Charles from Southampton in a move worth as much as £30m. The Saints will have a sell-on clause and those in West London have got their man.
Romano shared the news on X, saying: "Fulham agree deal to sign Shea Charles from Southampton, here we go!
"Deal now done between clubs at £30m package fee, huge sale for #SaintsFC in Championship and top signing wanted by Fulham since June. There's also a sell-on clause included in the deal."
Charles is likely to have an important role from the off at Craven Cottage, and deservedly so. It was only last season that he played a key role at St Mary's and almost took Southampton to promotion.
Now, he's got the task of replacing Lukic and playing a central role in a new era at Fulham. Back in the Premier League, the former Manchester City man will be one to watch.
https://www.footballfancast.com/fabrizio-romano-fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-shea-charles/
Fulham agree £30million deal for Southampton's Shea Charles - after Man City decline opportunity to buy back midfielder
Fulham have agreed a £30million deal with Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles.
The 22-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours and will sign a five-year contract with the option for an extra year.
The deal, as reported in today's Mail on Sunday, is understood to be £27m plus a further £3m and the final go-ahead for Fulham was held up as they had to wait for clearance from Manchester City who had matching rights.
The Northern Ireland international has been looking to depart for a chance to play in the Premier League after Spygate cost him and his teammates a place in the play off final.
Leeds United had three offers rejected for Charles but now Fulham have been successful and he is heading to join up with new boss Alvaro Arbeloa at Craven Cottage.
https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16039759/Fulham-agree-30million-deal-Southampton-midfielder-Shea-Charles-beating-fierce-competition-Premier-League-rivals-Leeds.html
Fulham Agree Deal to Sign 'Really Promising Player' – Medical Set for Monday
The 2025/26 season saw Fulham finish 11th in the Premier League. There were some great results mixed amongst periods of inconsistency. It's been a tough summer for the west London club, with head coach Marco Silva departing Craven Cottage to take over at Benfica. The Cottagers have recruited this summer with Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios, and Jonah Kusi-Asare joining the club. Established players such as Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson have departed Craven Cottage. With the new season upon us, Fabrizio Romano is reporting Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Shea Charles from Southampton.
Fulham Prepare for life Without Marco Silva
Cottagers Agree Deal for Charles
Fulham epitomised consistency under Silva, never finishing lower than 13th since the club returned to the Premier League under him.
They never looked in trouble and were normally difficult to break down under the Portuguese coach. After 5 years, Silva has decided to move on, leaving the west London club in a period of transition. Former Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over the Craven Cottage hotseat, and he has plenty to prove following his short, unsuccessful stint at the Bernabeu.
After being confirmed as the new coach, Arbeloa said:
"It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham, the oldest club in London.
"I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to Mr [Shahid] Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.
"Come on Fulham!"
Arbeloa will be determined to show his worth as the man in charge, and it appears he will be active in the rest of the transfer window, with Charles looking like he will be next.
The deal between Fulham and Southampton is said to be £30 million, which has been ratified by David Ornstein from The Athletic.
Ornstein also confirms a medical is scheduled for Monday, August 10, with the 22-year-old set to sign a five-year deal. The deal is said to consist of an upfront fee of £26 million, and a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.
Strengths of Shea Charles
Charles has impressed since joining Southampton from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. He was a key part of the Southampton team that reached the Championship play-offs last season, before Southampton was expelled from the final for attempting to spy on their opponents.
He's a versatile midfielder who is at his best playing a deep role, but also comfortable in defence. He's physically strong and adept at breaking up dangerous attacks. He has a great engine, covering plenty of ground in games. Charles is comfortable on the ball and is great at getting the ball out wide to launch attacks.
Charles has shown plenty of ability in the Championship, and been described as "a really promising player." It feels like there's so much more possible growth for him at a team like Fulham, with a manager like Arbeloa who will seemingly be keen on building a patient passing team at Craven Cottage.
https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2026/08/09/fulham-deal-shea-charles/
Fulham agree £30m fee for Southampton's Charles
Fulham have agreed a deal worth up to £30m for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
Subject to a medical, the 22-year-old will move to Craven Cottage on a five-year contract and become the most expensive Northern Irish footballer of all time.
Charles, who started his career at Manchester City, also attracted interest from Leeds United but has opted to move to west London to replace Sasa Lukic following his move to Ipswich Town last week.
He becomes Fulham's third signing since the appointment of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa after his spell leading Real Madrid on an interim basis during the second half of last season.
Arbeloa's arrival - following the departure of Marco Silva to take charge of Benfica - has led Fulham to sign two players from Madrid, striker Gonzalo Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios, before the capture of Charles.
The Cottagers travel to Malaga on Wednesday and host face German club Stuttgart on Saturday, 15 August before Chelsea are their visitors on Monday, 24 August in their Premier League opener.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce3qgzv43d3o
Premier League club enter the race to sign Barcelona defensive prodigy – report
The influence of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been evident in Fulham's transfer strategy this summer, with the former Real Madrid bringing in the likes of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios.
Arbeloa continues to scour the market for more Spanish talents as he looks to kickstart a new era at Craven Cottage.
Fulham sets sights on Hector Fort
Arbeloa's search has now led him to Barcelona, with Fulham eyeing a move for the club's defensive prodigy Hector Fort, reports Diario SPORT.
According to the report, Arbeloa is on the hunt for a right-back and has asked Fulham to sound out the economic conditions required to lure Fort to the Premier League.
Fulham are not the only English club keen either, with several outlets insisting Everton also retain an interest in the Barcelona academy graduate.
Fort, who is valued at around €10 million, could therefore have no shortage of options should he decide his future lies away from Camp Nou.
Fort's uncertain future
The full-back currently continues to train under Hansi Flick, but his long-term prospects at the club appear uncertain.
Fort is considered one of the candidates to leave in the final stretch of the window in search of regular minutes.
He already spent last season on loan at Elche, where he recovered from a serious injury to finish the campaign strongly, and another temporary or permanent move could now be on the cards.
The right-back position at Barcelona looks well stocked. The continuity of Jules Kounde, combined with the expected permanent return of Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal, suggests Fort may struggle for opportunities.
Not to mention, coach Hansi Flick is extremely happy with the progress of Xavi Espart, who might even move ahead of Fort in the pecking order.
For Fort, a switch to Fulham would represent an exciting opportunity to test himself in the Premier League under a coach clearly willing to trust young players.
https://barcauniversal.com/premier-league-club-enter-the-race-to-sign-barcelona-defensive-prodigy-report/
Southampton will accept highest bid to sell Shea Charles
Leeds United have been handed renewed hope of signing Shea Charles, with Southampton reportedly prepared to accept the highest offer they receive for the midfielder despite Fulham currently leading the race.
Charles appears increasingly likely to leave St. Mary's after an impressive EFL Championship campaign, with his contract due to expire in June 2027. Southampton are therefore reluctant to risk allowing his value to fall significantly by keeping him beyond the summer.
According to Football Insider, Fulham are currently in pole position after offering an initial £25.7 million, with add-ons potentially taking the package towards £30 million. However, the deal is not yet closed, leaving Leeds with an opportunity to hijack the move if they are prepared to improve on Fulham's proposal.
Leeds could still hijack Charles deal
Leeds have maintained an interest in Charles throughout the summer and have already seen two offers rejected by Southampton. Their chances appeared to be fading after Fulham accelerated negotiations, but the Saints' position means Daniel Farke's side are not completely out of the running.
The EFL Championship club have reportedly accepted that Charles is likely to leave and are now focused on generating the largest possible return. As things stand, Fulham have submitted the strongest package. However, a higher Leeds bid could potentially change the situation.
Charles himself appears ready to make the step into the Premier League after three seasons with Southampton. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international developed in Manchester City's academy and made his senior debut for the club before moving to St Mary's in 2023.
Fulham remain favourites
Despite the opening for Leeds, Fulham remain firmly in control of the race and their negotiations with Southampton are advancing, and Charles is understood to be open to moving to Craven Cottage. That leaves Leeds facing an important decision. They must either improve their financial commitment quickly or risk seeing a long-standing target join a Premier League rival.
Southampton could sanction several further departures before the deadline, with Sam Edozie also attracting interest from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe. This has effectively become an auction, and that gives Leeds one final opportunity.
Fulham have done the important work by putting the strongest offer on the table, but they have not yet crossed the finish line. If Leeds genuinely regard Charles as a priority, they now know what it will take to get Southampton's attention. The question is whether beating a package approaching £30 million represents sensible value for a player with only a year remaining on his contract. Fulham currently have the advantage, but one improved Leeds bid could change the picture very quickly.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/09/southampton-will-accept-highest-bid-to-sell-shea-charles/
After Real Madrid raid, Álvaro Arbeloa sets sights on Barcelona youngster
A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has made his way onto the transfer radar of Premier League outfit Fulham. This comes amid claims that Álvaro Arbeloa has set his sights on the signature of fellow countryman Héctor Fort.
Arbeloa's Spanish shopping spree has of course dominated the media headlines in Madrid over the last couple of weeks. Fresh off departing the Santiago Bernabéu, the tactician moved decisively to bring both Gonzalo García and César Palacios from his former club to his new home.
And if the latest word doing the rounds in England is anything to go by, then Arbeloa's La Liga transfer shortlist does not appear to end there, either.
As per a report from Diario Sport, citing sources in the UK, the former defender has now asked the board at Craven Cottage to look into a deal for Barcelona defender Héctor Fort.
Youngster Fort, who can take to the pitch at either left or right-back, returned to base in Catalunya's capital this summer following a loan stint with Elche.
Should an offer in the region of €10 million land on the Camp Nou desks for his signature, though, Barca would be expected to sanction a permanent sale.
https://getfootballnewsspain.com/after-real-madrid-raid-alvaro-arbeloa-set-sights-on-barcelona-youngster/
Jonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
Quote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
haha did see that too. Almost certain the writer just copied the cells from Gonzalos row and forgot to edit
Quote from: hongkongfulham on August 10, 2026, 06:34:57 AMQuote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
haha did see that too. Almost certain the writer just copied the cells from Gonzalos row and forgot to edit
It's possibly 3.4 mil HKF.
Some excellent signings made, need a few more to complete the squad.
RB interesting choice if we go for it.
Quote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 07:02:13 AMQuote from: hongkongfulham on August 10, 2026, 06:34:57 AMQuote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
haha did see that too. Almost certain the writer just copied the cells from Gonzalos row and forgot to edit
It's possibly 3.4 mil HKF.
True that. the common figure bandied around was 5m sterling
Quote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
I thought the quoted figured at the time was £5m. He's 19 and hardly played for us. I'd be very surprised if we spent that much on what in essence is an academy project
Quote from: General on August 10, 2026, 08:05:58 AMQuote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
I thought the quoted figured at the time was £5m. He's 19 and hardly played for us. I'd be very surprised if we spent that much on what in essence is an academy project
It was a joke General.
Quote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 09:50:44 AMQuote from: General on August 10, 2026, 08:05:58 AMQuote from: iansthailand on August 10, 2026, 05:04:06 AMJonah Kusi-Asare ST Bayern Munich £34m Young, powerful striker with significant potential.
From Fabrizio Romano piece - Footballfancast.com.
That's blown SCR.
I thought the quoted figured at the time was £5m. He's 19 and hardly played for us. I'd be very surprised if we spent that much on what in essence is an academy project
It was a joke General.
Wasn't it cited in a article in the original post?
Yeah, that fee quoted for JKA has to be a mis-print. When I first saw it, I thought WTH! Anyway, I was under impression it would be somewhere around 5m.