Barcelona full-back Héctor Fort wanted by Álvaro Arbeloa's Fulham
The former Real Madrid coach has his eye on the Blaugrana defender
Héctor Fort is widely expected to leave Barcelona before the end of the transfer window, and several clubs are keen on signing the full-back. And a surprising new candidate has entered the race.
According to reports in England, Álvaro Arbeloa's Fulham have inquired about the 20-year-old, who is also wanted by Everton as the Premier League side is one of many clubs interested in Fort.
The former Real Madrid manager is injecting some Spanish flair into the squad and has already signed Madrid youngsters Gonzalo García and César Palacios, and Fort could be the next young Spanish talent to join the London club.
According to Diario SPORT, Barça are hoping to secure a permanent deal worth at least €10 million and will include a buy-back clause to remain in control of Fort's future.
Fort was hoping to earn minutes for Hansi Flick's side in preseason but has struggled to make an impact, and the imminent arrival of João Cancelo in a permanent transfer and the rise of Xavi Espart essentially ended any hopes of a real role for Fort.
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/fc-barcelona-transfer-rumors-news/128685/barcelona-full-back-hector-fort-wanted-by-alvaro-arbeloas-fulham
Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil on Sasa Lukic signing from Fulham
Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil believes the addition of experienced midfielder Sasa Lukic from Fulham is a 'big coup'.
Lukic racked up 92 Premier League appearances for a Cottagers side that have finished mid-table four seasons in a row. He's also been capped 62 times by Serbia, featuring at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Euros.
The West London club have decided to cash in on the soon-to-be 30-year-old though, partly because he was entering the final year of his contract and partly because new manager Alvaro Arbeloa is putting his own stamp on the squad.
Lukic arrives at the Blues for a £9m fee, has penned a four-year deal and could make his first outing in Saturday's final pre-season game, at German side Union Berlin, ahead of the the following weekend's big kick off against Sunderland at Portman Road.
"Sasa is going to be a top signing for us," enthused O'Neil.
"He's been very, very good at the Premier League level for a while now. He's had an excellent career so far.
"It's a big coup from everyone at the club to manage to convince him that this was the place for him to continue that journey."
Lukic became the second central midfield addition in the space of five days, following Florentino Luis through the door. The Portuguese, signed from relegated Burnley for £16m, made his first outing in Saturday's 3-0 home friendly win against Rayo Vallecano and provided a fine assist with a deep cross.
"The first thing they bring is some numbers in there, which we were short of," said O'Neil, on the Lukic and Florentino arriving.
"But obviously they bring quality, as well as Premier League experience.
"Florentino was with Benfica and then Burnley last year. He's still young, but still has good experience.
"He's got good physicality. I thought he did well today for his 45 minutes."
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/26448284.ipswich-town-manager-gary-oneil-sasa-lukic-signing-fulham/
Everton, Fulham, Liverpool in transfer tussle to sign Hector Fort
Everton, Fulham, and Liverpool are keen on signing 20-year-old Spanish youth international Hector Fort from Barcelona this summer.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Hector Fort has no future at Barcelona heading into the final weeks of the ongoing transfer window. The reigning La Liga champions are open to a permanent exit for the 20-year-old homegrown defender, and a move to the Premier League may be on the cards, though he is also a target for Inter Milan and Racing Santander.
Who is Hector Fort?
Hector Fort is among the latest batch of academy graduates to rise in prominence after graduating from La Masia. The 20-year-old spent his formative years in Catalonia, starting his youth career at PB Anguera before joining Barcelona in 2013 and subsequently spending over a decade with the Catalan club.
The Spanish defensive prospect broke into the first-team squad at the club at the onset of the 2023/24 season, and he has made 30 appearances thus far while chipping in with three assists. Fort spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Elche and turned out only 17 times while contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. A new adventure now beckons the homegrown full-back.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Everton will pursue a right-back in the ongoing transfer window, as they must replace Seamus Coleman, who has called time on his long association with the Merseyside club. Additionally, Nathan Patterson appears to be on the chopping block after failing to make his mark during his stint with Everton thus far. So, with Jake O'Brien, a centre-back, the only recognised right-back option in David Moyes's squad, they need a long-term solution on the flank.
Meanwhile, Fulham's interest in Hector Fort makes logical sense. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a right-back, as neither Kenny Tete nor Timothy Castagne is influential enough to be a game-changer from the right flank. So, they need a productive right-back to evolve their style of player under the tutelage of newly-appointed head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
As for Liverpool, Conor Bradley is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury, and Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with persistent fitness issues since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen. So, signing a right-back who can reprise any role will be a sensible decision, as the Reds also have gaps in the centre-back and left-back berths.
With Barcelona telling Fort he is free to leave in the summer transfer window, the English clubs will attempt to leverage the lure of playing in the Premier League to land the Spaniard. However, the prospect of regular game time will also be crucial. Regular first-team football and wages will ultimately determine his destination.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/10/everton-fulham-liverpool-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-hector-fort/
Shea Charles set to join Fulham as deal agreed
Southampton midfielder Shea Charles is on the verge of returning to the Premier League by joining Fulham this summer.
According to an update from reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Fulham and Southampton reached an agreement this past weekend after advancing talks in the last few days. The 22-year-old has thus become the most expensive Northern Irish footballer of all time, and he will sign a long-term contract at Craven Cottage.
David Ornstein has shed more light in a report for The Athletic, revealing that the Northern Irishman will sign a five-year contract with Fulham, with the deal being worth £30 million, including add-ons. The update has added that the youngster will undergo his medical on Monday and that the Cottagers have beaten Leeds United to his signature.
Shea Charles and his recent resurgence
Since Southampton's relegation to the Championship last year, Shea Charles has emerged as one of the division's standout prospects. The 22-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough in the 2025/26 campaign, thus finally recovering from a slow start at St. Mary's.
Charles overcame a hamstring injury to become a mainstay in the middle of the park and a cornerstone of Southampton's promotion tilt before falling short due to the Spygate scandal, making 38 appearances across all competitions while contributing 6 goals and 2 assists. His exploits for the Saints have helped him garner interest from well-known clubs.
Premier League return on the horizon
Fulham recently joined the race to sign the Manchester-born midfielder. The Cottagers have been keen on signing a midfield anchor, as there are concerns surrounding Sander Berge's long-term future amid his links with Manchester United. More importantly, they need to replace Sasa Lukic, who joined Ipswich Town last week. So, even if the Norwegian midfielder remains at Craven Cottage, Alvaro Arbeloa needs to sign a ball-carrier who can partner him in the centre.
Meanwhile, Leeds United's long-standing interest in Shea Charles makes sense. While the Whites signed several midfielders last summer, Sean Longstaff has been a backup player for Daniel Farke. Additionally, Ao Tanaka's long-term future is uncertain amid his frustrations over a lack of regular game time. Charles has thus emerged as a viable target, with some reports earlier in the summer suggesting they are the front-runners to sign him.
However, Leeds United must focus on alternatives now. Charles will undergo his medical on Monday and will sign a five-year contract with Fulham worth £30 million including add-ons.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/10/shea-charles-set-to-join-fulham-as-deal-agreed/
Fulham set to confirm signing of Southampton midfielder Charles
Fulham are set to complete the signing of midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton.
The Whites have agreed a deal to buy Charles for an initial £26m, with the fee potentially rising to £30m in add-ons, and he will sign a five-year contract.
Leeds are among a number of other clubs to have chased the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, whose younger brother Pierce, a goalkeeper, recently joined QPR on loan from Manchester City.
New Whites boss Alvaro Arbeloa is keen to bolster the club's midfield options and the arrival of the highly-rated Charles is a significant capture.
He has impressed hugely since being signed from Manchester City in 2023.
Charles spent most of the season before last on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and last term he was a key player for Southampton, who reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and missed out on promotion back to the Premier League when they were kicked out of the play-offs because of the Spygate scandal.
Fulham are looking to tie up a deal to sign him after completing the signings of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid.
Charles' arrival will follow the departure of fellow midfielder Sasa Lukic, who completed a move to Ipswich on Saturday.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-charles-siging
Fulham set to secure £30m Championship star
Shea Charles to Fulham: £30m Midfield Deal Signals Arbeloa's Summer Intentions
Fulham are closing in on the signing of Shea Charles, with The Athletic reporting that the Southampton midfielder is due to undergo a medical on Monday after an agreement was reached on a deal worth up to £30 million.
The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract at Craven Cottage, in what would become a landmark move for both club and country. If completed on those terms, Charles would become the most expensive Northern Irish footballer in history, a reflection of how highly he is now rated after an impressive rise in the Championship.
Southampton had already shown their determination to protect his value earlier in the window, having turned down a series of offers from Leeds United that went beyond £20 million. Fulham have now moved decisively, and this feels like the sort of deal that has gathered pace once internal approvals, player preference and club-to-club negotiations all aligned.
Shea Charles Profile Fits Fulham Midfield Rebuild
Charles joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2023 and has gone on to make 76 appearances for the club, with a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in the 2024-25 season adding to his development. Last season he contributed six goals and two assists in 38 matches as Southampton finished fourth and reached the Championship play-offs.
His campaign carried further significance in the semi-final, where he found the net against Middlesbrough before Southampton's push ended in highly unusual circumstances involving Tonda Eckert's side and an English Football League ruling.
Charles joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2023 and has gone on to make 76 appearances for the club, with a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in the 2024-25 season adding to his development. Last season he contributed six goals and two assists in 38 matches as Southampton finished fourth and reached the Championship play-offs.
His campaign carried further significance in the semi-final, where he found the net against Middlesbrough before Southampton's push ended in highly unusual circumstances involving Tonda Eckert's side and an English Football League ruling.
From Fulham's perspective, the timing is important. Sasa Lukic has completed a medical ahead of a move to Ipswich Town, creating a midfield vacancy that clearly needed addressing. Charles appears to be the chosen solution, younger in profile and with scope to grow under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Alvaro Arbeloa Backed in Key Fulham Window
Fulham have already brought in Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid for a combined €50m, or £42.9m, and Charles would add further weight to a summer that is beginning to take shape around the new head coach. Arbeloa inherited a squad in need of refreshing, and the recruitment strategy already points towards energy, development potential and long-term value.
There has also been movement in the opposite direction. Issa Diop has departed for Ipswich, while Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez left at the end of their contracts, joining Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively. In that context, the pursuit of Charles looks less like a luxury and more like a central part of Fulham's reset.
Our View
From a Fulham supporter's point of view, this is the kind of move that gets you genuinely excited about where the club might be heading. Shea Charles feels like a smart signing on every level. He is young, he is already battle-tested in a demanding league, and there is still loads of room for him to improve.
What stands out most is that Fulham appear to be acting with purpose. Losing Sasa Lukic would have left a gap in midfield, and bringing in Charles quickly would show the club are planning ahead rather than reacting late. That is encouraging. Supporters always want to see ambition, and a deal worth up to £30 million certainly suggests the club believe this player can become a major figure.
There is also something refreshing about targeting a player on the way up. Fulham have had success when recruitment has been bold and clear-eyed, and Charles looks like someone who can grow into the team over several seasons. If Arbeloa wants intensity, mobility and technical quality in midfield, this signing makes a lot of sense.
At 22, Charles would arrive with pressure, but also with huge opportunity. Craven Cottage would be a brilliant place for him to take the next step. If this one gets over the line, Fulham fans will be entitled to feel that the club mean business this summer.
https://eplindex.com/149257/fulham-set-to-secure-30m-championship-star.html
26/27 Third Kit ReleasedCompleting our kit line-up for the upcoming season, the Club today reveals its 2026/27 Third Kit - available to buy now online and instore.The new Third shirt is a crew neck set on a light blue base with striking pink accents, as the Fulham crest, adidas Badge of Sport and shirt sponsor all sit centrally across the jersey. The bold aesthetic continues through the full kit with matching light blue and neon pink shorts and socks.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/98ae6ee0-93dd-11f1-97b5-6b4e6fe6739b.png)
In line with our Home and Away strips, Principal Partners ClickHouse proudly feature on the front of all adult jerseys, with Royal Caribbean on junior kits and HiBob continuing to sit across the sleeve on all strips.
Fans can purchase the 2026/27 Third Kit now online at shop.fulhamfc.com or in person from the Stadium Store at Craven Cottage.
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https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/10/26-27-third-kit-released/
Fulham set to move for Barcelona youngster
Fulham Eye Héctor Fort as Álvaro Arbeloa Targets Barcelona Right-Back Deal
Fulham are being linked with another move into the Spanish market, this time with Barcelona right-back Héctor Fort emerging as a player of interest before the window closes. According to Sport.es, the Premier League club are exploring the conditions of a possible deal as Álvaro Arbeloa continues to shape his squad.
The 18-year-old remains with Barcelona for now, training under Hansi Flick, but the expectation around the Catalan club is that a number of fringe and academy-connected players will soon face clarity over their futures. Fort appears to fall into that category. Unless there is a late change of thinking from Flick, he is viewed as one of the players most likely to leave in search of regular first-team football.
That route would follow a season in which Fort spent time on loan at Elche. After working his way back from a significant injury, he finished the campaign strongly and did enough to rebuild momentum around his development. That matters in a market where clubs are often weighing current readiness against longer-term upside.
Fulham Transfer Focus on Spanish Talent
Fulham's interest fits a wider pattern in their recruitment. Arbeloa has been heavily involved in a youthful rebuild and there is a clear lean towards talent from La Liga and the Spanish system. The report points to recent business already completed, with Gonzalo arriving for €40 million and César Palacios for €10 million, signalling both intent and a willingness to invest.
In that context, the search for a right-back makes practical sense. Fulham are understood to be assessing the financial parameters of a move to determine whether Fort could make the step to the Premier League. Everton are also mentioned in England as retaining an interest, which may yet give this situation a competitive edge if Barcelona open the door fully.
Barcelona Weigh Exit Options
From Barcelona's perspective, the picture appears increasingly straightforward. Jules Koundé remains in place and the report states that the club expect João Cancelo to return, with confidence that an agreement involving Al Hilal will be finalised. If that happens, the right-back department looks well stocked, leaving Fort with limited room to break through consistently.
Barcelona are also described as pursuing an aggressive policy when it comes to generating value from academy players who are unlikely to secure first-team roles immediately. In Fort's case, that means a sale is thought more likely than another loan, with a valuation set at around €10 million. For a young full-back with top-level coaching and recovery from an early setback already behind him, that fee may attract more than one Premier League side.
Héctor Fort Deal Could Suit All Parties
For Fulham, this is the sort of opportunity that can appeal on several levels. The age profile is right, the position is one of need, and there is potential for value growth if Fort settles quickly in England. For Barcelona, a permanent sale at the reported price would align with their current squad management strategy. For the player, the attraction would be simple, minutes, responsibility and exposure in one of Europe's most demanding leagues.
As ever at this stage of the market, interest and action are very different things. Fulham's next step will determine whether this remains an exploratory contact or develops into something more concrete. What is clear is that Héctor Fort is a name to watch as Barcelona continue trimming their options and Premier League clubs scan for young talent with genuine upside.
Our View
From a Fulham supporter's point of view, this report is genuinely exciting. Fort sounds exactly like the type of player this club should be trying to bring in, young, technically schooled, hungry for minutes and coming from an elite environment at Barcelona. If Arbeloa really wants him, that carries weight as well. He will know the demands of the position and, crucially, he appears to know the Spanish market inside out.
What makes this feel especially encouraging is the sense of direction. Fulham have too often been seen as a club reacting in the market, but this kind of move suggests planning. A right-back with resale value, strong coaching foundations and something to prove in the Premier League feels smart. At around €10 million, it also sounds like a sensible level of risk in today's market.
There would be adaptation questions, of course. English football can be ruthless for young defenders, especially full-backs who are asked to defend space and contribute going forward. Even so, if the staff believe Fort is ready, supporters should trust that judgement. He would arrive with real motivation and a proper chance to make the position his own.
For Fulham fans, this is the sort of rumour worth following closely. It feels ambitious, modern and aligned with a bigger idea. If the club can get this done ahead of rivals, it could be one of the more intriguing under-the-radar deals of the window.
https://eplindex.com/149258/fulham-set-to-move-for-barcelona-youngster.html
Get a 2026/27 programme subscription and win a signed shirt!
Fulham supporters who subscribe to the Official Matchday Programme for the full 2026/27 season will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a signed Men's First Team home shirt.
A season-long subscription ensures you receive every edition of the award-winning 104-page matchday programme direct to your door. Produced by Press Box Publishing Ltd, each issue is packed with exclusive interviews, in-depth features, and all the latest news from Craven Cottage.
Subscriptions include all home fixtures in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and friendlies, and can be purchased now via Press Box Publishing's official online store.
Pricing (early bird deal)
UK: £115
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Plus, you will be helping the planet, with five trees planted for every Fulham 2026/27 season programme subscription purchased, thanks to Press Box Publishing's initiative with More:Trees.
Subscribers who sign up before Fulham's Premier League home opener against Chelsea on Monday 24th August will guarantee receipt of every edition, including the pre-season friendly against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday 15th August.
And if you miss the opener? Don't worry – back issues will be supplied (subject to availability) for those who subscribe afterwards via Press Box Publishing's online store.
Prefer to buy match-by-match? Single-game programmes cost £4 and can be:
Pre-ordered online via the Press Box Publishing store;
Purchased in person on matchdays from vendors around the stadium;
Bought at the Fulham Stadium Store.
Please note: Delivery is subject to postal schedules and cannot be guaranteed for arrival before matchday.
Don't miss out all the important information from London's Original Football Club – subscribe today at pressboxpublishing.co.uk to enjoy every page of Fulham's 2026/27 season, delivered straight to your door – and for your chance to win a signed shirt!
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/10/get-a-2026-27-programme-subscription-and-win-a-signed-shirt/
Will Shea Charles transform Fulham's midfield?
Jack Stroudley looks at who looks set to be our latest recruit.
It looks like we're about to land our fourth player of the summer, as midefielder Shea Charles gets the "Here we go" treatment.
The Northern Irishman will sign from Championship side Southampton for a reported £25.6m with add-ons taking it to a potential £30m.
Fulham have needed a new midfielder for what feels like an eternity and have put down a significant fee for a player from England's second tier, but just how good is Charles?
The fact file
Shea Charles spent the entirety of his youth career at Manchester City and was at the club from 2011 to 2023. The now 22-year-old really shone at U23 level, winning the PL2 in 2021-22 while also training with the first team. Charles continued to play developmental football but was rewarded with his only appearance for City, in May 2023 as a substitute against Brentford in a 1-0 defeat.
Charles signed for Southampton in the summer of 2023 where he went on to play 32 times during a campaign that saw the Saints promoted to the Premier League. He failed to make a major impact, with half of his appearances coming from the bench. He also failed to pick-up any goal contributions in first full professional campaign.
Southampton sent Charles back to the Championship in 24-25 on loan with Sheffield Wednesday where he began to show the type of player he is. Charles was a mainstay in the Owls side and picked up the club's Player of the Year award and was nominated for EFL Young Player of the Season.
Following their disappointing Premier League campaign in 24-25, Charles found himself as a starter for Southampton in the Championship last season. He picked up an injury in October - which saw him out until January - but was exceptional in the second half of the year under Tonda Eckert.
Charles picked up five goal contributions in his 31 appearances in a Championship campaign that ended in controversial style for the Saints. He also scored against Arsenal to secure a FA Cup semi-final place.
A deeper dive
Fulham have been in need of a new midfielder for a while, but how will Charles fit into it?
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Here is Shea Charles heat map for last season and there's a few interesting points to take from it.
- Positional discipline: Charles consistently patrols the right-hand side throughout the game, showing a clear understanding of his positional responsibilities within the team structure.
- Variation in positioning: There is, however, a noticeable deviation in the zones he occupies during the first phase of play, with Charles moving into more central areas. This suggests he is given the responsibility to drop in, receive the ball, and help initiate forward attacks.
- Movement to support teammates: The variation in his positioning highlights the frequency and purpose of his movement. Charles consistently looks to make himself available for teammates, showing a willingness to take responsibility when his side are in possession.
That sums up how he played last season, but how does this compare to Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic? I've taken a few stats per 90 minutes for all three players to compare (one caveat is that Charles obviously played at a lower level)
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yQvw!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0de269c2-f8ea-4e21-ae4a-2d49e0d71b77_888x339.png)
There are a few takeaways from this.
- A livewire in the box: Charles is above both Berge and Lukic for shots and touches in the opposition box, and is above Berge for chances created. Fulham have lacked goals in midfield since the departure of Joao Palhinha and this looks like a step in the right direction.
- A desire to get stuck in: Charles trumps Berge for duels won, tackles and interceptions and isn't afraid to get involved in that midfield battle while also demonstrating fantastic attacking capabilities.
- Will look to create: Charles is three times more likely to get the ball and drive forward than Berge going off of his successful dribbles, indicating that while he will get involved in the defensive side of things, he also wants to create.
Yes or no?
This is an obvious "Yes!". Fulham desperately need a midfielder and going for a young, exciting and already proven option is a breath of fresh air compared to previous transfer strategies.
Charles still needs to adjust to the top level, but he's got all the capabilities to shine at Fulham. It's bold, it's brash, it's ambitious - and it's brilliant.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/will-shea-charles-transform-fulhams
Fulham ready to return with new offer – 20-year-old open to joining Arbeloa's side
Fulham are preparing a new offer for Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal after seeing their first attempt rejected by Rennes.
The French club have no intention of selling the 20-year-old centre-back. That has not discouraged Fulham, who are now ready to test their resolve again.
Foot Mercato journalist Hanif Ben Berkane brings the latest on Sunday.
He says Álvaro Arbeloa's side are working on another proposal, with one important factor potentially helping them. Ait Boudlal is particularly interested in a move to the Premier League.
Fulham ready to make another attempt
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is open to leaving Rennes for England and appears attracted by the opportunity Fulham can offer him.
That gives the Cottagers encouragement after their opening proposal failed to convince the Ligue 1 side.
Rennes' position remains clear for now. They count on the Morocco international and don't want to sanction his departure this summer.
Ait Boudlal made 21 appearances in all competitions last season. Rennes therefore see him as part of their plans instead of a player they are looking to cash in on.
Fulham will now try to change that stance with an improved offer. Foot Mercato doesn't provide a figure for either their first bid or the one being prepared.
Player's position could help Fulham
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal came through Morocco's Mohammed VI Football Academy before making the move to France.
His progress has also earned him a nomination for the Golden Boy award, further underlining why Rennes are reluctant to lose him at 20.
The interesting part for Fulham is that the defender appears willing to take the next step now.
There is no suggestion Ait Boudlal is trying to force his way out of Rennes. His openness to joining Fulham does, however, remove one potential obstacle if the clubs can reach an agreement. That leaves Rennes as the main barrier to the deal.
Fulham's decision to prepare another offer suggests the first rejection has done little to cool their interest. Their next task is finding a figure capable of making Rennes reconsider a player they currently want to keep.
https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-ready-to-return-with-new-offer-20-year-old-open-to-joining-arbeloas-side/
Carabao Cup Second Round draw
Fulham will face AFC Wimbledon at home in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.
The fixture will be played at Craven Cottage, with confirmation of the date and ticket information to be detailed in due course.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/10/carabao-cup-second-round-draw/
Liverpool open to selling Wataru Endo this summer; Fulham, West Ham United could be sounded out for move
Fulham and West Ham United could be offered the chance to sign veteran Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo this summer.
Liverpool are prepared to sell Wataru Endo this summer as Andoni Iraola looks to trim the squad, with Fulham and West Ham United likely to be approached over a potential move.
According to a report from Football Insider, the Reds have made contact with a number of potentially interested clubs to make them aware of Endo's availability during the final weeks of the transfer window.
At 33, the Japan international is no longer considered part of Iraola's long-term plans at Anfield. He has fallen down the pecking order and only made 12 appearances across all competitions last season, starting just three of those games, and his limited involvement means he is unlikely to force his way back into the first-team picture.
The experienced midfielder, who joined Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart for €19 million back in 2023, recently returned from injury and featured in Liverpool's friendly defeat against AS Monaco. However, his comeback is not expected to change the Merseyside club's stance on his future.
Liverpool are particularly motivated to find a buyer because Endo's contract runs until 2027 and this is their final opportunity to secure a fee from his sale.
Why could Fulham and West Ham be interested in Endo?
Fulham could emerge as a destination. Alvaro Arbeloa's side lack depth in the holding midfield position and could benefit from a player capable of competing with and providing cover for Sander Berge. Endo's experience
West Ham United may also have reason to explore the opportunity. The Hammers are looking for greater security in defensive midfield, with Tomas Soucek struggling with injuries and his form becoming a concern, while Edson Alvarez's future remains uncertain.
Although West Ham have Soungoutou Magassa as another option, Endo could provide something different in the form of experience and the know-how of English football.
Following his international retirement, Endo's focus will now be on finding regular club football after a frustrating spell at Liverpool. Fulham and West Ham could both be informed of his availability, potentially giving the veteran midfielder an opportunity to remain in England.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/10/liverpool-open-to-selling-wataru-endo-this-summer-fulham-west-ham-united-could-be-sounded-out-for-move/
Wimbledon to face Fulham in Carabao Cup Round Two
Wimbledon have been drawn against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
This tie will take place on the week commencing 24 August, after the Dons' first home game of the League One campaign against Reading.
Wimbledon progressed to the second round after going through in dramatic style against Newport County on penalties.
Fulham meanwhile enter the competition at this stage, as a Premier League club not competing in Europe.
An exact date and kick-off time will be announced in due course, along with details regarding tickets and any additional broadcasting details.
Supporters are reminded that all Carabao Cup games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+. DonsTV viewers will only be able to listen to live audio coverage of this clash.
Carabao Cup 2026/27 Round Dates
Round One: Wimbledon 1-1 Newport (5-4 pens)
Round Two: Fulham v Wimbledon - w/c 24 August 2026
Round Three: w/c 7 September and w/c 14 September 2026
Round Four: w/c 26 October 2026
Round Five: w/c 14 December 2026
Semi-Final First Leg: w/c 11 January 2027
Semi-Final Second Leg: w/c 1 February 2027
Final: Sunday 21 March 2027
https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2026/august/10/fulham-afc-wimbledon-carabao-cup-second-round/