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Aleksandar Mitrović, Idol


Aleksandar Mitrović was beaming at full-time of Fulham's derby with Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

For much of the afternoon it looked like Bees goalkeeper David Raya would come out on top of their personal duel, but the big man powered home a 90th minute winner to send Craven Cottage into delirium.

"An amazing, amazing feeling," he admitted. "It was a good derby day, a lot of goals, turnovers, and in the end we managed to get the win.

"We made it difficult for ourselves – we had a good 35 minutes first half, then we slowed the tempo, they were coming, then they scored two goals.


"At the end I managed to get the goal. I missed a couple of chances but I kept going, we stayed in the game, and in the end I managed to get the goal.

"[Raya] made it so hard for me. I missed a couple of chances, lots of ups and downs – the story of my life, I could say – but I never gave up.

"I believed one ball would come, and if it came I needed to be ready, and that's what happened.

"I stayed calm, kept believing. It was a great cross, a good header, and a big three points for us. Our first win this season.


"It was a proper derby, everyone enjoyed it – the fans, us on the pitch. I think our Manager didn't enjoy it that much, but at the end I'm sure he was happy!

"We are happy as well, we got that first three points, still undefeated after three games. We keep believing, keep working hard, and focus on the next one."

The victory put the Whites onto five points and temporarily had us sitting fourth in the Premier League standings, and Mitrović attributed full credit to Marco Silva.

"The Manager's changed the Club, changed the way we play, changed the way we believe," he explained. "We never give up, and we showed that.


"We started well, then we conceded two goals, but in the end we managed to get three points. We believed until the end, and we deserved three points."

Mitrović's former teammate Ivan Toney grabbed Brentford's equaliser and duly mimicked the Serb's celebration – a bold move considering there was still more than 20 minutes to play.

"Everybody has idols. He used to play with me at Newcastle and he was my boy," Mitro said. "My idol was Shearer and I am probably his idol."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/22/mitro-idol/

Fulham form academy partnership with Basingstoke Town

Fulham have officially signed an academy partnership with Basingstoke Town, the Isthmian League South Central Division club have confirmed this morning.

Basingstoke Town say that the link up will focus on player and coach development, player care and recruitment. Basingstoke's academy will benefit from the opportunity of further playing and learning opportunities for their youngsters, including the chance to feature in tournaments organised by the Premier League club.

Town's director of football Mike Gilham said:

"We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

"Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas.

"I'd like to thank Marcus Herron and Mike Cave for approaching us and working so closely on the partnership."

Fulham's academy director Mike Cave added:

"Formalising this partnership with Basingstoke Town is great news for both clubs, whilst we sit at different ends of the Football pyramid, we recognise the existence of shared values and football philosophies at both clubs. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership by supporting the development of Basingstoke's Academy programmes and in-turn providing potential players with an initial opportunity at a Category One football academy."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/fulham-form-academy-partnership-with-basingstoke-town/

Boro boss Chris Wilder wants Rodrigo Muniz to fill Chuba Akpom void

MIDDLESBROUGH have received bad news on Chuba Akpom's knee injury with the striker set to spend the next few weeks on the sidelines but manager Chris Wilder has tasked Rodrigo Muniz with filling the void.

Following his brace against Sheffield United, the 26-year-old has missed the last two games after twisting his knee in the first half of the draw at the Riverside Stadium.

Akpom had scans to assess the damage which revealed that he will be out for the next few games at least.

The addition of Rodrigo Muniz will lighten the load in attack with the Brazilian joining on loan from Fulham until the end of the season but Akpom's bright start to the campaign means manager Chris Wilder will have to cast his eye over the squad. 

Wilder said: "Chuba being out is a big miss for us because without him we lack a physical presence up front. It's a little bit of a 'this is how you've got to play' at the moment. That's a bigger miss than maybe we've felt over the last two games.

"It's looking like we'll be without him for a couple of weeks. We'll play it by ear with that one, but that's really disappointing and a big blow at the top of the pitch when you can see what we've got."

In the absence of Akpom, the Boro boss is keen to add physicalilty to his attack with new signing Muniz tasked with fulfilling that brief as he joins up with his new team mates in training this week.

Wilder continued: "A young kid (Matthew Hoppe) came on the pitch today who's still got so much work to do. Marcus (Forss) was brought in for a longer future and I thought he showed glimpses of what he can offer. But we're definitely light on a bit of power and presence at the top of the pitch.

"(Rodrigo) Muniz will come in and give us that because Chuba gave us it. Hopefully another one we're looking to bring in will give us that as well."

Following the weekend defeat to Reading, Boro have a free week on the training ground ahead of their next Championship game against Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium. 



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20681321.boro-striker-chuba-akpom-spend-couple-weeks-knee-injury/

Games for Mid-week 23/08
We're off to Crawley for a Carabao Cup game...
Seems very early in the season to be having a cup game?, still we're off to the People's Pension Stadium to take on Crawley Town who are. managed by a Fulham old boy Kevin Betsy. Kevin played 15 games for us between 1998-2002 and scores 1 goal.

We've only played Crawley a couple of times that I could find, winning both games, both games were "friendlies".

Team selection for this game is tricky, we don't really want to risk "key" players however I'm sure that Marco will want to keep the good results going?

I've selected players from the under 21's and "fringe" players who Marco has made clear have no part in the first team this season, perhaps this could be used a shop window?, my team would be...


COYW's

---

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2328

Basingstoke Town ties up with Premier League club Fulham

(https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/resources/images/14508839.jpg?type=responsive-gallery-fullscreen)
Basingstoke Town's director of football Mike Gilham (left) with Fulham FC's academy director Marcus Herron

BASINGSTOKE Town Community FC have officially formed an academy partnership with Premier League club Fulham FC to help aid the development and progress of both clubs.

The new and exciting partnership has been agreed to place emphasis on player and coach development, player care, and recruitment.

The Basingstoke club said the deal is based on a shared footballing philosophy in many key areas.

Players and coaches will benefit from the partnership, gaining professional knowledge and experiences which will ultimately help both clubs.

With a large focus on academy recruitment, the collaboration with Fulham is expected to open up many opportunities for Basingstoke Town.

Basingstoke Town's director of football Mike Gilham said: "We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

"Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas.

"I'd like to thank Marcus Herron and Mike Cave [from Fulham] for approaching us and working so closely on the partnership."

Mike Cave, academy director at Fulham FC, said: "Formalising this partnership with Basingstoke Town is great news for both clubs, whilst we sit at different ends of the football pyramid, we recognise the existence of shared values and football philosophies at both clubs. We are very excited about the potential of this partnership by supporting the development of Basingstoke's Academy programmes and in-turn providing potential players with an initial opportunity at a Category One football academy."

Basingstoke Town's chairman Jack Miller said: "It's outstanding for Basingstoke to form this alliance with a club so high up the footballing pyramid in Fulham and we're excited to feel the effect that this new relationship will bring throughout our club."

Basingstoke's Academy will be a chief beneficiary of the partnership with increased playing and learning opportunities for young prospects. There will also be chances for Basingstoke Town's junior teams to participate in friendly tournaments organised by Fulham.



https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/20681710.basingstoke-town-ties-premier-league-club-fulham/

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic: 'I belong in the Premier League, I'm probably Ivan Toney's idol'

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has said he is "probably" Ivan Toney's "idol" after the Brentford striker replicated the Serbia international's celebration on Saturday.

Toney scored Brentford's second goal in their 3-2 loss at Craven Cottage and celebrated by mimicking Mitrovic's distinctive celebration, which sees the 27-year-old rotate his fingers around his ear.

But, far from being offended, Mitrovic commented after the match that Toney likely copied his celebration because the striker considered him to be his "idol".

"Everybody has idols. He used to play with me in Newcastle and he was my boy," said Mitrovic, who spent time with Toney on Tyneside earlier in his career. "My idol was (Alan) Shearer and I am probably his idol."

Mitrovic also asserted that he belongs in the Premier League after his strong start to the new season.

Mitrovic, who has three goals from three games, scored a record 43 Championship goals last season — breaking Toney's previous record of 31 goals — but found opportunities limited during his last spell in the Premier League with Fulham.

He registered three goals in 27 matches during the 2020-21 campaign, having fallen out of favour under Scott Parker.

"I don't care about the critics," Mitrovic said after Fulham's win. "I always know I belong here.

"I feel good. I am enjoying the Premier League and I am happy. Helping the teams and working hard is all I am looking for.

"The critics are always going to have different opinions. I don't really care about it."

Fulham continue their season on Saturday when they travel to Arsenal. Brentford, meanwhile, host Everton.



https://theathletic.com/3527602/2022/08/22/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-premier-league/

Fulham target PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa in late transfer push amid Neal Maupay battle

(https://static.standard.co.uk/2022/08/22/13/newFile.jpg?width=1024&auto=webp&quality=50&crop=968%3A645%2Csmart)
Fulham are eyeing a move for PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa / Getty Images

Fulham want to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa as they target several new recruits before the summer transfer deadline.

The Cottagers have made an unbeaten start to life back in the Premier League, with a last-gasp win over west London rivals Brentford and spirited draws against Liverpool and Wolves offering hope of finally ending a frustrating cycle of promotion and relegation.

Fulham have been active in the transfer market over recent weeks after a slow period post-Championship success that frustrated manager Marco Silva, who has been able to add seven new faces to his squad in Joao Palhinha, Issa Diop, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu, Bernd Leno, Manor Solomon and Shane Duffy.

But more new signings are expected to arrive before the window shuts on September 1, with PSG left-back Kurzawa now the focus of attentions on the defensive front, Standard Sport understands.

Fulham are also trying to land the signing of Brighton striker Neal Maupay amid rival interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton.

They also remain keen on Hwang Ui-jo at Bordeaux, but Forest, Wolves and Greek giants Olympiacos are also pushing for the South Korean forward.

Fulham are still trying to complete protracted talks over the loan signing of Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from AS Roma.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-kurzawa-maupay-kluivert-b1020103.html

Pereira pulls the strings

The performance of Andreas Pereira might have gone a little lost in the outpouring of joy that followed another late header from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Beating Brentford, especially after Marco Silva's side looked to have blown a two-goal lead, has the potential to give Fulham's season a real shot in the arm. A last-gasp local derby win is the ideal fillip heading into a tough run of fixtures with more capital clashes, against Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham to come, and a midweek meeting with in-form Brighton also looming. The confidence the squad will take from the quality of the football they played to establish such a commanding cushion in the first half – and that it didn't end up proving merely academic – will be huge.

Pereira was pivotal to how Fulham unsettled Brentford from the outset. There may have been concerns about his ability to perform consistently in the Premier League, but the Brazilian banished any doubts with a virtuoso performance against our neighbours. Just like Harry Wilson, who found a new home last season after becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities at Liverpool, Pereira looks reinvigorated by moving from Manchester United to Craven Cottage, having spent four of his last six seasons with the Red Devils out on loan.

His penchant for a defence-splitting pass and desire to run at the defenders tells you just why Marco Silva was so keen on plucking the Belgium-born attacking midfielder from Flamengo's clutches to replace the departing Fabio Carvalho. Pereira appears the ideal fit for the number ten role in Fulham's system, able to be influential on the ball but to lead an intense press from behind Aleksandar Mitrovic that befuddles even the most confident of teams in possession. He adds another dimension with the quality of his dead-ball delivery. Fulham scored from one set play, when Pereira's perfectly delivered corner was powered home by Joao Palhinha, and almost found the net from another in the second half, after the Brazilian pulled himself up from the turf after seeing an enterprising run crudely curtailed just outside the area and forced a fine reflex save from David Raya at the ensuing free-kick.

Pereira's energy offers benefits to the Whites both in and out of possession. At a time when Brentford were beginning to get a foothold in the contest, his bursts forward occupied centre halves who were far happier being playmakers at the start of visiting attacks. Pontus Jansson didn't enjoy seeing the Fulham number eighteen surge after the half way with the ball and the hosts should arguably have made more of an opportunity that only arrived because of Pereira's devastating dribbling. As well as creating four clear-cut chances, Fulham's constant creative hub kept hold of the ball intelligently – completing 81% of his passes, often looking to switch the play out to the flanks.

It is well worth noting that Pereira's versatility – he moved out to the right flank after Jay Stansfield had run himself into the ground – created the conditions for Fulham to go on and win the contest. Tom Cairney contributed a crucial cameo from the bench himself, popping up in spaces left vacant as Thomas Frank's charges got giddy and committed numbers forward to try and find a third. They were punished by a perceptive pass from Cairney and a brilliant cross from Mbabu that matched the majesty of Mitrovic's header. The only reason that the former Newcastle full back was able to put a ball in with such freedom was the presence of Pereira occupying two Bees' defenders ten yards ahead of the new signing.

Just like Silva, Pereira is fired up to prove his worth in the Premier League. He feels he has unfinished business in the English top flight, having made just 45 league appearances in eleven years with United – and he has already began to prove his detractors wrong. Keep up this sensational start and the Brazilian international might be considered one of the bargains of the summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/pereira-pulls-the-strings/

Fulham can replicate Mitrovic masterclass by signing Neal Maupay
Fulham have had a strong start to their Premier League campaign as they are still unbeaten from three games played.

One player that has already shown how important he is to the team is striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Having scored both goals in the west London club's 2-2 draw against Champions League finalists Liverpool in their first league game, the Serbian's late strike against Brentford last weekend saw the Cottagers pick up their first win of the campaign.

Fulham originally signed the centre-forward on a loan deal from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the 2018 January transfer window before securing him on a permanent deal in the following summer window for a reported fee of £22m.

With 180 appearances for the Cottagers under his belt, the 27-year-old has a whopping 99 goals and 19 assists to his name.

Before the window closes, the club could well replicate the masterclass they pulled off to land Mitrovic by signing another striker on the books of a Premier League side.

It was reported last week that Marco Silva's side have been in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a potential £15m move for Neal Maupay.

Having made a combined total of 204 appearances for Brighton and his previous club Brentford, the 26-year-old has scored 68 goals and supplied 22 assists along the way.

Last season saw the £50k-per-week Frenchman score eight league goals in 32 appearances, making him the joint top goalscorer at the south coast club.

He also ended the campaign with the second-highest number of shots at goal (59), showing how much of a handful he can be for opposition goalkeepers and defenders, just as Mitrovic was last season in the Championship as he had more shots at goal (198) and shots on target (91) than any other player in the division.

Hailed as an "exceptional" signing for Brighton by journalist Andy Naylor, Maupay could be a very smart acquisition for Fulham, as Mitrovic certainly turned out to be for them after leaving a top-flight rival.

The Brighton striker has not seen a single minute of league action for the Seagulls this term, so perhaps a move to the capital could be an exciting new chapter for him at Craven Cottage.

Furthermore, with Rodrigo Muniz recently joining Middlesbrough on loan, this could pave the way for the west London club to add a new centre-forward to their squad before the transfer window closes.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-neal-maupay-transfer-news-ffc-premier-league-marco-silva-update-gossip-rumour

Fulham keen on Kurzawa

Fulham are lining up a move for Paris Saint-Germain left back Layvin Kurzawa, according to a report in the Evening Standard this afternoon.

The Whites are considering bringing in cover at full back after Joe Bryan broke his hand in a freak accident just before the start of the season. Antonee Robinson has been outstanding in Fulham's first three games, but the American international is currently Fulham's only fit senior left back. The only other options would be Ziyad Larkeche, who has yet to feature for the under 21s this season because of his own injury problems, and eighteen year-old Stefan Parkes.

Kurzawa, who has won thirteen full international caps for France, came through the Monaco youth system, making his senior debut in 2010 and going on to play 96 games for the senior side, scoring eight goals. He helped Monaco win Ligue 2 in 2012/2013 before joining PSG in a £23m deal in 2015. The 29 year-old has won four league championships and sixteen domestic trophies with the Parisian giants, with whom he finished runners-up in the 2020 Champions' League.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/fulham-keen-on-kurzawa/

'It's ridiculous and disrespectful... they talk about "football family" but there is NO family': Shakhtar Donetsk accuse Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal - after FIFA told footballers they could leave war-torn Ukraine without a transfer

    Shakhtar Donetsk have accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal for Manor Solomon
    The Israeli winger joined Marco Silva's side for nothing due to a FIFA ruling
    The rule allows foreign-based Ukranian players to temporarily leave their clubs
    Fulham had reportedly agreed a transfer fee before taking Solomon for nothing
    A similar situation happened with Brazilian winger Tete who joined Lyon for free
    Shakhtar recently announced they are suing FIFA for £43m worth of damages

Shakhtar Donetsk have slammed Fulham and accused them of reneging on a £6.8million deal for winger Manor Solomon.

The Israeli international joined the Cottagers on a one-year-deal this summer after a FIFA rule was extended that allowed Ukrainian-based foreign players to suspend their contract and temporarily go elsewhere without penalty.

The ruling came into place when the Ukrainian season was suspended in March due to the ongoing war in the country and will now remain in place for the entire 2022-23 season.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606563-0-image-a-1_1661169014287.jpg)
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m agreement for Manor Solomon

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606569-0-image-a-2_1661169018233.jpg)
The Israeli winger joined Fulham this summer after a FIFA ruling was extended that allows foreign players to temporarily suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs

However, Shakhtar had been negotiating an exit for Solomon throughout the summer and claim they had agreed a £6.8m fee with Marco Silva's side before the FIFA ruling which means Fulham signed Solomon for nothing.

The deal, which would have been a financial lifeline for Shakhtar and deliver a vital cash injection to a club who have had their accounts battered by the war with Russia, has caused much anger from the 13-time Ukrainian champions.

'They just talk about the football family,' Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin told the New York Times. 'But in real life there is no football family.'

The anger surrounding Solomon has not been helped by Lyon doing something similar with exciting Brazilian midfielder Tete, after the club had agreed a fee worth double Solomon's proposed sale for the 22-year-old.

Like Fulham, the French side reportedly informed Palkin that they were scrapping the multi-million pound deals after the FIFA ruling and would instead take the player for nothing.

A Lyon spokesperson said the club disputed Palkin's recounting of events, but declined to provide details, while Fulham declined to comment.

While both teams abided by the rules which allows foreign stars who no longer understandably wish to return to Ukraine to move elsewhere, it has created resentment at Shakhtar.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606573-0-image-a-4_1661169026507.jpg)
A similar situation happened with Lyon and the signing of Shakhtar's 22-year-old winger Tete

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606577-0-image-a-5_1661169030486.jpg)
Shakhtar announced earlier this summer that they would sue FIFA for £43m worth of damages

The club announced in July that they will sue FIFA for £43m in damages which they say is the value of transfer fees they have missed out on due to the ruling being extended.

The frustration for Palkin is that it is a long way from all the support and solidarity Shakhtar received when Russia's invasion of Ukraine initially began, while he has been left with a bitter taste for the way some clubs have treated sides like his.

This has been demonstrated with Lyon reportedly recently offering Shakhtar £2.54m for Tete which is less than 20 per cent of what the Ukrainian club believe they had agreed on a fee for him earlier in the summer.

Palkin, who turned down the Ligue 1 side's offer, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's peanuts. It's not respectful from FIFA or the clubs.'

FIFA claim their position of extending the ruling and allowing players to play elsewhere temporarily is better than alternative measures such as players breaking their contracts.

But, with no sign of an end to the war, it looks unlikely that these foreign players will ever play for their Ukrainian clubs again.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11134321/Shakhtar-Donetsk-accuse-Fulham-reneging-6-8m-deal-FIFA-ruling.html

Aleksandar Mitrovic takes aim at Ivan Toney with cheeky "idol" comment

Two in-form strikers going at it.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has taken aim at Ivan Toney with a cheeky comment, after the Brentford striker appeared to mock his celebration on Saturday.

Toney cupped his ear and twisted his hand after seemingly scoring for Brentford against Fulham on Saturday, before the goal was disallowed by VAR.

He then stuck the ball in the net again, and this time it counted, and he wasted no time in doing Mitrovic's celebration a second time, just to make sure he got his point across.

    Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. pic.twitter.com/M6U02HqOrd

    — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 20, 2022

It was Mitrovic who had the last laugh though, as he scored an incredible header to win the game for his Fulham side, pushing Marco Silva's side into 7th place.

Aleksander Mitrovic vs Ivan Toney

Speaking after the game, Mitrovic said that he doesn't blame Toney for copying his celebration, as he was paying tribute to his idol.

He said: "Everybody has idols. He used to play with me in Newcastle and he was my boy. My idol was (Alan) Shearer and I am probably his idol."

Mitrovic continued by saying that he doesn't care about the critics he has had in the past, explaining:"I always know I belong here.

"I feel good. I am enjoying the Premier League and I am happy. Helping the teams and working hard is all I am looking for.

"The critics are always going to have different opinions. I don't really care about it."

    That winning moment. 🔥#FFC pic.twitter.com/m1aDlSwtR3

    — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 20, 2022

Knowing Toney, this is probably something that he will respond to in the near future. Either that or we'll have to wait until the reverse fixture in 2023.

Both strikers have had an excellent start to the Premier League season, with them both having scored two goals and performed strongly in general.

Newcastle may regret letting both of them go, especially if Callum Wilson is to pick up an injury later in the season.



https://punditarena.com/football/rudi-kinsella/aleksandar-mitrovic-ivan-toney-idol-celebration/

Fulham Keen On Snapping Up Multiple French Title Winner

Fulham are keen on a move for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa, according to the Evening Standard.

There are only ten days left in the ongoing window but boss Marco Silva is still eyeing to bolster his squad with multiple signings.

The Cottagers have already added no fewer than seven new players to their ranks, adding depth across the board but defence is still one area where Silva wants more options.

Fulham's hierarchy are backing their boss and they are expected to bring in several new faces through the door before the transfer deadline on 1st September.

And the Londoners could land Kurzawa, who has won the Ligue 1 title on no fewer than four occasions.

Fulham are keen on a move for PSG left-back Kurzawa, who has been linked with leaving the club throughout the window.

The Frenchman is deemed surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes and the Cottagers are focusing on getting a deal over the line for him.

Kurzawa did not play a single minute of football for PSG last season in Ligue 1 or in Europe and the club are keen to offload him this summer.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/08/22/fulham-keen-on-snapping-up-multiple-french-title-winner/574769/

Aleksandar Mitrovic hails Marco Silva changes after Fulham's positive start
The Londoners head for League Two strugglers Crawley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/08/22/18/8937e0c09938128bd39c21c68fe7c705Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjYxMjY5MDc0-2.68416044.jpg?quality=75&width=990&auto=webp&crop=982:726,smart)
Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has praised the belief head coach Marco Silva has brought to Fulham (Bradley Collyer/PA)
(PA Wire)

Aleksandar Mitrovic has saluted the belief Marco Silva has brought to Fulham as they prepare to launch their Carabao Cup campaign against Sky Bet League Two Crawley.

The Cottagers will head for the Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday evening brimming with confidence having secured a first Premier League victory since their return when they beat Brentford 3-2 on Saturday.

Serbia international Mitrovic snatched victory at the death with his third goal of the campaign to date, much to the relief of head coach Silva.

The former Anderlecht and Newcastle frontman told the club's official website: "It was a proper derby, everyone enjoyed it – the fans, us on the pitch. I think our manager didn't enjoy it that much, but at the end I'm sure he was happy.

"We are happy as well, we got that first three points, still undefeated after three games. We keep believing, keep working hard, and focus on the next one."

That next one is the trip to struggling Crawley, who slipped into the League Two relegation zone as a result of Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by AFC Wimbledon.

It would be no surprise if Silva used the depth of his squad in West Sussex – summer signings Kevin Mbabu and Shane Duffy, as well as experienced midfielder Tom Cairney, are yet to start a game this season, while Issa Diop awaits his debut – but Mitrovic is confident the mentality the Portuguese has instilled since his arrival at Craven Cottage in July last year will serve them well whoever plays.

He said: "The manager's changed the club, changed the way we play, changed the way we believe. We never give up."

Crawley boss Kevin Betsy will be forced to make at last one change, with defender Tony Craig suspended following his red card at the weekend.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-carabao-cup-league-two-b2150212.html

Fulham 'trying' to land former Brentford man as Marco Silva eyes more signings

The latest Fulham news and rumours on Monday.

Fulham are keen to see off competition from elsewhere to sign striker Neal Maupay from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Cottagers are interested in luring the attacker to Craven Cottage before the end of the transfer window.

Maupay, 26, is yet to make an appearance for Graham Potter's side in their opening few games of the new Premier League season.

As detailed in a report by the Evening Standard, Fulham are 'trying' to land him ahead of Nottingham Forest and Everton.

Where would he fit in at Fulham?
Marco Silva has given Rodrigo Muniz the green light to head out the exit door for Championship side Middlesbrough which leaves a vacancy to fill in attack.

The London club need somebody who can compete and provide strong back-up for key man Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, especially if the Serbian ace gets injured.

Maupay fits the bill as he has proven in the past that he can score goals at the top level.

Brighton swooped to sign him back in 2019 after he caught the eye playing in the second tier for Brentford and he has since scored 27 goals in 109 appearances in all competitions.

He is out of contract next summer meaning the Seagulls need to sell him this month or in January to avoid losing him for nothing, assuming they don't offer him an extension.

Other news
In other Fulham news, they have reportedly joined the race to sign Blackpool winger Josh Bowler, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-trying-to-land-former-brentford-man-as-marco-silva-eyes-more-signings-3815393

Fulham could sign £20m forgotten man who hasn't played in 12 months

Premier League Fulham have turned their attention to PSG's Ligue 1 champion Layvin Kurzawa, as reported by The London Standard, after being turned down by Italy international Luca Pellegrini.

Heading into their latest top-flight campaign, there were two positions Marco Silva's Championship champions seemed intent on strengthening; left-back, and left centre-back.

But if Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream were fearing for their futures, it's fair to say they are responding in the best possible way. Alongside Joao Palhinha and Alexandr Mitrovic, the USA internationals have been two of Fulham's best performers during the first few weeks of the new campaign.

So much so that it's Tosin Adarabioyo, rather than Ream, who now looks more likely to make way for Issa Diop. And if Layvin Kurzawa was to arrive from Paris Saint-Germain, he'd have quite the battle snatching Robinson's place in the starting XI.

Will Layvin Kurzawa leave Paris Saint-Germain for Fulham?

Kurzawa is one of the names on Fulham's radar heading into the final few days of the window.

The £20 million France international, a five-time Ligue 1 champion, is not part of the plans at PSG. In fact, he's played just nine minutes of football since the start of last term; his most recent appearance coming in the 1-0 Trophee des Champions victory over Lille in August 2021, 12 months ago.

Kurzawa is the latest left-back in Fulham's sights this summer.

The Cottagers had hoped to bring in Luca Pellegrini from Juventus. He rebuffed their advances, however, before taking Filip Kostic's place at Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt. Alex Moreno was also a target, but he is staying at Real Betis.

PSG, try as they might, have been unable to shift Kurzawa during a series of windows; his hefty contract posing a problem for potential suitors. West Ham United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Barcelona all showed an interest in January, before ultimately deciding against making a move.

Kurzawa has not been part of the PSG squad for any of their Ligue 1 games so far this term. He



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/22/fulham-could-sign-20m-forgotten-man-who-hasnt-played-in-12-months/

Silva set to rotate at Crawley

Marco Silva is set to ring the changes for the first time this season in Fulham's League Cup second round tie at Crawley Town tomorrow night.

With the squad still on a high after Saturday's dramatic win over Brentford and with another London derby ahead at Arsenal on Saturday, the Whites are likely to field an experimental side for their first competitive game against Crawley, managed by former Fulham winger Kevin Betsy. There should be a first appearance for Issa Diop since his move from West Ham earlier this month, whilst Shane Duffy and Kevin Mbabu – both substitutes at the weekend – could start in a new-look back four.

Silva's side should also include several of the club's promising academy graduates. Jay Stansfield should keep his place after an impressive first Premier League start against the Bees, although the teenager could lead the line rather than operate from the right flank. Luke Harris, the 17 year-old attacking midfielder who has been on the bench for two of the senior side's first three league matches, is also in line for a debut after starring for Fulham's under 23s and under 21s in recent seasons.

The Fulham head coach said this afternoon:

"The Carabao Cup is really important, the FA Cup even more important in this country and for us as well. The Premier League is the top competition for us. But if you ask me if I would like to have a very good run in this competition, definitely yes.

Sometimes people are confused that you say that the game is really important and you change several players. [It is] because you have other things to prepare [for], you have some players to give minutes to, because we want them at their best."




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/silva-set-to-rotate-at-crawley/

Stansfield: 'I have to keep making my Dad proud'

There's a lovely little interview with Jay Stansfield in today's Times ahead of Fulham's visit to Crawley Town in the League Cup this evening.

Jon West says that the young striker 'is making a name for himself at Fulham,' before conceding that Stansfield is already a household name in the south west, following the achievements of Jay's much-missed father Adam, at Yeovil and Exeter City in particular. The teenager hasn't talked much about his father, who tragically died of cancer aged only 31 in 2010, in public. He does touch here on how difficult his first Fulham appearance – when he came on as a substitute to help the Whites, then of the Championship, beat Premier League Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round a couple of years ago – with Adam firmly in thoughts.

    "When I made my debut, it was quite emotional because I wanted him to be here when I was achieving this. Sadly he is not but hopefully he is looking down on me and proud of me. I don't remember too much as I was quite young. I have had stories from my family: my mum always tells me how he dealt with things. I listen to people who were close to him. A lot of his close mates are managers, either in an academy or whatever, I talk to them quite a bit. I watch videos back as well. I have to keep pushing on and making him proud."

Stansfield has certainly done that. He followed up an impressive cameo from the bench at Wolves with a display full of determination – and no mean skill – against Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday, where he was so unfortunate not to open his Premier League goalscoring account when a desperate challenge by Ben Mee diverted his finish onto the crossbar. Bobby Decordova-Reid tucked away the rebound to give Fulham a fantastic start inside the first minute.

You wouldn't have known that Stansfield isn't a right winger from the working over he gave the highly-rated Rico Henry, with the youngster's work ethic exemplified by a lung-busting run of fully seventy yards to prevent the left-wing back from equalising in the second half. The teenager's determination to make the most of his opportunity to impress – after injury to Neeskens Kebano saw a spot in Marco Silva's starting line-up open up – was evident.

    "When I saw my name in the [pre-match team] meeting I knew I was ready to go out and perform. On Friday night I had the best night's sleep ever. I knew I had to be on top form for my first start in such a high league. The fans were brilliant, their support is always noticed."

It is always nice to know as fans that our support helps a young player. As I've already written, Stansfield's progression into the Fulham senior side is very special to me – but I'm sure we are all looking forward to seeing him pull on the Fulham colours again tonight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/stansfield-i-have-to-keep-making-my-dad-proud/

Up next: Crawley Town (a)

The second round of the League Cup – which has proven fairly difficult for the Whites to navigate in the recent past – has thrown up an intriguing meeting between Marco Silva's side and a Cottager from yesterday. Kevin Betsy, a promising youngster who both benefited and then felt the flip side of Mohamed Al-Fayed's millions being bumped into the white side of SW6, is looking forward to welcoming his old side to his new stomping ground at Crawley Town this evening. A sold out crowd awaits the unbeaten Premier League newcomers at Broadfield Stadium, with the hosts grateful of the distraction from a difficult start in League Two this season.

Betsy, who followed up his twenty appearances for Fulham by returning to Motspur Park to begin his coaching career, was a bold appointment by the pair of cryptocurrency investors who took over Crawley in April. When faced with the need to replace John Yems after he was found guilty of racial discrimination, the Reds offered a first managerial opportunity to a man, who had built a fine portfolio of coaching success, first with the younger age groups at Fulham, then in the England youth development set-up at St. George's Park and finally with Arsenal's under 23s. Betsy might not have had the ideal start in West Sussex – his only win in six games was a gutsy success in the first round of the League Cup against Bristol Rovers – but the 44 year-old spoke passionately about the long-term nature of his project, putting together plans to knit his philosophy into Crawley's progress alongside the new ownership group in the build up to this game.

Betsy has fond memories of this competition from his playing days, having been handed his senior debut by Kevin Keegan when third tier Fulham went to Anfield and almost shocked Liverpool on a night when Paul Peschisolido scored a stunning equaliser in front of the Kop. He credits Jean Tigana both with his development as a footballer and a man, with the French maestro advising him to convert a loan move at Barnsley into a permanent deal, as his first-team chances in west London receeding as the Whites established themselves in the top flight. Betsy is right to assert that Crawley's performances have merited more than the single league point they have mustered so far this term, especially in a painful home defeat by Northampton last week, where the Cobblers' late winner came courtesy of Fulham loanee Kieron Bowie.

The first competitive meeting between these two clubs will see both sides alter from their first choice line ups. Crawley's changes are unlikely to be quite as dramatic as the refresh undertaken by Marco Silva, but the hosts will certainly be without veteran centre back Tony Craig after he was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Ben Wells, who joined the Reds after a successful summer trial, may make his first appearance for his new side as Craig's replacement, having come through the acclaimed West Ham academy to captain the club's youth sides before moving to QPR. Jake Hessenthaler, son of former Gillingham and Dover legend Andy, could come into midfield whilst Ashley Nadesan, who has made more than a hundred appearances for Town, may lead the lead with Tom Nichols, who scored the goal that eliminated his old club Bristol Rovers in the first round.

Being sandwiched between a pair of London derbies against Brentford and Arsenal always meant that this fixture would probably provide an ideal opportunity for squad rotation for Marco Silva. Confidence will be high following a fabulous start to life back in the top flight that has taken plenty by surprise, although injuries and only an incrementalist approach to recruitment mean the Fulham head coach's starting line-up this evening is likely to have a very youthful look. it will be interesting to see whether Marek Rodak, who started Fulham's first two league matches, returns in goal with Bernd Leno given the night off ahead of his return to the Emirates this weekend or if the German needs more match practice following his debut on Saturday.

A reshaped back four seems a certainty with perhaps only American Antonee Robinson, who has been outstanding so far this season, surviving from the starting line-up against our near neighbours. Shane Duffy should make a first start in Fulham colours following a couple of cameos from the bench alongside another recent arrival in Issa Diop, with the towering French centre back having had to be patient given the continued excellence of Tim Ream. Tom Cairney's introduction as a late substitute on Saturday altered the momentum of a contest that appeared to be ebbing away from Fulham and the club captain could be deployed in a deeper midfield role to allow Luke Harris, the Welsh teenage sensation, a senior debut.

The 17 year-old has been a regular scorer for Fulham's under 18s and under 23s over the past eighteen months and compiled a brilliant hat-trick for Steve Wigley's under 21s against Chelsea last week. Ollie O'Neill, the Irish under-21 international who has captained Wigley's charges well on their return to the PL2 top flight, could be another pushing for a first senior start, with Jay Stansfield – so impressive in that right wing role against the Bees – set to lead the line as he did to great affect in this competition at Birmingham City last year.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Mbabu, A. Robinson, Diop, Duffy; Francois, Cairney; Jasper, O'Neill, Harris; Stansfield. Subs: Leno, McAvoy, Ream, Odutayo, Chalobah, Pajaziti, Decordova-Reid, Ablade, Sanderson.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/up-next-crawley-town-a/

To sell or to keep? The factors Blackpool must weigh up with Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Fulham target Josh Bowler
To sell or to keep? That's the £2.5m question.

God forbid, if the worst happens and Josh Bowler does depart within the next nine days, let's hope it's for more money than that.

But according to the latest reports, that's what long-time admirers Nottingham Forest are offering for the 23-year-old's services, with Bournemouth and Fulham also still hovering.

With only a year remaining on his contract, you can see why Forest are preparing to table a relatively low bid.

But when they're forking out £42.5m (including add-ons) for Morgan Gibbs-White, Blackpool fans are well within their rights to feel a little nonplussed about potentially losing their star man for comparative peanuts.

I must admit, I'm stuck in two minds.

It goes without saying we all want Bowler to remain at Bloomfield Road: he's a mercurial talent, the likes of which we've not seen at Bloomfield Road since Wes Hoolahan and Charlie Adam.

But we also live in the real world. This is what Blackpool's model is based on: developing talent, in this instance one that arrived on a free transfer, before selling on for a profit, with that cash then being reinvested back into the side.

How galling will it be to lose a player of Bowler's brilliance for absolutely nothing come the end of the season? That's the exact type of thing we want to move on from.

But at the same time, is £2.5m, heck, even £3m worth it? How much is another season of Bowler in tangerine worth to the club? He could be the difference between a relegation fight and mid-table security, he's that good.

Bowler deserves heaps of credit because, despite all the speculation, he's not let it affect his performances at all. Despite what a few idiots might have said after the Swansea game, the winger has been in scintillating form so far this season and is thriving in Michael Appleton's more attack-minded system.

As Appleton said himself recently, it's almost as if Bowler is gladly taking on the responsibility of being Blackpool's creative spark. It's down to him to make things happen.

That's also got to be a concern though, because if he does go, where does that creative spark come from?

It's easy for us on the outside to tell the club to offer a bumper new contract with a release clause in it, but it's not quite as simple as that.

Appleton recently revealed the club have held talks with Bowler and his agent, so of course it's something that has been discussed.

But Bowler holds all the aces here. It appears he's keen to make the step up to the Premier League and who can blame him? He deserves it. So why would he be committing his long-term future to the Seasiders at this particular juncture?

Of course Bowler is enjoying his football on the Fylde coast and I'm sure he doesn't want the club to lose out either. But he's also got his own career to think about, which is why there needs to be an acceptable resolution for all parties.

When asked if Bowler will remain a Blackpool player after September 1, Appleton said: "Who knows?

"There's clearly a lot of interest in the lad and we're aware he's an absolute talent. He did ever so well for the football club last season and we want him to continue to do that this season.

"We've clearly got to be in a position where if he does go, we can act quickly.

"But at the same time, I'm pretty confident my board won't allow him to go for cheap, so you've got to weigh up the risk and the reward in these situations because we know his contract is up.

"Is the reward worth the risk and they're the discussions we'll have in the next 10 days to two weeks."

One thing is for sure, Blackpool need this resolving sooner rather than later. What we don't need is a situation where Bowler leaves on deadline day, giving them precious time to bring in a replacement.



https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/to-sell-or-to-keep-the-factors-blackpool-must-weigh-up-with-nottingham-forest-bournemouth-and-fulham-target-josh-bowler-3815159

Kluivert set for Fulham switch

Reports from Italy this morning suggest that Justin Kluivert's move to Fulham could be completed as early as tomorrow, after the Premier League club reached agreement with Roma over a deal.

Sky Sport's Gianluca Di Marzio claims that, after a few weeks of torturous negotiations, the Dutch international winger is expected to fly to London for a medical ahead of his proposed move to England. Whilst Roma were keen to sell Kluivert permanently, it is understood that 23 year-old will head to Craven Cottage on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy being dependent on how appearances the former Ajax forward makes in the remainder of the campaign.

Kluivert, who has spoken openly about his desire to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father Patrick and play Premier League football, is believed to turned down offers from clubs in France, Italy and Portugal to move to SW6. The versatile winger, who can operate on either flank as well as playing in the number ten position or up front himself, has struggled to make an impact under Jose Mourinho in Rome and spent the last two seasons on loan with Red Bull Leipzig and Nice.

Kluivert became a top target for Fulham head coach Marco Silva after his plans for the season were disrupted by injuries to first choice wingers Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon. Silva has reportedly taken a lead in negotiating with his fellow countryman Tiago Pinto, the general manager at Roma.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/kluivert-set-for-fulham-switch/

Crawley Town v Fulham preview: Can Reds turn form around in the Carabao Cup against Premier League opposition?
Premier League Fulham come to The Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday night as Crawley Town look to progress to round three of The Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils' only win of the season came in this competition in round one as they beat League One side Bristol Rovers 1-0 to earn this tie.

It's been a horrible start to the season for Crawley who haven't managed to get going but a game against Premier League opposition is almost a free hit for Kevin Betsy's side.

Their opponents Fulham have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their return to the Premier League, with draws against Liverpool and Wolves and a first win in their last game against Brentford.

Marco Silva may see the tie as a good opportunity to rest some of his first team players and give minutes to some of his youth and fringe players.

Fulham have been very active in the transfer window signing the likes of Bernd Leno, Kevin Mbabu, Issa Diop and Andreas Pereira. Mbabu and Diop are yet to start a game for Fulham and this cup tie could see them get a first start.

The last two times Premier League teams have come to The Broadfield Stadium ended up with underdogs Crawley winning both times and keeping clean sheets.

The first of these was a 1-0 win over Norwich in this round of this competition when Bez Lubala's first half goal earned Crawley progression.

The most recent was Crawley's unforgettable 3-0 win over Leeds in The FA Cup third round with Jordan Tunnicliffe, Ashley Nadesan and Nick Tsaroulla scoring.

Tsaroulla is expected to be involved against Fulham for the first time this season after recovering from an injury.

Tuesday nights at The Broadfield Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd tend to produce special atmospheres and any result is possible.

A capacity crowd getting behind the team will need something to cheer and the squad will need to produce a better performance than they have been doing to keep the fans on their side.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/crawley-town-v-fulham-preview-can-reds-turn-form-around-in-the-carabao-cup-against-premier-league-opposition-3815584

Fulham: Silva can form scary duo with Ben Brereton Diaz transfer

Fulham have seen a handful of new players make their way to Craven Cottage during the summer transfer window.

One of those new recruits that has had a solid start to his tenure at the west London club is Andreas Pereira.

Signed from fellow Premier League side, Manchester United, in a deal worth a reported fee of £10m, the Brazilian has started all three of Fulham's league games so far this season.

In those appearances, the midfielder has already grabbed one assist, which came during the club's recent 3-2 win over Brentford.

He has been a handy acquisition but the club still have time in the transfer window to find a player that could form a menacing duo with Pereira.

That player is Blackburn Rovers forward, Ben Brereton Diaz,  who has been linked with a move to west London in recent weeks.

With 131 appearances for the Lancashire club to his name, the striker has found the net 33 times and supplied 13 assists along the way.

Last season saw the Chile international score 22 goals in 37 league appearances, as well as racking up more shots at goal (103) and more shots on target (49) than any other player at the club, showing how deadly he can be in front of goal.

Pereira has averaged more key passes per game (2.3) than any other Fulham player in the league this term, so having a player like him next to Brereton Diaz, who clearly knows how to find the back of the net, could make Silva's side a force to be reckoned with for opposition defences and goalkeepers.

Hailed as an "elite" player by Gary Brazil, the Blackburn star already has two goals and one assist in five league appearances this season.

Having played those five games across the left-wing, left-midfield and attacking-midfield positions, this versatility shows that he could be able to play in a Fulham team that has himself, Pereira and Aleksandar Mitrovic in it at the same time.

Despite a significant reported price tag of £20m, this is an investment that would surely top off what has been a very productive summer period of transfer business from the Cottagers and hopefully boost their chances of having a successful top-flight season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-marco-silva-ben-brereton-diaz-transfer-news-ffc-premier-league-update-gossip-rumour

Ben Brereton Diaz would fit perfectly into our team, he has all the attributes we are looking for.

Quote from: whitejc on August 23, 2022, 12:22:50 AM
'It's ridiculous and disrespectful... they talk about "football family" but there is NO family': Shakhtar Donetsk accuse Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal - after FIFA told footballers they could leave war-torn Ukraine without a transfer

    Shakhtar Donetsk have accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal for Manor Solomon
    The Israeli winger joined Marco Silva's side for nothing due to a FIFA ruling
    The rule allows foreign-based Ukranian players to temporarily leave their clubs
    Fulham had reportedly agreed a transfer fee before taking Solomon for nothing
    A similar situation happened with Brazilian winger Tete who joined Lyon for free
    Shakhtar recently announced they are suing FIFA for £43m worth of damages

Shakhtar Donetsk have slammed Fulham and accused them of reneging on a £6.8million deal for winger Manor Solomon.

The Israeli international joined the Cottagers on a one-year-deal this summer after a FIFA rule was extended that allowed Ukrainian-based foreign players to suspend their contract and temporarily go elsewhere without penalty.

The ruling came into place when the Ukrainian season was suspended in March due to the ongoing war in the country and will now remain in place for the entire 2022-23 season.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606563-0-image-a-1_1661169014287.jpg)
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m agreement for Manor Solomon

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606569-0-image-a-2_1661169018233.jpg)
The Israeli winger joined Fulham this summer after a FIFA ruling was extended that allows foreign players to temporarily suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs

However, Shakhtar had been negotiating an exit for Solomon throughout the summer and claim they had agreed a £6.8m fee with Marco Silva's side before the FIFA ruling which means Fulham signed Solomon for nothing.

The deal, which would have been a financial lifeline for Shakhtar and deliver a vital cash injection to a club who have had their accounts battered by the war with Russia, has caused much anger from the 13-time Ukrainian champions.

'They just talk about the football family,' Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin told the New York Times. 'But in real life there is no football family.'

The anger surrounding Solomon has not been helped by Lyon doing something similar with exciting Brazilian midfielder Tete, after the club had agreed a fee worth double Solomon's proposed sale for the 22-year-old.

Like Fulham, the French side reportedly informed Palkin that they were scrapping the multi-million pound deals after the FIFA ruling and would instead take the player for nothing.

A Lyon spokesperson said the club disputed Palkin's recounting of events, but declined to provide details, while Fulham declined to comment.

While both teams abided by the rules which allows foreign stars who no longer understandably wish to return to Ukraine to move elsewhere, it has created resentment at Shakhtar.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606573-0-image-a-4_1661169026507.jpg)
A similar situation happened with Lyon and the signing of Shakhtar's 22-year-old winger Tete

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606577-0-image-a-5_1661169030486.jpg)
Shakhtar announced earlier this summer that they would sue FIFA for £43m worth of damages

The club announced in July that they will sue FIFA for £43m in damages which they say is the value of transfer fees they have missed out on due to the ruling being extended.

The frustration for Palkin is that it is a long way from all the support and solidarity Shakhtar received when Russia's invasion of Ukraine initially began, while he has been left with a bitter taste for the way some clubs have treated sides like his.

This has been demonstrated with Lyon reportedly recently offering Shakhtar £2.54m for Tete which is less than 20 per cent of what the Ukrainian club believe they had agreed on a fee for him earlier in the summer.

Palkin, who turned down the Ligue 1 side's offer, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's peanuts. It's not respectful from FIFA or the clubs.'

FIFA claim their position of extending the ruling and allowing players to play elsewhere temporarily is better than alternative measures such as players breaking their contracts.

But, with no sign of an end to the war, it looks unlikely that these foreign players will ever play for their Ukrainian clubs again.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11134321/Shakhtar-Donetsk-accuse-Fulham-reneging-6-8m-deal-FIFA-ruling.html

Don't know what our clubs financial situation is like but I do hope Fulham do the decent thing with this and pay Shakhtar.  £6.8m seems so little given the circumstances and it feels pretty immoral to be taking advantage of a club in a country that's had war thrust on them. Even if it was in smaller installments. Seems strange to create a bitter relationship with a club like Shakhtar over one signing.

Quote from: General on August 23, 2022, 10:16:18 AM

Quote from: whitejc on August 23, 2022, 12:22:50 AM
'It's ridiculous and disrespectful... they talk about "football family" but there is NO family': Shakhtar Donetsk accuse Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal - after FIFA told footballers they could leave war-torn Ukraine without a transfer

    Shakhtar Donetsk have accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal for Manor Solomon
    The Israeli winger joined Marco Silva's side for nothing due to a FIFA ruling
    The rule allows foreign-based Ukranian players to temporarily leave their clubs
    Fulham had reportedly agreed a transfer fee before taking Solomon for nothing
    A similar situation happened with Brazilian winger Tete who joined Lyon for free
    Shakhtar recently announced they are suing FIFA for £43m worth of damages

Shakhtar Donetsk have slammed Fulham and accused them of reneging on a £6.8million deal for winger Manor Solomon.

The Israeli international joined the Cottagers on a one-year-deal this summer after a FIFA rule was extended that allowed Ukrainian-based foreign players to suspend their contract and temporarily go elsewhere without penalty.

The ruling came into place when the Ukrainian season was suspended in March due to the ongoing war in the country and will now remain in place for the entire 2022-23 season.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606563-0-image-a-1_1661169014287.jpg)
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m agreement for Manor Solomon

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606569-0-image-a-2_1661169018233.jpg)
The Israeli winger joined Fulham this summer after a FIFA ruling was extended that allows foreign players to temporarily suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs

However, Shakhtar had been negotiating an exit for Solomon throughout the summer and claim they had agreed a £6.8m fee with Marco Silva's side before the FIFA ruling which means Fulham signed Solomon for nothing.

The deal, which would have been a financial lifeline for Shakhtar and deliver a vital cash injection to a club who have had their accounts battered by the war with Russia, has caused much anger from the 13-time Ukrainian champions.

'They just talk about the football family,' Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin told the New York Times. 'But in real life there is no football family.'

The anger surrounding Solomon has not been helped by Lyon doing something similar with exciting Brazilian midfielder Tete, after the club had agreed a fee worth double Solomon's proposed sale for the 22-year-old.

Like Fulham, the French side reportedly informed Palkin that they were scrapping the multi-million pound deals after the FIFA ruling and would instead take the player for nothing.

A Lyon spokesperson said the club disputed Palkin's recounting of events, but declined to provide details, while Fulham declined to comment.

While both teams abided by the rules which allows foreign stars who no longer understandably wish to return to Ukraine to move elsewhere, it has created resentment at Shakhtar.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606573-0-image-a-4_1661169026507.jpg)
A similar situation happened with Lyon and the signing of Shakhtar's 22-year-old winger Tete

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606577-0-image-a-5_1661169030486.jpg)
Shakhtar announced earlier this summer that they would sue FIFA for £43m worth of damages

The club announced in July that they will sue FIFA for £43m in damages which they say is the value of transfer fees they have missed out on due to the ruling being extended.

The frustration for Palkin is that it is a long way from all the support and solidarity Shakhtar received when Russia's invasion of Ukraine initially began, while he has been left with a bitter taste for the way some clubs have treated sides like his.

This has been demonstrated with Lyon reportedly recently offering Shakhtar £2.54m for Tete which is less than 20 per cent of what the Ukrainian club believe they had agreed on a fee for him earlier in the summer.

Palkin, who turned down the Ligue 1 side's offer, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's peanuts. It's not respectful from FIFA or the clubs.'

FIFA claim their position of extending the ruling and allowing players to play elsewhere temporarily is better than alternative measures such as players breaking their contracts.

But, with no sign of an end to the war, it looks unlikely that these foreign players will ever play for their Ukrainian clubs again.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11134321/Shakhtar-Donetsk-accuse-Fulham-reneging-6-8m-deal-FIFA-ruling.html

Don't know what our clubs financial situation is like but I do hope Fulham do the decent thing with this and pay Shakhtar.  £6.8m seems so little given the circumstances and it feels pretty immoral to be taking advantage of a club in a country that's had war thrust on them. Even if it was in smaller installments. Seems strange to create a bitter relationship with a club like Shakhtar over one signing.

That 6.8 million could be the difference between buying a really good player or missing out. FIFA made the ruling and so FIFA should pay General.

If we stay up and show proper signs of growth, I hope we go back and re-evaluate this, even if its the chairmen alone doing it outside of the football club. Appreciate technically, the rules haven't been broken but there's an element of immoral exploitation here.

Fulham are in talks to sign out of favour PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa after playing just nine minutes of football in the last 12 months for the French giants

    Fulham are in talks over a deal for out of favour PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa
    The 29-year-old has played just nine minutes of football in the last 12 months
    His most recent appearance coming in a victory over Lille back in August 2021

Fulham are in talks with Paris St Germain over a deal for out of favour left-back Layvin Kurzawa, as they continue to bolster their squad this summer.

The Cottagers have made an unbeaten start to life back in the Premier League, with a last-minute win over Brentford and spirited draws against Liverpool and Wolves, since being promoted last term.

They've already dipped into the transfer market to sign the likes of Joao Palhinha, Issa Diop, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu, Bernd Leno, Manor Solomon and Shane Duffy.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/23/07/61635761-11136917-image-m-12_1661236749773.jpg)
Fulham are in talks to sign out of favour PSG left-back Layvin Kurwaza (pictured) this summer

Marco Silva's side are now turning their attentions to 29-year-old Kurzawa, who did not figure for the French giants last season.

The five-time Ligue 1 champion is not part of the plans at PSG, having only played nine minutes of football since the start of last season.

His most recent appearance coming in the 1-0 Trophee des Champions victory over Lille in August 2021, 12 months ago.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/23/07/61635763-11136917-image-a-13_1661236761762.jpg)
Kurzawa is not part of the plans at PSG, having only played nine minutes in the last 12 months

Kurzawa has also not been part of the PSG squad for any of their Ligue 1 games so far this term.

The 13-cap France international has made 153 appearances for PSG since originally joining in the summer of 2015.

He remains in contract until the summer of 2024, but is free to leave with plenty of clubs interested in the left-back.

Fulham boss Silva is also trying to land the signing of Brighton striker Neal Maupay amid rival interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton as well as chasing Justin Kluivert from Roma.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11136917/Fulham-talks-sign-favour-PSG-defender-Layvin-Kurzawa.html

McAvoy eyes more first-team football

The Athletic's Peter Rutzler has a superb interview with young Fulham centre back Conor McAvoy this morning, in which the Scottish youth international discusses signing for the Whites aged nine, his progress through the Motspur Park academy, a successful loan spell with Wealdstone last season and getting the chance to play for the senior side during the pre-season tour in Portugal.

It is well worth a read in full, but it is clear that McAvoy, a former Premier League scholar of the year and highly-regarded captain of Fulham's age group sides, feels ready for more first-team football. His retelling of lining up against Nice in the Algarve is pretty endearing:

    "It was weird, it didn't feel real. I didn't actually feel too nervous, I was just so excited, in the zone. I thought I had a pretty good game. There were a few Fulham fans. Just playing with the first-team players that you watch every Saturday, it's just cool. I couldn't do anything more than just enjoy it."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/mcavoy-eyes-more-first-team-football/

Fulham predicted starting XI to face Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup: Silva has decisions to make

How could Fulham line up this evening?

Fulham are back in action this evening away to Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup.

Tonight gives Marco Silva an opportunity to freshen up his ranks after their impressive start to the Premier League season.

The Championship champions are unbeaten in their opening three games and have picked up five points.

They beat London rivals Brentford 3-2 at Craven Cottage last time out.

Crawley are winless in their opening five matches in League Two and here is how Fulham could line up against them...

GK: Marek Rodak
He now has competition for his place between the sticks from new signing Bernd Leno.

RB: Kevin Mbabu
The summer recruit could make his first start after coming off the bench against both Wolves and Brentford.

CB: Shane Duffy
Like Mbabu, he has made two substitute appearances since sealing his loan switch from Brighton and Hove Albion.

CB: Issa Diop
The centre-back may well make his debut against Kevin Betsy's side.

LB: Antonee Robinson
He has been with Fulham since 2020 and has made 73 appearances in all competition since then.

The left footer has helped the Cottagers ease to promotion back to the Premier League.

CM: Nathaniel Chalobah
This is a good opportunity for him to get some minutes under his belt.

CM: Tom Cairney
His experience in the middle of the park would come in handy against a Crawley side who will be eyeing an upset.

Another of the division's most highly-rated individuals, Cairney was the outstanding player on a day that Atdhe Nuhiu's late equaliser stole two points from a relatively dominant Fulham. He created a number of chances and controlled the tempo of the clash.

RW: Sylvester Jasper
The winger spent last season on loan at Colchester United and Hibernian to get some experience.

CAM: Luke Harris
He has been on the bench twice so far this term and is being tipped for a bright future.

LW: Bobby Reid
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Silva play some first-team stars to ensure his side have enough quality in their starting XI.

ST: Jay Stansfield
He started on the right wing against Brentford and this is a good chance for him to lead the line and show what he can do.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-predicted-starting-xi-to-face-crawley-town-in-the-carabao-cup-3815691

Legends Tour With Steve Earle


Join us on Wednesday 31st August at 3pm for an exclusive Craven Cottage Tour hosted by Fulham legend Steve Earle!

With 108 goals from 327 appearances, former striker Steve Earle, has cemented himself as a club legend. He's joining us back at the Cottage to share some brilliant anecdotes about his time here.

Ask questions and take pictures with the man himself as you settle in for a brilliant afternoon uncovering the history of our beautiful home, Craven Cottage.

Tickets for this exclusive Legends Tour are priced at £22 and can be secured online, here.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/23/legends-tour-with-steve-earle/

Report: Fulham and Bournemouth have joined Maitland-Niles race

Arsenal expect to sell Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the transfer window closes, with the Daily Express reporting that Fulham and Bournemouth have joined the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Maitland-Niles has become a forgotten man at the Emirates. He endured a disappointing loan spell at Roma in the second-half of last season. And he has played no part in this campaign.

Reports this week claimed that West Ham have considered a move for Maitland-Niles. But they are not the only Premier League side keen on the England international.

According to the Daily Express, both Fulham and Bournemouth also want the versatile midfielder. Arsenal expect Maitland-Niles to leave. And he should be available in a cut-price deal due to the academy graduate being in the final year of his contract.

Fulham and Bournemouth have joined Maitland-Niles race
It will be bad news for Maitland-Niles if he remains at Arsenal beyond this window. It would certainly appear that he is only going to remain on the sidelines.

Fulham have already agreed a deal with Arsenal for Bernd Leno this summer. So they may be optimistic that they can now agree terms with Maitland-Niles.

West Ham can offer him some European football in the Conference League. But perhaps, a move to either Fulham or Bournemouth will present him with the clearest route to regular game-time.

It is a sad end to Maitland-Niles' Arsenal spell. There have been times when he looked like a 'fantastic' prospect.

But the writing appears to have been on the wall for some time. And it would surely be best for all parties if an agreement was reached.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-and-bournemouth-have-joined-maitland-niles-race/

Fulham 'yet to make offer' for defender – Player not prepared to make 'huge financial efforts' to secure move

Almost forgotten at Paris Saint-Germain, Layvin Kurzawa doesn't appear to particularly be in a rush to leave the Ligue 1 side.

He's on a healthy wage and is earning it regardless of whether he plays or not, knowing full well he'll never make Didier Deschamps' squad for the World Cup, which is why he isn't actively searching for a move.

That hasn't stopped Fulham from taking an interest in the player, as the Craven Cottage side continue to look for a left-back.

Their attempts to sign Luca Pellegrini from Juventus never turned into anything overly concrete, meaning Marco Silva and his staff have had to look elsewhere.

Other players are being looked, including Kurzawa, but L'Equipe in France state Fulham 'have yet to make an offer' for the player.

Down his end, Kurzawa 'isn't inclined to make huge financial efforts to help Paris Saint-Germain', making their life a bit miserable.

The idea of a loan 'with part of the wages being covered could be considered in the final days of the transfer window', which could suit Fulham to a T.

Then again, the attitude shown by Kurzawa is a bit of a red flag, because if he doesn't want to leave Paris Saint-Germain, he probably won't be thrilled at the idea of a move to Craven Cottage.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-yet-make-offer-player-not-prepared-make-huge-financial-efforts-secure-move/

https://twitter.com/ianbakersport/status/1561970478461468674

Quote from: whitejc on August 23, 2022, 10:53:55 AM
https://twitter.com/ianbakersport/status/1561970478461468674

https://www.adamstansfieldfoundation.com/2013/12/06/jeffanory/

Just wanted to take an opportunity to advertise Jeff Stelling's excellent book; Jeffanory. I am sure many of you know of Jeff's "Lisa will be happy" line on Soccer Saturday every time Adam scored. Jeff donates a whole chapter of his book to Soccer Saturday's unsung heroes and Adam is first in his list. Jeff has very kindly given us permission to quote directly from his book so here are a few excerpts for you.

"Anyone who's been a friend of Soccer Saturday over the years would have been a friend of Adam Stansfield. The one-time Exeter City, Yeovil Town and Hereford United striker became linked to one of the longest-running gags on the show after I'd noticed his surname was identical to the 1980's pop sensation Lisa Stansfield."

"Because of my mucking around, Adam became a cult favourite with viewers and panellists alike. Luckily I got to use the joke quite a lot because scoring goals was something he did with regularity."

Jeff goes on in great depth about Adam and how reading the news about Adam's death on Soccer Saturday was one of the toughest things he has ever had to do. He tells how he attended a Foundation fundraising evening and he finishes his piece with a line from that night; "As I mentioned in a speech at the end, 'Lisa would have been proud'"

The book is an excellent read and is very funny. We were all very touched that Jeff thought so highly of Adam and that he found a place for him in the book. It is well worth a read and is available online and in all good bookstores. It would make an excellent Christmas present for a loved one. xx

Here is the video of when Jeff paid tribute to Adam on Soccer Saturday shortly after Adam's death:

Quote from: General on August 23, 2022, 10:16:18 AM

Quote from: whitejc on August 23, 2022, 12:22:50 AM
'It's ridiculous and disrespectful... they talk about "football family" but there is NO family': Shakhtar Donetsk accuse Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal - after FIFA told footballers they could leave war-torn Ukraine without a transfer

    Shakhtar Donetsk have accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m deal for Manor Solomon
    The Israeli winger joined Marco Silva's side for nothing due to a FIFA ruling
    The rule allows foreign-based Ukranian players to temporarily leave their clubs
    Fulham had reportedly agreed a transfer fee before taking Solomon for nothing
    A similar situation happened with Brazilian winger Tete who joined Lyon for free
    Shakhtar recently announced they are suing FIFA for £43m worth of damages

Shakhtar Donetsk have slammed Fulham and accused them of reneging on a £6.8million deal for winger Manor Solomon.

The Israeli international joined the Cottagers on a one-year-deal this summer after a FIFA rule was extended that allowed Ukrainian-based foreign players to suspend their contract and temporarily go elsewhere without penalty.

The ruling came into place when the Ukrainian season was suspended in March due to the ongoing war in the country and will now remain in place for the entire 2022-23 season.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606563-0-image-a-1_1661169014287.jpg)
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has accused Fulham of reneging on a £6.8m agreement for Manor Solomon

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606569-0-image-a-2_1661169018233.jpg)
The Israeli winger joined Fulham this summer after a FIFA ruling was extended that allows foreign players to temporarily suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs

However, Shakhtar had been negotiating an exit for Solomon throughout the summer and claim they had agreed a £6.8m fee with Marco Silva's side before the FIFA ruling which means Fulham signed Solomon for nothing.

The deal, which would have been a financial lifeline for Shakhtar and deliver a vital cash injection to a club who have had their accounts battered by the war with Russia, has caused much anger from the 13-time Ukrainian champions.

'They just talk about the football family,' Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin told the New York Times. 'But in real life there is no football family.'

The anger surrounding Solomon has not been helped by Lyon doing something similar with exciting Brazilian midfielder Tete, after the club had agreed a fee worth double Solomon's proposed sale for the 22-year-old.

Like Fulham, the French side reportedly informed Palkin that they were scrapping the multi-million pound deals after the FIFA ruling and would instead take the player for nothing.

A Lyon spokesperson said the club disputed Palkin's recounting of events, but declined to provide details, while Fulham declined to comment.

While both teams abided by the rules which allows foreign stars who no longer understandably wish to return to Ukraine to move elsewhere, it has created resentment at Shakhtar.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606573-0-image-a-4_1661169026507.jpg)
A similar situation happened with Lyon and the signing of Shakhtar's 22-year-old winger Tete

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/22/12/61606577-0-image-a-5_1661169030486.jpg)
Shakhtar announced earlier this summer that they would sue FIFA for £43m worth of damages

The club announced in July that they will sue FIFA for £43m in damages which they say is the value of transfer fees they have missed out on due to the ruling being extended.

The frustration for Palkin is that it is a long way from all the support and solidarity Shakhtar received when Russia's invasion of Ukraine initially began, while he has been left with a bitter taste for the way some clubs have treated sides like his.

This has been demonstrated with Lyon reportedly recently offering Shakhtar £2.54m for Tete which is less than 20 per cent of what the Ukrainian club believe they had agreed on a fee for him earlier in the summer.

Palkin, who turned down the Ligue 1 side's offer, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's peanuts. It's not respectful from FIFA or the clubs.'

FIFA claim their position of extending the ruling and allowing players to play elsewhere temporarily is better than alternative measures such as players breaking their contracts.

But, with no sign of an end to the war, it looks unlikely that these foreign players will ever play for their Ukrainian clubs again.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11134321/Shakhtar-Donetsk-accuse-Fulham-reneging-6-8m-deal-FIFA-ruling.html

Don't know what our clubs financial situation is like but I do hope Fulham do the decent thing with this and pay Shakhtar.  £6.8m seems so little given the circumstances and it feels pretty immoral to be taking advantage of a club in a country that's had war thrust on them. Even if it was in smaller installments. Seems strange to create a bitter relationship with a club like Shakhtar over one signing.

I think we should agree that we will pay that fee if we stay up, then it could come out of next year's budget and we get to keep Solomon beyond the loan. In the meantime, Fifa need to offer compensation to Shakhtar, as they've treated them very harshly.

Report: Fulham still haven't matched valuation of player once compared to Neymar, talks to continue today

Fulham still haven't come to an agreement with AS Roma to sign winger Justin Kluivert, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Dutch winger has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage for the past several weeks.

An agreement with the player is already in place, but the two clubs have yet to finalise a fee, with Roma unwilling to accept a £2.5m bid plus add-ons for Kluivert.

Kluivert is said to have offers on the table from clubs in Portugal, Italy and Greece, but has his heart set on coming to the Premier League.

Kluivert's agent is now in London today to try and 'unlock the transfer', with all parties hoping to reach an agreement.

The twice-capped Dutch player is no longer in Jose Mourinho's plans at Roma after going out on loan to Nice last season.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-still-havent-matched-valuation-of-player-once-compared-to-neymar-talks-to-continue-today/

£20m man with 18 trophies could join Fulham on loan, club want him gone

Paris Saint-Germain would consider letting Ligue 1 champion Layvin Kurzawa join Premier League newcomers Fulham on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window, as reported by L'Equipe.

The last time Kurzawa played in PSG colours, Marc Bola was levelling for Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage on the opening game of the 2021/22 Championship season.

That, for the record, is 12 months ago. 12 months and two weeks, to be precise. The France international's long, long spell on the fringes may be coming to an end at last however. 

L'Equipe, backing up previous claims from The Standard, says Fulham are keen to break Kurzawa free from his Parisian prison.

The Cottagers are yet to firm up their initial interest. But, if they do, PSG may be willing to let the former Monaco man leave on loan provided Fulham are willing to pay a portion of his sizeable £65,000-a-week salary.

Fulham could sign PSG's Layvin Kurzawa

Kurzawa, a £20 million signing all the way back in 2015, has plenty of juice left in the tank. The five-time Ligue 1 winner is not even 29.

He'd have a point to prove this side of the Channel too, although it remains to be seen whether he's willing to join a Fulham side who, despite a terrific start to the Premier League season, may still be seen as a risk for a player who has won a remarkable 18 trophies in the French capital.

Kurzawa also became the first ever 'defender' to score a Champions League hat-trick in 2017. Not that it's his defending that made him one of the first names on the PSG team-sheet under Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery.

An adventurous, attack-minded left-back, Kurzawa would provide competition for the in-form Antonee Robinson at Fulham.

The Cottagers have also shown an interest in Real Betis' Alex Moreno this summer. Luca Pellegrini, meanwhile, rebuffed Marco Silva's advances in favour of Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/23/20m-man-with-18-trophies-could-join-fulham-on-loan-club-want-him-gone/

THE OPPOSITION | FULHAM FC

A look at tonight's second-round cup opponents

THE MANAGER

Marco Silva
Born in Lisbon, Silva developed into a professional footballer with local C.F. Os Belenenses. In a 15-year career, he only appeared in two Primeira Liga games, one with that club and another with S.C. Campomaiorense. From 2000 to 2005 he alternated between the second and third divisions, representing C.D. Trofense, Rio Ave FC, S.C. Braga B, S.C. Salgueiros and Odivelas FC.

In the 2005 off-season, Silva joined G.D. Estoril Praia, where he remained until his retirement six years later, always in the second tier. He played his last match on 2 January 2011, a 0–1 home loss against F.C. Penafiel in the group stage of the Taça da Liga.

Silva retired in June at the age of 34, amassing second-division totals of 152 games and two goals for three clubs.

Silva started as a Director of Football before venturing into management. Silva managed at Estoril, Sporting CP and Olympiacos before he was given the job at Hull City in England. Silva came in half-way through the 2016-17 season, with the club sat bottom of the Premier League. Unfortunately, Silva could not save the Tigers from relegation and resigned when their relegation was confirmed.

On 27 May 2017, it was confirmed Silva would join Premier League club Watford as head coach on a two-year contract. After a good start to the season, he was tracked for the vacant managerial position at Everton in November.

During this period and in the subsequent two months, the team's performances became increasingly poor (five points from 30 in ten Premier League matches), with fans citing his loss of focus as putting them at risk of relegation.

Silva was dismissed by Watford on 21 January 2018, with the club citing the "unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival" that caused "significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised." In February, Everton agreed to pay £4 million in compensation in response to this claim.

After a short spell with the Toffees, Silva joined Fulham at the start of the 2021/22 season. Silva enjoyed a great season with Fulham, clinching the Championship title to secure Fulham's return to the Premier League.

ONES TO WATCH

Bernd Leno
Leno performed at a level that belied his young age, becoming only the third goalkeeper in Bundesliga history to secure clean sheets in his first three matches, before breaking the record for the youngest 'keeper to appear in the Champions League shortly after. Leverkusen soon made the deal permanent, and Leno went on to enjoy seven excellent seasons at the BayArena, making 304 appearances and keeping 100 clean sheets. The lowest the club finished, in six of those seven campaigns, was fifth. His consistency in Germany prompted Arsenal to bring Leno to London for a fee reported to be north of £20m ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. Leno quickly displaced Petr Cech between the sticks, and ended his first season at the club with a Europa League runner-up medal, before finishing second in the club's player of the season vote a year later. He departed the Emirates with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, and also claimed 37 clean sheets in his 125 appearances across all competitions.

Andreas Pereira
On Monday 11th July 2022, the Club announced the signing of Andreas Pereira from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. The versatile midfielder agreed a four-year deal, tying him to Craven Cottage until the summer of 2026, with the Club holding an option to extend by a further 12 months. Born in Belgium while his professional footballer father was playing there, Pereira later moved to neighbouring Holland where he joined PSV Eindhoven's academy. At the age of 16, he joined Manchester United, impressing as he moved up the age groups to earn a senior debut in the League Cup in August 2014. A Premier League bow followed later that season in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Pereira's maiden goal for the club came in his first appearance of 2015/16 when he was handed a full debut against Ipswich Town, ending the campaign with 11 appearances to his name, including a first taste of Champions League football. Pereira was a regular under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, featuring 62 times across the next two years.

Aleksandar Mitrović
In July 2018, Fulham confirmed Aleksandar Mitrović's return on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee from Newcastle United. Mitrović originally joined the Whites on loan at the 11th hour on deadline day in January 2018, and went on to have a hugely significant impact in their promotion to the Premier League. Mitrović began his career in his homeland with Serbian giants FK Partizan, making his professional debut with their affiliate club FK Teleoptik. Despite his tender age, Mitrović was top scorer for Partizan's first team in 2012/13 as they claimed the title, and his form soon attracted the attention of Belgian outfit Anderlecht, who broke their transfer record to sign him in the summer of 2013.

Despite Fulham's relegation from the Premier League, Mitro impressed with his 11 goals, and subsequently committed his future to the Club by agreeing a new deal in July 2019. His subsequent two seasons in the Championship, which sandwiched one campaign in the Premier League, were absolutely sensational. Winning the divisional Golden Boot on each occasion, he set first a Championship and then a modern-day second tier record for in 2021/22, ending the season on 43 goals as Fulham won the title. He was named Fulham's Player of the Season both years.

FACT FILE
Name: Fulham FC

Founded: 1879

Owner: Shahid Khan

Manager: Marco Silva

League position: 7th (Premier League)

Nicknames: The Cottagers, The Whites, The Lilywhites

Top goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic (3)

Kit provider: Adidas



https://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/2022/august/the-opposition--fulham-fc/

Crawley Matchday Preview

Crawley Town v Fulham | Tuesday 23rd August 2022 | 7.45pm | Broadfield Stadium | #CRAFUL

The opposition

    Crawley appointed former Fulham player and Academy coach Kevin Betsy in the summer, a first senior role for the 44-year-old following spells with England and Arsenal.
    It's been a baptism of fire for Betsy, with the Reds currently sitting second bottom in League Two, having taken one point from their opening five matches. They've all been tight contests, though, with Saturday's 2-0 defeat by AFC Wimbledon the first time they've been beaten by more than one goal.
    Their solitary win of the campaign came in Round One of the Carabao Cup, with Tom Nichols' strike earning them a 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at Broadfield.

Crawley team news

Left-back Nick Tsaroulla will feature following two months sidelined, but veteran Tony Craig sits out after receiving a red card at the weekend.

Fulham team news

Wingers Harry Wilson, Manor Solomon and Neeskens Kebano will be absent in West Sussex, while Marco Silva has confirmed that we will see new signings and young players involved at Broadfield.

Player insight

Shane Duffy has played at Broadfield Stadium many times in friendlies for Brighton & Hove Albion, and is hoping for another appearance on Tuesday night.

"I'll be really excited," he said of potentially making a full Fulham debut. "I'm really looking forward to playing and getting a first start under my belt.

"It's been a really enjoyable couple of weeks for me, I'm loving it at the minute, and the more games I can get, the better, and hopefully as a team we can keep winning and keep the momentum going."

Tickets

All tickets, home and away, have sold out for the tie.

Weather

A mild night in Crawley, with temperatures still north of 20 degrees at kick-off.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Penalties

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/august/23/crawley-matchday-preview/

Basingstoke Town announce a link with Fulham

Partnership at Academy level agreed
Pitching In Isthmian South Central side Basingstoke Town have announced a link up with Premier League side Fulham. The agreement between the clubs will particularly focus on player and coach development, player care, and recruitment.

Basingstoke Town Director of Football, Mike Gilham, explained:

"We, as a club, are acting on the realisation of a shared football philosophy with Fulham FC, and that's why we felt forming a partnership was a logical step to take.

Both clubs have similar thoughts regarding how they develop players and coaches and the partnership is mutually beneficial. The deal is based on the similar values instilled in both clubs and the shared commitments to a few important areas."



https://www.isthmian.co.uk/basingstoke-town-announce-a-link-with-fulham-72056

'We're not happy': Agent admits Fulham want to sign his £14m client

The agent of Serie A winger Musa Barrow has confirmed the interest from Premier League high-flyers Fulham, while telling Il Resto del Carlino that Bologna are demanding a fee in the region of £14 million.

It's been a long time since Barrow's name was mentioned as a potential addition to Marco Silva's Fulham squad.

With the Cottagers turning their attention to Roma misfit Justin Kluivert and free-agent Willian, a prospective move to West London for the 23-year-old Gambia international appeared to have gone by the wayside.

There is still time for that to change, however.

Negotiations over a potential £8 million deal for Kluivert continue to stagger on, and Fulham could potentially come back to Barrow if an agreement with Roma cannot be reached before next week's transfer deadline.

Justin Kluivert or Musa Barrow for Fulham?
"Torino want him. There are also requests from Nice and Fulham," says Luigi Sorrentino, agent of the one-time Atalanta youngster.

"But the demands of Bologna to date block his exit. The demand is around 16 million euros (£14 million). What I ask myself is, can you ask for 16 million for a guy who doesn't even play?"

Barrow has featured for just 17 minutes in Bologna's first two Serie A games of the new season. A surprise, when you consider he was one of the Rossoblu's best performers across 2021/22 – scoring six times and setting up seven more in the Italian top flight.

"(Can) I say that Musa remains one hundred per cent at Bologna? Maybe," Sorrentino adds cryptically. "We are certainly not happy."

It was Tuttomercatoweb, over two months ago, who first reported Fulham's interest in the versatile, spring-heeled Barrow. And new left-sided attacker is a must now, with Manor Solomon potentially out until the new year with a serious injury.

Willian, meanwhile, is training with the Cottagers as he bids to earn himself a contract. The former Arsenal and Chelsea man is available after leaving Corinthians earlier in August.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/23/were-not-happy-agent-admits-fulham-want-to-sign-his-14m-client/

Report: Fulham, West Ham & Bournemouth keen to sign unwanted Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal take part in just two more Premier League games before they will know the squad they have to deal with for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.

And whilst all attention is now turning to the pursuit of Pedro Neto, the Gunners are still trying to urgently find solutions for a number of players.

As reported on Tuesday by Ryan Taylor from The Express, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is next up on the list of players who need to find a new club before September 1st.

Taylor reports that three Premier League sides including West Ham, Bournemouth and Fulham are all interested in signing the 24-year-old midfielder.

Capable of slotting in at right-back as well, Maitland-Niles is a versatile option with a cut price deal achievable given he only has one year left on his contract.

Taylor goes on to state that Mikel Arteta has made it very clear Maitland-Niles is not in his plans for the season, having not included him in a single matchday squad so far.

There were suggestions that Nottingham Forest were in for the Englishman earlier this summer, but it's believed Maitland-Niles contract demands were too high.

Arsenal could look to get the Hale End Academy graduate to sign a one-year contract extension and then send him out on loan.

The focus is on the player and his agents who will need to work hard to find a club willing to offer game time in a jam packed season affected by the World Cup.

Any potential move for £25m rated Leicester City midfielder, Youri Tielemans, could depend on how Maitland-Niles' future is resolved.



https://fresharsenal.com/report-fulham-west-ham-bournemouth-keen-to-sign-unwanted-arsenal-midfielder/

Roma transfers: Nainggolan offers himself, the latest on Kluivert to Fulham

Ex-Roma star Radja Nainggolan has reportedly offered his services following the injury to Georginio Wijnaldum, while the Giallorossi and Fulham are yet to find an agreement for the transfer of Justin Kluivert.

José Mourinho expects two new signings before the end of the summer transfer window following injuries to Wijnaldum and Nicolò Zaniolo.

The PSG loanee will remain out of action for at least four months following a fibula injury on Sunday. Zaniolo has been ruled out for almost a month with a shoulder problem.

According to La Repubblica newspaper and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nainggolan has offered his services to the Giallorossi. The ex-Belgium international is currently under contract with Royal Antwerp FC in Belgium.

However, former Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch seems to be higher on Tiago Pinto's list, given that the 27-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract with the Bundesliga side expired in June.

Torino's Sasa Lukic is also on Roma's radars but has recently been reintroduced to the squad after making clear that he wanted to leave. Gazzetta adds Leandro Paredes, Allan and Denis Zakaria to the Giallorossi's shopping list.

Meantime, Roma are working on sales and have yet to reach an agreement with Fulham for Kluivert. The Dutch winger is not on Mourinho's plans, but the two parties are still trying to strike a deal.

Kluiver's representative Rafaela Pimenta is in London to negotiate with Fulham, but according to Sky Sport Italia, Roma have rejected the latest offer of €3m plus add-ons.

https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/1561999165974089730



https://football-italia.net/roma-transfers-nainggolan-offers-himself-the-latest-on-kluivert-to-fulham/

Fulham Still Holding Talks To Land Everton Linked Neal Maupay

Fulham are still in talks with both Brighton and Neal Maupay's representatives in a bid to beat Everton to the former France Under-21 international, according to Sky Sports News.

The Cottagers currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League table after accumulating five points from the three games played so far, with Brighton two points ahead in fifth.

Maupay, also the Seagulls' joint record goalscorer in the Premier League, was a big part of the team that managed Brighton's best ever finish and points tally in the league at the end of the 2021/22 season.

He is looking to end his association with Brighton though as he seeks regular game time and has several sides keen on him, including Frank Lampard's Everton, who need attackers.

However, Fulham are pushing to win the race for Maupay and are continuing talks with Brighton in an attempt to agree a deal for his signature, while also speaking to the player's camp.

Maupay has yet to feature for Graham Potter's side this campaign, left on the bench for both of Brighton's victories away and not even making the bench for the stalemate against Newcastle at home.

Everton are currently in 17th place in the table, with just one point to their name as they struggle without a recognised centre-forward following injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

With just a little over a week to go in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Maupay calls Craven Cottage or Goodison Park his home.




https://insidefutbol.com/2022/08/23/fulham-still-holding-talks-to-land-everton-linked-neal-maupay/574912/

Fulham plotting swoop for Kurzawa
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa this summer and the Frenchman could be a superb addition to Marco Silva's side.

According to the Evening Standard, Kurzawa is Silva's main defensive target ahead of the transfer window shutting next week, with the Cottagers looking to strengthen further after a strong start to life back in the Premier League.

Silva's side earned impressive draws against Liverpool and Wolves before earning a last-gasp win over Brentford last weekend, but the Portuguese manager is clearly keen to bolster his squad after seven signings so far this summer.

Kurzawa has lost his place in PSG's starting XI to Nuno Mendes since his arrival and has barely featured for Les Parisiens in the last 12 months, making just 19 appearances last season, so could be available at a cut-price this summer as the French champions look to get him off their books.

Silva would love him
Silva currently has Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan available as his main left-back options in Fulham's squad, the latter of which is unlikely to be deemed good enough for the Premier League having made just 15 appearances in the Championship last season.

Therefore, with Bryan's contract set to expire at the end of this season, Silva would surely love to bring in Kurzawa, who earns £88k-per-week at PSG, as a replacement.

While the Frenchman has struggled in recent seasons for PSG – failing to register a seasonal performance rating above a 6.9 – his form with the French giants in his first few seasons, when he regularly averaged above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored, shows that he could be a quality addition at Craven Cottage.

The defender, who has dubbed himself "crazy" in the past, would bring plenty of winning experience with him should he join Fulham, having won 18 trophies during his time with PSG.

Combine that with his creative nouse – he has 23 career assists – and the boss would be adding some qualities to his ranks that he'd surely love to have considering his side lacks top-level experience.

Indeed, that experience could prove vital in both the dressing room and on the pitch as Fulham look to avoid relegation back to the Championship, and considering his pedigree and capable displays in the past, Silva should definitely look at bringing the former France international to Craven Cottage this summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-layvin-kurzawa-psg-marco-silva-cottagers-ffc-transfer

Fulham get 'green light' for transfer – Player joining Silva's side on loan deal with buying option

Fulham continue to advance on the signing of AS Roma winger Justin Kluivert, according to reports from the Italian media.

The latest news on that chase comes from journalist Rudy Galetti, as he claims that the Giallorossi have now given 'the green light' for the transfer to happen.

It's said Roma had been waiting for a potential move from Ajax, who are actually more focused on signing Hakim Ziyech for Chelsea.

Tired of holding out, they now seem to have accepted Fulham's offer.

Galetti claims that Kluivert is set to move to the Craven Cottage on a loan deal, where Fulham will have an option to buy him for €9m, with other potential €3m in bonuses.

https://twitter.com/RudyGaletti/status/1562058545067184129

The 23-year-old's move to Fulham had already been reported by the same journalist on the 18th of August, when he claimed that everything was 'confirmed', with the player 'on the verge' of completing the transfer.

That time, however, Galetti claimed the green light from the Serie A side was expected to be given 'in the next hours'.

So it seems it just took a while longer for that response to come, and now it finally happened.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-get-green-light-transfer-player-joining-silvas-side-loan-deal-buying-option/

Blackpool 'reject' Nottingham Forest's £2.5m bid for Watford, Bournemouth and Fulham target Josh Bowler
Blackpool have reportedly rejected Nottingham Forest's £2.5m bid for Josh Bowler.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported over the weekend that Forest, who have held a long-term interest, had returned with another offer with just two weeks remaining of the transfer window.

In a further update this afternoon, Nixon has claimed that bid has now been turned down with Blackpool reportedly holding out for £4m, plus extras.

The Daily Express are also reporting that Watford are now also taking an interest, joining Bournemouth and Fulham in the chase.

With Bowler out of contract at the end of the season with no option to extend, Blackpool might be forced to cash in with their player keen to test himself in the Premier League.

Speaking after Saturday's 3-3 draw against Lancashire rivals Burnley, Blackpool boss Michael Appleton said it was a case of weighing up the "risk and reward".

When asked if Bowler will remain a Blackpool player after September 1, Appleton said: "Who knows?

"There's clearly a lot of interest in the lad and we're aware he's an absolute talent. He did ever so well for the football club last season and we want him to continue to do that this season.

"We've clearly got to be in a position where if he does go, we can act quickly.

"But at the same time, I'm pretty confident my board won't allow him to go for cheap, so you've got to weigh up the risk and the reward in these situations because we know his contract is up.

"Is the reward worth the risk and they're the discussions we'll have in the next 10 days to two weeks."



https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-reject-nottingham-forests-ps25m-bid-for-watford-bournemouth-and-fulham-target-josh-bowler-3816466

"We are not happy" – Agent fuming at €16m transfer stance, Fulham have made 'enquiries'

The agent of Bologna winger Musa Barrow is definitely not satisfied with the situation his client is living at the Italian club, and as he works on the player's departure, the interest of Fulham is now confirmed.

This is all happening because since the start of season, the 23-year-old hasn't been give much playing time at the club.

From their three games, he was used in two, with a total of 36 minutes on the pitch.

So as agent Luigi Sorrentino spoke today to Il Resto del Carlino, he made his stance very clear, and it turns out that besides pointing out Barrow's potential departure from Bologna, he ended up revealing a few clubs who are interested in his signing, including Fulham.

"If he stays at 100%? Maybe. We are not happy. Torino wants him and enquiries have arrived from Nice and Fulham," said the agent (via Calcio Mercato).

Sorrentino also ended up complaining about the price set by Bologna for any potential transfer, whether it be to Fulham or somewhere else, claiming Barrow's lack of game time should mean a cheaper sale.

"At the moment, however, the request from the Bologna of  €16m blocks the sale. What I ask myself is: can you ask for €16m for a player who doesn't even play?"

It was in June that Fulham were first said to have 'set their sights' in Barrow.

At the time, it had already been claimed that Bologna would request over €20m for the signing, so this price tag revealed by Sorrentino may end up being not that bad, although there will be hope it can drop even further.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/not-happy-agent-fuming-e16m-transfer-stance-fulham-made-enquiries/

Fulham continue to show 'interest' in Senegal international despite pursuing two attackers

The latest Fulham news on Tuesday.

Fulham are reportedly still keen on Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.

The Cottagers have been busy in this transfer window following their promotion from the Championship.

It doesn't appear that they have stopped their recruitment drive just yet either following their impressive start to life back in the Premier League.

As per Sky Sports, 'interest remains' from Fulham in Dieng, but they are prioritising moves for Brighton and Hove Albion's Neal Maupay and Roma's Justin Kluivert first.

Will Dieng end up at Fulham?
Dieng remains an option for Marco Silva's side up until the end of the transfer window, assuming he doesn't end up going elsewhere.

At the age of 22, he has the potential to grow and develop in the future so could prove to be a useful addition for someone this month.

The Senegal international, who already has 11 caps under his belt, has been with Marseille since 2020 after starting his career at Diambars.

He has made 42 appearances for the French Ligue 1 side so far and has chipped in with nine goals.

As mentioned before, it appears Fulham's immediate focus is on landing Maupay and Kluivert to bolster their attacking options. However, they are still said to be keeping tabs on Dieng so this is a story to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-continue-to-show-interest-in-senegal-international-despite-pursuing-two-attackers-3816649

Report: Forest face Premier League competition to sign Championship star

Nottingham Forest face growing competition to sign Blackpool star Josh Bowler, with AFC Bournemouth and Fulham now reportedly in the race for the Championship attacker.

According to the Express, interest is growing in the 23-year-old winger as we head into the final week of the transfer window, with Watford also named as a club who could move for Bowler should Ismaila Sarr leave Vicarage Road in the remaining days of the summer market.

As per the report, Bowler has been on Forest's radar for some time, with the former Everton academy graduate impressing for Blackpool over the last 12 months with the attacker already off and running for the Tangerines this season under new manager Michael Appleton.

With eight goals and three assists in all competitions last season, Bowler was one of Blackpool's best players in their comeback year in the Championship, yet now, the second-tier side face a battle to keep hold of their star winger with Forest being joined by Bournemouth and Fulham in the race to sign the forward.

Hailed as 'magic' by David Unsworth during his time at Everton, Bowler could relish the chance to play in the Premier League after impressing for Blackpool, yet for Forest, they now face a battle to sign the talented attacker with Bournemouth and Fulham in the competition to land the 23-year-old before next week's deadline.

Indeed, Forest have been on a tear this summer with the number of signings Steve Cooper's side have made this window, yet adding Bowler could be a wise move from the former England youth manager and one that could greatly flesh out the club's attacking options for the season.

Forest have to beat Bournemouth and Fulham to Bowler signing
Forest might have spent big on over a dozen new players this summer, but when you take a deeper look at the squad's composition, there's a glaring need for a versatile wide-attacker who could come in and help out when needed, something Bowler is perfect for.

The forward has this season alone played in three different attacking positions, and for Forest, Bowler could be ideal for Cooper as a versatile option to help out in the latter stages of matches to either win the Nottingham side the match or to help steal a point against a tiring opposition defence.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/23/report-forest-face-premier-league-competition-to-sign-championship-star/

Club want €4m up front and specific clause to allow player to sign for Fulham – 'Talks underway'

AS Roma are asking for €4m from Fulham and an obligation to buy worth €10m for them to sanction a loan deal for Justin Kluivert.

That's according to Foot Mercato, who reveal the Italian side's demands for the deal to go through today.

They report that the forward has agreed to join Fulham this summer and the two clubs have been in talks since last week about the move.

Roma's directors have 'specific ideas' about how the transfer will be structured and would like to receive cash if they are sanction the move.

According to their information, they want the initial loan deal for this season to cost €4m and for there to be an obligation to buy included, which would be set at €10m.

That obligation, though, would be dependent on Fulham managing to stay in the Premier League this season.

They've now made those demands clear to those in charge at Craven Cottage and 'talks are underway' between both parties.

The ball is now very much in Fulham's court, though, who have reportedly already been given the green light, according to a claim in Italy.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, but the general consensus appears to be that everything is heading in the right direction.

https://twitter.com/Santi_J_FM/status/1562107389108797440



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-want-e4m-front-specific-clause-allow-player-sign-fulham-talks-underway/