Friends of Fulham

10 Years Of Mr Khan



12th July 2013 – Mohamed Al Fayed sells Fulham Football Club to Mr Khan
After the sale of Fulham was announced, Mr Al Fayed said: "I have found a very good man in Shahid Khan to accept the responsibility and privilege that I have enjoyed at Fulham since 1997. Fulham will be in very good hands with Shahid, whose success in business and passion for sport is very evident. I ask everyone who loves Fulham and our Craven Cottage home to welcome Shahid as he begins his journey as the next guardian of Fulham Football Club."

Mr Khan added: "I was recently very fortunate to have been introduced to Mohamed Al Fayed, a man I respect and admire immensely for what he has accomplished in his life and – above all – what he has given others. Today, he is giving me the privilege and responsibility of serving as the next custodian of Fulham Football Club. I want to be clear, I do not view myself so much as the owner of Fulham, but a custodian of the Club on behalf of its fans."

25th September 2013 – The Michael Jackson statue is removed
12 years after Michael Jackson famously visited Craven Cottage for a game against Wigan Athletic back in 1999, Mohamed Al Fayed commissioned a statue of the late singer, which was unveiled on the corner of the Riverside and Hammersmith stands. Two years later, Mr Khan confirmed that the statue was to be removed: "Craven Cottage means the world to generations of Fulham supporters, and I have heard from many of them over the past two months. Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear. I respect Mr Al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."

27th October 2013 – Jags play in London for first time
The Jacksonville Jaguars playing in London is a yearly occurrence these days, but it was groundbreaking when they met the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley almost 10 years ago. The intention was to build the sport's UK fanbase, and with 83,559 fans in attendance, it certainly achieved that goal. "I think NFL needs to grow," Mr Khan said ahead of that game. "There are fans that would like to see NFL games, we would like to be a part of it, Jacksonville Jaguars." Since that day, the Jags have played at Wembley a further seven times – and will again when they meet the Atlanta Falcons this October – as well as one game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

8th July 2014 – Fulham sign Ross McCormack
Mr Khan demonstrated his commitment to getting Fulham back to the Premier League with the sanctioning of a record Championship fee to bring Ross McCormack in from Leeds United. Speaking at the time, then Manager Felix Magath said: "There was a lot of interest in him over the summer months so securing his signature is good for Fulham, and I again thank our Chairman for his investment and commitment." McCormack's two seasons in SW6 were incredibly productive on a personal note, with the striker scoring 42 times in 100 matches, before being sold to Aston Villa for a profit.

27th December 2015 – Slaviša Jokanović appointed
Having parted ways with Kit Symons the previous month, Mr Khan brought in Slaviša Jokanović as the Club's new Head Coach at the end of 2015, stating: "I'm extremely proud to announce that Slaviša has accepted our offer to join Fulham and accept the challenge and opportunity that will come in leading our First Team. To say that Slaviša came prepared during the interview process would be an understatement. His analysis of our Club was impressive and his ideas were just what we wanted to hear. I'm confident that Slaviša will reverse our fortunes and bring to Fulham a winning mindset through the second half of the season and beyond." The appointment proved a masterstroke, with Jokanović leading Fulham to promotion with victory over Aston Villa at Wembley in May 2018.

1st October 2016 – George Cohen statue unveiled
After it was announced in March 2016 that the Club had commissioned a statue of George Cohen, the unveiling came at Craven Cottage seven months later. It was apt recognition for one of our favourite sons, and was funded by generous donations from fans, with the final figure matched pound for pound by Mr Khan. Furthermore, as part of the fundraising, two initiatives were launched in George's name, with the aim of improving men's health through local dementia care and health preventative programmes. "George Cohen and Craven Cottage are each at the heart of the history and tradition of Fulham Football Club," Mr Khan said. "Mr Cohen continues to inspire us at Fulham, as well as everyone who loves the game of football in England. It's only appropriate that Mr Cohen be celebrated and honoured here at Craven Cottage by the Club, as well as our fans who can take part in the effort to recognise a legendary member of the Fulham family and make a difference in the good causes that Mr Cohen supports."

23rd February 2017 – Tony Khan appointed
Having spent time advising the football operations, in addition to creating the statistical research department at the Club, in February 2017 Tony Khan was appointed as Vice Chairman & Director of Football Operations by his father Shahid. "Today's appointment brings a formal structure and recognition to the role that Tony has recently played on the football side of our Club and especially since the conclusion of last season," Mr Khan said. "Tony has served the Club quietly but faithfully and extremely well during that time. He brings new practices to what we're doing but not at the expense of what would be considered traditional and proven methods. It's important to remember there is no industry in the world that is succeeding today by doing things exactly the same way as they did yesterday, yet there are also some basic principles of success that are timeless. Tony has respect for the old and new, and that's what we need to achieve the goal of returning to the Premier League in a manner that is responsible and sustainable for a long time. Tony also understands the scrutiny and responsibility that will come with this assignment. Tony welcomes it, as do I."

22nd May 2019 – Announcement of Riverside works
Redevelopment of the Riverside Stand has long been an ambition of Mr Khan's, and in the summer of 2019 he announced that the commencement of works was imminent. "I am delighted to now be able to formally announce that our work on the Riverside Stand development will begin in earnest this summer," he said. "I understand today's announcement was many years in the making, but the right thing for all parties was to be deliberate, collaborative and thorough. I thank our supporters for their patience, and am especially grateful to all those who have worked tremendously hard behind the scenes to bring us to this point. The wait will be worth it. Craven Cottage is a unique and inspiring venue to not only play football, but to visit. As I noted upon becoming Chairman in 2013, it has always been my intention to follow through with the development of the Riverside Stand, and today's news brings that intention to reality."

1st July 2021 – Marco Silva appointed
When Mr Khan sailed his yacht to Lisbon to meet with Marco Silva in the summer of 2021, it set in motion a series of events which would lead to a couple of incredibly successful years in the history of Fulham Football Club. "My commitment to Fulham Football Club is resolute and I therefore take to heart my obligation to provide our supporters with the very best possible, on the pitch and away from the game," Mr Khan said after the appointment was made public. "In recent days, this responsibility entailed identifying, interviewing and hiring a Head Coach who would achieve all of our objectives as a club. I met Marco Silva in Portugal last week and was inspired. Marco's body of work in football was evident, but listening to him break down in detail his experiences at each of his stops as a head coach was thoroughly impressive. Marco also came prepared, with a full understanding of the players we have and ideas on how we can move forward this season. I loved his energy and optimism, and I'm confident Marco Silva is the right choice to lead Fulham Football Club as our new Head Coach." Silva's first two seasons at the helm could hardly have gone better, following up our Championship title win with a top-10 finish in the Premier League.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/12/10-years-of-mr-khan/

Tottenham face competition from Wolves for 25-year-old former Manchester City defender

Tottenham Hotspur face competition from Wolves for Tosin Adarabioyo

Dean Jones has claimed on GiveMeSport, that Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of defensive reinforcements may encounter a stumbling block as they face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signature of Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

With Ange Postecoglou taking the helm at Tottenham, it is no secret that the North London club is looking to revamp their centre-back options. The Athletic has extensively covered Spurs' quest for defensive reinforcements, particularly emphasizing their focus on strengthening the left centre-back position.

However, Jones has now shed light on the growing interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in Tosin Adarabioyo. It appears that Wolves are also in the market for defensive reinforcements, with manager Julen Lopetegui keen on a rebuild to bolster the squad ahead of the upcoming season.

After enduring defensive struggles last term, conceding 14 goals in their final five games, Wolves are actively seeking good-value players with Premier League experience. Adarabioyo, who has caught the eye with his performances at Fulham, emerges as an intriguing prospect for Wolves

Although they had previously considered the defender a couple of years ago, the player is currently on the lookout for a new club. While Adarabioyo harbours ambitions of joining a club of Tottenham's stature, the interest from Wolves could potentially provide an alternative avenue for the young centre-back.

The situation is fluid, with Adarabioyo weighing his options as the transfer window approaches. Should his preferred choices fail to materialize, a move to Wolves may become a compelling alternative.

As Lopetegui seeks to solidify his defensive ranks, the pursuit of Adarabioyo could offer Wolves an opportunity to add quality and depth to their backline. For Tottenham, the competition from Wolves adds an intriguing twist to their pursuit of Adarabioyo.

As they aim to rebuild their defence under Postecoglou's guidance, securing the services of the highly-rated Fulham centre-back would be a significant boost. Adarabioyo's composed and commanding displays have earned him plaudits, and it is no surprise that clubs of Tottenham and Wolves' calibre are vying for his signature.



https://tothelaneandback.com/2023/07/12/tottenham-hotspur-face-competition-from-wolves-for-tosin-adarabioyo/

Deal to take player to Fulham 'can be done' – Club want to sell, continue negotiations with Silva's side
On Tuesday, TuttoMercatoWeb reported Fulham have no intention of giving up in their ongoing pursuit to sign Fiorentina's Igor Julio.

The defender has a deal until 2024, with an option to extend it for a year. The Serie A side would 'like to sell' him in the summer window.

That's according to Quotidiano Sportivo, who reiterate Fulham is an option for Igor when discussing Fiorentina's transfer plans. Their title reads: 'Igor at Fulham: it can be done'.

It's explained that the Italian club will have to bring in a replacement for Igor, should he move elsewhere. The door to make a switch to the Premier League is open for the player but Marco Silva's side 'must take the step forward' to secure his services.

Quotidiano Sportivo add the London club are 'moving again' to sign the South American.

There's been a claim of an offer of €7m which is deemed too low by Fiorentina. The report states they 'want to continue negotiating' with Fulham over a deal for the centre-back.

It's claimed the Italian club's aim is to collect around €10m for Igor, a year after they rejected an offer of €15m plus bonuses from Rennes.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/deal-to-take-player-to-fulham-can-be-done-club-want-to-sell-continue-negotiations-with-silvas-side/

Four players Fulham could sign to compete with Andreas Pereira

While Tom Cairney filled in admirably towards the end of the season, Fulham's lack of depth in the number 10 position is a worry that's only been highlighted more by the injury sustained to Pereira, which could even see him miss the start of the 2023/24 season. George Rossiter looks at four players that could solve that issue and compete with Pereira for a starting spot when he returns.

1. Saif-Eddine Khaoui
Khaoui is a Tunisian international with 28 caps and four goals for his country. Joining Clermont from Marseille in 2021, his contract recently expired, and could present Fulham with an opportunity for a bargain. His goal contributions last season in Ligue 1 totalled 10, level with Pereira's 10 in the Premier League. At 28, Khaoui still has a lot to give and won't arrive with the ego of a player believing the shirt will be his to keep from the off.

One of Pereira's biggest strengths last season was his ability to press from the front and win the ball high and create chances, either for himself or for a teammate. Both players averaged a little more than two shots per 90 last season as well as both averaging comfortably more than three shot-creating actions per game last season. If Fulham are set on Pereira instantly having the shirt back when he returns, Khaoui provides a similar style of player who can fit in when needed while costing Fulham no more than a weekly wage.

2. Thiago Almada
Almada would be a seriously ambitious signing for Fulham. The now full Argentina international has burst onto the scene in MLS with a number of wonderful performances for Atlanta United. Signed from Velez Sarsfield in 2022, Almada has quickly established himself as one of MLS's biggest talents and suitors are gathering in Europe rapidly.

In 2023 alone, Almada is averaging nearly a goal contribution a game. While it can't be guaranteed that these numbers translate to Premier League football, it proves he's an alternative option to Pereira with heaps of quality. He is much more of a traditional 10, wanting to be on the ball, running past players and making things happen. His pass completion of more than 80% this year is impressive and in Pereira's absence he would prove to be another superb dead-ball option, scoring some wonderful free-kicks for Atlanta.

3. Malik Tillman
For much of the 2022/23 season, Pereira was pressing so high up the pitch that at times it felt as if Fulham were playing 4-4-2 with Pereira as the second striker playing off of Mitrovic. Tillman is a player who could potentially do that role brilliantly. Bayern have recently bought out Rangers' option to buy the player, believing they can get a larger fee, with Premier League clubs such as Brentford and Brighton showing interest (which probably shows he'd be a good signing as it is).

Tillman was hugely impressive for Rangers last season, scoring 12 times and assisting a further five during his first full season playing senior football. He also showed his versatility, often filling in out wide or even up front as Rangers changed system mid game. At just 21, Tillman would be an exciting pick-up with lots of room for growth and would further extend the Fulhamerica trend.

4. Aleksandr Golovin
Statistically, Golovin excelled for Monaco in 2022/23 as he played a greater part in their attacking play and showed why he had become one of Europe's most wanted players after a brilliant 2018 World Cup on home soil in Russia. The 27-year-old's eight goals and seven assists from midfield for Monaco last season only go some way to showing his ability. While Golovin's pass completion and passes attempted numbers were poor last season when compared to similar players across Europe, he still found himself in the top quarter of attacking midfielders for assists in 22/23.

Golovin found himself in the top 10% across Europe in his position for goals, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, attacking touches and progressive passes received. This shows the influence in the final third he can have from an advanced midfield position. As well as this, his interceptions numbers are promising and show his ability to press high and win the ball as Pereira often does. At 27, Golovin is hitting his prime and he'd be a great addition at Fulham.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-07-12-four-players-fulham-could-sign-to-compete-with-andreas-pereira/

Fulham To Host Hoffenheim


Fulham will host TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Craven Cottage in our final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

The German side, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, will visit SW6 on Saturday 5th August, kick-off 1pm.

Tickets in the Hammersmith End and Johnny Haynes Stand will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders from 10am on Thursday, priced at £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s & 18-21s, and £1 for under-18s.

Members can purchase from Tuesday 18th July, and the match will go on General Sale on Thursday 20th July.

*Prices will rise to £20, £15 and £5, respectively, on matchday.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/12/fulham-to-host-hoffenheim/

Fulham held talks but now Prem rivals agree deal for 'special' £13m ace

Fulham held talks with Lyon's Ligue 1 ace Romain Faivre but Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have now agreed a £13 million deal.

Things went pretty quiet pretty quickly after reports emerged at the end of May – via Foot Mercato – suggesting that one of the most mercurial talents in French football could be on his way to Craven Cottage.

Fulham reportedly opened talks with FC Lorient. So too did Bournemouth.

And nearly two months later, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United target appears to be on his way to the latter rather than the former, Bournemouth agreeing a deal which will make Romain Faivre the first big-money signing of the Andoni Iraola era on the South Coast.

The 25-year-old schemer will reportedly undergo a medical today (Daily Echo).

Bournemouth are, however, expected to loan the former Lyon man back to Lorient for the 2023/24 season, Faivre forced to wait before making his mark in red and black stripes.

Bournemouth win race for Fulham target Romain Faivre
"Romain Faivre has something few players have," his former Monaco coach Thierry Henry says of a man who's balletic touch and imperious vision should suit Iraola's brand of attacking football like a hand in a glove.

"He breaks lines (with his passes)."

"He's a boy with real potential," adds Oliver Dall'Oglio, another of Faivre's former bosses (Ligue1.com). "Comfortable on the ball and fast in possession. He's got great vision too – he's got something special. 

"He rarely loses the ball. He can break through the lines by dribbling. And his passing creates so many chances for us."

Since those reports linking Faivre with Fulham first emerged, the Cottagers appear to have turned their attention to other targets. Marco Silva's side are closing in on a deal for Fiorentina centre-half Igor Julio, while attempting to retain the services of last season's star men Joao Palhinha and Willian.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/07/12/fulham-held-talks-but-now-prem-rivals-agree-deal-for-special-13m-ace/

Fulham: Whites "favourites" to sign Fred
The Brazilian is a target for Marco Silva.

Fulham are "favourites" to sign Man United midfielder Fred, coming after previous claims he's willing to join Marco Silva.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?
The Whites are yet to confirm any major signing so far this transfer window, a fact which may slightly worry some supporters given how far we are into the summer.

Fulham enjoyed an exceptional 2022/2023 campaign, their first back in the top flight after securing promotion from the Championship, but Silva will be keen to build upon it and maintain his side's strong foot hold.

Last term saw Fulham contend for European qualification but eventually settle for a solid mid-table finish, not to mention a higher league position than west London rivals Chelsea who endured a woeful season.

Star players, like midfielder Joao Palhinha, impressed over the campaign and elite English sides have taken note of his exploits - though it is believed that Fulham are set to command a hefty £90 million price tag to ward off suitors.

In terms of incomings, the Craven Cottage side have been linked with a host of players in a variety of positions, with Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, USA international Sergino Dest, Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah, Roma defender Roger Ibanez and Fred all being linked recently.

On the latter player, who is believed to be "willing to join" Fulham this summer according to a recent claim by The Telegraph, there has been another update on his possible move from Brazil.

According to South American news outlet Globo Esporte, Fulham are "favourites" to sign Fred as they remain in pole position for him.

However, Fred is now believed to have signed with a new agency to represent him, which apparently expands his options on the transfer front.

As such, there is interest from Saudi Arabia in the 30-year-old, with no "official offer" coming from Fulham just yet. Indeed, if Silva's, side are to press ahead with a move for Fred, they may have to act quickly amid competition from the Middle East.

How good is Fred?
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star actually played very regularly under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford last season, making appearances in 35 league games (WhoScored).

However, the vast majority were from the substitute's bench, so Fred will be looking for a new club who can guarantee him more starting places.

His best season at United, going by the statistics, was 2020/2021 - when he started 27 league matches and averaged more tackles per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

The season afterwards, though, former interim United boss Ralf Rangnick heaped praise on the 32-cap international - calling him a "valuable" and "technical" player.

"For me, he is an extremely valuable player, a team player in the true sense," said Rangnick (via Sky Sports).

"A player who puts in every effort that he has and would give his last drop of blood for the team.

"He's also a player who can score goals and has those surprising elements in his game, little flick-ons, and he can be a technical player too.

"That combination makes him extremely valuable, and to reduce him to only a number six, a defensive midfield player, does not rate him highly enough. He can do a lot more than just defend."



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-man-united-fred-premier-league/

Fulham and Nottingham Forest lead race to sign Guardiola's £15m man
England U21 captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis is yet to extend his Manchester City contract with Premier League duo Nottingham Forest and Fulham 'leading the chase' to sign him.

The Man City academy graduate will be a free-agent in the summer of 2024.

It's decision time, then. Not only for City, but for Taylor Harwood-Bellis too. Does the homegrown centre-half put pen to paper on a new deal and fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, his reputation greatly enhanced by England's success at the U21 European Championships and Burnley's 101-point season in the second tier, Harwood-Bellis shining on loan at Turf Moor?

Or does he move on? 

90Min believe that there is no shortage of interest; Nottingham Forest and Fulham at the front of the queue amid more tentative interest from West Ham and Newcastle United too.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis facing uncertain Manchester City future
City will not loan Harwood-Bellis out again, unless the Stockport-born 21-year-old first extends his deal at the Etihad Stadium. And, after playing 35 games under Blue Moon legend Vincent Kompany at Burnley, it is hard to imagine that a season on the City bench would do anything but stall his development, even if the prospect of spending time alongside Pep Guardiola on the training pitch is one that may appeal to the one-time Blackburn, Stoke and Anderlecht loanee.

"I've known Taylor for a long time," Kompany told Burnley Express last year; Harwood-Bellis' positional excellence, his quality in possession and his natural-born leadership skills the building blocks of a potentially elite centre-half. 

"What everyone can see on the ball, or what everyone can see when he goes into his challenges, I think his biggest quality, that is perhaps more difficult to see on the eye, is his leadership and his incredible drive and high standards.

"These kinds of players you can almost be certain are going to improve. Usually, when a talent goes wrong, it's because there's something mentally not right. With him he's got that more than anyone else.

"Wherever he is now, in two or three years' time, he will be a lot better."

Nottingham Forest are looking to add some depth to a defence which was hit hard by injuries in 2022/23. Fulham also want a right-sided centre-half amid doubts over Tosin Adarabioyo's future, though the Cottagers appear to be a lot further down the line in pursuit of Fiorentina's Igor Julio.

Igor has reportedly agreed a four-year contract in West London.

"What a group of players," England U21 coach Ashley Cole wrote on Instagram after James Trafford's spot-kick heroics saw the Young Lions past Spain in Sunday's decider.

"(Harwood-Bellis) as a captain created an elite mentality and family (feel). Well done mate. Fully deserved."

Man City value Harwood-Bellis at £15 million (Daily Mail).



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/07/12/fulham-and-nottingham-forest-lead-race-to-sign-guardiolas-15m-man/

Premier League: Fulham fan gets three-year ban for homophobic chant aimed at Chelsea


A Fulham supporter has been banned from football for three years after admitting a public order offence relating to homophobic chanting.

Josiah Norman, 25, from Brixton, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to the offence which occurred when Fulham played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in February.

Norman was also fined.

"Fulham condemns homophobic, hateful or discriminatory chanting of any nature," the club said in a statement.

West London rivals Chelsea and Fulham drew 0-0 in the match at which the incident occurred.

The prosecution followed a January 2022 decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to define a chant which has often been aimed at Chelsea players and supporters as a homophobic slur.

The Football Association can also now charge clubs if their fans sing the chant.

Supporters of Wolves and Liverpool were also arrested in connection with homophobic chants alleged to have taken place in games against Chelsea last season, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest all condemned reports of homophobic chanting by their fans after they played Chelsea.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66175152

£13m player Tottenham are favourites to sign appears to be absent from pre-season training at his club
Tottenham Hotspur are said to be favourites to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, and speculation around this transfer may be about to go into overdrive.

Indeed. It has been widely reported that Tosin is pushing to leave Fulham this summer, and it looks as though he may not yet be back in training with the Whites.

The defender hasn't been in any of the training pictures released by Fulham so far, while he wasn't to be seen in the recent Motspur Parklife video released on the club's YouTube channel either.

Tosin wasn't the only notable absentee, the likes of Joao Palhinha, Bernd Leno and Harry Wilson are also yet to be seen, but, unlike Tosin, those players have had international responsibilities to attend to in recent weeks.

Of course, it could just be the case that the defender has managed to evade the cameraman so far after Fulham's return to training, but given how comprehensive the recent video coverage was, that does seem unlikely.

The towering defender also isn't known to be carrying any sort of injury either, so that makes his absence all the more mysterious.

We can't say the exact reason why Tosin was missing from this video, but the fact that the £13m man is being continuously linked with an exit from Craven Cottage may hold some sort of clue as to why he hasn't shown up in any training pictures as of yet.

Indeed, it is standard protocol for any player preparing for a transfer to miss training as they don't want to pick up any unnecessary injuries before moving to their new clubs.

It does look as though Tosin will leave this summer, and while Tottenham are said to be leading the race for his signature, it remains to be seen where the £13m player will end up.



https://tbrfootball.com/13m-player-tottenham-are-favourites-to-sign-appears-to-be-absent-from-pre-season-training-at-his-club/

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham striker wants to leave Premier League club for Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal bid £25.5m

Aleksandar Mitrovic was Fulham's key player up front, scoring 14 Premier League goals last season as the Cottagers finished in the top half; the Serbian striker wants to leave the west London club after five and a half years; Al Hilal have already signed Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly

(https://e0.365dm.com/23/05/2048x1152/skysports-aleksandar-mitrovic_6161651.jpg?20230520164319)
Aleksandar Mitrovic wants to leave Fulham for Saudi Arabia

Fulham have rejected a £25.5m bid for Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal and have told Sky Sports News the striker is not for sale.

Sources close to the player have told us Mitrovic wants to leave the Premier League side and join the Saudi Pro League.

The Serbia international scored 14 league goals last season to help Fulham finish in the top half of the table.

Mitrovic's goals also played a key role in helping the west London club to return to the top flight from the Championship on two occasions.

The forward joined Fulham, initially on loan in February 2018, before signing permanently for around £25m later that year.

Al Hilal have been one of the busiest Saudi Arabian clubs in this transfer window - and have already claimed one major Premier League coup in Wolves captain Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese midfielder, who was captain at Wolves, completed a £47m move to the Pro League club earlier this summer.

Al Hilal have also signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, while Sky in Italy report that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is close to a £34.5m move to the same club.

Milikovic-Savic, who is Mitrovic's international team-mate with Serbia, is reportedly set to sign a contract worth over £17m per year.

The other high-profile player Al Hilal have is former Sporting Lisbon and Benfica forward Andre Carillo, who has 92 caps for Peru and spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Watford.

Who plays for who? The stars in Saudi Arabia
Al Fateh    Cristian Tello
Al Hilal    Matheus Pereira, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Al-Ittihad    N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, Jota
Al Nassr    Cristiano Ronaldo, Luiz Gustavo, David Ospina, Marcelo Brozovic
Al Shabab    Ever Banega
Al Ahli    Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Ezgjan Alioski

What is Saudi Arabia's aim for football?
Saudi Arabia are signing some of world football's most high profile players this summer - but why is this happening and does this spending power pose a threat to big European clubs?

In 2023 alone, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Middle Eastern nation on a free transfer, with Ballon D'Or winner Karim Benzema turning down another season at Real Madrid to join him in the country.

Meanwhile, a host of Chelsea players - including N'Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy - have swapped Stamford Bridge for Saudi Arabia, while the likes of Heung-Min Son, Bernardo Silva and Mitrovic have been targeted.

Back in June, Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol analysed this transfer market trend...



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12919622/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-striker-wants-to-leave-premier-league-club-for-saudi-arabia-as-al-hilal-bid-25-5m

Fulham player 'very close' to accepting offer from Saudi Arabia – Bid 'sent' to Silva's side
Lazio's Sergej Milinković-Savić is edging towards a move to Al Hilal SFC if the latest reports from Italy are to be believed. The Serbia international could be joined by his compatriot and Fulham striker, Aleksandar Mitrović.

That's according to Serbia's Informer, who say the Saudi Arabian club have 'sent an offer' of around €40m to Marco Silva's side.

It's further claimed the Fulham star has been offered a three-year deal worth €25m per season.

Sources close to the 28-year-old have told Informer that he's 'very close' to accepting Al Hilal's offer but hasn't informed them of his final decision yet.

Recent claims have talked about interest from a few English clubs. The outlet says none of the European clubs will be able to match what Al Hilal are offering him.

The Riyadh club have already signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Rúben Neves from Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively. Milinković-Savić is getting closer to joining them and now Mitrović's final decision is awaited.

The former Newcastle man's deal lasts until 2026. There's no mention whether Fulham are ready to part ways with the player who managed 15 goals and four assists from 28 games last season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-very-close-to-accepting-offer-from-saudi-arabia-bid-sent-to-silvas-side/

Chelsea should take a look at £25.5m goal machine before he heads to Saudi Arabia
There are reports today that Fulham have received a bid of £25.5m from Saudi Arabia for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Al Hilal want the Serbian striker, and he seems keen to go, according to this Sky report.

It begs the question – why aren't Chelsea interested?

We've desperately struggled to find a goalscorer, and while nobody thinks Mitrovic is suddenly going to become the Brazilian Ronaldo if he comes to Stamford Bridge, he would guarantee us some goals and provide a great stopgap while we try to find the new Erling Haaland or Karim Benzema.

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1679083953792200707

Think of how much better off we would have been had we bought him instead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last year – or instead of Romelu Lukaku the year before.

Instead of taking the unglamourous option we went big, and have been stung. We aren't the first to suggest it – former Blue Tony Cascarino said the same back in January of this year.

In players like Nicolas Jackson, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja we have some potentially brilliant forwards, but they could need 3 or 4 or even more years to reach their peak. In Mitrovic, we have a great option to keep the team firing in the meantime.

If one of those youngsters starts excelling, then Mitro becomes a really dangerous number 9 option off the bench. Perhaps we've waited a couple of years too long, but the affordable answer to our scoring problems was staring us in the face.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2023/07/chelsea-should-take-a-look-at-25-5m-goal-machine-before-he-heads-to-saudi-arabia/

Fulham fan banned from football for homphobic chant, will face fine
A Fulham supporter has been banned for three years from football after homophobic chanting in February.

The incident took place during 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where Josaiah Norman was caught using the homophobic slur 'rent boy' during the match. Norman, 25, pleaded guilty to the offence at Westminster Magistrates Court, report the BBC.

In addition to the ban, Norman was fined although it is not yet clear how much.

The Football Association also have the ability to charge clubs for their fans' actions, but have not taken the opportunity to do so on this occasion. The incident was condemned by Fulham and Chelsea at the time, the latter of which reported the incident and gave evidence.

The Premier League has for some time supported civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community, in particular with their rainbow laces campaign, however like many large companies have been accused of a largely superficial response to discrimination at times.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/07/12/fulham-fan-banned-from-football-for-homphobic-chant-will-face-fine/

Fulham reject £25.5m bid from Al Hilal for Aleksandar Mitrovic... as the Saudi club close in on the £34m signing of his Serbian team-mate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio

    Aleksandar Mitrovic is keen on a move to Saudi Pro League's Al Hilal this summer
    Fulham rejected the bid, which would have teamed him up with a fellow Serbian

Fulham have rejected a £25.5m offer from Al Hilal for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and insist he is not for sale.

The Serbia international is keen on the move.

Al Hilal have already secured the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves this summer and are looking to complete a Premier League hat-trick with the capture of the Fulham marksman.

The Serbian, who scored 14 league goals last season after playing a starring role in the Cottagers' promotion to the top-flight a year prior, is keen on the lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.

But  Fulham have rejected Al Hilal's opening offer of £25.5m, meaning the Saudi club will have to make an improved bid to prise him away from west London.

Sources close to the player have said that Mitrovic is set on becoming the latest name to join the Saudi project in a move that would provide Fulham a small profit on the deal that took the 28-year-old to Craven Cottage in 2018.

Should he eventually get his wish, Mitrovic would be in line to join his Serbian team-mate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who nears a £34m move to the club.

In the past, he had been a target for Liverpool and Arsenal, while Manchester United went in pursuit of him last summer.

But the 28-year-old has opted to take up a reported annual wage of £17m for his efforts in Saudi Arabia.

The additions of Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic to an Al Hilal roster that contains Neves and Koulibaly signals the league's determination to be considered a legitimate force.

Not only have the side recruited players from Europe who are entering the prime years of their careers, but Al Hilal have also drafted in former Benfica manager and three Portuguese champion Jorge Jesus to lead their roster.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12290881/Al-Hilal-launch-25-5m-bid-Fulham-striker-Aleksandar-Mitrovic.html

Fulham youngster set for move to Austria after agreeing deal

Fulham youngster Ibane Bowat has agreed a new three-year contract  and is set to join Austrian side TSV Hartberg on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Dutch outfit Den Bosch.

A number of Championship, League One and Scottish Premier League clubs have shown an interest in him this summer but he has opted to head to the Austrian Bundesliga.

Bowat was at Chelsea prior to joining Fulham in 2017.

His new deal includes the option of a further year.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-youngster-set-for-move-to-austria-after-agreeing-deal

Fulham Take Hardline Stance On Aleksander Mitrovic After Rejecting Bid

Fulham are insistent that Aleksander Mitrovic is not for sale after rejecting Al Hilal's big-money offer, according to CBS Sports.

Mitrovic's future has come under the scanner due to serious interest from Saudi Arabia where Al Hilal want to sign him.

The Saudi Arabian side are on the verge of signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio and are keen to sign his Serbia team-mate Mitrovic.

It emerged earlier on Wednesday that the Saudi club tabled a bid worth £25.5m in their pursuit of the striker.

But it has been claimed that Fulham wasted little time in knocking back the offer from Al Hilal for the forward.

Marco Silva is not planning to sell the forward this summer and the west London club are insistent that Mitrovic is not for sale.

The Serbian is a massive player up front for Fulham and their bad form late last season coincided with the striker's absence from the team due to a lengthy suspension.

Fulham are certain that they do not want to move him on but it remains to be seen whether Al Hilal table a new bid.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/07/12/fulham-take-hardline-stance-on-aleksander-mitrovic-after-rejecting-bid/610463/

🔖 2023/24 Fulham Membership available now!
Make it Official and join the Fulham Family today!
Get closer to the Club you love by securing your Official Fulham FC Membership for the 2023/24 campaign.

Priority Ticket Access
With all 2023/24 Season Tickets sold out, high demand is expected to watch Marco Silva's side in Premier League action at Craven Cottage for the upcoming campaign.

Official Fulham FC Membership will provide a host of exclusive benefits - including being one of the first in line to access ticket on-sales for our eagerly anticipated home fixtures.

In line with previous seasons, Official Fulham FC Members will receive an exclusive priority booking period to secure their place at Craven Cottage for those all-important games when they go on sale.

New for 2023/24
In addition to priority access to purchase tickets, Official Fulham FC Members will also continue to enjoy an exclusive discount on their match ticket for league games at Craven Cottage.

In 2023/24, adult members will enjoy a £10 discount on seats in The Riverside, in addition to a £5 discount available on seats in the Johnny Haynes Stand, Hammersmith and Putney Ends.

Also new, junior members will now receive a £5 discount on their match ticket on any seat throughout the ground.

All match ticket discounts apply to one ticket per member, per game.

Benefits
All 2023/24 Members will receive a Membership card for the campaign, with a host of additional benefits available to view here.

How To Buy
Priced at £50 for adults and £30 for juniors (ages 18 and under), Official Membership is available for Fulham FC fans all around the world to purchase now.

Bringing you closer to the Club, supporters can secure their membership online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

JOIN THE FULHAM FAMILY

Please Note Memberships are for home supporters only and you must have purchased an Official Fulham Membership by the point at which ticket details for a specific fixture have been announced on Club channels (e.g. fulhamfc.com), in order to qualify and be able to purchase tickets for that match. All tickets during the initial members on sale window ('Members Period') are one per member.

Full 2023/24 Membership terms and conditions can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/12/23-24-fulham-membership-on-sale-now/

Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham reject £25m bid from Al-Hilal


Fulham have rejected a £25m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The 28-year-old, who joined Fulham from Newcastle for a reported £22m in 2018, has three years left on his contract.

Sources at Fulham told BBC Sport they dismissed the offer out of hand and have no desire to sell Mitrovic.

Al-Hilal have signed Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer.

Mitrovic scored 14 Premier League goals last season as Fulham finished 10th on their return to the top flight.

He broke the Championship scoring record with 43 goals in 44 games during their promotion-winning season in 2021-22.

Mitrovic was banned for eight matches and fined £75,000 for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in an FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester United in April.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66175538

Fulham in crisis after Chelsea rejection sees big bid tabled for star man who wants out

Al Hilal have turned their attention to Aleksandar Mitrovic after seeing a Chelsea raid knocked back, and the Serbian is determined to leave despite Fulham rejecting a sizeable bid, per reports.

Moves to the Saudi Pro League have littered the transfer window thus far and will continue to make headlines as the summer rolls on.

Al Hilal – who have already signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – are now turning their attention up front.

Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku was in their sights. However, the Belgium international greatly prefers remaining in Europe and if he does leave Stamford Bridge, a return to Italy with either Inter Milan or Juventus is expected.

With that avenue closed, Al Hilal have fixed their sights on Fulham frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian, 28, bulldozed his way to 14 goals in 24 matches for Fulham in the Premier League alone last season.

Mitrovic tailed off as the season wore on, though along with Joao Palhinha, is among Marco Silva's most important players.

But per Romano, Al Hilal have submitted an official bid worth around £25.5m. According to Sky Sports, the Cottagers have rejected the offer.

However, the story isn't likely to end there. Indeed, Romano hinted at "more talks" being on the horizon. Furthermore, Sky Sports state Mitrovic actually wants to leave Fulham.

They claimed 'sources close to the player have told [Sky Sports] Mitrovic wants to leave the Premier League side and join the Saudi Pro League.'

That will be a bitter pill to swallow for Fulham and Silva. Signing a player who'll have the same level of impact as Mitrovic did last year will likely cost far in excess of the initial offer made by Al Hilal.

If Mitrovic attempts to engineer an exit and Al Hilal raise their bid, Fulham's second response may well be different to the first.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/marco-silva-crisis-chelsea-rejection-sees-big-bid-tabled-star-man-wants-out

Insulting £25.6m Al-Hilal bid 'rejected' but Mitrovic is 'keen' to join Man Utd target in Saudi Arabia

Fulham have rejected a £25.5million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Mitrovic joined the Londoners on loan from Newcastle United in January 2018 before making the move permanent six months later.

He scored an impressive 12 goals in 17 Championship appearances for Fulham as they earned promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The 28-year-old then had a decent season in the top flight, netting 11 goals in 37 matches.

After scoring 26 in 40 as the Cottagers were promoted again in 2020, Mitrovic had a poor Premier League campaign as many assumed he was one of those players too good for the Championship but not good enough for Our League.

That logic was only strengthened by his record-breaking 43-goal haul in the 2021/22 campaign. Thankfully for him and Fulham, Mitrovic enjoyed a terrific 22/23, proving himself as a top striker with 14 goals in 24 top-flight appearances.

After a superb season, Mitrovic is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday afternoon that Al-Hilal made a €30million (£25.6million) offer to sign the Serbian international.

This was then confirmed by The Athletic, who later reported that the derisory bid has been rejected by Marco Silva's side.

The report claims Mitrovic is 'open to the move' as long as Fulham and Al-Hilal agree a fee. Ben Jacobs has also said the ex-Newcastle striker is 'keen on the move'.

Fulham 'do not want to sell' their star striker and it is no surprise the Saudi club's bid was instantly rejected.

Mitrovic's contract at Craven Cottage does not expire until 2026 and he has scored 58 goals in his last 74 appearances at club level.

Furthermore, he has 52 goals for Serbia and is only 28 years old. Insulting doesn't even begin to cover it, especially when you consider how much money Premier League clubs make.

Should Mitrovic secure a move to Al-Hilal, he will join Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves, who recently joined the club from Chelsea and Wolves, respectively.

Al-Hilal are also reportedly close to confirming the signing of Lazio and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.

On Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the former Man Utd and Arsenal target will move to Saudi Arabia for a fee worth €40million.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-reject-insulting-mitrovic-saudi-arabia-bid-keen-to-join-al-hilal

Fan banned for homophobic chanting

Supporter prevented from attending matches for three years and fined after gestures at Stamford Bridge

A Fulham fan has been banned from attending football matches for three years and fined after engaging in homophobic chanting during Fulham's trip to Chelsea in February.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to an aggravated Public Order Act Offence at Westminster Magistrates Court.

A club statement read: "Fulham Football Club has been notified by the Metropolitan Police that a supporter has been found guilty of engaging in homophobic chanting during our Premier League fixture away to Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on 2 February 2023.

"Fulham condemns homophobic, hateful or discriminatory chanting of any nature.

"Fulham is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all those connected to the club, including staff, players, supporters and members of the local community.

"Discrimination, harassment or abuse of any kind has no place at Fulham and we will continue to support equality, diversity and inclusion among all those associated with the club."

How to report abuse
Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated by the Premier League and our clubs, and we encourage supporters to continue to play their part in this by reporting it.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3587312

Why Aleksandar Mitrovic won't leave Fulham this summer

Drew Heatley argues the case for Mitro staying in SW6 this summer.

Well. We were all so busy analysing Joao Palhinha's every word on Instagram that we forgot to incubate our golden egg.

I'm sure your reaction upon the news that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal (yep, the same one that reportedly chased Marco Silva throughout June) had bid for Mitro was the same as mine: a chuckle. How they thought we would entertain selling our talisman for £500,000 more than we bought him for after 111 goals in 205 games is anyone's guess. It'd barely pay for his left ball.

But the corresponding line that he wants to make a similar move to that of his compatriot and friend Sergej Milinković-Savić made just days ago – had me spitting my mid-morning coffee out.

But we've had a couple of hours to dwell on this. We've seen Peter Rutzler report a slightly softer Mitro stance of being merely "open" to the move. And we've been buoyed by the news that Fulham rejected the bid out of hand, adding that he's not for sale.

That statement from Fulham is important. The club has nailed its colours to the mast. It doesn't, of course, mean that Mitro 100% won't leave, but it means he'll have to agitate for the move, destroying five years of goodwill and a relationship with fans at a club that, let's face it, has made his career.

He owes the club
Fulham FC has helped Aleksandar Mitrovic as much as Aleksander Mitrovic has helped Fulham FC. And that is reason number one in my case that he stays. When he signed his latest new deal (which keeps him at the club until 2026, by the way), it ended a series of low points for him for both club and country. He'd been largely kept out of the side thanks to Scott Parker, he'd been in the news for partying during lockdown, and he'd missed a crucial penalty against Scotland that meant Serbia missed out on (a delayed) Euro 2020.

The show of faith from the club, the arm around the shoulder from Marco Silva, once again reignited Mitro's flame, and the 2021/22 season will go down in history. 

He'll not prove a thing in Saudi
Mitro's gone on to show Leanne Sanderson and his other naysayers that he can, in fact, do it in the top flight. To jack that in now to play the equivalent of Sunday league, despite its riches, feels like an odd thing to do. Mitro's 28; he's at the absolute peak of his powers – but will anyone really care if he scores 50 in the Saudi Pro League? I don't know the man or what he values, but he once spoke about not being able to put a price on feeling happy to go to work. And that's telling.

Time for Shad to act
This one has got a long way to run, that much is for sure. And that's a shame, as it's unsettling. But so long as Mitro doesn't decide to burn his legacy to the ground – pun intended – then I feel like the club's stance is legit. Get the cheque book out, give the man a little bump, and while the cash is flowing, give some to Marco Silva too.

Today marks 10 years since Shahid Khan took over Fulham FC. And he faces two of the biggest decisions of that tenure. Does he let the two most important figures in the club's recent history walk away, dooming him to repeat the mistakes of the previous decade? Or does he take control, and guide the club forward like he promised to when he began his "custodianship" in 2013?


It's time to show what kind of owner you are, Mr Khan.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-07-12-why-aleksandar-mitrovic-wont-be-leaving-fulham-this-summer/

Fulham reject Al-Hilal bid for Mitrovic
Fulham have immediately rejected Al-Hilal's £25.5m bid for striker Aleskandar Mitrovic and insist the Serbian striker is not for sale.

Al-Hilal, who also targeted Fulham head coach Marco Silva this summer, are keen to sign the 28 year-old forward and have the resources of the state-owned Public Investment Fund, the major backer behind Newcastle United, to spend. Although Mitrovic is reported to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia, Fulham consider themselves in a strong position as the former Newcastle United centre forward is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2026 and the Whites consider Al-Hilal's initial offer to be derisory.

Fulham are not countenancing selling Mitrovic, who has scored 111 goals in 204 games since moving to west London initially on loan in January 2018, and Silva considers the striker central to his future plans.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulham-reject-al-hilal-bid-for-mitrovic/

'Flying in with his agent' - Fabrizio Romano issues £20m transfer update for Ex-Brighton striker and Fulham target
Ex-Brighton striker Viktor Gyökeres is in the final stages of sealing his move away from Coventry

Gyökeres, 25, was excellent for Coventry last term in the Championship and netted 21 goals from 41 starts, with 10 assists as the Sky Blues so nearly achieved promotion to the Premier League.

Coventry were painfully denied the riches of the top flight as they were narrowly beaten in the play-off final by Luton Town – who will be Brighton's first opponent of the coming season on August 12 at the American Express Stadium.

It was a blow for Mark Robins' team and they are now set to lose their top striker Gyökeres as he completes a move to Sporting Lisbon for around £20m. Gyökeres joined Brighton from IF Brommapojkarna in 2017 but the Sweden international was rarely given a chance to shine at the Seagulls. He made no appearances in the Premier League and his eight senior outings all came in the FA Cup and the Carabao.

Gyökeres had a loan spell at Swansea and then Coventry before the Sky Blues made the move permanent for around £1m in 2021, where he netted 43 goals in total from his two seasons at Coventry.

Importantly for Brighton, they reportedly added a sell-on clause and the Seagulls are set to bank 10 per cent of the expected £20m transfer fee when the deal to Sporting is signed off.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/flying-in-with-his-agent-fabrizio-romano-issues-ps20m-transfer-update-for-ex-brighton-striker-and-fulham-target-4216573

Forest send contract offer to 'world class' star who scored against them last season - Romano
Nottingham Forest have sent a contract offer to free agent Willian as he mulls over his next club. The experienced winger is currently available after leaving Fulham at the end of last season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are now keen to sign the forward. Fulham want him back at Craven Cottage too, whilst the player also has offers from Saudi Arabia to ponder.

At 34-years-old, Willian is hardly going to be a signing for the future. However, he enjoyed a steady campaign during 2022/23, scoring five goals and claiming six assists in 30 appearances for Fulham.

Marco Silva was a huge fan of Willian who scored against Forest during a 2-0 win in February. He called the player 'world-class' during an interview with ESPN.

Willian is a seasoned professional when it comes to the Premier League. He's also played for Arsenal and Chelsea; winning two Premier League titles and the Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Forest are definitely on the lookout for another wide option this summer. Incidentally, Willian can operate on either flank or through the middle, as he did with Fulham last season.

It's not really clear why Fulham didn't tie him down sooner. He proved a useful player for them and it's perhaps surprising that they didn't act quicker.

Forest send contract offer to Willian
This one has come out of the blue somewhat. Willian has a number of clubs chasing him and he did prove last season that he can still play in the Premier League.

His goal in February against Forest was brilliant. It actually won the Goal of the Month award for February in the Premier League, such was the brilliance of it.

It's not clear what the finances would be on this one. Naturally, it seems as though Willian will want a handsome wage and Forest are now trying to work things through.

Rumour rating: 7/10 – If Willian was a little bit younger, we'd probably score this slightly higher. However, given that it's likely to be a one-year deal, we've marked it down slightly.

Forest have a burgeoning Brazilian community right now and Willian would add to that. If they can land him, it would be a pretty decent signing for the squad and would definitely give Steve Cooper some options.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2023/07/12/nottingham-forest-transfer-news-reds-offer-contract-to-world-class-forward/

Bowie on target for Cobblers in behind-closed-doors match against Southampton youngsters
Cobblers took on Southampton Under-23s at the club's Moulton College training base in a behind closed doors pre-season match on Tuesday afternoon.

The match itself was split into four 20-minute blocks. The first two blocks were made up of mainly first-team players and the final two blocks involved a lot of the Under-18s squad.

The game finished 4-2 to Southampton, with Kieron Bowie and youth team player Leo Jenkins on target for the Cobblers.

First-team coach Marc Richards, who oversaw the game, said: "This was a much-needed run out for the lads as we look to dust off some cobwebs ahead of Saturday's match with Leicester City.

"It was a good chance for us as staff to look at the players and assess where they are in terms of match fitness and also to get some minutes into their legs.

"We thank Southampton for travelling down to us and for providing us a competitive game ahead of the weekend."



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/bowie-on-target-for-cobblers-in-behind-closed-doors-match-against-southampton-youngsters-4216595

Fred considering Manchester United future, set for Erik ten Hag talks
Manchester United midfielder Fred has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Fulham keen on signing him.

A report from 90min claims that Brazilian midfielder Fred is considering his future at Manchester United, and he is set to hold crunch talks with manager Erik ten Hag.

The Brazilian international has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford so far since completing his £47 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk. And it will be interesting to see if it decides to move on. The player has been linked with clubs like Fulham in recent weeks.

There is no doubt that the 30-year-old could prove to be a useful acquisition for a mid-table club. And if Fulham can offer him assurances of regular game time, he could be tempted. The Brazilian international is unlikely to be a regular starter for Manchester United in the coming seasons. So it makes sense for him to move on.

The 30-year-old midfielder is set for showdown talks with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, and he will probably be seeking first-team assurances from the Dutchman. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag is prepared to hold on to the midfielder beyond this summer.

Manchester United recently completed a big-money move for Mason Mount, and they have been linked with a number of other central midfielders as well. Fred could find himself further down the pecking order by the end of the transfer window. So a move away from Old Trafford seems ideal for him.

The 30-year-old could prove to be a useful acquisition for a club like Fulham, and he will add technical ability and defensive cover to their midfield. In addition to that, his departure could be beneficial to Manchester United as well.

The midfielder could fetch a substantial fee this summer even though it won't be close to £47 million. Nonetheless, it would boost Manchester United's transfer war chest and help them improve their squad further. Fred is not the only midfielder linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer and Scott McTominay could be on his way out of the club as well.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/07/12/fred-considering-manchester-united-future-set-for-erik-ten-hag-talks/

Fulham 'return to the charge' for January target – Will 'enter into talks' after €25m asking price set
Fulham have decided to 'return to the charge' for Fluminense midfielder André and are close to finalising a deal for him.

That's according to AS, who say Marco Silva's side are 'seeking to close' a deal for the Brazilian midfielder and add him to their squad for next season.

The newspaper reports that the player is considered 'one of the best midfielders' in the Brasileirão, where he has been shining thanks to his 'organisational skills'.

Fluminense will 'seek a great sale' for the young star and have set an asking price of close to €25m for their number seven.

Fulham had moved for the midfielder in the January transfer window, initially offering €20m for the player but were given a 'resounding no' at the time.

They decided to leave their interest to one side and return this summer and have now done so, with the plan to once again 'enter into talks' to 'test the situation' around the player. They are said to believe he could be a perfect complement for João Palinha and Harrison Reed in their midfield.

Any transfer won't be easy, though. André's performances in Brazil mean his stock is high, with him already a Brazil international following his debut against Senegal in June.

Hence his already relatively high asking price, a figure Fluminense are unlikely to move from as they look to get the best figure possible for one of their star men.

Whether Fulham will pay the requested amount remains to be seen but it's believed emissaries from Craven Cottage 'will start talks with Fluminense' to work out a deal first hand.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-return-charge-january-target/

Fulham: Major Marco Silva and Mitrovic update emerges at Craven Cottage
Fulham fans will be sweating on news regarding Marco Silva and Aleksandr Mitrovic's futures.

Fulham could be set for a busy summer transfer window, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on Marco Silva, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Joao Palhinha, speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

After cementing a midtable finish last season, Fulham will be desperate to kick on and achieve a similar position next term.

Fulham transfer news - Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Marco Silva
Finishing in the top half of the Premier League was a fantastic achievement for Fulham in their first season back in England's top flight.

To perform to a similar level in the next campaign, keeping hold of some of their key players will be vitally important.

One player linked with a move away is Portuguese midfielder Palhinha, who is being targeted by West Ham United.

As per the MailOnline, Fulham are set to demand £90m for Palhinha, with West Ham eyeing him as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.

Mitrovic is another player attracting interest after his impressive season, with Sky Sports reporting that Fulham have rejected a bid from Al-Hilal, insisting the striker is not for sale.

Away from the playing squad, there's been plenty of talk that manager Silva could also depart.

According to iNews, Silva has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese boss having a £6m release clause in his contract.

Now, journalist Jones had provided an update on the trio.

What has Jones said about Mitrovic, Palhinha, and Silva?
Jones has suggested that talk of Silva leaving seemed to die down, but the Saudi club are set to push again, with an offer for Mitrovic also in the works.

In more positive news, Jones has claimed that Palhinha will not be leaving as it stands.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Fulham fans have spent the past month sweating over whether Marco Silva can resist the vast sums of money being thrown in his direction from Saudi Arabia.

It looked like the storm had totally blown over but now I'm hearing there might be one last push to get him into the Saudi Pro League and there has also been an offer rejected for Mitrovic as well.

"These are the two most important figures at the football club. Mitrovic is irreplaceable in terms of what he brings as a figurehead for the team - and of course, his goals record is unmatchable.

"Marco Silva is possibly more replaceable, but his style of play and vision might not be. So this is still a pretty tense moment for Fulham to get through. My hunch is that Fulham will get through this.

"The indications I have had are that a week or so ago Marco Silva had decided to stay and that a new contract agreement is close - and Mitrovic is very focused on the new season and has never shown an intention to leave the club.

"So, in that sense, this is slightly comforting from a Fulham point of view. The other good news for Fulham is that Palhinha is going nowhere as it stands, as West Ham have been put off by his price tag."

Who could Fulham be looking to sign?
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has recently confirmed to GIVEMESPORT that Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer is of interest to the Cottagers.

Journalist Jones previously told GIVEMESPORT that Yunus Musah is another player who could be on his way to Craven Cottage after a failed move to AC Milan.

New signings will be important for Fulham, but securing some of the key men at the club will be a huge priority this summer.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-craven-cottage-marco-silva/

Nottingham Forest and Fulham set to battle for former Chelsea star
Willian had an impressive return to England this past season. Signing a one-year contract with Fulham last summer, the Brazilian winger went onto record a respectable 11 goal contributions in the Premier League. Now at 34 years old, Fulham remain interested in bringing Willian back while fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forrest are also interested in the player. This is according to Fabrizio Romano who states that both English clubs have submitted proposals to Willian.

In what is not very surprising given some of the transfers this summer, Saudi Pro League clubs are also on the list for potential suitors for Willian.

Many Premier League fans will remember Willian from his days at Chelsea. He spent 7 years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles and Europa League. In 2020, the winger made a bit of an unexpected move when he signed for fierce rivals Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer. Willian spent just a single season with Arsenal before his contract was mutually terminated.

A return to his home country and boyhood club was on the cards for summer 2021. Willian inked a deal that ran with Corinthians until the end of 2023. After threats made towards the player surfaced, he was able to get his contract terminated and once again he was a free agent.

After a fairly below-average spell back in Brazil, it was a little bit of a surprise that the veteran was able to secure a Premier League move. His one year contract with Fulham signed on September 1st 2022 ended up being solid business for the London-based club.

What's next for Willian remains to be seen. Given his long history of playing in London, he may want to stay put and re-sign with Fulham. Of course, the offers from Saudi Arabia will contain the biggest contracts, which also has to be considered.



https://thetopflight.com/2023/07/12/nottingham-forest-fulham-willian/

Fulham now 'readying second offer' to sign £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage
Fulham now 'readying second offer' to sign £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage

Fulham will certainly want to keep hold of Willian for another year, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on his future, speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

The Brazilian winger was impressive for Fulham on his return to Premier League football.

Fulham transfer news - Willian
Fulham signed former Arsenal winger Willian last summer on a one-year deal, which expired at the end of June this year.

As per The Athletic, Fulham are nearing a breakthrough in discussions over a new deal for Willian.

The report claims that Willian could now be earning almost £100k-a-week if he signs on the dotted line at Craven Cottage.

The former Chelsea man played a pivotal role in the Cottagers' first campaign back in England's top flight, where Marco Silva guided them to a top-half finish.

The 34-year-old scored five times and provided five assists in 25 Premier League starts, as per FBref.

Last month, the Evening Standard claimed that Fulham were expected to lose Willian after the two parties couldn't agree a deal.

The report adds that multiple Premier League clubs have considered signing the former Brazil international this summer.

Now, journalist Jones has provided an update on his contract situation at Craven Cottage.

What has Jones said about Willian?
Jones has suggested that Fulham will be the 'prime candidates' to sign Willian during the summer transfer window.

The journalist adds that the capital club are set to go in with a second offer for Willian with a significant rise in wages.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "At this moment in time, it looks like Fulham are going to go back with a second offer for Willian, and they're willing to put him on wages that aren't far off what Aleksandar Mitrović will be earning.

"So, they're starting to show him what he means to them now. I still feel that Fulham will be the prime candidates to re-sign Willian now before he looks at other clubs in London."

What's next for Fulham?
Keeping hold of some of their key players as they look to avoid slipping down the table next season, as is fairly common with sides after they gain promotion to the Premier League.

The MailOnline have claimed that Fulham are set to demand £90m for Joao Palhinha in a bid to deter any clubs potentially interested in the Portuguese midfielder.

The price tag is likely to prevent clubs from showing too much interest, but it's believed West Ham United are keen on the midfielder as a successor to Declan Rice.

Journalist Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on signing Tosin Adarabioyo, who is searching for a new club this summer.

Securing a new contract for Antonee Robinson was a huge boost for the club heading into next season, with the American international previously attracting interest.

Football Insider recently claimed that Manchester City were considering a move for the former Everton youth product, before he committed his long-term future to the Cottagers earlier this month.



https://www.givemesport.com/willian-fulham-transfer-news-craven-cottage-marco-silva/

Nottingham Forest make approach for free agent Willian as Fulham also prepare second offer to bring the Brazilian back to Craven Cottage following his contract expiry amid Saudi interest

    Nottingham Forest approach Willian as the free agent mulls over his future
    Fulham have made another contract offer to him, while Saudi clubs are keen

Nottingham Forest have made an approach to free agent Willian as he ponders a contract offer from Fulham.

The 34-year-old rejected Fulham's initial proposal but he could yet commit his future to the London outfit after their second approach.

Willian made a splash on his return to the Premier League last season, registering five goals and six assists, and he was a key driver in their top-half finish.

Saudi Arabian clubs are also making advances and the Brazilian is expected to make a decision in the coming days.

While he is nearing the end of his career, Willian still has immense value to bring and won two Premier League titles with Chelsea. 

Across seven seasons as a Chelsea regular, he also won the Europa League.

A 70-time Brazil international, he won the 2019 Copa America and has nine goals on the world stage.

His season-long stint at Arsenal in 2020-21 was not so successful but he regained his admirers and reputation during his time at Fulham, helping them to be surprise packages in their first season back in the Premier League.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12293111/Nottingham-Forest-make-approach-free-agent-Willian-Fulham-prepare-second-offer.html