Fulham working hard to beat Arsenal to Brazilian midfielder
Fulham is making a strong push to secure the services of Andre Trindade, a midfielder who is also a target for Arsenal, as he contemplates a January move from Fluminense.
Andre had been linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but the transfer did not materialise as he preferred not to change clubs in the middle of the Brazilian season. Staying on, he was subsequently rewarded with winning the Copa Libertadores.
As he prepares to leave in January, Arsenal faces competition from Fulham for his signature. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, is highly interested in Andre and sees him as a superb addition to their squad.
Fulham is reportedly ready to compete with other top Premier League clubs for Andre's signature, and if they receive positive indications to proceed, they may gain an advantage over Arsenal in securing the midfielder.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Andre is one of the finest midfielders in Brazil at the moment, and we can tell that by looking at the clubs that are interested in a move for him.
The midfielder has been terrific in the last few months, and we must move in January to sign him as a replacement for Thomas Partey even if we do not sell the Ghanaian.
https://www.justarsenal.com/fulham-working-hard-to-beat-arsenal-to-brazilian-midfielder/353947
Football rumours: Fulham at front of queue to sign Brazil midfielder Andre
What the papers say
The Evening Standard reports Fulham are ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United in the battle to sign Fluminense's 22-year-old Brazil midfielder Andre.
The same newspaper says Fulham have also showed interest in 24-year-old Denmark striker Jonas Wind, who has scored eight goals in 11 matches so far for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
The Daily Star reports there could be a cleanout at Manchester United next year with the possibility of 15 players leaving the Premier League club. The first player out the door is rumoured to be 23-year-old Jadon Sancho.
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/football-rumours-fulham-front-queue-072329877.html
'He elbowed me'... Tom Cairney admits £3m Fulham man just gave him a black eye in training
Fulham club captain Tom Cairney has admitted that teammate Kenny Tete recently gave him a black eye in training.
Cairney was with Harrison Reed discussing the squad's ratings on Football Manager on the club's official YouTube channel.
It's been a long international break for the Fulham squad, with the team not back in action until Monday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Plenty of players had jetted off around the world to compete for their countries while some of the squad have still been working with Marco Silva behind the scenes.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid scored a late penalty to help Jamaica qualify for Copa America in 2024.
Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson scored in back-to-back games for the USA as they also sealed their spot in next year's tournament.
However, back on the Fulham training ground, Tom Cairney and Kenny Tete were getting too close for comfort.
The 32-year-old has suggested that a presumably accidental elbow has given him a black eye.
Having watched the way Tete plays in games, it's no surprise he carries that intensity into his work on the training ground too.
Cairney suggests Tete gave him a black eye in training
Reed and Cairney are guessing which player is which on Football Manager based on their in-game attributes.
After identifying Tete's stats, Cairney said: "Can the camera see my black eye or not? Can you zoom in on that?
Reed asked tongue-in-cheek: "What happened?"
Cairney replied: "Him [Kenny Tete], on there! What is his aggression? [11 out of 20] Nah, it should be at least 18.
"He elbowed me in training, but it's alright, it's fine, I've been through worse."
The £3m defender has been missing for some time with an injury that has seen Timothy Castagne deputise well for him.
It's a boost to hear that Tete is back in full training even if he's caught Cairney with a stray elbow.
The two-time Scottish international could be introduced to the side against Wolves on Monday.
Joao Palhinha is suspended and Silva will have to shuffle his team around to make up for losing the Portuguese talisman.
https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/23/he-elbowed-me-tom-cairney-admits-3m-fulham-man-just-gave-him-a-black-eye-in-training/
João Palhinha permitted to leave Fullham for reduced fee, Bayern remain interested
Will Thomas Tuchel finally get to scratch a defensive midfielder off his shopping list?
It's no great secret among Bayern Munich fan's that Thomas Tuchel desperately wants a defensive minded midfielder.
The Bayern coach almost got his wish in the summer transfer window as João Palhinha looked set to become a Bayern Munich player. However, Fulham's failure to secure a replacement collapsed the transfer, leaving Bayern with a bitter taste in their mouth.
Although, according to Bayern expert, Florian Plettenberg, The Bavarians may be in for a second bite of the cherry.
Many people were left confused when Palhinha signed a new deal with Fulham, tying him to the club until the 2027/28 season, all in the aftermath of his collapsed transfer to Bayern.
This would certainly up the price tag for the defensive-midfielder, raising eyebrows as to whether Bayern would be willing to cough up more than 65 million euros to secure his signature in the winter window.
Fulham, however, look set to allow Palhinha to leave for less than previously agreed upon.
Good news considering Bayern seem unwilling to match their previous bid, following doubts internally that he is worth such a hefty price tag.
It remains to be seen how much of the 60 million euros Bayern will be able to knock off. Although, a transfer in the ballpark of 50 million euros still seems like a massive transfer fee for a 28-year-old, even in an inflated market.
It is important to remember that as of yet, Bayern and Fulham have not even begun negotiations.
So buckle up y'all, this transfer saga is still set for many twists and turns before we see Palhinha in a Bayern jersey.
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/11/23/23970856/bayern-munich-joao-palhinha-fullham-fc-florian-plettenberg-transfer-news
Welcome to Fulham: the Premier League's unashamedly middle-class club
Of all of London's football clubs, Fulham is the most middle-class. Tucked on the north bank of the Thames amid a neighborhood of million-pound housing and leafy avenues, Craven Cottage is where the residential swell of well-to-do south-west London begins, reaching out to suburbs where rugby union is the preferred sport. Along with rowing, that is. The Oxford-Cambridge University Boat Race, held since 1829, starts on the Putney Bridge many visitors cross to reach the stadium.
To the traditionalists, Fulham was always a second-division concern, welcome in the top division for the pleasantness of the surroundings and the club's commitment to attractive football. And it is a club with no fierce rivalry of note, with near-neighbors Chelsea far more interested in crosstown rivals Tottenham.
Queens Park Rangers and Brentford have never much cared about Fulham, either. Nothing personal: Fulham and their fans have rarely been a threat to anyone. After dark days in the 1980s when bankruptcy threatened, these have been largely happy times among the lawyers, City workers, marketing execs, new media whiz kids and project managers who make up the modern archetype of a Fulham fan.
Fans of Fulham do not expect to collect trophies like Arsenal or Chelsea but recent years have moved the dial on expectations. Alongside the club's bourgeois locale, the club's mission-critical is to establish itself as one of the Premier League's middle-class, with relegation only a fleeting concern and qualifying for European football a hopeful possibility.
The club of Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, important, popular players who follow in the Cottagers' tradition of being a happy home for American players, look capable of safety this season, despite some turbulence. And safety remains the main objective of a club looking to modernize under American ownership while trying not to stray too far from traditions.
The economic drift towards England's capital city that has taken place in the UK, and the proliferation of foreign players in the Premier League, has been helpful to Fulham. Foreign players like to play football in London. The success or otherwise of levelling up, a promise made by the UK's Conservative government to the provincial regions throughout its various administrations since 2010, may actually be best demonstrated by the changed power dynamics in football.
The Manchester clubs are economic powerhouses, Liverpool have made a similar leap, and Saudi Arabian resources have regenerated Newcastle. But London clubs like Fulham, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and even Brentford farther west and once the city's little brother, have benefited from the economic and social advantages gained over rivals in the Midlands and north. Clubs like Brighton and Watford and, this season, Luton, have also reaped the rewards of being readily accessible from London. The Premier League has rarely been so southern-biased; the old First Division that preceded English football's 1992 relaunch followed a similar pattern.
As well as players, foreign owners have been drawn to London, too. Particularly Americans. Todd Boehly and Clearlake have held the reins at Chelsea for 18 eventful months while the Kroenke family has been in overall control of Arsenal since 2011. Since 2015, Crystal Palace have been owned by a trio of American businessmen. Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, celebrated 10 years of ownership of Fulham in July, a decade of ups and downs, of lessons learned and new directions taken and redrawn. The current setup, though, with Marco Silva as manager, represents by far the greatest stability – and best football – since Khan took over.
His son, Tony, runs the day-to-day as director of football operations and has done since those early days. Until last season's 10th place in the Premier League, the Khans had presided over a club maintaining the yo-yo traditions of many decades past, and been just as cutthroat with managers as previous owner, the late Mohamed Al Fayed, Egyptian tycoon and father of Dodi Fayed, companion of Diana, Princess of Wales in their fatal 1997 Paris car crash.
Living up to the media profile of Al Fayed, is clearly not the aim of the Khans, with Tony and Shahid preferring to stay in the background unless absolutely necessary. Unless they sign up to All Or Nothing, neither are likely to be featured characters in a streaming TV smash, like the Fayeds have been in The Crown. Mohamed Al Fayed's eccentric regime left behind the dubious legacy of the statue of Michael Jackson, a close personal friend of the businessman. Previously installed at the Hammersmith End, its taking down was one of the first things to change as a new era began at Fulham.
Perhaps removing Wacko Jacko was something of a curse. The first season under Khan ownership, 2013-14, was an utter disaster. Martin Jol, a capable Dutch manager had lost his way and was replaced by compatriot René Meulensteen. Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United retains a reputation as a fine coach but was no manager. That he was replaced by Felix Magath, admittedly a three-time Bundesliga-winning manager, showed off the lack of experience at the head of the club. Magath could not arrest a plunge towards relegation and is best remembered for telling Brede Hangeland, the club's towering Norwegian defender, to rub cheese on a knee injury.
Four seasons in the Championship were days of disquiet. Al Fayed had brought star names to the club, like Kevin Keegan and Jean Tigana, two managers who played handbrake-off attacking football. Meanwhile, the Khans' attempts to modernize the club were stymied by the economics of lower-division football. In any case, to perform that modernization kicks against the constraints of the club that Fulham is, and fans hope will always be.
After 10 minutes of walking through the leafy Bishops Park by the Thames, Craven Cottage appears out of the trees. The stand on Stevenage Road is a step into a bygone era, the early 20th century. It is the longest surviving creation of Archibald Leitch, the Scottish architect whose art-deco designs were used for the likes of Anfield, Old Trafford, Hampden Park and Tottenham's old White Hart Lane. Such grand designs have long passed into history but Fulham's home preserves the old master's genius.
Craven Cottage, named after the cricket-style pavilion on the corner of the field where players still change for matches, is another relic of football's Corinthian age. Playing away from home is supposed to be hostile. Europe is filled with loud, raucous stadiums, built to intimidate the opposing team and their supporters. Even the gentrified, modern Premier League can muster serious menace on occasion. Craven Cottage is different, though; it can still get raucous when sound rattles round its antiquated stands but it's almost always a nice day out for all concerned.
Fulham was the neutral's club, and until recent years housed a "neutral stand" for visitors wanting to catch a Premier League game. Fulham tickets were even available at the same city-centre booths tourists could buy tickets for West End shows but opposite Leitch's creation is a vision of the club's future. It has also been a millstone. The Riverside Stand, its towering exoskeleton appearing during the Covid lockdown, provides shelter from what can be an icy Thames wind, but it remains unfinished. Sections of seats will be occupied on match days but the upper tiers and executive facilities remain empty and unused.
"A real gamechanger for Fulham Football Club, our neighborhood, and all of London" is what Shahid Khan called it, and yet, after the building contractor, Buckingham Group Contracting, filed for financial administration it will not be completed until, at the earliest, the start of next season. Liverpool's reconstruction of their Anfield Road stand is also delayed for the same reasons. Meanwhile, in an echo of similar disquiet down the road at Chelsea, those fans who do get to sit in the new construction have complained bitterly against £100-plus ticketing. The accusation is that American sports franchise owners like Boehly and the Khans are trying to charge NFL-style prices to an English football audience that still wants to pay the working-class weighted prices of previous eras.
Will the Riverside Stand kick off next summer to Premier League football? The chances are decent, though back in August they looked far less certain. The loss of Aleksandar Mitrović to Saudi Arabian football's riches was a tortuous process while it seemed like Marco Silva, the manager, might follow him to the Gulf. The Portuguese manager has a peripatetic reputation, showing off talent as a coach during brief spells at Hull, Watford and Everton before sharp exits. A stubborn, self-aware type, Silva has been keen to point out he did no worse than Everton's many managers before and since, and at Fulham, he has finally found a more permanent home.
Silva is an attack-minded coach, and after a promotion season in 2021-22 that saw 106 goals scored, Mitrović accounting for 43 of them, his team hit the Premier League running. Jürgen Klopp took his Liverpool team to the Cottage and found them out-run and outfought in a 3-3 draw that almost got away from a rocked-back Reds team whose last competitive match had been the Champions League final. The key man that day, and on so many last season was João Palhinha, a late-developer from Portugal who immediately arrived as one of the most tactically aware – and most adept at tactical fouling – midfielders in the English game. That Palhinha was chased so hard by Bayern Munich last summer to the point of his being pictured in a Bayern shirt, and yet stayed in London, is a heavy indicator he may not have much longer for life by the Thames. He has performed a similar, screening function for Portugal in their perfect, 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Meanwhile, Ream and Robinson continue to be mainstays, the former evergreen at 36, a club legend just as cherished as Clint Dempsey and Brian McBride were when Fulham's Stateside connections were first made two decades ago or so. Robinson, galloping up and down the left flank, is often the most eye-catching performer in a team that presses high and where defenders are encouraged to pour forward. He has become a linchpin of the USMNT. In a Premier League era where full-backs have become far more appreciated, Robinson, like Palhinha, would capture a significant transfer fee, and the new contracts he and Palhinha recently signed – both until 2028 – were attempts by the Khans to protect their best players' resale values.
With the Premier League's bottom four looking adrift, and Everton docked 10 points for financial irregularities, Fulham should be safe once they find a way of replacing Mitrović's goals. The Khans' $100m-plus spend after a previous, 2017-18 promotion granted then-manager Slava Jokanovic a disjointed, Frankenstein squad. Lessons were followed; Silva has never been granted such riches, has had to find from within – or in the budget range – replacements for departed players like Mitrović or Fábio Carvalho, inspirational during the promotion season yet cashed out to Liverpool. In Fulham's last match, a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa, Raúl Jiménez, the Mexican striker jettisoned by Wolves, scored his first Fulham goal in 11 matches, ending 22 Premier League matches of drought.
Wilful, ambitious, well-connected, there may soon come the time when Silva is tempted away. For now, he represents their best chance of reaching into – and staying within – the middle classes of the Premier League that the Khans aspire to.
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/welcome-fulham-premier-league-unashamedly-110050424.html
Ticket Bulletin: Fulham Cup Clash Sold Out
Welcome to the ticket bulletin for Thursday 23 November 2023.
The bulletin provides Evertonians with information on all upcoming matches.
For pricing, seating and further ticket information, click here.
With every Season Ticket seat at Goodison Park having again been sold, the best way to secure your seat for games is to become an Official Member.
Membership entitles Evertonians to ticket priority access, as well as a host of other great benefits. For more information on Official Memberships, or to sign up today, click here.
Our Season Ticket resale platform is available for all 2023/24 Premier League home games.
Our Ticket Transfer Portal is now also live - click here for more information.
Got a question about attending a match? Click here for our Goodison Matchday Guide.
Official ticket and hotel packages to all Everton Premier League home fixtures for 23/24 season are now available via Sportsbreaks.com. Packages include an official Main Stand match ticket, plus a minimum one-night stay in a handpicked Liverpool hotel, including breakfast.
https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2220937/ticket-bulletin-fulham-cup-clash-sold-out
Fulham eye bargain £10m Palhinha replacement but face West Ham battle
Premier League trio West Ham United, Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion are keen on a potential £10 million-plus deal for Torino midfielder Adrien Tameze.
That is according to Tuttosport, a player who joined Torino from Hellas Verona for around £2.5 million only a few months ago potentially on his way out of the Granata already, earning the Serie A outfit a quick profit along the way.
Adrien Tameze, the report adds, is valued in excess of £10 million these days.
There is interest from West Ham United, Fulham and Brighton too, with Tameze's £20,000-a-week wages likely to rise substantially if he makes the trip from Italy to England in the mid-season window.
West Ham in Adrien Tameze race
The 29-year-old, capped by France at youth level, is a defensively-minded midfielder who can also play at right-back. Tameze, once of Atalanta and Nice, boasts some of the best ball-winning statistics in Serie A and could be an alternative to Fulham's number one Joao Palhinha replacement, Andre Trindade (WhoScored).
According to Jorge Nicola and Evening Standard, Fulham are leading the race for the much-coveted Andre. The Brazil international is likely to arrive at Craven Cottage to the tune of £30 million. But, amid rival interest from Manchester United and co, it makes sense for Fulham to line up potential back-ups should those best laid plans go awry.
Fulham looking for Joao Palhinha replacements
Tameze models his game on that of Arsenal legend and former Nice boss Patrick Vieira. He came close to joining Cardiff City in 2019 and was previously a target for Aston Villa, Sheffield United Burnley and Everton.
"He had an excellent game," Torino coach Ivan Juric told DAZN after a narrow defeat to local rivals Juventus back in October. "He's a golden boy. He what we needed on a human level too.
"He's doing very well, I have little to say (negative about Adrien Tameze)."
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/11/23/fulham-eye-bargain-10m-palhinha-replacement-but-face-west-ham-battle/
Brighton, West Ham and Fulham all have 'strong interest' in signing midfielder – Currently valued over €10m
Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Fulham all have Torino's Adrien Tameze on their transfer agenda.
That's according to Tutto Atalanta, who explain that the 29-year-old has been subjected to sirens from the Premier League trio.
He joined the Serie A side from Hellas Verona in the summer window and has been used as a holding midfielder and as a centre-back.
The former Atalanta man has two assists from 12 games this season, and his versatility and form have pleased Brighton, West Ham and Fulham.
It's said the three English clubs are showing a 'strong interest' in Tameze and see him as an 'ideal player' for the Premier League, both from physicality and tactical point of view.
The Turin club paid €2.8m to secure the Frenchman's services and handed him a contract until 2026.
The report states his meteoric rise has seen his valuation grow exponentially, and is currently valued in excess of €10m by Torino president Urbano Cairo.
Although Tutto Atalanta state Brighton, West Ham and Fulham are keen to sign Tameze, they make no mention if these clubs are looking at him for January or next summer.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/brighton-west-ham-fulham-strong-interest-signing-midfielder-currently-valued-e10m/
Fulham expected to make offer for striker in January – Player has scored 33 goals this year so far
Fulham are interested in Flamengo centre-forward Pedro, according to reports from Brazil.
This information comes from journalist Jorge Nicola, who on his Youtube channel, claims the Whites want the 26-year-old signed in the January transfer window.
It's said that since Fulham's strikers have been struggling to score this season, they're going after a new centre-forward and fix that problem.
Nicola claims this information came from someone 'very influential' in the European market, who stated the Whites will make an offer for Pedro.
It's not yet reported how much Fulham are putting on the table, or even how much Flamengo would demand for his sale. Nicola guesses that even a potential €20m bid might not be accepted, especially as the player is protected by a €60m release clause.
Pedro is finishing another very good season at the Rio de Janeiro side, with 33 goals scored in 56 appearances. Since arriving at the club in 2020, he has 100 goals in 211 games.
That means he's of big importance for Flamengo, so we'll have to wait and see whether Fulham's attempt will be enticing enough to convince the club of selling him.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-expected-make-offer-striker-january-player-scored-33-goals-year-far/
Fulham v Wolves: Who's out and who's a doubt
With Wolves returning to action after the international break, Gary O'Neil still has some injuries and suspensions to deal with.
Hugo Bueno's return to the squad last time out was a boost, but the head coach will still have to manage his squad for the trip to Fulham.
Santi Bueno - 90% chance
The centre-back did not travel with Uruguay for the international break due to picking up a small ankle injury, which kept him out of the game against Spurs.
The injury was not deemed serious at the time and Bueno is expected to travel to Fulham, barring any late issues.
"He hurt his ankle a couple of days before the Tottenham game, which was a blow, because we haven't got loads of centre-backs available, especially when we end up with three on the pitch in Dawson, Kilman and Toti," O'Neil said.
"He's back fit, he's trained with the group the last couple of days. He didn't go on international duty because he wouldn't have been fit for their matches.
"He's stayed, worked with the physios and got himself back in shape. I see no problem with him being involved on Monday."
Mario Lemina - 90% chance
Fresh from his heroics against Spurs, Lemina has picked up a small knock while away with Gabon, but is likely to play.
"Mario rolled his ankle on international duty, but he should be fine," O'Neil said.
Matt Doherty - 90% chance
Similar to Lemina, Doherty is feeling the effects of playing for Ireland but is expected to be in the squad.
O'Neil added: "Matt Doherty has a tight hamstring but will be fine."
Pedro Neto - 0% chance
O'Neil was coy about the timeline for Neto's return from his hamstring injury.
The international break will have come at a good time to allow him an opportunity to recover, however he will not be deemed fit for Monday's game.
O'Neil said: "Pedro won't make Monday. He's got a little bit more work to do so he'll stay with the physios and the fitness staff for a bit longer.
"There's no exact timeframe, but he won't be available for Monday. We're hopeful it's weeks (until he's back).
"It's hard (to say) because there will be tests, check-ups and scans done and we'll be guided by how he's healing. He's healing very well and probably ahead of where they'd want him to be.
"We're pleased with the progress he's made but with the nature of the injury, we need to make sure everything's ticked off properly before he's back with the group."
Nathan Fraser - 0% chance
Fraser has missed the last few games with a frustrating quad injury, that he worsened during his rehabilitation. Wolves hope he will not be too far away from returning.
Craig Dawson - 0% chance
In a big blow to O'Neil's team selection, Dawson will certainly miss the game after picking up five yellow cards and being handed a one-match suspension.
Wolves will now need to fill the void left by the experienced centre-back, and may rely on either Santi Bueno or Matt Doherty to replace him, or switch to a back four formation.
Joe Hodge - 0% chance
Hodge remains out injury with a shoulder injury, after his recent surgery, and is not expected to return until next month. He is, however, on track with his recovery and making good progress.
"Hodge is doing well and back on the grass, but it (the game) comes a bit too quick for him," O'Neil said.
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2023/11/23/fulham-v-wolves-whos-out-and-whos-a-doubt/
Why Everton's points deduction should act as a warning to Fulham
As I went for my usual morning stroll the other day, I tuned into a podcast that I was particularly excited about. The international break has made for some quieter content across footballing podcasts, but The Rest Is Football is one of the many I subscribe to, and when I saw Steve Parish was involved in this episode, I was excited to hear what he had to say.
I have watched the documentary on Amazon, When Eagles Dare, I'd even worked in the old Crystal Palace office building in Soho. The documentary showcases what a well-organised club it is, and how well the team has done to be competitive in the top flight across the last decade. It definitely serves as something Fulham can aspire to.
Steve Parish is a rare success story of football club ownership in the modern day. Crystal Palace don't have financial muscle, but they operate shrewdly. So much so that Apple TV based the fictional club at the heart of it's award-winning TV series Ted Lasso, on it.
FFP and the headline rule
I implore all football fans to give this episode a listen. Parish regularly mentions the everyday complexities involved in running a club, and it's interesting to hear his views on FFP just a week before Everton were handed their 10-point deduction. Which has caused a stir for football fans across the country.
Steve says (and I'm paraphrasing) that most of the clubs comply with the rules, making FFP, broadly speaking, a good thing. And that a club should naturally aim not to lose money on the footballing side of the business, which is related specifically to the football teams a club has in its portfolio (first team, academy sides, etc). This parameter captures (roughly) ticket revenue, TV money, advertising, merchandising, disposal of assets performance-related rewards (cup run and league revenue), and revenue from transfers.
Parish clearly states the rules of the rolling test. A club cannot record losses of more than £105m in footballing revenue across three financial years. Steve then argues that the rolling nature of this test makes it more effective, in that a team could lose £105m in one financial year and aim to make it back across the following two. While the rules as they stand make it hard for clubs to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League, they apply to every club equally and allow for a degree of flexibility.
The rules and their impact
Manchester City are one club that has broken into the upper echelons – while Spurs and Newcastle may yet break through too. The charges levelled at Man City are different to the case against Everton. City breaching the footballing losses rule isn't disputed; they make money from their footballing exploits. They are however, being charged with another breach which relates to dubious inflations of wealth based on the financial assistance that comes from the main financial sponsor of the club. This could be deemed unlawful if they have made losses that breach the £105m rule once you discount the sponsor's financial support. Deductions and/or transfer embargoes could be put in place. But that brief description is reducing the features of a multi-layered case, as there are literally 115 charges against Manchester City.
It really puts it all into perspective for a lot of fans who are now starting to see the impact of falling foul of FFP. While there's an argument that Everton's sanctions are excessive, the rules are very clear. And Everton have admitted that they spent over the limit on the footballing side in court.
Parish explains an important note to fans very well in this episode. "If you walk into a kitchen at a restaurant and you ask them if they think you could do their job as a chef, you'd probably get a chorus of 'no's – but if you walk into a restaurant and ask the chef if he could run a football club, they would be much more likely to say yes". That is to say, we all think we could do it. But truthfully, fans do not know about the impact of the rules on the financial side of the business, because the visibility for operating accounts isn't clear compared to the annually filed accounts made available each summer.
Fulham operating to stay in the black
Our demands as fans for a better team and more success on the pitch mean the club is under pressure to spend more money on the footballing side of the business, such as on players. But the club may be struggling to keep the footballing revenue up in line with spend, with the delays of the new stand and a declining performance based on this season.
So while we should have tried harder to keep Mitrovic this summer, the windfall we received becomes part of an almost impossible trade-off made to ensure the club stays within the boundaries. Parish highlights the need to find new ways to generate "non-media revenue", that is revenue that's aside from that generated by the multi-million TV rights deals, and while it's widely acknowledged that ticket revenue pales in comparison to TV revenue in its impact to a club, the board can point to this never-ending mission to balance of the books as a reason for hiking prices. The sad reality is that the fans (across every club) are always asked to fork out more to make sure the club don't breach the rules.
Remember when Fulham lost £94m in a single year. That was all on a huge gamble on getting back into the top flight. Had Fulham not done that, FFP sanctions would have come for Fulham without a shadow of a doubt. Last season's promotion and subsequent 10th place finish, plus the selling of Mitrovic, would have helped put an end to cumulative years of losses. Had it all gone pear-shaped last season we would be facing a slide down the divisions and suddenly we're looking at a different story altogether.
When it comes to managing a football club, both on the field and off it, people in the higher positions at are forced to make difficult decisions all the time, and those decisions are nuanced. This is the word that Steve Parish uses most frequently in the podcast, and it makes sense; not all decisions in football are black and white, and trade-offs are made constantly.
A warning
In the light of Everton's points deduction, the important thing to remember is that Fulham are not in Everton's position, but it's also important to remember that these rules are now 10 years old. Bad management of finances like the Everton example of spending excessively, generating risk for a team that doesn't then generate a return on investment, can lead to real consequences. A rolling test of three years losses equating over £105m has taken time to impact, and we're at the inflection point of that now. The sample size has just been too small thus far to truly see results.
It's too early to say that Everton are relegated, because there's still time for them to stay afloat – and to appeal. But it will take a lot to bounce back from. Fulham will look on and take note: Everton are being made an example of, and the consequences are so severe. Staying on the right side of the rules will now become even more of a priority.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-11-23-why-evertons-points-deduction-should-act-as-a-warning-to-fulham/
Manager says Fulham target's exit is 'imminent' – Club fully prepared for January transfer
Among the strong rumours claiming Fulham are trying to sign André from Fluminense, the Brazilian club appears to be pretty much prepared for his exit.
Following the match against São Paulo last night, manager Fernando Diniz was asked about some of their stars and the possibility of them leaving at the end of the year.
Quoted by ESPN Brasil, Fernando Diniz confirmed that André should be on his way out, despite not giving Fulham or any other clubs any mention.
"I really liked both of them (Martinelli and Alexsander). André's departure is imminent and they are two players who were trained at Fluminense and who, both of them, have had very good times and have had good times again here at the club. Apart from them, we have other possibilities, but I think they're players I'm counting on a lot for next year," said Fernando Diniz.
This week, we've seen very positive reports on Fulham's chase. It was first claimed by journalist Jorge Nicola that the Whites are the 'big favourites' to get the transfer done, as they've been offering €30m and that pleased Fluminense.
Other reports then claimed André should actually cost €35m, but the Whites were again named as one of the strongest competitors for the transfer.
It really seems like the destination is still to be decided, while the Brazilian club now sit and analyse all the offers that will arrive until the January transfer window.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/manager-says-fulham-targets-exit-imminent-club-fully-prepared-january-transfer/
Fulham target must regret Newcastle snub after playing only 71 minutes
Alan Virginius got cold feet over a move to Premier League giants Newcastle United in 2022 and may now be regretting that decision as he faces up to a January departure from LOSC Lille.
In his defence, the winger could hardly have predicted what was to come at St James' Park. When Newcastle United showed an interest in striking a potential £9 million deal just over a year ago, The Magpies had spent much of the previous season battling against relegation.
Even the most optimistic Newcastle supporter wouldn't have imagined that, some 12 months later, they would be hammering Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group-stages.
Newcastle United missed out on Alan Virginius
Alan Virginius, according to Le10 Sport, got cold feet about joining Newcastle during the summer of 2022, opting to stay in France before leaving Sochaux for Lille instead.
Lille have a pretty remarkable track record when it comes to setting talented young forwards on their way to stardom – think Eden Hazard, Nicolas Pepe, Gervinho, Jonathan David, Rafael Leao, Jonathan Ikone and Victor Osimhen – but Virginius' struggles act as proof that nobody, not even Les Dogues' recruitment department, is perfect.
Virginius has started only one Ligue 1 game this season. In fact, the former France U20 captain has been more recently spotted in France's second tier, plying his trade for Lille's reserve team. A January departure is not just likely, then, but expected, Marco Silva's Fulham reportedly offering Virginius another shot at the Premier League after Newcastle's interest came and went (Foot Mercato).
Fulham now keen
"He has the possibility of playing for another club. It will be very difficult for him to play here," Lille boss Paulo Fonsenca said back in August. "He is young. He needs to play.
"I spoke with him and I think the best solution is for him to play for another club."
Three months and only 71 Ligue 1 minutes later, Fonseca's message is unlikely to have changed all that much.
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/11/23/fulham-target-must-regret-newcastle-snub-after-playing-only-71-minutes/
Brighton linked with former Nice midfielder but West Ham and Fulham also interested
Brighton have been linked with a move for versatile Torino player Adrien Tameze.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta, Albion are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old, who can play across the defence and as a defensive midfielder.
However, the report claims the former Nice star is also on the radar of Premier League rivals West Ham and Fulham.
The Seagulls have been hit hard by injuries this season, with Danny Welbeck, Solly March, Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Evan Ferguson, Julio Enciso, James Milner, and Lewis Dunk all having spells on the sidelines.
And Tutto claim Tameze's versatility makes him a good option for Roberto De Zerbi's squad, although he may cost up to €10 million (£8.7m) to secure his services.
Torino reportedly paid Hellas Verona €2.8m (£2.4m) to recruit him in the summer, where he signed a deal until the summer of 2026.
The Lille-born player has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season and has bagged two assists along the way. It is not stated if the Premier League teams will move for him in January or next summer.
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/brighton-linked-with-former-nice-midfielder-but-west-ham-and-fulham-also-interested-4421229
Fulham set to submit January offer for Pedro
Fulham are reportedly ready to submit a bid for Flamengo forward Pedro, with Marco Silva eager to sign another striker in January.
According to journalist Jorge Nicola via Sport Witness, Fulham are keen on Pedro and ready to submit a bid for the Flamengo star. The 26-year-old South American forward could entice himself with the opportunity of the Premier League, but the Cottagers could find it challenging to convince his club.
Marco Silva did not have a satisfactory summer window as he wanted to bring some more players than he did. Aleksandar Mitrovic's prolonged departure left the manager's plans uncertain. Fulham needed to strengthen the front line.
The arrival of Raul Jimenez should have offset the Serbians' loss, but the Mexican man has clearly shown signs of regression. It wasn't surprising to see Silva target a second Wolves striker in Sasa Kalajdzic, but the Midlands club refused to entertain an enquiry.
It became clear that Silva wanted a new striker in the mould of a tall centre-forward. Hence, the links to Flamengo striker Pedro won't surprise many. Fulham are reportedly ready to make an offer for the 26-year-old South American forward.
Pedro has had another prolific season, scoring 29 times in 54 appearances across all competitions. He did have a minor stint in Europe with Fiorentina, but beyond that, he remains an untested figure in continental football. For Flamengo, he is a valuable asset, scoring over 100 goals in more than 200 appearances for the club since 2020.
Flamengo have the shield of a release clause worth €60 million, as journalist Jorge Nicola claims they will reject bids worth €20 million or more. Hence, the Cottagers must make a big offer to sign Pedro and hope none of the other big clubs approach.
Fulham remains linked with several strikers in the market, with names like Serhou Guirassy on their list. The Cottagers are also angling an ambitious approach for Feyenoord's Mexican star Santiago Gimenez. They are likely to fail, considering the competition for the Eredivise champion.
Gift Orban remains linked, and he has many other teams sizing up a move. Hence, for now, the idea of Pedro might appeal to Silva, with the profile the 26-year-old South American forward brings. He's similar to Jimenez but more prolific up front.
Fulham are already linked with Brazilian midfielder Andre, meaning they have plenty of contacts in South America to open talks. There are questions about whether Pedro can succeed outside of Brazil, as a previous stint in Europe failed.
However, the 26-year-old South American forward is now at the age to take his chances and prove his worth in the biggest league in the world. Fulham might become a solid option for Pedro unless some other big side comes into the picture for his signature.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/11/24/fulham-set-to-submit-january-offer-for-pedro/