Osmand: 'An unbelievable night'
Callum Osmand admitted he was in dreamland after scoring a hat-trick as Fulham's under 21s thrashed Tottenham Hotspur to win the Premier League Cup at Craven Cottage.
Hayden Mullins' men stunned a Spurs side that had finished top of the PL2 standings with an irresistible start. The teenage striker got the ball rolling after three minutes and completed a perfect hat-trick before half-time to put the showcase final to bed.
A beaming Osmand told FFCTV after the final whistle:
"It feels unbelievable. It couldn't have been more perfect today for me. Everything went the way I wanted it to. Just a perfect night, really. This is exactly what I was dreaming of. I said to the boys, 'I was saying this was going to happen'. I've had a tough couple of weeks so this has been good to lift my spirits.
It's been a great season for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed it – and I'll be pushing on for next season. It was my first time playing at the Cottage, first time getting on the pitch. I just want to push on and keep doing well."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/osmand-an-unbelievable-night/
Who's Fulham's player of the season?
Last month, BBC Sport asked me to come up with four names who might be in the running for Fulham's player of the season.
Even if the way the Whites have limped towards the finishing line has been far from inspiring, there's been plenty to like about the way Marco Silva's side have competed in the top flight for a second successive campaign – especially having had to deal with the Aleksandar Mitrovic transfer saga that blighted the summer and then threw a huge spanner in the works once the Serbian got his wish and was sold to the Saudi Arabian Pro League.
My choices feel a little dated already – but the BBC have published the piece on the Fulham page of their football website this lunchtime. I felt Calvin Bassey deserved some appreciation for the way he knuckled down after a tough start and became a key figure in the Fulham side. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he goes next term having got a Premier League season under his belt.
Antonee Robinson has been remarkably consistent at left back and delivered some high-quality performances. It's difficult to think of too many wingers who have got the better of him over the ninety minutes this year – and, of course, his pace, power and willingness to get forward adds an entirely different dimension to the Fulham attack.
I might have to take the blame for Willian's wretched run of recent form – as I shortlisted the Brazilian back in April. Nobody can deny his enduring excellence, even if the veteran has had a bit of a dip in the final weeks of the season. Whether that is related to the unrelenting Premier League schedule or purported interest from other clubs is unknown, but Silva's side still looks far more formidable with Willian in it.
And I had to include Rodrigo Muniz. Nobody saw his return to the first-team coming – especially after the arrival of Armando Broja on loan. Ironically, it seems like the signing of the Chelsea striker inspired the former Flamengo forward to show us precisely what he has in his locker and, hopefully, my contribution highlights that it isn't just his goalscoring that earned Muniz the starting spot up front.
There are plenty of other contenders and I would be very interested to hear who the HammyEnd readers feel has been Fulham's best performer this season.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/whos-fulhams-player-of-the-season/
Fulham: Kenny Tete new contract talks stall as clock ticks down on current deal
The club have offered the defender fresh terms, rather than trigger a one-year extension, but the player remains unconvinced
Talks over Kenny Tete's future have stalled due to concerns over the Fulham right-back's lack of game time.
The Dutchman has started just nine league games this term, due to injury and losing his starting spot to Timothy Castagne.
While Tete, who joined Fulham from Lyon in 2020, is out of contract this summer, the club retain an option to extend it by a year.
Fulham have instead offered the defender a completely new deal, but discussions between club, player and agent have not been smooth.
Tete remains unsure about committing to a deal longer than the existing one-year option should more minutes be available elsewhere.
A resolution is expected before the end of the month.
Fulham could finish as high as 12th if they win at Luton on Sunday and other results go their way.
Last night, Fulham's U21s were crowned Premier League Cup champions for the first time by thrashing Tottenham 4-0 in the final.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-kenny-tete-new-contract-talks-b1158395.html
Cairney: 'Fulham must push on to the next level'
Fulham captain Tom Cairney has urged the club to take advantage of what he describes as a big summer and 'push on to the next level' in the Premier League.
The Scottish international feels the Whites are in a 'good place' having firmly established themselves in the top flight after a decade of bouncing between England's top two divisions but admits that Marco Silva's side are still struggling with consistency on their travels.
Cairney told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast:
With one Premier League game remaining, Marco Silva's side are 14th in the table with 44 points – eight fewer than they managed in 2022-23 – while only three of their 12 league wins this season have come on the road.
"I'd say consistency has let us down, especially away from home," said midfielder Cairney. "We've been so good at Craven Cottage this season, which has been a big highlight and a big plus for us, but I feel like the away form has let us down on bettering last season's points total.
"I feel like the club is in a good place, the squad is in a better place than last season, but that consistency part has let us down on league position. We had back-to-back 5-0 wins in the Premier League, which was a nice moment. It's hard to win 5-0 as it is, but to do it back-to-back was special. We beat Manchester United away, Tottenham at home, Arsenal at home – they were big results. Most of it has been a big plus but I feel that next season is a time for Fulham to really kick on. This summer and next season is a big moment for Fulham, like Brighton for example, to push on to the next level. Hopefully that's what we do."
Cairney also believes that Fulham's run to the semi-finals of the League Cup, where they were narrowly beaten on aggregate by eventual winners Liverpool, shows the club's potential.
"You've got to look at that as a big positive. Losing to Liverpool over two legs by one goal was not the end of the world, but it felt like it at the time."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/cairney-fulham-must-push-on-to-the-next-level/
Tete contract talks stall
Negotiations between Fulham and their full back Kenny Tete over a new contract have broken down, according to an Evening Standard report this morning.
The Dutch defender's current deal at Craven Cottage expires this summer. Fulham have an option to trigger a 12-month extension but have sought to secure the right back's future by offering Tete a new contract instead. The former Ajax and Lyon right back is concerned by his lack of regular game time since Timothy Castagne replaced him in the starting line-up and is willing to evaluate other options after losing his place in Marco Silva's side.
The 28 year-old has made 98 appearances since signing for Fulham in the summer of 2020 and was a key component of the side that won promotion back to the Premier League in Silva's first season before enjoying a remarkably consistent campaign in the Premier League last term.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/tete-contract-talks-stall/
Fulham's future feels bright
Fair play to Fulham's under 21s who produced a far more fitting sign off to the season at Craven Cottage than their senior counterparts managed by winning the Premier League Cup in some style with a complete demolition of Tottenham Hotspur last night.
Callum Osmand's hat-trick heroics have already hogged the headlines, but this success was a team effort that had its genesis in the bold decision to hand control of the under-21 side over to Hayden Mullins last summer. The former Crystal Palace and West Ham midfielder was an intriguing choice as the Whites looked to build on the success of returning to the PL2's top flight under Steve Wigley and his progressive coaching methods have delivered in spades.
The most impressive part of this victory was the way in which the young Whites comprehensive picked apart their opponents, who had finished top of the league table at the end of the regular season, and strolled to a comfortable victory at Motspur Park only a matter of weeks ago. There is a constant debate about the purpose of under-21 football and the value of results at this level as you look to give young players a pathway towards senior football, but Fulham's football was spellbinding and a number of these talents should have a significant future in the professional game.
Osmand has enjoyed an exceptional season for both the under-18s and under-21s and took his chance to shine on the big stage impressively. But there were peerless performances all over the pitch. We know about the potential of Luc de Fougerolles, who kept Spurs' myriad of attacking threats very quiet alongside the equally miserly Harvey Araujo – and both centre halves were equally adept at distributing the ball, which is non-negotiable in the modern game. It will be interesting to see whether the Canadian international gets a chance to make his Premier League debut at Luton on Sunday in the absence of the suspended Issa Diop.
Both full backs were exceptional. Devan Tanton has been outstanding all year and deservedly won the Johnny Haynes' academy player of the year trophy for achieving such consistency as a forward-thinking right back. Jon Esenga was unfortunately forced off early through injury but his appetite for attacking was considerable and, as a dead-ball specialist, he posed particular problems for an overworked Tottenham goalkeeper in Luca Gunter.
The midfield was a real maturity about it at this level. New Zealand talent Matt Dibley-Dias has done very well to battle back from an untimely injury that prevented him from making his international debut and has forged an excellent partnership in the engine room alongside Delano McCoy-Splatt, who has already received senior international caps from Jamaica. Adrion Pajaziti, who made his senior debut in Marco Silva's first season, has been a mainstay in this side for a number of years and will be looking to make his mark in the senior ranks next season whilst the talents of Terrell Works, a livewire on the wing, and the tenacious George Okkas – who scored Fulham's fourth just after half time – were on full display last night.
The most encouraging element of the academy's development is that there are plenty of other players whose potential was not on view last night. Ali Melloul's under-18 side has a number of youngsters that we will really need to keep an eye on, whilst this Cup final success came without Josh King – the latest sensation to have come off the Motspur Park conveyor belt – playing a minute. Silva has already shown he is willing to give young talent the opportunity to express itself and, after lifting silverware in such style, there's no doubt that Fulham's future is very bright indeed.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/fulhams-future-feels-bright/
Preview: Luton Town vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Luton Town play host to Fulham on Sunday afternoon knowing that only one of their biggest wins in their history will give them any chance of Premier League survival.
At a time when the Hatters are realistically merely playing for pride, Fulham make the trip to Kenilworth Road still with the hope of finishing in 12th position in the standings.
Match preview
When Luton took the lead against West Ham United at the London Stadium last weekend, Rob Edwards and the club's supporters would have been dreaming of remaining on contention for the great escape.
Although Luton have always remained in contention to beat the drop, the fact that they had only won once in 15 matches prior to the meeting with the Hammers would have ensured that avoiding relegation deserved that mantle.
However, losing 3-1 in the capital has left last season's Championship playoff winners three points adrift of Nottingham Forest with an inferior goal difference of 12 goals.
There is already an acceptance that Luton will drop back down to the second tier at the first time of asking, and there can be few complaints with 23 defeats coming from 37 matches.
To their credit, they have collected five points from their last four games at Kenilworth Road, but only winning four times on home territory all season has been their undoing.
Despite effectively being relegated, Luton will want to earn the point that they require to finish in 18th, earning them several more million pounds compared to if they drop below Burnley.
As for Fulham, their once impressive season is ending in a damp squib having only won one of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
In their defence, the Cottagers have only lost to Liverpool and Manchester City in their most recent five outings, yet they have dropped down to 14th spot in the process.
Goals have started to become an issue for Marco Silva's side with just four strikes being recorded in six games, while they have posted just three wins from their 18 games on their travels.
Like Luton, the carrot remains of more prize money if they can win this game. With Wolverhampton Wanderers away to Liverpool and possessing an inferior goal difference, 13th place is achievable - maybe even 12th - if they can get the better of their hosts.
Luton Town Premier League form:
W L L L D L
Fulham Premier League form:
L W L D D L
Team News
Having suffered a calf injury against West Ham, Luton midfielder Ross Barkley is highly unlikely to be risked here, particularly when out of contract in the summer.
Mads Andersen and Dan Potts may be considered for comeback appearances after injury if they are suitably recovered, but the starting lineup should be similar to the one from the Hammers defeat.
Jordan Clark appears likely to take Barkley's place, although Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu is an alternative option, while Chiedozie Ogbene may come in at right wing-back.
With Issa Diop suspended due to collecting two yellow cards against Man City, Tim Ream could be restored in central defence.
Adama Traore may finally make his first Premier League start of the season on the right ahead of Bobby Decordova-Reid, while Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney are both in contention to replace Alex Iwobi in the engine room.
Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Kaminski; Burke, Mengi, Osho; Ogbene, Lokonga, Clark, Doughty; Morris, Chong; Adebayo
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Traore, Pereira, Willian; Muniz
We say: Luton Town 2-2 Fulham
In reality, this is a dead-rubber, and that should lead to an entertaining clash between two clubs eager to end the season on a high. We can only see goals in this contest, but the spoils could be shared after an end-to-end game.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/relegation-battle/preview/preview-luton-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_543851.html
Match Preview | Luton Town vs FulhamLuton Town are at Kenilworth Road for the final game of the season as we host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.Rob Edwards' side sit three points from survival with a mountain to climb as a 12-goal swing in goal difference has condemned the Hatters to being all but relegated.
Marco Silva's Fulham have had another solid season in the Premier League after they were promoted as champions in 2021/22.
There will be a period of applause before kick-off in memory of the late Viv Busby and the players will then take the knee to show our unity against all forms of discrimination.
The oppositionFulham cannot finish lower than 14th this term after accumulating 44 points going into the final day of the season.
The visitors have kept a clean sheet in their last two Premier League away games, having conceded in their previous 12 in a row on the road.
Andreas Pereira has created 84 chances in the Premier League and has provided seven goals this season, the highest assist tally of his career so far.
Fulham haven't won their final league game since 2017 when they beat Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the Championship.
Team newsRoss Barkley and Reece Burke will both be unavailable for the final game of the season.
Both players were substituted before the end of last Saturday's defeat at West Ham United and have not passed the medical tests this week.
Last time we metLuton were without a point after the first four games of this season following defeat at Craven Cottage.
Despite the Hatters having multiple chances to break the deadlock, substitute Carlos Vinícius fired Fulham in-front just after the hour-mark.
Officialshe referee for our fixture against Fulham will be Matt Donohue.
162 yellow cards and three red cards have been handed out by Donohue across his 35 games this season.
Last weekend's fixture between AFC Bournemouth and Brentford was the first Donohue has refereed in the Premier League.
We last had a game officiated by Donohue when we defeated Wigan Athletic in an Emirates FA Cup third round replay in January 2023.
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistant Referees: Ian Hussin & Wade Smith
Fourth Official: John Busby
VAR: Peter Bankes
AVAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
(https://www.lutontown.co.uk/siteassets/image/news-images-2023-24/love-football-protect-the-game/timetochange_statement_square.png)
Luton Town Football Club has committed in its customer charter to providing safe match-day experiences for all supporters regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation, and this applies equally to home and away fixtures.
In the event that any Luton supporters do make discriminatory chants, the Club will work with the police and football authorities to help identify such individuals. Any such fans would then face the strictest club sanctions, including football banning orders that would prevent them attending any matches, in addition to any criminal charges.
The Club can also be held responsible for the behaviour of its supporters, which could lead to substantial fines being imposed.
As a diverse and inclusive football club, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow Premier League clubs in supporting the FA's 'Love Football. Protect the Game' campaign and call on all fans to enjoy the game in a positive spirit.
If you are offended by any discriminatory abuse of any kind at any of our games, you can report it by clicking here, or by contacting your nearest steward immediately. Alternatively, email
[email protected] or report the incident via Kick it Out's free, confidential reporting app on the App Store and Google Play.
https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2024/may/preview-fulham/
Luton Matchday Preview
Luton Town v Fulham | Sunday 19th May | 4pm | Kenilworth Road | #LUTFUL
The opposition
Luton are not already relegated going into the final weekend, but they would need a miraculous couple of results to stay up. They would have to beat Fulham and hope Nottingham Forest lose at Burnley, with a 12-goal swing working in their favour in the process.
But the Hatters have earned many plaudits for taking their relegation battle into the final day, with plenty having written them off before a ball was kicked this season.
They've been very competitive in a lot of their fixtures this year but have just struggled to get wins over the line, with a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth at the start of April the only time they've come away with all three points in their last 16 outings.
Luton team news
Speedy winger Chiedozie Ogbene returned in last weekend's heartbreaking defeat at West Ham following two months out. Tom Lockyer is their only confirmed absentee.
Fulham team news
Issa Diop is suspended, leaving Marco Silva with a decision to make on who will partner Calvin Bassey in defence. Saša Lukić remains sidelined, but everyone else is available.
Tickets
This match has sold out, meaning there will be 1,369 Fulham fans in attendance.
Weather
Some classic final day weather is forecast, with temperatures around 19 degrees.
Player insight
Antonee Robinson is desperate for Fulham to end the season with three points, and potentially climb a couple of places in the standings in the process.
"We really want to finish strong," Jedi told FFCtv. "We don't want to let the season fizzle out into disappointment, we want to finish on a win for the fans.
"For the fans who are travelling to the game, we want to put in a good performance, and place as high up the table as we can."
Viv Busby
As was the case at the Cottage last week, there will be a period of applause for Viv Busby ahead of kick-off, to honour the former Fulham and Luton striker.
Coverage
FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.
Form
Luton: LLLDL
Fulham: WLDDL
Top scorers
Luton: Elijah Adebayo, Carlton Morris (10)
Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz (9)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/17/luton-matchday-preview/
Team News: Diop's Replacement?(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/8c14cff0-1453-11ef-bde8-cf043ceac25a.jpg)
When asked for an update on team news, Marco Silva confirmed that Saša Lukić remains absent with the knock that ruled him out of Manchester City, before discussing the options to replace Issa Diop, who was sent off late in that game.
"It's still the same with Saša Lukić, he's going to be out of the last Premier League game, the same as Issa Diop after his second yellow card and red card, he's going to be out, too. All the other players are going to be available.
"We have some players who can adapt, if I don't want to start, for example, with Tosin, or if Tosin is not there. It could be two left footed players, or could even be Kenny Tete there.
"I can even drop João Palhinha [into defence]. We have many, many solutions for the position and, of course, I'm going to decide between today and tomorrow."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/17/team-news-diops-replacement/
Marco Silva confident Fulham will keep Joao Palhinha this summer
Midfielder saw move to Bayern Munich collapse last year
Marco Silva believes Fulham will be able to hold on to Joao Palhinha ahead of next season.
The Portuguese midfielder was a revelation in his first season at Fulham last term. On deadline day last summer, he was given permission to fly to Bavaria ahead of an agreed £58million move to Bayern Munich, but it was contingent on the West London side signing an alternative in his position.
When they failed to do so, they pulled the plug on the deal and Palhinha has spent this season at Fulham, where he signed a bumper new deal in September and has again excelled. Bayern continue to track the 28-year-old, even if only from afar, and Silva has given his clearest indication yet that Palhinha will still be playing at Craven Cottage next term.
"He's been a key player for us", the Fulham manager said. "He was a player I really pushed to convince him to come to our football club.
"Last season he made a huge impact. This season, even after the situation in August and with all that noise, he was able to turn it around.
"Of course, he is a key player for us. He is going to play in the last game [at Luton on Sunday]. Let's hope he has a good [Euro 2024] tournament. Next season he is going to be here."
Meanwhile, Fulham have trigged the one-year extension in Kenny Tete's contract but the player continues to stall over an entirely new deal on the table, amid fears of a lack of game time.
"We are pleased", Silva said about keeping Tete until at least next summer. "It wasn't the best season for him; completely different from the last one. Even if it wasn't the best season [for him], we know Kenny really well and know what he's capable of doing.
"What I want is for him to reach the level of last season — [when] he was one of our best players."
Asked whether he is confident Tete will eventually agree a new deal, Silva said: "Let's see. We have been talking about it."
Fulham will be without the injured Sasa Lukic and the suspended Issa Diop for Sunday's visit to Luton on the final day.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-silva-palhinha-2024-b1158497.html
"We'll have a decision next week" – Fulham target won't take long to respond to Marco Silva invitation
Last week, reports from the Portuguese media revealed Fulham's interest in Casa Pia boss Gonçalo Santos.
It was claimed that with Luís Boa-Morte's departure, Marco Silva wants another compatriot to be his assistant and chose this new target.
Casa Pia are now preparing for their final game of the season tonight, and Santos is quoted by Record talking about his future.
Without mentioning the Fulham possibility, the coach just could not promise he'll be at the Portuguese club for another year.
"The club is still preparing for next season and I'm helping," he said.
"We'll have a decision next week. Both parties are on the same page, but there are still a few things to be settled before we can make a decision."
Casa Pia's biggest objective had been to escape relegation, and are guaranteed in the first division next year, as they currently stand in 12th in the league table.
As it's well known, Luís Boa-Morte is set to leave his job at Fulham, where he's been since 2021, to be the first team manager at Guinea-Bissau this summer.
It should soon be seen whether Santos will take Fulham's invitation, as despite the opportunity to work in the Premier League, he'd have to accept quitting his job as manager at Casa Pia to become an assistant at the Craven Cottage side.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/well-decision-next-week-fulham-target-wont-take-long-respond-marco-silva-invitation/
Marco Silva reveals message to Fulham board as he urges club to 'aim for something more'
Cottagers boss insists that his side's progress depends on much more than just summer transfer spending
Marco Silva says Fulham "have to aim for something more" next season, but played down talk of European football.
Fulham finished 10th as a newly-promoted side under Silva's watch last term and will finish between 12th and 14th this term after their final game of the season at Luton on Sunday.
Silva is a highly ambitious manager and is targeting European qualification with Fulham in the medium-term, but he has explained the need to be "realistic" about what his team can achieve next season, quoting some of the clubs he feels are in with a better shout of making Europe than the Cottagers.
"I am the manager of this football club and improvements will be there, I'm 100 per cent sure", he said when previewing the next campaign. "But I don't like to just use words. After, you have to have the actions. Not everything is in my hands.
"All the managers and clubs want the same improvements, and you have to see actions. I told the board that stuff. We have to prepare ourselves completely differently [for next season].
"The plan is already there, and let's see what we'll be capable to do. I'm not saying our ambition depends on how much we spend, because it's not just that. It's going to depend on many, many things that are not just in my hands."
Asked about Europe specifically, Silva said: "I would prefer to talk about that in the future, not now, because it would probably not be the truth and wouldn't be realistic. Looking at the club overall, of course there have to be improvements. We have to aim for something more.
"When you talk about European competitions, if you look at this country right now, you have the top six, you have two clubs that are really close to the top six.
"One of them played Champions League football last season — Newcastle — and Aston Villa is going to play Champions League [next season]. I've already put eight clubs there, and I can put more if you want.
"[Ambition] is dependent on the ambition we show in the market, our capacity to convince players to come to our club. Many, many things. For it to be very competitive in this league depends on many factors.
"We have to be really professional. To fight for something that right now is not realistic, we have to do the things almost perfectly over the next two or three months."
Fulham have not played European football since finishing third in the group stages of the 2011/12 Europa League under Martin Jol.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-marco-silva-b1158585.html
Manchester United flop wanted by Crystal Palace and Fulham
Sofyan Amrabat's tenure at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close after a less-than-stellar loan spell. The Moroccan midfielder, who joined United from Fiorentina last summer, has struggled to make a significant impact at Old Trafford.
Despite high expectations, Amrabat has made just 28 appearances, with only nine starts in the Premier League, casting doubt on his long-term future with the club.
United initially secured Amrabat on a season-long loan for £8.5 million, with an option to buy for an additional £21.4 million, per BBC Sport. However, recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are unlikely to trigger this option, leading to speculation about Amrabat's next move. His agent's presence in Manchester for talks on Tuesday has further fueled rumors of an imminent departure.
Crystal Palace and Fulham interested in Sofyan Amrabat
Despite his underwhelming stint at Manchester United, Amrabat's talent has not gone unnoticed by other Premier League clubs. According to The Sun, both Fulham and Crystal Palace are keenly monitoring his situation. These clubs see potential in the 27-year-old, whose performances have shown flashes of brilliance, albeit inconsistently.
Crystal Palace, in particular, were reportedly impressed by Amrabat during their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Red Devils just weeks ago.
With new manager Oliver Glasner at the helm, Palace are eager to bolster their midfield options and view Amrabat as a valuable addition. Meanwhile, Fulham are in the market for a defensive midfielder, anticipating the potential departure of Joao Palhinha. Amrabat's defensive acumen and international experience make him an attractive candidate to fill that void.
Amrabat's journey to the Premier League began with a solid tenure at Fiorentina, where he made 92 league appearances and scored once over three seasons. His impressive performances for Morocco, including their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he earned his 49th international cap, underscore his capabilities on the global stage.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/17/manchester-united-sofyan-amrabat-crystal-palace-fulham/
Will Bayern Munich ever circle back to Fulham star João Palhinha?
The stalwart defensive midfielder's future could be tied to Thomas Tuchel's.
Bayern Munich's on-again, off-again pursuit of Fulham destroyer João Palhinha continues. The Portuguese international who was ready to snap media photos in Bavaria on transfer deadline day last summer before it all fell through is once again a half-topic for the German Rekordmeister.
If that doesn't sound like a convincing pitch, it is at least half as convincing as Bayern's pitches for its head coach candidates these days. And the revolving door underneath Thomas Tuchel's seat is reportedly why Palhinha — still rated €55m on Transfermarkt these days — remains forever in flux.
From Sport Bild, via @iMiaSanMia:
João Palhinha could be a target for Bayern again if Tuchel stays. Up until now, Zubimendi was the priority target for the holding midfield position - but if it were up to Tuchel, Palhinha is the player he would get for the position. Bayern wouldn't offer the same fee they were willing to pay last summer. Everyone at the club agreed it was too much money. Move is only realistic if Tuchel stays and if there will be a 'discount' [@altobelli13, @cfbayern]
Tuchel is on the way out again for the moment. But can Bayern land Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi with Arsenal FC circling around him? Will they get either man?
Or will it be Joshua Kimmich again at the No. 6?
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2024/5/18/24157078/bayern-munich-transfer-rumors-joao-palhinha-fulham-tuchel-martin-zubimendi-arsenal-joshua-kimmich
Palhinha 'will be with us next season,' says Silva
Marco Silva believes Joao Palhinha will be at Fulham next season.
The Fulham head coach told his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's final Premier League fixture of the campaign at Luton Town on Sunday that he was not concerned about the Portuguese midfielder leaving Craven Cottage in the summer. Palhinha was the subject of a deadline day bid from Bayern Munich, but the move fell through as the Whites were unable to find a replacement for the former Sporting Lisbon schemer.
The 28 year-old has since signed a new contract with the Cottagers and Silva was emphatic about before the Portuguese international's importance to his side and his future with Fulham.
"He's been a key player for us. He was a player I really pushed to convince him to come to our football club. Last season he made a huge impact. This season, even after the situation in August and with all that noise, he was able to turn it around. Of course, he is a key player for us. He is going to play in the last game. Let's hope he has a good [Euro 2024] tournament. Next season he is going to be here."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/palhinha-will-be-with-us-next-season-says-silva/
Interesting commentary from MS in post #12 above.
"our capacity to convince players to come to our club." - - Yep, salesmanship will yet again be critical in attracting the talent needed to make a run at European football......