Palhinha planning to stay at Fulham
Joao Palhinha has told Flashscore tonight that he is planning to stay with Fulham – and that he feels Marco Silva's side can progress further next term after taking 'a step forward' this season.
The Portuguese defensive midfielder is preparing to go to his first European Championships having been named in Roberto Martinez's squad for this summer's tournament in Germany and go on international duty boosted by what he describes 'as a very good season'.
"In collective terms, it was a very good season, just like the first one. In personal terms it was also good, I felt I did well and evolved, that's the most important thing. Overall, I look back on it as a very positive season. Fulham's goal was to stay up, we mustn't forget that. It was achieved quickly and at one stage of the season, we even thought we could fight for something more. But with the great competitiveness of the Premier League, it wasn't easy to push towards Europe, even though we tried to fight for it.
Everyone realises how competitive it is in England so you mustn't always compare the two seasons. In the first season, we scored more points, if you look at it that way, the facts don't lie. We almost beat Fulham's points record in the Premier League, so in that sense, it was a better season. But then you look at the results against big teams and this season we've beaten Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United ... so we've had several games where we've given a different image of ourselves compared to the previous season, at least as far as the big teams are concerned.
The positive season we've had comes from that, we've taken a step forward. There have been changes to the team, but we've managed to maintain a base."
Asked directly if he would be remaining at the Cottage, Palhinha replied:
Yes, so far the outlook is to continue. In football, you never know what tomorrow will bring. I have dreams, goals as a player. Since I started my career I've always dreamed of playing on the big stages of world football. I've already had a chance, as is publicly known.
"At the moment, today, the likelihood is I stay at Fulham, but we'll see what happens. I have immense respect for the Fulham organisation, people know what a professional I am and that's the example I want to pass on to the many kids who follow me and look up to me."
Palhinha also answered honestly when asked about his botched move to Bayern Munich, preferring to concentrate on his upcoming international commitments.
"I don't know if it's a closed door or not, everything in football is very uncertain. I can't say it's a closed or open door. I can't put myself in a position like that either. Today I want to focus more on the European Championships because that's the goal, to leave a good impression at the Euros, and then everything else will follow. People already know me. The fact that I'm in the Premier League means I'm in a very big shop window, probably the biggest of them all. The Euros is also a showcase that everyone is following all over the world."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/palhinha-planning-to-stay-at-fulham/
Fulham and Bournemouth enter race to sign Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville in £35m+ transfer
Fulham and Bournemouth have both entered the race to sign Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville this summer, according to The Sun.
Writing on their website (29 May), the news outlet report that the 22-year-old winger is a target for the two Premier League sides as well as West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea following the Whites' failure to earn promotion.
But Fulham and Bournemouth face an uphill task of convincing him to sign for them over the other clubs, with any deal expected to cost between £35-40million and a deal expected to happen.
Crysencio Summerville is a Premier League player
Anyone watching the Championship this season and watching Summerville's performances will know that he is far too good to be playing in that division.
The Dutch forward was named Championship player of the year and with just two years remaining on his contract at Elland Road, an exit is expected to take place with the Whites needing to cut costs.
A move to a club in Europe would be perfect for him as he deserves that platform to showcase his abilities, but the amount of game time he would get would surely be a concern to him.
A club like Fulham or Bournemouth are far more likely to see him play regular football and provide a stepping stone to move to a top club, but Leeds can also provide that.
Another year in the Championship wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, although at this point it is most certainly just wishful thinking.
https://motleedsnews.com/transfers/fulham-and-bournemouth-enter-race-to-sign-leeds-united-star-crysencio-summerville-in-35m-transfer/
Joao Palhinha reveals stance on Fulham future amid Bayern Munich transfer interest
Midfielder came close to joining German giants last summer
Joao Palhinha says he is likely to stay at Fulham this summer – but refused to completely rule out an exit.
The midfielder came close to joining Bayern Munich last summer but saw the move break down after the London club failed to sign a replacement.
Palhinha has since signed a new contract at Craven Cottage but the German giants are believed to retain an interest in the Portugal international.
Manager Marco Silva earlier this month claimed the 28-year-old would stay with the club next season and while Palhinha in part echoed those comments, he did suggest the door wasn't fully closed on an exit.
"At the moment, today, the likelihood is I stay at Fulham, but we'll see what happens," he told Flashscore.
"I have immense respect for the Fulham organisation, people know what a professional I am and that's the example I want to pass on to the many kids who follow me and look up to me."
When asked if the Bayern move was "completely behind" him now, the former Sporting CP midfielder added: "I don't know if it's a closed door or not, everything in football is very uncertain.
"I can't say it's a closed or open door. I can't put myself in a position like that either. Today I want to focus more on the European Championships because that's the goal, to leave a good impression at the Euros, and then everything else will follow.
"People already know me. The fact that I'm in the Premier League means I'm in a very big shop window, probably the biggest of them all. The Euros is also a showcase that everyone is following all over the world."
Bayern have also been linked with a shock move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who played his way into England's provisional squad for Euro 2024 with a string of fine performances following a January move from Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking at the unveiling of new manager Vincent Kompany on Thursday, Bayern's director of sport Max Eberl said the club were further along than people "think" in their summer recruitment plans.
"Vinnie is involved in squad planning. We have spoken intensively about the squad and players.
"Christoph [Freund] and I have not only pushed ahead with the search for a coach, but also with squad planning.
"We are further ahead people might think. Radical change? What's a radical change? There are no lists of players we want to cut. But there are players who will have a harder time in the future - that's only fair. We've already taken some steps in squad planning."
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fc-bayern-transfer-news-palhinha-wharton-b1161190.html
Exclusive: £30m Tottenham Star Now Set to Leave
Ryan Sessegnon has not had the best of luck with injuries in the past few years
Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon is set to leave on a free transfer in the summer, attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
Ipswich Town are leading the race for Sessegnon, but Wolves and Crystal Palace also interested, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Fulham are hesitant to re-sign Sessegnon due to their squad depth, avoiding a move based purely on emotional ties.
Ryan Sessegnon seemed destined for a career of stardom when he broke into the Fulham team at the age of just 16, embarking on a season of 15 goals in the second-tier back in 2016/17; and with Tottenham Hotspur signing him to enhance his experience in the Premier League, eyes have been on him since.
But that hasn't happened, and with his Tottenham contract set to expire at the end of the season, it marks a new journey for the 24-year-old - with GIVEMESPORT sources claiming that the winger could have a three-way Premier League tussle for his signature over the summer.
Ryan Sessegnon: Transfer News Latest
The winger has been on the peripherals of Tottenham's team
A report by the BBC last month stated that Sessegnon is ready to leave Tottenham in the summer on a free transfer, being keen on a new challenge away from the north London club with Premier League interest in his services.
Tottenham hold the option of an extra year for his contract, though it is believed that he wants to move and Spurs won't stand in his way. Sessegnon, who signed for a fee which could rise to £30m, has played just one game this season, in the club's 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley back in January when he came off the bench with just seven minutes to go; with hamstring problems and surgery hampering his minutes in a white shirt.
The 24-year-old is set for a return over pre-season and should he wave away his injury problems, he would represent a strong pick-up for any team interested in his services.
Sessegnon is on The Radar of Three Premier League Clubs
There is still top-flight interest in his services
Tottenham will not be extending Sessegnon's contract and that will lead to his exit from the club - with three Premier League clubs keen on taking him off their hands, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Ipswich Town are the main club interested in him after their promotion to the Premier League, and with Leif Davis starring in the left-back role, the London-born wide-man would likely be used in a left-wing role should he make the move to Portman Road.
The Tractor Boys are considered the frontrunners for his signature, but any move is thought to be in the 'very early days' stage and that is a development that will be one to watch in weeks to come.
Having come through the Fulham academy, the Cottagers are an easy link for Sessegnon; but with Antonee Robinson shining at left-back this season and the club being more than stocked with enough wingers, a return to the London-based side is thought to be unlikely.
The Cottagers are wary of making a return for their former superstar, with any deal being for emotional reasons as opposed to whether he bolsters their squad - and after finishing in mid-table for the past two seasons, there is a case as to whether he is needed on the flanks at Craven Cottage.
Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace are the other two clubs who have a level of interest in signing Sessegnon.
They are aware of the level of promise that Sessegnon showed early in his career at Fulham, though his injury woes at Tottenham and whether he has enough Premier League experience are red flags as to whether they should make a genuine move for him.
Tottenham Simply Do Not Need Ryan Sessegnon
The London club have plenty of options down the left flank
A natural left winger, Tottenham have plenty of options ahead of him in their ranks and even at left-back, the club have Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and Micky Van de Ven as players who can play on the flanks in defence.
A move away does seem the best for all parties, though whether a Premier League move will transpire will come to light in the coming months.
https://www.givemesport.com/ryan-sessegnon-in-three-way-tussle-as-tottenham-prepare-exit/
Transfer reporter reveals why Man Utd, Chelsea target CB Tosin has not completed Newcastle move
Transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth has revealed why Newcastle haven't completed a move for Chelsea linked center back Tosin Adarabioyo.
Newcastle United have been predominantly linked with the Fulham defender, having identified him as a suitable target to reinforce their injury-ravaged central defensive line alongside Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly.
They now face a stern test from Chelsea who have also set sights on the former Manchester City youth player and there is also a reported interest from Manchester United though it appears the former's interest is stronger than the latter.
The interest of the two Premier League giants seems to have complicated the negotiation between Adarabioyo and Newcastle United with no deal in place at the moment despite the Magpies being tagged as the favorites to sign the defender.
Sheth has given clarity on the situation between Newcastle and the Anglo-Nigerian defender, stating why both parties are yet to get a deal over the line.
"The Tosin one, an agreement between Newcastle and the player's representatives was very, very close, if not done, barring a few details," he told GIVEMESPORT.
"Sometimes deals take a while because of transfer fees, but there's nothing like that involved here because Tosin is about to become a free agent.
"So, that side of it, they don't need to worry about - it's all to do with the personal terms and the minutiae of the contract, if you like.
"There's been plenty of talks between Newcastle and Tosin, but still, that deal hasn't got over the line because there is interest from other clubs.
"I've mentioned before, Chelsea have put a contract offer on the table. Manchester United are looking at Tosin as well to maybe boost that central defensive department at Old Trafford."
Adarabioyo will become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract with Fulham on June 30 2024, and it is unsurprising to see the Premier League giants jostling for his signature.
He made 25 appearances across all competitions in the just concluded campaign and registered two goals.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=51690
Possible the big clubs are waiting to see how Palhinha performs in the Euros before they make a bid, Fulham need to keep their guard up until the window closes.