Results| Tuesday 09/07 |
Spain | 2-1 | France |
Former Blackpool, Cardiff and Fulham star 'agrees' to League Two transfer
A former Blackpool midfielder is taking a chance on himself as he bids to make a breakthrough in first-team football.
Former Blackpool midfielder Cameron Antwi looks to be on the move as a League Two club closes in on his signature.
According to Football Insider, the 22-year-old is on the verge of moving across South Wales by joining Newport County from Cardiff City.
It adds that Antwi will sign a two-year deal at Rodney Parade after he completes a medical. The Exiles are currently without a manager after Graham Coughlan was relieved of his duties, but Antwi will soon link up with his new teammates for pre-season.
Welsh publication WalesOnline said that Antwi was offered a new contract by the Bluebirds but the player has opted to seek pastures new and will now try to make a full break in to first-team football.
Antwi departs Cardiff having made one senior appearance for the first-team after joining from the Seasiders two years ago. He suffered an horrific injury, sustaining MCL injuries on both legs, as well as a PCL on the left.
The player was due to go out on loan and the injury forced him in to needing crutches and a brace, but he made a full recovery in December.
London-born Antwi came through the academy at Fulham, but joined Blackpool in 2019. He initially played for the under-18s team but graduated to the firsts and made two appearances. During his time at Bloomfield Road, he also had loan spells in the non-league with AFC Telford United and Southport.
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/cameron-antwi-blackpool-cardiff-fulham-newport-county-southport-4695032
Reggae Boy Reid happy to continue EPL journey with Leicester City
Despite a contract offer to stay at Fulham FC, Reggae Boyz Vice-Captain Bobby De Cordova-Reid says he was convinced that signing for newly promoted English Premier League (EPL) club Leicester City was the right decision for his career.
The 31-year-old spent the last six years at Fulham, where he made 209 appearances and registered 32 goals and 18 assists.
However, Reid's contract expired at the end of June and he was in discussions over a new deal with the London club who finished 13th in the league last season. However, talks broke down over a proposed two-year deal.
Reid flew into the United Kingdom last week from the USA following Jamaica's campaign at the 2024 Copa America and signed with Leicester, who returned to the EPL after winning the English Football League Championship last season.
Reid says his mind was made up about the former EPL champions after discussions with Manager Steve Cooper.
"I'm obviously pleased to be here, I had a good chat with the manager and he told me the vision of the club and sold it for me. I spoke to him a few times, he was very clear in what he wanted and what he sees in me and it's a perfect fit for me, so I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get going," he said.
Reid has four stints in the EPL, three with Fulham and one with Cardiff City, with close to 130 appearances, and he believes his track record will be a well-needed addition to the squad.
"I want to bring experience, I got energy, I'm a goalscorer and playmaker so hopefully I can bring all those things and make the squad better. I pride myself on those types of things and helping the team, whether that's being a leader in the dressing room, being an experienced player to the younger ones, or just being an all round good person, I think that's key. I think it follows me with my age, but I'll take that mantle on and looking to get going and keep this club in the Premier League," he said.
All three clubs who gained promotion to the EPL last season were relegated, but Reid, who has seen demotion twice in his career, says this squad can defy those odds.
"We got to stick together as a squad. There's going to be times where there's ups and downs and [we have to] understand that the downs won't last that long if you continue to do the right things, be consistent in what you're doing, and follow the manager's way of playing," Reid said.
"It's going to be a very interesting season, it's a team full of winners, who obviously won the championship with players who have already been in the Premier League, so we're going to be fighting and the fans know that. I'll give my all for the club and hopefully bring some smiles to their faces."
Reid is expected to begin preseason with Leicester in the coming days, with friendly internationals set to be played in England, France, and Germany.
They open their EPL campaign at home against Tottenham on August 19, before visiting Reid's former club Fulham on August 24.
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/07/09/reggae-boy-reid-happy-continue-epl-journey-leicester-city/
Who is Jonathan Hill? A look at ex-Bournemouth and Fulham backroom member who has joined Scott Parker at Burnley
Scott Parker announced during his first press conference on Monday that he will be joined by trusted lieutenant Jonathan Hill.
Hill will join the existing coaching structure at Gawthorpe, which consists of assistant Craig Bellamy, coach Mike Jackson, new first-team assistant coach Henrik Jensen and set-piece coach Eliot Tybebo.
Educated in Lancaster, Hill began his foray into the world of football when he studied coaching and sports development at the University of Cumbria between 2008 and 2011.
Upon graduating, Hill started out as a coaching apprentice with Nottinghamshire Cricket Club before getting his first big break in football with Burnley's rivals Blackburn Rovers in 2011.
After two years at Ewood Park, the analyst spent a year in Qatar before returning to the UK to work as a performance analyst at Crystal Palace for almost three years.
He made the move across London to join Tottenham, which is where he first worked alongside Parker as the new Burnley boss made his first steps into coaching within the academy.
Since then, wherever Parker has gone, Hill has followed, taking him from Fulham, to Bournemouth, to Club Brugge and now to Burnley.
In an interview with Jobs In Football in January, Hill discussed how his close connection with Parker came about.
"He arrived at Tottenham having retired from football and he was coaching the Under 18s," he explained.
"We quickly recognised that we have a mutual understanding of how we want the game to be, how we see football, and the values we have in life.
"At the time I perhaps didn't recognise it, but he was trying to build his staff, knowing where his ambitions lay as a manager. As soon as Fulham came, it was like 'let's go'.
"My job is to be proactive to make sure he's got everything he needs. It can be anything from preparing stuff to deliver to owners to try and sell something, to delivering a team meeting or a post-match meeting. He gives me great empowerment to prepare stuff because I know exactly what he's gonna want.
"During a game, I'll have stuff prepared that we can show the players at half-time, what's going well, what's not going well, potential changes we might want to make.
"You've got to be a salesman, you've got to convince the players that what you're trying to get them to do is the right way.
"Modern footballers are very experienced, they've played under many coaches and they've got their opinions. You've got to try to convince them that pressing high against this team is the way to go, or these sorts of movements against this team will win the game.
"It's a collective process, how we deliver those messages. Ultimately it's his decision, but I've got to give him the tools he needs."
While Parker's stint in Belgium with Club Brugge lasted just nine weeks, Hill insists the pair still learned plenty from the experience.
"It was a really great challenge for us in Belgium, one we were very excited for and motivated to deliver success in," Hill said.
"It was great to experience a new culture and environment and while it wasn't a successful time for us, it has provided us with great learning opportunities and it's all part of the journey to improve and get better.
"I've worked abroad before in Qatar and enjoyed living in a new country and being at a huge club with passionate fans.
"It was challenging arriving halfway through a season, that was a new scenario for us. We were authentic and tried to do things the best way we believed but ultimately you have to win games and we didn't achieve that.
"At Bournemouth we had a six-week pre-season to coach and create a culture which resulted in starting the season 15 games unbeaten and promotion. Going in mid-season you have to hit the ground running, coach and prepare a team with league games every three or four days and we drew too many games as we tried to sell our method, improve performances and build relationships.
"But you learn and improve and our time in Brugge has given us a chance to reflect as we seek to achieve more success in the future and we are internally better for it."
https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/who-is-jonathan-hill-a-look-at-ex-bournemouth-and-fulham-backroom-member-who-has-joined-scott-parker-at-burnley-4694909
Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United vying for Jacob Bruun Larsen
Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 25-year-old versatile Danish attacker Jacob Bruun Larsen from Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim this summer.
According to a report by German outlet Kicker, Jacob Bruun Larsen might return to the Premier League in the summer transfer window. London clubs Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United are vying for the signature of the versatile TSG Hoffenheim attacker. The Bundesliga club will likely demand around €8.5 million to part ways with the 25-year-old.
The Jacob Bruun Larsen story
Jacob Bruun Larsen has returned to TSG Hoffenheim after a decent loan spell with Burnley. While the Dane was one of the best players for the Clarets and scored seven goals in 36 outings, they could not remain in the Premier League.
A native of Lyngby, the 25-year-old spent most of his formative years at his hometown club, Lyngby BK, before graduating from the youth division at Borussia Dortmund. However, Bruun Larsen struggled to stamp his authority at Signal Iduna Park, embarking on two loan spells before joining Hoffenheim.
The Danish international might not have a long-term future at TSG Hoffenheim, with the Bundesliga club open to entertaining offers of around €8.5 million to sell him in the summer transfer window. A return to the Premier League might be on the cards, with Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United vying for his signature.
London calling?
Crystal Palace's interest in Jacob Bruun Larsen is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a long-term replacement for Michael Olise, who has joined Bayern Munich. The versatile TSG Hoffenheim attacker has thus emerged as a viable target. As for Fulham, they have lost Bobby De Cordova-Reid as a free agent.
In addition, Willian faces an uncertain future at Craven Cottage, compelling Fulham to search for a wide attacker, with the Dane being an option worth considering. Meanwhile, West Ham's interest in Bruun Larsen stems from the uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Lucas Paqueta.
Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham should have the funds to afford a move to secure Jacob Bruun Larsen's services, considering he will cost only €8.5 million. So, it will be interesting to see if the versatile 25-year-old Danish attacker returns to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/09/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-united-vying-for-jacob-bruun-larsen/
The summer 2024 Fulham squad audit
With a group of key players leaving the club, a number of promising academy prospects waiting in the wings and the concept of PSR lingering over every club in the land, it promises to be a busy and important summer at Craven Cottage. Here, we look at where Fulham need to strengthen, who could fill the gaps in the squad, and who needs to be moved on by the end of the summer window.
Goalkeepers
Steven Benda's arrival last summer as a third-choice shot stopper was as exciting as it got for Fulham in the goalkeeping department. This summer, however, there is more to consider. Bernd Leno, barring any unforeseen complications, will remain the first-choice goalkeeper, something no Fulham fan will be unhappy about. Benda is unlikely to move on after one year, and will fill in as a backup. However, a gap has been left in this department due to the departure of academy graduate and two-time promotion-winning Slovakian, Marek Rodak.
Filling that void leaves the club with a choice to make. Not only was Rodak a reliable deputy to Leno, he helped with the homegrown quote in our Premier League squad too. So one option could be for the club to replace like-for-like with an academy option. George Wickens impressed in his short stint on loan at Ross County last year, and at 22 years old looks the most obvious option to step up to the first team squad. However, the desire for more first team football at his age and with his reputation may make it hard to convince Wickens to be a potential third-choice goalkeeper at this stage of his career.
Another alternative is the returning Luca Ashby-Hammond. Unlike Wickens, Ashby-Hammond struggled out on loan last year, both with Crawley and Notts County. The chance to take a season to develop with Premier League level coaches and learn from the likes of Leno may prove appealing to the 23-year-old who represented England from U15 level all the way up to the U20s. Of course, if the club continue to see Benda as a third-choice option and do not see any academy prospects as an appropriate back-up in the Premier League, the option is there to look elsewhere. The back-up goalkeeper market is a strange one, and never a priority for a club's spending, especially in the era of PSR issues. Someone like a Danny Ward at Leicester who has dropped behind Mads Hermansen and Jakub Stolarczyk, but still has recent Premier League and international experience, may be a clever addition.
Defenders
Full-back is one of Fulham's strongest positions within our squad. Antonee Robinson is the club's player of the season and Timothy Castagne proved to be a trusted starter for Marco Silva in his first season at the club. Kenny Tete seems to be staying around and provides extra quality at right-back. Fode Ballo-Toure returning to Milan after his loan leaves a gap that needs filling though. Jon Esenga may have filled that gap given his academy reputation, but a serious injury in 2023/24 may have set back that progress slightly. Assuming Robinson stays and plays every week, Fulham may look for a cheap deputy. Aston Villa having three left backs now Maatsen has joined from Chelsea may free up the availability of Alex Moreno or Lucas Digne. Matt Targett would be a familiar face and seems to be available from Newcastle. Alternatively, Luke Thomas finds himself out of contract at Leicester City and would require no buying fee.
Work needs to be done primarily at centre-half. Tosin has left and the less said about him the better, and even if Tim Ream's move to the MLS doesn't materialise, he's still in the final stages of his career and signing a younger left-sided centre-back for the future is important. Ronnie Edwards was a name that excited me, however Southampton recently snapped him up from Peterborough United. Christian Mawissa is a teenager who has had a breakthrough year at Toulouse, and can play anywhere across the backline but has predominantly been used in that left-sided centre-back role. Another alternative for that position could be Konstantinos Koulierakis of PAOK. Koulierakis has impressed in two senior seasons in Greece, already racking up more than 50 games for the Greek giants. His form has already earned the 20-year-old six caps for the Greek senior national team, showing how highly rated the young defender is in his home country. Teden Mengi of Luton is another name that has been mentioned, but he may be looking for more regular game time.
The priority position at the back though is certainly at right centre-back. The departure of Tosin leaves a huge hole. Issa Diop is a decent enough option to rotate into the side sporadically, but remains too error-prone to be the long-term option in that position. Therefore, it seems important that Fulham spend money on a quality partner for Bassey going forward.
Looking at potential options, I like the look of Josip Sutalo at Ajax. The Croat played all three of their Euro 2024 games alongside Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City and Bassey has shown that the transition from the Eredivisie to this level is one that is possible to adapt to. Merih Demiral may have become a forgotten man after moving to the Saudi Pro League, but his performances for Turkey this summer, including two goals in their Last 16 tie with Austria, may have put his name back in the minds of European scouting departments. Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United is a player that, despite Sheffield United's horrendous season defensively, remains highly rated and may thrive in a backline that doesn't face quite as much pressure as the team that conceded the most goals in Premier League history.
Midfielders
Fulham would ideally love to not have to invest heavily in the midfield positions this summer, but Palhinha's move to Bayern Munich leaves the club needing a big signing in the middle of the park. The importance of the position and the replacement for Palhinha is shown in the way Silva often used two players to fill in for the games in which he was absent in the 2023/24 season. Josh King and the even younger Seth Ridgeon are both exceptionally talented midfielders, but it is far too early to expect them to step up into first team contention, even if King does get the odd cup opportunity. While Harrison Reed and Sasa Lukic are both quality and useful Premier League options, they are not the outstanding number six option required to play in this role by Marco Silva. Ultimately, Fulham never really signed a defensive midfield cover for Joao, so two signings in this specific position may prove necessary.
One obvious replacement would be the Brazilian Andre, who has been linked to the club time after time since promotion to the Premier League two years ago. The 22 year old Fluminense star already has five caps for Brazil, making his debut against Senegal in 2023. A cheap option could be Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester, who is yet to sign a new club with the champions of the Championship. The Nigerian international is an established Premier League player and is still only 27 years old. Ndidi has developed his on-the-ball ability under Enzo Maresca and could still be an incredibly handy option.
James Garner at Everton is a quality player, and if Onana was to stay at Goodison Park, the Englishman may look to move on for more guaranteed game time elsewhere. Kalvin Phillips is another name that has been linked, but his loan stint at West Ham suggests his level of performance of late isn't too encouraging. I also really like Oliver Skipp of Tottenham, who is a true ball winner in the middle and is looking to leave the North London club in search of more regular game time.
Were bids to also arise for Andreas Pereira, the club would have another regular starter to replace. Links have been made to PSG and Atletico Madrid among other big clubs across Europe. Silva and his recruitment team would not only have to look to replace his pressing qualities, but also find a player who contributes more to goals and assists from open play. With Cairney acting more in deeper roles last season and Luke Harris not yet ready for a regular first team bout, a new name would have to be signed to replace Pereira if the circumstances arose. Georgiy Sudakov of Shakhtar Donestk would be an ambitious signing and relations may be poor with the Ukrainians after the Manor Solomon affair, but that would be one hell of a signing. Calvin Stengs could be another quality addition, playing brilliantly last season for Feyenoord, with 18 goal contributions in 29 Eredivisie outings.
Forwards
The forward line will probably be the area of most change this summer. In the number nine position, Carlos Vinicius and Jay Stansfield return from loans at Galatasaray and Birmingham City, respectively. Rodrigo Muniz has established himself as Fulham's most exciting and prolific striker and Raul Jimenez remains an option too. Vini looks the most likely to depart, given how often Raul and Muniz featured last year and based on the fact that Silva has confirmed Stansfield will be part of the first team set up going into the 24/25 season. Kieron Bowie is likely to earn a loan to the Championship after two impressive seasons with Northampton. And whilst Godo, Osmand and Lupalo-Bi are all incredibly highly rated in the youth setup, none are likely to graduate to first team football this coming year.
Out wide, Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid look to be leaving upon the expiry of their contracts. While Alex Iwobi can play on the left wing, the Nigerian is also utilised in midfield, leaving Fulham with a lack of natural left sided forwards. Crysencio Summerville of Leeds could be a really exciting signing, however he could potentially look to be joining a Premier League club playing European football.
Antonio Nusa at Club Brugge is a really exciting teenage prospect and a full Norweigan international. If Silva were to take a gamble on Nusa and improve his ability to contribute to goals, he could be an incredibly good signing. Jaden Philogene, like Summerville, impressed hugely in the Championship last season and is being courted by a range of Premier League clubs, Fulham should be one of them. Jacob Bruun Larsen of Hoffenheim has just come back from the Euros after featuring for Denmark and looked very impressive on occasions in front of goal for a poor Burnley side last season, he's a player who would be immediately up to speed in the Premier League and offer a great goal-scoring threat.
Conclusions
Fulham are light in very specific areas and, if expected, an important player or two were to leave, the club would be in a good position to spend. Centre-back, holding midfield and left-wing seem to be the positions the club most need to focus in, but ensuring competition is strong in every position is important, so competition for the likes of Robinson, Leno and Lukic would be important too. Whether Fulham look to act early and have key names in through the door for pre-season, or continue to leave big signings until late in the window to help accommodate lower transfer fees, is yet to be seen.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-07-09-the-summer-2024-fulham-squad-audit/
Fulham hold 'strong interest' in former Huddersfield Town star also linked with West Ham and Crystal Palace
Fulham reportedly hold a strong interest in Arsenal's former Huddersfield Town loan star Emile Smith Rowe.
The 23-year-old's progress has slowed at the Emirates Stadium amid stern competition for places in Mikel Arteta's squad. He has fallen away from England contention and speculation regarding his future has been rife in recent months
The likes of West Ham United and Crystal Palace have been linked with a swoop for the playmaker, as have Aston Villa and Newcastle United. However, Sky Sports have claimed Fulham are expected to formalise their strong interest in Smith Rowe soon.
He is thought to be keen to assess all his options, with regular football a priority for the former Terriers loanee. There are also two years remaining on his deal, therefore a substantial offer may need to be tabled.
Selling Smith Rowe would have benefits for Arsenal, with his status as a homegrown player arguably an incentive when it comes to staying in line with profit and sustainability rules.
The pocketing of a hefty fee could also free the Gunners up to invest elsewhere. However, it will still be bittersweet to see an academy graduate seek pastures new if he does indeed depart.
Arsenal loaned Smith Rowe out twice while he was cutting his teeth in the capital. He had a brief stint at RB Leipzig but it was his time in West Yorkshire that propelled him up the pecking order.
Smith Rowe spent the second half of the 2019/20 season at the John Smith's Stadium, immediately showing his potential with a series of impressive displays.
When his time as a Terrier came to an end, he had scored two goals and registered three assists in 19 appearances.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-hold-strong-interest-in-former-huddersfield-town-star-also-linked-with-west-ham-and-crystal-palace-4695835
'Bid incoming' - Fulham fired up for Crystal Palace £30m transfer dogfight
The Cottagers 'won't take no' for an answer in their pursuit of the Arsenal midfielder.
Fulham appear determined to beat Premier League rivals, including Crystal Palace, to the signing of out-of-favour Arsenal man Emile Smith-Rowe this summer.
The Cottagers are poised to lose star man Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich this summer as the German giants edge a deal closer to completion having fallen at the final hurdle last summer. With Brazilian Andreas Pereira supposedly a target for Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid, recruitment in the centre of the park has become a priority for Marco Silva.
Fulham had been linked with interest in Smith-Rowe, who played just 475 minutes in all competitions for the Gunners last season, and those rumours now appear to be gathering pace. TeamTALK reports that Fulham are 'ready to launch' a bid for the player, who is valued between £25 and £30 million by the Gunners.
Transfer specialist Alan Nixon has also spoken out on the deal as it gathers pace. The reporter claims that Fulham 'won't take no for an answer' when it comes to a transfer for Smith-Rowe.
A product of the Arsenal academy, any sale of the midfielder would represent a healthy profit for the North London club. The 23-year-old has made 115 first team appearances for his boyhood side since making his debut in 2018 but appears to be frozen out of Mikel Arteta's plans.
It is widely understood that playing time is the priority for Smith-Rowe, who is keen to still make that happen at Arsenal but willing to listen to other offers. Premier League rivals Crystal Palace have also been linked with the player and have just seen attacking midfielder Michael Olise leave the club in a big money move to Bayern Munich.
When asked whether Smith-Rowe had a future in his Arsenal plans earlier this year, Arteta replied: "Yeah. I just look at him and what happened in the last seasons especially, but what happened three seasons [ago] as well.
"Take all that. It is the best thing that could have happened for him in his career - if he uses it the right way now. So, don't look back and say: 'Ah, if, if'. No, this happened, use it.
"That was the best thing that could have happened, I had great moments, I had difficult moments, now I know what I want, how to deal with that. That is going to make me a much better player'. And, you could see, the hell of a player that we have in him when he is fit and he is playing at that level."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/bid-incoming-fulham-fired-up-for-crystal-palace-ps30m-transfer-dogfight-4695876
Fulham stepping up efforts to sign player – Contacts opened, €20m opening bid readied
Fulham have opened talks with Besiktas over 18-year-old striker Semih Kılıçsoy after scouting him earlier this year.
That's according to journalists Yağız Sabuncuoğu and Sercan Dikme, who both say Fulham have stepped forward to try and sign the highly rated forward.
Sabuncuoğlu reports that Fulham have made official contact with Besiktas for Kılıçsoy, opening talks to try and sign him this summer.
He offers no information on the potential deal or the cost of it, or even whether the Turkish side will be willing to open talks over their player.
Dikme provides more information on the matter, explaining that Fulham have opened talks and are getting ready to make an official offer worth €20m. Besiktas would be open to doing a deal at such a price point.
He adds that Fulham chief scout Brian Talbot actually opened initial talks with Besiktas two months ago over the player and now other Fulham officials and Besiktas' Samet Aybaba are continuing those negotiations.
The club's president Hasan Arat is also following the process closely as Fulham seemingly step up their efforts to get the 18-year-old.
He's one of the rising stars of Turkish football after manager 12 goals and three assists in 39 games for Besiktas' senior side, as well as 42 goals and six assists in 64 games for the U19's previously.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-stepping-efforts-sign-player-contacts-opened-e20m-opening-bid-readied/
Exclusive: Fulham readying €20m bid for exciting 18-year-old
There's likely to be a fair bit of transfer movement around Fulham this summer.
It's believed that Bayern Munich are still trying hard to get Joao Palhinha to join them, whilst CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of Fulham's transfer plans suggest that the West Londoners are preparing to make an opening bid of €20m for Besiktas's Turkish striker, Semih Kilicsoy.
The Premier League club's scouts were apparently hoping to follow the 18-year-old's progress at the European Championship, but he only played for a single minute against the Netherlands according to WhoScored.
Fulham want Semih Kilicsoy
Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham scouts had previously followed the player's performances, but none have come forward with a confirmed bid for his services.
Nonetheless, it's understood that the striker wants a move to the Premier League as a priority, and his representatives are believed to have told Besiktas to accept the offer for Kilicsoy.
That would appear to be a foregone conclusion, as transfermarkt suggest his market value at present is actually much lower, at €12m.
In any event, negotiations haven't yet taken place and until Fulham have the player's signature on a contract, the move can't be considered as closed.
Manager, Marco Silva, has done a brilliant job whilst at Craven Cottage, and despite also losing Tosin Adarabioyo this summer to near neighbours Chelsea, he'll still be expecting his squad to be competitive.
Landing a talent such as Semih Kilicsoy would strengthen the notion that Silva is continuing to build something special for now and in future for the club, and if the player is able to hit the ground running as and when he signs, there's every chance that his value will quickly soar.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/09/fulham-20m-bid-18-year-old/
Millwall youngster Jayden Tektas is of interest to Crystal Palace and Fulham, The Secret Scout has reported on X.
Millwall are looking to make strides forward in the 2024/25 season after preserving their Championship status for another year.
There were fears of relegation to League One amid a poor start under Gary Rowett and a further slide towards the drop zone under Joe Edwards. However, club legend Neil Harris came back to lead the Lions to safety.
They ended the campaign in strong form, finishing far away from the bottom three up in 13th.
New signings are wanted but Millwall will also be key to retain key assets, including top academy prospects. Now though, it is claimed one of their promising talents is the subject of Premier League interest.
Writing on X, trusted source of academy news The Secret Scout has said that Crystal Palace and Fulham are both keeping an eye on young central midfielder Jayden Tektas.
Tektas is yet to make his senior bow at The Den but his impressive form in the academy has earned international recognition with Turkey's U18s.
Another prospect wanted
Millwall are strangers to interest in their top prospects with Tektas not the first to have drawn admiring glances from the Premier League this summer alone.
Fellow youngster Josh Stephenson has been linked with Everton and Brighton following a strong campaign in the Lions' academy. Harris has stressed a desire to keep working with the Academy Player of the Season but if it comes to it, the club simply want to ensure they're protected if top stars do move on.
millwall, Crystal Palace, Fulham eye up Millwall midfielder
The club will likely take a similar stance over Tektas as top-flight links emerge. He too has caught the eye in the youth ranks and those in South London will be hopeful he can make a breakthrough under their watch.
With Premier League clubs regularly swooping on EFL sides for talented youngsters though, time will tell if Millwall can fend off interest in Tektas and Stephenson.
The path to the first-team
While perhaps not quite as clear as it is at other clubs, the path to the first-team at Millwall is one many have followed to great success.
Billy Mitchell and Dan McNamara have been regulars in recent years after coming through the academy. Romaine Esse is tipped for big things having made his senior breakthrough and fans are eager for him to be given increased opportunities.
If more players can make it through the academy and into the first-team at The Den, more prospects will dedicate themselves to making a breakthrough under their watch. Some will favour that over moving onto Premier League academies, where the pathway can be tougher.
If Millwall can make that clear, they could be in a good position to keep Tektas and Stephenson amid top interest.
https://the72.co.uk/2024/07/09/millwall-jayden-tektas-crystal-palace-fulham/
Pre-Season Benfica Test(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/082d33a0-e294-11ec-8964-89af39f8d07b.jpg)
Fulham will face SL Benfica as part of our pre-season preparations.
We take on last season's Primeira Liga runners-up in Portugal on Friday 2nd August (8pm) at Estadio Algarve.
Tickets for this fixture range from €12.50 - €25 and can be purchased at the below link.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/july/09/pre-season-benfica-test/
Digital tickets coming to Craven Cottage as Fulham signs with Ticketmaster
Fulham Football Club has enlisted Ticketmaster Sport as its official ticketing technology partner for the 2024-25 season which will result in digital season tickets being used for the first time at Craven Cottage.
It is hoped that the partnership will help the Premier League side enhance the fan experience with the digital passes. They can be stored on smartphones and are claimed to allow for smoother access to the stadium on busy matchdays.
"We are delighted to partner with Ticketmaster Sport, which will provide the Club's new ticketing platform," said Fulham's head of ticketing Katy Brecht.
"The Club is committed to making the online ticket purchase experience and physical entry points at Craven Cottage easier and simpler for our supporters.
"With the immediate introduction of a new flexible operating platform and digital ticketing, we're looking forward to working with Ticketmaster Sport to achieve our shared commitment to future innovation and a best-in-class experience that befits the Club and our fans."
Supporters will also now be able to see views from seats before they purchase as Craven Cottage will be rendered into Virtual Venue. The technology recreates stadiums with 3D technology.
Ticketmaster will also make transferring tickets to others easier through its ticket transfer option when holders are unable to attend a match.
"Our team has been working closely with Katy to make sure everything is prepared for the new Premier League season," said Ticketmaster Sport managing director Chris Gratton.
"We look forward to teaming up with Fulham FC again, delivering our market-leading digital ticketing solutions and excellent client service to support the club's ambitions."
https://www.theticketingbusiness.com/2024/07/09/digital-tickets-coming-to-craven-cottage-as-fulham-signs-with-ticketmaster/
Fulham Prepare €20m Bid For Turkish Striker Semih Kilicsoy
Fulham is set for a busy transfer window with potential movement at both ends of the pitch as they plot a move for Turkish international striker Semih Kilicsoy.
Palhinha Headed to Bavaria?
Caught Offside report that Bayern Munich remains persistent in their pursuit of midfielder Joao Palhinha. Fulham is likely to see the Portuguese international depart, potentially freeing up funds for reinforcements.
Fulham Eyes Turkish Starlet
Sources close to Fulham's transfer plans suggest they are preparing a €20 million opening bid for Besiktas's young striker Semih Kilicsoy. While his single-minute appearance at Euro 2024 limited scouting opportunities, Fulham's interest is clear.
Kilicsoy Prioritizes Premier League Move
Despite previous interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham, Kilicsoy reportedly prioritizes a move to the Premier League. His representatives are believed to be urging Besiktas to accept Fulham's offer, which significantly exceeds his current market valuation.
Silva Building for the Future
With manager Marco Silva already losing Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, Kilicsoy's arrival would demonstrate Fulham's commitment to building a competitive squad. His potential and Fulham's ambition could see his value rise rapidly if he adapts to English football.
Negotiations Key
While Fulham's interest is clear, negotiations haven't begun officially. Securing Kilicsoy's signature will be crucial for Silva to continue his project at Craven Cottage.
Kilicsoy was part of the Euro 2024 squad this summer but did not get much playing time. The striker was a first team striker for the Black Eagles this season scoring 11 goals and three assists in 23 Super Lig games.
https://turkish-football.com/fulham-prepare-e20m-bid-for-turkish-striker-semih-kilicsoy/
Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham in race for relegated £7.2m Premier League striker
Three London rivals are looking at a summer deal for the former Burnley loanee.
West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham are believed to be rivalling one another in a transfer race for TSG Hoffenheim forward Jacob Bruun Larsen this summer.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Burnley, scoring six top flight goals in what was an underwhelming campaign for Vincent Kompany's men. Larsen can play across the front three and his versatility could make him a prime target for all of the London rivals.
West Ham have today learnt that talisman Jarrod Bowen is the number one transfer target for Newcastle United with a £100 million fee touted, while Lucas Paqueta is also linked with an exit. Meanwhile, at Craven Cottage, Paqueta's compatriot Andreas Pereira is attracting transfer interest after Bobby De Cordova-Reid left as a free agent to join Leicester City.
Over at Crystal Palace, Michael Olise has just put pen to paper on a deal with Bayern Munich and Eberechi Eze is also tipped to be on his way out of Selhurst Park. With all the clubs needing forward coverage in multiple roles, the Denmark international has emerged as a prime candidate.
German outlet Kicker report that the player is open to returning to the Premier League this summer. Hoffenheim are said to want around €8.5 million for the player, which is around £7.2 million.
That fee should certainly be realistic for Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham, the former two outfits bringing in the big bucks for the sales of Olise and the imminent departure of Joao Palhinha respectively.
Larsen came through the youth academy at Borussia Dortmund and made 41 senior appearances for the German giants before joining Hoffenheim in 2020. As well as Burnley, the forward has been sent on loan to Anderlecht during his four years with the side. He has six goals in his 57 Hoffenheim appearances.
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/crystal-palace-west-ham-and-fulham-in-race-for-relegated-ps72m-premier-league-striker-4696591
Fabio Carvalho reveals the reason behind his decision to represent Portugal over England
Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho revealed the reason why he opted to represent Portugal at international level despite appearing for England at youth level
Liverpool attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho has broken his silence regarding his decision to represent Portugal internationally despite playing for England at youth level.
The 21-year-old joined the Reds in 2022 from Fulham at the end of his contract, but due to his age and homegrown status, Liverpool were forced to pay a compensation fee. Carvalho arrived at Anfield with plenty of excitement surrounding his ability and potential thanks to his performance in the Championship.
Although he's yet to show his best at Anfield, with Carvalho heading out on a fruitless loan deal to RB Leipzig before a return to the Championship with Hull City at the end of last season saw him shine, Carvalho still has plenty to prove in the Premier League, and one day at senior international level.
However, he will not be doing so for England after he switched his allegiance to Portugal ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, seeing him named in the preliminary 55-man squad for the tournament, but he wasn't selected in the final 26-man list. Despite him yet to appear for the senior side, Carvalho has made four U21 appearances for the country of his birth.
Born in Torres Vedras, a district in Lisbon, Carvalho played for Benfica before his parents moved to South London when he was 11. Arriving in England, the attacker played in the youth teams of non-league Balham before he joined Fulham's academy in 2015. Carvalho subsequently represented England at U16, U17 and U18 level before he was contacted by Portugal.
Speaking via In The Bag, Carvalho explained his decision to play for Portugal was in part due to passport restrictions hindering his ability to play for England. "Not a lot of people know this but I don't have a British passport," Carvalho revealed. "So when I would represent England I couldn't play in any major competitions.
"I had been in England for 10 years so it was hard for me. Portugal called me and said they wanted me to come in. I trained with them and I haven't looked back since, as long as I keep working hard I know I've got the talent to get a call-up (to the senior team)."
Carvalho made his Fulham debut at the age of 18 years and 24 days against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup in September 2020. He went on to make his Premier League bow at the end of the 2020/21 season against Chelsea after Fulham's relegation to the second-tier was confirmed.
And it was during The Cottagers' subsequent season in the Championship when he made his mark, scoring 10 goals and assisting eight times in 36 league games as Fulham won the league and returned to the top-flight. Carvalho's form saw him opt to head to Anfield where he's scored three times in 21 games in all competitions and will be looking to impress new boss Arne Slot.
https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/fabio-carvalho-liverpool-england-portugal-29509490
Premier League club set to formalise interest in Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe
Fulham are expected to formalise their interest in Emile Smith Rowe soon, with the player currently open to all options, according to a report.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Dharmesh Sheth reports for Sky Sports that Fulham are among a number of Premier League clubs with a strong interest in Emile Smith Rowe, and they're expected to formalise their interest soon to try and ward off the competition.
Sheth adds that Smith Rowe wants to assess all his options this summer, prioritising regular football.
This follows an update from journalist Alan Nixon that Fulham were set to make new offers to both Arsenal and Smith Rowe for his signing.
Nixon has suggested that the primary issue is convincing Smith Rowe himself, with the player still keen to make it at Arsenal. Fulham will try to offer more money and change his mind, but it's not clear whether that will work.
According to his previous reports, Arsenal want at least £25m for the signing, and Crystal Palace are also in the mix.
Smith Rowe has been in training with a few other Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta in Marbella, in a sort of unofficial early pre-season.
The 23-year-old reportedly arrived early for the mini training camp, clearly keen to be prepared for the new campaign. Smith Rowe made 19 appearances for Arsenal in 2023/24.
Pre-season will formally get underway at the start of next week, before the trip to the United States on July 21st.
https://dailycannon.com/2024/07/fulham-smith-rowe-formal-interest/
Manchester United not in a hurry to sell Scott McTominay
Manchester United are in no rush to sell Scott McTominay despite growing interest from Premier League sides in this market.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are not worried about Scott McTominay and doesn't seem to be in a rush to sell the 27-year-old midfielder. The Scotland international enters the final year of his deal, with the club finding a newfound optimism about having him within the ranks of Erik ten Hag's squad.
Manchester United to keep Scott McTominay?
In the last two windows, Scott McTominay has seen numerous links with a move away from Manchester United and might have come very close to leaving last summer. Newcastle United have been one of the favourites to sign the 27-year-old, with Eddie Howe a big fan of his talents, although the midfielder might have internally sought to stay at Old Trafford.
With Erik ten Hag chosen to stay as the club's manager, there's a feeling he wants McTominay to remain, which is why Manchester United are not in a hurry to sell the 27-year-old midfielder. There's sufficient interest from Premier League clubs in the Scotsman, which could land the Red Devils a good profit should they choose to sell him.
Fulham are one of the clubs interested in McTominay, and Marco Silva is keen to hand him a key role in his squad. Ahead of choosing the Cottagers, the 27-year-old will probably feel other options like Newcastle United will be better suited for his game, although at Craven Cottage, he will have a starring role in Silva's lineup.
West Ham are also keen and have retained an interest since the end of the previous campaign. Whether that is the sentiment of Julen Lopetegui remains to be seen. However, at this stage, Manchester United are not seemingly open to selling the midfielder and might evaluate his future at a later date.
Manchester United making big transfer plans
Earlier today, Manchester United made a 50 million bid for Leny Yoro, which Lille accepted. However, there are doubts about whether the teenage defender wants to join the Red Devils. In any case, they are also closing on Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, as the Dutch duo will arrive once the Euros conclude.
The Red Devils are likely to continue searching for new players in different positions, with a wide forward and a midfielder one of their other priorities in this window.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/10/manchester-united-not-in-a-hurry-to-sell-scott-mctominay/