Fulham's more than fair transfer bid for floundering Manchester United midfielder gets rejected
Fulham recently agreed to a deal to sign Andre from Fluminense, bringing one of the most highly touted midfielders from the Brazilian league to the Premier League as a replacement for future Bayern Munich standout Joao Palhinha.
Fulham need to replace Joao Palhinha
Filling Palhinha's shoes is certainly no easy task, as the Portuguese defensive midfielder was legitimately one of the best players in the English top flight at any position.
Andre is an intriguing signing, though, but Fulham fans may be less than intrigued by the next notable name linked to the Cottagers on the summer 2024 transfer market.
Manchester United rejected Fulham's bid for Scott McTominay
According to a report from Sky Sports's Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are working to sign Manchester United center midfielder Scott McTominay and even bid 17 million pounds for the Scottish international.
However, Man United rejected their bid outright, and Sheth reports that the Red Devils don't really want to sell the homegrown 27-year-old but are only doing so to clear squad space so that they can make a big-name midfield signing.
Scott McTominay has interest from Galatasaray
So far, Manchester United have been linked to a variety of midfielders as they look to replace aging veterans like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, with PSG standout Manuel Ugarte standing on top of the wishlist.
Fulham could actually get something out of McTominay, who has a penchant for scoring goals, but he's basically the antithesis of Palhinha. He doesn't know where to go, he doesn't know where to be, and when the ball arrives, he gives it to the other team like it's a game of hot potato.
It's honestly baffling to see credible Premier League sides like West Ham and Fulham willing to bid nearly 20 million pounds on a player whose only other interested party is Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig – you know, the place where failed talents went before the Saudi Pro League was ever a thing.
https://thetrivelaeffect.com/fulhams-reasonable-transfer-bid-for-floundering-manchester-united-midfielder-gets-rejected/
Nottingham Forest and Fulham in battle for signing – PL duo can offer 'richer contract' than rival
Towards the end of last season, L'Equipe reported Nottingham Forest and Fulham have initiated contacted over signing Toulouse's Logan Costa.
Fast forward to July and Il Resto del Carlino talk about Nottingham Forest and Fulham's interest in the 23-year-old when providing the latest on Bologna's search for a defender.
Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori will soon make a switch to Arsenal, while they are likely to start the season without Colombia international Jhon Lucumí, who sustained an injury at the Copa América.
This has seen the Serie A side look for a new centre-back, and Udinese's Jaka Bijol has been identified as one of the targets. They value him at €18m, while Bologna are offering €12m.
The report states this is the fee needed for them to sign Costa, but it won't be easy for Bologna because Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Atlético Madrid and Villarreal are all showing interested in the Toulouse player.
It's further claimed both the Reds and Marco Silva's side, along with the La Liga duo, can offer 'richer contracts' to the Cape Verde international than the deal offered by Bologna in the last few hours.
Costa's deal lasts until 2026, and Il Resto del Carlino make no mention of his preference among Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Atlético, Villarreal and Bologna.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/nottingham-forest-fulham-battle-signing-pl-duo-can-offer-richer-contract-rival/
Fulham's lack of Champions League football is putting player off transfer
Fulham's inability to offer Champions League football is currently putting midfielder Cameron Puertas off a move to the club this summer.
That's according to Blick, who report that Fulham are interested in the 25-year-old but there is a major stumbling block for the player.
The outlet explain that alongside Dan Ndoye, Puertas is the most sought-after Swiss player on the international transfer market at this moment in time.
He's just had a top season with Belgian runner ups Union Saint Gilloise, where they narrowly missed out on the title, but he was voted as the best player in the league.
That's led to interest in him and four clubs from the top leagues, England, France, Italy and Germany have shown an interest in him.
Fulham are the English side in him but unlike the other three clubs in quartet, they can't offer Champions League football. And that means Puertas isn't interested in them at this moment in time.
The player also has interest from Saudi Arabia, with his agent confirming as much, and is considered the offer due to the money that would be on offer.
That would suggest Champions League football isn't as important as is being made out and Fulham may have a chance after all, although they'd need to convince him with a big-money offer.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-lack-champions-league-football-putting-player-off-transfer/
Fulham 6-1 Watford(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/b4658ef0-4c1a-11ef-9ed6-37119c7006c7.jpg)
Fulham's pre-season preparations continued with another behind-closed-doors outing against Championship opposition on Saturday, defeating Watford 6-1 at Motspur Park.
The Whites took a very early lead from the penalty spot, Saša Lukić planting a firm effort inside the left-hand post from 12 yards after Rodrigo Muniz had been brought down.
Muniz added his own name to the scoresheet half an hour later, lashing a thunderous strike into the postage stamp, having taken a touch to control Alex Iwobi's pass.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/9792dda0-4c1a-11ef-a99c-7984771bf9c9.jpg)
And Iwobi was next to go from provider to scorer, getting on the end of Josh King's through ball and dinking a smart finish over the goalkeeper.
There were five changes to the team at half-time, with two of them soon combining for 4-0. Following a driving run through midfield, King played in Harry Wilson to his right, who cut back to Raúl Jiménez to rifle home through a raft of bodies.
Jay Stansfield was then one of six further changes on the hour mark, and quickly got involved, emphatically finishing first time from an inch-perfect Raúl delivery.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/9797bfa0-4c1a-11ef-a6b6-ddd1a2af5422.jpg)
Raúl was the provider again for number six, slipping Adrion Pajaziti in one-on-one, with the midfielder keeping his cool to send a gorgeous chip up and over the 'keeper and into the back of the net.
Watford did nab a late consolation with a decent finish, but another strong runout for the boys nonetheless ahead of their departure to Portugal on Tuesday.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/july/27/fulham-6-1-watford/
Fulham hit Watford for six
Fulham made it two pre-season wins out of two by thrashing Watford 6-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Motspur Park this afternoon.
The Whites went in front when Sasa Lukic coolly converted a penalty after Rodrigo Muniz had been brought down in the box. Muniz made it two with a powerful drive after the Brazilian striker was found by a searching pass from Alex Iwobi.
iwobi then added his name to the scoresheet before the break, dinking a delightful finish over the advancing Watford goalkeeper having been played in by a peach of a pass from teenage midfielder Josh King.
Marco Silva made five changes at half time and King quickly involved two of them to increase Fulham's lead. He drove deep into Watford territory and found Harry Wilson, who cut a ball back for Raul Jimenez to fire home.
Jay Stansfield scored swiftly after being sent on – heading home an inch perfect Jimenez cross and academy product Adrion Pajaziti made it six with a classy finish from another excellent assist by the Mexican veteran.
Watford did grab a late consolation but this was the perfect preparation for next week's trip to Portugal.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-hit-watford-for-six/
Emile Smith Rowe set to join Fulham from Arsenal
According to Sports Zone, Emile Smith Rowe (23) is set to join Fulham in a move which will see him leave his boyhood club Arsenal. The West London club have agreed a fee with the Gunners to allow the Englishman to switch clubs during the summer transfer window.
Smith Rowe has also agreed personal terms with Fulham, Sports Zone reports. This leaves only a few minor details to be agreed between the two Premier League clubs to allow for the transfer of the 23-year-old attacking midfielder to be finalised. The England international has struggled for playing time in the last two seasons at the Emirates.
Two academy graduates on the move?
Smith Rowe may not be the only Arsenal academy graduate on the move. As reported by L'Équipe, Marseille are closing in on a potential deal which could see Eddie Nketiah switch the Premier League for Ligue 1. Personal terms between the OM and the English striker are also close to being agreed, La Provence reports.
https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/emile-smith-rowe-set-to-join-fulham-from-arsenal/
Man Utd battle Fulham for £30m Chelsea star as Red Devils looks to hijack West Ham deal
The latest transfer updates from Manchester United as the search for defensive reinforcements continues
Manchester United have joined Fulham and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Chelsea academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah this summer.
The 25-year-old, who has made over 80 appearances for the Blues has been made surplus to requirements by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. The ex-Leicester City boss has already signed Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham this summer and already has Axel Diatsi, Wesley Fofana and Beniot Badiashile at his disposal.
Chalobah was let out of his side's pre-season trip to the United States in a decision which leaves him almost certain to leave the club that he joined when he was just seven years old.
The defender endured an injury-hit last season which reduced him to just 17 appearances last term, but Football Insider understands that one of the clubs willing to take a gamble on Chalobah is Manchester United.
The Red Devils are in the market to bolster their defensive options this summer after losing both Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala and are desperate to avoid an injury crisis similar to the one that hampered the club's season last time out.
Manchester United have already added hot prospect Leny Yoro to their ranks but see Chalobah's ability to play numerous positions such as right back, centre back and defensive midfield as hugely appealing.
Chelsea are reportedly looking for a figure in the region of £30m for Chalobah, which would be a healthy boost in terms of FFP, with him being an academy graduate.
https://www.manchesterworld.uk/sport/football/manchester-united/man-utd-trevoh-chalobah-chelsea-noussair-mazraoui-morocco-bayern-munich-west-ham-4719280
Crysencio Summerville not pushing for Leeds United exit amid emerging links
Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville has been linked with a move away from the EFL Championship club this summer.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Fulham, and West Ham United have been keen on signing Crysencio Summerville in the summer transfer window. But a report from Football Insider has claimed that the Dutchman is not pushing for an exit despite the transfer links.
The development will certainly come as a blow for the four Premier League clubs. They would have hoped that Summerville could aid their push for a transfer by forcing an exit from Leeds United. However, the Dutchman seems content at the Championship club, and Leeds will be delighted with his stance.
Crysencio Summerville had an exceptional 2023/24 season, but he failed to guide Leeds to promotion. He will be desperate to bring them back up to the top-flight next season. The attacker is valued at £35 million, and he is versatile enough to operate anywhere across the front three.
The Dutchman will add goals and creativity to the Leeds United attack next season as well. He was a key player for them, and keeping him at the club could prove to be a game changer when it comes to securing promotion.
Summerville would be a quality addition
Chelsea and Liverpool need more quality and depth in the wide areas, and Summerville had emerged as a viable target. Noni Madueke has been linked with a move away from Chelsea, and Liverpool could lose Mohamed Salah as a free agent next year. Both clubs need to bring in a quality attacker in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the likes of West Ham and Fulham will have to improve their attacking unit as well. Both clubs looked toothless in the attack at times last season, and Crysencio Summerville has featured on their radar. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Even though the Dutch attacker is not forcing an exit from Leeds United, it is fair to assume that he will want to join big clubs in the near future. It is only a matter of time before the top clubs manage to secure his signature if he continues to perform at a high level.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/27/crysencio-summerville-not-pushing-for-leeds-united-exit-amid-emerging-links/
Pre-season friendly: Iwobi scores and assists in Fulham's big win against Watford
English Premier League club Fulham thrashed Championship opponents Watford 6-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly staged at Motspur Park on Saturday, with Nigeria international Alex Iwobi scoring and providing an assist for the home team.
Saša Lukić gave the Cottagers the lead from the penalty spot after Rodrigo Muniz was brought down in the box.
After receiving a pass from Iwobi, Muniz skillfully controlled the ball and unleashed a ferocious shot into the top corner, adding his name to the scoresheet half an hour later.
The Super Eagles playmaker turned from provider to scorer when he dinked the ball over the Hornets goalkeeper.
In the second half, Raúl Jiménez made it 4-0, before Jay Stansfield and Adrion Pajaziti scored to extend Fulham's lead.
Watford managed to pull a goal back in the closing minutes of the contest but it was only a consolation.
Fulham will head to Portugal on Tuesday to continue their pre-season preparations.
The Londoners will face Benfica and Sevilla at the Estadio Algarve, before wrapping up their pre-season schedule on August 10 against TSG Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena.
Marco Silva's team travel to Manchester United in their opening Premier League match of the season on August 16.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=52328
Cardiff City backed to sign Fulham striker Jay Stansfield This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
FLW's Cardiff City fan pundit Ben Johnsey wants the club to win the race to Jay Stansfield's signature this summer. According to the BBC, the Bluebirds are among the sides chasing the Fulham forward this transfer window.
Stansfield spent last season on loan with Birmingham City, where he contributed 12 goals and two assists in the Championship from 43 appearances (all stats from Fbref).
The Blues are also reportedly interested in the forward, with it being claimed that they are eyeing a possible permanent deal worth £6 million.
Cardiff are hoping to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign, but will have to stave off interest from the League One side to win the race to the 21-year-old.
Jay Stansfield's stats 2023/24 - per Fbref.com| Stat | Per 90 |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.32 |
| Non-penalty expected goals (npxG) | 0.25 |
| Shots | 2.62 |
| Assists | 0.05 |
| Expected assists (xAG) | 0.11 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.36 |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.32 |
Jay Stansfield Cardiff transfer verdict Johnsey believes that Stansfield would be a good addition to the side, but is wary of completing another loan move for a striker.
He has claimed that a permanent option needs to be signed this summer, even if Stansfield also joins from Fulham.
"I think Jay Stansfield would be the exact sort of striker that we need," Johnsey told Football League World.
"I'd hope that it'd be a permanent.
"As good as he is, on loan he'd be very good, but we're just going to end up back in the same situation of not having a permanent striker up front.
"Still having not had a permanent first team striker that has scored goals consistently since Kieffer Moore.
"And Stansfield would offer that, but I doubt Cardiff could be able to afford the permanent signing.
"So, if they are to loan him, I would expect and hope for them to also look at another striker as well."
Cardiff City's 2024 summer business Cardiff have already completed the signings of Chris Willock and Calum Chambers this summer, with Erol Bulut looking to bolster his squad for next season.
The Welsh outfit finished 12th in the Championship last year, so will be hoping to bridge the gap to the top six.
Stansfield enjoyed a positive campaign at St. Andrew's on an individual level, but the club was unable to avoid relegation to League One, which could boost their chances of winning his signature this summer.
Cardiff have until 30 August to finalise any deals before the window shuts for the remainder of the calendar year.
Stansfield signing would improve Bulut's attacking options Stansfield scored 12 last season in a team that really struggled for consistent results, which is an impressive feat.
In a more solid side he has the potential to perform even better, and the experience under his belt should also help him improve.
But there are reasons for concern when it comes to another loan move, as he will just go back to Fulham at the end of the campaign if he performs well.
It's a difficult balance to have between building the best squad possible for the season ahead, and building one for the long-term, so this is something Cardiff will have to weigh up before the window closes.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/cardiff-city-told-to-pursue-permanent-striker-option-amid-jay-stansfield-loan-links/
Well a few strong rumours about new Fulham signings but it will be a relief to read in the OFFALthat we have actually landed a couple of top players.
Just now it is looking as if it is difficult for us to spend the Palhinha money and we could be starting the season with a weakened midfield.