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Fulham agree fee of £12.7m with £4m in add-ons for Rayan Cherki but Lyon midfielder is uncertain over move to Craven Cottage

    Fulham have agreed a fee o £12.7m with £4m in add-ons for Rayan Cherki
    However, the 21-year-old is uncertain over whether to sign for Marco SIlva's side

Fulham agreed a £12.7m fee with £4m in add-ons for Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki on Wednesday night but the 21-year-old is unsure on the move.

Cherki, who made his debut for Lyon when he was just 16, has made 141 appearances for the French side, during which he has scored 17 goals an provided 25 assists.

Fulham have long-standing interest in Cherki having discussed a deal during the January transfer window.

Cherki was part of the France squad that finished runners-up to Spain at the Olympics.

A player who was extremely highly rated when he was younger, Cherki has been capped by France at Under-21 level.

Fulham have already made one statement signing in this transfer window, bringing in Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for £27million.

Marco Silva's side have also signed defender Jorge Cuenca, while Ryan Sessegnon has rejoined the club.

The Cottagers are also poised to sign Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for £30million including add-ons.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13767105/Fulham-agree-fee-Rayan-Cherki-Lyon-midfielder-uncertain-Craven-Cottage.html

Newcastle receive loan interest from Fulham, Southampton, Brentford and Forest – Report
According to reports, a number of Premier League clubs have shown interest in a loan move for Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett.

According to Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR Football, there is interest in Targett from former clubs Fulham and Southampton, while Nottingham Forest and Brentford have also considered moves.
With two years still left on his current deal and Lewis Hall and Lloyd Kelly ahead of the 28-year-old in the pecking order, it makes sense to move him on over the final week of the window.
Signed from Aston Villa for £15 million in 2022, Targett has not only lost his place in our starting 11 but suffered a number of injuries, with a serious hamstring injury in last year's Carabao Cup win at Man Utd followed by an Achilles issue earlier this year.
After making the bench for last weekend's 1-0 win over Southampton, Targett most recently appeared alongside Kieran Trippier in the young Magpie's PL2 fixture against Sunderland on Monday night, where he played 45 minutes in a 1-1 draw.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/08/22/newcastle-receive-loan-interest-from-fulham-southampton-brentford-and-forest-report/

Most missed Premier League summer sales led by Fulham tackling machine
Including two Bayern Munich signings, here are five players who will be massively missed by a Premier League club having left this summer.

Joao Palhinha (Fulham)
Elite defensive midfielders do not grow on trees for mid-table Premier League teams, but that is exactly what fell into Fulham's basket with Joao Palhinha. They recently raked in around £50million for the Portuguese international, who will be playing his football for Bayern Munich this season, challenging for titles and enjoying Champions League nights for the first time since 2022.

'Fulham had a free run at Palhinha in the summer of 2022, which seems bizarre in glorious hindsight. He was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United – to name a couple – but none of the Premier League's big hitters took a chance on him, even though he was available for a measly £20m. Looking back, the Red Devils will no doubt be kicking themselves, as will pretty much every other team who considered Palhinha and didn't bite the bullet.

Their loss was Fulham's gain. Palhinha came in to Marco Silva's midfield and was a revelation. His defensive numbers were the best in the country, tackling anyone who dared to step foot in his vicinity. Having a rock-solid No. 6 allowed the Cottagers to establish themselves as a mid-table Premier League outfit, with relegation never creeping into their minds. The goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic obviously helped but his absence was barely felt last season; we fear that will not be the case for Fulham post-Palhinha.

We are now deep into August and Fulham are yet to sign a replacement for the 29-year-old. In truth, they could have a £100m transfer budget and they would still not be able to sign someone on the same level. Scott McTominay has been linked but he isn't really a defensive midfielder.

Fulham also have a long-standing interest in Fluminense's Andre and we reckon he is their best bet. But if he was going to come to London, it surely would have happened by now. It does look like being Burnley's Sander Berge, who has been relegated in both of his full seasons in the top flight. He's no Palhinha-style destroyer, mind.

That hole in the Fulham midfield could put them in danger this season. Relegation is perhaps a bit too pessimistic but it won't be a comfortable year for them. Out of every sold player this summer, Palhinha will be the biggest miss across the entire Premier League.

Pascal Gross (Brighton)
From the spine of one team to the heartbeat of another, Brighton let Pascal Gross return to Germany this summer as he signed for Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund for a small fee believed to be in the region of £6m.

On his competitive debut for Dortmund, Gross provided two assists in a 4-1 win in the DfB Pokal. That is a good start. It is also a slightly concerning start as players starting in the part-timer phase of the cup competition are usually not guaranteed starters in the Bundesliga. In that respect, we will have to wait and see what Gross' role is under new manager Nuri Sahin.

The Germany midfielder was incredibly crucial for Brighton under both Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, with his importance growing stronger with the latter in charge. In 23/24, he ranked second in the Premier League for key passes, third for progressive passes, joint-third for passes into the penalty area, second for most touches, trailing only Manchester City's Rodri, while notching an impressive 10 assists, bettered only by Ollie Watkins (13) and Cole Palmer (11).

Brighton are going to struggle to replace that output and new head coach Fabian Hurzeler will hope summer signing Mats Wieffer can be the man to fill the void. Fat chance of seeing Wieffer fill in at right-back or right-wing-back, mind.

Wieffer started his Brighton career with an assist at Everton on Saturday and had 88 touches in total, so it's not all doom and gloom.

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Tackles and touches are hard to replace, but not as hard as goals; and that is what new Tottenham signing Dominic Solanke brought in abundance for Bournemouth last season.

Andoni Iraola's greatest achievement in his debut year at the Vitality was getting a tune out of Solanke. Established as an average striker who will get you four goals in the Premier League and 25 in the Championship, Solanke randomly decided to bang in one every two games last term, helping the Cherries record a 12th-place finish with their highest-ever points tally in the Premier League.

Unfortunately for Bournemouth, Solanke has gone and Iraola is left hoping Evanilson can hit the ground running (we are looking forward to his hat-trick against Newcastle United on Sunday to make this null and void). Iraola's ability to make Solanke a £55m striker gives Bournemouth fans hope that the £31.5m spent on Evanilson can be swiftly justified, but we are not overly optimistic about the Cherries post-Solanke.

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace will take some solace in the fact that they were without Michael Olise more often than they would have liked due to injury, and were nowhere near a relegation battle, even during the miserable parts of Roy Hodgson's most recent spell. On the other hand, their incredible form at the end of last season coincided with Olise's return, though it has been hailed as the Oliver Glasner effect.

When he played, the Frenchman would often contribute with a goal or assist, and there is no doubt that he made Palace a much stronger team. Without him on the right wing, Glasner loses so much, and as is the case with Fulham and Palhinha – Olise's new Bayern team-mate – a £100m budget would not buy someone on the same level because someone on the same level does not want to join Crystal Palace. It is now up to the Eagles to find and nurture a young winger into their Olise heir.

Ismaila Sarr has been brought in by Glasner but is completely different to Olise; he is pacey and direct, while Olise brought more consistency, composure and ability from set-pieces.

It is going to be extremely difficult to replace Olise's output and there is now increasing pressure on Eberechi Eze to make Palace his team.

Max Kilman (Wolves)
Losing your captain is far from ideal, isn't it? That is what has happened at Wolves, who got a cool £40m from West Ham for Max Kilman, while also selling injury-prone winger Pedro Neto to Chelsea for £54m.

Losing Neto is undoubtedly a blow but Gary O'Neil was without him for a lot of 23/24, so we think they will survive. Losing Kilman, however, leaves a big void in the Wolves defence and in the dressing room, we assume. He was club captain after all.

O'Neil went with a centre-back partnership of Toti and Yerson Mosquera, who notably grabbed a feel of Gabriel Jesus' bottom and choke-slammed Kai Havertz, for Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. There is no disrespect intended when I say this, but that is not a convincing partnership. Wolves need to sign a central defender and despite the £94m made from Kilman and Neto, there is reportedly a reluctance to spend big due to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

Wolves are also keen on signing a new goalkeeper, so it is unclear if O'Neil will even sign a replacement for new West Ham man Kilman. He needs one.



https://www.football365.com/news/feature-man-utd-transfer-mistake-palhinha-most-missed-sold-premier-league-players

Man Utd 'ready to bid' for Fulham star on one condition as Crystal Palace 'reach agreement' to land defender
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Premier League as match week two approaches.

The Premier League season is up and running with the second weekend of action already fast approaching. We saw some interesting results over the course of the first weekend, but the majority of games went as expected.

In the meantime, transfer efforts are continuing across the board as clubs look to further strengthen and offload unwanted players before the end of the summer window, and London clubs are certainly part of that. Here we round up all the latest news surrounding the top-flight clubs.

Robinson claim
Fulham are said to be likely to receive an offer for defender Antonee Robinson if a deal pans out involving Ferdi Kadioglu for the Cottagers. According to GiveMeSport, if Fulham can beat Brighton to the signing of Kadioglu, United will make a move for Robinson as they look to add depth to their full-back spots.

Kadioglu is likely to cost close to £40million including add-ons, and with Brighton also interested, the Cottagers may still find it tricky to get a deal done with reports from Turkey of a fresh offer being lodged.

Lacroix latest
Palace have reportedly had a bid accepted by Wolfsburg for Maxence Lacroix as they look to replace Fulham-bound Joachim Andersen. We Are Palace claim a bid worth £14million in total has now been accepted by the German club for Lacroix, who is said to want a move this summer.

Andersen is set to join Fulham for around £30million, and Palace are set to replace him for around half of that fee. Palace will reportedly pay around £12million upfront plus £2million in add-ons.

Kossounou race
Newcastle United are said to have entered the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou amid efforts for Marc Guehi coming up short - at least so far. Newcastle have failed to get a deal done for the centre-back so far despite making advances worth more than £60million.

Kicker say Newcastle are interested in a £30million deal for Kossounou, who has also been linked with Palace, but those links should die off with the likely arrival of Lacroix. The report claims a £38million offer has already been received by Leverkusen from England, but there is no specific mention of the bidding club.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/man-utd-ready-to-bid-for-fulham-star-on-one-condition-as-crystal-palace-reach-agreement-to-land-defender-4751676

Report: Fulham Agrees Fee But Player Unsure About Move

Fulham's Strategic Moves: Securing Rayan Cherki Amidst Uncertainty
Fulham's Bold Strategy in the Transfer Window
Fulham's recent activity in the transfer market has been nothing short of ambitious, as evidenced by their agreement with Lyon to secure the services of midfielder Rayan Cherki. The deal, reported by the Daily Mail, stands at £12.7 million with an additional £4 million in performance-related add-ons. However, despite the clubs reaching a financial agreement, Cherki himself remains uncertain about the move to Craven Cottage.

Cherki's Impressive Track Record
Having made his debut for Lyon at just 16, Cherki has since appeared in 141 games for the French club, contributing 17 goals and 25 assists. His involvement in the France squad that clinched a runners-up position to Spain at the Olympics further underscores his potential and the high regard in which he's held. Additionally, he has represented France at the Under-21 level, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

Impact of Cherki's Hesitation
While Fulham's intent to bolster their squad is clear, Cherki's hesitation could pose a challenge. This indecision might stem from the pressure of transitioning to a new league or perhaps the expectations placed upon him at a young age. It's crucial for Fulham to address these concerns to ensure not only his smooth integration but also to maintain harmony within the team.

Fulham's Continued Reinforcement
In the context of their broader strategy, Fulham has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for £27 million and the re-signing of Ryan Sessegnon. The potential addition of Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace, for a hefty £30 million including add-ons, indicates a serious commitment to strengthening their lineup for the season.

As Fulham continues to navigate this crucial transfer window, the successful integration of new talents like Cherki will be vital to their aspirations in the coming seasons.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Unpacking Rayan Cherki's Impressive Performance Data
Cherki's Role in Attack and Possession
Rayan Cherki, as depicted by a comprehensive statistical review from Fbref, showcases a strong footing in both attacking and possession facets for a midfielder or winger. With 1539 minutes played over the last 365 days, his performance data paints a picture of a player who is an essential cog in his team's offensive machinery. His percentile rankings are notably high in key attacking areas: he achieves a staggering 92nd percentile in shot-creating actions and an impressive 80th percentile in expected assists for goals (xAG). These stats not only underline his creativity but also his ability to consistently set up scoring opportunities.

Precision in Passing
Delving deeper into his technical prowess, Cherki's precision with the ball is highlighted by his 95th percentile in pass completion and 70th percentile in progressive carries. This combination suggests that not only is he reliable in retaining possession, but he is also proactive in moving the ball forward, a trait that any top-tier club would value. Moreover, his ability to execute progressive passes—a metric where he ranks in the 88th percentile—emphasizes his vision and understanding of spatial dynamics on the pitch.

Defensive Contributions and Areas for Growth
While predominantly lauded for his offensive skills, Cherki's performance data also sheds light on some defensive aspects. Although his contributions here are more modest, with a 67th percentile in blocks and lower rankings in tackling, there's room for growth. Enhancing these areas could make him a more rounded player, capable of contributing significantly in all phases of the game.

In summary, Rayan Cherki's performance stats provided by Fbref reveal a player with remarkable offensive capabilities and potential for further development in defensive duties. His statistical footprint confirms his status as one of the promising talents in European football, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their attacking options.



https://eplindex.com/118399/report-fulham-agrees-fee-but-player-unsure-about-move.html

Berge Joins Fulham


The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Sander Berge from Burnley for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old has agreed a five year deal, keeping him at Fulham until the summer of 2029, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months. He will wear the number 16 shirt.

Speaking to FFCtv, Berge said: "It feels fantastic. It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.


"Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1.

"The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me."

Tony Khan added: "I'm excited to welcome Sander Berge to Fulham! Sander has tremendous experience playing in the Premier League and in international competition, and we believe that he'll be a great addition to our squad, as we look forward to our first home game of the season this weekend!

"Come on Fulham!"


A defensive midfielder who is also at home playing further forward as an 8, Berge began his career in his native Norway with Asker, but didn't have to wait long before a move to top flight Vålerenga, where he scored on his debut having just turned 17.

After 43 appearances and winning the division's Young Player of the Year award, Berge took on a new challenge in Belgium, joining KRC Genk in January 2017.

He was immediately thrown into UEFA Europa League action, helping his new employers reach the Quarter-Finals where they were narrowly beaten by Celta Vigo over two legs.


The highlight of his time in Belgium came in 2018/19, when he helped Genk claim their first league title in eight years.

That led to a first taste of Europe's elite continental competition, and in December 2019 he was named in the Champions League Breakthrough Team of the Year, alongside the likes of Kai Havertz, Dani Olmo, Rodrygo and Erling Haaland.

A move to the UK followed as Sheffield United made Berge their record signing to bring him to Bramall Lane in January 2020, and he went on to help his new team to one of their finest ever campaigns as they finished ninth in the Premier League.


The following year was a tougher one for the Blades as they suffered relegation, but their efforts won't have been helped by Berge missing four months of the campaign with a leg injury.

Back in the Championship, they reached the Play-Off Semi-Finals in 2021/22, before banking an emphatic 91 points the following season to secure automatic promotion – a campaign which also saw them compete in an FA Cup Semi-Final – with Berge integral to their success.

Burnley were champions that summer, and having seen Berge's qualities up close decided to bring him to Turf Moor, ending a productive spell in Sheffield which yielded 15 goals and 12 assists in 109 outings.


Though only with the Clarets for one year, Berge was a near ever present in the Premier League last term, featuring in 37 of their 38 fixtures, duly winning the club's Player of the Season, and Players' Player of the Season awards.

Having been a regular throughout the youth age groups, Berge was handed a senior Norway debut in a World Cup Qualifier against Northern Ireland, coming off the bench to replace Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen, and he now has 46 caps for his country.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/22/berge-joins-fulham/

Fulham sign Berge
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Norwegian international Sande Berge from Burnley in a deal believed to be worth an initial £20m. The fee could rise to £25m with £5m in add-ons.

The 26 year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, which Fulham have an option to extend by a further twelve months.

Berge, signed after three weeks of negotiations between the Clarets and the Whites, told FFCTV:

"It feels fantastic. It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great. Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1. The DNA of the club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me."

Berge began his professional career with Asker in his native Norway but moved to Vålerenga, where he scored on his debut aged seventeen and was named the Norwegian top flight's young player of the year. He was signed by Genk in January 2017 and helped his new side reach the Europa League quarter finals before winning the Belgian title in 2019 and playing in the Champions' League the following year.

He became Sheffield United's record signing in January 2019 and helped the Blades record a remarkable ninth place finish in the Premier League. Berge missed four months of the following season with a leg injury as United went down but help the Blades bounce back by winning automatic promotion in 2022/23, when they also reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

A move to Burnley followed and the bombastic Berge played in 37 of their 38 games, including an impressive win at Craven Cottage, winning the club's player of the season and players' player of the season awards. He has won 46 caps for Norway and will where the number sixteen shirt for Fulham.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-sign-berge/

Burnley's star man Sander Berge completes permanent move to Premier League Fulham
Burnley's star man Sander Berge has completed his move to Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder has penned a five-year contract at Craven Cottage after moving for a rumoured £20m fee, with a further £5m in add-ons.

Berge made 40 appearances for the Clarets in all competitions last season, finishing the campaign as the club's player of the season.

The Norwegian international made the move to Turf Moor last summer from Sheffield United and it's understood the Blades will also benefit financially from this move.

"It feels fantastic," Berge told Fulham's official website.

"It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.

"Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League and it's fantastic how they play.

"The DNA of the club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed and play nice football and I think that suits me."

Berge could make his Fulham debut this weekend at home to Leicester City.

"I'm excited to welcome Sander Berge to Fulham," Fulham's chief football strategy officer Tony Khan said.

"Sander has tremendous experience playing in the Premier League and in international competition and we believe that he'll be a great addition to our squad, as we look forward to our first home game of the season this weekend."

Berge becomes the 12th player to leave Burnley this summer in what is rapidly becoming a hectic transfer window for the club.

Further incomings and outgoings are anticipated ahead of next week's transfer deadline.



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/burnleys-star-man-sander-berge-completes-permanent-move-to-premier-league-fulham-4752146

Sander Berge transfer: Fulham sign Manchester United target from Burnley in £25m deal
Sander Berge joins Fulham from Burnley in £25m deal; Man Utd had been interested in Norwegian having kept dialogue open with Burnley but Fulham have moved to sign 26-year-old after failing in bid to sign Scott McTominay from Man Utd; Berge becomes Fulham's fourth summer signing

Manchester United target Sander Berge has joined Fulham from Burnley in a £25m deal.

Man Utd had been keeping dialogue open with Burnley for the midfielder, but Fulham moved for the Norway international after failing to reach an agreement for Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay.

The Cottagers will pay £20m upfront plus £5m in performance-related add-ons for the 26-year-old - a similar offer they made to Man Utd for McTominay.

Berge has signed a five-year deal at the west London side, with a club option to extend by a further 12 months, and he will wear the number 16 shirt.

Marco Silva's side were in the market for a midfielder after the club-record sale of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich.

Berge becomes Fulham's fourth summer signing after the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe, Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca.

Speaking to FFCtv, Berge said: "It feels fantastic. It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.

"Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1.

"The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me."

Berge departs Burnley after just one year at Turf Moor following his arrival from Sheffield United last summer.

Berge has not featured in either of Burnley's two wins which have taken them top of the Championship, with manager Scott Parker citing injury as the reason.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13200987/sander-berge-transfer-fulham-sign-manchester-united-target-from-burnley-in-25m-deal

Paul Merson claims Fulham are on the verge of 'great signing' with £30m deal close
Fulham have a bit of a habit of starting slowly in the window only to slam their foot down onto the accelerator during the final few weeks.

On the eve of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Cottagers boss Marco Silva was happy to tell anyone who would listen that he was presiding over a Fulham squad with more holes than a block of Swiss cheese.

Silva, then, would have been delighted to see three first-team signings – Alex Iwobi, Timothy Castagne and Adama Traore – arrive between mid-August and the start of September.

12 months on, it appears that history could repeat itself. While West London neighbours Chelsea appear to seal a mega-money signing every other day at present, Fulham again seem to be taking the 'slow and steady wins the race' approach.

Heading into the first weekend of the season, Fulham had signed only Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and the returning free-agent Ryan Sessegnon.

Three, however, could become five or six pretty quickly.

Fulham set to sign Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen
The former UEFA Cup finalists have brought in Sander Berge from Burnley. HITC have been told that they have made a £12 million bid for Lyon winger Rayan Cherki.

What's more, an agreement is very close to being struck regarding Joachim Andersen, the popular centre-half who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham before moving south with Crystal Palace.

HITC understands that Fulham will stump up £30 million for Denmark international Andersen. And while some have described this as a 'sidewards move' from the 28-year-old's perspective, from a Fulham point of view this feels like a terrific piece of business.

A proven, reliable Premier League centre-half. One who is as good as they come on the ball, and who may arguably represent an upgrade on the departed Tosin Adarabioyo.

Former Arsenal, Aston Villa and Portsmouth playmaker Paul Merson – taking to X – describes Andersen as a 'great signing' even at such a hefty fee.

Presuming Andersen can replicate the form of his previous spell at Craven Cottage – standing out as an uber-talented squad somehow suffered relegation under Scott Parker – then you won't find many supporters disagreeing with Merson's take.

Crystal Palace eye Oliver Glasner fave Maxence Lacroix
HITC have been told that Crystal Palace could move for Maxence Lacroix or Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah when Andersen finalises his departure. The latter is out of favour at Stamford Bridge – seemingly suffering the same fate as Raheem Sterling – while the latter has only one year left on his Wolfsburg contract.

Lacroix may also be keen on the idea of reuniting with his former Volkswagen Arena boss Oliver Glasner, having confirmed after April's 1-0 win at Liverpool that he was still in contact with the Eagles coach.

Ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, however, has his reservations about Andersen's sale.

"I can only assume that Glasner doesn't fancy Andersen because that does not feel like much of a move for Palace," Jordan tells talkSPORT (21 August, 10am), his beloved Eagles only banking a profit of £12 million for a very reliable performer who could still have a number of years left at the top level.

"They bought him for £20-odd million, they are selling him for £30 million. He's been a good acquisition. A good player.

"Ultimately, at 28 years of age, players are going for a significant sum of money. I am assuming the manager doesn't fancy him.

"With due respect to Fulham, it's a sideways move," Jordan adds. "It's not an upwards move for the player performance-wise or economically. It's not as if he is being lured away to Arsenal or somewhere of that significance.

"My reading of this is that Glasner is not that bothered about Andersen."



https://www.hitc.com/paul-merson-claims-fulham-are-on-the-verge-of-great-signing-with-30m-deal-close/

Fulham agree cut-price fee for Chelsea, Man Utd-linked France star as Silva secures fourth signing
According to reports, Fulham are on the verge of signing French forward Rayan Cherki after agreeing a fee with Ligue 1 club Lyon.

Cherki has been linked with several Premier League clubs in recent years and was reportedly close to joining Chelsea in 2023.

Manchester United are also believed to have looked at the 21-year-old, who played for France at this summer's Olympic Games.

An incredibly exciting and skillful forward, Cherki has already played 141 times for Lyon, scoring 17 goals and providing 25 assists.

Should he make the move to Craven Cottage, he will join with experience of playing in the Champions League and Europa League, though he is yet to win a trophy in his young career.

Cherki has entered the final year of his contract at the French club, who appear to be hoping to cash in on their academy graduate, an academy that has produced stars like Karim Benzema, Sidney Govou, Alexandre Lacazette and Ludovic Guily.

There were high hopes for the 21-year-old when he broke into Lyon's first team and the Ligue 1 outfit will no doubt be disappointed to see him move on. At least they are getting a fee for him.

Fulham agree to sign Lyon forward Cherki
Various reports claim that a fee has been agreed with Fulham. Marco Silva's side will pay 'an initial £12.7m plus £4.2m in performance related add-ons'.

This is a potential bargain for the Cottagers, who will add Cherki to a very exciting attack including summer signing Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore.

Reports of Cherki moving to Fulham came hours before the Londoners confirmed the signing of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge on a five-year contract.

The Norway international joins the Cottagers after the sale of Joao Palhinha, who left for Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window.

Berge said: "It feels fantastic. It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.

"Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1."

Berge could be in contention to make his debut for Marco Silva's side against Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday at Craven Cottage.

He is a less combative midfielder than former Fulham favourite Joao Palhinha but is likely to directly replace him in Silva's starting XI when he is up to speed.

Berge is certainly a downgrade on Palhinha but is still a very handy signing, even if he has been relegated in both of his full seasons in the Premier League.

The Norwegian is Fulham's fourth signing of the summer after Smith Rowe, Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca, with Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen and Cherki expected to follow.



https://www.football365.com/news/cherki-to-fulham-agree-fee-chelsea-man-utd-linked-france-star-silva-secures-fourth-signing

Crystal Palace given lifeline despite Fulham seeing £17m bid accepted, player rejects move
Crystal Palace and Fulham have been heavily involved in each other's summer transfer windows.

Both the Eagles and the Cottagers were jostling to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal – before Fulham secured the England international's signature with a huge £35m bid.

Crystal Palace also had Ryan Sessegnon on trial – although Oliver Glasner decided not to sign the Londoner before he then sealed a return to Fulham.

Furthermore, Fulham have also just agreed a £30m deal to sign Joachim Andersen – a situation which led Dougie Freedman to bid for both Maxence Lacroix and Tomas Araujo.

So, what is the latest development involving Crystal Palace and Fulham? Let's take a look...

Crystal Palace handed Rayan Cherki lifeline
A story from L'Equipe recently claimed that Crystal Palace are keen to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

That has since been backed up by both the BBC and also The Athletic – arguably the two most reliable outlets in England – although a twist emerged on Wednesday evening.

A new story from L'Equipe claims that Fulham have seen a €20m (£17m) bid accepted by Lyon for Cherki – who the French giants are hoping to sell as they desperately need to make some sales.

That obviously concerned some Crystal Palace fans, although the French news outlet add that the 20-year-old is not interested in a move to Fulham, and has made this known to Lyon.

This has also been backed up by Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport – who claims that the Frenchman has not even decided to speak to Fulham.

Of course, no report has since stated that Cherki would prefer to join Crystal Palace, so we may find ourselves in the same boat as the Cottagers – should Freedman match that £17m bid.

For now – at least – there is still hope that the France U23 international will end up at Selhurst Park, especially given the fact John Textor owns Lyon, and has a 45% stake in Crystal Palace as well.

Similar player is on Dougie Freedman's radar
If Cherki tells Lyon he also doesn't fancy a move to Crystal Palace, there is a similar player Freedman could pursue – Sporting CP No.10 Marcus Edwards.

Incidentally, Crystal Palace saw a £12m bid rejected for Edwards earlier this summer before the situation went quiet, although the Tottenham academy graduate would fit the bill of being an alternative to Cherki, as he also tends to start on the right flank, cutting inside on his stronger left foot.

Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Selhurst Park – as we are expecting a very busy end to the summer transfer window for Crystal Palace.



https://www.wearepalace.uk/transfers/crystal-palace-given-lifeline-despite-fulham-seeing-17m-bid-accepted-player-rejects-move/

Fulham complete £20m signing of Berg
Fulham have completed the £20m signing of midfielder Sander Berge from Burnley.

The Whites turned their attention to Berge, 26, after being unable to agree a fee with Manchester United for Scott McTominay.

Berge is the Whites' fourth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon.

They have been keen to bring in a midfielder following the recent sale of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich.

Fulham are set to also complete the signing of defender Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace.

Berge impressed in the Premier League last season despite the Clarets' relegation. He scored in their 2-0 win at Fulham in December.

The Norway international joined Burnley last summer from Sheffield United, where he had a two-and-a-half-year spell.

"I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great," Berge said after finalising his move to Craven Cottage.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-sander-berge-deal-updated-203333

Fulham continue £100m transfer spree as £17m Rayan Cherki deal agreed
Sander Berge completes move to Craven Cottage

Fulham are ready to take their summer spending above £100million after they completed the £25m signing of Sander Berge from Burnley.

Having already spent £34m on Emile Smith Rowe and £7m on Jorge Cuenca, Fulham have also agreed a £27m deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen.

A deal worth about £17m for Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki has also been agreed, though it remains to be seen if he wants to move to Craven Cottage.

After Berge completed his move to Fulham, he said: "It feels fantastic. Fulham has always been a team that has excited me."

"I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1.

"The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me."

Marco Silva's side host Leicester on Saturday, having lost their Premier League opener 1-0 away at Manchester United.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/rayan-cherki-transfer-news-fulham-fc-2024-b1177911.html

Sander Berge completes Premier League switch despite Manchester United links
Sander Berge has joined Fulham from Burnley.

The Norway international was linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but he has completed a move to Craven Cottage.

Fulham announced the signing this afternoon for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old, who was seen as a fallback option in the market if United were to miss out on Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte, has agreed a five-year deal. It means he won't be playing Championship football this season after being part of the Burnley side that suffered relegation from the Premier League last term.

Berge will be a Fulham player until the summer of 2029. The Cottagers can also extend that deal by a further 12 months.

With United prioritising a move for Ugarte ahead of deadline day, it's important to note that Berge isn't the only midfielder to move elsewhere amid links to United this summer. For example, Youssouf Fofana joined AC Milan last week.

The former AS Monaco midfielder was linked with United after starring at Euro 2024 for the France national team.



https://strettynews.com/2024/08/22/sander-berge-completes-fulham-switch/

Fulham's £25m Midfield Signing: What It Means for Their Season?
Sander Berge Joins Fulham: A £25 Million Deal to Strengthen the Midfield

Fulham have made a significant move in the summer transfer window, securing the services of Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge from Burnley in a deal worth £25 million. The 26-year-old, who was pivotal for Burnley last season, has now penned a five-year contract with the West London club, with the option to extend for a further year. This signing marks a strategic addition to Fulham's midfield as they aim to solidify their position in the Premier League.

A Midfielder with Proven Pedigree
Sander Berge's journey to Craven Cottage is one marked by consistent performances and a reputation for reliability in the heart of midfield. Having initially made his name at Sheffield United, Berge moved to Burnley in 2023, where he quickly became a fan favourite. His impact was immediate; despite Burnley's struggles, Berge's performances were a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign that ended in relegation to the Championship. His efforts were recognised as he was voted Burnley's Player of the Year.

Fulham's decision to bring Berge on board reflects their ambition to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The initial £20 million outlay, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, underscores the club's belief in Berge's ability to make a significant impact. His versatility and experience, coupled with his physical presence, make him an ideal fit for the demands of Premier League football.

Fulham's Transfer Strategy: Building for Success
Berge's arrival marks Fulham's fourth signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca, and Ryan Sessegnon. This flurry of activity in the transfer market indicates a clear strategy from the club's management: to blend youthful talent with experienced professionals who can provide stability and leadership on the pitch.

Fulham's approach to this transfer window has been both measured and ambitious. Emile Smith Rowe brings creative flair, Jorge Cuenca adds defensive solidity, and Ryan Sessegnon offers versatility and pace. Berge, with his ability to control the tempo of a game and break up opposition play, adds another layer of depth to a midfield that will be crucial in Fulham's Premier League campaign.

For Marco Silva, Fulham's head coach, Berge's signing is particularly significant. The Norwegian international is not just a defensive shield but also possesses the ability to drive forward, contributing to both ends of the pitch. This dual capability will allow Silva to deploy Berge in various tactical setups, whether it be in a holding role or as a box-to-box midfielder.

Berge's Perspective and Fulham's Aspirations
For Sander Berge, the move to Fulham represents a new chapter in his career. The midfielder expressed his excitement about the transfer, acknowledging the challenges of the past few weeks but ultimately expressing his delight at joining Fulham. "It feels fantastic," Berge said. "It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great."

Berge's commitment to a long-term deal with Fulham suggests that both player and club are aligned in their ambitions. With 46 caps for Norway, Berge brings international experience to the table, which will be invaluable as Fulham navigates the rigours of the Premier League.

Fulham's fans will be eager to see how Berge integrates into the team, particularly with the club's first home match of the season against Leicester City fast approaching. This fixture will be a key test not just for Berge but for the entire squad as they seek to build early momentum in the league.

Looking Ahead: Fulham's Season Prospects
As Fulham prepare for their Premier League campaign, the addition of Sander Berge could prove to be a masterstroke. His presence in midfield is expected to bring a level of composure and control that will be essential in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. Moreover, his ability to perform consistently under pressure will be a vital asset as Fulham aims to establish itself as a stable Premier League side.

With a blend of new signings and existing talent, Fulham is positioning itself to not only survive but thrive in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Sander Berge's signing is a clear signal of the club's intent to compete, and his performances will be closely watched as the season unfolds. If he can replicate the form that saw him shine at Burnley, Berge could well become a key figure in Fulham's journey this season.



https://eplindex.com/118439/fulhams-25m-midfield-signing-what-it-means-for-their-season.html

Man United could make late swoop for injury-resilient Premier League left-back
Antonee Robinson is one of the Premier League's most physically reliable full-backs.

The American has missed just four league games for the Cottagers in the past two years.

The defender's physical sturdiness is undeniable, and according to recent reports, has led to him emerging as a possible late transfer target for Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United.

The Red Devils aren't short on full-backs. Luke Shaw is the 20-time league winners' first-choice left-back with Tyrell Malacia playing backup. However, both players suffered injury-struck campaigns last season. Shaw has started this season on the treatment table with Malacia not featuring since May.

Manchester United interested in Antonee Robinson
Consequently, according to GiveMeSport, Fulham's Robinson, 27, is being considered as a late option to fill the void left by both Shaw and Malacia.

The USA international, who has four years left on his Fulham contract, has been one of Marco Silva's most consistent performers.

Featuring in 152 matches, in all competitions, since his transfer from Wigan in 2020, the 27-year-old has managed to directly contributed to 15 goals.

Currently valued at around £25 million (TM), it goes without saying Fulham are likely to demand a higher fee.

However, with United working on their own outgoings, including possibly offloading Scott McTominay, who Fulham have already bid for, fans could see America's Robinson follow Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to Old Trafford as Ten Hag continues his defensive revamp.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/22/man-united-antonee-robinson/

Preview: Fulham vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups
Both hoping to get off the mark for 2024-25 at the second attempt, Fulham and Leicester City collide at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Cottagers opened the new campaign with a slender 1-0 loss to Manchester United, while Steve Cooper's crop impressively fought back to hold Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw.

Match preview
Bestowed with the honour of opening the new Premier League season alongside Man United, Fulham initially looked set to hold out for a creditable point at the Theatre of Dreams last Friday, where Marco Silva's men repelled several futile attacks from Erik ten Hag's team.

However, Fulham also failed to make the most of any openings that arose, and with three minutes of normal time remaining, Man United new boy Joshua Zirkzee met Alejandro Garnacho's delivery with a delicate first-time finish into the far corner.

Only a shocking Garnacho miss right at the death prevented a heavier defeat for Fulham, whose manager Silva could certainly reflect on the pleasing aspects of that one-goal reserve, although pleasing aspects do not equal points for the capital outfit.

Early Craven Cottage success has also been hard for Fulham to come by in recent years, as the hosts have to go back to 2012-13 for the last time that they won their first Premier League home game of a season, losing four of their next five such clashes.

In addition, Silva's men only took one point from the last 12 on offer at Craven Cottage last term, although those three losses came to Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United, while that lone 1-1 draw came against a high-flying Crystal Palace.

Speaking of two-goal stalemates, Leicester should not have had a hope of springing a turnaround against Tottenham on Monday, where Cooper's men were blown away by their visitors in the first half, but the Lilywhites only had Pedro Porro's goal to show for it.

The elusive second goal just would not come for Tottenham - who were thwarted on several occasions by Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen - and with Ange Postecoglou's defence at sixes and sevens early in the second half, Jamie Vardy - the 37-year-old Big Six tormentor - took full advantage.

However, the Leicester talisman - whom Cooper claimed would miss the opener through injury - then spurned a gilt-edged chance to complete the Leicester fightback, but the Foxes still looked the more likely to score again until Rodrigo Bentancur's severe head injury brought their momentum to a grinding halt.

Nevertheless, Leicester now head to London on the back of winning more away games than any other side in England's top four tiers last season (14), but prior to their top-flight relegation in 2023, they went winless in eight straight matches on rival territory.

Their fifth and most recent loss in that sequence was a 5-3 beatdown at Craven Cottage in May 2023 - where they were 4-0 down inside 51 minutes - which also marked Fulham's third win from their last four matches against their newly-promoted visitors.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L


Leicester City Premier League form:

    D


Team News
With no Fulham players picking up injuries or red cards at Man United, head coach Silva is expected to have a clean bill of health for Saturday's game and now has Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge at his disposal following his arrival from Burnley.

Berge - who was also supposedly wanted by Manchester United - could be thrown straight into the starting lineup for his full debut on Saturday, potentially demoting Sasa Lukic to the bench if Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira hold their places.

The hosts are expected to welcome Danish defender Joachim Andersen back to the club from Crystal Palace soon, but Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop should continue to form the central barrier in front of Bernd Leno for now.

Regarding Leicester's availability, winger Abdul Fatawu was the unfortunate soul involved in the head clash with Bentancur on Monday night, but the 20-year-old escaped unscathed and managed to complete the full 90 at the King Power.

However, none of Luke Thomas (unspecified), Conor Coady (thigh) or Patson Daka (ankle) were involved in the Spurs stalemate, but while the latter two will definitely sit this one out too, Thomas might force his way back into the ranks.

Similarly to Fulham, the Foxes could also hand a debut to their new midfield enforcer Oliver Skipp, but the ex-Tottenham man should only make the bench as Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi and Facundo Buonanotte operate centrally.


Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Decordova-Reid; Vardy

We say: Fulham 1-1 Leicester City
Despite both failing to come out on top on matchday one, Saturday's competitors arguably had more positives than negatives to evaluate, even if Leicester were atrocious in the first 45 against Tottenham before cleaning up their act in the second.

A similarly slow start may not prove fatal against a Fulham side whose lack of penetration let them down at Old Trafford, though, and we can see the points being split evenly in this one.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-leicester-prediction-team-news-lineups_550953.html

Throwback Thursday: Remember when USMNT star Clint Dempsey scored one of the most important goals in Fulham history?
Dempsey's deft chip against Juventus in 2010 brought Fulham within touching distance of Europa League glory

There are many important moments in American soccer history. From the U.S. men's national team famously beating England in the 1950 World Cup, to the USWNT taking home the first-ever edition of the Women's World Cup in 1991, the U.S. is not short on soccer heritage.

And there have been countless moments in between, unforgettable goals, unbelievable performances, and controversial losses. This week, GOAL US revisits one of the finest individual goals in club history by a U.S. national: Clint Dempsey's deft chip for Fulham against Juventus in 2010.

The goal was not only one of the best of the season, but also changed the trajectory of the USMNT hero's career. And it served as proof that Americans can deliver in big moments in European competition. Here is a look back at that moment, and what it meant in the this edition of ... Throwback Thursday.

What happened

Dempsey definitely meant it. The attacking midfielder needed to make something happen when Fulham trailed Juventus on away goals in their Europa League semifinal tie. He received the ball facing away from the goal, pivoted onto his stronger right foot, and lifted a deft chip into the far corner from outside the box.

Craven Cottage erupted. Dempsey grabbed the Fulham badge, sprinted, and screamed. It was enough to send the Cottagers - against all odds - into a Europa League quarterfinal. An American had led a mid-table Premier League team, managed by Roy Hodgson, past one of Europe's great powers. History had been written.

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1240362838712971264

Why it mattered

The goal itself was undoubtedly special. The pivot, the chip, the stare of a helpless goalkeeper as it drifted into the far corner. But for Dempsey, it meant more.

He carried that swagger into the 2010 World Cup, where Dempsey was one of the standout players for the USMNT. The attacking midfielder scored the U.S.'s opening goal in the tournament, and established himself as a real talent with everyone watching.

He would then build off of that moment in the years to come. He would finish the 2011-12 season with 23 goals in all competitions, and 17 in the Premier League. It was a breakout season that ultimately earned him a big move to Tottenham ahead of 2012-13 campaign.

From those who were there

Dempsey, soon after, insisted that he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Something told me just to go for it. What do you have to lose?" he told Sports Illustrated. "When you come on as a substitute, you have to take shots. Otherwise why are you playing in the game?"

Then-USMNT manager Bob Bradley, who was in the stands at the time, claimed he could see the play unfolding: "If you know Clint, you know what he's trying, and then the ball is just sort of sitting up there for a second."

Hodsgon summed up the result in full: "I'm on top of the world. I don't know if it is the biggest night in the club's history but it must come close."

What came next

Dempsey's career accelerated as a result. He was too good for Fulham; he knew that. Rumors of a move to Liverpool spiraled, but Tottenham eventually took him on.

Things never quite worked out at Spurs, the American perhaps unfairly moved on as a struggling side failed to kick on under Andre Villas-Boas.

He was immensely impactful after he left Europe and returned to MLS. He helped the Seattle Sounders lift their first MLS Cup in 2016. He was the catalyst behind the USMNT's memorable run to 2014 World Cup and a stunning trip to the Copa America semifinals in 2016. His final success with the national team came in the 2017 Gold Cup.

But ultimately, it's the goal itself - and the ensuing reaction - that will live long in the memory.

As Dempsey put it:

"There's no better feeling than getting crunk after scoring an important goal."



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/throwback-thursday-remember-when-clint-dempsey-wonder-goal-against-juventus-brought-fulham-within-touching-distance-europa-league-glory/bltc4702e6d58cda663#cs0f43243899e8bc06

Skipp, Vardy – Leicester City injury update ahead of Fulham
Steve Cooper provides the latest on the fitness of his Leicester City squad ahead of their first Premier League away game of the season, at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Oliver Skipp is fit and ready to make his Leicester City debut this Saturday with no fresh injury concerns for Steve Cooper ahead of the clash at Fulham (3pm kick-off).

Skipp signed in the hours before City's Premier League opener against his old club Tottenham, and is now eligible to play. After a week of training with his new team-mates, he's ready for selection.

Everybody who was fit and available on Monday remains so, meaning City have just three players out. Patson Daka and Jakub Stolarczyk are set for months on the sidelines with serious ankle injuries, while Conor Coady is out for a few more weeks with a hamstring strain.

Asked for an update on his team's fitness ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage, Cooper said at his press conference on Thursday afternoon: "The same. No changes. It was the first game of the season and there are still a lot of lads getting up to speed fitness-wise. There's fatigue, but nothing else fortunately.

"He (Skipp) is definitely available. It's great that he's here. If you bring players in, you want them to be pushing for places. Everybody that's fit will be ready for selection if required."

Jamie Vardy is available again too, the striker making a surprise recovery to start against Spurs and score City's equaliser. At 37 years of age, his fitness requirements will be different to many others in the squad, but Cooper and the club's medical and sports science teams will do their utmost to keep fit for as long and as often as possible.

Cooper said: "Jamie doesn't need any special words from me about his capability. In terms of keeping him available and keeping him fresh, it's going to be important. He's an older player and he understands his body well. We have to work with him to do what's right by him.

"In my experience of him, he really enjoys games and what it takes to get ready for a game. He understands how I work and what's required. We're getting to know all the players and they are getting to know what they require to be ready.

"It will be different for him because of the pre-season he's had. He's a game player. We need to keep him ready.

"There's so much work that goes in now to the daily operation of a player, from the tactical side and the physical side, from the data that's recorded every day. But you have to listen to Jamie's opinions as well.

"With an older player, you can talk about age and capabilities, but we're really positive about his capabilities. I don't mean the obvious around his goal-scoring, but about how fit he looks, how sharp he looks."



https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/skipp-vardy--leicester-city-9503024

Manager admits club are 'preparing' for Fulham target to leave – Potential boost for Marco Silva's side
Lyon manager Pierre Sage has admitted they are preparing for Rayan Cherki to leave, as he's chased by Fulham.

RMC Sport cover comments from the Lyon boss today as Cherki is pushed towards the exit door by the French club.

Reports throughout the summer have seen Cherki linked with a departure from Lyon, with Borussia Dortmund and then Paris Saint Germain reportedly interested.

Neither of those moves came to fruition and it is now Fulham who are leading the race for his signature.

Reports in England yesterday indicated that they had agreed a £12.7 plus £4m on bonuses deal with Lyon for the midfielder but needed to convince him of the move to Craven Cottage.

In the meantime, Sage has been asked about the midfielder's future at a press conference today and made it clear they're almost preparing for him to leave.

"There has always been a departure in the background, with all the communication that was going on around him, we were waiting for him in Paris, then we were talking about it in Dortmund, then in lots of other clubs," he said.

"So, it's true that for us, we are preparing more for him to leave. Given that there is no short-term projection for him in the squad, there may be no point in him not training with us.

"We will see what happens on August 31, because if at that time, he is still an Olympique Lyonnais player, the data of the problem will be a little different. But I am not sure that this is the case..."

It remains to be seen, then, if Fulham can get the deal over the line. All indications are that they won't face any problems from Lyon. It's likely a case of convincing Cherki then.

Given he had offers from Dortmund and PSG already, who can provide Champions League football, perhaps he is wondering whether Fulham is the best destination for him.

That's not to disparage Marco Silva's side in any way but it certainly seems to be something Cherki is considering.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/manager-admits-club-are-preparing-for-fulham-target-to-leave-potential-boost-for-marco-silvas-side/

Chris Sutton has only one clear winner as he shares Fulham vs Leicester City score prediction
Steve Cooper takes his Leicester City players to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday in a bid to secure a first three points of the new season.

Leicester City are already off the mark in the Premier League, surviving a Tottenham onslaught on Monday night to somehow grind out a 1-1 draw.

With Tottenham in total control as they went in 1-0 up at the break the pattern continued early in the second-half until Jamie Vardy headed home an Abdul Fatawu cross from close range to equalise in the 57th-minute.

After the goal Steve Cooper must have thought he was watching a different team as Leicester finally started to lay a glove on their opponents before surviving a late Spurs surge to draw 1-1.

A decent start to the season despite concerns around the performance, Cooper will eye the trip to West London as a chance to get more points on the board early in the season.

Chris Sutton predicts Leicester City to lose against Fulham
Whilst collectively there still looks to be plenty of work to do, there were some impressive individual displays for Leicester against Tottenham.

Fatawu looked ready be a threat in the Premier League, whilst Facundo Buonanotte impressed on his debut having joined on loan from Brighton.

Oliver Skipp was unveiled prior to kick-off on Monday night having sealed a £20 million deal from Spurs and could make his debut at Fulham.

Despite this, player-turned-pundit Chris Sutton can't see past a home win.

Sutton was predicting all of the Premier League fixtures for BBC Sport ahead of the second match-day of the campaign, where he revealed that he thinks Fulham will beat Cooper's side 2-0.

Sutton said: "Fulham were competitive against Manchester United last week and probably felt hard done by they didn't come away with a point.

"Leicester got absolutely trounced in the first half against Tottenham. But in fairness, they were resilient, got the goal and carried a threat.

"It was great to see Jamie Vardy back in the Premier League and getting a goal from Leicester's perspective, too.

"But I think Fulham at home, this will be a 2-0 win."

Bobby De Cordova-Reid will be hoping to make his mark against former club Fulham
One debutant who did not cover himself in glory against Tottenham was Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

The 31-year-old arrived for free this summer having rejected a new contract at Fulham and was generally viewed as an astute signing for the Foxes.

However, staring in a left midfield position on his competitive debut on Monday night, De Cordova-Reid struggled to make an impact in an attacking sense and lost Pedro Porro for Tottenham's goal.

The Jamaica international will be hoping Cooper gives him the chance to face his former employers on Saturday, where he must show his manager a much-improved display from Monday night.



https://www.leicestercity.news/match/chris-sutton-has-only-one-clear-winner-as-he-shares-fulham-vs-leicester-city-score-prediction/

Welcoming Fans to the Riverside


From this weekend's opening home match, fans located in The Riverside will experience the next phase of the development.

Whilst there's still more to come as the development continues into the season, as advised during the launch last March, this Saturday represents another significant moment in the build project, with new facilities, experiences and activities for fans to enjoy.
Riverside Turnstiles

Supporters seated in The Riverside will now be able to enter from either end of the ground, along the river walkway, with the Hammersmith river walk turnstiles continuing to operate as per the last two seasons and the Bishop's Park entrance opening for the first time.

Access to The Riverside from Bishop's Park can be gained by following the river walk path.

Supporters not located within The Riverside will not be able to enter the ground from either of these entrances – please continue to use the turnstiles located on Stevenage Road.

A new ticket office will also open at the Bishop's Park entrance to assist with ticket enquiries and support. Please note, fans will not be able to purchase tickets from these windows.
Riverside Market

On the ground floor, fans will find the latest steps towards finalising the Riverside Market, with the space refreshed since the end of last season with many of the final finishes revealed, including new kiosks and bars.

In addition, Saturday will present a special moment as guests use the final river path design for the first time, ahead of opening to the public.
Entertainment

In line with the early opening of 12 noon, supporters in The Riverside will be able to enjoy pre- and post- match entertainment this Saturday.

Take advantage of early bird offers, with all pints of beer just £1, and soft drinks 50p, until 2pm.

Elsewhere, fans can enjoy live music and DJ performances, surprise treats and competitions for early arrivals, activities for the family – including the opportunity to meet Billy the Badger, face painting and balloon modelling – as well as a post-match player appearance.

Throughout Craven Cottage, fans who arrive within the first hour of their respective stand opening time will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of eight Home Shirts signed by Head Coach Marco Silva!

TV screens will also show coverage of the early and late live Premier League kick-offs, with The Riverside remaining open two hours following the match for fans to continue their matchday experience after the final whistle.
Premium Hospitality Experiences

The Dugout sports bar will open for the first time this weekend, providing fans with a new way to enjoy matchday. Guests will be able to access the dugout from 12 noon, and take their seat to watch the match behind the team benches.
Digital Ticketing

Craven Cottage will be operating a digital ticket entry this Saturday. Please plan your journey and arrive in plenty of time.

More information on digital ticketing can be found on our user guide and help pages.

Digital Ticketing Guides

The Riverside promises to be a destination like no other in world football, and your continued support is appreciated.

Everyone at the Club is looking forward to welcoming fans and enjoying another milestone moment in The Riverside on Saturday.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/22/welcoming-fans-to-the-riverside/

Matchday Update: Leicester
Important information for fans ahead of our first home game against Leicester City this weekend.
Digital Tickets

Fans are reminded that a new system will be in place at Craven Cottage from this weekend's home match, with digital tickets now in place, and we encourage supporters to read this information carefully to ensure your entry is as smooth as possible.

All digital season passes have been distributed to supporters, sent via email and ready to add to Apple and Google Wallets on your smartphone.

Individual match passes continue to be sent to ticket purchasers who have selected digital entry, with passes located within the booking confirmation.

Supporters must download their ticket in advance of matchday and before they arrive at Craven Cottage. 

Screenshots of digital tickets WILL NOT permit access into the stadium.

Supporters are reminded to charge their phones before heading to Craven Cottage and to have their Apple or Google Wallet app open prior to getting to the front of the queue/turnstile.

Supporters with multiple digital tickets on one device should swipe left and right between the different digital tickets when entering the stadium, and scan each ticket individually to allow access to those in their party.

Should supporters encounter any problems on the day, please look out for our Digital Ticketing Team in red shirts and our Here to Help stewards who will be able to assist.

Fans can view all FAQs and user guides in advance of arriving at Craven Cottage - including how to add tickets to your wallet and how to scan your ticket at the turnstile - in our digital ticketing hub.

Arrive Early: Extended Opening Hours & Early Bird Offers

With supporters adjusting to the new entry methods, queues are expected, and supporters are encouraged to arrive early and take their seats in plenty of time.

At Fulham v Leicester City, the ground opening hours have been extended - The Riverside will open three hours before kick-off (12:00) and Johnny Haynes Stand, Hammersmith and Putney Ends will open two hours before kick-off (13:00).

For this weekend, all fans who arrive within the first hour of their respective stand opening time will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of eight Home Shirts signed by Head Coach Marco Silva!

In addition, until 2pm all pints of beer within Craven Cottage will be just £1 and soft drinks just 50p! Fans will be able to access this early bird offer from all kiosks serving drinks inside the ground from when gates open.

We urge supporters to ensure they leave enough time to arrive at Craven Cottage; please plan your journey in advance to ensure a smooth entry into the ground. Arriving too close to kick-off may result in missing the opening stages of the match.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/22/matchday-update-leicester/

Sander Berge signs for Fulham
Norwegian international Sander Berge has signed for Fulham from Burnley. The 26-year-old midfielder has joined on a five-year deal.

Premier League side Fulham have completed their fourth summer signing with the announcement of Sander Berge.

Berge, 26, spent just one year at Burnley before returning to the top tier with Fulham.

He becomes the next name through the door since the arrival of Ryan Sessegnon, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jorge Cuenca.

The fee is believed to be around £25million, as reported by The Athletic.

Berge becomes The Cottagers' first defensive midfield signing since the departure of fan-favourite João Palhinha, who left Fulham for Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window.

At the start of the week, personal terms were already in place and Berge travelled to London for his medical on Tuesday.

The ex-Sheffield United player did not appear in either of Burnley's two opening Championship games this season after playing in 37 of their Premier League matches last year.

Fulham have been keen on a new midfielder throughout this window, with Manchester United's Scott McTominay as a possible target.

Berge was also said to be wanted by Man United this summer so it is likely that McTominay will now stay in Manchester, especially as the Red Devils have rejected bids for him.

Sander Berge: The stats and what to expect
Although Berge is a like-for-like positional replacement for Palhinha, he does offer a different style of play.

The latter was an elite tackler, topping the stat table for tackles won in both of his Premier League seasons.

Take nothing away from Berge, he still made 2.34 tackles per 90 in 2023/24, but Palhinha is a tough player to replace.

At 6 feet 4" tall, Berge is superb in the air. In a relegated Burnley side, he was in the top 20% of aerial duels won in the whole league.

He may not offer the forward driving runs that Palhinha sometimes showed, but he is a very solid combination of a traditional 'eight' and 'six'.

2023/24
Goals: 1

Assists: 2

Key passes: 26

Tackles: 76

Aerial duels won: 61

Shots blocked: 21



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2024/08/22/fulham/1193471-sander-berge-signs-for-fulham.html

Tim Ream gets MLS homecoming with Charlotte FC after "emotional" Fulham exit
Tim Ream got inundated by a deluge of congratulations and well-wishes when his exit from Fulham FC was confirmed earlier this summer – understandably, given his near-decade of loyal service (the Cottagers' final match of the 2023-24 season marked his 300th start for the club) and high standing among the London side's tight-knit fanbase.



One recurring sort of salutation hit him harder than most: Laments from young supporters with no conception of FFC without him.

"The relationships and everything that's formed through nine years, the messages that have come through have been – yeah, it's been emotional," Ream told reporters last week, "as you'd expect. And to think that some kids are telling me, 'Oh, I came to my first game at 8, and now I'm 17, and you've always been there.'

"When those messages come through, and the messages from parents saying that their kids are upset, it's nice that you've had that kind of impact on people and on a club."

    61 caps for the @USMNT 🇺🇸
    2022 @FIFAWorldCup ✅
    2024 @CopaAmerica ✅
    2x @CNationsLeague Champion 🏆🏆

    For the Stars and Stripes and 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 👑 pic.twitter.com/s1EW5uX3Jg
    — Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 7, 2024

Back where it started


This weekend Ream will come full circle again, this time on American soil. Nearly 13 years after his last MLS appearance, he's in line to make his Charlotte FC debut on Saturday as The Crown host his first professional club, New York Red Bulls, in a key Eastern Conference clash at Bank of America Stadium (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV - Free).

Touching down in tar heel country this month prompted another tsunami of text messages and phone calls from those who know how much it means to make this homecoming. It took Ream days to sift through it all.

"It's a big deal to make this decision and make a big change. But also, I think I've formed so many amazing and incredible relationships because of this game, because of what I've been able to do, that I think it's mostly just happiness for my family [more] than anything," said the longtime US international.

"That's the coolest thing, is that you're not getting the congratulations and everything from a soccer standpoint, you're getting it from a personal standpoint. And for me, that matters more than anything to do with the on-field stuff."

    Nine years. 312 appearances. Three promotions.

    An outstanding servant. pic.twitter.com/97rUSghcBp
    — Fulham Football Club (@fulhamfc) August 7, 2024

"I get to do this because of them"


Few exports have been better ambassadors for North American soccer in this century, even at Fulham, an outfit rich in connections to the United States and Canada. The St. Louis native played his part in three promotion campaigns from the Championship and won FFC's Player of the Year award in 2018, aging like fine wine through the years.

The cerebral center back is 36, a full 10 years beyond the average age of English Premier League central defenders last season, yet remained a trusted contributor, albeit with a dip in minutes played from the previous year. He'd already earned a contract extension to summer 2025, diligently keeping hold of his starting role with the US men's national team along the way.

When a US return began to materialize, Cottagers manager Marco Silva tried to convince Ream to stick around for one more year, to at least give it a second thought.

"The day after the season finished, I sat down with Marco and we had a good chat and I told him," he recalled. "They wanted me to stay. They tried to push me to stay and really think about it ... But I really think through things, and we really thought through this whole move, and it was, for us personally, as a family, it was the right thing to do. It was time to move on."

As comfortably settled as Tim, his wife Kristen and their three young children Aidan, Theo and Lilia were along the River Thames, as much as he relished the daily battle to keep pace in the vaunted EPL, the distance from loved ones in the United States was taking its toll. A spring visit Stateside, while Ream and the USMNT defended their Concacaf Nations League trophy, prompted deeper conversations about the future.

"I get to do this because of them – because of my wife, because of the sacrifices that they've been making. There are a lot of things that I've missed, and a lot of times that they've been put second, and it was time to decide that they needed to come first in this situation," said Ream. "So that's really what it boiled down to, is putting them first while still being able to do what I love to do, and that's play the game. And this was the opportunity that came up, and one that we grabbed with both hands.

"With all the national team responsibilities, with all the traveling, with all the games, with all the preseason and the trips you take away and the things that you miss out on ... how much time that I've already put into the game, and how much time my family has not had me at their disposal, and not had me under the same roof."

    "Just come in, put your head down and work"

    Taking on each day with a veteran mentality #ForTheCrown 💪 pic.twitter.com/KkvAi8UqbH
    — Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 14, 2024

Choosing Charlotte


Their next move was simplified by the extensive recruiting pitch laid out by Charlotte FC, who from early in the process made it clear to Ream and his family how much they wanted him in Carolina blue, despite already possessing a sturdy young center-back duo in Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda, the foundation of a back line that's allowed 27 goals in 25 league matches, second-fewest in MLS.

Ask CLTFC leaders, and they'll explain why their showcase defensive signing of a busy summer transfer window is a can't-miss reinforcement for the spine of their team as well as its soul.

"I'll take any of the first 11, first 15 of the US national team in our team. So that's one thing," general manager Zoran Krneta told MLSsoccer.com this week. "Second thing is the player has a huge experience in Premier League, Championship, on the highest level. He's a natural-born winner, if you like. He's a warrior, he's a leader, he's someone that would add perfectly well to a few other leaders that we have in the changing room.

"We have a lot of young players – don't forget we moved up four players from MLS NEXT Pro last year," he added. "These young players, they need a general. They need a couple of people who will raise the standard; they'll show up to every training at the same level, they'll raise intensity of the training ... Also, I think Ream is still at the level that he can be one of the best defenders in the league."

    2010 ➡️ 2024

    Welcome back, @timream5. pic.twitter.com/fuiBcavEZ8
    — Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2024

A different MLS


Those are no small expectations. Ream, who played alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Dax McCarty at RBNY, returns to a vastly evolved and expanded MLS that bears limited resemblance to the league he once knew.

"It's definitely improved. You know, the reason I left in the first place was because I felt I needed to move on for my development," he noted. "There's still a lot of room to develop further, but it's so much further than what it was when I first came in, and I had guys to learn off of like Thierry Henry, so the situation was a little bit different.

"But looking at it now, it's incredible, where it was to where it is now, and it's part of why I felt comfortable and ready to make the move and come back, because it is such a higher level now."

A competition once centered on athleticism, with limited stylistic diversity, now teems with varying ideas and global influences among both the player pool and the coaching ranks.

"There's more of a focus on being technical, but also being tactically astute, being fully aware of in-game situations, to where before it was, 'OK, let's just run over people, let's just run past people, let's just be physical, and we'll win that way,'" said Ream. "Now you have to find different ways to win games. I think that's a sign of the league developing, but I think it's also a sign of the players developing and managers developing, and bringing in better managers, better players."

He says he has no desire to transition towards coaching like Christian Fuchs, another Premier League veteran who finished his playing days at Charlotte and is now an assistant under Dean Smith, given how much time away from family they, too, must navigate. But he can be something of a coach on the pitch for Smith, who has earned plaudits for his work to shape CLT into a rugged, organized contender in the East.

"His experience on the training ground already has shown through," said Smith. "He's a talker, he's a leader, and he adds to to what we've already got: Ashley Westwood, leader, talker, Nathan Byrne, leader, talker. It'll give the younger players the opportunity to see somebody who's played at the top level and reinforce what we're telling them, what takes to be a good leader, and hopefully they can learn from that. And I think he won't fail to improve some of the players around him."

And much like his role on the USMNT, where he's added greatly to the collective memory of a very young player pool, Ream can help a fledgling club build a sense of place.

"Sometimes I look at the players -- and this can be both XIs – when the national anthem's on, there's only probably four or five players, really, with the hands on the heart giving the national anthem out," added Smith. "And I just think it would be pretty cool for us to have a few more of them players. They do come at a premium, but I believe they bring that care and attention to the squad as well."

    Bringing years of experience to our backline@OfficialBWFC Player of the Year 🏅
    2017 @fulhamfc Player of the Year 🏅
    2020 @EFL Playoff Winner 🏆
    2021 @EFL Winner 🏆
    2021 @PFA Team of the Year ✅ pic.twitter.com/d0Cd8V5qo8
    — Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 8, 2024

"Earn your place"


How much does Ream have left in the tank? He himself sounds as curious about that question as anyone. His distribution out of the back has always been his calling card, he remains surprisingly fleet of foot in the open field and his astute reading of the game further enhances that. With role models like Portuguese icon Pepe, who this summer became the oldest player in the history of the European Championships at age 41, the perception of what's possible for veteran defenders has broadened.

"I don't really look at my age as a hindrance. I actually look at it as a positive. I've seen a lot of things, I've played a lot of games, experienced a lot of different situations, and it's up to me to use that to my advantage. So I'll play as long as I feel physically and mentally good, which I do," Ream said.

"I still try to compare myself to the guys who are 21, 22 who are within the team, and what are they doing physically? OK, I need to be matching that physically, or better, because that's the way you stay in the game."

With 37 points from a 10W-8L-7D record leading up to the Leagues Cup break, Charlotte sit sixth in the East as the home stretch of the season kicks into gear. They're comfortably clear of the playoff line, but recognize that any sort of realistic prospects for MLS Cup Playoffs success tend to hinge on home-field advantage in Round One, a privilege that requires a top-four finish.

Ream's been there before, in every sense of the word.

"The way I always treat any transition is you have to go in and you have to earn your place," he said. "I don't think that changes, no matter what your age is, how many clubs you played for, how many countries you played in. I think the basis of having a long career is putting your head down and just getting after the work, understanding what is being asked of you, understanding what is being asked of the team, and then going out and doing it."



https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/tim-ream-gets-mls-homecoming-with-charlotte-fc-after-emotional-fulham-exit