Friends of Fulham

League Cup Result

Tuesday 27/08
Birmingham City	0-2	Fulham
		Raúl Stansfield

Birmingham City 0-2 Fulham


Former Birmingham loan signing Jay Stansfield scored against his old club to help much-changed Fulham reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.
League One club Birmingham were hoping to produce a surprise in front of their own fans at but Fulham, who made 11 changes from the side that started last Saturday's Premier League win over Leicester, were 2-0 up after 15 minutes.

Mexico forward Raul Jimenez opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty after Tom Cairney's goalbound shot was handled by Alex Cochrane.

Birmingham, who won this competition as recently as 2011, fell further behind through 21-year-old Stansfield's smart curling finish which he refused to celebrate out of respect to his former club.

To their credit, Birmingham did not fold and almost pulled a goal back through Keshi Anderson's header but Timothy Castagne made a terrific clearance off the line before Willum Thor Willumsson hit the bar from a free-kick.

Fulham show strength in depth
Fulham boss Marco Silva has placed the EFL Cup among his top priorities again after steering his side to last season's semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Liverpool.

He opted to make 11 changes, with summer arrivals Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca, Sander Berge and Joachim Andersen among the starters.

Despite the wholesale changes, the Premier League club had too much quality for their opponents.

Birmingham fans know all about Stansfield, who scored 13 times on a season-long loan in 2023-24 but could not save them from being relegated from the Championship.

His fine finish after Jimenez's first goal of the season left Birmingham with too much to do, although the hosts showed plenty of spirit as Fulham survived a couple of scares.

But it was job done for Silva's side, who will discover their third-round opponents on Wednesday.

Player of the match
T. Cairney           9.34



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ckgje53dn6wt

Birmingham City 0-2 Fulham
Fulham progressed to the Third Round of the Carabao Cup with victory away at Birmingham City.

Marco Silva made 11 changes to the side that beat Leicester City 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday; Steven Benda, Jorge Cuenca and Sander Berge made their debuts, with Joachim Andersen and Ryan Sessegnon making their second debuts.

Jay Stansfield made his first start of the season for Fulham on familiar territory, whilst academy loanee Luke Harris was ineligible to feature for Birmingham. Prior to kick-off, there was a minute of applause for former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who sadly passed away on Monday.

Fulham won a penalty on nine minutes as a Tom Cairney shot hit the arm of Alex Cochrane following a clever corner routine – Raúl Jiménez stepped up and made no mistake despite the home supporters' best efforts to put the forward off, slotting to the left and sending Ryan Allsop the wrong way.

The lead was doubled just five minutes later, as Stansfield beat the offside trap from an Andersen pass and finished smartly to Allsop's left. The forward's celebration was muted and was met by an applause from the Birmingham supporters behind the goal.

Birmingham thought they had pulled one back on 25 minutes through Alfie May, who had lifted a clever shot over Benda from short distance, but Timothy Castagne raced back in time to acrobatically clear off the line.

Willum Willumsson went close five minutes before the break, as his left-footed free-kick from 20 yards rattled back off of the crossbar.

Harry Wilson went closest for Fulham in a largely uneventful second half, with a trademark cut-in from the right and left-footed long shot going narrowly over Allsop's bar. Birmingham's Cochrane stung the palms of Benda with a powerful effort from 25 yards.

17-year-old Josh King became the latest academy prospect to debut with the first team, replacing fellow debutant Berge on 65 minutes. He was unfortunate not to have marked his first appearance with a goal, tapping in from close range in added time, but the linesman adjudged Adama Traoré to have just ran the ball out of play before cutting the ball back.

Fulham will find out their Third Round opponents at approximately 10:15pm on Wednesday 28th, following the conclusion of the remaining Second Round ties.

---

Birmingham: Allsop, Laird (Sampsted 73'), Klarer, Bielik, Cochrane, Paik Seung-Ho (Jutkiewicz 82'), Leonard, Anderson (Yokoyama 62'), Willumsson, Hansson (Miyoshi 62'), May (Tyler Roberts 61')

Subs: Tyler Roberts, Jutkiewicz, Miyoshi, Sampsted, Davies, Khela, Yokoyama, Hall, Peacock-Farrell

Fulham FC: Benda, Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Berge (King 65'), Reed (Smith Rowe 87'), Wilson (Traoré 87'), Cairney (Lukić 78'), Stansfield (Iwobi 78'), Jiménez

Subs: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Rodrigo Muniz, Traoré, Iwobi, Lukić, King, Smith Rowe



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/27/birmingham-city-0-2-fulham/

Fulham see off Birmingham in Carabao Cup
Raúl Jiménez's penalty and Jay Stansfield's composed finish – both within the opening 14 minutes – took Fulham through to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Jiménez coolly netted from the spot after Tom Cairney's shot was handled by Alex Cochrane.

And the second goal was superbly set up by Joachim Andersen on the defender's first Fulham appearance since his recent move from Crystal Palace.

Andersen's perfect through ball found Stansfield and the forward, who was on loan at Birmingham last season, finished emphatically.

Fulham were sloppy at times and the League One side twice went close to pulling a goal back before half-time.

Timothy Castagne produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Keshi Anderson, before Willum Thor Willumsson hit bar with a thunderous free-kick.

---

Fulham: Benda, Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Sessengon, Reed (Smith Rowe 86′), Berge (King 65′), Wilson (Traore 86′) ,Cairney (Lukic 77′), Stansfield (Iwobi 77′), Jimenez



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-see-off-birmingham-in-carabao-cup

Jay Stansfield stars on his old stomping ground as Fulham see off Birmingham
The forward scored the second goal and was warmly applauded by both sets of fans throughout.

By PA sport staff

Jay Stansfield refused to celebrate his goal on his return to Birmingham as Fulham cruised to a 2-0 Carabao Cup second-round win.

Stansfield, 21, who was Birmingham's multiple player of the year and 13-goal top scorer last season, netted after 14 minutes after Raul Jimenez's 10th-minute penalty gave Fulham the lead.

Birmingham – who are set to sign QPR striker Lyndon Dykes for around £1.5m – hit the bar through Willum Willumson's blistering free-kick.

But Fulham's Premier League quality shone despite 11 changes to their line-up.

For League One hot favourites City, defeat ended their unbeaten four-match run.

The Londoners won a penalty with their first serious attack after a handball by City left-back Alex Cochrane. Former Wolves striker Jimenez kept his nerve to coolly roll the ball to the left of goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, who went the opposite way.

Birmingham's first chance came when Christoph Klarer's looping header was held under the bar by goalkeeper Steven Benda.

But Fulham returned to the attack to double their lead through Stansfield.

The England Under-21 international controlled a long pass from £20m new signing from Crystal Palace Joachim Andersen and calmly curled the ball around Allsop into the far corner.

The youngster refused to celebrate out of respect to the club where he spent last season and was applauded by the City fans behind the goal.

Stansfield attempted to double his account with an audacious 40-yard effort but it drifted wide.

Keshi Anderson's header was nodded off the line by Timothy Castagne as City sought a way back into the tie.

But Fulham were in control and they almost snatched a third goal when Krystian Bielik put behind his own goal under pressure from Jimenez.

Birmingham went closest to opening their account in the first period two minutes before the break when Willumson's thunderous free-kick crashed off the bar to safety.

Birmingham looked to take the game to Fulham after the break without threatening Fulham's goal.

City manager Chris Davies made a triple substitution just after the hour to drag his side back into the tie.

Tyler Roberts, Koji Miyoshi and Ayumu Yokoyama replaced Alfie May, Emil Hansson and Anderson and it seemed to work as City threatened for the first time in the second half.

Cochrane let fly with a full-blooded drive but his 25-yard effort was pushed around the post by Benda.

Stansfield was applauded by both sets of fans when he was substituted in the 78th minute.



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/jay-stansfield-stars-on-his-old-stomping-ground-as-fulham-see-off-birmingham-HGROTZJ7UZJKDOTIJNZS4ZPKLA/

Birmingham 0-2 Fulham: Jay Stansfield scores as Cottagers reach Carabao Cup third round
Report and free match highlights as Jay Stansfield netted Fulham's second to see them progress past the second round of the Carabao Cup; Stansfield spent last season on loan at Birmingham and was the club's leading scorer last campaign; Raul Jimenez scored an early penalty

Jay Stansfield refused to celebrate his goal on his return to Birmingham as Fulham cruised to a 2-0 Carabao Cup second-round win.

Stansfield, 21, who was Birmingham's multiple player of the year and 13-goal top scorer last season, netted after 14 minutes after Raul Jimenez's 10th-minute penalty had given Fulham the lead.

Birmingham hit the bar through Willum Willumsson's blistering free-kick.

Fulham's Premier League quality shone despite 11 changes to their line-up and for League One hot favourites City, defeat ended their unbeaten four-match run.

(https://e0.365dm.com/24/08/2048x1152/skysports-jimenez-fulham_6668737.jpg?20240827223917)
Raul Jimenez scored a penalty to put Fulham ahead in the tie

The Londoners won a penalty with their first serious attack after a handball by City left-back Alex Cochrane. Former Wolves striker Jimenez kept his nerve to coolly roll the ball to the left of goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, who went the opposite way.

Birmingham's first chance came when Christoph Klarer's looping header was held under the bar by goalkeeper Steven Benda.

But Fulham returned to the attack to double their lead through Stansfield.

The England U21 international controlled a long pass from Joachim Andersen and calmly curled the ball around Allsop into the far corner.

(https://e0.365dm.com/24/08/2048x1152/skysports-stansfield-jay-stansfield_6668740.jpg?20240827224034)
Jay Stansfield scored Fulham's second goal against the club he spent last season on loan at

The youngster refused to celebrate out of respect for the club where he spent last season and was applauded by the City fans behind the goal.

Stansfield attempted to double his account with an audacious 40-yard effort but it drifted wide.

Keshi Anderson's header was nodded off the line by Timothy Castagne as City sought a way back into the tie.

But Fulham were in control and they almost snatched a third goal when Krystian Bielik put behind his own goal under pressure from Jimenez.

(https://e0.365dm.com/24/08/2048x1152/skysports-joachim-andersen_6668736.jpg?20240827223824)
Joachim Andersen set up Stansfield's goal on his first game since returning to the club

Birmingham went closest to opening their account in the first period two minutes before the break when Willumsson's thunderous free-kick crashed off the bar to safety.

Birmingham looked to take the game to Fulham after the break without threatening Fulham's goal.

City manager Chris Davies made a triple substitution just after the hour to drag his side back into the tie.

Tyler Roberts, Koji Miyoshi and Ayumu Yokoyama replaced Alfie May, Emil Hansson and Anderson and it seemed to work as City threatened for the first time in the second half.

Cochrane let fly with a full-blooded drive but his 25-yard effort was pushed around the post by Benda.

Stansfield was applauded by both sets of fans when he was substituted in the 78th minute.

Silva: Stansfield is ready to fight for starting spot
Fulham boss Marco Silva:

"I'm almost 100 per cent sure that he [Stansfield] is going to be our player but I cannot guarantee that because it's difficult to control the market.

"We have a plan for Jay. Two seasons ago it was clear he needed first-team football and he went to League One and he proved his quality there.

"Last season he made another step and he proved his quality at this club and in Championship football.

"The plan for him is to be part of our squad. It's really tough to be part of the 11 in the Premier League, but he's ready to fight for it."

Davies: VAR would have overturned penalty decision
Birmingham boss Chris Davies:

"We started brightly but the penalty was an extremely difficult decision to accept.

"I know how hard it is for referees and officials and things happen quickly but if that was looked at by VAR then surely it would have been overturned.

"It was not a handball. Against a side like Fulham, to concede the first goal makes things difficult but the response was excellent.

"I thought we were the better team overall. We switched off from the striker run from Jay Stansfield and although it was
a good finish, I felt it was against the run of play.

"Overall my overriding feeling is pride in the players for their work ethic, their attitude, the belief and the bravery they showed and for the quality of our play."



https://www.skysports.com/football/birmingham-city-vs-fulham/report/521183

Marco Silva gives definite Jay Stansfield answer to Birmingham City amid transfer speculation
Marco Silva was confident in his answer when asked about a potential return to Birmingham City for Jay Stansfield.

The Fulham manager has completely ruled out a summer exit for Stansfield, confirming a plan to properly introduce the striker to Premier League football this season.

Birmingham were keen on signing the attacker permanently following a highly successful loan spell last season, but any slim chance of a romantic return has been snuffed out.

Stansfield did make a return to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park in a capacity but not in the way Blues supporters would've hoped. The 21-year-old was on the scoresheet as Fulham beat Birmingham 2-0 on Tuesday night, dumping Chris Davies' side out of the Carabao Cup at the second round stage.

The striker refused to celebrate his goal and received several rounds of applause from the home crowd, including when he was substituted late in the second half.

It was after the fixture that Silva entirely eradicated any hope of Stansfield re-joining Birmingham as he spoke about the ambitions for Fulham's number 28 in great depth.

"I'm almost 100 per cent sure that he's going to be our player. Of course, I cannot guarantee to you 100 per cent because the market is open and it's difficult to control the market every single time, but the plan for him is to be part of our squad," Silva said.

"We did plan something for Jay since I joined the football club. In the first season, he was in the under-21s. Two years ago, it was a clear moment for senior football in League One. Last season, it was a moment for him to get another step.

"He proved his quality at this great club in the Championship and now he has to work hard to get the chance at our football club, to get the feeling of being a Premier League player. The plan for him after a good Championship season was to fight, I'm ready to help him to get in the right direction," Silva concluded.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city/fulham-manager-marco-silva-definitive-jay-stansfield-answer-birmingham-city-speculation-4758622

Post-Birmingham City Press Conference


Marco Silva reacts to Fulham's Carabao Cup victory against Birmingham.

"It doesn't matter about the individual quality of the players when you make 11 changes - five players made their debut this this evening, plus Josh King in the second half, the number is big, even if you are talking about some of them, experienced Premier League players - they never played together and it's going to take time to gel everything.

"I took the decision because I want all of them to be in the right physical shape. It's not because fatigue is not in the thinking for the next game, it is really because most of them need these types of games to be at same level.


"I think it was a tough game, tough place to come. It was a very good test for us in the middle of the week, away from home. It was our aim to keep a clean sheet, that was important too. They had a lot of corners and crosses, and I think our backline responded well.

"We got the penalty and, of course, a very good assist from Andersen - excellent move from Jay and we scored. 2-0, in that moment we should probably be calmer and keep the ball more to control the game - in some moments was not possible, but we were solid enough to control the intensity of the game and the energy that they play with.

"We are in the next round is the most important thing."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/27/post-birmingham-city-press-conference/

Jay Stansfield stars on Birmingham return as Fulham ease into Carabao Cup third round
Striker plays key role in downfall of former loan club at St Andrew's in message to Marco Silva before transfer deadline

Jay Stansfield refused to celebrate his goal on his return to Birmingham City as Fulham cruised to a 2-0 Carabao Cup second-round win.

Stansfield, 21, who was Birmingham's multiple player of the year and 13-goal top scorer last season, netted after 14 minutes after Raul Jimenez's 10th-minute penalty gave Fulham the lead.

Birmingham - who are set to sign QPR striker Lyndon Dykes for around £1.5million - hit the bar through Willum Willumsson's blistering free-kick.

But Fulham's Premier League quality shone despite 11 changes to their lineup. For League One hot favourites City, defeat ended their unbeaten four-match run.

The Londoners won a penalty with their first serious attack after a handball by City left-back Alex Cochrane. Former Wolves striker Jimenez kept his nerve to coolly roll the ball to the left of goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, who went the opposite way.

Birmingham's first chance came when Christoph Klarer's looping header was held under the bar by goalkeeper Steven Benda. But Fulham returned to the attack to double their lead through Stansfield.

The England Under-21 international controlled a long pass from £20m new signing from Crystal Palace Joachim Andersen and calmly curled the ball around Allsop into the far corner.

The youngster refused to celebrate out of respect to the club where he spent last season and was applauded by the City fans behind the goal. Stansfield attempted to double his account with an audacious 40-yard effort but it drifted wide.

Keshi Anderson's header was nodded off the line by Timothy Castagne as City sought a way back into the tie.

But Fulham were in control and they almost snatched a third goal when Krystian Bielik put behind his own goal under pressure from Jimenez.

Birmingham went closest to opening their account in the first period two minutes before the break when Willumsson's thunderous free-kick crashed off the bar to safety.

Birmingham looked to take the game to Fulham after the break without threatening Fulham's goal. City manager Chris Davies made a triple substitution just after the hour to drag his side back into the tie.

Tyler Roberts, Koji Miyoshi and Ayumu Yokoyama replaced Alfie May, Emil Hansson and Anderson and it seemed to work as City threatened for the first time in the second half.

Cochrane let fly with a full-blooded drive but his 25-yard effort was pushed around the post by Benda. Stansfield was applauded by both sets of fans when he was substituted in the 78th minute.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-jay-stansfield-birmingham-carabao-cup-b1178660.html

Stansfield steers Fulham into round three
Goals from Raul Jimenez and Jay Stansfield in the first quarter of an hour ensured Fulham eased into the third round of the League Cup at the expense of League One Birmingham City at St. Andrew's this evening.

Marco Silva made eleven changes from the side that recorded their first win of the campaign against Leicester City on Saturday but the Premier League outfit ended any worries about a potential banana skin with a lightning quick start in the second city. Jimenez sent Ryan Alsopp the wrong way from twelve yards after Alex Cochrane handled Tom Cairney's goalbound drive from a short corner before Stansfield, who scored thirteen goals for Blues on loan last season, reminded everyone of his finishing ability by springing a shaky offside trap to reach a raking pass from Joachim Andersen and curled confidently beyond the stranded goalkeeper.

That took much of the intensity out of the contest as a combination of new arrivals and old faces were able to get competitive minutes in their legs. Ryan Sessegnon and Andersen made their second debuts, whilst Jorge Cuenca kept a clean sheet in front of Steven Benda on their first Fulham outings, with Sander Berge paired alongside Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney in central midfield. Timothy Castagne tiptoed back to his goal-line to prevent Alfie May from bringing Chris Davies' men back into the contest. Benda was beaten by a ferocious free-kick from Willum Thor Willumsson but the Icelandic's 20-yard effort thundered off the crossbar and away to safety.

The sharp Stansfield made the most of his opportunity to impress, despite operating off the left flank, with a series of intelligent runs and plenty of defensive work to support Sessegnon at left back. To their great credit, Blues continued to push in the second half with Ethan Laird drilling an effort wide and Cochrane catching a drive wonderfully – forcing Benda to parry his shot behind – as space had opened up in the Fulham midfield. The former Swansea stopper was extended again when substitute Tyler Roberts rifled goalwards and pulled off a fine reaction save to prevent the stretching Cuenca from turning Koji Miyoshi's cross into his own net.

Fulham always looked as if they had another gear were it necessary and there was an encouraging cameo off the bench from the club's latest academy graduate. Seventeen year-old Josh King belied his age and build with a performance of real authority after replacing Berge in the engine room. The teenager roamed from his midfield role to make telling contributions at either end of the field and was unlucky not to mark his excellent debut with a late goal when Adama Traore was correctly adjudged to have carried the ball beyond the byline before presenting the youngster with a tap-in.

There were plenty of signs of rust and a lack of familiarity between a side that had barely trained together before this week but Silva will have been pleased that his charges followed last season's template rather than a repeat of the Crawley debacle two years ago. The predatory instincts of Jimenez and Stansfield both ended any worries about another giantkilling and offered a timely reminder for Silva of the striking resources he has in reserve to Rodrigo Muniz.

BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-2-3-1): Allsopp; Laird (Sampsted 73), Cochrane, Klarer, Bielik; Seung-ho (Jutkiewicz 82), Leonard; Anderson (Yokoyama 62), Willumson, Hansson (Miyoshi 62); May (Roberts 61). Subs (not used): Peacock-Farrell, Davies, Khela, Hall.

BOOKED: May.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Benda; Castagne, R. Sessegnon, Andersen, Cuenca; Reed (Smith Rowe 87), Berge (King 65); Wilson (Traore 87), Stansfield (Iwobi 78), Cairney (Lukic 78); Jimenez. Subs (not used): Leno, Tete, Bassey, Muniz.

BOOKED: Reed, Traore.

GOALS: Jimenez (pen 10), Stansfield (14).

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

ATTENDANCE: 11,949.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/stansfield-steers-fulham-into-round-three/

Exclusive: Fulham consider second Arsenal raid as Arteta ponders future of £20m star
Fulham are considering raiding Arsenal once more before the transfer window shuts on Friday after their successful purchase of Emile Smith Rowe, TEAMtalk understands.

Marco Silva's Fulham side secured the services of the Arsenal academy product on a five-year deal for an initial fee of £27m earlier this month and it hasn't taken long for the 24-year-old to make his mark at the Cottagers.

The attacking midfielder had an excellent pre-season campaign and has taken that form into the Premier League season, with Smith Rowe bagging his first goal for the club in their 2-1 win over Leicester City at the weekend.

Fulham have made a number of quality additions so far this summer, with left Ryan Sessegnon joining on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham, midfielder Sander Berge signing from Burnley, plus, Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen has moved there, too.

In truth, they had to strengthen their squad after losing star defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich, centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, and winger Willian – who is now a free agent.

Although Fulham – who also allowed Bobby De Cordova-Reid to leave the club this summer – have the flying Adama Traore at their disposal, the club are looking at wingers before the window closes in the coming days.

Now, TEAMtalk can reveal that they are looking at Arsenal wideman Reiss Nelson – who is very much on the fringes under manager Mikel Arteta.

The 24-year-old's future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation all summer with the likes of West Ham and Leicester City both linked with a move for his services.

Arsenal were open to offers for Nelson but the moves to either West Ham or Leicester have failed to come to fruition, with the Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest-linked player still on the books at the north London outfit.

Since making his first-team debut in 2017, he has made 90 appearances for the Gunners – scoring eight goals and bagging nine assists.

However, just 35 of those have been in the starting XI and that is why Arsenal have been open to offers for their academy product this summer.

Arsenal have been linked with bringing in a new wide forward this summer, but if they are unable to sign him they could end up keeping Nelson, who had a cameo in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa over the weekend, in the squad.

Arsenal are understood to want at least £20m including add-ons for Nelson – whose contract runs until 2027 but the Gunners have an option to extend that by another 12 months – if he does leave the club.

And as the deadline approaches, Fulham may decide to make a move for the former England Under-21 international.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-fulham-consider-second-arsenal-raid-arteta-ponders-future-20m-star

Fulham reject €25m 'cash' offer for player – Claim PL club willing to pay €40m
Eyebrow raising stories coming from Brazil regarding Andreas Pereira are nothing new, and today we have our latest in the series.

Goal Brasil report Fulham have rejected a €25m offer from Marseille for the midfielder. Interest from the French club was reported earlier this summer, and talk of an offer being refused popped up then, but Goal Brasil make the point of saying the Ligue 1 club 'hinted at the possibility' of paying in cash.

Then it's stated a Premier League club have been willing to pay €40m for Andreas Pereira, but they wanted to spread the payments out over five years.

Fulham, according to the claims, are not interested in that kind of payment structure.

That claim, even in isolation, seems very odd indeed. It's the normal way that transfers are done and has been for a very long time. Cash payments, so all in one go, are usually restricted to very low value deals or when that method is stipulated in the terms of a buyout clause.

There will likely be interest, but these latest claims feel like a clouding of the situation.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-reject-e25m-cash-offer-for-player-claim-pl-club-willing-to-pay-e40m/

Fulham Knock Back Bid For Midfielder
Fulham have rejected a bid from Marseille for their star midfielder Andreas Pereira, it has been claimed in Brazil.

He joined the Cottagers two years back from Manchester United and has become a regular at Craven Cottage.

It has been suggested that he is attracting interest from the Premier League and France.

New Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been backed very heavily by the Ligue 1 club and they are still willing to make moves in this transfer window.

According to GOAL Brasil, the London club have rejected a bid worth €25m for the Brazilian midfielder.

It has been further claimed that an unnamed fellow Premier League side wanted Pereira and were ready to pay €40m for him.

It has been further claimed that an unnamed fellow Premier League side wanted Pereira and were ready to pay €40m for him.

It remains to be seen if either of the interested suitors of Periera will return with better offers to test Fulham's resolve by Friday.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/27/fulham-knock-back-bid-for-midfielder/658709/

Silva pleased as Fulham progress
Marco Silva praised Fulham's professionalism as the Whites reached the third round of the League Cup with a comfortable win at Birmingham City this evening.

The Whites raced into an early two-goal lead thanks to a penalty from Raul Jimenez and Jay Stansfield's sublime strike inside the first fifteen minutes. Their League One opponents battled hard in the second half but Steven Benda made two fine reflex stops to keep a clean sheet on his debut – and Silva professed to be pleased by the evening's work during his post-match press conference.

"It doesn't matter about the individual quality of the players when you make 11 changes – five players made their debut this this evening, plus Josh King in the second half, the number is big, even if you are talking about some of them, experienced Premier League players – they never played together and it's going to take time to gel everything. I took the decision because I want all of them to be in the right physical shape. It's not because fatigue is not in the thinking for the next game, it is really because most of them need these types of games to be at same level.

I think it was a tough game, tough place to come. It was a very good test for us in the middle of the week, away from home. It was our aim to keep a clean sheet, that was important too. They had a lot of corners and crosses, and I think our backline responded well.

We got the penalty and, of course, a very good assist from Andersen – excellent move from Jay and we scored. 2-0, in that moment we should probably be calmer and keep the ball more to control the game – in some moments was not possible, but we were solid enough to control the intensity of the game and the energy that they play with. We are in the next round – that is the most important thing."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-pleased-as-fulham-progress/