Fulham eye January loan move for out-of-favour Evan Ferguson
Fulham are investigating a deal for Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window.
Marco Silva wants to boost his forward options in what is shaping up to be a promising season, and the Brighton striker is being looked at as a serious option.
Injury has seen the Irish international's promising career lose some momentum after immediate impact for Brighton at the start of last season, with manager Fabian Hurzeler now enjoying a wealth of attacking options.
Although the German recently denied that the 20-year-old is available, and while Brighton see him as a bright prospect for the future, Fulham are willing to test that stance.
The London club are hoping a loan deal until the end of the season may be possible, as they believe it could be an option that is best for all parties.
Ferguson needs consistent minutes after his injury lay-off, with Brighton's form currently making that difficult. Fulham can offer that in favourable conditions with a current eighth place, as they aim for European football.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/fulham-eye-january-loan-move-for-out-of-favour-evan-ferguson/a1747030038.html
Fulham 'investigating deal' to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton in January loan switch
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson on a loan deal.
He has been linked with a move away from the South coast, having struggled to gain regular game time for Fabian Hurzeler.
The Republic of Ireland international has had to settle for just two starts in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
Fulham have emerged as one of Ferguson's potential suitors alongside East Midlands rivals Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
However, Brighton CEO Paul Barber has played down the suggestion that Ferguson could depart in the new year, insisting that he remains "a really important part of the squad".
Fulham eyeing Ferguson loan deal
While Hurzeler has also played down rumours that Ferguson could leave the club, Fulham are still seemingly keen to test Brighton's resolve when the transfer window opens in January.
According to the The Independent, Fulham are 'investigating a deal' to bring Ferguson to Craven Cottage in the new year.
The report claims that Fulham will look to strike a deal with Brighton to sign Ferguson on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Fulham believe that a loan could benefit both clubs, as it would bolster Fulham's striker options and allow Ferguson to continue his development by playing regular football.
Why are Fulham targeting a new striker?
Fulham manager Marco Silva can currently call upon Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Muniz and Carlos Vinicius as his main forward options.
Jimenez has established himself as the first-choice striker this season, netting five goals in his 16 Premier League appearances.
Muniz has chipped in with a couple of goals, including an effort in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, while Vinicius is yet to make his first appearance of the season, having spent time on the sidelines with an injury issue.
Although Silva seems to have enough options in the number nine position, there is uncertainty surrounding Vinicius's future with the club after he was linked with a move away in the summer.
Silva may also view Ferguson as someone who has the potential to offer more than Jimenez and Muniz, with the Fulham boss looking to bolster his squad with extra quality as his side attempt to mount a European push.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-investigating-deal-to-sign-ferguson-in-january_560921.html?newsnow
Fulham star admits he is attracting transfer interest from top Premier League sides - and is open to move
Fulham have an in-form star who is attracting plenty of interest from England's elite clubs
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Fulham are perhaps the biggest surprise of the Premier League season as they currently sit eighth in the Premier League having drawn to Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham as well as beating Brighton in their last four games.
Marco Silva's side have had their best ever start to a Premier League campaign and will be hoping they can beat or equal their best ever finish to a Premier League season, when they came 7th in 2008/09.
Part of this success is down to one Fulham player who had admitted that he knows there is interested in him as the January transfer window approaches.
Fulham star Antonee Robinson knows Premier League clubs are circling
Antonee Robinson has gained praise all season thanks to his performances for Fulham, both in attack and defence and has admitted himself that other clubs are interested in him.
"I'm very happy here. The fact that there is interest from other teams is great. Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave," Robinson said, via Marca.
Antonee Robinson picked up two assists in his side's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend and Marc Silva was quick to credit his left back's performance, in which he won the most duels, created the most chances and completed the most interceptions.
Silva said: "It is difficult to put into words a performance like this, but, I repeat, it is not the first time.
"Not easy to come here playing against a player like (Mo) Salah, the way normally they like to expose the left-back."
Robinson's performances have seen him attract interest from most of the traditional Big Six clubs, despite his Fuham contract running until 2028.
It is clear the Fulham boss, who ranked at no.34 in FourFourTwo's list of the best managers in the world right now, would not see Robinson leaving as a good idea, as he said, "I don't want to talk too much about him, because I know that next January the same story will repeat itself".
"Robinson is very focused and we must keep him like that for as long as possible."
The 27-year-old will be one to keep an eye on this coming transfer window and FourFourTwo believes Liverpool would be a suitable option for the American given the recent poor performances of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-star-admits-he-is-attracting-transfer-interest-from-top-premier-league-sides-and-is-open-to-move
Burnley FC face Fulham battle for Premier League striker
Burnley face competition from Fulham in the battle to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window.
A player who at the start of the year was going to cost any suitors potentially £100 million now finds himself as a loan candidate. Ferguson hasn't been helped by injuries and the emergence, or re-emergence, of Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck, but he now finds himself at the bottom of the Seagulls' striker pile.
Because of this, a number of clubs have positioned themselves to be prospective temporary destinations for the Republic of Ireland international, including Burnley.
According to Alan Nixon, if the 20-year-old is open to dropping to the second tier for more regular minutes, then the Clarets would be interested in taking him.
They wouldn't be alone in said pursuit, though. Three Premier League sides - Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United - have been previously linked with Ferguson, with a fourth - Fulham - now being added to that evergrowing list.
Fulham join Burnley in Evan Ferguson race
According to the Independent, the Cottagers are "investigating" a possible January move for the number nine. He is seen as a strong option to boost their attacking resources. Like Burnley, Fulham would be looking to take him on loan.
Brighton's manager, Fabian Hurzeler, recently stated that Ferguson isn't going to be available on loan in the winter window, as per the Independent. This follows comments from the club's CEO, Paul Barber, who claimed that no exit of any form was on the cards for the 20-year-old, who signed a new five-and-a-half year deal with Brighton in November 2023.
"Evan's a really important part of the squad," said the Brighton CEO to talkSPORT.
"Sometimes mischievous rumours emerge from various strange places and one or two journalists will buy into those ideas, put out there by one or two other clubs perhaps in some cases.
"But Evan's very happy, we've very happy with Evan, we expect him to be an important of the squad throughout the season.
"Unfortunately, sometimes in this business we know that the rumour mill and the noise on the outside is stuff you have to ignore."
Burnley could do with a natural goalscorer like Evan Ferguson
It would be some coup by the Clarets if they managed to beat the other alleged competition to Ferguson and convinced Brighton to lend him to them. For a team that is so heavily reliant on the brilliance of its defence, a raw talent of a centre-forward, like the Irishman is, would be a brilliant asset.
Burnley have only scored 26 goals in 21 games this season - an average of 1.23 goals per game. There aren't many other promotion winning sides who have gone up when scoring at that sort of rate.
Part of their problem is chance creation, where they rank even worse amongst their league competitors, but Ferguson would certainly help add to Scott Parker's attacking arsenal.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/burnley-fulham-join-battle-for-brighton-striker/
West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham keen on same player – None of them scared about fee
West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Fulham have all included Juventus' Nicolò Fagioli in their target list.
Tuttosport, relayed by TuttoMercatoWeb, state the 23-year-old who could leave Juve in January and West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham are his suitors.
The midfielder's game time has been restricted, with him clocking in 121 minutes from six games since the end of October.
Fagioli has lost prominence under Thiago Motta, and it's not excluded for him to leave in the winter market. The Serie A side need to improve their finances to carry out signings and the 23-year-old's sale can help them.
It seems like Juve want to sell him as the report states they have set a price between €20-25m. This 'doesn't scare' West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham as it's affordable for the three London clubs.
Along with these three teams, Marseille are in the picture to sign the Italy international. The report states the player will have to make a decision on his next club if he were to decide to leave the Turin club.
At this moment in time, it's not made clear who among West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham are ahead.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-crystal-palace-and-fulham-keen-about-same-player-fee-doesnt-scare-pl-trio-club-open-to-sale/
Evan Ferguson told which club not to sign for this January amid Celtic, Fulham and Leicester link
All the latest transfer news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League
Speculation continues to swirl around Brighton striker Evan Ferguson ahead of the January transfer window.
Ferguson, 20, has struggled for game time at Brighton this term, with just two starts and 215 minutes of Premier League action.
The Ireland international has dropped down the pecking order under Fabian Hurzeler with Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter all preferred so far this season.
Welbeck is however currently sidelined with an ankle issue, which could increase Ferguson's chances of game time but it's done little to stop the transfer noise.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Juventus, Fulham, West Ham and even Manchester City have all been linked with a January loan swoop – but Celtic and Leicester are also said to among the leading contenders.
Former Wolves striker and Sky Sports pundit, Don Goodman, feels Celtic would be a bad move for the Irishman, who previously said Celtic were his favourite club in the Scottish Premiership.
"If I look at the quality of the Scottish Premiership, I don't think a transfer to the SPFL would be right for Evan Ferguson," said Goodman to Coin Poker.
"However, he's an Irish lad who has previously admitted Celtic are his favourite Scottish team. That could be a little carrot which makes him consider a move to Parkhead.
"European football would also be an attraction but would it be enough for him after being linked with some of the best clubs in the world previously?
"While the European nights are brilliant, the rest of it, aside from Rangers and maybe Aberdeen, is easy. I say that with the utmost respect and as someone who played in the Scottish Premiership. I'm not criticising it, those are just levels when compared to the Premier League.
"It would be huge if Celtic could somehow persuade him to sign for them."
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/evan-ferguson-told-which-club-not-to-sign-for-this-january-amid-celtic-fulham-and-leicester-link-4916425
Fulham FC Women v London City Lionesses: Ticket Update
Fulham FC Women will host London City Lionesses at Craven Cottage for the Adobe FA Cup Fourth Round Proper.
After a 2-1 victory against Brentford in the Third Round Proper, Fulham FC Women were drawn to host London City Lionesses in the Adobe FA Cup's live draw.
Steve Jaye's side will return to Craven Cottage to continue their exciting Cup run on Sunday 12th January, kick-off 12:00pm.
Set your reminders! Tickets for this fixture will go on sale tomorrow morning at 10am with adult tickets priced at £5 and junior tickets priced at just £1. All tickets will be located within the Johnny Haynes Stand.
It's been an incredible journey so far and we'll be with them every step of the way as we look to go one further.
Supporters can purchase tickets online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), or in person from the Ticket Office (open Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm).
This fixture has also been selected to be shown live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website and app, the Adobe Women's FA Cup YouTube channel and FA Player.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/19/fulham-fc-women-london-city/
The quote from Robinson is a re-hash from the summer I believe
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United keen on signing Fulham's Antonee Robinson
Ruben Amorim is expected to make a left back's signing his top priority at Manchester United in 2025. Though Tyrell Malacia has been fit for a few weeks, the Portuguese has opted in favour of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the position, whereas the less said about Luke Shaw's fitness for the last year or two, the better.
According to Spanish outlet MARCA, the Red Devils are pondering over a transfer for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. The 27-year-old has earned a name for himself under Marco Silva this season and after some brilliant performances for the Cottagers, he has been linked with the Premier League's bigger sides, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
If the interested parties materialise their interest in Robinson, Fulham would understandably find it hard to hold onto him for much longer though he will not be available on the cheap either. The American international's contract at Craven Cottage runs until June 2028 and he would command a decent amount, possibly more so than his valuation of £23 million on Transfermarkt.
United will hold upper hand
Manchester United are likely to hold the upper hand when it comes to beating Chelsea and Liverpool for Antonee Robinson's potential purchase from Fulham next year.
Chelsea have Marc Cucurella who has been playing very well this season apart from the odd error or two. The Spaniard has been solid defensively and that seems like a characteristic that Enzo Maresca will value more than the offensive game given that the Blues like to defend deep and compactly.
On the other hand, Liverpool have Andy Robertson and though he is past 30, the Scotsman has a few more years under his belt. It seems unforeseen for Arne Slot to do away with him in the near future, so Robinson's playing time at Anfield would be restricted. Plus, a left-back is unlikely to be a priority for the Reds.
Man United, meanwhile, will be willing to pay a reasonable fee to bring Robinson in and can guarantee him a starting role. As a wing back, his attacking gameplay would be an asset for the Red Devils and Amorim would also get his hands on a player that has a few years' experience in the Premier League.
A transfer for Robinson in January is unlikely, however, with Fulham pursuing a top-half finish in the Premier League. If he does continue performing for the second half of the campaign though, he will have plenty of suitors in the summer.
https://football-talk.co.uk/210644/chelsea-liverpool-and-manchester-united-keen-on-signing-fulhams-antonee-robinson/
A Rough Guide To Fulham
A trip to a good old fashioned football ground as opposed to stadium or arena, well at least on 3 sides of the ground, here is all you need to know about one of our shortest trips of the season.
The Ground
As mentioned Fulham has in the past been a good old traditional style football ground, it still has that feel with two big ends behind the goals along with the 119 year old main stand with the Cottage in the corner.
With the new Riverside Stand now open, it is certainly impressive and has added to the ground and enhanced the lay out rather than turned it into a soulless bowl.
Saints fans are situated in the Putney End, a stand built just over a decade ago it holds 6,000 in total divided into roughly half being allocated to visiting supporters with the other half usually being a neutral zone which often sees away supporters in that section as well. Strangely for a stand built fairly recently it does have some supporting pillars that obstruct the view but only in the rear section.
Saints have sold their allocation for this game and probably a few have bought tickets in the neutral section.
Although it is divided in half in the seated area, all the fans go in the same turnstile block and home and away fans mingle in the concourse under the stand.
Beer and the usual food stuff is available, but although the kiosks are covered from the rain etc they are open being just under the stand at the back so are cold in winter and for those that haven't noticed it is winter out there.
If you do like a beer in the ground etc then a good tip is go to the kiosk in the left hand corner and then you can enjoy a fine view of the Thames as it goes past the ground.
Getting There
Train
The easiest and by far the quickest way is to change at Clapham Junction and take a train to Putney, the train from Claham takes between 3 -6 minutes depending on the train.
From there it is about a 15 minute walk including a short walk over Putney Bridge from where you can see Craven Cottage nestling on the banks of the Thames.
For those that prefer to go into Central London you need to pick up a westbound district line tube going to Wimbledon and alight at Putney Bridge.
Car
There are a couple of options, perhaps the most direct is to follow the M3 as it then becomes the A316 after passing through Richmond follow directions for the A205 (South Circular) eastbound to Putney. Putney is just across the river from Craven Cottage about a 10-15 minute walk. but will probably offer the best options for parking.
Parking
Parking around Craven Cottage is extremely limited with 1 hour parking meters being the only options, which are obviously no good for those wanting to spend longer than that watching the game.
Perhaps the best option would be to park over the river in Putney where there are many options including street parking, the farther you go away from the Bridge the cheaper and easier is the rule. and its obviously well situated to head back to the M3 afterwards.
Pubs Eating Etc
The Eight Bells on Fulham High Street next to Putney Bridge is a popular pub with away fans but tends to get extremely busy, nearby there is also the Temperance Bar and the Golden Lion as well as The Kings Arms, again these are likely to be packed with Saints supporters.
If you have parked over in Putney or got the train to there, then that might offer the best chance for a pre match drink given the few options near the ground will probably be busy, there are a number of pubs near Putney Station.
Fulham
Craven Cottage
Capacity: 25,678 (all seated)
Address: Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH
Main Telephone No: 0843 208 1222
Fax No: 0207 384 4715
Ticket Office: 0843 208 1234
Ticket Office Fax No: 0207 384 4810
Team Nickname: The Cottagers or The Whites
Ground Opened: 1896
https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/63483/
Irons Battle Fulham for Wantaway Chelsea Speedster
West Ham are reportedly preparing to secure a January loan deal for Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka.
The England U20 international, who also operates as a left winger, was a summer target for the Hammers, but a move failed to materialise.
Reports now suggest that West Ham are ready to reignite their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with a loan agreement in January that could potentially lead to a permanent transfer next summer.
Chukwuemeka, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022 amid high expectations, has found game time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge. The promising youngster is keen to make a move to revive his stalled career and reportedly wished to remain in London.
West Ham's current form, coupled with Lucas Paquetá's uncertain future due to ongoing betting allegations, provides Chukwuemeka with a clear pathway to first-team opportunities. However, the Hammers face competition from Fulham, who are also eyeing the talented midfielder.
Hammers Director of Football, Tim Steidten, is believed to be a strong admirer of Chukwuemeka and sees the loan deal as a cost-effective way to bolster the squad in January. With the club prioritising a new striker as revealed by C&H on Tuesday, it could mean all other transfers will have to be loan deals.
Chelsea, too, are open to the arrangement, as it provides Chukwuemeka with game time and enhances his value for a potential permanent sale in the summer.
https://www.claretandhugh.info/irons-battle-fulham-for-wantaway-chelsea-speedster/
Report: Brighton Striker Linked with January Switch to Fulham
Fulham Weigh January Move for Brighton Forward Evan Ferguson
Fulham's Search for Attacking Reinforcements
Fulham are reportedly exploring a January loan deal for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to The Independent. Manager Marco Silva is keen to strengthen his attacking options as Fulham continue to chase European qualification.
The 20-year-old Ferguson burst onto the scene last season but has struggled for minutes this term due to injuries and Brighton's strong attacking depth. Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has publicly dismissed suggestions that Ferguson is available, seeing him as integral to Brighton's future.
However, Fulham appear ready to test Brighton's resolve, believing a loan move could be mutually beneficial. Consistent game-time could help Ferguson rediscover his form while bolstering Fulham's European push.
Tactical Fit and Potential Benefits
Ferguson's physicality, movement, and finishing ability could provide a much-needed boost for Fulham's frontline. Silva's system favours dynamic forwards capable of leading the press and capitalising on quick transitions — attributes Ferguson has previously demonstrated.
While Brighton remain firm on retaining their young star, the promise of regular football in a competitive Premier League side might entice both player and club to consider a temporary move.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Fulham supporter's perspective, interest in Evan Ferguson inspires both hope and scepticism. On paper, Ferguson fits Silva's tactical model perfectly. His ability to press, link play, and finish efficiently would add depth to Fulham's attack.
However, Ferguson's injury history and lack of recent game-time raise concerns. Would he regain match sharpness quickly enough to impact Fulham's push for European football? The potential upside is clear, but any move must be carefully managed.
Additionally, Brighton's reluctance to part with Ferguson signals how highly they value his potential. If Fulham are to secure this deal, they must be prepared to meet conditions that suit all parties.
https://eplindex.com/124660/report-brighton-striker-linked-with-january-switch-to-fulham.html
Liverpool target Antonee Robinson opens door to Fulham exit ahead of January transfer window
Liverpool target Antonee Robinson has opened the door to a potential Fulham exit during the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old is said to be attracting interest from a host of top European clubs, including Arne Slot's Reds and Manchester United ahead of the winter trading point.
With Liverpool and the Red Devils watching closely, Robinson has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign for Fulham in the Premier League.
The 50-time USA international has represented a constant source of creativity down the left flank for the Cottagers, providing six top-flight assists across 16 matches.
Robinson dealt Liverpool serious damage last Saturday in the Premier League, setting up the goals of Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz in a 2-2 draw.
"I would leave" - Robinson discusses Fulham exit amid Liverpool links
Speaking to Spanish outlet MARCA, Fulham star Robinson made a massive admission regarding his future in West London ahead of the January transfer window.
"I am very happy here [at Fulham]. The fact that there is interest from other teams is great," said Cottagers and United States stalwart Robinson.
"Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave."
Rather unsurprisingly, it is becoming increasingly clear that Robinson would be open to making a high-profile switch to a Premier League giant in the near future.
Since moving from League One side Wigan Athletic to Craven Cottage in August 2020, the American has made 167 competitive appearances for Fulham, scoring three goals.
Who needs Robinson the most?
A stalwart during the success-laden reign of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Andy Robertson is beginning to slow down as he prepares to celebrate his 31st birthday in March.
The Scotland international is certainly still capable of contributing on Merseyside, although it would be wise for Liverpool to start the search for the defender's long-term replacement.
Meanwhile at the Theatre of Dreams, left-back continues to be a problem area for Ruben Amorim's Man United, who are once again without the services of Luke Shaw because of a hamstring issue.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/i-would-leave-liverpool-target-robinson-opens-door-to-fulham-exit_560991.html?newsnow
Manchester City should be at the front of the queue to sign an American international
Ahead of the January transfer window opening, there are several areas of the Manchester City squad that need strengthening. That is obvious to see after City runs one win in their past eleven matches. The January transfer window is the opportunity for the world champions to improve their squad. A full-back would add a different dimension to Pep Guardiola's squad. American international Antonee Robinson has recently said that he is open to leaving Fulham. If that is a realistic possibility Manchester City should be at the front of the queue for his signature.
Speaking with Spanish publication Marca, Robinson spoke about the interest from a host of big clubs that his strong form this season has attracted. The American international said he is happy at Fulham but could leave if Fulham accept an offer for the left-back. Robinson has this to say about his future: "I'm very happy here. The fact that there is interest from other teams is great. Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave."
Manchester City should be at the front of the queue to sign Antonee Robinson.
If Antonee Robinson is gettable in January Manchester City should be at the front of the queue to sign the left-back. Robinson has become one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season and the strengths of his game would add something different to Pep Guardiola's squad. With his pace and defensive acumen, he'd add something that the world champions defence currently lacks. Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake currently play at left-back but they are a different type of player to the Antonee Robinson.
Danny Rust and Dean Jones have previously reported for GIVEMESPORT that Manchester City have an interest in signing Robinson next month. Furthermore, their report indicates that Fulham have set an asking price of £40 million for the American international. If that figure is accurate then Manchester City should be moving quickly to sign Antonee Robinson. He would immediately improve their ailing defence and his ability going forward could help City's play in the final third. Those two options alone make Robinson almost the ideal player to come into City's defence.
Manchester City aren't alone in having an interest in Antonee Robinson. As per the GIVEMESPORT report Liverpool also have an interest in signing him. But based on Robinson's recent comments City should be at the front of the queue to sign the American international. He would immediately improve Pep Guardiola's squad and add something different to their play. January looms as a pivotal month for the world champions and signing a player like Robinson would aid City's cause immensely.
https://esteemedkompany.com/2024/12/19/manchester-city-should-be-at-the-front-of-the-queue-to-sign-an-american-international/
Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United vying for Nicolo Fagioli, player wants Tottenham move
At least three Premier League teams are keen to explore a move for Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who might prefer a bigger club.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Nicolo Fagioli has at least three clubs from the Premier League showing an interest ahead of January. The midfielder is not an automatic starter for Juventus this season, which could see the club cash in, although he reportedly prefers a move to a much bigger side compared to the ones interested.
Nicolo Fagioli was a surprise selection for the Italian national team squad for the Euros despite spending most of the previous season out of the game with a ban. He also got himself a place in new Juventus manager Thiago Motta's plans, but things have not worked out the way they were expected to.
Fagioli has only started 5 of the 13 Serie A games he has featured in so far, which has sparked rumours of a departure ahead of January. The Bianconeri are also chasing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, as a sale of Fagioli could allow them to gather funds to bring the former AC Milan midfielder to Turin.
There's a reported price tag of €20-25 million on Fagioli, which will not pose a problem for some of the interested clubs coming from the Premier League. Crystal Palace are thought to be interested, while West Ham United and Fulham are also keen.
These are teams that could have a readymade place for the €20-25 million-rated midfielder in their respective sides, which could be a good enough proposition for the Italian international. A recent report stated Fagioli was reportedly offered to a few Premier League teams, although it remains to be seen whether that is the case.
Fagioli wants to join a bigger club
Fagioli might have reservations about joining one of Palace, Fulham or West Ham, as he does not see them as a big team compared to others, with Tottenham mentioned as a possible suitor in the story by Il Bianconero. Whether Spurs are indeed interested in the midfielder remains to be seen, but they are in the market for new signings to strengthen their squad.
Tottenham may have budget restrictions ahead of January, meaning they might sacrifice a midfield signing to focus on other areas. For instance, they are already looking to improve their forward line as well as central defence, while a goalkeeper might also become a priority following some problems in that position.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/12/20/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-united-vying-for-nicolo-fagioli-player-wants-tottenham-move/
Iwobi, ESR, Jimenez: Who is the best Fulham attacker in FPL?
Fulham have put together an impressive season so far, sitting eighth in the Premier League table and currently fighting for European football after the opening 16 Gameweeks.
Having emerged from two tricky-looking tests against Arsenal and Liverpool with back-to-back draws, the Cottagers now face managerless Southampton at home as well as seven other teams currently in the bottom half of the table between now and Gameweek 27.
That means interest in their key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) assets will no doubt spike in the coming weeks.
Antonee Robinson (£4.8m) is a stand-out pick as the leading FPL defender for assists at the time of writing, but further forward there are multiple options including the likes of Raul Jimenez (£5.5m), Alex Iwobi (£5.7m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m).
But, with plenty of players performing across the league and lots to consider over the busy festive period, which of the above are most worthy of investment?
We've put together this comparison for the aforementioned attacking trio from Fulham in an attempt to answer that very question.
We're using not just Opta data from our Members Area but also some Statsbomb graphics, too. This is part of our ongoing partnership with both industry-leading data providers.
GOAL THREAT
Across the entire season so far, it's Jimenez who stands out as the chief Fulham goal threat.
The Mexican striker has fired in 34 attempts, with nine big chances, and scored five goals including one penalty.
(https://cdn.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screen-Shot-2024-12-19-at-22.01.28-2048x414.webp)
Meanwhile, the below StatsBomb map shows where his shots have come from.
(https://cdn.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Raul-Jimenez-Premier-League-2024_2025.webp)
To compare, here are the full-season shot maps for Iwobi and Smith Rowe. Those two are of course FPL midfielders while Jimenez is a forward, yet you'll notice both former Arsenal players have still managed the majority of their attempts from advanced areas in the penalty box.
https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2024/12/19/iwobi-smith-rowe-jimenez-who-is-the-best-fulham-pick-in-fpl
This ex-Fulham flop is out of the Conference League after dramatic finale in which keeper-denies-keeper
Cercle Bruges 1-1 Istanbul Basaksehir
Goals: Piarek (IB), Brunner (CB)
An ex-Fulham academy graduate has seen his side's chances of snatching an Europa Conference League playoffs place evaporate after a 1-1 draw in Belgium.
Jerome Opoku's Istanbul Basaksehir's were pegged in the 82nd minute by Paris Brunner's looping header after Krzysztof Piatek had given them what looked like the breakthrough goal eight minutes beforehand.
The topsy-turvy finale saw Cercles Bruges goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe produce a miraculous 97th minute save to keep out his counterpart Sengezer's net-bound header.
Had there been a late sting in the tale the Turks would have sealed a place among the top 24 teams with the Belgians reduced to playing two extra games. Yet they knew it before that this was last chance saloon as they finished in disappointing 26th position out of 36 teams to wave goodbye to the competition.
Before that heart-in-mouth end to the game, Brunner had two chances to kill the game off at 1-1. Yet he sent one effort over while the second one was cleared off the line.
This season there will be no more European football fixtures for Lambeth-born central defender Okopu, who spent 10 years in Fulham's academy without ever getting a look-in.
https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/this-ex-fulham-flop-is-out-of-the-conference-league-after-dramatic-finale-in-which-keeper-denies-kee