Fulham ready to block Palmeiras move for Andreas Pereira
Cottagers view Brazilian international as key figure in push for Europe
Fulham will try to fend off interest in Andreas Pereira this month, as they view the Brazil international as a key figure in their unlikely push for Europe.
Pereira has started 15 of Fulham's 19 Premier League games this season, helping them to eighth place in the table at the turn of the year.
Palmeiras want to make the midfielder their main signing ahead of the 2025 Brazilian football season.
The side from São Paulo are seeking to strengthen their squad before the new domestic season begins on March 29, having finished second in the league in 2024, behind champions Botafogo.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has seen Fulham's Brazilian international, Pereira, as a key target for some time, and the club first made contact with Pereira's camp in December.
Fulham executives anticipate Palmeiras being unable to raise the funds needed to prise Pereira away from Craven Cottage, where manager Marco Silva sees him as an important player, usually in the starting XI.
In the summer, Pereira was the subject of interest from Monaco, as well as Fulham's Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
French side Marseille made a concrete offer for the 29-year-old, with manager Roberto De Zerbi keen on him. A move failed to come to fruition.
It remains to be seen whether Marseille lodge another bid for Pereira this month, but the side second in Ligue 1 retain an interest in Pereira and are expected to make signings this month.
On December 1, Pereira was dropped from the Fulham squad altogether for the 1-1 draw at Tottenham.
Although Silva described this as a "technical" decision, it came just days after Pereira received criticism from sections of the Fulham fanbase and parts of the media after a tell-all interview with Brazilian outlet PL Brasil in which he talked of his summer move to Marseille "unfortunately" breaking down and said: "Let's see [what happens] in January now."
Pereira then released a lengthy statement on social media in which he insisted there had been "malicious distorting" of his words, originally spoken in Brazilian Portuguese, when they were translated into English.
That same statement included an apology to Fulham. He has since featured in five of Fulham's six league matches, only missing out on the goalless draw with Southampton due to serving a suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/andreas-pereira-fulham-palmeiras-transfer-news-2025-b1202747.html
FA Youth Cup: City U18s to host Fulham U18s on January 16
Exeter City U18s will host Fulham U18s in the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Thursday, January 16.
The match is a 7pm kick-off at St James Park and will be pay on the day only (cash and card accepted) in the Nevada Construction Main Stand.
Adults: £6
U18s: £4
The Centre Spot bar will be open from 5pm and the Nevada Construction Main Stand kiosk will be open from 6pm, with Chunk of Devon pies, pasties and pizza twists!
The U18s have beaten Bridgwater United, AFC Dunstable and Stevenage so far. So please head down to the Park and back our future stars as they look to make history and the fifth round for the first time!
https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/fa-youth-cup-city-u18s-host-fulham-u18s-january-16
Manchester United Tickets
Tickets for Fulham's Premier League fixture against Manchester United go on sale from Monday morning.
Secure your seat at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva's men host Manchester United on Sunday 26th January, kick-off 7pm.
Tickets for this fixture will go on sale on the following dates:
10am, Monday 6th January - 2024/25 Members* (one ticket per person)
10am, Wednesday 8th January - 2024/25 Season Ticket Holders (two tickets per person)
10am, Friday 10th January - Tickets on sale to Supporters with a Previous Booking History** (two tickets per person)
Tickets can be secured from Friday online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, from the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person or by calling 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
Further information regarding this fixture can be found here.
*Membership must have been purchased by 10am on Friday 3rd January. New members after this point, will not be eligible to buy during the Member priority window.
**To qualify for Booking History status, supporters must have purchased a Fulham FC Men's First Team ticket in the past five years. Booking History status is not valid if supporters have only previously purchased tickets against the same opposition, in this case Manchester United.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/03/manchester-united-tickets/
Roberto De Zerbi interested in Fulham's Andreas Pereira
According to a report from The Times, Fulham are concerned that Olympique de Marseille could renew their interest in Andreas Pereira (29). Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen on the attacking midfielder after a bid was rejected last summer.
Pereira has become a regular at Craven Cottage since making the move from Manchester United in 2022. He has 18 months left in his contract but there is an option to extend it for a further season. However, Fulham still face a fight to keep his head from being turned.
Palmeiras look to swoop for Andreas Pereira
The Telegraph have written that Palmeiras are very interested in bringing the Brazilian international to the Brazilian league. The club want to make the 29-year-old one of their key players and are hopeful of offering players in a part exchange for him. However, the outlet writes that Fulham would want double their €12 million original investment.
https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/roberto-de-zerbi-interested-in-fulhams-andreas-pereira/
Premier League Preview: Fulham
It's been a tough winter period for Fulham but they have come out of it with a very good haul of seven points out of games, among them excellent draws against Arsenal and Liverpool.
In addition, they faced Southampton, where a rotated team faced a Saints side looking to prove themselves following Russell Martin's sacking, and struggled to a 0-0 draw, grabbed an excellent last-gasp 2-1 win at Chelsea and an end-to-end game with Bournemouth finished 2-2. They come into this one sat eighth in the table and pushing for European football
Previous Match (Ipswich 1-1 Fulham)
Town opened the scoring with Liam Delap driving through the middle of the pitch and scoring Town's longest goal of the season so far (26 yards) with an xG of 0.05 on the 15-minute mark.
He'd received the ball deep in the Fulham half and gone on a mazy run into the space that had opened up in the centre before firing back across Bernd Leno from outside the box. The Fulham keeper managed to get a hand on it but the strike was too powerful to stop it from going into the net.
The goal was created by some fine work from Leif Davis intercepting a loose pass in the defensive third before dribbling past three Fulham players and laying it off to Delap.
The Fulham equaliser came from their left-hand side with Emile Smith Rowe finding Alex Iwobi out wide. The former Arsenal and Everton man held the ball up to allow Antonee Robinson to sprint in behind Axel Tuanzebe, one of the few times this season he's been beaten for pace, and deliver back across goal with a firm low cross.
Rodrigo Muniz drew the centre-back in and stopped him from making a clearance allowing it to fly all the way through to Adama Traore, who had dropped off of Leif Davis, and was able to sidefoot calmly home.
Both teams then continued to threaten evenly, Delap continuing to be a nuisance and almost putting Chiedozie Ogebene through one-on-one with the keeper and Traore getting in behind down Town's left and it was the Blues who were the ones who were really pushing for the winner at the end with three shots in the last ten minutes.
Despite Town creating chances, their 11 shots only produced 0.4 xG with Fulham's low block meaning that there were always plenty of bodies back to defend. Only City and Brighton limited the Super Blues to less.
It was very much a game where both teams allowed each other to have the ball. For Ipswich, it was the game with the second-shortest passing out from the back with only 16.7% of goalkeeper passes launched. Town had the second-highest pass completion of all games so far at 82.9% and the highest for short passes (93.7%). Despite that, only three passes were into the penalty area.
Fulham also completed their highest percentage of short passes against us at 93.8% but like Town only had five passes into our penalty area.
Defensively it was the most successful high press we've put on a team with seven tackles in the final third. No individual errors were made and Town were successful with 71.4% of take ons. Only the Tottenham game had a higher success rate. This is perhaps not surprising with Fulham lacking midfield cover with just one defensive midfielder, something Delap exploited for his goal.
Fulham were also successful with take ons with 70% complete, the highest out of all of their games with lots of their attacks coming from both flanks.
They were also strong in the air. Town lost of lot of aerial duels with just 47.8% won.
Town limited Fulham to nine shots in this one and only Aston Villa, Brighton and Arsenal have done better since.
Fulham only won 16.7% of their tackles, the lowest out of any game so far. The match was a high-fouling game with 15 fouls on both sides, Town in particular giving away lots of dead ball situations, 57 in total, the most Fulham have had in a game so far.
Fulham's Last Game - Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth
Fulham took the lead from an outswinging corner as Raul Jimenez was left in a ton of space to plant Harry Wilson's expert delivery into the back of the net 40 minutes into the first half.
Bournemouth drew level early into the second half as Evanilson got in behind the Fulham defence and expertly poked the ball past Bernd Leno into the top of the net following a lofted through ball from James Hill. There were questions asked about Joachim Anderson's defending as he failed to cut out the ball in but it was an excellent finish from Evanlison.
Fulham took the lead once again on 72 minutes with the Welsh wizard Harry Wilson getting yet another goal, this one from a rare start rather than off the bench, finding space in the box and scoring another header from a delightful Robinson delivery.
The Cottagers weren't comfortable, however, and relied on goalkeeper Bernd Leno to keep them in the game at times. The experienced German keeper made six saves, preventing 0.44 goals.
Eventually, the Bournemouth pressure paid off with a lose pass from Issa Diop seized upon by Antoine Semenyo, who after a one-two with Enes Unal, drove at the Fulham defence, managing to get the ball across the box via a couple of ricochets into the path of Dango Outarra, who dinked the ball delightfully over an onrushing Leno.
Three to watch
Antonee Robinson
The US international has the most assists by a defender in the Premier League in 2024 with seven and is a big factor in Fulham's form, combining both defensive and attacking attributes to perfection.
In addition to the assists, he's also won 32 tackles (the fourth-highest in the league for defenders).
His assisting prowess has not always been there, though. I got some insight for this preview from @CottageTactico and asked him how he compares to Town's flying left-back Leif Davis and his take was that they're very different, as well as contributing thoughts on the other players I've picked out.
"They're sort of opposites," he said. "Jedi (Robinson) always had the engine, physicality and some defensive duel skills but was woeful with final ball and has developed it. It feels like Davis is the other way round."
Harry Wilson
Super sub Wilson has been one of Fulham's most impactful players this season without actually starting too many games.
"Wilson's form of late is really strong and he just has the knack of getting in the right places," @CottageTactico said of the one-time Liverpool youngster.
He currently only has four starts in the Premier League, fewer than the goals he has to his name. And it's those five goals (from an xG of 2.82) that are the reason I've picked him out.
The impact started back in November when Fulham were 1-0 down to Brentford and he came on in the 82nd minute to score not once but twice, both in stoppage time, to give the Cottagers a 2-1 win.
He followed that up with another goal off the bench in the 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace and could have had two were it not for VAR.
A relative goal drought followed as he failed to score in his next six, but was back off the bench to turn the tide against Chelsea, scoring in the 82nd minute to draw Fulham level before Rodrigo Muniz scored a last-minute winner to secure an historic victory.
His fifth of the season came against Bournemouth as covered above.
Sasha Lukic
Defensive midfielders don't often get singled out but Sasa Lukic has been one of Fulham's top performers this season. "Lukic is the one nobody outside the club really talks about but is key," adds @CottageTactico.
He was the man that provided the match-winning assist against Chelsea but it's his defensive abilities in terms of tackles and interceptions where he comes into his own. He wins 1.5 tackles per game on average in the midfield third and also has a high aerial duel percentage win rate at 58.1%.
The Teams
The big talking point for both sides coming into this one is whether five at the back is here to stay. For Ipswich, the switch came having been outplayed by Newcastle. Town looked far more solid defensively in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The slight tweak of having Wes Burns at wing-back meant that it could be a bit more attacking in the 2-0 victory against Chelsea.
With Tuanzebe still out injured, I think the five will stay but will be tweaked in certain games to provide more attacking intent. For this one I think it's likely to be an unchanged team. I'd personally bring Kalvin Phillips in for Sam Morsy to provide more mobility in that midfield but I think Kieran McKenna will stick with the skipper for the time being.
(https://www.twtd.co.uk/images/news/17103_g.jpg)
For Fulham, the switch was also brought on by injuries with Sander Berge and Smith Rowe missing a chunk of games. Both are now back in contention but Marco Silva could stick with the five that beat Chelsea and drew with Bournemouth.
It also allows Joachim Anderson to come into the defence and provide more control in there with neither Issa Diop or Kalvin Bassey overly comfortable on the ball, something that Town targeted in the reverse fixture.
"Bassey's distribution has improved a bit. He's the sort of player who can execute patterns but struggles when he doesn't know them/they're taken away," according to @CottageTactico.
The other changes from the previous fixture are likely to be Raul Jiminez starting up front. He has shared playing time with Rodrigo Muniz but has six goals to the Brazilian's three and Wilson or Smith Rowe in for Traore.
"We're a bit less one-v-one off the dribble now Adama is back to being a bit meh and on the bench. I wonder if we'll see Iwobi back right and ESR as a left 10 if we stick with five soon enough," says @CottageTactico.
The only other potential change could be in midfield with Andreas Pereira not particularly impressing and Tom Cairney providing a super cameo off the bench against Bournemouth.
"Cairney had an unreal cameo last 25 minutes yesterday, so there'll be some clamour for him to start even though he rarely does these days", adds @CottageTactico
There's also the return to fitness of Sander Berge to throw into the mix as well.
(https://www.twtd.co.uk/images/news/17104_g.jpg)
Prediction
When writing this the similarities between the two sides has come to the fore.
"Against the big boys we definitely sit in our mid-block more away from home and block central progression," reflects @CottageTactico.
"We jump from it a touch more at home. We barely look for central progression. It's through the wings or we're going a bit longer.
"When Bassey starts, trying line-breaking passes (same with Diop) we struggle. Simple passes or carries is the way forward. We play pretty elaborate patterns out from the back but it's all through the full backs and wingers when we finally go forward."
I'm not expecting a high-scoring game, as was the case in the reverse fixture, both sides could cancel each other out a lot. I think it could be one where a moment of class wins the game and hopefully that comes from a blue shirt. One-nil Town
https://www.twtd.co.uk/blogs/22042/premier-league-preview-fulham
Former Man United man Andreas Pereira is of interest to Olympique de Marseille
Former Manchester United player Andreas Pereira is attracting the interest of Olympique de Marseille.
The Brazilian left Old Trafford in 2022 after spending 11 years at the club, joining from PSV Eindhoven's academy in 2011.
He never really managed to hold down a first team place at United and only managed 75 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.
Pereira has found much more luck at Fulham, where he has become an integral part of their team as they are flying high in the Premier League in eighth place, just three points off fifth in the table.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the Cottagers as Brazilian side Palmeiras are reportedly interested in sealing a deal for the 29 year old.
The Times now report that the Brazil international is also on the radar of Ligue 1 side Marseille.
"Roberto De Zerbi remains keen on taking former Manchester United attacking midfielder to Ligue 1 after £20 million bid was rejected last summer."
"Marseille have been weighing up a move for the Brazil attacking midfielder, who has 18 months remaining on his contract."
The former United man has already spoken of his links with De Zerbi. He mentioned in an interview in Brazil that it would be "very cool" to play for Marseille and waxed lyrical over the Italian's attractive style of play.
Were Pereria to join Marseille, he would not only join a team who are second in the French league but also get the chance to play with his former teammate at United, Mason Greenwood.
United will also be paying close attention to any transfer as they have a 20% sell-on clause for any future deal involving Pereira and will welcome interest from European clubs to drive up the price.
The Red Devils are under immense financial pressure but also need to strengthen in the January window, so any extra funding would be warmly welcomed at Old Trafford.
https://thepeoplesperson.com/2025/01/03/former-man-united-man-andreas-pereira-is-of-interest-to-olympique-de-marseille-289217/
Arsenal in transfer tussle to sign Evan Ferguson this month
Arsenal will reportedly compete with Fulham and West Ham United to sign 20-year-old Irish striker Evan Ferguson from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to a report by talkSPORT, Evan Ferguson is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the winter transfer window. However, they will face stiff competition from fellow London clubs Fulham and West Ham United for the 20-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion attacking whizkid.
The Evan Ferguson story
Evan Ferguson has seen his progress stutter in the last 12 months. It was not too long ago that the Irishman was a regular starter for Brighton & Hove Albion while capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. However, he has struggled for game time this term.
The 20-year-old has managed only 373 minutes of game time across 14 appearances in all competitions thus far this term. However, Ferguson's stock in the market remains high, with several well-known Premier League clubs keen on securing his services. Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham United are among the youngster's prospective suitors this month.
London calling?
Recent reports claimed that Arsenal would not pursue a winter move for the Republic of Ireland international. However, the latest update has refuted that notion, suggesting the Gunners are keen on signing the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking whizkid. Despite his struggles at the Amex Stadium, he is a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Fulham's interest in Evan Ferguson is somewhat perplexing. Raul Jimenez has been excellent thus far this term, while Rodrigo Muniz is a solid backup to the Mexican striker. So, it is unclear how the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking prospect fits into the scheme of things at Fulham.
As for West Ham United, Michail Antonio is unavailable for the foreseeable future after his recent accident. In addition, Danny Ings barely features for the East London outfit, while Niclas Fullkrug has not stamped his authority since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window.
However, prising the Irishman away from Brighton will not be straightforward, considering the Seagulls usually slap high price tags on their prized assets. So, it will be interesting to see how much Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham must pay to land the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/03/arsenal-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-evan-ferguson-this-month/
Ipswich Town: Christian Walton set to start in goal away at Fulham
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Christian Walton is set to keep his place in goal for Sunday's trip to Fulham.
The 29-year-old made his second start of the season in Monday night's 2-0 win at home to Chelsea, putting in a top display to help his side secure their first victory at Portman Road this season.
His start came at the expense of Arijanet Muric, who dropped to the bench as a result. Walton is now set to keep the no.1 shirt for at least the time being, starting with the upcoming clash at Craven Cottage,
"I think Christian will play the next game and deservedly so based off how he did in the last game," McKenna revealed.
"We have two outstanding senior goalkeepers at the club now, and one very good young one in Cieran Slicker.
"Christian and Aro are, in our opinion, both excellent goalkeepers. They've both got the qualities that we need in the squad this year in terms of shot-stopping and cross taking.
"They've both got different attributes and different experiences alongside that, but they're two very good goalkeepers. That puts us in a good position."
The move does, of course, but Muric in a tough spot. Supporters had called for him to be dropped for a number of weeks following some mistakes that led to goals for Ipswich's opponents. Now he's out, it may be tough for him to find a way back in if Walton can build on his current performances.
However, McKenna is adamant that the Kosovo international is behind the team and working just as hard as ever.
"He's been very good," the manager said.
"He was very good in the build-up to the Chelsea game, he's been very good in training this week. He's working hard on himself and supporting the group as well.
"He's in a good place."
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24832086.ipswich-town-christian-walton-set-start-goal-away-fulham/
Before The Whistle: Fulham v Ipswich Town
Fulham and Ipswich don't face each other much – especially in the league.
This is only our 26th meeting in the league ever – though nine of those have come in the last decade or so.
In the Championship we had the better of the Tractor Boys – winning our last four in a row, but we couldn't get the job done at Portman Road at the end of August, drawing 1-1.
This time round, both sides have settled into the campaign. While Ipswich sit in the relegation zone, they're just a point from safety and are very much in with a chance of survival. And having just beat Chelsea (handshake emoji), they'll be in fine fettle when they arrive at the Cottage.
We've been playing five at the back of late, but that's surely likely to change given ESR's return to fitness and the fact that we'll be expecting a lot of the ball on Sunday. That means one of Joachim Andersen or Issa Diop will return to the bench. My money's on Diop, though not for his mistake against Bournemouth – the temporary defensive formation was always a trojan horse to bring the Dane back into the XI.
Smith Rowe's return will also impact the centre of the park. Expect him to return in the 10, with Lukic and Andreas further back. While Sander Berge is expected to be back in contention for Watford in the FA Cup, this one comes a bit too soon.
Up top it looks like it's as you were, with Silva hinting Harry Wilson is set to retain his starting spot, saying it's on Adama Traore to "prove he's better than his comeptition". Marco also piured cold water on any rumours of a January striker swoop, saying fans should be pleased with Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz. And, to be fair, this writer is.
A win here would take us beyond 30 points and potentially into the top six – in January. A lot to do first, though. You Whites.
ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS
Kick-Off: Sunday, 2.00PM
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None
🚦 LEAGUE FORM
Fulham: ✅ ⬜ ⬜ ⬜ ✅ ⬜
Ipswich: ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅
⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY
Fulham: 58.6%
Draw: 21.7%
Ipswich: 19.7%
🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES
Aug 24: Ipswich 1-1 Fulham
Nov 23: Ipswich 1-3 Fulham
Sep 20: Ipswich 0-1 Fulham
Jan 18: Fulham 4-1 Ipswich
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2025-01-03-before-the-whistle-fulham-v-ipswich-town/
Pre-Ipswich Press Conference
Marco Silva knows Ipswich have the quality at the top end of the pitch to cause his Fulham side problems this weekend.
Kieran McKenna's side have won two of their last four matches to give their hopes of Premier League survival a significant boost and are coming off the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea.
The reverse fixture at Portman Road in August proved to be a tricky outing for the Whites, with the game finishing 1-1, and the boss is expecting another challenge – highlighting two of the Tractor Boys' attacking players as particular threats.
"It'll be a really difficult game, I don't have doubts about that," said Silva in his pre-match press conference. "Not just because they won against Chelsea, but they have been showing the quality to win games. They have good organisation, are well-managed and have very good players.
"What they did last summer showed their ambition as a club. They have some young players in certain areas of the pitch who can punish you at any time. They are really aggressive on and off the ball and they are always trying to match any team in this league.
"Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are both top players. I know that they are different, playing in different positions, but they have been doing so well. Delap was on loan at Hull last season, but he has adapted so quickly to the quality and demands of this league.
"They are difficult players to control, they work hard both on and off the ball and have the right mentality to be strong in all parts of the game. As a team, they are a good side and they've been showing that.
"We went there on the third game of the season and we drew the game, but if we play at our best level then we can win."
There will be no major changes to the squad this weekend, although there is positive news as midfielder Harrison Reed closes in on a return to action following his knee injury.
"Harrison Reed is back in the sessions," revealed Silva. "He now needs time to get the right fitness levels and to be confident again. Sander [Berge] needs a little bit longer, Reiss Nelson and [Kenny] Tete too.
"I believe that Sander is closer [to a return]. I wouldn't want to put a timeline on it but if he's not available for the FA Cup [v Watford], then maybe in contention for the game after. Reiss will be a little bit longer."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/03/pre-ipswich-press-conference/
Fulham 'Currently Unwilling' To Let Star Go Despite Interest
Fulham are 'currently unwilling' to let one of their stars leave amid interest from another club, according to the Daily Mail.
Marco Silva's side sit a lofty eighth in the Premier League table and have lost fewer or the same number games than any of the sides above them accept for the top two.
The Cottagers will be looking to make sure they do not lose key players in the transfer window this month and interest is already arriving.
Midfielder Andreas Pereira, 29, is wanted back in Brazil by Palmeiras.
The Brazilian outfit have been showing interest in signing the midfielder and have a budget in mind to get the deal completed.
It has even been suggested they have put in an offer to Fulham for Pereira.
The midfielder does like the project that is on offer at Palmeiras, but Fulham are 'currently unwilling' to let him move on from Craven Cottage.
He has made 17 appearances in the Premier League for the Cottagers so far this season and is a trusted option in the engine room by Silva.
https://insidefutbol.com/2025/01/03/fulham-currently-unwilling-to-let-star-go-despite-interest/669445/
Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna provides injury update ahead of Fulham
Kieran McKenna praised Fulham ahead of Ipswich Town's trip to Craven Cottage this weekend, describing it as a 'great challenge' for his side.
The Blues come into the game off the back of a 2-0 win against Chelsea, but will face a side that have lost just one of their last 11 sides, winning at Stamford Bridge and taking points off Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Aston Villa and Wolves are the only sides to win at Fulham so far this season, which sees Marco Silva's side sitting eighth at the midway point in the campaign and eyeing a place in Europe.
Asked what has impressed him about Fulham this season, McKenna said: "I don't think it's necessarily one thing, which is probably a compliment for what he [Silva] has done.
"They've done a lot of things well, they built the squad well from when they were in the Championship going into the Premier League the first time around. They had one season where they got relegated but kept a good bit of the group together.
"Some of that group that came back up to the Premier League is still together now. I think that always puts you in a good spot.
"They've added to the squad well in each transfer window and added good players. Marco has done an excellent job in terms of coaching the team. They're very, very well-organised, well-structured with and without the ball, very good on set plays.
"They've got a clear plan and a clear organisation in every phase of the game, and in every game against each opponent. They're a really well-rounded, well-organised side who understandably having an excellent season.
"It's a great challenge for us to go against."
McKenna is set to be without one of his attackers on Sunday afternoon, with Conor Chaplin set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee.
"He's going to be out for a couple of weeks," the manager revealed. "He's picked up a knock in his knee, so it'll rule him out for a couple of weeks. We're still assessing it exactly.
"We have a few little issues after the Chelsea game, to be honest, that we're still assessing going into this game.
"We'll see over the next 24 hours."
George Hirst and Axel Tuanzebe are longer-term absentees who are still a couple of steps away from being available. As a result, they won't feature against Fulham, but McKenna is hopeful that they are close to returning to action.
"It's still at least another couple of week," he admitted. "George is in the really early stages of being out on the grass with the fitness coaches.
"Both are still at least another couple of weeks away."
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24832439.ipswich-town-kieran-mckenna-provides-injury-update-ahead-fulham/
From Brazil: Andreas Pereira future subject of Fulham meeting on January 6th
Andreas Pereira has been linked with a multitude of clubs around the world over the past year, with nearly all of the reports originating in Brazil and coming from pretty decent sources.
Given stories around the midfielder in the past it doesn't take a great leap to believe it's been his camp pushing claims.
Friday brings a fresh report from Globo Esporte, and they're again talking up a possible move to Brazil.
It's reported Fulham and Palmeiras have set a date of January 6th to have talks about the player potentially moving to the Brazilian club.
Nothing much has changed, according to the report, since Palmeiras offered €20m plus bonuses for Andreas. Fulham have wanted time to think, and that's taken them to the January 6th date.
The 29-year-old is said to have given his consent to the transfer and has authorised his camp to negotiate the move on his behalf.
Fulham aren't presented as being quite as keen.
Marco Silva's squad is carrying several injuries at the moment and that's one reason they're thinking twice.
Palmeiras' hope is that Andreas' desire for the move can push things over the line.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/from-brazil-andreas-pereira-future-subject-of-fulham-meeting-on-january-6th/
Exclusive: West Ham 'Interested' in Beating Arsenal and Fulham to £100m Starh
West Ham United are eager to fight off stiff competition from Arsenal and Fulham for the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson even though they may be forced to wait until the final stages of the winter transfer window before discovering whether a loan move to the London Stadium is possible, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Hammers bolstered their attacking options with the £27.5million acquisition of Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but the east Londoners' head coach Julen Lopetegui is poised to battle it out with Gunners chief Mikel Arteta and Cottagers boss Marco Silva for a mid-season deal.
Ferguson has been limited to just 244 minutes of Premier League action since Fabian Hurzeler was installed as Roberto De Zerbi's successor in the Amex Stadium dugout, leading to West Ham, Arsenal and Fulham seriously considering whether to pounce ahead of the February 3 deadline.
Hammers Need Patience in Ferguson Pursuit
Brighton yet to make final decision on striker's future
West Ham have a real interest in beating London rivals Arsenal and Fulham to Ferguson's signature, according to GMS sources, but they may have to remain patient as Brighton are on course to consider proposals more seriously towards the end of the month after failing to make a final decision on his future.
The Seagulls are in a strong negotiating position as the striker still has four-and-a-half years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £30,000-per-week, complicating matters for the Hammers as well as the recruitment departments at the Emirates Stadium and Craven Cottage.
GMS sources have been informed that a potential move for Ferguson is likely to come in the form of a loan but, in a significant twist, Brighton are prepared to fend off potential advances from West Ham, Arsenal and Fulham in the coming days in case of any injury problems before reassessing the situation as the transfer deadline nears.
(https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/evan-ferguson.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2)
The Republic of Ireland international has previously been valued in excess of £100million by his current employers, which would be out of his admirers' reach, but a lack of opportunities under Hurzeler has resulted in the Hammers, Gunners and Cottagers keeping tabs on his situation as they go in search of further firepower.
Influential figures at Arsenal are fearful that Ferguson could be a risky signing because of his restricted game time and having no experience in a Premier League title race, GMS sources have learned, but he is still being linked after Arteta has refused to rule out gazumping West Ham and Fulham.
Lopetegui Given Optimism in Ferguson Chase
Tactician remains firm admirer of Republic of Ireland international
GMS sources have been told that Lopetegui is a genuine admirer of Ferguson and has been given optimism about West Ham's chances of reaching an agreement as Brighton are open-minded about him embarking on a fresh challenge if they are not forced to contend with an injury crisis during the early stages of 2025.
Although the 20-year-old centre forward has been described as a 'superstar' by Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards, the Seagulls are aware that he needs more action if he is to reach his potential after falling behind the likes of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.
Brighton have shown caution since the transfer window reopened at the turn of the year, but GMS sources understand Ferguson completing a switch has not been ruled out as West Ham are joined by Premier League counterparts Arsenal and Fulham in keeping an eye on developments on the south coast.
GMS sources recently revealed the Hammers are the leading contenders to recruit the former Bohemians man on loan for the remainder of the campaign, and Lopetegui is primed to up the ante as he aims to ensure he heads to the London Stadium instead of a capital city rival if he moves onto pastures new.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 03/01/2025
https://www.givemesport.com/west-ham-united-transfer-news-interested-beating-arsenal-fulham-ferguson-london-stadium/
Preview: Fulham vs. Ipswich Town - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham and Ipswich Town kick-start 2025 with a Premier League contest at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
While the Cottagers continue to eye up the European places, the Tractor Boys are bidding to climb out of the relegation zone as they endeavour to avoid an immediate drop to the second tier.
Match preview
At the halfway stage in the Premier League season, Fulham are five points and five places better off than at this stage of the previous campaign, and Marco Silva's men are currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run - they last enjoyed a longer undefeated streak in November/December 2008 (nine).
Five draws were played out over the festive period, though, including a 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth last Sunday in which the Cottagers led twice but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils, after Dango Ouattara netted an 89th-minute equaliser.
Fulham - who beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge three days earlier - currently sit eighth in the top-flight standings and Silva's men are sure to be motivated by the prospect of securing European football for the first time in over a decade, as they are only three points behind Newcastle United in fifth spot.
The Cottagers head into Sunday's contest having drawn each of their last three home matches and they also drew 1-1 with Ipswich at Portman Road earlier this season - Adama Traore cancelled out an early opener from Liam Delap.
Nevertheless, Fulham are unbeaten in each of their last six meetings with the Tractor Boys (W4 D2) and they have won their last two home league encounters by an aggregate score of 7-2, including a 4-1 victory in January 2018.
After losing back-to-back games by an aggregate score of 5-0 to Newcastle United and Arsenal either side of Christmas, Ipswich ended 2024 on an almighty high by securing a surprise 2-0 home victory over Chelsea last Monday.
Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson were not even born the last time the Tractor Boys celebrated a Premier League home win 22 years ago, but the former scored from the penalty spot before setting up the latter to help Kieran McKenna's side claim a memorable triumph in front of the Portman Road faithful.
The prospect of an immediate relegation back to the Championship still looms over Ipswich, but victory against Chelsea has boosted their survival hopes, as they have climbed up to 18th spot and sit just one point adrift of safety at the halfway stage.
Ipswich have now won two of their last four Premier League matches, as many as they achieved in their previous 28 games combined, and they head into Sunday's fixture seeking to win consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since January/February 2002 when they beat none other than Fulham 1-0 at home.
The Tractor Boys have been slow starters to the New Year for some time, though, as they have only won their first league game in one of the last 16 calendar years (D8 L7) - winning 4-0 at Gillingham in League One in 2022.
Fulham Premier League form:
W D D D W D
Ipswich Town Premier League form:
L L W L L W
Team News
Fulham boss Silva has revealed that Sander Berge (ankle) is "going to be closer" to a return from injury than Reiss Nelson (hamstring), but both players are not ready to return this weekend and remain sidelined along with Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed (both knee).
Silva has deployed a three-at-the-back system with wing-backs in the last two matches, with Fulham picking up four points in that time, and the Portuguese will seemingly stick with the same formation against Ipswich.
Issa Diop, Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey are therefore set to continue in central defence, as Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson operate on the flanks, while Harry Wilson - who has scored in his last two appearances - could continue in attack with Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez.
As for Ipswich, Conor Chaplin is facing a couple of weeks out with a knee injury and will join Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), George Hirst (knee) and Massimo Luongo (illness) in the treatment room.
In the win over Chelsea, Christian Walton kept a clean sheet on his first Premier League start since the opening weekend of the season, and McKenna has since confirmed that the goalkeeper will retain his place between the sticks at the expense of Arijanet Muric.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be hoping to force his way back into the first XI at the expense of either Sam Morsy or Jens Cajuste, while Nathan Broadhead, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Clarke will all be pushing to start in attack.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Diop, Andersen, Bassey; Castagne, Pereira, Lukic, Robinson; Wilson, Jimenez, Iwobi
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; O'Shea, Greaves, Wolfenden, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
We say: Fulham 2-1 Ipswich Town
Ipswich have won two of their three Premier League games away from home and head to Craven Cottage in high spirits after beating Chelsea, but they will once again be underdogs this weekend against a Fulham side who have made themselves difficult to beat in recent weeks.
A similarly close contest to the 1-1 draw played out between these two teams at Portman Road earlier this season could be on the cards on Sunday, but we are backing the home side to come out on top by a narrow margin.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-ipswich-prediction-team-news-lineups_562041.html
Fulham v Ipswich Town
FA Premier League
Sunday, 5th January 2025 Kick-off 14:00
Town visit Fulham on Sunday afternoon for their first game of 2025 aiming to build on Monday's excellent 2-0 home victory over Chelsea (KO 2pm).
The Blues go into the weekend having climbed to 18th in the Premier League table, one place and one point behind Wolves in the last spot outside the relegation zone.
Since the win against Chelsea, manager Kieran McKenna has been working on balancing riding high and building confidence from that game and sharpening minds ahead of the visit to Craven Cottage.
"We've had a good few days, so that helps, because it was an emotional night, there's no doubt about it," McKenna said. "I think the sleeping hours in the squad were a lot lower than normal.
"So it took a little bit of extra recovery and the physical effort of going to the Emirates and then putting what we did into the Chelsea game in a three-day block, having had a day less to prepare for the game than Chelsea but more than a day in terms of the kick-off times, was a big challenge.
"They put a lot into the game. The group has recovered well, but we know the next challenge is the important one and Fulham away is a big one.
"We've given the game our full respect. We've tried to prepare it as well as we can. With the physical element, the training had to be quite light, but we're trying to be as well-organised as we can be and make sure that we go there with a good plan.
"Our energy is going to have to be at the top, top level again and see if we can produce another good performance."
Fulham are currently eighth in the Premier League having taken 29 points from their 19 games up to now.
They are unbeaten in five, but have won only one of those matches, their 2-1 victory at Chelsea on Boxing Day. On Monday they drew 2-2 at home to AFC Bournemouth. Prior to the win against Chelsea, they had drawn at home to Arsenal, 1-1, at Liverpool 2-2, and against Southampton at Craven Cottage, 0-0.
Their only defeat in their last 13 was a surprise 4-1 home loss to Wolves in November. Overall at Craven Cottage, the Whites have won four, drawn four and lost two, with Aston Villa the other side to have beaten them on home turf, 3-1 in October.
McKenna says manager Marco Silva has done an excellent job since taking over in July 2021, leading them to promotion back to the Premier League in his first season in charge and then from there establishing the Whites in the division.
"I don't think it's necessarily one thing, which is probably a compliment to what he's done. They've done a lot of things well," McKenna said when asked what has most impressed him about Silva's management.
"They've built the squad well from when they were in the Premier League the first time around and then they had one season where they got relegated to the Championship but kept a good bit of the group together.
"And some of that group that came back up to the Premier League is still together now, which I think always puts you in a good spot. They've added to the squad well in each transfer window and added good players each window as it's gone along.
"And Marco's doing an excellent job in terms of coaching the team. They're very, very well organised, well structured with and without the ball. Very good on set plays. They've got a clear plan and a clear organisation in every phase of the game and in every game against each opponent.
"So, a really well-rounded, well-organised side who are understandably having an excellent season and a great challenge for us to go against."
Earlier in the campaign the teams drew 1-1 at Portman Road with McKenna pleased with his team's display that day.
"I think we played well in the first game, to be fair," he recalled. "It was our first point of the season. I think we played well in most aspects of the game and I think we would certainly take the balance and the flow of the game to be the same again. Now, away from home, we know that is different and it's going to be hard, and it's a new game.
"Fulham have been quite adaptable over the last few games in terms of their system and their personnel as well, so we'll prepare as well as we can for the bits that we think we'll face.
"We'll focus on ourselves and try to back up what we've done well over the last few games and the things that we need to improve, and we're going to have to go and deliver a really well-rounded performance.
"We're going to have to again be very good without the ball, very well organised, find really good energy, find the balance of being aggressive when we can be, but also defending with good compactness and resilience.
"And we're going to have to impose ourselves on the ball at times and find the balance of trying to attack and cause them problems, but also give ourselves time to spend time in possession in the game.
"They're a very good team on set plays and they've got a big team, and they've been playing a big team the last few games with the centre-halves they've had in the team as well, so set plays are going to be a big challenge.
"Like all the other games, for us to compete in this league, we need to be excellent across all phases to be in the game and to compete in the game. This is going to be the same going into this one and then if we do that, it's about trying to find a way to turn a tight game in your favour. And hopefully, we can do that on Sunday."
The Team
McKenna probably won't stray too far from the team which secured the best result of the season against Chelsea on Monday.
The Blues boss has confirmed that Christian Walton will start in goal, while Dara O'Shea, Luke Woolfenden, Jacob Greaves and Leif Davis will continue in their roles.
The Blues boss may look at swapping Wes Burns for Ben Johnson on the right, with Harry Clarke another option, but may well stick with the Wales international.
In central midfield, skipper Sam Morsy is again likely to be joined by Jens Cajuste with Kalvin Phillips set to play a part from the bench.
Omari Hutchinson and Nathan Broadhead will probably keep their places behind central striker Liam Delap with the Welshman, who was at Everton under Whites boss Silva, taking his Town starts to 50.
Conor Chaplin is unavailable having picked up a knee problem, which is expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks.
The Opposition
Fulham boss Silva is anticipating a tough match, not just as it comes in the wake of the Blues' victory over Chelsea.
"It'll be a really difficult game, I don't have doubts about that," the Portuguese said in his pre-match press conference.
"Not just because they won against Chelsea, but they have been showing the quality to win games. They have good organisation, are well-managed and have very good players.
"What they did last summer showed their ambition as a club. They have some young players in certain areas of the pitch who can punish you at any time. They are really aggressive on and off the ball and they are always trying to match any team in this league.
"Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are both top players. I know that they are different, playing in different positions, but they have been doing so well. Delap was on loan at Hull last season, but he has adapted so quickly to the quality and demands of this league.
"They are difficult players to control, they work hard both on and off the ball and have the right mentality to be strong in all parts of the game. As a team, they are a good side and they've been showing that.
"We went there on the third game of the season and we drew the game, but if we play at our best level then we can win."
Silva has no new injuries, while Harrison Reed is getting closer to a return after a knee injury but isn't ready for this weekend.
Midfielder Sander Berge remains sidelined with an ankle injury and right-back Kenny Tete is still out with a knee problem.
On-loan Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, a Town target on deadline day in the summer, is also currently missing due to a hamstring issue.
Midfielder Emile Smith Rowe returned to action as a last-minute sub against Bournemouth on Monday having missed the previous two games.
Recent History
Historically, the Blues have been victorious on nine occasions in games between the teams (six in the league), Fulham on 14 (11) and with nine (seven) games ending in draws.
Town are without a win in eight against Fulham in all competitions - two in the Carabao Cup - two draws sandwiching six successive defeats.
Their most recent victory over the Whites was at Craven Cottage in December 2015 when goals from Freddie Sears - after 16 seconds - and Brett Pitman saw Town to a 2-1 win, their fourth victory on the bounce against Fulham and the penultimate match in a 13-game run without a defeat against the Cottagers stretching back to the famous 10-1 loss on Boxing Day 1963.
In August at Portman Road, Town claimed their first Premier League point in 22 years as they drew 1-1 with the Cottagers.
Delap's first Town goal gave the Blues the lead on 15 but Fulham levelled through Adama Traore in the 32nd minute with the Blues the better side in the second half but without finding a winning goal.
The teams last met at Craven Cottage in the Championship in January 2018 when four goals in seven minutes after Town defender Jordan Spence had been red-carded saw Fulham come from behind to beat Mick McCarthy's Town 4-1.
Joe Garner gave the Blues the lead a minute before the break but the match turned on Spence's dismissal for an off-the-ball barge on Aboubakar Kamara in the 54th minute with Ryan Sessegnon equalising on 69, Kamara securing the lead on 72 and then the pair each scoring again on 74 and 76.
Familiar Faces
Blues first-team coach Sone Aluko was with Fulham between 2016 and 2017, making 53 starts and one sub appearance, scoring nine times.
Central defender Cameron Burgess joined the Fulham academy in 2011 and went on to make his senior debut for the Whites on the opening day of the 2014/15 season against Town at Portman Road in a game the Blues won 2-1.
Assistant boss Martyn Pert spent six months working as a conditioning coach with Fulham in 2009.
Head of analysis Charlie Turnbull was with the Whites until he moved to Portman Road in December 2021. Turnbull was U23s assistant coach and analyst with the Cottagers having joined them from Spurs in 2016 and having progressed through from working with the U13s and U14s.
Former Town midfielder Brian Talbot is the assistant director of football operations at Craven Cottage, where he briefly played late on in his career.
Officials
Sunday's referee is Darren Bond, his assistants Scott Ledger and Matthew Wilkes, and the fourth official Andy Madley. The VAR official is Paul Tierney and his assistant Dan Cook.
Lancashire-based Bond, who was the fourth official for Monday's victory over Chelsea, last refereed Town in January 2022 as the Blues were beaten 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday in League One, cautioning only one home player.
Prior to that, Bond was in the middle for the 2-1 home victory over Burton in December 2020 in which he yellow-carded Mark McGuinness, Kayden Jackson, Armando Dobra and four visiting players.
He was in charge of the 1-1 draw at Bristol City in March 2019 in which he cautioned Andre Dozzell, Gwion Edwards, Idris El Mizouni and one home player, as well as the 2-2 draw at Reading in November 2018 in which he booked Spence, Luke Chambers and one Royal.
Two months prior to that, he refereed the 1-1 home draw with Brentford in which he yellow-carded Jonas Knudsen and two Bees.
He was also the man in the middle for the 4-2 home victory over Nottingham Forest in December 2017, in which he cautioned Callum Connolly, Martyn Waghorn and two visiting players, and the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham in December 2016 in which he yellow-carded Chambers and Christophe Berra.
Bond had taken control of the 2-2 home draw with Rotherham a couple of months earlier in which he kept his cards in his pocket throughout and was also the 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough in April of the same year in which he cautioned Luke Hyam and former Blues skipper Grant Leadbitter.
He officiated in the 1-0 win at Huddersfield three months prior to that in which he yellow-carded Chambers, Brett Pitman and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as well as one home player.
Bond also refereed the dramatic last-gasp 1-0 victory at Charlton in November 2014 in which he showed no cards.
Two months before that he took control of the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday when he booked only two home players, while his only other match involving the Blues was the 2-2 draw at Barnsley in February of the same year in which he again waved no cards.
https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/48641/town-open-2025-at-fulham-aiming-to-build-on-chelsea-win
2024-25 Mid-Season Review
Discussion in 'Fulham FC News and Notes' started by MicahMan,
Fulham begins the second half of the 2024-25 season with 29 points and in 8th place. Fulham also has the 8th best home record, the 8th best away record, and the 8th best defense. Their offense? Well, that's only the 12th best. However, back in 2022 when Fulham had two more points at this stage of the season they were also in 8th place. That's a pretty solid 8th place performance so far for Fulham.
But how they got there is kind of bizarre. Fulham has earned 15 points against the top half of the table and 14 from the bottom half. And since Fulham is in the top half of the table, those 15 points are only against 9 teams. So the points per match is even more skewed. Fulham has 1.66 PPM against the top half and 1.4 PPM against the bottom half. Fulham has just as many wins against the bottom half of the table as Wolverhampton. Fulham has more wins against the top half of the table than everyone except Chelsea (same as Fulham) and Liverpool (one more than Fulham). With that kind of record it is hard to predict where Fulham will go in the second half of the season. If they can keep their form against the top half while getting more wins against the bottom, then Fulham will push for a European spot. But if that gets reversed then Fulham will have a repeat of last year with a comfortable, but lower-mid finish.
The players for Fulham have almost all stepped up over how they performed last season. Remember that Fulham lost three regular starters from 2023-24: Palhinha, Willian, and Tosin. Throw in jack-of-all-trades Bobby DeCordova-Reid too as another key piece from last year's team. I can't say that I've missed any of them, which is especially shocking to say about Palhinha, but Lukic along with Berge have allowed us to forget we were ever worried about our defensive midfield. Diop and Andersen have both done better than Tosin. Wilson and Traore have allowed Iwobi to play more in Willian's old spot along with Nelson. Everything from the goal keeper through the attacking mid-field seems to be working better than ever.
That gets us to one major point of concern, scoring goals. Fulham is not getting enough from Raul or Muniz. They aren't terrible, but Fulham should be scoring more. Some of this is down to them putting away more of their chances, but there is also a need for Fulham to be more direct, creative, and clinical. We've seen flashes of that with Wilson, but we need to see more from others. Then there are all the wasted set pieces Fulham has had. It took an entire half of the season to finally get a score from a corner that wasn't an OG. That's ridiculous.
The other point of concern is Fulham's lack of concentration at key moments. Fulham has been terrible coming out of the half giving up 9 goals and scoring just once. Then there are all of those lost points from late scores, although recently Fulham has managed to work their own late magic to help offset things. Silva needs to figure out how to get more consistency from the team. However, Silva's track record on the back half of the season with Fulham has not been great. Typically the team falls off in the second half. I really want that to end this season. Keep focused, improve against the bottom half, and amazing things will be within reach.
Fulham has also been competitive against every team they faced so there is no reason not to expect a good run in the FA Cup. They just need to not blow it out of the gates against Wolverhampton.
With memorable London Derby wins against Chelsea and Brentford combined with a great table position, this has been the most rewarding season I've had watching Fulham. I'm really happy with that, but I'd like to see Fulham move beyond their mid-table finishes. Let's see how far up Fulham can get.
https://fulhamusa.com/threads/2024-25-mid-season-review.10615/
Arsenal and Fulham keen on Santiago Gimenez
Arsenal and Fulham are vying for Santiago Gimenez in this month's window, as this could be a chance for the Mexican to make a step up in his career.
Arsenal are interested in signing Santiago Gimenez ahead of this month's transfer window according to Julio Rodriguez. The Mexican striker has been looking to make a big career switch away from Feyenoord as the Gunners are not alone in the chase as Oscar Mendoza reported Fulham as a big suitor for the striker.
Many Premier League sides are looking for a new striker during this month's transfer window. The January market is usually a tricky place to sign some of the best profiles from other clubs, as teams are often reluctant to let their key stars leave in the middle of the campaign.
Arsenal, for instance, have been linked with a new striker for more than 18 months now, and the injury to Bukayo Saka might have brought out a different perspective in this window. There are links to signing a like-for-like replacement for the winger or focusing on getting a new striker to support the attack in a different way.
They were linked to many names last summer, including Santiago Gimenez, as the links to the Mexican frontman have re-emerged again. It could be a case of finding other priority targets difficult to achieve this month, which has led to Mikel Arteta exploring the idea of signing the Feyenoord star.
Gimenez has had a modest start to the season by his standards, although he still has 13 goals and assists for Feyenoord in all competitions. The Gunners' interest could be genuine in Gimenez, although much will depend on how much Feyenoord end up demanding for the striker.
Fulham keen on Santiago Gimenez
Fulham are also on the lookout for a new striker and could have made Gimenez a target. The Cottagers were earlier linked with a loan move for Evan Ferguson, although his persistent injury issues might have put them off the Irish international's trail.
Many other clubs are showing an interest in the North American forward, but Fulham would like to accelerate their pursuit in January rather than wait until the summer. For Gimenez, it could be a good opportunity to leave the Eredivisie, and while he has had lofty ambitions about joining even bigger clubs, a move to either Arsenal or Fulham might represent a step up in his career.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/04/arsenal-and-fulham-keen-on-santiago-gimenez/
West Ham and Fulham 'join race' to land Premier League midfielder on bargain free agent deal
The midfielder's contract is expected to expire at the end of the season, meaning he could be signed for free.
West Ham and Fulham are reportedly keen to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes on a free transfer. Hughes, 29, is under contract at Palace until June, meaning that clubs could sign him for free at the end of this season.
The midfielder has been at Selhurst Park since 2021, when he joined from Watford for a fee of £5.8m. He has since made 104 appearances for Oliver Glasner's side, scoring two goals and contributing six assists.
This season, Hughes has been a big part of Glasner's midfield, making 17 appearances in the Premier League. He has missed out on just two matches for Palace this season, and has made three assists. Due to star midfielder Adam Wharton's injury, Hughes has stepped up in the role and helped his side to climb out of the relegation places, losing just one of their last eight matches.
According to Football Insider, his impressive performances have piqued the interest of several Premier League clubs including West Ham and the Cottagers.
The report does state that there is a clause in Hughes' contract at Palace which means they could extend his contract by one more season. It could be a move that Glasner makes considering the midfielder's solid performances this year.
However, if Glasner decides against extending Hughes' contract, then it seems a move to a fellow London Premier League club could be on the cards instead. The report also suggests that Brentford are keeping an eye on his situation.
Glasner full of praise for Palace man Will Hughes
Crystal Palace manager Glasner has been complimentary of Hughes following a strong period of form.
He said in December ahead of their 3-1 win against rivals Brighton: "Will Hughes is not just a performer, he's also a leader in the dressing room. He's an experienced guy, an English guy, he's been here for several years, he knows the club, he knows his teammates, and of course he's an outstanding good football player.
"His passing, his fighting spirit, and he's one of the few players, maybe a little bit old generation, who is talking on the pitch. Every manager is looking for some guys who are talking on the pitch, he's one of them, so he's very important for our game."
Due to how highly Hughes is regarded by Glasner, Palace could decide to trigger the extension in his contract for one more year, before letting him leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.
West Ham and Fulham also linked to midfielder for January transfer
Both Fulham and West Ham have recently been linked to Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, who could leave in January on a loan deal.
The former Sheffield United loanee, is open to a move away in January as he wants more game time. This season, McAtee has made just three Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.
McAtee could provide a short-term solution for Fulham and West Ham in midfield on a loan until the end of the season. They could then pursue Hughes should Palace fail to extend his contract.
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-fulham-free-agent-4929075
Fulham will block Pereira move
Fulham will prevent Andreas Pereira from joining Palmeiras this month as they consider the Brazilian midfielder as a pivotal player in their European push, according to the Standard.
Pereira has been the subject of frenzied transfer speculation since he gave an interview to a Brazilian outlet in November discussing his interest in leaving Craven Cottage. Palmeiras have had two approaches for the 29 year-old rejected, whilst Monaco, Nottingham Forest and Marseille were also interested in signing the former Manchester United midfielder last summer. Marseille, whose manager Roberto de Zerbi has identified Pereira as a potential transfer target, had a £20m bid rejected back in August.
Pereira has started fifteen of Fulham's nineteen league games this term as Marco Silva's side have surpassed expectations to sit eighth in the top flight and have genuine hopes of qualifying for continental competition. The attacking midfielder was dropped for the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the aftermath of his contentious comments, for which he apologised to the club, but has since returned to Silva's starting line-up, playing 72 minutes of the Whites' first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/fulham-will-block-pereira-move/
Silva: 'Ambitious' Ipswich will make it difficult
Marco Silva is in no doubt that an 'ambitious' Ipswich Town outfit will make life difficult for his Fulham side at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Kieron McKenna's Town earned their first Premier League point against the Whites at Portman Road in August and have won two of their last four fixtures, including an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea over the festive period, to give their battle against relegation a real boost.
Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:
"It'll be a really difficult game, I don't have doubts about that. Not just because they won against Chelsea, but they have been showing the quality to win games. They have good organisation, are well-managed and have very good players. What they did last summer showed their ambition as a club. They have some young players in certain areas of the pitch who can punish you at any time. They are really aggressive on and off the ball and they are always trying to match any team in this league.
Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are both top players. I know that they are different, playing in different positions, but they have been doing so well. Delap was on loan at Hull last season, but he has adapted so quickly to the quality and demands of this league. They are difficult players to control, they work hard both on and off the ball and have the right mentality to be strong in all parts of the game. As a team, they are a good side and they've been showing that.
"We went there on the third game of the season and we drew the game, but if we play at our best level then we can win."
Silva also offered an update on the members of his squad currently sidelined through injury.
"Harrison Reed is [now] back in the [training] sessions. He now needs time to get the right fitness levels and to be confident again. Sander [Berge] needs a little bit longer, Reiss Nelson and [Kenny] Tete too. I believe that Sander is closer [to a return]. I wouldn't want to put a timeline on it but if he's not available for the FA Cup [fourth round tie against Watford], then maybe in contention for the game after. Reiss will be a little bit longer."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/silva-ambitious-ipswich-will-make-it-difficult/
Fulham turn down £16.5m Palmeiras bid for Pereira
Fulham have turned down an offer worth £16.5m from Palmeiras for their Brazilian attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira, according to BBC Sport.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been a key player under Marco Silva since he left Old Trafford for the Whites in the summer of 2022. He has been the subject of frenzied transfer speculation since giving an interview expressing an interest in a move away from Craven Cottage in November and Palmeiras are pushing to make him their marquee signing ahead of the new Brazilian domestic season.
But Fulham are not willing to sell Pereira during the January transfer window as Silva sees the Brazilian playmaker, who has started fifteen of the nineteen league games this term, as crucial in the Cottagers' push for Europe as they sit eighth in the table at the turn of the year. The BBC report also says that Marseille, whose manager Roberto di Zerbi is known to be an admirer of the midfielder, have cooled their interest in Pereira.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/fulham-turn-down-16-5m-palmeiras-bid-for-pereira/
Matchday Preview: Ipswich🆚 Ipswich Town
🏟 Craven Cottage
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 5th January
⏰ 2pm (BST)
#️⃣ FULIPS
The opposition
Out of three teams that were promoted from the Championship last term, Ipswich are currently best placed to avoid an immediate return to the second tier. The Tractor Boys are in the bottom three but two wins in their last four games has seen them close the gap to 17th to just a single point.
It took Kieran McKenna's side until November 10th to claim their first Premier League win but they have picked up two thirds of their current points total since then, highlighting their improvement. Monday's 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Portman Road was their first home win the top flight in 22 years and certainly their most impressive result of this Premier League campaign.
Team News
Kenny Tete, Sander Berge and Reiss Nelson remain in the treatment room. Harrison Reed is back in training although needs time to build up his fitness.
Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene are long-term absentees. Conor Chaplin is set to miss a couple of weeks of action with a knee injury.
Tickets
Tickets are still available to purchase.
Kits
Fulham will be sporting their home kit this weekend, while Ipswich will be wearing their pink third strip.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/64f96f30-c906-11ef-a82f-01eff1270cc6.png)
Coverage
FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK, and on Peacock in the United States.
Weather
It will be a mild January afternoon at the Cottage, with highs of around 11 degrees. However, there is likely to be light rain throughout the afternoon.
Matchday programme
Saša Lukić is the main interview in the official matchday programme.
The midfielder has become a cornerstone of Fulham's success this season, blending resilience from his roots with top-tier performances in the Premier League. From historic wins to adapting to London life, Lukić reflects on a remarkable journey and shares his ambitions for the future.
Elsewhere in the publication, Antonee Robinson answers some very random questions and Rufus Brevett looks back on his memorable spell in SW6 ahead of receiving the Forever Fulham award.
Meanwhile, Michael Cole recalls spells at Fulham and Ipswich Town, Marco Silva, Tom Cairney, Robert Wilson and Gentleman Jim supply their regular notes and Women's star Betty Barron-Clark is the subject of our Getting To Know feature.
Packed with a tonne of content, the 104-page programme will be on sale around the ground on Sunday priced £4, or you can pick up a copy online.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/5bbc7de0-c924-11ef-a12a-83d5172c4503.jpg)
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/january/04/matchday-preview-ipswich-/
Fulham reject £18m bid from Palmeiras for Andreas Pereira with midfielder open to staying in west London
Andreas Pereira has 18 months left to run on his current deal at Fulham
The 29-year-old is open to discussing new terms with Premier League club
Fulham have rejected a £16million offer from Palmeiras for midfielder Andres Pereira.
The 29-year-old has 18 months left on contract and is open to discussing new terms but Fulham have yet to open negotiations.
Pereira, who joined Fulham from Manchester United for an initial fee of £10million in July 2022, has played 17 games for the west London club this season.
The Brazilian, who has been capped nine times by his country, was dropped by Fulham head coach Marco Silva for their draw with Tottenham in December after he was quoted as saying he wanted to join Marseille.
Pereira slammed the 'malicious' article and has since returned to the first-team fold.
He stated: 'I would like to address the article recently published about me.
'Unfortunately, the piece contains statements attributed to me that I did not make, and the translation into English was done in a malicious and inaccurate manner, completely distorting my words.
'In the interview, I clearly expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham and my gratitude for everything the club and the staff have done for me, emphasising at all times that I still have two years remaining on my contract and that I am fully focused on the club.'
Pereira rose through the ranks of Man United's academy after joining from PSV Eindhoven as a highly-rated youth prospect.
He was loaned out to Granada, Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo during his time at Old Trafford before leaving on a permanent basis in 2022.
Fulham host Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Palmeiras, meanwhile, were pipped to the league title by Botafogo in the 2024 league campaign.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14249471/Fulham-reject-18m-bid-Palmeiras-Andreas-Pereira.html