The tempting 260-goal striker signing Fulham must resist completing this summer transfer window
Fulham have been linked with a bid for Inter's Mehdi Taremi - but would a transfer be in their best interests?
For a little while last season, Fulham started to look like a team that could contend for a European place. They fell away down the home stretch, sadly, losing three of their last four matches, but there were definite signs of life under manager Marco Silva. Now, those green shoots need to be nurtured in the transfer market.
It's no great shock, then, to see them getting ready to bid for a striker, one with 260 professional goals to his name whose record in top-level football persuaded Inter Milan to sign him last summer – but is Mehdi Taremi really the right man to elevate Fulham's attack next season?
Why Fulham have 'ignited' their interest in Mehdi Taremi
A new report from Italian outlet Calciomercato builds on prior stories in claiming that the Cottagers have "concretely ignited" a bid for Taremi, an interesting blend of cliches which perhaps suffers in the translation. An Iran legend who has scored 55 goals for his country and a further 205 at club level with Inter, Porto and others, Taremi's track record is unquestionably impressive, and Fulham certainly need a proven goalscorer.
Every team in the top half of the Premier League table outscored Fulham last season, and between the age of Raúl Jiménez and uncertainty over the future of the inconsistent Rodrigo Muniz – who is reportedly a target for Leeds United - an out-and-out goalscorer seems like a pretty sensible priority.
Taremi, who surpassed 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons in Portugal between 2019/20 and 2022/23, is unquestionably a goalscorer with proven pedigree, but also a player with plenty of other qualities under his belt.
Both a capable playmaker who generates far more chances than most central strikers do and a fiercely competitive part of any high press, Taremi forces turnovers in impressive numbers when pressuring defenders and uses the ball better than many forwards when he can't find a clear route to goal for himself. 41 assists in four seasons at Porto tells its own story.
All very promising – but should Fulham be wary of the extent to which he struggled in Inter, and which has rendered him surplus to requirements at the San Siro just a year after he joined on a free transfer?
Taremi's decline suggests that Fulham should look elsewhere
Taremi hasn't had the happiest time at Inter, managing just three goals (alongside seven assists) in 42 appearances – just 18 of which were starts. That includes just one strike in Serie A from 3.5xG's worth of chances. While his play-making qualities seem largely undiminished – on average, he helped to supply 3.25 shooting chances for team-mates every 90 minutes, certainly more than most centre-forwards – his struggles in front of goal raise red flags.
Plenty of fine forwards have endured a bad season at the wrong club, of course. The problem is that there is evidence of decline predating a difficult spell with Inter – and given that Taremi will be 33 by the start of next season, that suggests that his career is heading in the wrong direction.
After passing 20 goals for four consecutive seasons with Rio Ave and Porto, Taremi managed just six in the Primeira Liga in 2023/24 as his form appeared to decline, and he even lost his status as a nailed-on starter as the season wore on. Porto weren't as said to lose him on a free at the end of his contract as Inter might have thought.
His difficulties transforming chances into goals isn't entirely new. His six goals in 2023/24 came from 7.9xG having matched or exceeded his 'expected' tally every previous year he'd played in Portugal – but equally worryingly, he simply wasn't getting into good positions as often as he once had. His xG per 90 minutes decline by almost a third from 2022/23 to 2023/24, and further still in 2024/25. One year with an indifferent statistical analysis can happen to any player, but two in a row for a player in their thirties at different clubs feels rather terminal.
To be a hit at Fulham, he would have to turn around two consecutive campaigns of decline. His link-up play is impeccable, his work rate impressive and his past pedigree beyond reasonable doubt, but the Taremi that Fulham would be signing now seems to be a far cry from the striker that terrorised the Portuguese league.
The reports don't yet mention how much Fulham would be paying to Taremi off Inter's hands, and perhaps there is a price point at which his experience is worth investing in, and at which it's reasonable to gamble that he can get into double figures one last time.
Ultimately, however, Fulham are a team that need goals to take a step forward and, perhaps, could stand to get a little younger this summer. Taremi seems a little unlikely to meet the first requirement and certainly won't help with the latter. This may be a deal that the Cottagers should permit to pass them by.
https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/fulham/striker-fulham-should-avoid-signing-taremi-5194901
Fulham eye permanent move for Arsenal duo
Fulham are reportedly looking to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson on a permanent deal this summer. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage and, despite making only 12 appearances, the West London side are said to be keen on keeping him.
According to The Sporting News, Fulham are in talks with Arsenal over a potential transfer, and are also interested in bringing Oleksandr Zinchenko to the club. Nelson is believed to be open to the move and would welcome the chance to remain at Fulham beyond the summer window.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to explore their options for strengthening the left wing, a position where Nelson could have provided depth. However, it now appears his time in North London is coming to an end.
Injury setback disrupted momentum
Nelson's loan spell at Fulham was cut short by injury. The winger suffered a serious hamstring tear during a match against Brighton on 5 December, which required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Before the injury, he had scored twice and registered one assist in his 12 appearances. While those numbers may not stand out, they seem to have left a positive impression on Marco Silva's coaching staff, who are now pushing to secure a permanent deal.
A potential return to action has been suggested for late July, meaning Nelson could still feature in pre-season preparations if a move is finalised in time.
A Hale End exit on the cards
Even if Fulham are unsuccessful in their bid, Nelson is still expected to leave Arsenal this summer. A product of the Hale End academy, he made his senior debut during the 2017/18 season and was once considered one of the club's brightest prospects.
Loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord showed flashes of promise, but the winger has struggled to establish himself in Mikel Arteta's plans. Now 25 and entering what many would consider his peak years, a permanent departure seems the logical step for both player and club.
https://www.justarsenal.com/fulham-eye-permanent-move-for-arsenal-duo/395268
The Blues continue to push for Kenny Tete despite new offer from Fulham
Everton continue to push for Kenny Tete and are trying to derail any contract re-negotiations with Fulham, according to Mike Delaney of The Independent.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the Toffees already have a verbal agreement with the player's camp over a 3-year deal. He would sign as a free agent once his current contract with Fulham expires at the end of the month.
However, the Cottagers have offered him a new deal with better proposals and are "confident of reaching an agreement." Everton, though, are "currently attempting to change that, as they proactively push for Tete," stated the report.
Patrick Boyland of The Athletic reported that the player is yet to make a final decision on where he will play next season.
"The Dutchman, whose deal with Fulham runs out at the end of the month, has an offer on the table from Everton, who have made progress in talks," said The Athletic report.
"An offer from Fulham also remains on the table, though and the prospect of remaining at Craven Cottage has not been discounted by Tete and his camp."
Tete joined Fulham from Lyon in 2020 and has made 120 appearances for the Cottagers.
https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/24-25/rumour-mill/46328.html
What does the FST actually *do*?
We know it's hard to sometimes understand the inner-workings of the FST – or any supporters' trust for that matter – from the outside, and we are always looking at ways to improve communication between us, our members and the wider Fulham fanbase. We also get a lot of lovely praise and thanks from our members when we're speaking to them.
But to those that perhaps aren't as familiar with our work, what better time than the close season to give some insight into how we try to serve our aims of always ensuring our club remains at its historic home and safeguard the best interests of all Fulham fans. Any fan is welcome to join – you can do so here – but equally, we do our best to represent everyone with the work that we do.
So, other than monthly meetings with the Club, what exactly does that entail? Well, seeing as you asked....
THE TRUST SEASON 2024/25 IN NUMBERS
1 AGM
1 Visit to Stockley Park to attempt to understand VAR better
2 Lively WhatsApp groups
2 Trophy presentations
4 Premier League Network meetings attended to align our work and opinions with those of other supporter groups
8 IAG and SAG meetings attended in-person
9 Meetings with the Club and the write-up of subsequent meeting notes
10 Member newsletter updates
11 Board meetings – via Zoom, attended in various locations between SW6 and Spain...
...plus countless emails responded to (nice one, Steve) and a helluva lot of care to ensure that we represent the views of our fans, we listen to the answers we get from the Club, and that we take a nuanced, independent, balanced view on all topics that arise throughout the season. This now also means working alongside the newly formed FAB whilst maintaining our position as Fulham FC's only independent and democratically elected fan body.
THIS VOLUNTARY WORK ISN'T FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED.
And we don't always have one agreed-upon opinion, either. Which is good, it shows our board is made up of Fulham fans who bring a different mindset to our board meetings. Thankfully, we all manage to disagree respectfully and even meet socially when we can around matchday.
WE ENJOY IT BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE GIVING BACK TO THE CLUB THAT WE LOVE.
Our pre-match guide to Digital Ticketing wouldn't get written without countless meetings and calls with the Club to understand the process ahead of the Leicester game. Robert Wilson doesn't appear at our AGM and reel off some amazing Fulham anecdotes without hours of tech prep to ensure our software works without a glitch on the night. Neither does the election that ensures we have a fully voted-for, independent board each year, formed of nine wonderful, kind Fulham fans offering their time. We don't understand the role policing and safety have for our fans on matchdays without Sue attending an IAG meeting on a cold, windy Tuesday night in Stoke (OK, it was Brixton, but it was still in January).
We try to make reasoned arguments about ticket pricing strategy based on countless databases we hold that track ticket prices for Fulham fans, comparisons with other clubs of similar structure to ours and spend too many hours reading and listening with deep interest to articles, books and podcasts on the rising cost of being a football fan today. And let's not start on the Football Regulator Bill discussions that we've had, it hasn't even come into existence yet.
IT'S A LABOUR OF LOVE.
As we're sure you can hear from reading, the behind-the-scenes work is a lot. But our Zoom meetings are paid for by our members, as are the purchase and upkeep of trophies, the wreaths laid on Celebration Day and the accountant that ensures our status as a Community-Benefit-Society remains intact. So we are forever grateful to their continued commitment, and we always welcome new members to strengthen our collective voice.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout season 2024/25 – we hope this gives you an idea of how the FST and other Trusts work, and will continue to do so in season 2025/26 and beyond!
BECOME A MEMBER FOR JUST £10/YEAR
https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2025/06/what-the-fulham-supp-trust-do/
The heartening pre-season sight to excite Portsmouth faithful as forgotten Fulham signing returns
The luckless ex-Fulham defender has still to play for Pompey following injury
It was a mere three-second glimpse, but long enough to deliver a powerful message - Ibane Bowat is back.
The forgotten signing has still to feature for Pompey, almost 10 months after joining for an undisclosed fee from Fulham.
Just 12 days into his Fratton Park career, the highly-regarded defender sustained a serious knee injury while shooting in a small-sided game in training. As a consequence, his season was over in September.
To date, Bowat's sole first-team involvement was as an unused substitute in a 3-1 home defeat to Sunderland in August 2024.
Reassuringly, however, his presence was captured by Pompey's social media team, who posted a brief video of the squad's return for pre-season training on Tuesday.
Apparently in the gym, potentially lifting weights, the 22-year-old's moment on camera was a little ambiguous as he embarked on some form of physical exercise judging by his reaction.
Not that it mattered. The sight of the former Scotland under-21 international's involvement sent out a heartening reminder to the Fratton faithful about a player they have yet to see in action.
Portsmouth's pre-season return
With the opening two days of pre-season dedicated to testing, it remains to be seen whether Bowat is ready for first-team involvement, although he had returned to training alongside Paddy Lane during the final week of last term.
Still, the well-worn cliche about a returning player being like a new signing has never been more apt. Certainly how he fares as the summer schedule progresses will be fascinating.
'I think he will be one the fans will enjoy seeing'
Sporting director Rich Hughes, who oversaw Bowat's arrival, spoke in May about how fans will 'enjoy' seeing the left-footed centre-half's eventual return.
He told The News: 'Ibane has some really exciting tools. He's powerful, aggressive, a quick centre-back who can defend one-v-one, he's got some strength in the air and can handle the ball.
'He had a good season playing competitive football last year and I think will be one the fans will enjoy seeing.'
Hughes refers to the 2023-24 campaign, which Bowat spent on loan with TSV Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Operating as a left-sided central defender, he started 31 league matches and scored once as they finished fifth, thereby also qualifying for the Uefa Conference League play-offs.
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-fc-bowat-fulham-scotland-defender-5195910
Fulham under-21s will play Gillingham in the Vertu Trophy group stage along with Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers
Gillingham will face Fulham under-21s in this season's EFL Vertu Trophy.
The group stages were completed with invited under-21 teams drawn on Thursday afternoon, hours after the League 2 fixtures were released. Each group includes one top-flight club.
Fulham will join the Gills, Colchester United and League 1 Wycombe Wanderers in Group G of the southern section.
Gillingham will play two of their three games at home - including against Fulham. The top two teams progress to round two.
The Gills started their Trophy campaign last season against eventual winners Peterborough United, losing 2-1.
More: Away start for the Gills in League 2
They were also beaten at home against Crystal Palace under-21s before rounding off their challenge with a 1-1 draw at Stevenage, a result that left them bottom of the table.
The Gills haven't got a great record in the competition and haven't managed to progress from the group stage since 2020/21 season, finishing runners-up to Arsenal under-21s.
They were beaten in the second round by a Cambridge United side managed by Mark Bonner.
The opening game of the competition is expected to be played in early September but dates have yet to be confirmed.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillingham-vertu-trophy-invited-team-group-stage-draw-326309/
U21s learn Vertu Trophy opponents(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/b704a350-5293-11f0-ae4e-3d71bdaacb74.jpg)
Fulham Under-21s will face Colchester United, Gillingham and Wycombe Wanderers in the group stage of the Vertu Trophy.
All of our group stage fixtures will be played away from home. The first round of Vertu Trophy fixtures are set to be played on the week commencing 1st September.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the Round of 32, with all Vertu Trophy fixtures remaining regionalised until the Quarter-Finals stage.
Dates will be announced in due course.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/june/26/u21s-learn-vertu-trophy-opponents/
Why Fulham Must Keep Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney. The embodiment of modern-day Fulham Football Club. Younger fans, like myself, struggle to remember a Fulham side without the skipper. Cairney oozes class on and off the pitch. Some say there is no room for sentimentality in football. I disagree. In a team built for a fourth consecutive cup run, giving Tom Cairney the mere chance to lead London's Original out at Wembley once more is worth his contract renewal alone. Our biggest legend since the days of Simon Morgan, a tenth season in black and white is something TC has earned – not just in years gone by, but last season alone. Consigning Tom's potential re-signing to a sentimental signing would be unfair. Let me tell you why...
Even at 34, Cairney's Magic Is On Display
Captain Cairney, despite an undeniable loss of a step, has no shortage of quality left in the tank at 34. The back end of last season showed exactly that. Tom's second heroic Brentford away strike, almost ten years apart from his first, will go down in Fulham folklore. But TC's all-round performances against Brentford and Manchester City showed Cairney's ability to dictate a game from the middle of the park is as present today as it was his first season by the River. Cairney's creative quality is a rarity in a largely industrious Fulham team, and replacing said qualities – as FFC fans know well – is easier said than done. That alone validates a new Cairney contract.
The Skipper, The Dressing Room Leader
In the midst of a summer that promises much on the banks of the Thames, the familiar face of Tom Cairney would be integral to blending the old with the new. A valuable presence in the dressing room, whilst influential long-standing figures like Stuart Gray, Luis Boa Morte, and possibly Kenny Tete – amongst likely others – recently departing Motspur Park, keeping a successful, positive dressing room structure is key to keeping the Whites on the right track. As captain, Tom Cairney spearheads Fulham's team spirit. Sign him up.
A Rallying Presence
The utilisation of Tom's leadership qualities doesn't end there. The Premier League's' second-most points dropped from winning positions – 28 – is a widespread issue for the Cottagers. However, a large portion of the blame should be assigned to Silva's side's lack of leaders. TC offers that. In closing stages, Cairney offers reassurance and a clear leadership presence for the squad to rally around.
In a team abundant with soon-to-come younger change, the importance of TC's knowledge, as a senior pro who knows Marco's ideas like the back of his hand, shouldn't be understated. Establishing a solid leadership system, headed up by TC, is essential to the Whites dropping fewer points from winning positions next campaign.
One More Year, One More Year, Tom Cairney
In short, if it wasn't clear before, I hope I've made no mistake in putting across how paramount Tom's return is – not just to the fan base, but the squad structure as a whole. With that said, TC's role shouldn't be assigned to a near-on player-coaching, dressing room figure. Cairney showed, in a vintage performance at Legoland last May, that the 34-year-old can still go play-for-play with the best of them, coming off the bench. Forget the sentimentality and the way he is revered by this FFC team – one more year, one more year, Tom Cairney.
https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/why-fulham-must-keep-tom-cairney-45f341cb6403
Kenny Tete 'ready to sign new contract' after Everton offer – Exclusive
Kenny Tete could be set to leave Fulham to join Everton this summer.
Tete's contract with Fulham, where the defender has spent the past five years, expires at the end of this month.
David Moyes is in desperate need of reinforcements and has identified the 29-year-old as a potential option to bolster his squad and offer competition for the ageing Seamus Coleman.
Tete's Premier League experience would be a valuable asset for the Scotsman, but the Toffees face complications as they make their move.
Everton and Fulham both offer Tete contracts
Fulham offered Tete a new and improved contract in a bid to keep the former Lyon player at Craven Cottage beyond this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano (24 June).
This prompted Everton to respond with their own proposal to bring Tete to Merseyside on a three-year deal, according to The Independent (25 June).
The latest offer is likely to cost the Toffees more than originally expected, and leaves the right back the luxury of having the final word.
However, ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Tete will opt to remain in London and is preparing to accept Fulham's latest offer.
"I think Tete would prefer to stay in London," King said.
"If he's got an offer from Fulham, which is satisfactory, I think that is what he'd accept. He's obviously living in a nice part of London, and it is very exciting to live in that kind of area.
"Therefore, I could see him accepting the offer from Fulham."
Mood around Everton is quickly changing
How Everton ended last season left supporters full of optimism ahead of an exciting new start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes guided the club away from relegation and got momentum going after the Friedkin Group finally completed the takeover to replace the much-maligned Farhad Moshiri.
However, less than a month into the transfer window, the future looks increasingly bleak as Everton continue to labour in the market.
With no new signings to speak of and players like Tete seemingly opting for different options, the mood around the Blues is increasingly becoming desperate as the 2025/26 campaign quickly approaches.
https://www.goodisonnews.com/2025/06/26/kenny-tete-ready-to-sign-new-contract-after-everton-offer-exclusive/
Fulham 'outline' Rodrigo Muniz transfer stance following Leeds bid
Fulham reportedly have no plans to sell Rodrigo Muniz this summer despite interest from Leeds United.
Daniel Farke's side have identified Muniz as a target for their summer business, as they continue to prepare for their Premier League return.
Last week, The Athletic reported that the newly-promoted side submitted a bid for the Brazilian striker earlier in the transfer window.
Leeds tabled a £26m transfer offer, plus add-ons, but they ultimately saw their proposal knocked back by Fulham.
Fulham set out Muniz transfer stance
It remains to be seen whether Leeds will return with an improved bid, although they may find it difficult to convince Fulham to part ways with Muniz.
According to Sky Sports News, the West London club have no intention of letting Muniz leave Craven Cottage this summer.
Marco Silva still views Muniz as an important part of his plans for the 2025-26 season, effectively ruling out the possibility of a summer exit.
The 24-year-old is under contract until the summer of 2026, although Fulham have the option to activate a one-year extension.
Why are Fulham keen to keep Muniz?
Muniz largely had to settle for a squad role in the 2024-25 campaign, starting just eight of his 31 Premier League appearances.
However, he still managed to produce a number of useful contributions for Silva's side with eight top-flight goals, including five strikes in his final nine league appearances of the season.
Silva is seemingly keen to keep Muniz, so he can continue to challenge Raul Jimenez for the number nine spot.
Fulham will also be reluctant to allow another striker to depart once Carlo Vinicius leaves when his contract expires at the end of the month.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-outline-muniz-transfer-stance-following-leeds-bid_576253.html
Fulham U21s face Colchester, Gillingham and Wycombe in Football League Trophy
Fulham's under 21s have been drawn against Colchester United, Gillingham and Wycombe Wanderers in Group G of this season's Football League Trophy.
Hayden Mullins' side beat Shrewsbury in last season's competition, but were then edged out by Walsall and thrashed 7-1 at eventual finalists Birmingham City, for whom Jay Stansfield scored a hat-trick. The Premier League academy sides are drawn away for all three group games and the tournament remains regionalised until the quarter finals.
The first round of group fixtures is scheduled for 1 September – but full dates and ticketing information will be published in due course.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/06/fulham-u21s-face-colchester-gillingham-and-wycombe-in-football-league-trophy/
Fulham ready Ryan raid
Fulham are keen on signing the Australian international goalkeeper Mat Ryan as back up to Bernd Leno, according to Jack Kelly.
Marco Silva wants a dependable deputy to his German number one after Steven Benda's shaky displays last term. Ryan, who has won a century of caps for his country. fits the bill and has Premier League experience after spending three seasons at Brighton and Hove Albion. The Plumpton-born custodian helped solidify the Seagulls in the top flight before being loaned to Arsenal, where he set up a late equaliser against Fulham that cost Scott Parker's side a valuable victory at the Emirates.
The 33 year-old has recently regained his place from Joe Gauci as the Socceroos number one and saved a crucial penalty as Tony Popovic's men beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 to clinch their place at next summer's World Cup finals.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/06/fulham-ready-ryan-raid/
Goztepe reject Fulham's £14m Romulo bid
Fulham have had a £14m bid for Goztepe's Brazilian striker Romulo rejected, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.
The 23 year-old forward, who scored 17 goals in 33 games in Turkey last term, is being tracked by a number of European sides including RB Leipzig, Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and Zenit Saint Petersburg. Fulham have been watching the former Athletico Paranaense extensively and submitted an offer of around £13.75m that was rejected by the Turkish outfit, who want £17m for the 6'1" striker.
Marco Silva is keen to supplement his striking options this summer and the Whites remain in talks with Goztepe, who finished eighth in last season's Super Lig, to see if they can strike a deal. The Londoners have just extended the contract of Mexican veteran Raul Jimenez, currently starring at the Gold Cup and are believed to be ready to open discussions with Rodrigo Muniz – the subject of a £26m bid from Leeds – in the coming weeks.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/06/goztepe-reject-fulhams-14m-romulo-bid/