Friends of Fulham

 
From Italy: Fulham 'made contact' with Bundesliga club for World Cup star

Werder Bremen defender Ludwig Augustinsson has been attracting interest in the summer transfer window.

Earlier in June, we carried a report from SportBild, who claimed Watford and another unnamed club had put the left-back in the summer 'shopping list'.

The German publication had mentioned the player wanted to continue with the Bundesliga outfit, but it was the situation could change if he impressed for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup.

Augustinsson started in all five matches for his national side as they were knocked out in the quarter-final by England. The 24-year-old was part of Sweden's defence who kept three clean sheets and conceded only four goals at the Fifa tournament in Russia.

Italian outlet Calcio Mercato claim newly promoted Premier League club Fulham have identified the Bremen defender as a transfer target. The Cottagers have already 'made contact' with the German club for the full-back.

Augustinsson has been with Bremen since 2017 and his contract at the club runs down in 2021. The report mentions, apart from Fulham, AC Milan are also in the race for the Swedish international's signature.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/italy-fulham-made-contact-bundesliga-club-world-cup-star/

 
Jean Michael Seri: Fulham sign Ivory Coast international and Maxime le Marchand


Premier League newcomers Fulham have signed Nice's Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri on a four-year deal.

The 26-year-old, who has 18 international caps and was close to a move to Barcelona in 2017, scored 12 goals in 103 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

The Cottagers have also completed a deal for Seri's former Nice team-mate Maxime le Marchand.

The French defender, 28, played 81 times for the club.

The length of his contract has not been announced, while Fulham have the option to extend Seri's deal, which runs to 2022, by a further year.

Seri said: "I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well.

"It was great to get the move finalised."

Seri moved to Europe from his homeland in 2012 when he joined Porto on loan, before switching to fellow Primeira Liga side Pacos de Ferreira the following year.

He signed for Nice in 2015 and has topped the Ligue 1 rankings for passes played and completed for the past two seasons.

Fulham co-owner Tony Khan said: "Jean Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44807027

 
Seri Signs

We are delighted to confirm the signing of Ivory Coast international Jean Michaël Seri on a four-year deal from OGC Nice.

The midfielder has signed a contract until June 2022, with the Club holding an option to extend by a further 12 months after beating a host of top European sides to Seri's signature.

The deal is subject to international clearance, and the player obtaining a work permit.


A creative, intelligent central midfield player, Seri spent his younger years with Africa Sports d'Abidjan before joining the most successful side in Ivorian history in 2010, ASEC Mimosas.

After impressing in two seasons with the club, Seri was scouted by Porto and subsequently joined the Portuguese giants on loan for the 2012/13 campaign.

The following summer he made a permanent switch to a different top flight club in Portugal, Paços de Ferreira, who he helped retain Primeira Liga status, notably by scoring in their relegation play-off victory in his first season.

He also played in every one of their six Group Stage Europa League matches in 2013/14.

The subsequent campaign was a much more prosperous one for Paços de Ferreira, with Seri playing a major role as they secured an eighth-placed finish, missing out on a European spot by just a solitary point.

In the summer of 2015, Seri made the move to Nice and quickly established himself as a key component of the exciting Ligue 1 side.

Top-four and top-three finishes were achieved in his first two campaigns in France, while this term European qualification eluded Nice by one point.

The last two campaigns saw Seri top the charts in Ligue 1 in terms of passes played and completed, with an accuracy rate of 90.4 per cent last year, while he claimed a spot in the 2016/17 Team of the Season.

He made his debut for the Ivory Coast in September 2015, and now has 18 caps to his name.

Speaking at Motspur Park on Thursday morning, Seri said: "It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Tony Khan said of Seri's arrival: "I'm delighted to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed midfielder Jean Michaël Seri from Nice.

"Jean Michaël arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michaël will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/12/jean-michael-seri-signs

 
Who is Jean-Michael Seri? The new Fulham signing that was wanted by Chelsea and Arsenal

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Jean-Michael Seri from Nice

Fulham have signed Jean-Michael Seri from Nice in what is a major coup for the west London side.

The Nice midfielder has had an excellent couple of seasons in Ligue 1 which has seen them challenge in the upper echelons of the table both times and that, in turn, has seen their star man linked with a move away.

Last summer, he was close to securing a move to Barcelona but it collapsed at the 11th hour and he stayed in France. He wasn't as prolific last season as he was the one before but it has not diminished his value.

Seri bagged only two goals in 30 Ligue 1 games last campaign and helped himself to five assists. However, that did not put off a number of Premier League clubs.

And with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham all interested in his signature, it is something of a coup that Fulham have managed to beat those clubs to his signature - here's everything you need to know about the new man.

Career so far

Jean Seri started his professional career with Africa Sports - a club based in the Ivorian city of Abidjan.

From there, the midfielder made the move to fellow Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas, before moving to Porto's reserve side in November 2012.

After 19 appearances and one goal for Porto B, Seri moved to Pacos de Ferreira in August 2013 where he would spend two years with the club.

In June 2015, the midfielder made the move to Nice - where he has enjoyed some brilliant success in Ligue 1.

(https://i2-prod.football.london/incoming/article14755702.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Jean-Seri.jpg)
Jean Michael Seri (Photo by Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)

Stats behind his last two seasons

Describe Jean Seri's 2016/17 campaign in one word? Impressive.

And even that probably doesn't do it justice.

The midfielder managed six goals and nine assists in a brilliant season for Nice which has helped them battle right at the top of Ligue 1.

Add that to his 64 chances created and his 90% pass accuracy, and you start to see why some of Europe's top clubs are chasing the 25-year-old.

It dropped off a bit in 2017/18 where he scored just two goals but managed five assists. He did have an impressive passing accuracy rate of 90.2% for Nice last season.

Is he an international?

Yes, he is.

Seri's first international call-up came in 2014 - but his first cap wasn't until 2015 for the Ivory Coast national side.

Since then, the midfielder has made 18 appearances for his country, scoring two goals.

Will he fit the bill at Fulham?

Going off the last two seasons, he absolutely will.

There aren't many sides in the world that can afford to turn down a player of Seri's obvious quality to create and score chances from the centre of midfield, while still being a capable asset defensively.

There's a reason the likes of Barcelona and PSG are also interested...



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jean-michael-seri-fulham-confirmed-14889768

 
After initial indecision over transfer, Fulham's big financial effort changes player's mind

On Tuesday, France Football shocked the footballing community by claiming Fulham had placed a bid for OGC Nice's Jean-Michael Seri.

Curious about this, we asked around and were told that while the two clubs had indeed reach an agreement for the midfielder's transfer, the Ivory Coast international himself wasn't all that keen on a move to Craven Cottage.

Fast forward 48 hours later, and things changed considerably.

Nice-Matin reported early on Thursday that Seri had agreed terms with the Cottagers over a four-year deal.

A few hours later, Tony Khan announced on Twitter that the deal was made official, with pictures of Jean-Michael Seri in front of Craven Cottage

We said at the end of the previous article that Fulham would have to be very convincing, and that's exactly what's happened.

Sport Witness have been told that one thing changed the midfielder's mind: the contract put in front of him.

And who knows? This could be an ideal move for Seri, getting to play on the biggest stage, facing tough opponents week in, week out.

He will also be teaming up with OGC Nice teammate Maxime Le Marchand, who is also expected to be signing for Fulham in the coming hours.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/initial-indecision-transfer-fulhams-big-financial-effort-changes-players-mind/

 
Ryan Sessegnon's pathway to Gareth Southgate's England now looks clear

The Fulham wonderkid would fit in perfectly in England's current system.

(https://tbrfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/GettyImages-962739874-1.jpg)

England are out of the World Cup but they have made the nation proud with their efforts. Hope is now high for the future of the national team with this a young team full of potential going forward. But looking ahead to Euro 2020 there is one player in the starting XI who is unlikely to be there. Ashley Young, at 33-years-old, is England's elder statesmen and a new left wing-back will be needed if England are to succeed.

Which is where Fulham come in. Ryan Sessegnon would be absolutely perfect in the role.

(https://tbrfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/GettyImages-952224314.jpg)
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

After emerging as a left-back the teenager has become a fully-functioning left-sided attacker for the Cottagers. He scored 16 goals and set up eight in an incredible 2017-18 campaign. The 18-year-old was subsequently linked with a big-money move away from Fulham but has decided to stay for the foreseeable future. 

Next season the Premier League will be graced by his presence. Fans are going to be blown away by his swashbuckling displays down Fulham's left-hand side. If he performs like he can, then an England call-up will no doubt come next season.

The consensus is that Sessegnon will eventually move away from Fulham, such is his imperious talent. But for years to come, he will hopefully become an integral member of the England set-up.

England fans may have a lot to thank Fulham for in the years to come.



https://tbrfootball.com/ryan-sessegnons-pathway-gareth-southgates-england-now-looks-clear/

 
Chelsea And Arsenal Lose Out To Fulham In Chase For Exciting French League Star

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast international Jean Michael Seri.

The exciting midfielder has joined the Premier League newcomers on a four-year deal from Nice with the option for another year.

Seri has been one of the most talked about transfer targets of the summer and was linked with many clubs before committing to Fulham. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were all mentioned as potential destinations for the player.

The deal is subject to international clearance, and the player obtaining a work permit.

Seri has a reputation for being a creative midfielder and started his career with Africa Sports d'Abidjan before signing for ASEC Mimosas. He spent two seasons there before moving to Portugese giants Porto on loan for the 2012/12 season.

He then moved onto Paços de Ferreira where he became a prominent part of the team that finished eighth. Seri joined Nice in 2015 and his performances led him to be mentioned as a potential target for some of Europe's top clubs.

Speaking to the Fulham website, Seri said: "Im ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Tony Khan said of Seri's arrival: "I'm delighted to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed midfielder Jean Michael Seri from Nice.

"Jean Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michael will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League!"



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/cheslea-and-arsenal-lose-out-to-fulham-in-chase-for-exciting-french-league-star

 
Fulham sign Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice
Highly-rated Seri has signed a four-year deal with the Cottagers

Fulham have completed the double signing of Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice - their first additions of the summer.

The pair join the Whites as part of a combined deal worth in excess of £30m, according to Sky sources - and the highly sought-after Seri is considered somewhat of a coup.

Chelsea and Napoli were among the clubs interested in the 26-year-old, who was on the verge of joining Barcelona last summer.

But the Ivory Coast international has instead opted to join newly-promoted Fulham on a four-year deal with another year-long option, and the deal was announced on Twitter by director of football operations Tony Khan.

"It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised," Seri told Fulham's website.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan added: "Jean Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michael will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League."

Sky Sports News broke the news that Fulham had joined the hunt for Seri last week and also reported earlier on Thursday that centre-back Le Marchand was set to follow in a double transfer.

After also being confirmed by the Whites, the Frenchman said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11434091/fulham-sign-jean-michael-seri-from-nice-on-four-year-deal

 
Jean-Michael Seri joins Fulham as Cottagers also land Maxime Le Marchand in double transfer raid on Nice

Cottagers vice chairman and director of football Tony Khan announced the signings on social media

Fulham have completed the double signings of Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

Ivory Coast international Seri attracted interest from a host of clubs across Europe this transfer window, but has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the south-west London club.

Cottagers vice chairman and director of football Tony Khan announced the Seri deal on social media, writing: "I'm delighted to announce that Fulham has signed midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from Nice.

"He's been at the very top of our target list for a long time. This is a big day for Fulham. We're ecstatic that Jean-Michael is joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League."

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12903956.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-FC-announce-the-signing-of-Jean-Michael-Seri-Fulham-FC-Training-Ground-Motspur-Park-Surrey.jpg)
Fulham have completed the signing of Jean-Michael Seri (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Upon signing, Seri added: "It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised. Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Moments later Fulham announced the signing of left-back Le Marchand, also from Nice.

The 28-year-old said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12903952.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Fulham-FC-announce-the-signing-of-Maxime-Le-Marchland-Fulham-FC-Training-Ground-Motspur-Park-Surr.jpg)
Maxime Le Marchand has also joined Fulham from Nice (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."

Cultured midfielder Seri became the Whites' first summer signing on Thursday.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12902980.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Jean-Michael-Seri.jpg)
Cultured midfielder Seri became Fulham's first summer signing (Image: Fulham FC/Twitter)

Fulham recently retained the services of star player Tom Cairney, who signed a new five-year deal to end speculation of a move away, and fans' Player of the Season Tim Ream, who has penned a two-year extension.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic will no doubt be keen to push on and bring in more players now that the Seri and Le Marchand signings have been confirmed.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-fulham-complete-35million-jean-12900639

 
Fulham pull off huge coup as they land Jean-Michael Seri in £18m deal and complete double swoop by signing his Nice team-mate Maxime Le Marchand

    Fulham sign Jean-Michael Seri from Nice in sensational £18million transfer
    Cottagers had to fight off interest from Premier League rivals including Chelsea
    Seri has signed a four-year contract with the option to extend by 12 months
    Fulham have also landed Maxime Le Marchand from Nice in a double swoop

Fulham have completed their first two signings of the summer window after a double swoop for Nice's Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand.

Midfielder Seri joins Fulham for a transfer fee of £18million and signed a four-year contract, with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

He has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, but the Cottagers have managed to fend off interest from Chelsea and Arsenal among others to sign him.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/16/4E2A206400000578-5945877-image-m-80_1531408337724.jpg)
Fulham complete double swoop for Nice's Jean-Michael Seri (L) and Maxime Le Merchand (R)

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/16/4E2A1DC400000578-5945877-Jean_Michael_Seri_poses_in_Fulham_kit_after_completing_18m_move_-m-82_1531408699838.jpg)
Jean-Michael Seri poses in Fulham kit after completing £18m move to Premier League

Barcelona came close to signing Seri last summer and the 26-year-old was also subject to a bid from Borussia Dortmund.

But Seri has always desired a move to the Premier League and new boys Fulham have taken the opportunity to show they mean business this season.

Fulham's sporting director, Tony Khan, said: 'I'm delighted to announce that Fulham has signed midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from Nice.

'He's been at the very top of our target list for a long time. This is a big day for Fulham. We're ecstatic that Jean-Michael is joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League.'

Seri helped Nice to an eighth-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season and has been one of the most in-demand players in Europe this summer after several successful years with the French side.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/12/4E27D1B100000578-5945877-image-m-81_1531393448134.jpg)
The midfielder has joined Premier League new boys after spending three seasons with Nice

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/12/4E27D25A00000578-5945877-image-m-94_1531393535238.jpg)
Seri also models the away kit after he signs for The Cottagers on a four-year contract

Chelsea had been favourites to land the midfielder but are now closing in on a deal for Napoli's Jorginho, which left the door wide open for Fulham to swoop in.

Speaking at Motspur Park on Thursday morning, Seri said: 'It was a long day yesterday (Wednesday) so it was great to get the move finalised.

'Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better.

'I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well.'

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have also completed their second summer signing in Seri's Nice team-mate, Maxime Le Marchand.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/16/4E2A1BA100000578-5945877-image-m-84_1531408756287.jpg)
Centre-back Maxime Le Marchand has joined Seri in moving from Nice to Fulham

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/12/4E27D3FC00000578-5945877-image-m-97_1531393593755.jpg)
The 28-year-old was part of a double deal as Fulham signed both players ahead of new season

The 28-year-old centre-back has spent his entire career playing in France but with over 80 appearances for Nice, he has established himself as one of the key figures in French football.

Speaking to Fulham about his move, he said: 'I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

'I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean-Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5945877/Fulham-pull-huge-coup-signing-18m-Jean-Michael-Seri-Nice.html

 
Fulham confirm signing of Chelsea target Seri

Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri has declined a move to Chelsea, with the Ivorian midfielder sealing a move to Fulham today.

The midfielder joins the Cottagers in a deal worth around £25 million according to reports, with Fulham owner Shahid Kahn announcing the deal on twitter today.

The deal is a real sign of intent from Khan, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise and was interested in a bid for Wembley stadium.

(https://production-354f.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/07/585100506-1.jpg)

Seri had been a target for the Blues, with the club trying hard to get the midfielder to join Chelsea.

The midfielder was a key part of the Nice midfield last season, making 29 appearances as Nice went on to finish eighth in Ligue 1 last season.

Seri has opted to play regularly in the Premier League for Fulham, rather than a move to Chelsea.




https://readchelsea.com/2018/07/12/fulham-confirm-signing-of-chelsea-target-seri/

 
DONE DEAL Fulham chief announces the signing of Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri

The Cottagers have beaten a host of top European clubs, including rivals Chelsea, to land the 26-year-old Ivorian

(https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/GettyImages-627692690jpg-JS331187639.jpg?strip=all&w=960&quality=100)
Seri was previously linked with Fulham's London rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham

The 26-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the Cottagers, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

It's a huge signing for the Cottagers, said to be around £25million, having beaten a host of top European clubs to Seri's signature.

London rivals Chelsea were also strongly linked with a move for the Ivory Coast midfielder, as were Arsenal and West Ham in the past.

But Fulham have won the race to land the in-demand star, as they strengthen for their return to Premier League football this season.

The signing was announced by Fulham director of football Tony Khan on Thursday morning on social media.

Seri told Fulham's official website: "It was great to get the move finalised.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and I am looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

The midfielder's contract runs until June 2022, with the Cottagers holding an option of a 12-month extension.

Cottagers chief Khan added: "Jean-Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean-Michael will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League!"



https://talksport.com/football/398996/fulham-chief-announces-the-signing-of-nice-midfielder-jean-michael-seri/

Seri signs for Fulham
by Dan on July 12, 2018

Fulham have confirmed the audacious capture of Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri from Nice this morning.

The highly-rated midfielder, who had been chased by a whole host of European clubs over the course of the summer, has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League new boys, with Fulham holding an option for an additional year. The Ivorian international  made 189 first-team appearances in three years with Nice, scoring fourteen goals, and was named in the 2017 Ligue 1 team of the year.

Seri told Fulham's official website:

    It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised. Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better. I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well.

Fulham's vice-chairman and head of football operations Tony Khan said:

    I'm delighted to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed midfielder Jean Michaël Seri from Nice. Jean Michaël arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

    So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michaël will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League.

The 26 year-old midfielder, who reportedly becomes Fulham's highest earner, is the club's first signing since they clinched promotion to the Premier League in May. Seri had been on the radar of a number of leading English sides, including Chelsea, and his choice of Fulham represents something of a coup for the Cottagers. The deal is still subject to international clearance and Seri receiving a work permit from the Home Office.

Fulham are also believed to be close to completing a deal to bring his former Nice team-mate, defender Maxime Le Marchand to Craven Cottage as well.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/seri-signs-for-fulham/

 
Le Marchand Joins Fulham

The Club is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with OGC Nice regarding the transfer of Maxime Le Marchand, subject to Premier League, FA, and international clearance.

A versatile defender who can operate in the middle or at left-back, Le Marchand was born in Brittany and, after a spell at local side Saint-Malo, he joined Rennes' academy in 2000.


As a teenager he enjoyed success as part of a strong youth side at Rennes, winning the Under-18 Championship and the acclaimed Coupe Gambardella tournament in successive years.

Le Marchand made his professional debut when he was sent on loan to Le Havre for the 2009/10 season, and put in a series of impressive performances that convinced the club to make the move permanent the following summer.

He spent five further years at Le Havre, ending up as captain of the team, and when he departed to join Nice in 2015 he'd racked up 173 appearances.

In his first two seasons in Ligue 1 Le Marchand helped the club finished fourth and third respectively, while last term they missed out on European qualification by just one point. He arrives at Craven Cottage having played 81 times for Nice, and follows his teammate Jean Michaël Seri in signing for the Club.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Le Marchand said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michaël Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."

Tony Khan added: "I'm very pleased that we've agreed to a transfer for defender Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

"Strengthening our squad is always a priority. In that spirit, we've done a lot of work on Maxime and believe that his skills and versatility will be valuable assets. Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/12/le-marchand-arrives

 
BREAKING NEWS: Fulham win race to sign Seri

Fulham clinched Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael Seri, who was linked with Barcelona and Chelsea, on a four-year deal from Nice.

Fulham have signed Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri on a four-year deal from Nice, the club have confirmed.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/breaking-news-fulham-win-race-sign-seri#6HR32mpS4z4CRggH.99

Fulham complete Le Marchand deal
by Dan on July 12, 2018

On a busy day at Motspur Park, Fulham have also confirmed that they have completed a deal to bring Nice defender Maxime Le Marchand to Craven Cottage.

The 28 year-old, who can play in the centre of defence or at left back, enjoyed an excellent season alongside new Fulham signing Jean Michael Seri at Nice last year, with the French side missing out on European qualification by just a single point. Le Marchand, who made 81 appearances for Nice after spending five years with Le Harve, enjoyed three successful seasons with Nice, who finished third and fourth in Ligue 1 in previous years.

Le Marchand, who has heavily linked with a move to a number of Italian clubs this summer, told Fulham's official website:

    I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular. I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michaël Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team.

Fulham's vice chairman and head of football operations, Tony Khan, added:

    I'm very pleased that we've agreed to a transfer for defender Maxime Le Marchand from Nice. Strengthening our squad is always a priority. In that spirit, we've done a lot of work on Maxime and believe that his skills and versatility will be valuable assets.

The deal for Le Marchand remains dependent on Premier League, Football Association, and international clearance, although this is expected to be a formality.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-complete-le-marchand-deal/

 
Major coup for Fulham as they sign €35m Liverpool, Arsenal target

Fulham have signed Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from French side Nice, the Premier League club have announced.

Seri has signed a contract until June 2022, with the club holding an option to extend by a further 12 months after "beating a host of top European sides to Seri's signature".

"We are delighted to confirm the signing of Ivory Coast international Jean Michaël Seri on a four-year deal from OGC Nice," read the club's website.

The deal for Seri, who Get French Football News claims has cost in the region of €35m, is subject to international clearance, and the player obtaining a work permit.

Seri, who was believed to be interesting Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea had a €40m release clause in his Nice contract.

The 26-year-old midfielder was recently expected to be moving to Napoli, but agent Franklin Mala denied the Serie A switch on Radio CRC.

"Seri to Napoli? It doesn't depend on us but on Napoli. I read that Napoli are signing Fabian Ruiz, so if they sign the Spaniard, it'll be difficult to sign Seri too," he said.

"We're open to talks with Napoli, but there's been nothing so far. Seri's clause is €40m and it's valid until July 15. After that, Nice can ask for the amount they want."

Speaking at Motspur Park on Thursday morning, Seri told the club's website: "It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/major-coup-for-fulham-as-they-sign-e35m-liverpool-arsenal-target

 
Fulham completes deal for Seri

It's official: Jean Seri is the newest player for Fulham. The Ivorian midfielder has signed a €20 million deal to join the Premier League squad. He spent the past three seasons with Nice and showed consistent growth, appearing 101 times and scoring 11 goals.



https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/fulham-completes-deal-for-seri

 
Jean-Michael Seri's first words as a Fulham player as the Whites secure their first signing

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the option a further year at Craven Cottage.

Jean-Michael Seri is 'delighted' to undergo his new adventure at Fulham after signing for the club from Nice.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal, with the option of a fifth, at Craven Cottage to become the club's first signing of the summer transfer window as they prepare for the Premier League.

Fulham beat the likes of Chelsea to the Ivory Coast international's signature it what is a real coup for the west London side ahead of the new season, with Seri even linked with Barcelona last summer.

It's a real statement of intent from the club as they look to make their mark on the top flight this season.

Seri said: "It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the Head Coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Meanwhile, the club's Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan said: "I'm delighted to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed midfielder Jean Michaël Seri from Nice.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14899078.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/seri.jpg)
Jean-Michael Seri

"Jean Michaël arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michaël will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jean-michael-seris-first-words-14899056

 
Fulham beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Napoli to €30m Seri signing

The 26-year-old has completed his switch to the Premier League side, subject to getting a work permit

Fulham have confirmed that they have won the race to sign Jean Michael Seri from Nice.

The midfielder had hoped to make a move to Napoli, but, instead, the London side have succeeded in capturing a player who had courted interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea previously.

While no figure for the deal has been officially released, it is thought that he will cost the Cottagers around €30 million (£26.5m/$35m).

The 26-year-old had a release clause of €40 million (£35m/$47m) that expired on July 15 and it is thought West Ham were also seriously interested in him.

The Ivory Coast international has arrived on a four-year deal with the option of one more, subject to him receiving a work permit.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/fulham-beat-chelsea-arsenal-and-napoli-to-30m-seri-signing/k70s9o8duexm1402qfw8tvq6p

 
Fulham sign Seri and Le Marchand


Ivory Coast midfielder and French defender join the Cottagers from Nice

Fulham have completed their first signings of the summer transfer window with the acquisitions of Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

Seri (pictured above left) is a 26-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder. He has signed a four-year deal with Fulham after moving for an undisclosed fee.

Over the last two Ligue 1 campaigns he came top for passes played and completed, with an accuracy rate of 90.4 per cent last term.

During that period he produced nine goals and 15 assists for Nice in the French top flight and was named in the 2016/17 Team of the Season.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well," Seri told Fulham's official website.

Le Marchand (pictured above right), 28, is a defender who can play on the left or in the middle and made 81 appearances for Nice over three seasons.

Fulham open their 2018/19 Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on 11 August.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/784569

 
Fulham sign Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice
Highly-rated Seri has signed a four-year deal with the Cottagers

Fulham have completed the double signing of Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice - their first additions of the summer.

The pair join the Whites as part of a combined deal worth in excess of £30m, according to Sky sources - and the highly sought-after Seri is considered somewhat of a coup.

Chelsea and Napoli were among the clubs interested in the 26-year-old, who was on the verge of joining Barcelona last summer.

But the Ivory Coast international has instead opted to join newly-promoted Fulham on a four-year deal with another year-long option, and the deal was announced on Twitter by director of football operations Tony Khan.

"It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised," Seri told Fulham's website.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Fulham vice chairman Tony Khan added: "Jean Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time.

"So, this is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham and working at Motspur Park, and I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michael will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League."

Sky Sports News broke the news that Fulham had joined the hunt for Seri last week and also reported earlier on Thursday that centre-back Le Marchand was set to follow in a double transfer.

After also being confirmed by the Whites, the Frenchman said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11434091/fulham-sign-jean-michael-seri-and-maxime-le-marchand-from-nice

 
TO THE MAX Fulham reach agreement to sign Nice defender Maxime Le Marchand

Cottagers waste no time in adding to the acquisition of Jean Michael Seri

Fulham have reached an agreement to sign Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

The transfer comes minutes after the announcement of Jean Michael Seri, who also joins from the Ligue 1 side.

(https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/Maxime-Le-Marchand.jpg?strip=all&w=960&quality=100)
Maxime Le Marchand in action for Nice last season.

The versatile defender can play at both centre-back and left-back and made 29 starts for the French club last term.

Speaking to Fulham's official website, he said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michaël Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."

Tony Khan added: "I'm very pleased that we've agreed to a transfer for defender Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

"Strengthening our squad is always a priority. In that spirit, we've done a lot of work on Maxime and believe that his skills and versatility will be valuable assets. Come on Fulham!"



https://talksport.com/football/399009/fulham-sign-france-defender/

 
Fulham complete signings of Seri and Le Marchand

Fulham have completed the signings of Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from French side Nice in a deal potentially worth in excess of £30m.

Chelsea were linked with Seri, 26, but did not make an approach for the Ivory Coast midfielder, who was keen to move to the Premier League.

West London Sport recently revealed that Fulham were in for Seri, who has signed a four-year contract at Craven Cottage with the option of a further year.

"It was great to get the move finalised," Seri told Fulham's website.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Left-back Le Marchand, 28, said: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri.

"I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-signings-of-seri-and-le-marchand

 
Dafabet secure Premier League returners Fulham with record shirt sponsorship

July 12 – Championship play-off winners Fulham – who in doing so guaranteed themselves a £160 million three-season Premier League income stream – have capitalised further on their promotion with a club record two-year sponsorship with global betting brand Dafabet.

Dafabet will become the club's new Main Team Partner starting with the 2018/19 season with its logo the front of the shirts worn in the Premier League and the Fulham FC Women's team.

As part of the deal, Dafabet will have a package of branding around the club's Craven Cottage on matchdays as well as across social media and digital channels.

Dimitris Karatzas, CEO at Dafabet, said: "We are delighted to continue our long-lasting presence in the Premier League by partnering with a club full of heritage and tradition.

"While the relationship is in the early stages, our initial discussions with the club's officials have given me every confidence that we share the same passion for football, we're looking forward to a fruitful and successful partnership."

The Philippines-based online gaming company also sponsors Scottish champions Celtic, as well as being the official betting partner of 2015-16 Premier League champions Leicester City, and the Football Association of Wales.

John Cruces, head of sports marketing and sponsorship at Dafabet, said: "Being one of the most recognised Asian brands it was very important to us to continue to be seen in the most watched league in club football, especially seeing more new gaming brands entering football of late.

"We'll be bringing the highest level of experience to the partnership and will engage with both the club and fans, working towards common goals. It goes without saying we look forward to forming a successful relationship, roll on the new season."

Dafabet's Asian presence will similarly help Fulham's international fan expansion. Casper Stylsvig, chief revenue officer of Fulham, said: "We look forward to enjoying our return to the top flight with Dafabet and working with them to continue to grow the Club's brand globally."

No value was given for the sponsorship though industry sources put it at about £3 million per season.



http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2018/07/12/dafabet-secure-premier-league-returners-fulham-record-shirt-sponsorship/

 
Soccer: Promoted Fulham sign Seri and Le Marchand from Nice

LONDON (Reuters) - Fulham have signed Nice's Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michael Seri on a four-year deal along with French team mate Maxime le Marchand, the newly-promoted Premier League side said on Thursday.

Fulham said on their website (www.fulhamfc.com) that the deal for 26-year-old Seri included an option for a further 12 months.

Seri, who had also been linked to Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, joined Nice in 2015 from Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira.

"Jean Michaël arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time," said Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan.

Le Marchand, 28, has played 81 matches for Nice, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season.



https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-england-ful/soccer-promoted-fulham-sign-seri-and-le-marchand-from-nice-idINKBN1K21EA?rpc=401&

 
Fulham announce shock arrival of Chelsea target in club-record deal

Fulham have announced they have signed Jean Seri from French side Nice on a four-year deal until 2022 with an option to a further 12 months.

The Cottagers have fended off interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe to land the 26-year-old on a reported club-record deal worth £30m.

Seri was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea but the Premier League giants were not willing to intensify their interest until they resolve their managerial situation.

Chelsea's indecisiveness has allowed Fulham to prise the highly-rated central midfielder to Craven Cottage in one of the coup's of the summer.

"It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised," Seri told the club's official website.

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."


Seri's arrival caps what has been a really positive season for the newly-promoted side. Fulham have not only signed one of the most sought after midfielder's in Europe they have also secured the long-term futures of star men Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.

Only Marco Verratti (92.7) averaged more passes per game than Seri (86.3) in France's top tier last season.




https://www.whoscored.com/News/x-aImM9tQk-ncQEx4YeOMQ/Show/Fulham-announce-shock-arrival-of-Chelsea-target-in-club-record-deal

 
Who is Maxime Le Marchand? Fulham's newest centre back and second signing of the summer

The defender follows Jean-Michael Seri in making the move from Nice to Fulham

Fulham have completed the double transfer swoop after raiding Nice, with Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand on their way to Craven Cottage.

It's an stunning move from Fulham's recruitment team who have taken their time in this transfer window to make sure they get the players that they think will give them the best chance of staying up, and potentially more, in the Premier League this season.

Seri's transfer had been ongoing over the past week, but Le Marchand is a surprise add-on for Fulham who had been looking for a new centre back to strengthen the defence ahead of the new season.

The Frenchman looks to be that man - here's all you need to know about the second signing of the summer.

Career so far

Le Marchand joins Fulham from Nice, following Seri's footsteps of making the move from France to London.

He started his career at Rennes, where he won the U18 Championship before making his senior debut in a loan spell at Le Havre in the 2008/09 season.

They signed him permanently after that and the 28-year-old went on to play there for five years, becoming captain of the side before joining Nice in 2015.

He made 81 appearances in his time there, helping the side to top four finishes and to the Europa League, where they were knocked out in the Round of 32 to Lokomotiv Moscow.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14899204.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-952443912.jpg)
Nice's defender Maxime Le Marchand (R) vies with Strasbourg's midfielder Jonas Martin (Image: FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Where can he play?

Le Marchand is a versatile defender and is able to play at both centre back and left back - both key areas where Fulham haven't really strengthened properly.

It's almost a two-for-one signing for the club, with the Frenchman being able to cover at left back should Slavisa Jokanovic see the need for him to slot in there.

However, he will most likely play at centre back for Fulham alongside Tim Ream in the Premier League next season.

Will he fit the bill?

It looks that way.

Tony Khan and the recruitment team will have done extensive research on their man before signing him, and with European pedigree under his belt he looks to be a good fit for the side.

At 28 he has an experienced head on his shoulders too and should slot in well with an ambitious Fulham side.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14898675.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/GettyImages-945943720.jpg)
Angers midfielder Prince Oniangue (L) vies with Nice's French defender Maxime Le Marchand (R) (Image: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images)

What's been said about the move?

He told Fulhamfc.com: "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular.

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michaël Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."

Tony Khan added: "I'm very pleased that we've agreed to a transfer for defender Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

"Strengthening our squad is always a priority. In that spirit, we've done a lot of work on Maxime and believe that his skills and versatility will be valuable assets."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/who-maxime-le-marchand-fulhams-14899177

 
Fulham World Cup target quizzed about interest, needs to speak to agent

After reports last week linking him with a move to Fulham, Spartak Moscow central defender Ilya Kutepov has spoken to Russian newspaper Izvestia about his future.

The player impressed at the World Cup which has brought him to the attention of Fulham.

Kutepov said: "These are just rumours at the moment. I don't know anything. I will need to talk with my agent about that. But, we need to wait for that. I will talk about this later. Now I am exhausted and very tired. I want to have a holiday and spend some time with my family."

We recently covered reports from Russia that Fulham, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Monchengladbach are all showing an interest in Kutepov, and could look to move in for the defender in this transfer window.

With promotion to the Premier League, the London club will be looking to add to their squad before next month's deadline.

It was claimed one European side tabled a bid in the region of €12m for the player, but this club hasn't been disclosed.

Fulham's Premier League rivals West Ham United have also been linked with Kutepov in recent weeks.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-world-cup-target-quizzed-interest-needs-speak-agent/

 
'unplayable' Jean-Michael Seri: Signing 'the African Xavi' is a massive coup for Fulham, says French football expert

Ligue 1 correspondent Jeremy Smith tells talkSPORT the new £25m signing 'can basically do it all in midfield'

Fulham's £25million signing of Ivory Coast midfielder Jean-Michael Seri is a 'massive coup' for the Premier League club, a French football expert has told talkSPORT.

The Cottagers announced the signing of 26-year-old Seri from Ligue 1 side Nice on Thursday, beating a host of top European clubs – including Chelsea – to his signature.

It's a huge deal for Fulham as they strengthen their team for their return to top flight football.

And French football expert Jeremy Smith says the London club have landed 'an absolutely brilliant player', whose 'unplayable' form for Nice almost saw him join Barcelona last summer.

Speaking on Football First on talkSPORT 2, he said: "It's massive coup from Fulham when you look at some of the other teams who were rumoured to be interested.

"Two seasons ago he was unplayable – if there wasn't so much PSG bias he should have won French Footballer of the Year.

"His nickname among some people is the African Xavi, which tells you what kind of player he is.

(https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/07/SERI.jpg?strip=all&w=960&quality=100)
Jean-Michael Seri has joined Fulham in a reported £25m deal

"He's superb. He can dribble but he's a brilliant passer of the ball, he can find gaps where you can't obviously see them. He's also got a really decent long shot on him, he's a good set-piece taker.

"He can basically do it all in midfield.

"He can also drop back and play the defending N'Golo Kante role, he can play as an eight or a ten.

"This time last year it looked like he was going to join Barcelona but the plug was pulled at the last minute.



https://talksport.com/football/399076/jean-michael-seri-african-xavi-fulham/

 
Official | Fulham in Jean-Michaël Seri – Maxime Le Marchand double swoop

Fulham have completed their spectacular double signing of Nice duo Maxime Le Marchand and Jean Michael Seri for an undisclosed fee, with the latter signing a four-year-deal with the South London club.

Seri had been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Arsenal in the past few season and his outstanding performances for Nice across the past three years showing why he was so highly rated by those clubs and legends such as Xavi. Le Marchand may fly under the radar in comparison to his new teammate Seri's arrival, but his 173 appearances for Nice after joining in 2015 says a lot about his consistency at left back.

"It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised," said Seri, speaking at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground.

"I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better. I am delighted to be here, It's a new adventure that starts for me and I am hoping it will all go well."

Le Marchand also spoke about his move to the Cottagers, saying "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular."

"I am also very happy to have joined up with a good friend (Seri) and I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."



http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/official-fulham-in-jean-michael-seri-maxime-le-marchand-double-swoop/

 
Fulham transfer news: Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand join on permanent deals from Nice

Fulham announce double-signing, with Seri arriving just a year after he saw a move to Barcelona collapse

Fulham FC have sent out a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Premier League after announcing the double-signing of midfielder Jean Michael Seri and defender Maxime Le Marchand, who both join the club from French side Nice.

The acquisition of 26-year-old Seri on a four-year deal – with the option to extend that by a further 12 months – is believed to be worth £25m, and comes just one season after he agreed to join Barcelona, only for the deal to fall through.

Having also been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in recent transfer windows, the signing is a major coup for a club such a Fulham that is returning to the top flight after a four-year absence, and gives manager Slavisa Jokanovic a significant boost to his squad ahead of the star of the new campaign.

"It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised," said Seri, who made more than 100 appearances for Nice in three years and has also spent time with Portuguese sides Pacis de Ferreira and Porto's 'B' team.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/07/12/13/jean-michael-seri.jpg?w600)
Jean Michael Seri has joined Fulham from Nice on a four-year deal (Getty)

"Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

Having announced the arrival of Seri, Fulham immediately followed it up by unveiling his Nice teammate Le Marchand, with the 28-year-old also leaving the Ligue 1 side after three years in which he featured predominantly at left-back.

"I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular," Le Marchand said.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/07/12/13/maxime-le-marchand.jpg?w600)
Maxime Le Marchand follows Seri to Craven Cottage (Getty)

"I'm also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/fulham-transfer-news-jean-michael-seri-maxime-le-marchand-sign-join-deals-arsenal-chelsea-barcelona-a8443996.html

 
Fulham pull off incredible £35m signing – A huge reality check for Benitez, Ashley and NUFC

Whilst today is a positive one for NUFC, with Kenedy's return bringing a smile back to the face of Rafa Benitez, there's been one major move in the Premier League which will come as a real reality check.

Newly promoted Fulham have completed a stunning club record deal (worth £35m) to sign Jean Michael Seri – the highly-rated midfielder who had been heavily linked with the likes of Barcelona, Man Utd and Arsenal after several stunning seasons in France.

I prefer to focus on ourselves, but these things are hard to ignore when Fulham are paying over DOUBLE our current transfer-record (£17 for Michael Owen in 2005) to sign such a player on their first season back in the Premier League. It's a sign of the times.

Our Premier League rivals are spending big whilst we are in danger of standing still, with Mike Ashley continuing to make life in the transfer market so difficult for Rafa Benitez.

Our transfer business has actually been pretty solid so far, but we have spent just £4m so far – signing Kenedy on loan and Ki on a free since completing a simple £4m deal to turn Dubravka's loan into a permanent.

The big test will come now Benitez pushes to sign a new striker – a major deal that will make or break our summer.

I'm happy with our business so far, with Dubravka, Ki and Kenedy all being shrewd signings, but moves like this really put the pressure on us to get moving in the market.

We still need a striker (or two) and a number 10, but neither will come cheap – and that worries me as an NUFC fan in the Ashley era.

You'd think our transfer record will need to be broken at least once or twice if we're going to bring in the quality striker we so desperately need to compete in this day and age. Will Ashley sanction that? History suggests no – but he needs to.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/07/12/fulham-pull-off-incredible-35m-signing-a-huge-reality-check-for-benitez-ashley-and-nufc/

 
Report: Southampton's Matt Targett to review future after being denied Fulham transfer

The Southampton left-back spent the second half of last season on loan to Fulham.

Southampton's Matt Targett intends to review his future next month after being denied a permanent move to Fulham, according to the Daily Mirror (liveblog entry 13:14).

The newspaper reports Southampton have told Fulham that Targett is not for sale after the London side offered £10 million for the player who helped them win promotion while on loan there during the second half of last season.

And the Saints' reluctance is said to be in part down to Premier League interest in another of their left-backs, Ryan Bertrand.

But the Daily Mirror adds Targett is no longer willing to sit on the bench or in the stands after gaining a taste for regular football at Fulham last term.

The 22-year-old's hopes of doing that at Fulham, however, may have taken a hit after Thursday's arrival of Maxime Le Marchand from Nice.

Targett came through the ranks at Southampton, whose left-back options also include Sam McQueen, and has played 42 times for the south coast club.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/12/report-southamptons-matt-targett-to-review-future-after-being-de/

 
Have Chelsea been embarrassed in failure to sign £25m midfielder?

Fulham have pulled off one of the more remarkable transfer coups of the summer, beating Chelsea to the signature of Jean Michel Seri.

The French midfielder has joined the Whites today, as reported here by the BBC, for £25m.

As the Sun note in their report on the deal, Chelsea have been heavily linked with the former Nice man all the way back to last summer, and the fact that he's chosen to join a newly promoted team is a real surprise.

Of course we don't know the full story – perhaps Chelsea's progress on the transfer was halted when they realised they could land Jorginho. Perhaps the players decided he wanted to go somewhere he was promised more minutes. Perhaps they offered more wages.

All that we know is that from the outside, it looks as though we've been gazumped by our little local rivals, and that's a bit of a shocker for everyone – not leas the Fulham fans.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2018/07/chelsea-embarrassed-failure-sign-25m-midfielder/

 
Official: Fulham sign Arsenal-linked Seri

Fulham have announced the signing of OGC Nice midfielder Jean Seri, despite the player's links to FC Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal in the last year.

Fulham confirmed the deal on their club website on Thursday morning, writing that Seri has signed a four-year deal to play for the London club. They also have an option to extend for a further year, so at 26 years old Seri could well spend the peak years of his career with his new team.

Anyone who's been following Arsenal's recent transfer windows closely would've seen the links to Seri regularly. Those links never progressed into anything more though, and despite plenty of chances for the club to make a move, they always seemed more interested in other targets.

In fact, Barcelona came closer to signing the player last summer. Raul Sanllehi reportedly formed a close relationship with Seri, and almost concluded a deal, before the higher ups at the club decided to pull out.

The timing of Fulham's move suggests they decided to pay the player's release clause. Seri had a €40m clause in his Nice contract every summer, but it was only valid until 15th July. After that the clause expired, and Nice would have full control over negotiations. In all honesty, Arsenal didn't have €40m to spare on another midfielder.



http://dailycannon.com/2018/07/official-fulham-sign-arsenal-linked-seri/

 
Jean Michael Seri completes Fulham transfer, fans react

Fulham completed the signing of Jean Michael Seri from Nice earlier today.

The Ivorian has signed a four-year contract with the Londoners and he will be hoping to make his mark in English football next season.

Seri was linked with a move to Chelsea as well but the Cottagers have managed to fend off the competition for his services.

As per Guardian, Fulham have paid a club-record fee in the region of £25m for the midfielder.

Seri is a technically gifted midfielder who can operate in an attacking role as well as a box-to-box role. The 26-year-old will be the ideal partner for Tom Cairney next season.

The Fulham faithful will be delighted with the ambition shown by the club. For a newly promoted club, signing Seri is a major coup.

The Ivorian has been one of the best players in Ligue 1 for the last two years.

Speaking to the media after his move, Seri said: "It was a long day yesterday [Wednesday] so it was great to get the move finalised. Now, I'm ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better. I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."



http://sportslens.com/jean-michael-seri-completes-fulham-transfer-fans-react/238419/

 
Newcastle's transfer business has been woeful

OPINION

With Fulham announcing a club-record signing this summer, Newcastle's poor record in the transfer market is thrown into the spotlight.

Fulham have today confirmed the signing of 26-year-old midfielder Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice, revealing the news on the club's official Twitter account.

The fee for the Ivory Coast international, as reported by The Sun, is reportedly around £25million, which would dwarf the newly-promoted minnows' previous club record signing of Konstantinos Mitroglou from Greek side Olympiakos for £13.68million in 2013/14

Lets put this transfer into context. Unbelievably, the last time Newcastle broke their transfer record was in 2005. Yes, 2005.

The transfer of Michael Owen from Real Madrid to St. James Park in the 2005/06 season cost £22.5million, this remains their record transfer (TransferMarkt).

Sorry Magpies fans, it does actually get worse. Their second biggest transfer of all time is still Alan Shearer, who joined from Blackburn in 1996 for £18.9millon. Their third biggest transfer of all time is still Albert Luque in 2005 for £18million (TransferMarkt).

What has happened to all the huge TV revenue that the club receive every single year? What has happened to all the extra money that the club earns from playing in the Premier League? What has happened to the income from sponsorship and naming rights deals?

The fact that Fulham's transfer of Seri would break Newcastle's transfer record is beyond belief. It seems like every other club in the Premier League are spending money and breaking their transfer record, while the Toon just plods along and Benitez makes do with bargain basement signings.

Mike Ashley cannot expect Rafael Benitez to compete with the rest of the league when he's been given such a small budget to work from in comparison with other clubs. It's not just clubs of the same size that have more funds, even smaller clubs have bigger budgets, as Fulham have shown.

Newcastle United are a sleeping giant and that's how they'll remain until adequate investment is made.



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2018/07/blogs/newcastles-transfer-business-has-been-woeful/

Targett to consider his future after being denied Fulham move
by Dan on July 12, 2018

Matt Targett is considering his future at Southampton after the Saints blocked a possible permanent move to Fulham, the Daily Mirror reports this lunchtime.

The left-back, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage in the second half of last season, was the subject of a £10m bid from Fulham – who were keen to add him to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League – but Southampton turned down the offer. The tabloid claims that Targett, who made 21 appearances on loan at Fulham as Slavisa Jokanovic's side won promotion via the Championship play-offs, wants more first-team football and won't be content to sit on the bench at St. Mary's.

Southampton were not willing to consider a permanent departure for Targett whilst leading English clubs are chasing their England international and first choice left back Ryan Bertrand. Saints boss Mark Hughes also now considers Target, who has made 42 senior appearances for Southampton, as a member of his first-team squad and that knowledge was behind Fulham's big bid for the 22 year-old defender. It is thought that Fulham have moved on to other possible acquisitions having seen their offer for Targett turned down.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/targett-to-consider-his-future-after-being-denied-fulham-move/

 
Southampton's Targett told he will not leave this month


Southampton have told Matt Targett that he will not be leaving the club this month, despite interest from Fulham.

According to the Mirror, Targett has been the subject of a failed bid from the newly-promoted side, but Southampton are reluctant to sanction a deal.

The Saints are bracing themselves for interest in Ryan Bertrand, which could open up a spot for Targett at St Mary's.

Targett spent last season on loan at Fulham and impressed there. He went on to help the Cottagers secure their promotion to the top flight.

Slavisa Jokanovic has been keen to bring the player back to the club on a permanent basis, which could still happen this summer.

A £10 million bid has already been rejected by the Saints, according to the reports.

Targett is said to be keen on the move as he sets his sights on a regular starting place in the Premier League next season.



https://readsouthampton.com/2018/07/12/southamptons-targett-told-he-will-not-leave-this-month/

 
Everton fans react as Seri seemingly nears Fulham move

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham have won the race to sign Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, who is rated at £27m by Transfermarkt.

Seri, who has also been linked with West Ham United and Chelsea this summer, is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League ahead of the new campaign.

Everton have also been credited with an interest, meanwhile, and their supporters have been reacting to suggestions that Seri is on the verge of joining Fulham.

With respect to Fulham, Seri was strongly linked with Barcelona last summer, and it would be a surprise if he moved to Craven Cottage ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Fulham are seemingly going to pay £35m to sign Seri in a deal that will send shockwaves around Europe.

Everton fans, meanwhile, are still twiddling their thumbs as they wait for some transfer activity to arrive before the end of the month.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/everton/everton-fans-react-as-seri-seemingly-nears-fulham-move

 
Fulham break transfer record to sign Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/07/12/TELEMMGLPICT000134644925_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqMl2SRA4RJKeu3GnLAMKspfWdkT9uB8Hliw0BeTXMayM.jpeg?imwidth=1240)
Jean Michael Seri (right) had been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea Credit: AFP

Premier League newcomers Fulham have beaten off interest from Dortmund and Chelsea to just sign midfielder Jean Michael Seri from Nice for a club record of around £25million.

The Ivorian international, will arrive with Nice team-mate Maxime Le Marchand in a combined deal believed to be in excess of £30m.

Seri, 26, who was last season described by Xavi as having "Barcelona DNA", was unveiled at Craven Cottage on Thursday morning, having signed a four-year deal.

It is Fulham's first major move of the summer as manager Slavisa Jokanovic strengthens his squad in preparation for their top-flight return.

Seri scored two goals and had six assists 31 matches for Nice last season and his arrival could mean Stefan Johansen, a prominent figure in last season's promotion campaign, has a reduced role.

Fulham's owner, Tony Khan, said: "This is a big day for everyone associated with Fulham. I trust all Fulham supporters are collectively as thrilled and ecstatic as we are that Jean Michael will be joining our squad as we return home to the Premier League"

Le Marchand, who can play at centre-back and left-back, will help fill the gaps left by Thomas Kalas and Matt Targett. who have returned to Chelsea and Southampton, respectively, after their loan spells expired.

Le Marchand said "I'm very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that's very popular."

Having appeared for Nice 81 times in both Ligue 1 and the Europa league, the defender brings experience and depth to a back line desperate for reinforcement.

The double signing will be viewed as a statement of intent from Fulham, who are ready to spend significant sums to help survive in the Premier League.

A major target could be Newcastle's Alexander Mitrovic, who scored 12 goals while on loan at Craven Cottage during the second half of last season. Fulham would probably have to pay in the region of £20 million to make the Serbian striker a permanent asset.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/12/fulham-break-transfer-record-sign-jean-michael-seri-maxime-le/

 
"Barca DNA": Fulham sign Jean-Michael Seri to kick-off summer spending

The 26-year-old has today been announced as a Fulham player.

Newly promoted clubs are nowadays expected to make a splash, shelling out cash in a bid to upgrade their squads to Premier League quality.

However, despite these expectations, no one (with the exception of Tony Khan) could have imagined Fulham signing Jean-Michael Seri, the highly-rated central midfielder from Nice.

Fulham's acquisition of a player who has topped the Ligue 1 rankings for passes played and passes completed for two seasons in a row, and one who Xavi had famously praised, represents the coup of the summer.

The 26-year-old had drawn the interest of Europe's elite in past seasons, heavily linked to moves to Barcelona, and later Chelsea.

This remarkable praise from one of the generation's best midfielders illustrates how good Seri is. His eye for a pass is second to none, and his goal scoring rate (12 in 103 appearances for Nice) is also laudable.

Fulham desperately needed reinforcements in the centre of midfield, as an upgrade was needed on Stefan Johansen.

Although the Norwegian was crucial to the club's promotion, at times last season he was frustratingly ineffective and Seri is undoubtedly a more accomplished player to operate in the engine room of the pitch.

    "He can play anywhere in the middle. He is fantastic. He has what they call the Barca DNA. No doubt."

– Xavi evidently saw the Ivory Coast international as his heir at the Camp Nou, August 2017.

The purchase of Seri is a hugely ambitious move that sends a strong statement of intent to the rest of the top flight. Credit is in store for Tony Khan and the recruitment team, who have bought a player who many expected would depart to clubs of a higher status than Fulham.

Fulham fans had to wait a while for the first signing, but the marquee purchase of one of the best young midfielders in the world was well worth the wait. And just minutes later, Fulham also confirmed the signing of defender Maxime le Merchand from Nice as well, an accomplished centre-back and left-back who will add experience in the backline.

With pass master Jean-Michael Seri alongside Tom Cairney in the Fulham midfield, Premier League defences should be on high alert. Fulham have made their first foray into the transfer market, and they mean business.



https://tbrfootball.com/michael-seri-barca-dna/

 
Fulham seal sensational Seri swoop for club record fee

Fulham have completed the signing of Jean Michaël Seri from Nice for a club-record fee in the region of £25m, on an initial four-year contract with a further option for one year.

The west London club have beaten off stiff competition from several European clubs to sign Seri, who was on the verge of a move to Barcelona last summer.

Chelsea, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal were thought to be interested in the Ivory Coast international but Slavisa Jokanovic's side have acted decisively to make him their first summer signing on their return to the Premier League.

"He's been at the very top of our target list for a long time," said Tony Khan, the Fulham sporting director. "This is a big day for Fulham."

Meanwhile the club also completed the signing of Seri's former Nice teammate Maxime le Marchand.

The defender, who can play at centre-back and left-back, played 81 times for the French club and joins for a fee of £5m.



https://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/2018/07/football-league/fulham/fulham-seal-sensational-seri-swoop-club-record-fee/

 
Why Fulham fans should be excited about Seri signing

Well, that's some coup for Fulham isn' it? Jean Michael Seri, who has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, on Thursday completed his move to Craven Cottage for a club-record £27m. Given the competition for his signature, for the Cottagers to land the Ivorian is a huge statement of intent.

After their return to the Premier League was confirmed in the playoff win over Aston Villa back in May, Fulham have the clash to splash. Seri may have been reluctant to make the switch to west London initially, but the financial windfall ultimately convinced the ball playing midfielder to secure a move to England's capital. Nice may have wished to keep the 26-year-old, yet after batting away offers last summer, were better prepared to cash in on Seri this time around.

He may be a club-record capture, but Seri's arrival is one that raises eyebrows. The player himself has a lengthy list of admirers - "I'm not used to seeing such talent in midfield anymore," former Barcelona legend Xavi once told Le Parisien - and he seemed a perfect fit for the Blaugrana, so for Fulham to land him speaks volumes.

His possession based style of play suits a Fulham side that averaged more possession (57.8%) than any other Championship team last term. While it will be easier said than done translating that into the Premier League, Seri is a player who'll help with the transition. Indeed, he made more accurate passes (2418) than any other player in Ligue 1 last season, to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of 'passing', for a Nice outfit that enjoyed a similar possession return (56.3%) to Fulham.

The Premier League may be quicker than Ligue 1, yet his composure in the middle of the park will only benefit a Fulham outfit that looks to get the ball on the floor rather than implement a more direct approach. While it'll be easier to soak up pressure and aim to hit teams on the counter-attack, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic can be expected to stick to his guns and maintain the style of football that secured Fulham's promotion, and he has to be respected for that.

Seri, though, won't simply be used to retain possession without looking to thread passes to the attack either, which is another strong point to his game. In the last two Ligue 1 seasons, 37 attempted through balls is the seventh best in France's top tier. Take away PSG players, and the moves up to third behind Dimitri Payet (63) and Florian Thauvin (59), two players traditionally deployed higher up the pitch by Marseille than Fulham's new signing.

It may not have always paid off, but that forward thinking approach will only serve as a boost for this Fulham side. With a return of 2.1 key passes per game leading to five assists in Ligue 1 last season, the capital outfit have themselves a midfielder who isn't afraid to attempt a pass to split a defence in half and put his side on the front foot. This eye for a goalscoring opportunity means Fulham won't necessarily hold onto the ball for the sake of it and adds another dimension to their attack.

Having largely performed in a 4-3-3 formation for Nice last season too, Seri will be well-versed in the tactical demands of the Fulham side, especially with Jokanovic expected to keep with a similar setup for the coming campaign. However, Seri's arrival will disrupt the established midfield equilibrium of Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald, with the trio key players in Fulham's successful promotion push. That being said, improvements and an increase in competition are always welcomed and will only have a positive impact on Fulham.

With the arrival of Maxime Le Marchand also confirmed on Thursday, Seri isn't alone in making the trip from the French Riviera to London and the defender's arrival should help the big-money signing capture settle in the capital. What's more, Le Marchand is familiar with Seri and the style of the play as 257 of the total passes Marchand made in Ligue 1 last season were to Seri, the second highest return at Nice.

All in all, his is a great capture by Fulham and one the certainly catches the eye. Provided he can transfer his fine club form from France to England, then the Cottagers have a real player on their hands.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/MvqQzBMLK0uNxfBWd300Sw/Show/Why-Fulham-fans-should-be-excited-about-Seri-signing

 
Barnet Kick Off Amended

Fulham Under-23s' meeting with Barnet at the Hive Stadium this Saturday 14th July will now kick-off at the earlier time of 1pm.

It was originally scheduled to kick-off at 3pm.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/12/barnet-kick-off-amended

 
Fulham closing in with efforts to sign Spanish goalkeeper, two offers made

According to a claim in the Turkish media, Fulham are close to signing Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri.

The West London club have been busy in the transfer window this week with the signing of Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, and Fulham's new signing could be joined by the Spanish keeper.

Aspor journalist Aykut Ince reports Fulham made an initial bid of €3.5m for Fabri which was instantly rejected by Besiktas as they initially valued him at €8m. It's claimed the Premier League side came in with a second offer of €4.5m and following talks the Turkish side are now prepared to accept €6m, although it's not stated Fulham have offered that.

It's reported Fulham's interest in Fabri has come about because their goalkeeping coach Jose Sambade was previously at Besiktas.

The 30 year old has been Besiktas' first choice since arriving in Istanbul in 2016 from Deportvio La Coruna, making 34 Turkish Super Lig appearances last season.

Fabri is contracted to the Turkish side until next summer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-close-agreement-sign-spanish-goalkeeper-two-offers-made/

 
Exclusive JD Oxford Street Event

Celebrate the release of Fulham's 18/19 Home & Away Kits with an exclusive instore player event at JD Sports Oxford Street!

First Team players Tom Cairney, Tim Ream and Ryan Sessegnon will be in attendance, alongside Academy stars Steven Sessegnon and Marlon Fossey.

Free to attend for Whites fans, enjoy a live Q&A session, hosted by Snapchat Star Stevo The Madman,  before having the chance to get your pictures taken and new shirt signed by the boys.

With live entertainment from DJ Specs Gonzales and JD Sports very own event hosts, make sure you don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity.
When

Friday 13th July, 3pm - 4pm
Where

JD Sports Oxford Street - 197-203 Oxford St, Soho, London W1D 2LE

Supporters can get their hands on Fulham's new 18/19 Home and Away Kits at JD Sports' flagship store this Friday, as well as online or instore at the Fulham Stadium Store today.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/12/jd-sports-event

 
Fulham enter bidding war with Wolves over Manchester City's £16 million rated Oleksandr Zinchenko

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/07/12/TELEMMGLPICT000168843949_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqjJjRpbizeqTeQHsp8ASBd7P6QUi2MNo2xPMPYpJK9bE.jpeg?imwidth=1240)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to pre-season training at Manchester City Credit: Matt McNulty - Manchester City

Fulham have secured a major coup with the capture of Jean Michael Seri and are ready to rival Wolves in their £16m pursuit of Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Slavisa Jokanovic, the Fulham manager, has issued a huge statement of intent with the £25m club record signing of Ivory Coast international Seri from Nice.

Seri has also been trailed by Chelsea and Barcelona but the midfielder has opted to join last season's Championship play-off winners after passing a medical on Tuesday.

Fulham are now considering a bid for Zinchenko as Jokanovic strengthens his squad for the Premier League.

Zinchenko, 21, is a target for Wolves and Jorge Mendes, the agent assisting the West Midlands club, has been in negotiations with City over a potential deal.

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/07/12/TELEMMGLPICT000160120911_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqYbHyc_BzkV-wGdElElElaPIIWY1E3D2_47apRQZr-h0.jpeg?imwidth=1160)
Jean Seri has been bought by Fulham for £25 million  Credit: Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates

Wolves have been discussing a £16m deal but Fulham are weighing up a higher offer for the versatile left-footed player, with Jokanovic also likely to offer him a place in his preferred position of midfield. Though Fulham have also signed Nice defender Maxime Le Marchand, the club remain interested in Zinchenko.

Jokanovic is also working on deals for Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who played a major role for the club in their route to promotion via the play-offs.

Jokanovic is also in negotiations over a new contract after his achievements at Craven Cottage.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/12/fulham-enter-bidding-war-wolves-manchester-citys-16-million/

 
Fulham: Who is Maxime Le Marchand?
RealSport look at what the newest Fulham signing can offer the Premier League's newest member.

This summer, Fulham have strengthened their squad with the transfers of Jean Michel-Seri and Maxime Le Marchand both from Nice.

The name of the former is well-known in the football world, targetted by Barcelona and Arsenal last season.

Le Merchand's signing is more mysterious, though, and his move will understandably be overshadowed by the Ivorian, who cost a lion's share of the £30 million package deal for the pair.

Nevertheless, he is a decent signing for a team aiming to bolster their defence ahead of a Premier League comeback.

RealSport have looked at what Fulham fans can expect from the Frenchman.

A versatile defender
Le Marchand is an experienced defender who could play as a centre back or a left-back. However, he started off his career as a midfielder playing in the prestigious Rennes academy.

Having been shifted in the youth ranks towards the left side of the pitch, the 28-year-old featured as a left winger as well as in the left-back role. Expect him to offer support for Fulham's offensive line and cooperate well with the club's young star Ryan Sessegnon.

Le Marchand found some regular playing time in Le Havre, a side he joined on loan in 2008, and moved to permanently the season after. In the end, he played for Le Havre 173 times and even wore the captain armband before moving to Nice.

During his three years at Nice, he was deployed as a centre-back or a full-back, providing versatility and a range of defensive options to the coach Slavisa Jokanovic in the wake of uncertainty over Tomas Kalas' future.

Although Le Marchand's first touch may cause Fulham problems on the Premier League level, he is a defender who reads the game well and excels in ball interception. He also can hold on to the ball and start an offensive action with a precise pass towards the middle of the pitch.

Le Marchand perhaps doesn't pose much danger from set pieces as his goal-scoring record isn't impressive: he's only managed to net seven goals in his career. However, the 28-year-old seems to be a decent defensive signing for a team that struggled with keeping a clean sheet at the beginning of last season.

Experienced in Europe
Perhaps the most valuable for Fulham might be Le Marchand's European football pedigree.

The Frenchman was a part of the Nice team who came third in Ligue 1 in the 2016/17 season and played in the Europa League. In his only appearance in Europe, against Krasnodar, he scored a goal securing a win for his team.

Last season, La Marchand featured regularly for Nice in the European cups. In two qualifying Champions League rounds, he helped Nice knock out Ajax before losing to Napoli.

Nice played then in the Europa League group stage with Lazio, Vitesse and Zulte Waregem and reached the Round of 32. La Marchand played in five games in the competition.

With Fulham's offensive potential, Jokanovic seemingly decided that his team's defensive line is the formation that needs a reshuffle ahead of the Premier League challenge and brought in a defensive-minded midfielder and a versatile defender.

Although maybe not as glamorous as Jean-Michel Seri, La Marchand is a solid signing for a newly-promoted Premier League side and should bring stability and experience into the team.



https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/fulham-who-is-maxime-le-marchand/

Fulham set to bid for Zinchenko
by Dan on July 12, 2018

Fulham are ready to join the race to sign Manchester City youngster Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to a Daily Telegraph report this afternoon.

Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers are believed to have had a bid of around £16m accepted by the Premier League champions, whilst Newcastle have also registered their interest in signing the 21 year-old. The Telegraph claims that Fulham are ready to offer a higher up front offer, with Slavisa Jokanovic prepared to play the Ukrainian international in his preferred midfield position.

Zinchenko, who has largely been used as a wing-back by City boss Pep Guardiola, has made just sixteen first-team appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Ufa for around £1.7,m in July 2016. He has also spent time on loan at PSV Eindhoven and has a host of admirers across Europe. Zinchenko, the youngest scorer of an international goal in Ukrainian football yesterday, is keen to play regular football and is understood to be waiting on the outcome of a discussion with Manchester City over their plans for him during the coming season.

The move for Zinchenko is yet another signal of Fulham's ambitions as they plot their return to the Premier League following their defeat of Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. The Cottagers sprung a major surprise in spending a rumoured £25m to complete a deal for Nice's highly-rated Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Serri this morning and also brought in defender Maxime Le Marchand from the French club.

The Telegraph also reports that contract talks between Jokanovic, who has been in charge at Craven Cottage since December 2015, and Fulham are progressing well.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-set-to-bid-for-zinchenko/

Fulham linked with swoop for Spanish goalkeeper
by Dan on July 12, 2018

Fulham are in talks with Besiktas about signing their goalkeeper Fabri, according to various reports from Turkey.

The Premier League new boys' summer spending burst into life their morning when they announced the double signing of Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand from Nice. The Turkish press claim that Fulham are now close to signing Spanish custodian Fabri, having had two initial approaches rejected by Besiktas, after agreeing a fee of around £7m.

The 30 year-old has been firmly established as Besiktas' first-choice goalkeeper since joining the Turkish giants from Deportivo La Coruna in July 2016. Fabri, capped at youth level by Spain, helped Beskitas win the Turkish title in his first season in Istanbul and made 36 league appearances as they finished fourth last season, claiming a Europa League spot. The experienced goalkeeper had previously made 51 appearances in two spells with Deportivo having also played for Vallodolid, Recreativo and Real Betis in Spain.

It is believed that Fulham's approach for Fabri came about because the club's current goalkeeping coach Jose Sambede was formerly on the coaching staff at Besiktas. With David Button heavily linked to a move to Brighton over the past month, Fulham are rumoured to be searching for an experienced goalkeeper to compete with academy graduate Marcus Bettinelli ahead of their return to the top flight next month. Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has also reportedly been lined up as a potential signing, according to press reports.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-linked-with-swoop-for-spanish-goalkeeper/

 
Fulham Have Got A Real Gem In Jean-Michael Seri

Fulham have not wasted anytime in bringing in a top class reinforcement as they prepare for life in the Premier League, after spending the last four years away from the English top flight.

In signing Jean-Michael Seri, The Cottagers have managed to bring in a midfielder with superb pedigree.

During the last twelve months the Ivorian has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Liverpool, PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea. Supposedly Barca had gone as far as agreeing a deal with OGC Nice for the player last summer before getting cold feet at the last minute and pulling out of the transfer.

Yet it's Fulham that have finally taken the plunge and signed the player on a four deal, for a reported fee of £25m.

Seri told his new club's website that he can't wait to get started:

    "I'm delighted to be here, it's a new adventure that starts for me and I'm hoping it will all go well."

The South London side are getting a player who has been described as the 'African Xavi'.

The Spanish maestro once said of Jean-Michael:

    "He is fantastic. He has what they call the Barca DNA. No doubt."

High praise indeed.

Seri was a huge influence at Nice and he helped guide the Cote d'Azur club to their third placed finish in Ligue 1 in 2017. During that term he scored seven goals and created nine assists.

In the last campaign, he scored two and created five in the French top tier. He managed over 90% in the passing success rate charts and Fulham will see keeping the ball as a vital way of keeping the ball out of their own net next season.

Predominantly he's a deep-laying playmaker and as you'd expect he has great vision, possesses a terrific passing range and likes to dictate the tempo of the game. Seri is all about creating chances for his team and he's got a keen eye for doing just that! The twenty-six year old is also an excellent set-piece taker.

He's not as strong on the defensive side of things, Jean-Michael won't win you many tackles or headers but he does get around the pitch and harry opponents into making mistakes. Plus let's not forget that he's more of a creative spark rather than being a midfield destroyer.

So why would such a talent choose Fulham? It's not 2001 after all (when Fulham regularly raided Ligue 1 for stars).

Well all the talk of big interest failed to materialise into concrete bids or getting Seri to sign on the dotted line. You simply can't wait for ever.

Fulham returning to the Premier League and being in London will have probably helped him make the decision. He'll also join the newly promoted side, knowing he can go straight into the starting eleven and make an impact. If he shines in the English top flight with them, then maybe then the bigger clubs will make serious offers.

The move shows you how foreign players treat the Premier League as a competition that they're desperate to play in.

I really believe that Fulham have managed to bring in a top star in Jean-Michael Seri and I hope the Ivory Coast international can prove himself at Craven Cottage and show what a talent he really is!



http://www.thefootyblog.net/2018/07/12/fulham-have-got-a-real-gem-in-jean-michael-seri/

 
New signings will make football sit up and notice Fulham - but there's still work to be done

The arrivals of Jean Michael-Seri and Maxime Le Marchand have been greeted with much excitement, but Dan Crawford insists there's still work to be done

The lack of arrivals at Motspur Park have caused some consternation over the past few weeks with Fulham preparing to return to the Premier League, but the news this morning that the Whites have managed to sign both Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand comes as a serious statement of intent ahead of the new campaign.

The transfer window is always hyped to the maximum - so avoiding some of the speculation is vital if you want to retain a semblance of sanity, but the fact that Fulham, a newly-promoted club, have been able to secure the signing of Seri is worth celebrating.

Here is a player who has been one of the most creative and consistent performers in Ligue 1 over the past couple of years and came close to joining Barcelona last summer.

If you believe the rumour mill, he was on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Napoli over the past few weeks - so to tempt him to Craven Cottage is a real achievement.

His capture could be comparable to when Jean Tigana brought Edwin van der Sar to Fulham from Juventus back in 2001: a signing that makes the football world sit up and take notice.

Seri, with his vision, technical ability and eye for a defence-splitting pass, should flourish in Slavisa Jokanovic's possession-based, attacking system.

The prospect of the Ivorian international lining up alongside Fulham's Wembley hero, Tom Cairney - recently secured on a long-term contract in another bit of impressive summer business by the club - is mouthwatering.

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Jean Michael Seri celebrates after scoring (Image: YANN COATSALIOU/AFP/Getty Images)

It remains to be seen whether Jokanovic will reshape his preferred system to ensure Fulham are competitive in the Premier League, but those two certainly have the ability to unlock the tightest of top flight defences.

The arrival of Maxime Le Marchand will be less widely heralded, but is just as important.

Fulham's defence is definitely in need of reinforcements and the Nice defender's versatility could be crucial. Equally at home as a left-sided ball-playing centre back or at full back, Le Marchand should fit comfortably into Jokanovic's system and could slot in alongside Tim Ream at the heart of the defence.

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Angers midfielder Prince Oniangue (L) vies with Nice's French defender Maxime Le Marchand (R) (Image: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images)

With Denis Odoi, who played at centre halve for much of the second half of the season, missing against Crystal Palace through suspension, Le Marchand has a real opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot over the coming weeks.

Having helped Nice finish just outside the European places last season, he certainly has the pedigree and appears a shrewd acquisition.

The excitement at making these two signings shouldn't mask the work that still needs to be done, especially given that the transfer window closes earlier this year.

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Jean Michael Seri in action against Monaco (Image: YANN COATSALIOU/AFP/Getty Images)

The first team still has very obvious gaps at left back - particularly if Jokanovic wants to play Ryan Sessegnon further forward, right wing and centre forward, although that spot could soon be taken by Aleksandar Mitrovic.

There are still concerns about the depth of quality in the squad for the serious challenge ahead, with arguably more strength required in terms of a goalkeeper, centre half, striker and some serious cover for Cairney needed.

I don't doubt that the Fulham hierarchy are aware of the size of the task - and, given his history, Jokanovic won't be shy about letting them know, either. This morning's moves are an encouraging start - and show that Fulham's stock is on the rise.

Dan Crawford is the editor of hammyend.com and on the board of the Fulham Supporters' Trust



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/new-signings-make-football-sit-14899670

Cottage Talk Extra: Breaking News Analysis
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we analyzed the signings for Fulham of Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand. We also talked about some speculation with the club at the end of the show. Co-host for this episode was Yannis Tjanetis.

You can also listen to the show on Friends Of Fulham.

to listen to the podcast follow the link....
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/12/17565264/cottage-talk-extra-breaking-news-analysis

 
Why Jean-Michael Seri won't be another Dimitar Berbatov at Fulham

The 26-year-old arrives at Fulham in a club-record deal, but he won't be an expensive mistake at Craven Cottage

It's the year 2000. Fulham are on their way to their first promotion to the top flight in 33 years and chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed is singing.

"We're not Real Madrid. We're not Barcelona. We are Fulham!"

So went the chorus to Colin and the Cottagers not-so-smash hit, "We're not Real Madrid," featuring Al-Fayed on vocals. Of course.

The fans were given an airing during a home game against Grimsby that November. David Hamilton, then announcer at Craven Cottage, asked fans if they wanted to hear the song again. In the words of the NME: "A resounding barrage of boos and chants of 'No! No! No!" was the answer.

To be fair to Jean Michael Seri, Fulham's new signing from Nice, he might not want to hear it either.

That he's not at Barcelona and instead at Fulham is a sore subject, after a move to his 'dream club' fell through last summer.

It does indicate the size of the coup pulled off by Fulham to bring the 26-year-old central midfielder in, with higher profile clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea circling too this time round.

Seri becomes the club's record signing at a cool £25million, and is the highest profile arrival since Dimitar Berbatov moved to Craven Cottage on deadline day six years ago - but that did not go well.

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Jean Michel Seri (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring (Image: YANN COATSALIOU/AFP/Getty Images)

"Keep calm and pass me the ball" was the famous message revealed by the Bulgarian back on Boxing Day in 2012, after scoring against Southampton.

A bit of fun on the face of it perhaps but as former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suggested on talkSPORT last year, Berbatov wasn't a team player.

"He just didn't really talk to anyone. You'd walk into a room and he'd be sitting there and he wouldn't lift his head. You'd go 'Morning Dimi' and he'd just grunt at you. He never ever opened up, you could never find out more about him."

Schwarzer went on: "We had a lot of discussions with the manager about it and he was completely protective and in the end we weren't allowed to bring it up again. Big Martin Jol wouldn't allow it."

Whether it was for the team spirit in the dressing room or for the on-pitch adjustments needed to accommodate him, Berbatov was a luxury Fulham could not afford.

What use is it after all to build a team around a 30-year-old striker who never really looked like he wanted to be there? Signing Berbatov was part of the short-term thinking which got the club relegated in 2014, not to mention Seri's predecessor as Fulham's record signing that year, Kostas Mitroglou.

No fan can kid themselves that Seri has always dreamed of playing for the club but unlike Berbatov's time in SW6, this has all the ingredients to work out well for all parties involved. In Seri, Fulham get a luxury player that suits them.

Signing him was part of the short-term thinking which got the club relegated in 2014. What use is it after all to build a team around a 30-year-old striker who never really looked like he wanted to be there?

A statement of intent for a start, its timing too is advantageous to Director of Football Operations Tony Khan. With just under a month left in the window, it's difficult to argue against Fulham not becoming a more attractive proposition with the Seri signing when trying to persuade others to join.

Add that to the dominance in possession which characterised Fulham under Slavisa Jokanovic in the Championship and it should make for a smoother on-pitch transition for Seri too, even if adapting to the longer periods without the ball will be one of the biggest challenges next season.

Only PSG though had more possession than Nice in each of the past two Ligue 1 seasons, with Seri impressing in the first of those as one of the division's top creators.

His form suffered after the move to Barcelona fell through last summer with the Ivorian devastated. Speak to those in France that saw him play and they'll tell you how niggling injuries and the added burden of European football didn't help either.

The latter won't be a problem at Fulham, with Seri on the face of it most likely to become a guaranteed starter in Stefan Johansen's stead in the midfield three. Captain Tom Cairney starts when fit whilst Kevin McDonald, an important dressing room figure, becomes that little bit more crucial at the base of midfield, particularly given how physically imposing he is.

Seri, at five foot six, is not.

Settling in should be aided with ex-Nice team-mate Maxime Le Marchand arriving at the same time too. That the Fulham squad already boasts French speakers in Floyd Ayité and Aboubakar Kamara can only help.

Most importantly for Seri himself, it's a chance to shine on a big stage in the form of the Premier League, particularly given the fact that he will be one of the men next season. Should all go to plan for him, don't expect the club to stand in his way in a year or two if he wants to move on.

He joins a club with momentum behind them too following promotion in the playoff final back in May but Fulham know their place in the food chain. Recouping the club record fee they've paid for him and a quite bit more down the line is the sort of longer term thinking that just wasn't happening when Berbatov was signed.

A question mark lingers over whether he really has got over that failed move to Catalunya but time will tell soon enough. He follows the trend of Steed Malbranque and Steve Marlet who both also made the move from Ligue 1 to Fulham the last time the club were promoted in 2001.

Malbranque proved a success, Marlet one of the most expensive flops in the club's history.

Even if fans went from shouting "Steeeeeed" in to "Greeeeeed" when he made off for Tottenham, Seri will want to be viewed more like the former when he departs Craven Cottage.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jean-michael-seri-wont-another-14900969

 
Fulham's signing of Jean Michael Seri will be coup of the summer

Fulham have pulled off one of the shock signings of the summer, as Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri has joined the club for a record fee. The Guardian report that the fee is in the region of £25 million and that he has signed a four-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Over the past 12 months, the 26-year-old has been linked with Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal to name but three other interested clubs. Meanwhile, he came close to signing for Barcelona last summer.

It is a major coup for Fulham to sign the Ivorian, as they are a recently promoted club who haven't been in the Premier League since 2014.

However, there is clear ambition among the ownership and this could be the first of several ambitious arrivals, as they attempt to establish themselves as a top division force once more.

Their location and style of play make them an appealing option for players, as shown by Seri's decision to move to Craven Cottage.

Nice have been one of the most exciting teams in watch in Ligue 1 during recent seasons and they have managed to develop a host of exciting players.

Seri is regarded as one of the best to play in red and blue, as he has been at the heart of a team that has played attacking football and qualified for the Champions League. Although they didn't reach the group stages, it was a huge achievement to get to the play-off round.

The 26-year-old is very much a modern-day central midfielder capable of excelling at a number of roles. He covers a lot of ground for his team and is always looking to improve himself as a player.

    "Jean Michael arrives with Premier League qualities as well as great promise for the future, which is why he has been at the very top of our target list for a long time."


Although he is primarily used as a box-to-box midfielder, he can be used in both deeper and more advanced positions. His pass accuracy rarely dips beneath 90% as he is comfortable on the ball in tight spaces. That said, he isn't conservative in possession as he looks to break down opposition defences.

Last season, he averaged 2.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game, which underline the quality he has in the transition phase. During the last three seasons, he has contributed 12 goals and 20 assists in Ligue 1.

There have been few better midfielders during that period and he is now ready to test himself in a better division. He was perhaps less impressive during the 2017/18 campaign, but he may have remained with Nice for one year too many.

This is a marquee signing that sends a signal of intent to the rest of the division. Fulham are not in the Premier League to make up the numbers and they are prepared to spend big to establish themselves as a force. Seri is a player that is good enough to play in the Champions League and he will be the star attraction at Craven Cottage next season.

Slavisa Jokanovic and Tony Khan must now make further additions to provide the team with more quality players. It is worth noting that Fulham came up through the play-offs and one player, regardless of his quality, isn't enough to transform them into a Premier League team.

The club will realise that and Seri could be the first of many eye-catching signings made this summer.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-seri-coup/

 
Signing of the summer? Here's why Fulham fans must be excited about their £17.7m star signing

Why signing Jean-Michael Seri is a huge statement of intent from Fulham

Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham have completed one of the most surprising transfers of the summer. As per reports, the Cottagers have signed midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice for £17.7m. 

The Ivory Coast international, who was being chased by a horde of clubs across Europe, including Fulham's London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Why signing Jean-Michael Seri is a huge statement of intent from Fulham

Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham have completed one of the most surprising transfers of the summer. As per reports, the Cottagers have signed midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice for £17.7m. 

The Ivory Coast international, who was being chased by a horde of clubs across Europe, including Fulham's London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 26-year-old midfielder was on Nice's books since 2015, having joined from Portuguese outfit Pacos Ferreira. Since then, he went from strength-to-strength during his time in France. Seri made 123 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and setting up 26 more in the process. 

The Ivorian was integral to their successes in the 2016/17 campaign as they finished third in the French top division and qualified for the UEFA Champions League as well. Seri enjoyed yet another solid campaign last time out, as he netted twice and chalked up 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a consistent performer for the French outfit. 

Seri can play anywhere in the middle of the park, be it as a holding midfielder or as a traditional No.8. He can also play as an advanced No.10 if required, meaning he would add immense value to Fulham next season.

The Ivorian has the talent and the ability to control the game from deeper areas with his range of passing. As seen from the last couple of seasons, he can also contribute with goals and assists in huge numbers as well. 

Seri is an effective operator in the box-to-box midfield role and has the vision to unlock defences while possessing great dribbling abilities as well. Add to that his exceptional set-piece delivery, and Fulham have a classy midfielder who could prove to be the ideal partner for the brilliant Tom Cairney. 

Seri has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage. And Fulham have made a huge statement of intent by acquiring his signature ahead of other suitors.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/13/signing-of-the-summer-heres-why-fulham-fans-must-be-excited-about-their-17-7m-star-signing/

 
Fulham signings Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand train with new team-mates for the first time

    Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand both joined Fulham from Nice
    The pair were quickly put to work as they trained with the squad at Motspur Park
    Scott Parker, who has returned to the club as a coach, was also in attendance

New Fulham signings Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand trained with the club for the first time on Thursday after arriving for a combined deal worth more than £30million.

Fulham pulled off a significant coup by signing Ivory Coast midfielder Seri from Nice, while Le Marchand, who can play as a centre back, at left back or as a defensive-midfielder, also joined from the French club.

The pair were put through their paces immediately as they undertook a training session with the rest of Slavisa Jokanovic's squad at Mostpur Park.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AAD5000000578-0-image-m-14_1531421122994.jpg)
New Fulham signing Jean Michael Seri (far right) trains with the squad after joining from Nice

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The versatile Maxime Le Marchand (far left) also trained having completed his move to the club

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Scott Parker (right) attended the session having returned to Fulham as a first-team coach

Fulham are eager to make an impact upon their return to the Premier League and the acquisition of Seri, who produced some hugely impressive performances for Nice, should help them to fulfill that objective.

Scott Parker was also present at the training session having returned to the club as a first-team coach having previously been in charge of Tottenham's U18 side. Parker made 128 appearances for Fulham as a player between 2013 and 2017.

There has been a major departure from Fulham this summer, with right back Ryan Fredericks joining West Ham on a free transfer, but Jokanovic has a strong squad at his disposal.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AAF8200000578-0-image-m-36_1531421623662.jpg)
Seri (right) talks to new team-mate Neeskens Kebano during the training session

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AB0B200000578-0-image-m-16_1531421139620.jpg)
Ivory Coast international Seri adjusts to his new surroundings after joining Fulham

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Seri watches on during the training session  as Fulham prepare for the new season

Among the players involved in Thursday's session was Ryan Sessegnon, who was crowned the Championship player of the season last campaign having played a pivotal part in Fulham's promotion push.

Fulham commenced their pre-season programme with a 4-2 victory over Crawley Town last weekend and take on Reading in their next game on Saturday.

The Cottagers' Premier League campaign gets underway on August 11 when they host Crystal Palace. 

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AB0D000000578-0-image-m-19_1531421170609.jpg)
Le Marchand is given instructions by his manager Slavisa Jokanovic during the training session

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AAF9700000578-0-image-m-20_1531421179899.jpg)
Fulham players, including Ryan Sessegnon (centre) were put through their paces

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/12/19/4E2AB05C00000578-0-image-m-22_1531421197024.jpg)
Tim Ream and Sessegnon look focused during the training session at Motspur Park

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Jokanovic looks to get his message across to his players ahead of the new campaign

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Seri and Le Marchand were both unveiled by Fulham before they took part in training



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5948067/New-Fulham-signings-Jean-Michael-Seri-Maxime-Le-Marchand-train-team-time.html

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic represents great value for toothless Crystal Palace

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to leave the club this summer after failing to impress under Rafa Benitez, and a recent report from The Northern Echo suggests he could be set to re-sign for Fulham this summer.

According to the report, Fulham are set to table a formal offer for Mitrovic when the striker returns from his post-World Cup break. The 23-year-old has fallen out of favour at St James' Park in recent years, but he resurrected his stuttering career in emphatic fashion by firing home 12 goals from just 17 appearances for Fulham on their way to promotion success in the play-offs.

With his willingness to run in behind Mitrovic was a constant menace for defenders in the second-tier and his record in-front of goal clearly speaks for itself. Whether or not he can replicate that form in the Premier League remains to be seen, but the form he demonstrated at Fulham suggests he is more than up to the task.

With that in mind and considering Crystal Palace are short of quality options at centre-forward, Roy Hodgson would be wise to join the race for his signature this summer.

Although Palace ultimately beat the drop last season, it was clear from their results that they relied too heavily on Wilfried Zaha for attacking inspiration, so the acquisition of attacking talent must be the priority for Hodgson this summer.

Christian Benteke's blunt attacking performances were a genuine cause for concern during the previous campaign, but with no real competition for a starting berth Hodgson was forced to stand by the struggling forward.

However, that simply has to change this summer and the signing of Mitrovic could prove to be a masterstroke from Hodgson. At just 23-years-of-age there's no doubt that the Serbia international has plenty of improving left to do, and the flashes of brilliance he has shown in his career so far suggests he could become a fantastic Premier League striker in the years to come.

Mitrovic would offer the Eagles plenty of mobility in the final-third, a physical presence to disrupt defenders and a clinical instinct in the penalty area.

It has been suggested that Mitrovic would cost around £20 million, and if that does indeed prove to be the case then Palace should have no qualms about parting with a figure which would ultimately prove to be a snip of his true value.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/aleksandar-mitrovic-represents-great-value-for-toothless-crystal-palace/

Fulham lay down a marker with today's double deal
by Sarah on July 12, 2018

It took a while for Fulham's summer transfer business to begin, but when it did it started in style. The purchase of Jean-Michael Seri looked audacious from the outset, especially for a newly-promoted side, but it lays down a marker to the rest of the Premier League that Fulham aren't around to make up the numbers. Tony Khan and his recruitment team have had their share of flak over the past eighteen months, but pulling off a deal of this magnitude is a serious statement of intent.

Seri, a player capable of playing both in the number six role that Kevin McDonald has made his own during his brief time at Craven Cottage, and as a more advanced playmaker has been one of the most consistent performers in France during his time with Nice. Khan might be a fan of statistics – and the fact that the Ivorian's numbers looked far better than the much-vaunted Marco Verratti over the last nine months won't have gone unnoticed – but it is Seri's football intelligence that makes this deal such a boost to Slavisa Jokanovic. He led the French league for the number of passes completed and passes played, which means he will fit perfectly into Jokanovic's possession-based brand of football. Now, the Serbian head coach has two central midfield craftsman to share the load of unlocking England's best defences. Perhaps Stefan Johansen will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Seri's arrival could just be the start of a serious summer of squad strengthening down at Motspur Park. Fulham will need it – because their squad currently looks more than a little threadbare for the challenge of going toe to toe with the Premier League. That purchase might also make it a little easier to entice some of Europe's more talented performers to Craven Cottage and the marquee nature of this signing has some echoes of the last time the Whites reached England football's top tier and promptly shocked the world by bringing in Edwin van der Sar for £7m from Juventus.

The Ivorian has been followed to west London by his old Nice team-mate Maxime Le Marchand, a strong and versatile defender, who also likes to play the ball out from the back. His natural position could see him fit in snugly alongside last season's player of the year, Tim Ream, at the heart of the Fulham defence. La Marchand, who counts significant European experience amongst his pedigree from years in French football, can also play at left back, where he filled for much of his last campaign with Nice as they struggled for quality cover in that position.

Perhaps more importantly, Khan and Fulham know their work isn't done. Press reports from England this afternoon suggested they might be about to join Wolves in the race to sign Oleksandar Zinchenko, who hasn't really had a fair crack of the whip at Manchester City as of yet. The Whites have also been linked with moves for two World Cup stars, Ilya Kutepov of Russia and Sweden's Ludwig Augustinsson, who would further strengthen their defence. All that goes alongside the ongoing pursuit of last season's striking sensation Aleksandar Mitrovic, who made such a difference in the second half of the season when he joined on loan from Newcastle.

There's certainly no indication that Fulham will doing this on the cheap. Buried deep in that Telegraph article was the assertion that contract talks between the club and Jokanovic, the man who has re-shaped both the club and his playing staff from the bottom up in his three years at the Cottage, are progressing well. It doesn't appear as if this transfer window will contain the Serbian's usual outburst about a lack of transfer activity. Good things come to those who wait.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-lay-down-a-marker-with-todays-double-deal/

Southgate looks to Sessegnon to shape England's future
by Dan on July 12, 2018

Ryan Sessegnon is likely to be one of the new, young faces incorporated into England's post-World Cup squad as Gareth Southgate looks to build on the Three Lions' success in Russia.

The Daily Mail has highlighted the Fulham winger as one of the young stars that Southgate and his England coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on in the first few weeks of the season. The teenager was a star performer as Slavisa Jokanovic's side won promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, finishing the campaign as Fulham's leading goalscorer with sixteen goals. Sessegnon's versatility would give him the chance to cover at least two positions and make him a potential successor to Ashley Young, who filled the left wing-back role at the World Cup, but, aged 32, is unlikely to make it through to Euro 2020.

Sessegnon has starred at youth level for England, being a regular scorer at under-15 and under-16 level whilst he was making waves in Fulham's junior sides. He helped England's under 19 side win the European Championships in Georgia last summer and has caught the eye since his meteoric rise into Fulham's first team having been asked to train with the senior side by Slavisa Jokanovic last summer. Sessegnon, who won his solitary England under-21 cap earlier this year after sweeping the board by winning a succession of EFL and Championship awards for his mature performances in Fulham's midfield, has already been earmarked as an England star of the future, having been selected alongside Phil Foden and Mason Mount to be part of the FA's delegation in Russia as part of a plan to give the youngsters a taste of the international experience.

Sessegnon, who has been with Fulham since joining their under-nine side in 2008, is widely expected to sign a new, long-term contract with the Londoners in the coming weeks.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/southgate-looks-to-sessegnon-to-shape-englands-future/

 
Statistical Analysis: How will Jean-Michael Seri & Maxime Le Marchand Fit at Fulham?
The club finally have their first signings of the summer

Plenty of local Fulham supporters would have understandably woken up Thursday feeling dissapointed now that England's historic World Cup run came to an end. However, they were delivered great news with the club's first signings of the summer. Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand have arrived from Ligue 1 side Nice OGC on a £30 million combined transfer fee and are hoping to further build their footballing reputations in the Premier League.

But before we discuss these two players, it's best to talk about the club they came from to better understand why manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants to have these two players come to Fulham. While with "Les Algions" over the past three seasons, both Seri and Le Marchand were a part of the club's meteoric rise towards the top end of French club football. During that time, Nice finished fourth, third and eighth in the Ligue 1 table, respectively, while guiding them to their first ever Champions League appearance in 2017. This past season, Nice were one round away from the group stages of that competition, but were beaten handly 4-0 on aggregate by Napoli.

But during their three year trek under managers Claude Puel (now at Leicester City) and Lucien Favre (now at Borussia Dortmund), Nice never had a season in which they were below 56% possession. So their style of play is not to dissimilar to what Fulham will hope to bring to the Premier League and both players should be able to not change much of their game as a result.

With that out of the way, let's go ahead and analyze each player so that we can envision how they will do at Craven Cottage:

Jean-Michael Seri


This was the one signing that will be talked about for sometime. As a £27 million player according to transfermarket, Seri was getting calls from plenty of the leading clubs in England, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Dortmund being the biggest contenders. But once it was announced that Fulham were leading the way for his signature, it really took everyone following this transfer saga a back. It is a tad uncertain as to what his individual transfer fee is, but one definitive fact is that Seri's new contract will last him until 2022 with a one-year club option.

As for who Seri is as a player, he is a 18-cap Ivory Coast international who has spent his last six professional seasons in Portugal's Primera Liga and France's Ligue 1. During that time, he played for FC Porto's reserve team, followed by Pacos Ferreira before joining Nice for three seasons.

People will remember ex-Premier League big names Mario Balotelli or Hatem Ben Arfa as the men to create the chain reaction to Nice's success, but it was the attacking threat of Alessana Plea and the smooth passing of Seri that shouldn't be forgotten. And that is where the newcomer is hoping to bring to the table to Fulham. Now some people will wonder where Seri will fit if he shares a good chunk of the exact same skillsets as Tom Cairney and if the two can be able to play well together as a result.

That is because Seri can be seen as a better upgrade to Stefan Johansen for those that did not find his season to be as strong as it should have been. Seri did have a down season, but that could go down more towards the gradual exodus of players of players leaving Nice and their poor results in the league table as a result. On the whole, he is a more willing taker of long ball passes and, for a player of such small size and stature, has great balance to shed would be tackles and is not one to be dispossessed quite easily.

Either way, Fulham now have four capable midfielders under contract with two being committed beyond the end of this upcoming season. Both Johansen and Kevin McDonald (though not like-for-like with Seri since KMac plays such an crucial role in defense) might need to be replaced for either younger or more capable players for top flight European football and Seri certainly brings that. No matter what, supporters will be putting him under a microscope to see if this play matches the hype throughout his playing days in Southwest London.

Maxime Le Marchand

All data from whoscored.com

While Seri was a known commodity, Le Marchand has been more of an anomaly. That being said, it's not like he will not bring anything to the table at Fulham. This past season, the 28-year old was splitting duties playing center back and left back; a situation that was exactly given to Denis Odoi. That said, Le Marchand's 6'0" frame could be better suited playing at the center of the pitch in the Premier League.

After graduating from Rennes' academy, Le Marchand started his professional career with famed Ligue 2 side Le Havre. He would play for that club for six years while having 175 appearances in the process. This led to a step up at Nice, where he became widely known as a solid-though-unspectacular defender for a side striving to reach new heights in the club's history. In the end Le Marchand garnered 80 appearances in his three-year stay and garnered enough respect to a move towards one of the toughest leagues in world football. Whether he is good enough to partner Tim Ream for the full 38-game season is anyone's guess.

As for him as a fullback, let's not bother thinking about it. Despite looking better defensively in that position, take it from somebody that has seen Carlos Bocanegra be reduced to fullback duties that it is not ideal. During his entire playing career at Nice, Le Marchand has had a combined 8 completed crosses and 14 key passes, so any notion of him bombing up and down the touchline are just figments of the imagination right there.

Based off of his center back radar, he's not much of a high-volume defender the likes of which Tomas Kalas was for the exceptions to being strong on intercepting passes and challenging well in the air. Otherwise, he's a willing ball playing center back that will fit smoothly into the style that Jokanovic will want to play. That being said, his 6.85 average whoscored.com rating only had him 25th among Ligue 1 played over 15 games and mostly featured at center back. Fulham could do worse than signing Le Marchand, but I just felt like the club could have done better at filling that position. His transfer fee and contract length are unknown at this time, but it is quite clear that he is not valued as highly as his Nice-turned-Fulham teammate that will join with him.

Conclusions

On the whole, this is still a great day for Fulham Football Club. They officially have new players coming into the senior squad that still sits at just 18 registered players. That being said, Fulham are still in need of many more signings and they are in the running for plenty of other players in this transfer window. Swedish International fullback Ludwig Augustinsson and former loanee turned legend Aleksander Mitrovic are still the most notable names in the rumor mill so far. That being said, this could spell the end of hoping that Kalas or Matt Targett signing permanent deals for Fulham.

Whether they continue to use the loan system strongly like they did in their Championship days is unknown at this time. However, it will be interesting to see how they will be able to build a sizeable Premier League roster with depth across the board in the long run without running into violations of the Financial Fair Play laws. It has been seen that previously promoted clubs have spent £50-60 million on transfer fees their first season back in the top flight and Fulham have already spent half of it on two players. Here's to looking forward to seeing how the rest of the summer will turn out.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/13/17566172/statistical-analysis-how-will-jean-michael-seri-maxime-le-marchand-fit-at-fulham

 
"He doesn't join the Cottagers with a smile" – French newspaper on why Seri moved to Fulham

Earlier this week when Jean-Michaël Seri was first said to have agreed to join Fulham, Sport Witness was informed by a source close to the potential transfer that those claims were incorrect.

Fulham and Nice had agreed on a transfer for the midfielder, but he wasn't especially keen on the move. We explained Fulham would have to be very convincing, and they clearly were.

But despite Seri signing for the London club, L'Equipe today go out of their to explain it's not what he wanted.

The French newspaper state 'He doesn't join the Cottagers with a smile, even if his €5m gross annual must help to console him a little', and say the destination is 'puzzling'.

Seri had been 'so close and so far' from Chelsea, and earlier this window he'd been strongly linked with Napoli. That's not to mention him almost moving to Barcelona last summer. It's also stated Borussia Dortmund were keen but 'asked for patience', and Seri's patience ran out.

Fulham have also signed Maxime Le Marchand from Nice, and the two deals are worth a combined €30-35m, according to L'Equipe.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/doesnt-join-cottagers-smile-french-newspaper-seri-moved-fulham/