Four ins and outs Fulham could complete in the next week
The Cottagers look set for an active end to the transfer window.
(https://tbrfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/GettyImages-952180110.jpg)
Photo: Getty Images
As Fulham's preseason tour of France continues, the squad is preparing to battle some of Europe's finest clubs.
Yet, there is substantial action going on off the pitch as well, with the Whites being linked with a host of top-quality talents.
Here are a number of possible arrivals and departures that could occur in the coming days.
Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle United
Mitrovic has seemed to be on the brink of completing a £20 million move from St. James' Park to Craven Cottage for weeks now, but the following days could finally see the Serbian sign for Fulham.
According to the Standard, the Whites are closing in on a deal that makes sense for both parties. Rafa Benitez has no interest in keeping the striker, and Mitrovic loved his time at Fulham and found the form of his career last season.
Fabri from Besiktas
ESPN has reported Besiktas' Spanish goalkeeper Fabri is the subject of an offer from Fulham, who are looking to strengthen the goalkeeping position after the departure of David Button.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed an excellent two seasons in Turkey, steering Besiktas to the Super Lig championship in 2016/17 and leading them to the Champions League knockout stage the following season.
An experienced goalkeeper with impressive Champions League success, Fabri would be a strong competitor with Marcus Bettinelli for the number one spot.
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(Photo by Franck Fife/Getty Images)
Wilmar Barrios from Boca Juniors
After an impressive World Cup with Colombia, the combative defensive midfielder was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
However, reports from Argentina, as well as Argentinian football expert Peter Coates, indicate that Fulham have tabled an offer for Barrios.
It would be a spectacular coup to beat some big Premier League clubs to his signature, but Fulham have done just that with Jean-Michael Seri a week ago.
Cauley Woodrow
Woodrow once looked set to be the next star striker at Craven Cottage, yet has lost his way in past years and most recently endured a tough loan spell at Bristol City where he scored just two goals.
The 23-year-old Englishman has been conspicuously absent from Fulham's pre-season friendlies, missing from the starting XI and the bench in the three matches against Crawley Town, Reading, and Fenerbahce.
Although there have been no rumours linking him with an exit, it seems likely he will depart the club this summer as he is not part of Jokanovic's first team plans.
https://tbrfootball.com/four-ins-outs-fulham/
Chen Yansheng to make decision if Fulham raise offer to €30m
Catalan claims over Fulham and David Lopez are really building.
On Thursday morning, we covered a story from Mundo Deportivo's newspaper which claimed the Premier League club had made an offer but had it rejected by Espanyol.
Then the same newspaper published a new claim stating Fulham's first offer had been €15m, which was immediately rejected, and they'd returned with a €20m offer, which was also rejected.
Espanyol's stance was said to be the defender, who can also play in midfield, would only leave for his €40m release, a figure Fulham are unwilling to match.
Friday's edition of Sport, another Catalan newspaper, backs up Fulham having made a €20m offer. Espanyol's coaches are said to be keen to keep Lopez but are unsure whether that will actually happen.
Chen Yansheng, Espanyol's owner, will make the decision personally if Fulham return with a €30m offer.
The decision would possibly be yes, regardless of what Espanyol have been pushing to their local media. But €30m for David Lopez, who turns 29 years of age in October, seems an awful lot for Fulham.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/chen-yansheng-make-decision-fulham-raise-offer-e30m/
Fulham set to surge ahead of Fenerbahce in race to sign Newcastle United star striker with £20m offer
Fenerbahce have found themselves on the back-foot in the race to sign Newcastle United star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic following a big-money offer from Fulham.
The Yellow Canaries have been closely linked with the Serbia international over recent weeks. We recently reported that Fenerbahce director of football Damien Comolli has held talks with the Magpies for Mitrovic.
However, Fulham look set to surge ahead in the race to sign the 23-year-old striker.
According to the Evening Standards, Fulham are closing in on a deal with Newcastle worth close to £20 million for Mitrovic.
Mitrovic spent the majority of last season on loan with Fulham and helped the London based club achieve promotion.
The Serbia international scored a total of 12 goals in 20 games under Fulham boss Jokanovic.
Fulham have already signed Jean-Michael Seri from OGC Nice.
Mitrovic also featured at this summers 2018 World Cup with the Serbia national team.
Fenerbahce are keen to bolster their attacking options over the summer after parting company with both Vincent Jannsen and Fernandao earlier this summer.
https://turkish-football.com/fulham-set-to-surge-ahead-of-fenerbahce-in-race-to-sign-newcastle-united-star-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-with-20m-offer/
Report: Fulham willing to pay £20m for David Lopez; Espanyol reject bids
Premier League newcomers Fulham are reportedly eyeing another big-money deal with Espanyol's La Liga captain David Lopez.
According to AS, Espanyol will not sell their influential captain for a penny less than his £37.5 million release clause. And this could scupper David Lopez's chances of a move to the Premier League this summer.
AS adds that newly promoted Fulham are interested in signing the 28-year-old Spaniard; a holding midfielder who has been redesigned as a centre-back to great effect in La Liga.
And the Sun (20 June, page 55) claims that Fulham have now seen two bids for the one-time Napoli man rejected, having offered £13.5 million and £17.5 million.
It is understood that the Cottagers could stretch themselves to £20 million but, with his price-tag through the roof as it stands, Slavisa Jokanovic is starting to look at other options.
If Lopez wants to get his chance to impress in English football, he will need the Catalan club to lower their demands.
Fulham have shown real ambition in the transfer market this summer, landing the coveted Jean Michel Seri alongside his former Nice teammate Maxime Le Marchand.
The Cottagers have also been linked with big-money moves for Bordeaux winger Malcom and last season's loan star Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is expected to arrive from Newcastle for £20 million according to the Standard.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/20/do-report-fulham-willing-to-pay-20m-for-david-lopez-espanyol-rej/
oh boy Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata wanted by Lyon with Fulham and Lazio showing interest
Former Manchester City star is in the final year of his contract with Brendan Rodgers' side
Celtic star Dedryck Boyata is a top target for Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The defender, who starred at the World Cup for Belgium, has also been linked to Fulham and Lazio.
Fulham chief Slavisa Jovanovic is reshaping his squad after his side were promoted to the Premier League.
According to SunSport, the French side are lining up a bid for the 27-year-old.
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio is keen to bolster his defence after offloading Mouctar Diakhaby to Spanish side Valencia.
The defender is entering the final stages of his contract after he penned a four-year deal in 2015.
But Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is not looking to offload the 27-year-old this summer.
He said: "I've always said that once he got into the team, he done very, very well.
"He's an experienced player and now his experience at the World Cup will only benefit him.
"He's got a year left, he's a player we'd love to keep, he knows that, but naturally, he's now on holiday, he'll be relaxing and we'll pick that up when he's back."
https://talksport.com/football/401872/celtic-dedryck-boyata-lyon-fulham/
Player 'has learned' he's travelling to complete Fulham transfer, several claims on move
Bein Sports Turkey report Fabri 'has learned' he's soon going to travel to England to complete his move to Fulham.
The Turkish source, a major sport outlet in the country, says these are 'hot hours' in the potential transfer, after repeated claims from various sources in recent days.
On Thursday, HaberTurk reported Fulham and Besiktas had agreed a transfer at a fee of €6m. That was after A Spor claimed on Wednesday that Besiktas looked set to accept a €6m offer from the London club.
Fulham were previously said to have offered €3.5m and then €4.5m for the Spaniard.
On Thursday evening, prominent Turkish journalist Fırat Günayer reported that Besiktas were trying to get Fulham up to €7m, with bonuses included, and that a deal was looking likely.
Today it's again stated Fulham have agreed to the €6m.
Fulham will continue to hold talks with Fabri's agent and it's claimed they're trying to agree his commission on the deal.
Fabri only has a year left on his Besiktas contract and the Turkish club's board will certainly be thinking that it's a wise move to sell the 31 year old goalkeeper in this window, especially considering they signed him on a free transfer two years ago.
The former Deportivo La Coruna player has been the first choice keeper for the Istanbul club in the past two seasons.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-learned-hes-travelling-complete-fulham-transfer-several-claims-move/
West Ham, Fulham & Wolves: Can big summer deals translate into big prospects?
While all three clubs have attracted big-name signings, have they struck gold or fallen into a honey trap
Rui Patricio, Jean Michael Seri, Felipe Anderson.
At the end of last season, all three players could easily be envisioned at one of Europe's elite clubs, though all now are signed up to play for either a club that finished outside of the Premier League's top ten or just earned promotion.
With Colombia midfielder Jefferson Lerma being repeatedly linked to Bournemouth along with Uruguay defender Diego Laxalt, Everton rumoured to be closing in on a deal for Malcolm – a player himself heavily linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United only six months ago – and Yerry Mina often finding his name in the headlines, there seems plenty more big deals could be made outside of the Premier League's top six.
But is this an indication of increased ambition from the league's clubs, decreased ambition on the part of high-profile players or something else entirely?
The art of the deal
Amongst all the high-profile players pouring into the Premier League for next season, Brighton are staking a reputation as the kings of shrewdness. The signing of Yves Bissouma from Lille and Bernardo Silva from RB Leipzig are the pick of their six signings so far this summer.
Like the criminally under-rated Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper who joined last season, each player cost less than £15m. Indeed, Pascal Gross was signed by Chris Hughton for a mere £3m fee.
But while it's every chairman's dream to unearth and pluck up these players, sometimes parting with significant amounts of money is unavoidable in securing their targets.
More money than sense?
Rewind the calendar 12 months and Merseyside was awash with excitement and anticipation.
Everton concluded their summer transfers with the £10m signature of promising 19-year-old Nikola Vlasic. This pushed their outlay through the £150m barrier, making them the Premier League's fourth-highest spenders last summer.
Most people were in agreement that it was money well spent. In the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson (£44m), Michael Keane (£30m), Davy Klaassen (£24m) and Wayne Rooney (free) they had high-profile players capable of improving upon their seventh-placed finish.
As you may have heard, things didn't quite work out that way though.
History repeating itself
This season, West Ham are hoping improvements can be bought. With over £90m already blown, seven new faces on the wage bill and a promise from David Sullivan of more to follow, only time will tell if they've spent wisely.
So far this window, only Liverpool have made a greater outlay than the Hammers. Whether this speaks loudest of ambition or foolishness probably depends on your opinion of whether "value" has been achieved with these deals.
Felipe Anderson for £35m – an exciting winger set to enter the peak years of his career or a 25-year-old who stumbled in his progression last year and represents a huge gamble? And do these seven signings really address the major problem in East London, the defensive deficiencies which saw them concede the joint-highest number of goals last season?
New challenges
West Ham are far from the only club striving for betterment. In the case of the three newly promoted sides, they arguably have the biggest jump to make in terms of squad quality.
Cardiff have spent a modest £27m across their four signings with "one or two more" still expected by Neil Warnock over the coming three weeks. But while the Bluebirds have been recruiting from the lower leagues of English football, their rivals have been showing more adventure with their dealings.
Jean Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand and, most probably, Aleksandar Mitrovic will be joining Fulham's ranks for a total somewhere near £50m.
Wolves, too, have spent a similar amount, £40m plus an as-yet-to-be confirmed amount for Rui Patricio, which is likely to be anywhere between free and £48.5m. These spends are relatively in-keeping with the amounts invested by Brighton (£43m) and Huddersfield (£48m) last summer.
The bright lights of England
What has changed is the perceived calibre of player being attracted to the Premier League's newcomers.
I chose the club because they showed a big interest in me and my goal has always been to play in the Premier League because it's the biggest league in the world – Bernardo on his move to Brighton
The above quote highlights the regard that many foreign plays hold for the Premier League. The league firmly established itself around the world as the self-proclaimed "best league" in the two seasons between 1994-96, reinforced throughout the 2000s and something that today's young footballers were exposed to as they grew up dreaming of turning professional.
A clean slate
Bernardo may not have the reputation of Diego Laxalt, but few fans of West Ham, Bournemouth or any other club he's been linked with, would have been as excited about Laxalt's signature before this summer's World Cup.
While players like Anderson have built up their reputation over a longer period of time, buying high-profile players was not a fruitful policy for Stoke City. West Ham found last season that Joao Mario failed to live up to his price tag, a £35m signing for Inter Milan in 2016.
Regarding how new signings will adapt during the coming season, one thing is for sure. When the Premier League does restart in three weeks time, reputations will count for little.
https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/west-ham-fulham-wolves-can-big-summer-deals-translate-into-big-prospects/
"It's a lack of respect": Club chief slams Fulham for tabling lower bids for defender
On Thursday, we carried two reports from Mundo Deportivo talking about Fulham's interest in Espanyol's David Lopez.
The first report mentioned the Spanish club had rejected the Cottagers' first bid for Lopez. The second report claimed the Cottagers had raised their offer to €20m after seeing their initial bid of €15m turned down.
Lopez has a release clause of €40m in his contract at Espanyol, and the La Liga outfit's CEO, Roger Guasch has expressed his unhappiness towards lower bids made by Fulham for the 28-year-old.
Guasch also informed the Premier League side and other potential suitors that they will have to pay €40m or a fee closer to Lopez's release clause to allow the player leave the RCDE Stadium this summer.
"If someone is interested, they should come with the clause or around it. But, if the offer is €8 million, they do not take us seriously. It's a lack of respect to the club," Gausch told Catalunya Ràdio, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Thursday's report from the Catalan newspaper mentioned Fulham will not pay Lopez's release clause. It should be seen if the Cottagers would be willing to increase their bid to something that can satisfy both clubs.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/lack-respect-club-chief-slams-fulham-tabling-lower-bids-defender/
Fulham close in on Besiktas 'keeper Fabri and want Espanyol's David Lopez
Reports claim Fulham have offered £18m for Lopez
Fulham are close to agreeing a deal with Besiktas to sign goalkeeper Fabricio Ramirez, Sky Sports News understands.
Known as Fabri, the former Spain U20 is wanted to provide competition for Marcus Bettinelli following David Button's switch to Brighton.
Fabri kept 12 clean sheets last season, as Besiktas finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig.
He began his senior career at Deportivo La Coruna before spells with Valladolid and Real Betis and a return to Deportivo. He signed for Besiktas in 2016.
Meanwhile, Fulham are also interested in signing Espanyol defender David Lopez but the Catalan club are holding out for his £35.8million release clause.
Reports in Spain claim Fulham have offered £18million for the 28-year-old.
Lopez scored once in 43 appearances for Espanyol last season, and four in 81 in all competitions since joining from Napoli in 2016.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11443441/fulham-close-in-on-besiktas-keeper-fabri-and-want-espanyols-david-lopez
West Ham must sign Newcastle forward Mitrovic(https://cdn.thisisfutbol.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-05-26T175736Z_850066848_RC1FFE18D0B0_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-FUL-AVA-800x504.jpg)
West Ham must sign Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic if Manuel Pellegrini wants to wrap up his summer transfer business in style.The Hammers have been splashing the cash left, right and centre to bolster all areas of their squad except their centre-forward options.
Many fans would believe that Pellegrini is now just one quality striker signing away from completing his stunning summer overhaul, and Newcastle's Mitrovic would fit the bill perfectly.
According to the Telegraph, Fulham are expecting to sign the 23-year-old powerhouse within the coming weeks after he dropped well down the pecking order at St James' Park.
It is understood that the Magpies are set to pocket £20million in selling the Serbia international, who failed to make a single Premier League start last season before he was sent to Fulham on loan in the Championship.
At Craven Cottage, Mitrovic was in brilliant form as he scored 12 goals to help fire Fulham to promotion to the Premier League.
He was clearly playing below his level in the Championship and with a manager who can trust him and will play him every week, he will no doubt continue that deadly form in the top-flight.
CalcioMercato has previously reported that the £60,000-a-week (Spotrac) forward has already attracted interest from West Ham thanks to his form on loan at Fulham earlier this year, and Pellegrini should look to follow up that interest by hijacking their London rivals' attempt to sign him.
With attacking midfielders and wingers like Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko signed up, Mitrovic is the kind of target man who can not only help bring those players into play, but also feed off their crosses and balls into the box to find the back of the net himself.
Signing the Serbian striker should be one of Pellegrini's top priorities between now and the transfer window closing, and if he manages to pull it off there's a good chance that West Ham could be in contention to quality for Europe.
https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/07/blogs/west-ham-must-sign-newcastle-forward-mitrovic/
Exclusive: Newcastle hours away from sealing £20m player exit, deal could be done today
Fulham are confident of finalising a move for Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic over the weekend and it could even be wrapped up today (Friday), Football Insider sources understands.
Mitrovic has been Fulham's number one target all summer following his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Fulham and Newcastle have made a breakthrough in their negotiations for Mitrovic with Fulham ready to pay up to £20million to land the striker to seal the deal in the coming hours.
Newcastle are now ready to cash-in on Mitrovic now as they know they need to raise money to fund their own transfer plans with Mitrovic not figuring in Rafa Benitez's plans at St James' Park.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been determined to bring Mitrovic back to West London and the player himself has snubbed other offers as he wants to return to Fulham.
The Serbian striker scored 12 goals in 20 games for Fulham to help fire them to promotion to the Premier League.
https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-newcastle-hours-away-from-finalising-20m-sale/
Exclusive Report – Mitrovic To Move To Fulham For £20M In The Coming Hours
Aleksandar Mitrovic wants his career sorted out by next Wednesday when he is supposed to report back for preseason training at Newcastle.
There is a report from Football Insider in what they are calling an exclusive and they think the deal to take Mitro to Fulham could be completed this weekend – or even earlier.
It would not be a surprise if this happened because both clubs want the deal to go through and the only question was whether Fulham were willing to pay the £20M transfer fee for the Serbian International striker.
But Fulham, backed by an ambitious owner, have already been paying out some big money (£35M) for two players this summer and Mitro is their number one target.
The 23-year-old had a fantastic loan spell at Craven Cottage earlier this year when he scored 12 goals in 20 games for them.
That ended with Fulham getting promoted when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
Here is a piece from the Football Insider report:
"Mitrovic has been Fulham's number one target all summer following his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season."
"A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Fulham and Newcastle have made a breakthrough in their negotiations for Mitrovic."
"Fulham are ready to pay up to £20M to land the striker to seal the deal in the coming hours."
Well – we hope it happens and the report is accurate – and the sooner the better for both parties concerned.
http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/07/20/exclusive-report-mitrovic-to-move-to-fulham-for-20m-imminently/
Fulham set for £40m spend on two key targets
Fulham are preparing for life in the Premier League in big style, as they close in on two targets to bolster their playing squad.
The Cottagers have already set tongues wagging over their transfer coup for Ivory Coast international Jean-Michael Seri. The Ivorian midfielder was subject to interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, but opted for Fulham.
The two key targets Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is closing on include former Spain U20 international Fabricio Ramirez, known as 'Fabri'. The goalkeeper is currently contracted to Besiktas, and his £5m transfer to Craven Cottage is said open up the way for the Turkish side to continue their pursuit of Arsenal stopper Ospina.
The second target is 28-year-old David Lopez, who currently plays in the heart of defence for La Liga side Espanyol. The Catalan was previously at Napoli and has a release clause of £35.8 million. As of yet Fulham are unwilling to meet the clause, but have tabled an £18 million offer.
Fulham's transfer activity is a real statement of intent, and Jokanovic will be hoping the Lilywhites can avoid a relegation battle and settle comfortably in mid-table.
https://90maat.com/2018/07/20/fulham-set-for-40-million-spend-on-two-key-targets/
Play-Off Final Trophy Instore(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/gallery/2018/wembley/trophy_news.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Have Your Photo Taken With The Play-Off Final Trophy Head to the Stadium Store from Monday 23rd July where the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final trophy will be on display.
Fans are invited to visit the Store at Craven Cottage where there will be opportunities to have your photo taken free of charge, alongside the trophy famously lifted by the Whites at Wembley Stadium in May.
The trophy will be instore until Friday 3rd August and will be available for photos from 9:30am and 5pm on Monday to Saturday and between 11am and 4pm on Sunday.
Don't miss out on your chance to have your photo taken with a piece of Fulham history!
Relive the 2017/18 Season(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/retail/2017_18/picture_book/w213_9986986_wembleydvd.jpg?w=250&h=250)
Relive that magical day at Wembley with the 2017/18 Play-Off Final DVD. Watch the whole game once again, along with all the celebrations on the pitch and in the dressing room afterwards, plus the instant reactions of those that led Fulham right back to the big time!
Priced at just £15, the DVD is available to buy online and in-store today.
Supporters can also pre-order an exclusive Commemorative Promotion Book or the 2017/18 Season Review DVD online today.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/20/championship-trophy-instore
Cottage Talk Podcast: Fulham Silly Season Special
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.
In this episode of Cottage Talk, co-hosting was Max Cohen from The Boot Room. We started the show by discussing a few articles Max had written lately, and among the topics were his thoughts on David Button, Jean Michael Seri, and Scott Parker.
The second half of the show, we talked about several players Fulham have been linked to, so we shared our views on how likely Fulham could get a deal done with each of them. The players discussed in this part of the show were Fabri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, Kevin Mbabu, David Lopez, and Wilmar Barrios. The Silly Season is in high gear, and we had a great discussion on the Summer Transfer Window.
follow the link to listen to the podcast ...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/20/17595762/cottage-talk-podcast-fulham-silly-season-special
Fonte: Common Goal(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/1819_pre_season/fontedsc_0746622.jpg?w=622&h=278)
Rui Fonte believes that the variety of teams Fulham are facing this summer will stand us in good stead going into the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
Friendly matches against top flight sides from Spain, Italy, France and Turkey represent stern challenges in their own right, and Fonte says testing yourself against the best is ideal preparation.
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He told fulhamfc.com: "Playing against different kinds of football is good for us because it gets us used to the various types of team we will face.
"To have that in pre-season is important because we will know more or less what to expect in the Premier League.
"Of course it is the best league, it has the best clubs, best players, so if we get a taste of it in pre-season then that's good for us."
Fonte signed for the Club four matches into 2017/18, and so is currently enjoying his first tour with the Whites.
"It's different you know, every manager has his own ways and ideas," he explained. "It's been good but tough, as a pre-season should be.
"I think we're working well, we're giving everything we have ahead of the new season. There will be more players to come, changes to be made, but the ones who are here are working hard and getting ready."
Upon arrival in SW6, Fonte outlined his ambitions to reach the Premier League with Fulham – something he managed at the first time of asking.
"As I said at the beginning it was a difficult decision for me [to leave Braga] because I was happy where I was," he said.
"But of course, the ambition Fulham had to go up, their great conditions, and that history of so many years in the Premier League, made my decision easier.
"But to achieve that in the first season was the perfect scenario, and in the end it was the perfect choice."
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Things couldn't have begun much better for the Portuguese, quickly settling into life with a marvellous goal on his second appearance at Ipswich Town.
However, a knock picked up in that fixture curtailed his progress, while the arrival and subsequent form of Aleksandar Mitrović further restricted his game time.
"I started well, then my performances dropped a little bit," Fonte admitted. "The time I was out gave me the opportunity to go to the gym, assess what I had to do, and I think towards the end I got used – or I adapted better – to the football.
"Mitro was doing really well, but the times I came on I tried to help, and I think I did that.
"Towards the end I believe I had adapted more, and I think this year will be even better because it's a different league, it's not as physical as the Championship, so I think that will suit my abilities."
Players can react one of two ways when out of the side; sulk, or knuckle down and get behind their teammates.
Any Fulham fan could tell which option Fonte took. His sprint half the length of the pitch to celebrate Mitrović's opener at Deepdale a case in point.
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"Football, I think, is becoming a selfish game," he said thoughtfully. "A lot of people are thinking of themselves.
"But at Fulham, everyone had a common goal which was to go up, and it got to a point where it didn't matter who played, we just wanted to get promoted. And thankfully we did that at the end.
"I think that should be the aim for everyone; the team goal. Everyone gets the best outcome at the end if your team did well, because if they didn't then nobody will notice anyone. In the end, you have to be a team player, and that's what I am."
There was no doubting the spirit in the Fulham camp last term, and when it was suggested to him that we may not have gone up without it, Fonte agreed.
"I don't think so," he stated. "The guys starting need people to support them. The guys who didn't play – and the team didn't change much towards the end of the season – we did our best in training.
"The lads who came on in the games helped as well, sometimes lifting the team with intensity or goals or assists. I think we all did well at the end because everyone helped each other."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/20/rui-fonte-common-goal
Fabri Confirms Fulham Deal, Bids Farewell To Besiktas
Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri has confirmed reaching an agreement with Fulham.
Fabri bid farewell to Besiktas following the 3-1 friendly victory over Krasnador on Friday.
"As you know the Premier League is a major league and one I am interested in joining. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing but there is a verbal agreement with Fulham. I want to thank Beşiktaş for my time here," Fabri said.
Turkish-Football have been informed that a verbal agreement in place between Fabri and Fulham but he has not officially put pen to paper.
Fulham will pay Besiktas €6m once the transfer goes ahead.
The 30-year-old had just 12 months remaining on his contract heading into the 2018-19 season.
Besiktas club president Fikret Orman confirmed offers for Fabri on Thursday.
"There are offers for Fabri, he is training now but I don't know where he will end up," Orman said speaking from the Austria camp.
Black Eagles boss Senol Gunes meanwhile hinted that the Spanish keeper could be on the move this summer.
"If Fabri leaves we are going to have to sign someone else with the money," Orman said also speaking at the Austria camp.
"But if we receive a good offer and he wants to leave well there is nothing I can do.
"Every player has a price."
Fabri joined Besiktas in 2016 and went onto lift the Super Lig title at the Istanbul based outfit.
The keeper was also in goal for the Black Eagles in last seasons Champions League campaign which saw his side finish the group stage as undefeated leaders.
Fabri will be joining his former goalkeeper coach at Deportivo and Besiktas, Jose Sambade once the Fulham transfer goes ahead.
https://turkish-football.com/fabri-confirms-fulham-deal-bids-farewell-besiktas/
Fulham expected to scout Spanish club in England friendlies, two players suggested as targets
As Spanish side Girona are having their preseason preparations in Manchester, the club are reportedly afraid that some English sides could be interested in taking their players this summer.
The story is written by AS today, with the newspaper claiming that the easy access to Girona's friendlies could give the scouts an easier job to watch the targets.
The La Liga side are playing Bolton Wanderers and Oldham in the next few days, and English clubs are expected to be keeping an eye on two players: central defender Juanpe and midfielder Portu.
But despite all this noise about the interest, AS only names one club who would be keen on these guys. That's Fulham FC.
AS doesn't really say how much would Girona demand for these players, but considering the way they write it, it sounds like Premier League sides, including Fulham, would have no problem in affording them.
Last month, newspaper Sport claimed that Everton would also be interested in Juanpe. So maybe they're in the race with the Cottagers for the 27-year-old.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-expected-scout-spanish-club-england-friendlies-two-players-suggested-targets/
Fees agreed as Fabri closes in on Fulham move
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Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri.
Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri fully expects to join Fulham after revealing the clubs have agreed a transfer fee.
The 30-year-old Spaniard has been lined up to compete with incumbent Marcus Bettinelli on the London club's return to the Premier League.
Fulham paved the way for Fabri's arrival by selling back-up goalkeeper David Button to Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this week.
And it now appears a mere formality until the former Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruna gloveman is confirmed as Slavisa Jokanovic's third signing of the off-season.
"I have been very interested in the Premier League for a long time now," Fabri told Turkish broadcaster A Spor.
"Fulham and Besiktas have an agreement in principle, only signatures are missing. I think it is time for me to go for another adventure.
"I want to thank Besiktas for everything. I am happy to have been here and to have done my best."
Should the switch be completed as expected, Fabri will join Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand as new additions at Craven Cottage.
Besiktas, meanwhile, have reportedly identified Arsenal's David Ospina as the ideal replacement for their outgoing number one.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/fees-agreed-as-fabri-closes-in-on-fulham-move?key=newsnow
Go for it Jokanovic – Fulham should follow up on their £5m interest in this Premier League ace
Why signing Matt Targett will be a right move for Fulham
Fulham are interested in signing Southampton left-back Matt Targett on a permanent deal to bolster their defensive line-up. The Cottagers placed a bid of £5m, which was rejected by the Saints, and a follow-up hasn't been done by them.
Southampton are probably keen to keep the player after an impressive season on loan at Craven Cottage in the Championship. Manager Mark Hughes may be more than just intrigued to stop the move and give first-team opportunities to the Englishman.
However, Fulham should do everything in their armoury to get this deal done, as the player possesses the quality to be a success in the Premier League as well.
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Matt Targett
Here's everything you need to know about the player along with his stats from last season.
Player Analysis – Matt Targett
Age – 22
Main Position – left-midfielder, left-back
Targett is quite an adventurous left-back who moves forward with the ball but also has the defensive awareness to track back when needed. His pace allows him to cover the ground quickly on both fronts.
The 22-year-old's passing is very good, with a success rate of 79.5% and also has the propensity to pick out incisive through balls, at an average of 1.7 per game. He has a tremendous left-foot using which he can devilishly cross the ball into the box for strikers to feed on. His successful crossing rate of 1.4 is as good as it gets.
Furthermore, Targett is diligent enough to make tackles and interceptions to break up the opposition build-up, at 1.9 and 1 per game. It is true that the player lacks physicality but that can improve as he gets more experience playing in the Premier League.
Verdict
Southampton already have a very good left-back in Ryan Bertrand, who is sure to take the first-choice role at St. Mary's. This means Targett will be a back-up to the Englishman and might not get too many opportunities to showcase his talent.
Hence, it is the right time for Fulham to jump in with slightly more money and get their man. They already have a bright star in Ryan Sessegnon and signing Targett will reinforce their left-hand side.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com
https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/21/go-for-it-jokanovic-fulham-should-follow-up-on-their-5m-interest-in-this-premier-league-ace/
Fulham Launch Second Bid For 22 Y/O Southampton Fullback: Can Jokanovic Get His Man?
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Fulham reportedly have offered Southampton £8m for Matt Targett after seeing their initial offer of £5m get rejected. The Lillywhites are looking to bolster the club ranks following their promotion to the Premier League and the Saints fullback is at the very top of their summer shortlist. The 22-year-old spent the previous season on loan with the Cottagers and saw them through to a successful playoff battle.
Slavisa Jokanovic has already lost three of his starting XI players in Ryan Fredericks, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Targett himself. While Fredericks have left on a free transfer to West Ham United, bringing back the latter duo permanently is a pressing matter for the Serbian boss.
Targett could not really break into the Southampton first team squad under Mauricio Pellegrino and had to be loaned out for his own good. The Saints have a highly rated starter in Ryan Bertrand and youngster Sam McQueen as a backup. Instead, Targett managed to find a lucrative escape in the English capital and got to resume his development into a quality professional.
He arrived in January and ended the 2017/18 campaign with 18 Championship appearances, a goal and two assists to his name. His Fulham introduction allowed Ryan Sessegnon to move forward into a more attacking position and make full use of his remarkable footballing abilities. Targett proved himself to be effective at the back while also surging ahead to help in the attack. He played a crucial part in seeing the club go through five months without registering a defeat.
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The 22-year-old is a product of the highly rated Southampton youth academy, having joined the side when he was just 8. He made his senior team debut against Millwall in the Carabao Cup second-round game. With 56 appearances for the club's U23 side, Targett did manage to carve out a sporadic role behind Bertrand to rack up 42 appearances for the senior squad.
Just last summer he signed a new five-year contract but could not really find minutes on the pitch as the Saints struggle to put a winning run together. Targett has 24 caps for England at various youth levels and does have the potential to break out in the Premier League if he makes the switch to Fulham.
The Cottagers have more than a decent shot at signing the left-back this very summer with their refurbished bid. Now it is up to Mark Hughes to either keep him on for another season or to reinvest the transfer money in more necessary additions.
https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/fulham-launch-second-bid-for-22-y-o-southampton-fullback-can-jokanovic-get-his-man/
Goalkeeper Fabri confirms he's leaving Besiktas for Fulham
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Fabri of Besiktas. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
First-choice Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri Agosto Ramirez confirmed he's set to join Premier League side Fulham.
The Spanish keeper played his final game for Besiktas on Friday evening during the Turkish Super Lig side's 3-1 friendly win over Krasnador.
"As you know the Premier League is a major league and one I am interested in joining," Fabri said after the game.
"Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing but there is a verbal agreement with Fulham. I want to thank Besiktas for my time here."
Sources close to the deal confirmed to ESPN FC that Fabri has agreed personal terms with Fulham, who are expected to pay Besiktas a fee of around €6 million (£5.3m) once the transfer is completed.
The Spanish keeper will be joining goalkeeper coach Jose Sambade for the third time in his career after enjoying spells together at Deportivo la Coruna and Besiktas.
Sambada is a keen admirer of Fabri and played an important role in convincing the keeper to join Besiktas in 2016.
Besiktas president Fikret Orman revealed on Thursday that Fulham had made an offer for the 30-year-old keeper.
"There are offers for Fabri, he is training now but I don't know where he will end up," Orman told reporters at Besiktas' training camp in Austria.
Besiktas manager Senol Gunes also hinted on Thursday that Fabri could be on his way out.
"If Fabri leaves we are going to have to sign someone else with the money," Gunes said. "But if we receive a good offer and he wants to leave well there is nothing I can do. Every player has a price."
Fabri joined the Super Lig outfit free transfer in 2016 and went onto lift the Turkish Super League title and compete in two Champions League campaigns.
As ESPN reported on Thursday, the sale of Fabri could result in Besiktas pursuing a move for Arsenal keeper David Ospina.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3570525/goalkeeper-fabri-confirms-hes-leaving-besiktas-for-fulham
Fabri set for Fulham move
Spanish goalkeeper Fabri is poised to become Fulham's third summer signing after reaching 'a verbal agreement' with the club to complete his move from Besiktas.
The 30 year-old goalkeeper said a public goodbye to the Besiktas fans following the Turkish club's 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Krasnador this afternoon. Fabri told reporters:
As you know the Premier League is a major league and one I am interested in joining. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing but there is a verbal agreement with Fulham. I want to thank Be?ikta? for my time here.
Fulham have agreed a fee believed to be in the region of £5.4m for Fabri after having two earlier offers rejected by Besiktas. The experienced goalkeeper has been recommended to Fulham by Slavisa Jokanovic's goalkeeping coach Jose Sambede, who worked at Besiktas when they won their first domestic title in thirteen years in Fabri's first season in Istanbul.
He comes to London with a significant European pedigree, having represented Spain at under-20 level earlier in his career, and starred as Besiktas topped their Champions' League group unbeaten last season. He has kept 27 clean sheets in 87 appearances for Beskitas, conceding 94 goals. Fabri will contest the number spot with Marcus Bettinelli at Fulham after David Button left to join Brighton and Hove Albion at the start of the week.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fabri-set-for-fulham-move/
Fulham close to signing Fabricio Ramirez
Accomplished keeper
Ramirez began his career with Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruña for whom he played 51 games, in which he kept 16 clean sheets.
The Spaniard would then join Real Valladolid CF on a free transfer but he would make just three appearances for them before signing for Recreativo Huelva on loan.
Ramirez made 41 appearances for Rec reativo Huelva, in which he kept a total of 15 clean sheets.
Ramirez then joined Real Betis on another free transfer and would make 19 appearances for the Spanish side, keeping three clean sheets in that time.
The 30-year-old then rejoined Deportivo de La Coruña in 2013 on yet another free transfer before eventually moving to Besiktas in 2016 for once again, free.
Ramirez has made 87 appearances for Besiktas, keeping 27 clean sheets in that time but he now looks set for a move to the Premier League this summer.
Play-off winners
Fulham enjoyed a very impressive 2017/18 Championship campaign. They finished 3rd in the Championship and scored a superb 79 goals in 46 league games. Only league winners Wolves managed more.
As a result of finishing 3rd Fulham earned themselves a playoff spot. They would beat Derby County 2-1 over two legs of the semi-final and they would go on to beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the final.
Now that Fulham have returned to the top flight of English football for the first time in four years, they are looking to improve upon their squad in order to survive the upcoming season and signing Fabricio Ramirez would go some way to doing that.
https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/fulham-close-to-signing-fabricio-ramirez/
2018 Fulham Players Profiles: Tom CairneyYep, it's time to talk about the captain and club legend(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GETPyh8uqGHLUUyDGUbRpBD0R1s=/0x0:4120x2950/920x613/filters:focal(1731x1146:2389x1804)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60438279/962740288.jpg.0.jpg)
Photo by Alex Morton/Getty ImagesBasic Stats: 37 appearances | 33 starts | 4 substitutions | 3,066 minutes | 6 goals | 5 assists
Economics: £3.78 million Transfer Fee | Signed: 2015 | Contract Ends in Summer 2023 plus a 1-year option
Stats by Seven-Game sequences
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WhoScored Rating Chart
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Radar
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All data from whoscored.comTransfermarket Value Chart
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From transfermarket.co.ukCC Thoughts: Countless stories have already been written about Tom Cairney and his impact to Fulham's rise back to the Premier League. His lone goal in the playoff final sealed his legendary status with the club. Like the club's standing in English football during his tenure, Tom Cairney's 2017/18 got off to a rocky start before finishing strong.
Before the campaign even kicked off, the Fulham captain had to be substituted early due to a knee injury in a preseason friendly against Wolfsburg. What ensued was months of uncertainty with regards to how much his health impacted his form. Either way, Fulham started off poorly as a result of Cairney not being able to provide the same attacking spark like he did when he posted 13 goals and 10 assists in 2016/17.
That particular season cemented himself as the best midfielder in the Championship and people wanted to know what he could do for an encore. Sadly, it was a hint of a step back for Cairney, but by the time March came around, he was back to his very best. During that period, the former Blackburn and Hull man scored five of his six goals and 32 of his 65 shots in just 14 games. Who knows what might have been for 2017/18 if Cairney were to maintain that level of form throughout a much longer period of the season.
Either way, his value in football hasn't wavered and will now be coming into 2018/19 as THE one man that will carry Fulham towards long-term stability in the Premier League. The club certainly know this by giving him a five-year contract extension that will see him at Craven Cottage until 2023. The question now will be if at 27, and with so many Championship minutes on his odometer, Cairney can be able to do the exact same things he did in the Premier League.
After signing Jean Michael Seri, there is no denying that the midfield will still be Fulham's strength coming into next season and Cairney is a massive part in it. Have that unit become one of the best in England and a top ten finish is imminent. Anything worse could be nervous times to all the supporters hoping that this won't be just a one-year cameo appearance in the top flight. But no matter what happens, everyone will be looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Key Stat: 2.47 successful dribbles per 90 minutes. Despite all the nagging knee injuries this season, 2017/18 surprisingly became Cairney's best season when showing off his mobility. We all know what he can do with the ball and how well he can spray passes to, but never did we envision him being that much of a marauding midfield while gathering the ball from Fulham's defense. His 84 total dribbles were tops in the club ahead of Ryan Fredericks' 73 while Kevin McDonald's 1.01 successful dribbles per 90 minutes is the next best rate among mainstay Fulham midfielders. Yeah, Cairney still finds a way to be among the most dominant midfielders in England even when he is not at his best.
Your thoughts: So we finally get to see Tom Cairney in his rightful place: attempting to boss a midfield in England's top flight. Do you see him being able to go toe-to-toe with the best in the world? Or are there holes in Cairney's game that he has to fix for him to last in the Premier League? Is he even good enough to carry Fulham through in the next handful of seasons or do you think someone else will have to step up or come in and take the mantle from him? Let us know what you think of the midfield maestro in the comment section below.
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/20/17594808/2018-fulham-players-profiles-tom-cairney
Debate sparked as first Singaporean to sign for a Premier League club faces two-year military conscription
Benjamin Davis, 17, signed a two-year contract with Premier League club Fulham
He will be due to undergo two years of military service
No Singaporean had previously been signed to a Premier League side
Nearly 20,000 have signed a petition calling for military service deferment
Singapore's refusal to allow its first footballer signed to the English Premier League to defer compulsory military service has sparked a debate whether the rigidity of the country's laws on conscription was stifling its youth from pursuing their dreams.
Benjamin Davis, who is 17, has signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Fulham.
In doing so he became the first player from the Southeast Asian nation, who are 169th in FIFA's world rankings, to join an English top-flight club.
Nearly 20,000 have signed an online petition, as of Friday, backing military service deferment for Davis so he can develop his talent.
On social media, there was ridicule of a Facebook post by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam that congratulated France's win at the World Cup as a victory for a football system where 'every young person is encouraged and supported in developing his or her strengths'.
'I feel Ben Davis is exactly that young person that we should be encouraging and supporting,' Facebook user Olivia Choong, a Singaporean entrepreneur, said in reply.
'It's a crying shame for time sensitive opportunities to be lost. And it sets a precedent for other athletes, sending a message that sporting dreams and athletic ambitions are not worth fighting for,' Choong said.
The row between the Davis family and the Singapore government turned bitter when the Defence Ministry accused Davis of selfish intentions for seeking deferment from service.
'Mr Davis' actions are meant to further his own professional career, not national interest,' the ministry said.
His father went ahead and signed with Fulham despite the rejection for deferment, it said.
'As his father openly admitted, he is looking out for his son's future, not Singapore's,' said the ministry.
Harvey Davis, the footballer's father, said that impression by the ministry was 'unfortunate' and it was not his son's intention to give up his Singaporean citizenship to pursue his football career.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5976089/Debate-sparked-Singaporean-sign-Premier-League-club.html
3 Replacements For €35m Rated La Liga Ace Fulham Can Go After Including This Aston Villa Ace!
Fulham would have thought that they lost the opportunity to qualify for the Premier League as they lost on the final day of the league campaign where a win would have seen them through by leapfrogging Cardiff City for a direct qualification spot. However, they lost against Birmingham City and had to be content with a playoff spot. Slavisa Jokanovic was able to pick up his men from that slump as they won the playoffs and gained qualification to the Premier League the tough way.
The manager will be aware that his real challenge will be keeping the team in the top flight and for that the Cottagers will need to add reinforcements to their squad. Fulham recently tabled a bid for Espanyol's defender Diego Lopez, however, it fell significantly short of the Spanish club's valuation of the player. The versatile defender can also play in the role of a defensive midfielder as he is comfortable and composed on the ball.
The player has a release clause in excess of €35m and the Spanish club is only set to listen to offers above the prescribed mark. The Lilywhites' initial bid fell short of that mark and it remains to be seen whether they will again come up with an improved offer for the defender.
The former Napoli defender was a stalwart for his side in the heart of defence as he made 43 appearances in all competitions. In a situation where Jokanovic fails to land him, we look at three possible alternatives he can go after.
Alvaro Gonzalez
The Villareal defender could be decent like for like replacement at the back as he is defensively strong and has good positional sense. The 28-year-old is technically sound on the ball, therefore, he will suit well for Jokanovic as he often encourages his team to build from the back.
James Chester
Aston Villa are in need of money and that is no secret. The Cottagers will be aware of that and they can make a massive coup by adding Chester to their squad as he was instrumental for the Villans last season as they came perilously close to qualifying for the Premier League.
Winston Reid
The Hammers have taken some massive steps in the transfer market, especially in the defensive area. Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena are the two centre-backs they have acquired which is likely to put Reid down the pecking order at the Olympic Stadium. The New Zealand international has a decent amount of experience in the Premier League and he can be a decent bet for the Cottagers.
https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/3-replacements-for-e35m-rated-la-liga-ace-fulham-can-go-after-including-this-aston-villa-ace/
Newcastle's Dwight Gayle reacts to speculation linking him with Stoke and Fulham
Dwight Gayle says he's happy to stay at fight for his place at Newcastle United – after being linked with a move away from the club.
Fulham and Stoke City are interested in Gayle, who scored six Premier League goals last season.
United manager Rafa Benitez is not interested in selling Gayle – and the striker's keen to stay at st James's Park.
Asked about speculation over his future, Gayle said: "I'm loving it here. My family's all set. For the time being, if the gaffer's happy with me, I'm happy at to stay."
Benitez wants to bring in another striker to compete with Gayle and Joselu.
"Of course, we want to improve the team, and I understand that we're going to bring in other players to improve the team," said Gayle.
"It's all part of football. It happens, and you have to prove to the gaffer that you're the right person to start." Gayle – who netted in the club's 3-0 win over Chelsea on the final day of last season – wants to make a bigger contribution up front this coming season.
"It's important that we kick on now, stay focused and start the season on the front foot," said the 28-year-old. "Personally, I want as much gametime as I can get, and I want to improve on my scoring. "The gaffer obviously has confidence in me to do a job, and hopefully I can continue that.
"The opportunity's there for me. The gaffer's given me every opportunity to prove myself. Last season, perhaps I didn't get as many goals (as I wanted), but I was getting opportunities. "If I continue to get those opportunities, I will score goals. Hopefully, I get the chance to prove myself again this season and I do myself proud."
Gayle won the penalty converted by Christian Atsu in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic. "The fact that the boys are finding me in the positions I want to be to score goals is important for me," said Gayle. "I just need to improve on my touch and finishing, and hopefully I can continue that through pre-season."
Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-s-dwight-gayle-reacts-to-speculation-linking-him-with-stoke-and-fulham-1-9261601
