Friends of Fulham

 
Fulham suddenly emerge as second favourites to sign Swansea's Alfie Mawson, behind Burnley

Unlike Burnley, Fulham have yet to be credited with interest in the Swansea City centre-back.

Fulham have suddenly emerged as second favourites - behind Burnley - to sign Swansea City's Alfie Mawson, with one bookmaker.

Sky Bet were offering odds of 8/1 for Mawson to join Fulham on Tuesday, but have since cut the Cottagers to 11/10.

And while Burnley - who unlike Fulham have been credited with interest in the £20-million-rated centre-back - continue to lead the betting, the Clarets are now only 7/4 to land the Londoner having been 2/5 yesterday.

Fulham have seen Tomas Kalas return to Chelsea since the end of last season, creating a void in Mawson's position.

And it is plausible the 24-year-old - who began his career at nearby Brentford - could be the next marquee signing to arrive at Craven Cottage, with Andre Schurrle incoming and Jean Michael Seri already on the books.

Mawson impressed despite Swansea's relegation last season and is 1/12 to leave the Liberty Stadium before 3 September.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/25/fulham-suddenly-emerge-as-second-favourites-to-sign-swanseas-alf/

 
Report: Newcastle United and Fulham £4m away from agreeing Aleksandar Mitrovic deal

Newcastle United are reportedly refusing to budge on their asking price for Aleksandar Mitrovic, which could be a blow to Rafael Benitez's side.

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United now face not doing a deal with Fulham for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic looked set to move to Fulham this summer, after spending last summer on loan at Craven Cottage.

However, Newcastle and Fulham have been unable to agree on a price for the forward so far, with both sides refusing to budge.

Mitrovic is valued at £20 million by Newcastle, but Fulham only want to pay £16 million.

Newcastle are refusing to lower their asking price, and that could be bad news for Rafael Benitez's transfer plans.

It appears that Newcastle need to sell before buying, and Mitrovic was their most valuable asset that they were prepared to sell.

Mitrovic now could be kept at Newcastle, which may appeal to supporters, but Benitez has seemingly always had his doubts over the Serbian.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/25/report-newcastle-united-and-fulham-4m-away-from-agreeing-aleksan/

 
Newcastle May Not Be Able To Sell Mitrovic This Summer

Newcastle still don't have a deal in place to take Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham this summer.

The Northern Echo are reporting today that Newcastle want £20M for their striker, but Fulham are only willing to pay £16M for him.

But the heat will be on Fulham management to sign the striker because Mitro is already a fan favorite in London after scoring 12 goals in just 20 games last season for them and helping the Craven Cottage side get promoted.

However, Fulham could always go off and sing another top striker, and they seem to have started to do that.

Aleksandar Mitrovic just doesn't fit into Rafa's planes at the club and has not been used much over the last two seasons.

Newcastle are said to be refusing to budge on their £20M price, but one thing Newcastle have to do is to become more flexible with their transfers.

The club demonstrates in every transfer window how difficult it is for them to make deals – they are not good at it and always seem to move at a snail's pace.

The possibility is that we may not do the deal with Fulham and that would be really embarrassing.

Why not split the difference and try to agree on a £18M deal – perhaps with some bonuses depending on how Mitro performance at Fulham.

Both sides have to give a little to get a deal.



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/07/25/newcastle-may-not-be-able-to-sell-mitrovic-this-summer/

 
Transfer news: Andre Schürrle joins Fulham on loan

World Cup winner André Schürrle is headed back to London after two tumultuous years with Borussia Dortmund. It is the fourth time he has changed clubs in the last five years.


- Borussia Dortmund agreed to send Andre Schürrle on a two-year loan to recently promoted English side Fulham. The deal does not include a purchase clause, according to German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten.

Schürrle, 27, has a minor resurgence last season, scoring two goals and picking up six assists in 26 appearances for Dortmund after missing much of the start of the season through injury. He became a regular under Peter Stöger, then BVB's coach, and was the initial replacement for Michy Batshuayi when the Belgian striker suffered a season-ending knee injury.

With Dortmund adding Marius Wolf to an already crowded depth chart, Schürrle became the odd man out. He returns to London, where he spent one and a half seasons with Chelsea, to join Fulham, who will return to the top flight after spending four seasons in the English championship.

- Hoffenheim have signed Ghanaian defender Kasim Nuhu from Young Boys Bern. Nuhu, 23, has signed a five-year contract until June 2023 to complete his reported €7 million ($8.2 million) move. He played 45 appearances for the Swiss club last season, scoring three goals. He also picked up 10 yellow cards in the Switzerland's top league, causing him to serve two yellow card suspensions.

- Allan is returning to Germany. Eintracht Frankfurt have signed him on a one-year loan from Liverpool. The Brazilian midfielder spent the 2016-17 season with Hertha Berlin, making 16 appearances. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan in Cyprus, making 20 appearances for Apollon Limassol before missing the end of the season with an arm injury.



https://www.dw.com/en/transfer-news-andre-sch%C3%BCrrle-joins-fulham-on-loan/a-43776436

 
Fulham want to sign the player, 'willing to fight for him', agent evaluating club's counter offer

On July 24th, Mundo Deportivo reported David Lopez's agent Albert Valles was set to meet with Espanyol, who are planning to offer his client a contract extension.  The club's former directors promised him a new deal last year, but they are yet to fulfil it.

Another report from Mundo Deportivo now claims general sports director Oscar Perarnau and director of professional football Rufete are trying to keep their predecessors' promise of securing his long-term future.

Espanyol have already presented a proposal. Valles will study thoroughly the offer made by the La Liga outfit and respond to them in the next few days. This is all under pressure from Fulham, who 'want the footballer' and are 'willing to fight for him'.

Slavisa Jokanovic is 'persuading' the leaders of the club to sign the player. The newly promoted Premier League club are so keen on him that they have raised the offer to triple his wages.

The English outfit are ready to offer €20m plus handful of variables which will benfit Lopez's employer. His release clause is €40m and the Catalan club are unwilling to allow their player for a lower fee.

Mundo mentions the situation is 'more than complicated'.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-want-sign-player-willing-fight-agent-evaluating-clubs-counter-offer/

 
West Ham and 'especially' Fulham have worked on signing right back and could return

West Ham are doing a lot of business in the current transfer window and seem a long way from being finished yet. With two weeks of the market left for Premier League clubs it feels like everything is speeding up around Europe.

On Wednesday France Football report Kevin Malcuit could be a feature of the end of the window. Lille's finances have been a problem for a while and the club will likely listen to good offers.

Inter Milan, who have their own financial limits, are said to have positioned themselves, but they want a loan rather than a straight transfer. The Italian club would want an option to buy but it's understandable if Lille would be reluctant given Inter not taking up such options this summer with other players.

Celta Vigo are also said to be keen, and in England it's West Ham and Fulham.

Fulham themselves are busy in the market, trying to beef up the squad ahead of their return to Premier League football.

Both clubs, 'especially Fulham', 'have worked on this opportunity' and France Football state they 'may return to the charge before the end of the English transfer window'.

There are several tracks for the player right now, including staying at Lille.

Malcuit is a 26 year old right back, he played 24 matches for his French club last season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-especially-fulham-worked-signing-right-back-return/

 
West Ham can't let Fulham have Obiang

OPINION

West Ham have done some wonderful transfer business this summer but if they sell Pedro Obiang to Fulham in this window then it will put a damper on the good vibes surrounding the club.

Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio stated via his official website that Obiang had Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Villareal, Lille, Fulham and Sevilla were all currently chasing his services.

The reliable reporter claimed that Sampdoria were the most likely to emerge victorious from the hunt for the midfielder's services and that an offer could soon be submitted.

It will be sad enough to see Obiang leave the London Stadium anytime soon as he still looks capable of making a positive impact on the club's fortunes if kept but it would a terrible decision if he was sold to Fulham.

While the Hammers will be focusing on just getting their own squad in order, they shouldn't help strengthen a Premier League rivals team ahead of the new season.

If the club sold Obiang to the Cottagers then that would be exactly what they were doing.

The current Hammers midfielder who earns £55,000-a-week, according to statistics site Spotrac would significantly boost Fulham's midfield department if recruited.

Obiang shone for the Hammers in the first part of the 2017/18 campaign, ahead of suffering an injury, as he submitted several sparkling displays to aid his side's cause.

The 26-year-old's tackling ability allows him to regularly win the ball back for his side and he has a knack for retaining possession as he is not easily knocked off the ball.

However if Manuel Pellegrini is willing to part company with him then the club must ensure he goes to someone outside of the Premier League.

According to Di Marzio's update Fulham are the only English side in the race for Obiang so it's not like the Hammers would struggle to find him a club willing to pay a respectable fee for this services.

Due to this, the Hammers must avoid selling the midfielder to their Premier League rivals Fulham this summer as with them now being in the race to sign him, it might not be long before they submit an offer.



https://foreverwestham.com/2018/07/premier-league/west-ham-cant-let-fulham-have-obiang/

 
Fulham keen on Malcuit

Fulham are interested in signing Lille right back Kevin Malcuit, according to a report from France Football.

The Whites may face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham, who have also been tracking the 26 year-old. Neither English club has tabled a firm offer, according to reports from France, but Lille are expecting their interest to continue until the end of the transfer window. The French club have already turned down loan offers from Inter Milan and Celta Vigo, with their stated preference being a permanent transfer. It is believed that both Valencia and Napoli are also interested in signing Malcuit but a bid from either club has yet to materialise.

Aside from Irish international Cyrus Christie, Fulham are light on options at right back after Ryan Fredericks joined West Ham on a free transfer this summer. Malcuit, who has been converted into a full back after playing most of his junior football as an attacker, has made more than 150 appearances in French football and still has just under four years to go on his current contract at Lille.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-keen-on-malcuit/

 
Fulham won't change their style of football in the Premier League, insists Slavisa Jokanovic

The Whites will embark on a Premier League campaign this season and the head coach is adamant that Fulham will continue to play their style

Fulham won't be changing the style that won them so many plaudits last season as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to crack the Premier League.

The Whites won promotion via the play-offs in the previous campaign and will take on the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the top flight this season, where they will have far less possession than in most games they played last year.

Since Jokanovic took over the reins at Fulham, the style of football that has been implemented at Craven Cottage has led to people hailing them as the best footballing side outside the Premier League, but it has also led people to question whether or not they'll be able to play that brand next season.

However, the head coach is adamant that Fulham won't be 'parking the bus' this season will continue their style of football, although experienced players need to be brought in, while tweaks will also be made to how the side play.

Speaking to Marca, Jokanovic said: "It's another level and we have to be prepared. The transfer market is an important period to bring the pieces we need.

"We have a good player base, but we know that we have to invest in experienced people to support them and be competitive in the Premier League.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14946444.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Reading-v-Fulham-Pre-Season-Friendly.jpg)
Slavisa Jokanovic and Jean-Michael Seri (Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

"We are not going to change the style. We are not going to hit balls or park the bus. It would not be a good plan. The Premier is very demanding, we need to change things, but we are not going to give up our style.

"I feel very prepared to face this challenge and my staff is too. We're going to try to hurt them and beat them when we face each other."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-wont-change-style-football-14949921

 
Tottenham Tickets Limited
A limited number of tickets remain available for Fulham's first Premier League away game of the season.

With tickets now on sale to all Season Ticket Holders and Members, fans will be able to secure up to 4 tickets for the fixture from 10am, Thursday 26th July.

The Whites return to Wembley Stadium, for the first time since our Play-Off Final victory, on Saturday 18th August to take on Tottenham Hotspur with kick-off at 3pm.

Tickets are priced at £30 for adults, £19 for over 65s, £22.50 for under 22s and £17 for Under 18s.

Back Slaviša Jokanović's side at the national stadium this August - secure your seat now online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/25/tottenham-tickets-limited

 
The Window So Far

The summer transfer window was always going to be crucial in enhancing Slavisa Jokanovic's squad for the challenge of playing Premier League football. There are still signings to be made and parts of the squad to be strengthened, but we asked our newest writer Billy Wright to run the rule over the new arrivals to Craven Cottage so far.

Maxime Le Marchand

On Thursday 12th July 2018, the signing of French defender Maxim Le Marchand, 28 was completed. Maxime started his career at Rennes, before joining Le Havre, who are famous for developing players like N'Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.He spent five years at Le Havre before moving onto Nice, which is where Fulham picked up from.

Maxime played as a left full-back for Nice last year and this could be where he plays for Fulham this season, unless Jokanovic adds more depth to his squad here in the final weeks of the season. While he performed very well as a left back for Nice last year, Maxime is more comfortable playing as a central defender,where he could partner Tim Ream. The only issue is that the both of them are left footed – and that might not give Jokanovic the kind of balance he would be hoping for in an ideal partnership.

The 6'1" defender is known for his composure on the ball and his passing which will only benefit Fulham's possession style of football. Maxime and Tim Ream would be a great partnership in the heart of the defence – however bringing in a new left back is a must if this is to be the case.

Jean Michaël Seri

On the same day as signing Maxime, the Whites also managed to pull off what some have described as the signing of the summer already in Jean Michaël Seri. The 5'6" Ivorian performed splendidly for Nice last term and the comparison of his campaign to that of the much-vaunted Italian playmaker Marco Veratti is well worth considering:

    Better pass completion from Seri
    More assists per 90 minutes
    More chances created per 90 mins
    More key passses per 90 minutes
    More duels won and less defensive errors per 90 mins

Jean Michaël Seri, known as 'Mika' by his team-mates will wear the number 24 for the Whites this season and he may elbow Stefan Johansen out of the first-team reckoning to team up with Kevin McDonald and captain Tom Cairney in midfield. I am thoroughly excited by the signing of Mika and can't wait to see him play pull on the white shirt competitively for the first team when Fulham's Premier League season gets underway against Crystal Palace in August.

Fabricio Agosto Ramirez

The signing of Fabricio Agosto Ramirez, 30, commonly known as 'Fabri' was completed on 24th July. This is a smart signing in my opinion as he provides very strong competition to Marcus Bettinelli. Bettinelli played very well on his return to the Fulham side last year, becoming a crucial member of the team that eventually achieved promotion back to the top flight, but there are doubts about whether he possesses Premier League quality.

Fabri signed for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be around £5 million from Turkish side Besiktas. After seeing how the Turkish fans have reacted to the news that their beloved Fabri was moving to SW6, there should be some real optimism about this latest addition. With recent Champions League experience in his locker, Fabri looks like a fantastic signing and, like the capture of Seri, this is a real statement of intent. I can't wait to see how Fabri goes about his business in goal for the whites next year!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/the-window-so-far/

 
After big offer Fulham offer claimed for striker, sledgehammer taken to club's transfer chances

Spanish newspaper AS today don't just doubt Fulham's chances of signing Willian Jose from Real Sociedad, they take a sledgehammer to the idea and smash it to pieces.

Reporting the local club have rejected an offer from Fulham, English claims of that bid being around €29m are covered.

AS say it doesn't matter how much the offer was, Real Sociedad aren't even listening because they have no intention of selling the player this summer.

The only way a club would be able to sign the striker is if they paid his €60m buyout clause, but the Spanish newspaper even doubts that would work.

Whilst Real Sociedad would be forced to release the Brazilian if the amount was deposited, Fulham would need the agreement of the player before doing so.

For Willian Jose, that is 'not contemplated' because he doesn't want to leave San Sebastian this summer.

On top of that, the player's agents 'have no intention' of trying to push for a move in the current transfer window.

So that's that then.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/big-offer-fulham-offer-claimed-striker-sledgehammer-taken-clubs-transfer-chances/

 
READ | Millers confirm Rodak return


Marek Rodak returns to Rotherham United...

Rotherham United have completed the signing of Marek Rodak on a season-long loan from Fulham, subject to EFL and FA ratification.

The Slovakia under-21 international returns to the AESSEAL New York Stadium after a successful loan stint last season where he helped the Millers to promotion back to The Championship via the Play-offs.

The 21-year-old has been involved in Fulham's pre-season preparations, and is in line to play a part for the Millers tonight as they host Cardiff City in a friendly at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Rodak is the second signing of the day following the arrival of Sean Raggett, also on a season-long loan, from Norwich City.

More to follow from manager and Paul Warne and Marek shortly...



https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2018/july/read--millers-confirm-rodak-return/

 
Fulham eye Obiang move

Fulham are one of a whole host of clubs considering a move for West Ham's Pedro Obiang, according to reports from Italy.

Obiang, 26, had an injury-effected season at the London Stadium last term, making just 21 league appearances for the Hammers. West Ham's summer recruitment, which has seen former Arsenal man Jack Wiltshire, added to a strong midfield means the Spaniard is worried that will fall well down the pecking order in east London this term.

West Ham reportedly value Obiang at around £15m and have a number of potential suitors for his services. Sampdoria lead the way, with the Italian side reportedly in talks with the Hammers over a potential return to the club where Obiang first made his name, but Fulham. Fiorentina, Atalanta, Villareal, Lille and Sevilla are all keen on signing the powerful midfielder.

It remains to be seen whether the Whites would be willing to entertain meeting West Ham's valuation, especially after adding Jean-Michael Seri as their big money signing earlier in the summer. Obiang has made 87 appearances in three years with the Hammers, scoring three goals.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-eye-obiang-move/

 
Rodak rejoins Rotherham on loan

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has signed a new three-year contract and rejoined Rotherham United on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The Slovakian under-21 international is highly rated at Motspur Park and made his first-team debut in Fulham's League Cup victory at Wycombe Wanderers last season. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at the New York Stadium last season, making 38 senior appearances as he helped the Millers' return to the Championship at the first attempt – as they won the League One play-off final, beating Shrewsbury Town 2-1 after extra time at Wembley.

Rodak, who has previously had loan spells with Farnborough, Welling and Accrington Stanley, was one of Paul Warne's leading summer transfer targets and is understood to be keen to test himself at Championship level whilst gaining further first-team experience. He could be involved in Rotherham's latest pre-season friendly against Premier League side Cardiff City this evening.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/rodak-rejoins-rotherham-on-loan/

 
New Deal & Loan For Rodák

The Club is delighted to confirm that Marek Rodák has penned a new contract, keeping him at Fulham until the summer of 2021.

Rodák made his First Team debut for the Whites last term before heading to Rotherham United on loan, and he today rejoins the now Championship side on a similar season-long deal.

Rodák became a fan favourite whilst on loan at the Millers last term, playing 38 times as they secured an immediate return to the second tier with victory at Wembley Stadium in the Play-Offs.

Everyone at Fulham wishes Marek and Rotherham all the best for the coming season.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/25/new-deal-and-loan-for-marek-rodak

 
Ryan Sessegnon is a mix of Gareth Bale and Marcelo and is ready to be left back for a big team

The Fulham wonderkid has been linked to Tottenham in the past, but the head coach thinks he's going nowhere

Ryan Sessegnon is an 'incredible player project' according to Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, who thinks he's a mix of Real Madrid stars Gareth Bale and Marcelo.

The 18-year-old was arguably one of the best players in the Championship last season as he scored 16 goals in total as Fulham were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs - with his assist feeding Tom Cairney for the goal that got them there.

It's led people to compare him to another left sided player who took England by storm before moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

That man, is of course, Bale.

If you were in a press conference with Jokanovic last season, the words 'Sessegnon' and 'Bale' would be mentioned together most weeks, but for the head coach, the wonderkid is more a hybrid of Marcelo and Bale.

And he believes Sessegnon is ready to be left back of a big team that constantly attacks and that after the coming season, he'll be even better prepared to make the jump to a top European side.

Speaking to Marca in Spain, Jokanovic said: "There is a lot of interest in him [Sessegnon], but I think he's going to stay.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14951632.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

"The club is not going to put it on the market. He is happy to stay another season with us and I think it's good that he is not in a hurry.

"He has just turned 18 and has already played almost 100 games in the second division. If he stays and plays with Fulham in Premier he will be even better prepared to make the jump to one of the best teams in Europe.

"It is an incredible player project, with a fantastic physical capacity.

"People compare him to Bale, for me it's a mix between Marcelo and Bale.

"I've used him lately in a more offensive role, but he's ready to be left-back of a big team that constantly attacks. He still has a lot of room for improvement."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/ryan-sessegnon-mix-gareth-bale-14950327

 
Fabri attracted by Fulham's history

Fulham's new goalkeeper Fabri has revealed that the club's unique history and the prospect of playing in the Premier League were among the main reasons to convince him to leave Besiktas.

The Whites confirmed the experienced Spanish goalkeeper as their third signing of the summer, after agreeing a fee of around £5m with the Turkish club. Fabri, who had worked with Fulham's goalkeeping coach Jose Sambede at two of his previous clubs, was clearly taken with his new club's history – as he showed during a wide-ranging interview with FulhamFCTV:

    I am very happy to have joined a club with so much history like Fulham. I am delighted that Fulham have trusted that I can compete with them to be in the Premier League for many years and feel very positive about this. I want to enjoy this challenge and every training session and match. I considerable myself a very positive and happy guy and want to adapt as soon as possible to London life, improving my English. My feelings are very positive, and I want to give everything and enjoy the day-to-day.

    The fact that I have joined a club with so much history and the oldest in London is very attractive to me. I close my eyes and imagine what football must have been like. Obviously I have not watched it but I have seen pictures of the old style stadium and the essence that it has got. I have also been told that it is a very family orientated club where everyone is close. All of that is important to me and the target of playing in the most competitive league in the world, the Premier League.

    The Premier League is a league that all football players dream of being part of. It's the most competitive league with great clubs, followed worldwide, an incredible history, very different football played with respect, fans who are constantly cheering and supporting their teams in full stadia. It has many things to attract you. For me it's the best league in the world alongside La Liga but the Premier League attracts you in all senses.

The 30 year-old has no qualms about being asked to play out from the back and be part of a possession-focused, attractive side, believing that the success of Pep Guardiola with Barcelona and Manchester City has changed the game markedly.

    This has allowed the team to get such good results, to achieve promotion and return to the Premier League. It is all about confidence and working hard and believing firmly in the work and that style of play. [Pep] Guardiola has revolutionised that style of play with something perhaps more direct, also Liverpool and Chelsea have adapted their way of thinking and perhaps that has changed football in England.

    I think it is interesting to be able to learn something new, to see new things which can get results is always beneficial. I just love football so I can adapt to any style! But yes, I like it. I prefer a style where the team keeps possession, is more attacking and can play good football. I like it and I admire teams that can play this way.

Fabri also has his sights set on an enjoyable season at Craven Cottage. He is expected to become Fulham's first choice goalkeeper, displacing former England under-21 international Marcus Bettinelli:

    Like all players I want to play, but I also want to enjoy it, come to work with a smile on my face every day, feel that we are a united group fighting for the same objectives, that we have a good atmosphere. But the main thing I desire to be able to enjoy it. To be able to do things well so that we can get the results which will influence everything. Overall I want to deliver good results, remain positive and enjoy my team here, enjoy this great season and many more to come.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fabri-attracted-by-fulhams-history/

 
Report: Fulham keen on Irons midfelder

Fulham are the latest club to be credited with an interest in Hammers midfielder Pedro Obiang joining Sampdoria and several other European outfits.

Obiang and Cheik Kouyate appear to be very much on the available list with speculation increasing around them as the transfer deadline day draws closer.

According to reports in the Italian media clubs currently interested in the player include Sampdoria, Fiorentina, Atalanta, Villarreal, Lille, Fulham and Sevilla.

And if that turns out to be the reality then an auction will be taking place which could see the Irons more than double their money on the player.

However, the Irons will not budge until they have someone Manuel Pellegrini considers superior to a player whose season was wrecked by injury last term.

As reported on CandH a Hammers insider made it clear they would not be selling any player unless they could bring in upgrades to the club this summer.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/report-fulham-keen-on-irons-midfelder/

 
Cup of Traditions Update

Fulham's first match at the Cup of Traditions in Germany this Saturday 28th July will be against Athletic Bilbao.

Our 45-minute game against the Spanish outfit will kick-off at 5pm local time, following the first Semi-Final between host side Duisburg and ACF Fiorentina.

We will then face one of those teams in either the Final or a Third Place Play-Off.

Fans wishing to attend the Cup of Traditions will be able to buy tickets on the day.

Fulham supporters have been allocated stands Q and 19 – see below – with prices at €10 for standing and €20 for seated tickets.

The Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena will open at 2pm (local time). A 'Traditions' match will kick-off at 3pm, with the first Semi-Final taking place at hour later.

The organisers have advised arriving early to purchase your tickets, so to avoid congestion.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/25/cup-of-traditions-update

 
What Fulham's signing of Fabri means for Marcus Bettinelli

The race for the number one shirt at Fulham has just gotten interesting.

On Tuesday, Fulham announced their third signing of the summer as Spanish goalkeeper Fabri joined the Whites from Besiktas.

The 30-year-old will immediately begin to challenge for the starting goalkeeper spot, handing Fulham's current number one Marcus Bettinelli his biggest challenge yet.

The following three weeks will be crucial in the battle for the starting role, as both Fabri and Bettinelli will believe they have a strong claim to play between the sticks against Crystal Palace on August 11.

Bettinelli started 26 matches for the Whites last season after reclaiming the starting role from David Button in December, and was a key part of the 23-match unbeaten run that led to a third-place league finish.

The English goalkeeper was also integral to Fulham's successful run in the Play-Offs, keeping vital clean sheets against Derby and Aston Villa to send the Cottagers up.

Yet, despite his Championship heroics, Bettinelli could very well see himself become second-choice at the start of the season for the third consecutive season.

(https://tbrfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/GettyImages-962740400.jpg)

Although Bettinelli seems to enjoy a brilliant connection with the Fulham team and brings great form whenever he plays, the arrival of Fabri may push him to the back-up position.

The Spaniard is an immensely experienced goalkeeper with success in La Liga, the Turkish Super Lig, and the Champions League.

Both keepers have never played in the Premier League, but one would tend to suspect the player who led Besiktas to the Champions League knockout stages last season (while beating Porto, Leipzig, and Monaco) would be the favourite to start against Palace.

However, Bettinelli is the goalkeeper with a deep knowledge of playing in Slavisa Jokanovic's system and has a true bond with the Fulham squad.

The battle for Fulham's goalkeeping spot suddenly became far more interesting with the signing of Fabri, and all Fulham fans can agree increased competition is a good thing for the club.

Even in the event that Fabri claims the number one spot come the start of the season, Marcus Bettinelli has been in the back-up position many times before — and has thrived when asked to fill in.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-signing-fabri-marcus-bettinelli/

2018 Fulham Player Profiles: Kevin McDonald
Let's take a look at Fulham's unofficial captain

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wziw9FUdmTw7XE2H57ErNDAmP6c=/0x0:4949x3456/920x613/filters:focal(2080x1333:2870x2123)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60492745/952288306.jpg.0.jpg)

Basic Stats: 45 appearances | 45 starts | 0 substitutions | 4,004 minutes | 3 goals | 1 assist

Economics: £1.35 million Transfer Fee | Signed: 2016 | Contract Ends in Summer 2019 plus a 1-year option

Stats by Seven-Game sequences


WhoScored Rating Chart


Radar

All data from whoscored.com

Transfermarket Value Chart

From transfermarket.co.uk

CC Thoughts: Tom Cairney might be the one wearing the captain's armband every matchday, but almost every player and supporter knows who the one true leader within the club really is. Kevin McDonald truly is the heart and soul of the club who is guaranteed to put in the hard yards to guide Fulham to victory. And when all eyes will be on the likes of Cairney, Aleksander Mitrovic, Ryan Sessegnon and Stefan Johansen creating chances and scoring goals, it is McDonald that is further behind supporting the back four and being the last cover in midfield.

It's what he's done his whole career. Whether he is at Dundee United, Burnley, Scunthorpe, Notts County, Sheffield United or Wolves, his role didn't change. Pundits and "pundits" will tell you that he is too slow for the upper echelons of English football, but you know that McDonald will do his best to shove any opinions from his critics and put in a 110% hard-wording shift.

This season was no different, and even with some goals that will make you wonder if you could do it yourself, Fulham would not be in the Premier League without his services. Now he's returning to the top flight for the first time since 2009/10. He wasn't even 21 years old at the start of that campaign back when he was at Turf Moor and he struggled to build off of the 30 total appearances during that point in his career. But after going through League 1 and the Championship in between, McDonald will hope that all those years of finally building upon that hardship and experience will see through an excellent 2018/19.

Key Stat: 131 combined tackles and interceptions. As proof of his hard graft, no other Fulham player had more defensive contributions than the Scotsman. The next closest Cottager in this statistic is Ryan Fredericks with 115. If you really want to add to McDonald's legend, consider that only Tim Ream had more blocked shots (32) than his 31. No other Fulham player had more than 21 blocked shots.

Your thoughts: So what say you about Mr. KMac? Where do you rate him in the hierarchy of most important Fulham players? Do you see him succeeding against better quality of competition now that he's in the Premier League? And do you think that, despite turning 30 in November, Tony Kahn and Co. should do what it takes to give him a new contract before his current deal runs out? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/25/17606238/2018-fulham-player-profiles-kevin-mcdonald

 
Fulham sign Andre Schurrle from Borussia Dortmund on loan deal

An exciting transfer window for Fulham continues as they add former Chelsea man Andre Schurrle to their ranks

Fulham have completed the signing of Andre Schurrle on a two-year loan deal.

The 27-year-old makes the move from Borussia Dortmund having spent two seasons at the German club after signing from Wolfsburg in a club-record deal for the side.

However, injuries blighted his time at the Westfalenstadion and he will now look to get his career back on track with Fulham in the Premier League.

Schurrle has previous experience in the top flight in England, having spent time with west London neighbours Chelsea for two seasons, getting a Premier League winners' medal despite leaving the side halfway through the season.

He's also won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, setting up Mario Gotze for the goal in the final against Argentina, while also bagging a brace against Brazil in the 7-1 thrashing in the semi finals.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article14949735.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1001536586.jpg)
Fulham next? Schurrle looks set for a loan move to the Cottagers ahead of next season (Image: Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)

He will be Fulham's fourth signing of what is proving to be an exciting summer for the Premier League two boys and he will join the likes of Jean-Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand and Fabri in their ranks for the coming season.

Despite a slow start to the window, Tony Khan is demonstrating that Fulham aren't in the top flight to make up the numbers this season and will be looking to make their mark as they aim for as high a finish as possible.

Meanwhile, talks are continuing between the side and Newcastle United for the transfer of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has now returned from holiday after the World Cup.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-sign-andre-schurrle-borussia-14950263

 
Fulham sign Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund


Fulham have signed German World Cup-winning forward Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

The 27-year old former Chelsea player will join the Craven Cottage side for the next two seasons.

Schurrle won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 but did not make the squad for this summer's tournament.

"I can't wait to get started," he said. "I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team."

Schurrle played for Chelsea from 2013-15 and won a Premier League winners medal in 2015 despite leaving the club for Wolfsburg part-way through the season. He has been at Dortmund since July 2016 and has 57 caps for Germany.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44961463

 
Fulham sign Andre Schurrle on two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund

Fulham have completed the signing of Andre Schurrle on a two-year loan deal from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 27-year-old forward will wear the number 14 shirt at Craven Cottage.

After arriving in south-west London, Schurrle told fulhamfctv: "I'm so happy to be here, I can't wait to get started.

"Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me - that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here.

"I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect. I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team."

Schurrle has experience of playing in the Premier League, having spent 18 months at Fulham's neighbours Chelsea.

He has 22 goals in 57 games for Germany, and claimed the assist for Mario Gotze's extra-time goal that won the 2014 World Cup final.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11448868/fulham-sign-andre-schurrle-on-two-year-loan-from-borussia-dortmund

 
'They were the first club that showed interest in me.... I appreciated that a lot:' Andre Schurrle joins Fulham on two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund

    2014 World Cup winner Andre Schurrle has joined Fulham on a two-year loan
    He previously played for Chelsea and won the Premier League in 2015
    Schurrle had fallen out of favour at Borussia Dortmund but is a coup for Fulham

Former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle has joined Fulham on a two-year loan deal from Borussia Dortmund.

'I'm so happy to be here, I can't wait to get started,' he told the club website. 'Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me - that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here.

'I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect. I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team.'

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/25/21/4E91886F00000578-5992535-image-m-29_1532551279706.jpg)
Forward Andre Schurrle has joined Fulham on a two year loan from Borussia Dortmund

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/25/21/4E918B5300000578-5992535-image-m-32_1532551296732.jpg)
Schurrle previously played for Chelsea but now returns to west London with Fulham

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/25/21/4E918B6300000578-5992535-image-a-33_1532551332631.jpg)
He will wear No 14 in the coming season with the newly-promoted Premier League side

His signing represents a significant coup for Slavisa Jokanovic's side as they look to build their squad following last season's Championship play-off victory.

Schurrle had been offered to Everton and Crystal Palace, while Lazio also showed an interest, but he has chosen a return to west London.

The 27-year-old was released from Dortmund's tour of the USA to conduct talks over his future before signing at Craven Cottage.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/25/21/4E909AAD00000578-5992535-image-a-35_1532551938712.jpg)
Schurrle previously scored 11 goals in 44 Premier League appearances for Chelsea

Schurrle scored 11 goals in 44 Premier League appearances for Chelsea before leaving Stamford Bridge in February 2015, having earned a Premier League winner's medal that summer.

He also counts the World Cup among his trophy cabinet, playing six times as Germany won the 2014 tournament in Brazil. He has also won two German Cups, with Wolfsburg and Dortmund.

Fulham director of football operations Tony Khan said: 'Andre has been a top target for us, as he has for other clubs throughout Europe, so I'm very happy that our pursuit was successful.

'We're ecstatic that we have reached an agreement to add Andre, given his impeccable credentials and his tremendous skill, and can't wait to see him in Fulham colours.'



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5992535/Andre-Schurrle-joins-Fulham-two-year-loan-Borussia-Dortmund.html

 
Official: Andre Schurrle Leaves Borussia Dortmund on Loan To Fulham

As reports the past weeks indicated Andre Schurrle has left BVB to join the newly promoted Fulham FC. Schurrle was Dortmund record signing at 30 million Euros two years ago. He never really found his footing at the club, both metaphorically and literally, and a transfer this summer was expected. The deal is a loan for two years.

ts a shame Schurrle didn't work out on Dortmund, but he did have his flashed. When him, Gotze and Reus all managed to play together earlier this year they all looked at their peak. However, there is no room for him as a winger in the squad, and Schurrle striker is an experiment that never works.

There is no news that the loan has an option to buy or if there is a loan fee or not. For a two season loan hopefully we get some money for it!

Good luck at Fulham Lumberjack Schurrle!



https://www.fearthewall.com/2018/7/25/17611650/official-andre-schurrle-leaves-borussia-dortmund-on-loan-to-fulham

 
Schürrle signs for Fulham

Fulham have tonight completed the signing of German winger Andre Schürrle on a two-year loan deal from Borussia Dortmund.

The former Chelsea winger turned down a host of clubs to make his return to English football with the Premier League new boys. The 27 year-old, a World Cup winner with Germany back in 2014, completed his medical at Motspur Park and told the club's website that he was delighted to complete the deal.

    I'm so happy to be here, I can't wait to get started. Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me – that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here. I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect. I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team.

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

    I'm thrilled to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed André Schürrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund. André has been a top target for us, as he has for other clubs throughout Europe, so I'm very happy that our pursuit was successful.

    He has vast experience, having played in the Premier League, the Bundesliga and with the German National Team, including the squad that won the World Cup in 2014. We're ecstatic that we have reached an agreement to add André, given his impeccable credentials and his tremendous skill, and can't wait to see him in Fulham colours. Come on Fulham!



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

 
Fulham 'ecstatic' to land deal for German star Andre Schurrle

The former Chelsea player is heading back to west London.

(http://sport.bt.com/images/fulham-ecstatic-to-land-deal-for-german-star-andre-schurrle-136428560450436601-180725220621.jpg)

Fulham have signed Andre Schurrle on a two-year loan deal from Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international forward is a former Chelsea player and was a World Cup winner with his country in 2014.

Now 27, he told fulhamfctv: "I'm so happy to be here, I can't wait to get started."

"Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me – that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here."

Schurrle, who will wear the number 14 shirt for the newly-promoted Premier League side, said: "I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect.

"I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team."

Cottagers vice-chairman Tony Khan added: "Andre has been a top target for us, as he has for other clubs throughout Europe, so I'm very happy that our pursuit was successful.

"He has vast experience, having played in the Premier League, the Bundesliga and with the German national team, including the squad that won the World Cup in 2014.

"We're ecstatic that we have reached an agreement to add Andre, given his impeccable credentials and his tremendous skill, and can't wait to see him in Fulham colours."

Schurrle impressed with Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen, prior to his move to Chelsea for a reported £18million in 2013.

He scored eight Premier League goals for the Blues in 2013/14, including a hat-trick at Fulham in a 3-1 win, and played enough games to earn a Premier League winner's medal in 2014/15 – even though he left for Wolfsburg before the season was out.

He joined Borussia Dortmund a little more than two years ago, for an undisclosed fee.



http://sport.bt.com/football/fulham-ecstatic-to-land-deal-for-german-star-andre-schurrle-S11364285604605

 
Schurrle completes loan move to Fulham

(https://premierleague-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/premierleague/photo/2018/07/25/666fb143-dc5d-4c60-82c0-7b21205dbb51/Andre-Schurrle-Fulham.png)

German forward returns to London after agreeing a two-year loan deal

Fulham have signed Andre Schurrle from Borussia Dortmund on a two-season loan.

The 27-year-old forward, who will wear the No 14 shirt, is Fulham's fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

"Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me - that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here," he told the club's official website.

"I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team."

It is Schurrle's second spell in the Premier League, after two campaigns with Chelsea from 2013.

He joined the Blues from Bayer Leverkusen and made 44 appearances, scoring 11 goals and claiming two assists.

Schurrle left Stamford Bridge midway through the 2014/15 season for VfL Wolfsburg but still qualified for a Premier League winner's medal.

He scored one goal and had four assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund last season.

Fulham open their PL campaign against Crystal Palace on 11 August.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/788892

 
Forget Mitrovic – Fulham could strike gold by completing this £26m deal for Brazilian star

Why Fulham bidding for Willian Jose is the right choice by them                                

Fulham have made a £26m bid for Real Sociedad's Brazilian striker Willian Jose, as an alternative to Aleksandar Mitrovic. The latter was on loan at Craven Cottage last season and manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants him to join from Newcastle United. But the deal is yet to materialise.

So, the Cottagers targeting Jose as a substitute option is a fantastic choice made by the club because the Brazilian has the qualities to be a success in the Premier League. He has had an impactful couple seasons in La Liga, playing for Real Sociedad, scoring 27 goals in 62 league appearances.

Here's everything you need to know about the player and why he can make the difference if bought by the Premier League newcomers:

Player Analysis – Willian Jose
Age – 26
Main Position – Forward

Jose is a very good all-around centre-forward with an array of attributes to trouble the defenders. His impressive height (189cm) and physical stature allow him to win aerial duels at a rate of 1.5 per game and dominate the centre-backs with ease. This aids him to provide knock-downs for midfield runners when a ball is played towards him.

Player Analysis – Willian Jose
Age – 26
Main Position – Forward

Jose is a very good all-around centre-forward with an array of attributes to trouble the defenders. His impressive height (189cm) and physical stature allow him to win aerial duels at a rate of 1.5 per game and dominate the centre-backs with ease. This aids him to provide knock-downs for midfield runners when a ball is played towards him.

So, Fulham will get a striker who can cope with the physicality of the Premier League and be lethal in front of goal when needed. The Brazilian won't just be an alternative but also a very good first-choice option for the Cottagers if are they fail to get Mitrovic.

Verdict

It's true that Jokanovic would still prefer the Mitrovic deal to be completed, however, the fact that Jose is such a high-quality player won't affect Fulham's plans. Both players have similar attributes in the air and would be ruthless.

Hence, it won't make much difference for Jokanovic. Anyway, Fulham would get a quality striker in Willian Jose, if not Mitrovic.

Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/26/forget-mitrovic-fulham-could-strike-gold-by-completing-this-26m-deal-for-brazilian-star/

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

In this episode, we analyzed the signing of André Schürrle on a two season loan deal for Fulham. Co-hosting this episode was Yannis Tjanetis and Max Cohen from The Boot Room.

to listen follow the link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/26/17615610/cottage-talk-extra-breaking-news-analysis-andre-schurrle

 
Fulham sign German forward Schuerrle on two-year loan deal

(Reuters) - Fulham have signed German playmaker Andre Schuerrle on a two-year loan deal from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, the Premier League club said.

The 27-year-old, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, will be eager to overcome injury troubles he has faced in recent years, with a muscle fibre problem limiting him to just 18 appearances in the German top-flight last season.

"Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me - that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here," Schuerrle told the club's website.

"I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect. I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team."

Schuerrle will be eager to regain the dominant form he had during his prime at former clubs Chelsea and Wolfsburg after his underwhelming spell at Dortmund led to his omission from Germany's squad for this year's World Cup.

Fulham have recruited four new players so far as they prepare for their first top-flight season since the 2013/14 campaign.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-ful-schuerrle/fulham-sign-german-forward-schuerrle-on-two-year-loan-deal-idUKKBN1KG099?rpc=401&