Friends of Fulham

 
Chambers: Amazing To Watch

Calum Chambers says his experience of watching Fulham last season played a major role in his decision to join the Club.

The defender caught enough of the Whites' successful 2017/18 campaign to convince him to swap North for South-West London when the opportunity presented itself this week.


When asked what it was like to watch from the outside, he replied: "It was amazing. The run you guys went on towards the end of the season was incredible.

"The style in which Fulham played is not easy, in that league especially, so to do that and be successful with it was great to see.

"Everyone can see that Fulham's a club that likes to play football, play football from the back, through the lines. That's the style of football I like to play as well, so I think it fits me and suits the way I play.

"I'm really excited. I watched a lot of Fulham last season, I really like the way they play football, there's a good manager, it's a great club, so I'm really excited for the season ahead.

"I know a lot about the Club, so when I heard that Fulham were interested in having me here I was really happy and I wanted to come. Everything just felt right."

A full England international, Chambers has ambitions of returning to Gareth Southgate's squad, but knows that will only happen if he performs well for the Whites – which is his primary goal.


"For me, first off, I want to do well for Fulham," he said. "I want to come here and show everyone what I can do, and then obviously the long-term goal is to get back in the England squad as well.

"But my first aim is to come to Fulham and do well for the team, and give everything I can.

"Competition for places is huge, it keeps everyone on their toes and makes everyone perform at their best ability. There are players coming in, which will push everyone to be the best they can be.

"I've played quite a few [Premier League] games now, and I want to come here and show the experience I've gained in the past."

Having played at Craven Cottage before, Chambers is looking forward to stepping out at the famous old ground once again on Saturday, if selected for the season opener against Crystal Palace.

"It's a good stadium, it's got a lot of history," he said. "I remember the fans in the crowd and the atmosphere being very good, so I'm looking forward to hearing that again.

"It will be a nice pitch and hopefully a good day, so I'm really excited for it."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/calum-chambers-amazing-to-watch

 
Fulham: 2018/19 Premier League Season Preview

After earning promotion back to the Premier League, and a very busy transfer window, how will Fulham fare in their first season back in the top flight since the 2013/14 campaign?

Last Season

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic successfully led the Cottagers back to the Premier League after a 4-year absence from the top flight. The first two of Fulham's campaigns in the Championship were utter disappointments, with the West London side finishing in the bottom half on both occasions. There seemed to be an emergence of creeping doubts as to whether Fulham would ever make it back to the top flight, particularly after the play-off semi-final heartbreak at the end of the 2016/17 season. Last season, however, was a different story, as Fulham embarked on a scintillating run of 23 games unbeaten, finishing 3rd and narrowly missing out on the illustrious automatic promotion spot after a wounding defeat to Birmingham City on the final day. Fulham were made to do it the hard way, defeating both Derby County and then Aston Villa on their quest to return to the Premier League.

Manager and Preferred Tactics

Slavisa Jokanovic began his managerial career in his home country with Serbian team Partizan Belgrade before enduring a spell at Muangthong United in Thailand. Since then, he has honed his coaching skills in Bulgaria, Spain, Israel and also briefly at Watford. His current position as Fulham head coach has arguably been his most successful. After steering the Cottagers away from Championship relegation, the Serb has guided Fulham to two top 6 finishes and has established himself as a true fan favourite at Craven Cottage.

In terms of tactics, Jokanovic doesn't seem to remain faithful to one particular formation. Instead, he prefers to adjust his system to the type of players he has at his disposal. This Fulham side have thus far adopted a philosophy of intense pressing with quick turnovers. Following the signings Jokanovic has made so far in this window, we could see a Fulham team that plays expansive football in an attempt to best utilise the abundance of pace and attacking talent in this team.

Key Player

Last season's promotion back to the Premier League was a wonderful team effort from Fulham, but if one player who particularly stood out above his team mates had to be identified, it would have to be Ryan Sessegnon. After starting the season at left-back, Sessegnon's goal scoring capabilities were revealed and the player has since adopted the left wing position, finishing the season with a total of 15 league goals – a truly breath-taking feat from an 18-year-old. The teenager has been linked with a move to bigger Premier League clubs, but for now it seems as though he will remain in West London where he will be keen to show that he is able to not only live up to his own hype, but also the relentless demands of the Premier League.

Captain

At the start of the 2017/18 season, Fulham named Tom Cairney as club captain and he has been instrumental in Fulham's return back to the Premier League. In January 2018, Fulham rejected two offers from West Ham for Tom Cairney, which stood at £15m and £18m respectively, thus highlighting how integral he is to Fulham's success. The decision to reject both offers proved crucial, as Cairney scored the only goal in the play-off final win against Aston Villa and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season Award. Cairney is expected to play a key role this season and Fulham will need him to be at his best if they are to have a successful campaign.

Transfer Activity

So far this transfer window, Fulham have highlighted just why promotion to the Premier League is so invaluable at the moment, having reaped the rewards of the multiple millions awarded to them from current television deals. This was no better exemplified than by the signing of Jean Michael Seri from Nice for £27m – a player who had previously been linked with Barcelona and Manchester City.  Seri's performances last season weren't quite as impressive as the mightily high standards he had set himself the season before, but from Fulham's perspective, this transfer oozes ambition.

Other impressive signings include World Cup Winner Andre Schürrle on a two-year loan deal and the permanent signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic for a reported £22m. Schürrle will add pace and creativity and will hope bring the best out of Mitrovic, who scored 12 goals in 20 games for Fulham last season whilst there on loan. Together with Ryan Sessegnon, Schürrle and Mitrovic could really form a potent front three.

2018/19 expectations

First and foremost, Fulham must survive the Premier League this season, particularly after the money spent during this transfer window. Fulham have been known for their attacking brand of football in the Championship, but a solid defence is absolutely crucial in the Premier League and this could be Fulham's downfall this season unless further transfers are made. A successful and realistic return back to the Premier League would be a bottom half finish but comfortably escaping relegation, and with a manager such as Slavisa Jokanovic at the helm, there is no reason why this couldn't come to fruition.



https://90maat.com/2018/08/09/fulham-2018-19-premier-league-season-preview/

 
Borussia Dortmund fans' jealousy drove me out of club - Andre Schurrle

(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2018%2F0809%2Fr412139_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&w=570)
Fulham's Andre Schuerrle during a friendly against Florenz. TF-Images/Getty Images

Andre Schurrle said fans' jealousy drove him to return to England and is why many Germany internationals do not play in the Bundesliga.

Schurrle, 27, joined Fulham last month on a two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund, the club he joined from Wolfsburg in 2016.

He spent two mediocre seasons at Dortmund, scoring three Bundesliga goals in 33 of a possible 68 appearances, and not only did he lose his place in the national team, he became a target of ironic chants of "Schuuuu" and "We'll drink until Schurrle scores" from some supporters.

"We had a difficult last two years when I was in Dortmund," Schurrle, who earned a Premier League winners' medal with Chelsea in 2015, told the Sun. "It was not easy, the relationship between fans and players. It's a big jealousy thing in Germany that you have from fans -- not the hardcore fans, because they always stand behind their team.

"It's not easy, especially for a German national team player who did great things in the past and maybe is struggling. That's why I think most of the German national team play abroad because if you don't play for Bayern Munich and you don't always win, it's difficult."

Andre Schurrle said fans' jealousy drove him to return to England and is why many Germany internationals do not play in the Bundesliga.

Schurrle, 27, joined Fulham last month on a two-year loan from Borussia Dortmund, the club he joined from Wolfsburg in 2016.

He spent two mediocre seasons at Dortmund, scoring three Bundesliga goals in 33 of a possible 68 appearances, and not only did he lose his place in the national team, he became a target of ironic chants of "Schuuuu" and "We'll drink until Schurrle scores" from some supporters.

"We had a difficult last two years when I was in Dortmund," Schurrle, who earned a Premier League winners' medal with Chelsea in 2015, told the Sun. "It was not easy, the relationship between fans and players. It's a big jealousy thing in Germany that you have from fans -- not the hardcore fans, because they always stand behind their team.

"It's not easy, especially for a German national team player who did great things in the past and maybe is struggling. That's why I think most of the German national team play abroad because if you don't play for Bayern Munich and you don't always win, it's difficult."



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3590161/borussia-dortmund-fans-jealousy-drove-me-out-of-club-andre-schurrle

 
FST Election Results 2018


It was an honour to be asked to be the independent Scrutineer for the Fulham Supporters' Trust Board Elections 2018 and it has been an interesting experience.

Nine vacancies were declared, and ten nominations were received but on informing the nominees one decided to withdraw leaving us with nine nominees for nine positions.

Therefore, as the Independent Scrutineer, and in line with rule 3.7 of the Election Rules, I declare those nine nominees appointed.

Those appointed are: Ian Clarke; Sue Couch; Dan Crawford; Chris Gilbertson; Tom Greatrex; Les O'Gorman; Gerry Pimm; Archie Rhind-Tutt; and Owen Smith.

In line with the current Constitution, at the first Society Board meeting lots shall be drawn to determine which four nominees are appointed for a two-year term, or part thereof, and the other five will then be deemed to be appointed for a one-year term or part thereof.

There should then be a further election prior to the next AGM where three vacancies will be declared, and the five retiring Directors will be eligible to stand again for election as will any other eligible members. This will then leave the required two spaces for co-opted Directors.

As part of my role I am required to report whether the current Society Election Rules Regulations and Procedures and the Society Constitution were adhered to. I am satisfied they were.

However, I consider that both the current Election Rules, Regulations and Procedures and the current Constitution are no longer fit for purpose and need to be updated as a matter of urgency. The former for the next Election and the latter for proposal to the next AGM.

I would recommend that both are reviewed in consultation with Supporters Direct who will advise on best practice.

Best wishes, Neil Le Milliere

Independent Scrutineer 2018



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/8/9/fst-election-results-2018.html

 
PL2 Live Stream: Manchester United

Fulham's opening PL2 Division 2 fixture against Manchester United will be streamed live on fulhamfctv for subscribers on Friday evening.

The Under-23s' first match is against the Red Devils and kicks off at 7pm at Motspur Park. Last season Manchester United were relegated from the PL2 Division 1, Fulham finished eighth in Division 2.

"You don't get a bigger game for the Under-23s than Man United at the start of the season," said Head of Academy Coaching Steve Wigley.

"The fact that they found themselves relegated last year, it was a strange season because their Under-18s won the league.

"That tells you that they have good young players coming through and that is a game to excite anybody anytime you play the big clubs."

Tickets are also available on the gate, £3 or free for season ticket holders.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/pl2-live-stream-manchester-united

 
Paul Merson's Premier League predictions:

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Saturday 3pm)

It all depends on how Wilfried Zaha performs as he makes all the difference. I don't think they won a football game without him last year, so Palace will have done well to keep hold of him.

This is a real benchmark for Fulham early on, playing a team that struggled last season but are better than what they were.

I'm going to go for a draw, but if I had to pick a winner it would be Palace.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15205/11466964/paul-mersons-premier-league-predictions-newcastle-v-spurs-liverpool-v-west-ham-arsenal-v-man-city

The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a loan deal which keeps him at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2018/19 season.

Rico has made 170 appearances for Sevilla's first team during his career, keeping clean sheets in almost half of those, and has also been capped by Spain at senior level.

Born in Sevilla, Rico joined his local club as a youngster and progressed through the ranks before making his debut at the beginning of 2014/15, going on to make 37 appearances as the club's first choice goalkeeper despite his tender age.


His maiden campaign culminated in a first ever trophy, as he was in goal for Sevilla's 3-2 Europa League Final win against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

Rico added the same medal to his collection a year later as Sevilla defeated Liverpool 3-1 at FC Basel's St. Jakob-Park.

That proved to be the start of a prosperous summer as it preceded a call-up to the Spain squad for the 2016 European Championship where he was one of three goalkeepers alongside Iker Casillas and David De Gea, making his debut in a warm-up match against South Korea – a 6-1 win for the Spaniards.

Rico made 85 appearances for Sevilla across the following two seasons, the first of which ended in a fourth place finish, and the subsequent featuring a two-legged Champions League knock-out victory over Manchester United.

Commenting after putting pen to paper, Rico said: "I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Tony Khan added: "I'm excited to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla. Sergio is a world class goalkeeper, and thus, his services have been in great demand.

"Sergio joins a very talented cast of goalkeepers under contract at FFC, and he answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition. Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/sergio-rico-joins-on-loan

 
Fulham sign Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico on season-long loan

Fulham have signed goalkeeper Sergio Rico on a season-long loan deal from Sevilla.

The 24-year-old has made 170 appearances for Sevilla, winning the Europa League twice, but lost his position as first choice at the tail-end of last season.

The once-capped Spain international was reportedly interesting several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, before the Blues completed a deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Rico is poised to battle with Fabri, who Fulham signed from Besiktas, and incumbent Marcus Bettinelli, for the No 1 jersey at Craven Cottage.

"I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League," Rico told the club's website.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467366/fulham-sign-sevilla-goalkeeper-sergio-rico-on-season-long-loan

 
Bryan joins Fulham

Fulham have completed a deal to bring in left back Joe Bryan from Bristol City for a fee believed to be around £6m.

The Whites' swooped for one of the Championship's most impressive full backs last night – which might Bryan's proposed move to beaten play-off finalists Aston Villa collapsed in acrimonious fashion. The Premier League new boys had identified Bryan, who had an excellent season as the Robins narrowly missed out the play-offs, as one of their potential targets earlier in the season and return to sign the 24 year-old after it became clear that Southampton were unwilling to allow Matt Targett leave St. Mary's.

An attack-minded full back, Bryan has made more than 200 senior appearances at Bristol City and famously scored the opening goal as Lee Johnson's side beat Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-final last term. His arrival means that teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon can continue to play as a left winger and Bryan, who was part of the Bristol City side that won promotion from League One and the Football League Trophy in 2014/2015, is in line to make his Fulham debut against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Bryan told Fulham's official website:

Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me. The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime. I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in.

Fulham's director of football operations, Tony Khan, added:

I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship. He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/bryan-joins-fulham/

The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Bryan from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.

The left-back has signed a four-year-deal with Fulham, with a Club option to extend by a further year.

Bryan, 24, has established himself as one of the finest left-backs outside the top flight over the last few seasons, helping the Robins enjoy a number of successful campaigns on the pitch.

Born in Bristol, Bryan progressed through City's academy and made his Championship debut in a 3-2 win over Leicester City as an 18-year-old in March 2012.


The following season he played 12 times in the Championship during the first half of the season, prior to a loan switch to Plymouth Argyle, who he helped remain in the Football League.

In his absence, Bristol City had slipped into League One, but in the two seasons that followed he continued his development having established himself as the club's first choice left-back.

After a campaign of consolidation, 2014/15 was a hugely successful one for City, with Bryan scoring seven times in 50 appearances as they won the title with 99 points and claimed the Football League Trophy at Wembley.

In their first campaign back in the second tier, the Robins comfortably avoided relegation, a feat they replicated in 2016/17.

Bryan then played a pivotal role in one of their best ever campaigns. A fantastic start to proceedings saw City establish themselves as promotion contenders, and although they were unable to sustain their league form, they still secured a top half finish.

They really captured the nation's attention in the League Cup, though, when they reached the Semi-Finals.

Having already knocked out Premier League Stoke City and Crystal Palace, Manchester United arrived at Ashton Gate in the Quarter-Final, with Bryan opening the scoring with a stunning strike in a 2-1 win.

The other Manchester side awaited in the last-four, but the eventual winners proved too strong despite a spirited Robins display, with City claiming a 5-3 aggregate win across two legs.


A real fan favourite, Bryan departs his boyhood club having made 230 appearances, during which time he scored 20 goals.

Speaking from Motspur Park after putting pen to paper, Bryan said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/joe-bryan-signs

 
Fulham agree deal for Joe Bryan with Bristol City

(http://e2.365dm.com/18/08/16-9/20/skysports-joe-bryan-bristol-city_4384028.jpg?20180808171122)

Fulham continued their busy Deadline Day by signing left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old looked set to move to Aston Villa on Wednesday, but he is now a Premier League player - having come through the ranks at Ashton Gate.

Bryan told his new club's website: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down, as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Fulham's vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan said: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan.

"Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club!"

Fulham have capped a busy summer with a string of deals on Deadline Day and will get their Premier League campaign up and running at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11726/11467430/fulham-agree-deal-for-joe-bryan-with-bristol-city

 
Fulham deadline day signing Joe Bryan reveals why he snubbed Aston Villa for Whites

FULHAM have completed the signing of left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City.

Bryan, 24, joins the Premier League new boys for a fee in the region of £6m

He has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with Fulham holding an option for a further season.

Bryan was set to join Aston Villa before Fulham hijacked their move at the 11th hour.

He was on the brink of putting pen to paper with the Championship club before the Whites pounced.

And Bryan has revealed he had to move to Craven Cottage because he could not turn down the chance to play in the Premier League.

He said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

(https://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/58/photos/942000/620x/Joe-Bryan-Fulham-722380.jpg)
Fulham new boy Joe Bryan could not turn down Premier League football

Fulham director of football Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan.

"Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"

Bryan became Fulham's second signing on transfer deadline day after Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

The 24-year-old, who has one cap for his country, joins the Whites on a season-long loan from Sevilla.

"I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League," he said.

"I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto was the third player to complete a move to Craven Cottage.

(https://cdn.images.dailystar.co.uk/dynamic/58/photos/962000/Sergio-Rico-1419962.jpg)
Fulham have signed Sergio Rico on loan from Sevilla

The 24-year-old will spend the season on loan and provide competition for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"I'm very happy to come to the club and sign," Vietto said. "I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow.

"It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible."

Fulham kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday (3pm).



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/722380/Fulham-Deadline-Day-Signing-Joe-Bryan-Snubbed-Aston-Villa-News-Rumours-Gossip

 
Fulham seal flurry of late deals on Deadline Day

Fulham joined Everton in making the most of Transfer Deadline Day in the Premier League.

The Cottagers absolutely went for it.

Newly-promoted Fulham had already had a superb transfer window after signing Andre Schurrle, Alfie Mawson, Jean Serri, Calum Chambers and Aleksandar Mitrovic, but they kept signing players on deadline day.

Take a look at this lot...

    Joe Bryan – Left back arrives in a reported $8 million fee from Bristol City
    Sergio Rico – Signed on loan from Sevilla, talented goalkeeper
    Andre Zambo Anguissa – Holding midfielder from Marseille set to arrive for club-record $38 million
    Luciano Vietto – Argentine striker set to join on loan from Atletico Madrid
    Timothy Fosu-Mensah – A season-long loan deal from Manchester United for the versatile Dutch defender, if it goes through in time

If all of these deals are completed then it would mean Fulham have spent over $128 million, more than any other newly-promoted team in a single window in Premier League history.

American owner Shahid Khan doesn't want the bitter taste of relegation from the PL again and he's splashing some serious cash to make sure Slavisa Jokanovic's men don't finish in



https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/08/09/fulham-seal-flurry-of-late-deals-on-deadline-day/

 
Joe Bryan explains decision to join Fulham over Aston Villa from Bristol City

He has left his boyhood club for the Premier League

Joe Bryan says he could not turn down the opportunity to move to the Premier League after joining Fulham.

The left-back has joined the newly-promoted Cottagers from Bristol City after a stunning transfer hijack which saw the Robins accept an offer from Aston Villa before Fulham made a bid.

Bryan subsequently decided to join Fulham and told the club's website that he had to seize the opportunity of playing in the Premier League.

He said: "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

"The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Cottagers owner Tony Khan said Bryan has already shown his quality in meetings against the Robins last season.

He said: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.

"He's a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!"



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bryan-explains-decision-join-1881367

 
Joe Bryan completes last-minute switch from Bristol City to Fulham after Cottagers hijack Aston Villa deal

    Fulham beat Aston Villa to sign left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City
    The 24-year-old was heading for Villa preparing to take a medical
    Bryan has indicated to Villa he would like the chance to play in Premier League
    Fulham improved their offer for standout performer in last year's Championship

Fulham hijacked Joe Bryan's £6million move to Aston Villa to complete an 11th-hour signing of the left-back.

The Craven Cottage club had grown frustrated in their attempts to sign Southampton's Matt Targett and made enquiries for Bryan initially last month. 

Aston Villa were in pole position to sign Bryan and he underwent a medical at Villa Park on Wednesday, but the Championship side lost out when Fulham emerged as late suitors.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/09/18/4EF71A3C00000578-6044567-image-a-5_1533835522944.jpg)
Joe Bryan completed a last-minute switch to Fulham, who beat Aston Villa to his signature

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/09/18/4EF6F9F600000578-6044567-image-a-19_1533835703625.jpg)
Fulham had been frustrated in their pursuit of Southampton's left-back Matthew Targett

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/10/00/4EF71A3400000578-6044567-He_cost_6million_to_prise_from_Bristol_City_after_an_impressive_-a-38_1533857635190.jpg)
He cost £6million to prise from Bristol City after an impressive season in 2017/2018

Bryan though has indicated to Villa he would like the chance to play in the Premier League and Fulham improved their offer.

The 24-year-old was a standout performer in last year's Championship and impressed against Manchester City and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

Cameroon international midfielder Anguissa was due to fly in from France on Wednesday ahead of talks with Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic keen to add extra bite to his team.

Jokanovic has seen Andre Schurrle, Alfie Mawson, Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and most recently, Arsenal defender Calum Chambers all arrive this summer but still wants to strengthen the spine of his team.

He ideally wants greater experience wary that his young squad could suffer with nerves on the Premier League stage. Fulham though have been keen to invest in youth.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/09/18/4EF71A4800000578-6044567-Bryan_had_indicated_he_wanted_to_play_in_Premier_League_and_Fulh-m-16_1533835660779.jpg)
Bryan had indicated he wanted to play in Premier League and Fulham improved offer

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/10/00/4EF6FA0500000578-6044567-Fulham_had_a_busy_transfer_deadline_day_with_Spanish_keeper_Serg-a-39_1533857642972.jpg)
Fulham had a busy transfer deadline day, with Spanish keeper Sergio Rico also joining

 
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa joins Fulham from Marseille

Fulham's fifth and final Deadline Day deal saw Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa join for a fee Sky Sports News understands to be £22.3m.

The 22-year-old has penned a five-year-deal at Craven Cottage, subject to a work permit being granted.

The signing caps off a busy Deadline Day for the Premier League newcomers, having also signed Sergio Rico, Luciano Vietto and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan, and Joe Bryan for £6m.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to," Anguissa told the club's website.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the club, and the supporters."

Anguissa is a Cameroon international, representing his country 11 times since making his debut in March 2017.

He helped Marseille reach the Europa League final last season, while he also made 37 Ligue 1 appearances as the club finished fourth in the table.

The midfielder was a first-team regular at Marseille in their past two campaigns, having joined the club from Stade de Reims in 2015.

It has been a busy summer for Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who has made a number of key signings after guiding the club back to the top-flight.

Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson have all arrived for significant fees, while Andre Schurrle and Calum Chambers have also joined the Cottagers on loan.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467342/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-joins-fulham-from-marseille

 
Paul Merson's transfer grades: Liverpool top of the class, Spurs expelled


Paul Merson grades the transfer window for each Premier League club with Liverpool, West Ham and new boys Fulham top of the class.

But which Premier League clubs did best and which clubs fell foul of the Soccer Saturday expert Merson? Read on for his team-by-team grades...

Arsenal: B
Major ins: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen, undisclosed), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus, free), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria, undisclosed), Matteo Guendouzi (Lorient, £8m)

Major outs: Santi Cazorla (Villareal, free), Calum Chambers (Fulham, loan), Per Mertesacker (retired), Lucas Perez (West Ham, £4m) Jack Wilshere (West Ham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They needed a defender. Lichtsteiner is 35 and has been a very good player, but how many 35-year-olds are playing at the back in the Premier League? But he's had to buy experience, we're not in a position where Arsene Wenger can buy 17 or 18-year-old talent and hope they're good in five years. I think he's bought well, but it is going to take time. You have to give this manager time but I think he'll be alright.

He couldn't have a worse start with Man City at home and Chelsea away so for me, you just have to give him time but it'll be different, even on Super Sunday, you'll see the way they'll set up and you know there will be a plan. It won't be like the old days.

Bournemouth: C
Major ins: David Brooks (Sheffield United, undisclosed), Diego Rico (Leganes, £10.7m), Jefferson Lerma (Levante, £25m)

Major outs: Benik Afobe (Wolves, £12.5m), Adam Federici (Stoke, undisclosed), Max Gradel (Toulouse, undisclosed), Lewis Grabban (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Harry Arter (Cardiff, loan)

MERSE SAYS: I worry for Bournemouth a bit. I think they'll be alright, I just look at them and think that defensively, they let in too many goals. Eddie Howe hasn't gone out and bought centre-halves and he's been very loyal to players that have always been there. I do worry for them a bit, but they do score goals. I think they'll just stay up but they need a centre-half in my opinion.

I like Charlie Daniels, I didn't think they needed a left-back. No disrespect to the centre-halves, but they've been there for a long time and they leak goals for fun unless he's looking to play a three at the back and play the new lad at wing-back and bring Daniels in as a back three, I don't know, but I think Daniels will be hard done by if he's left out.

Brighton: B+
Major ins: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar, undisclosed), Leon Balogun (Mainz, free), Florin Andone (Deportivo La Coruna, undisclosed), Jason Steele (Sunderland, undisclosed), Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior (RB Leipzig, undisclosed), David Button (Fulham, undisclosed), Yves Bissouma (Lille, undisclosed), Percy Tau (Mamelodi Sundowns, undisclosed), Billy Arce (Independiente del Valle, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Wigan, undisclosed), Brighton - Martin Montoya (Valencia, undisclosed)

Major outs: Sam Baldock (Reading, £5m), Conor Goldson (Rangers, undisclosed), Uwe Huenemeier (SC Paderborn, free), Tim Krul (released), Jamie Murphy (Rangers, undisclosed), Liam Rosenior (retired), Steve Sidwell (released), Jiri Skalak (Millwall, undisclosed), Dan Burn (Wigan, loan-back)

MERSE SAYS: I like Brighton, but you never know with Brighton's business. If I'm being honest, there's a lot of players coming in that I don't know, but I didn't know Pascal Gross and he was the star last season. I always think they've got good scouting down there and they have to go looking for the unusual players. For them, it's a B+ and wait and see.

Burnley: B+
Major ins: Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough, £15m), Joe Hart (Man City, £3.5m), Matej Vydra (Derby, undisclosed)

Major outs: Scott Arfield (Rangers, free), Dean Marney (released)

MERSE SAYS: I worry for Burnley. Matej Vydra has scored goals in the Sky Bet Championship, but I don't know if he can do it in the Premier League. They've had to go and buy Joe Hart with two goalkeepers injured. Ben Gibson is a good centre-half.

I always weigh up football teams with how the tennis rankings work. If you're in the semi-finals of Wimbledon one year and Flushing Meadow, you've got to do that again next year. Will Burnley be able to beat who they did last year with the big teams? Will they win at Chelsea - I don't think so, take three points away from there. Will they get points at places like Tottenham? They've bought players in Vydra and Gibson who are not proven in the Premier League, in my opinion, but they are decent enough players. Vydra did well in the Championship, I like Gibson and let's be honest, two years ago, Hart was England's No 1 by a distance. I still worry for them though, not because of those players, but after what they did last year, I just don't see them winning those games.

Cardiff: C
Major ins: Victor Camarasa (Real Betis, loan), Greg Cunningham (Preston, undisclosed), Josh Murphy (Norwich, undisclosed), Bobby Reid (Bristol City, undisclosed), Alex Smithies (QPR, undisclosed), Harry Arter (Bournemouth, loan)

Major outs: Omar Bogle (Birmingham City, loan), Lee Camp (Birmingham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They've got Harry Arter on loan, who turned down Watford, which was a surprise for me. Again, he has brought players in that have performed in the Sky Bet Championship, but are not proven at all in the Premier League. It's a big gap in my opinion, but he has brought players in who are hard-working, enthusiastic, have a point to prove and will work their socks off and that's what Neil Warnock wants. There's no Premier League experience there but there's a lot of hunger there and a lot of people who will be in the Premier League and want to be there.

Chelsea: B+
Major ins: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao, £71.6m), Rob Green (Huddersfield, free), Jorginho (Napoli, undisclosed), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid, loan)

Major outs: Trevor Chalobah (Ipswich, loan), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, £35m), Kenedy (Newcastle, loan)

MERSE SAYS: I don't know what's going to happen at Chelsea, if I'm honest. You have to remember, the Spanish window hasn't finished yet. If Luka Modric does go and Real Madrid have all that money to play with, they go for Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante and then suddenly, Chelsea are a mid-table team. I like Jorginho, he's top drawer. Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid could be anything, but the goalkeeper is only 23 - you tell me how many world class goalies there are at 23, if any.

In time, it could be a good transfer, but not now. This is going to be hard for Kepa, he will probably turn out to be great, but that is a lot of money for a kid and in goalkeeping terms, he is a kid. It's very rare you get goalies that young going for that much. It's a lot of money.

Crystal Palace: B
Major ins: Vicente Guaita (Getafe, free), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham, undisclosed), Max Meyer (Free), Jordan Ayew (Swansea, loan)

Major outs: Yohan Cabaye (Al-Nasr, free), Lee Chung-yong (Released), Damien Delaney (Cork, free), Bakary Sako (released)

MERSE SAYS: I thought Cheikhou Kouyate was a very good signing, but the one for them is Wilfried Zaha staying. For me, they never won a football match when he was injured so he's a must for them. By keeping him, they stay in the Premier League again and that's what it's all about.

But I do like Kouyate, I thought for £9m, that was cheap as chips.

Everton: B+
Major ins: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk, free), Lucas Digne (Barcelona, £18m), Richarlison (Watford, £40m), Joel Robles (Real Betis, free), Yerry Mina (Barcelona, £28.5m), Andre Gomes (Barcelona, loan)

Major outs: Ramiro Funes Mori (Villarreal, undisclosed), Kevin Mirallas (Fiorentina, loan), Wayne Rooney (DC United, free), Ashley Williams (Stoke, loan)

MERSE SAYS: It's a lot of money for Richarlison. I watched him in a few games last season and after the first six games, you would've paid that for him, but the next 32, you wouldn't have bought him for that. Goalies will win you as many games as Richarlison will. You go through football in time with World Cups, Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues, those big tournaments that you win, no one does it without a good goalkeeper. I've got no problem with people paying £60m for a goalkeeper.

Yerry Mina is a 6ft 5in centre-half and I think he suits Everton. Goodison Park has a nice, tight pitch and Man Utd were talking about getting him but they play on the halfway line and he's not going to want to be chasing back. Everton play deeper, he's decent at set-players and Everton are good at set-plays.

Fulham: A
Major ins: Calum Chambers (Arsenal, loan), Fabri (Besiktas, undisclosed), Maxime le Marchand (Nice, undisclosed), Alfie Mawson (Swansea, £15m), Andre Schurrle (Borussia Dortmund, loan), Jean Michael Seri (Nice, undisclosed), Sergio Rico (Sevilla, loan), Joe Bryan (Bristol City, £6m), Luciano Vietto (Atletico Madrid, loan), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Manchester United, loan), Andre-Frank Anguissa (Marseille, £22.3m)

Major outs: David Button (Brighton, undisclosed), Ryan Fredericks (West Ham, free)

MERSE SAYS: They've put their money where their mouth is. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers and Andre Schurrle have all played in the Premier League and you look at the Cardiff situation and very few of those have played in the Premier League, so that's a big advantage. A lot of people were after Mawson and Schurrle could be anything. I like Fulham and I like their business.

Huddersfield: B+
Major ins: Juninho Bacuna (FC Groningen, undisclosed), Adama Diakhaby (Monaco, undisclosed), Erik Durm (Dortmund, undisclosed), Florent Hadergjonaj (Ingolstadt, £4.5m), Ben Hamer (Leicester, free), Terence Kongolo (Monaco, £17.5m), Jonas Lossl (Mainz, undisclosed), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke, undisclosed)

Major outs: Rob Green (Chelsea, free), Tom Ince (Stoke, £12m), Dean Whitehead (retired), Michael Hefele (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I'll be honest, I don't know a lot of the players they've bought in. £12m for Tom Ince is good business but you always have that thing when you're bringing in players from other countries about how quickly they'll settle. Again, Huddersfield have had a go, it could catch up with them, but then again, who knows. Like I said, I don't know too many of the players but one of them could be a gem and a player of the season for them so the manager knows what he's doing and he knows these players.

Leicester: B+
Major ins: Filip Benkovic (Dinamo Zagreb, £13m), Jonny Evans (West Brom, undisclosed), Rachid Ghezzal (Monaco, undisclosed), James Maddison (Norwich, £22m), Ricardo Pereira (Porto, undisclosed), Danny Ward (Liverpool, £12.5m), Caglar Soyuncu (Freiburg, £19m)

Major outs: Ben Hamer (Huddersfield, free), Robert Huth (released), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, £60m), Ahmed Musa (Al-Nassr, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I think James Maddison and Jonny Evans are good players, Danny Ward is decent. They've done good business but Riyad Mahrez was always going to go, although he went early, which is good. They would have got a bit for Ahmed Musa and it's a shame Robert Huth had to retire. I like their business.

It's the pace on the break with Leicester, they are not going to dominate football matches - they won the league with 30-odd per cent of play. Mahrez is going to be a big miss for them but I like Maddison, he's a good young player and he'll get better as the years go on, so it will be interesting watching him play. Evans is a good player, I thought Arsenal should have gone for him, to be honest, but they've done good business.

Liverpool: A+
Major ins: Alisson Becker (Roma, £67m), Fabinho (Monaco, £43.7m), Naby Keita (Leipzig, £52.75m), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke, £13.5m)

Major outs: Emre Can (Juventus, free), Ryan Kent (Rangers, loan), Danny Ward (Leicester, £12.5m), Harry Wilson (Derby, loan)

MERSE SAYS: They've made unbelievable signings. Xherdan Shaqiri could be one of the signings of the window, he could be worth £35m now and the season hasn't even started. This team will close the gap. Win the Premier League? No, but they can beat Man City in a one-off game. They did it enough times last season, but 25 points is a lot to make up in one season. It won't be trhough a lack of good buys, though, because they are really good buys. Their Achilles heel for me will be against the lesser teams and if they can break them down but I'm all over Liverpool, I think they're the team who will come second.

Pep Guardiola did all his business early when he came in last year like Jurgen Klopp has done this window. He bought very good full-backs for a lot of money and Klopp has done the same. He needed a couple of midfielders, a player who can come in if one of the front three get injured and play with guile because that's their problem - breaking teams down. Clubs go there and put 10 behind the ball and you need to break them down and Shaqiri has got that in the locker. Naby Keita runs off the ball so I'm definitely looking forward to watching Liverpool.

Manchester City: C
Major ins: Claudio Gomes (PSG, free), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester, £60m)

Major outs: Angus Gunn (Southampton, undisclosed), Joe Hart (Burnley, £3.5m), Yaya Toure (released)

MERSE SAYS: I think they'll win the league by double digits, but they've only bought in Mahrez who won't play a lot. You talk about goalkeepers going for £60m-£70m and they're going to play every game, but how many games will he play? It's another body and another player with all the games that are coming up. We see it every year with teams, though, they win the league and they just stick with what they have. You've got to move forward. McDonald's sell more burgers and chips than anyone but they still do adverts. That's the thing I always think about Premier League winners - you've got to go out and kick on again. For me, they're probably a player or two short with all the games they've got, but they do go for everything.

Manchester United: C
Major ins: Diogo Dalot (Porto, undisclosed), Lee Grant (Stoke, undisclosed), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk, undisclosed)

Major outs: Daley Blind (Ajax, £14.1m), Michael Carrick (Retired)

MERSE SAYS: They've not done anything. Fred didn't play for Brazil, Lee Grant is going to be third choice goalkeeper and they've lost a great midfield player in Michael Carrick, Daley Blind's gone - just nothing has happened.

I don't think Jose Mourinho's outbursts are him, I think it's at the Ed Woodward situation. I don't think he's helping the cause and he's the one who has to get these deals over the line. When Sir Alex Ferguson was there, they got them over the line but when David Moyes went, he couldn't get players over the line and in the end, he got Everton players because he knew them and could sign them.

This is not Man United. There is something going on behind the scenes and I don't think Woodward is helping Mourinho as much as we really think.

Newcastle: B+
Major ins: Martin Dubravka (Sparta Prague, undisclosed), Kenedy (Chelsea, loan), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, undisclosed), Salomon Rondon (West Brom, loan), Fabian Schar (Deportivo, £3m), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, free), Federico Fernandez (Swansea, £6m)

Major outs: Adam Armstrong (Blackburn, £1.75m), Jack Colback (Nottingham Forest, loan), Chancel Mbemba (Schalke, undisclosed), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad, undisclosed), Matz Sels (Strasbourg, £3.5m)

MERSE SAYS: I like Kenedy, I thought he did really well last year. I don't mind Salomon Rondon, I know they let Dwight Gayle and Mitrovic go, but if they can get him going, he's a handful. I don't know much about a couple of the other players, but keeping Kenedy on loan is a big deal for them, he was one of their best players last season. People are worried about Newcastle, but I'm not worried about them. I think they'll be alright.

Southampton: B+
Major ins: Stuart Armstrong (Celtic, £7m), Mohamed Elyounoussi (Basel, £16m), Angus Gunn (Manchester City, undisclosed), Jannik Vestergaard (Borussia Monchengladbach - £18m), Danny Ings (Liverpool, loan)

Major outs: Sofiane Boufal (Celta Vigo, loan), Guido Carrillo (Leganes, loan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord, loan), Dusan Tadic (Ajax, £15m)

MERSE SAYS: Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel is a good player, he's going to be a nightmare for me to pronounce, but he's a good player. I think Southampton are looking to not be back in a relegation battle, it frightened them last year, and I think the fans have got into a reality now. I think Southampton will be alright, they've done OK business and if Elyounoussi can play like he did at Basel, he'll be a star. Stuart Armstrong is a good player too so I'll go B+ on the potential of the signings.

Tottenham: Expelled
Major ins: None

Major outs: None

MERSE SAYS: Tottenham are expelled. There's no one. There's a saying 'keep doing what you're doing and you'll get the same results' so that means they'll come third or fourth at best. Their best XI when they get them out is a very good team, but it is getting them out week in, week out. They've just moved into that new stadium and they need to stay in the top four, that's their fault. It's a shame because two years ago, they were trying to win the league and now, they're looking at top four football.

Jack Grealish is a decent player, but he isn't going to win you the league. It's one of them, he's a young player, he's English so let's bring him in, but he's not going to play so, for me, they're right to stick their heels in saying 'we rate him at this much' but he won't be a loss to Tottenham.

Watford: C
Major ins: Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona, £11.5m), Ben Foster (West Brom, undisclosed), Adam Masina (Bologna, £3.5m), Marc Navarro (Espanyol, undisclosed), Ken Sema (Ostersunds, undisclosed), Ben Wilmot (Stevenage, undisclosed), Domingos Quina (West Ham, undisclosed)

Major outs: Nordin Amrabat (Al-Nassr, undisclosed), Costel Pantilimon (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Richarlison (Everton, £40m), Mauro Zarate (Boca Juniors, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: I like Ben Foster, he's a top goalkeeper, but I really worry for Watford. Gerard Deulofeu, one minute he's great and the next, he's not. He's a five or a nine - you never get that consistent seven every week. Foster will save them points, there's no question, but I think they're in a relegation battle.

West Ham: A
Major ins: Felipe Anderson (Lazio, £35m), Fabian Balbuena (Corinthians, undisclosed), Issa Diop (Toulouse, £21.9m), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City, £7m), Ryan Fredericks (Fulham, free), Lucas Perez (Arsenal, £4m), Xande Silva (Vitoria de Guimaraes, undisclosed), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal, free), Andriy Yarmolenko (Borussia Dortmund, £17.5m), Carlos Sanchez (Fiorentina, undisclosed)

Major outs: Reece Burke (Hull City, undisclosed), James Collins (released), Patrice Evra (released), Sead Haksabanovic (Malaga, loan), Jordan Hugill (Middlesbrough, loan), Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: They've had a go. They've got Jack Wilshere on a free and people are wondering if he'll stay fit but you'll be surprised by how many games he plays. I like their business, they've put their money where their mouth is this time around and brought in a better quality of player. There are a couple of players who will need time to settle, they're coming from places where the football is a lot different. Lukasz Fabianski was great last season and I like their business.

Wolves: B+ with potential
Major ins: Benik Afobe (Bournemouth, £12.5m), Willy Boly (Porto, £10m), Leo Bonatini (Al-Hilal, undisclosed), Jonny Castro (Atletico Madrid, loan), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht, loan), Raul Jimenez (Benfica, loan), Diogo Jota (Atletico Madrid, £12.6m), Roderick Miranda (Olympiakos, loan), Joao Moutinho (Monaco, undisclosed), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed), Adama Traore (Middlesbrough, £18m), Ruben Vinagre (Monaco, undisclosed), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht, loan)

Major outs: Benik Afobe (Stoke, loan), Barry Douglas (Leeds, undisclosed), Carl Ikeme (retired), Prince Oniangue (Caen, undisclosed)

MERSE SAYS: Again, I don't know a lot of the players but they are buying players for big money. Even without those players, I thought they'd be alright this season because they were outstanding last season. They played some great football and if they come in and play like they did last season, they'll cause problems to a lot of football teams. I'm looking forward to seeing Wolves because they were so far ahead of everyone in the Sky Bet Championship, it'll be interesting and they could have some real scalps this season.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11704/11467136/paul-mersons-transfer-grades-liverpool-top-of-the-class-spurs-expelled

 
Fulham seal loan deal for Vietto

Fulham have taken Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The 24 year-old striker spent part of the last two seasons on loan with Valencia and Sevilla and was also part of the Atletico Madrid side that reached the Champions' League final and finished third in La Liga. He has struggled for game time despite teaming up with Diego Simeone, the manager who gave him his first taste of professional football at Racing Club in Argentina, and was eager to gain a taste of English football.

Vietto told Fulham's official website tonight:

    I'm very happy to come to the club and sign. I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow. It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible.

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

    I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Luciano Vietto on loan from Atlético Madrid. Luciano is a versatile young attacking player, and he has already gained great experience against elite competition in La Liga. Luciano is a very addition and we're very excited that he has joined the club.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-seal-loan-deal-for-vietto/

 
Fulham add five in deadline day bonanza

Fulham have confirmed the arrivals of Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa on a busy deadline day.

24-year-old Sevilla academy graduate Rico has made 170 appearances for the Spanish side during his career, and has also been capped once by the national team.

Rico was an integral part of the Sevilla squad for four seasons and won the Europa League twice before losing his position as first choice keeper last season.

"Sergio joins a very talented cast of goalkeepers under contract at FFC, and he answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition," Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan said in a statement.

Rico could feature in the Slavisa Jokanovic's squad when they host Crystal Palace in their opening league match on Saturday.

Fulham also confirmed the signing of left-back Bryan from Bristol City on a four-year contract, with an option to extend by a further year.

Just as the 7pm deadline passed they also announced the signing of Vietto on a season-long loan.

Late on Fosu-Mensah's loan move from Manchester United was confirmed.

And the final transfer was confirmed an hour and a half after the official deadline with midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa arriving from Marseille.



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2018-2019/_sto6881603/story.shtml

 
Luciano Vietto joins Fulham on loan from Atletico Madrid

Fulham have completed the signing of Luciano Vietto on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old Argentine has feature prominently for Diego Simeone's team during pre-season but will now spend the 2018-19 campaign with the Cottagers.

"I'm very happy to come to the club and sign. I'm very excited to get started with the team tomorrow," said Vietto.

"It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible."

Vietto signed for Atletico in June 2015 for a fee in the region of £18m from La Liga rivals Valencia - where he scored 12 goals in 32 games - but he has faced limited opportunities since moving to Madrid.

The 24-year-old made 19 league appearances in his debut season, but was loaned to Sevilla for the 2016-17 campaign, finding the back of the net six times in 21 matches.

Vietto featured just six times for Atletico in the Spanish top flight last season and spent the second half of the campaign on loan back at Valencia.

Fulham have experienced a busy transfer window this summer, bringing in big-money signings such as Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson among others.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467256/luciano-vietto-joins-fulham-on-loan-from-atletico-madrid

 
FPL Dilemma – Ruben Neves vs Tom Cairney – Fantasy Football Tips

Fulham and Wolves were promoted to the top flight after impressive seasons in the championship. They are both very similar in the fact that they do not mess about, they attack and play very decent football.

A few stars are available in both teams, however there are two cheap £5.0m players in both squads that many fantasy managers are utilising. With that said, in this FPL Dilemma article we are comparing Ruben Neves and Tom Cairney.

Ruben Neves (Wolves, £5.0m)
Ruben Neves had a fantastic debut season for Wolves in the Championship. Many fans including myself couldn't believe that he had signed for a Championship club, as the talent he has was clear to everyone, especially at just 21 years old.

Typically a defensive midfielder, Neves is almost used as the anchor of the team, being so mature in his position and key to his team. Known for his long-range strikes and devastating passing ability, Neves bagged 6 goals and 1 assist in 42 appearances last season, which is not terrible for a defensive minded midfielder. One positive of Neves is that he does tend to take penalties for Wolves, however with the amount of quality players that they have brought in over the transfer window it cannot be certain that this will still be the case.

At £5.0m he could be a perfect potential 5th midfielder, enabling you to invest in the bigger players, but also giving you the ability to bring Neves into the team when required.

Tom Cairney (Fulham, £5.0m)
Tom Cairney has been a familiar face in previous transfer windows of premier league teams such as Newcastle United and West Ham.

The attacking midfielder is highly rated at Fulham and they have done well to hold on to him this summer. The 2018/19 campaign could be his year to shine in a particularly strong squad as Fulham have had a very impressive transfer window. Last season, Cairney made 33 appearances, scoring 6 goals and bagging 5 assists.

Also at £5.0m, Cairney has been in many drafts squads as a 5th midfielder just as Neves. That said, Cairney may possess more of an attacking threat.

The Verdict
It's a tough one, with both being cheap £5.0m options, that said I'd opt for Tom Cairney. Simply because they are both the same price but Cairney is the most forward of the two, which often provides more points. However, keep an eye on Neves as he is a remarkable talent.

Written by James Milburn (@jamesmilburn95)



http://fplupdates.com/exclusive-articles/fpl-dilemma-ruben-neves-vs-tom-cairney/

 
Fulham break record with £30m Anguissa transfer on frantic last day
• Fosu-Mensah and Vietto loan deals sealed after 5pm deadline
• Sergio Rico and Joe Bryan also arrive at promoted club

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9ca0322ed2f7ba4a48d5a4b17360621b3c95fb77/0_111_4662_2797/master/4662.jpg?w=620&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=57a54a4e8164645af861a66337f99cd8)
The arrival of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa took Fulham's summer spending over £100m on their return to the Premier League. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

On a frantic last day of business Fulham broke their transfer record with the purchase of Marseille's André Franck Zambo Anguissa, a deal which took their summer spending over £100m on their return to the Premier League.

Fulham confirmed the arrival of Anguissa for around £30m having been granted permission by the Premier League to complete the formalities of the move after the 5pm cutoff.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international had undertaken a medical in the south of France earlier in the day. The defensive midfielder agreed a four‑year deal worth £67,000 a week.

Fulham had sought similar extra time to secure the loansignings of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, a versatile defender who spent last season at Crystal Palace, and Luciano Vietto from Manchester United and Atlético Madrid respectively. Vietto, an Argentinian striker, had cost Atlético £14m in the summer of 2015 but will now provide competition for Aleksandar Mitrovic. He has spent time on loan at Sevilla and Valencia in recent years. Deals for Sergio Rico and Joe Bryan were completed before the cut-off.

Chelsea had considered Rico, 24, as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, after the Spain international fell out of favour at Sevilla. "Sergio is a world-class goalkeeper, and his services have been in great demand," the Fulham's director of football operations, Tony Khan, said. "Sergio answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition."

Bryan arrived from Bristol City having pulled out of a prospective transfer to Aston Villa on Wednesday evening. The left-back cost £6m and has signed a four-year deal, with an option for a further season. "Fulham's style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me," the 24-year-old said. "The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime."

Jean Michael Seri, André Schürrle, Calum Chambers, Alfie Mawson, Maxime le Marchand and Fabri had joined earlier in the summer. Slavisa Jokanovic's side are at home to Palace, coached by the former Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, on Saturday.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/09/fulham-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-timothy-fosu-mensah-luciano-vietto

 
Schurrle and Mitrovic to start: Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace

Predicted Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace: Who should start for the Cottagers?

Fulham welcome Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage for their opening match of the season, having returned to the English top-flight after four years.


Schurrle and Mitrovic to start: Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace
Edward Kihara August 10, 2018 Schurrle and Mitrovic to start: Strongest 4-3-3 Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace2018-08-09T23:32:00+00:00 Crystal Palace, Fulham, NewsNow, Opinions, Post, Premier League No Comment

Slavisa Jokanovic
Predicted Fulham XI to face Crystal Palace: Who should start for the Cottagers?

Fulham welcome Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage for their opening match of the season, having returned to the English top-flight after four years.

Fulham have had a decent summer. Ahead of the transfer deadline, manager Slavisa Jokanovic has made a number of signings. Jean-Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand have joined from Nice. In addition, the Cottagers have also wrapped up deals for Fabri, Andre Schurrle (on loan), Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson and Calum Chambers (on loan).

Fulham have lost three of their six pre-season friendlies, winning just once. Nevertheless, the club must now focus on the Premier League and below is how Fulham could line up against Crystal Palace.
Predicted Fulham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic

Fabri (GK)
After an impressive season in the Championship, Marcus Bettinelli was Fulham's No.1, heading into the new season. However, the club had to sign Fabri following Bettinelli's injury in pre-season. Hence, the experienced keeper should find himself between the sticks against Palace.

Cyrus Christie (RB)
Ryan Fredericks' departure earlier this summer and Denis Odoi's suspension means January signing Christie should get the nod to start at right-back.

Calum Chambers (CB)
Chambers must work towards establishing himself as Tim Ream's partner in the Cottagers' defence, as fellow summer arrival Alfie Mawson is recovering from a knee injury. Mawson may not feature for his new side until September and the England U21 international should grab his chance to impress.

Tim Ream (CB)
Ream was brilliant for Fulham last season and should certainly start at centre-back against Roy Hodgson's Palace.

Ryan Sessegnon (LB)
The Fulham wonder kid prefers playing further up the pitch, operating as a winger. Regardless, he might feature at left-back with Schurrle in the picture.

Kevin McDonald (CDM)
Kevin McDonald should continue in his anchor role for Fulham this season. He worked admirably for the Londoners in the previous campaign, providing the back four with adequate cover and support.

Tom Cairney (CM)
Tom Cairney is Fulham's talisman and captain. He should play in the central midfield area against Palace and grasp his chance to shine in the Premier League.

Jean-Michael Seri (CM)
Seri must replace Stefan Johansen in the midfield for the opening game. The former Nice man is a solid box-to-box midfielder and he must Fulham's defence to their attack. His vision and passing range should cause a lot of problems for the opposition.

Aboubakar Kamara (RW)
The Frenchman is one of Fulham's trusted lieutenants since joining last summer. Kamara could operate out on the right against Palace, with Schurrle holding the left-hand side.

Andre Schurrle (LW)
Schurrle has a lot of experience both in the Premier League and at an international level. He should start on the left but he might swap positions with Kamara during the game, adding a sense of unpredictability to Fulham's attack.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (CF)
The 23-year-old should certainly lead the line for Fulham's opening day this season. Mitrovic's hold-up play is vital for the way Fulham play and his presence in the opposition box could see him scoring goals.



http://www.mediareferee.com/2018/08/10/schurrle-and-mitrovic-to-start-strongest-4-3-3-fulham-xi-to-face-crystal-palace/

 
Transfer news: Fosu-Mensah joins Fulham on loan

Manchester United defender Tim Fosu-Mensah has completed a deadline-day move to Fulham on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old will spend the 2018/19 campaign with the newly-promoted Cottagers, who beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last season.

The move comes on the back of the versatile youngster impressing during pre-season for the Reds, as he appeared in all five of United's Tour 2018 games in the United States and was a second-half substitute against Bayern Munich last weekend.

It will represent a second successive season out on loan for the Netherlands international, who made 24 appearances in all competitions and caught the eye during his spell at fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace last term.

With the club's pre-season commitments fulfilled, Fosu-Mensah has been allowed to leave on a temporary basis again in order to obtain regular first-team football.



https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-united-defender-tim-fosu-mensah-joins-fulham-on-loan

 
Fosu-Mensah completes Fulham loan move

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah on a season-long loan deal.

The versatile 20 year-old defender, who can operate as a right back, in the centre of defence or in central midfield, has arrived from Old Trafford to gain more Premier League experience following his loan spell at Crystal Palace last season. The Dutch international made 24 appearances for the Eagles as Roy Hodgson's side comfortably avoided the drop – and he could be considered to start against the south London outfit in Fulham's first game of the season at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fosu-Mensah remains highly rated at United, whom he joined from the Ajax academy at the age of sixteen, and he has made 21 senior appearances for the Red Devils. He told Fulham's official website this evening of his delight at finalising his latest loan switch:

    I have a good feeling about the Club. It has a nice history, it's a nice Club. Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I spoke to the Manager and he gave me a good feeling. I'm happy to be here and I want to keep progressing.

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

    I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United. Timothy is a gifted young defender who excels at multiple positions, and his addition will further reinforce a strong and promising squad that we have assembled to compete in the Premier League.

Fosu-Mensah's arrival will boost Slavisa Jokanovic's defensive options ahead of the new campaign. He is unlikely to start ahead of Calum Chambers and Tim Ream at the heart of the defence, but provides an experienced alternative to Irish international Cyrus Christie at right back.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fosu-mensah-completes-fulham-loan-move/

The Club is delighted to confirm the loan signing of Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United.

A Netherlands international right-back who can also operate centrally or in defensive midfield, 20-year-old Fosu-Mensah will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2018/19 campaign.

Born in Amsterdam, Fosu-Mensah joined the acclaimed Ajax academy at a young age before switching to United's youth setup in the summer of 2014.


His debut for the Red Devils came shortly after his 18th birthday in a 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Premier League, and he ended the season with 10 first team appearances for Louis van Gaal's side.

Fosu-Mensah continued to feature under van Gaal's successor Jose Mourinho, playing in 11 matches (nine wins and two draws), as well as sampling European football for the first time in 2016/17.

He progressed further last season with a season-long loan at Crystal Palace. Despite being brought in by his compatriot Frank de Boer, he went on to impress Roy Hodgson following his appointment, and ended the campaign with 24 appearances to his name as the Eagles finished 11th.

Highly regarded throughout the Netherlands setup, Fosu-Mensah was capped more than 30 times up to Under-21 level, before being handed his senior bow against France a year ago.

After his loan deal was confirmed, Fosu-Mensah told fulhamfc.com: "I have a good feeling about the Club. It has a nice history, it's a nice Club.

"Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I spoke to the Manager and he gave me a good feeling.

"I'm happy to be here and I want to keep progressing."

Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United.

"Timothy is a gifted young defender who excels at multiple positions, and his addition will further reinforce a strong and promising squad that we have assembled to compete in the Premier League. Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/timothy-fosu-mensah-arrives-on-loan

 
Games for the weekend 11/08
Fulham are back in the Premier League!

For our first game of the season we welcome Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington back to Craven Cottage with his Crystal Palace team.


In a nice bit of symmetry our last Premiership game, 4 seasons ago, was against Palace, funny how this turn out sometimes?

So after the excitement of the, so frustrating at times having to wait for some of the deals to crawl over the line, transfer window we now get to see the 'new look' Fulham in action in a game that really matters.

What a transfer window we've had starting with Seri and Le Marchand, both from Nice, showed the calibre of player(s) we were targeting, Seri especially surprised many having been previously linked with a host of top European sides.
Fabri arrived next from Besiktas were he was a firm fans favourite making eleven appearances in the Champions League, and six in the Europa League, while he was also voted as the best goalkeeper in the Super Lig for the last two years in a row.
Mitro arrived after what seemed like an interminable wait, didn't we all think he'd be the first through the door? But I guess dealing with Newcastle Utd was never going to straight forward was it?
Mawson, another protracted signing?, his medical seemingly was never ending, but he's here now and once fully fit (September?) and 'match sharp' I'm sure will prove to be a fantastic signing for the Whites!
Schürrle came in on a two year loan, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, he played in six of Germany's seven matches, famously scoring twice in the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the Semi-Final.

It'll be interesting to see how well Seri, Schürrle, Mitrović, Sessegnon and Cairney work/link with each other, I can't wait.

On transfer deadline day we manage to secure a number of deals, Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Andre Zambo Anguish, Luciano Vietto and Timothy Fosu-Mensah. (at time of writing only the Rico & Bryan deals have been confirmed on the club website)
If any of these will be ready for Saturday remains to be seen?

With Odoi banned for this game and the next game, following his red card at the play-off final, the back four should also be interesting, will they line-up as for the friendly against Celta Vigo? Christie, Ream, Le Marchand, R. Sessegnon or will Slaviša go with a different line-up? will he include Calum Chambers having joined so recently and perhaps allow Ryan to play further up-field? or will Joe Bryan and Tosu-Mensah get a run out?

Also will Betts, Fabri or Sergio Rico get the shout as goalie, according to some reports Bettinelli has been carrying an injury for most of the closed season?

COYWs

GAMES OF INTEREST...

Friday 10th
Man Utd v Leicester

Saturday 11th
Newcastle v Spurs
Bournemouth V Cardiff
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Wolves v Everton

Sunday 12th
Southampton v Burnley
Arsenal v Man City



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=290

The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa for an undisclosed fee from Olympique de Marseille.

The 22-year-old midfielder has penned a five-year-deal with Fulham, subject to a work permit being granted.

An imposing defensive midfield player, Anguissa spent his youth with Cotonsport in his native Cameroon and Stade de Reims, before moving to Marseille in the summer of 2015.


He quickly made his debut as a 19-year-old in the Europa League, playing the full 90 minutes as Marseille won 3-0 at FC Groningen.

Anguissa clocked up a further 11 appearances in 2015/16, and truly established himself the following term, featuring 35 times.

Last season was a very prosperous one for Marseille. In addition to finishing fourth, just one point off the Champions League places, they reached the Europa League Final. Anguissa played the full 90 minutes but Atletico Madrid proved to be too strong and claimed a 3-0 win.

He departs Marseille having made 106 appearances for the club.

Having made his debut for the full Cameroon side in March 2017, Anguissa was called up for their Confederations Cup squad that summer, playing practically every minute of the campaign and scoring in a 1-1 draw with Australia.

Anguissa said: "I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the Club, and the supporters."

Tony Khan said: "I'm thrilled to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed André Zambo Anguissa. André's tremendous data profile, his glowing scouting reports, and his sterling reputation confirm his world class talent.

"Throughout this summer, we've pursued elite players on whom we believed we could rely to deliver the quality required to challenge the great competition we'll face in the Premier League, and thus, Andre has been one of our top targets.

"We are very excited that he's joining the Club! Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-joins-fulham

 
Fosu-Mensah leaves Manchester United for Fulham

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has left Manchester United on deadline day to sign for Fulham on a season-long loan deal.

The versatile defender spent last season with Crystal Palace but went into pre-season hoping to convince Jose Mourinho to keep him in Manchester this season.

However, with his first-team chances looking bleak, Fosu-Mensah has decided on another loan deal, this time with Premier League new boys Fulham.

The 20-year-old is Fulham's eleventh signing of the summer after Jean Michaël Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Fabri, Maxime Le Marchand, Joe Bryan, André Schürrle, Luciano Vietto, Sergio Rico and Calum Chambers.



http://www.football-oranje.com/fosu-mensah-leaves-manchester-united-for-fulham/

 
Crystal Palace Tickets

A limited number of tickets remain available for this Saturday's season opener at Craven Cottage.

The Whites begin life back in the Premier League against Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace and with kick-off at 3pm, you can be there to watch all the action unfold!

Tickets are available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History (up to four tickets each), with prices starting from £35 juniors and £50 adults,

Get behind Slaviša Jokanović and the side for the season opener - secure your seats today online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/09/crystal-palace-tickets

 
Fulham sign Man United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah on season-long loan

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Fulham sealed a late loan move for 20-year-old Timothy Fosu-Mensah on Deadline Day

Fulham completed their fourth Deadline Day deal by bringing in Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah on a season-long loan.

The Cottagers pushed through a deal for the 20-year-old before the extended 7pm deadline on Thursday.

Fosu-Mensah joins Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto and Sergio Rico in moving to Craven Cottage on Deadline Day, with the Premier League newcomers also agreeing to sign Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for £22.3m.

"I have a good feeling about the club. It has a nice history, it's a nice club," Fosu-Mensah told the club's website.

"Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I spoke to the Manager and he gave me a good feeling. I'm happy to be here and I want to keep progressing."

Fosu-Mensah has featured prominently in pre-season for the Red Devils, who face Leicester in their opening game of the season on Friday, live on Sky Sports Main Event.

The Dutchman spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has made a number of key signings this summer after guiding the club back to the top-flight.

Jean Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson have all arrived for significant fees, while Andre Schurrle and Calum Chambers have also joined the Cottagers on loan.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11467227/fulham-sign-man-united-defender-timothy-fosu-mensah-on-season-long-loan

 
Fulham seal loans for Man United's Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sevilla's Sergio Rico, Atletico's Luciano Vietto

Fulham have completed a triple loan move to land Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico and Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto on transfer deadline day.

In addition to the loans, Fulham capped off their busy deadline day with permanent moves for 22-year-old midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa from Marseille in a reported £22.3 million deal, and for left-back Joe Bryan from Bristol City in a deal reportedly worth about £6 million.

Fosu-Mensah, 20, signed a season-long loan deal at Craven Cottage after spending the last campaign at Crystal Palace. Newly promoted Fulham beat competition from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin for his services, sources told ESPN FC.

The Netherlands international, who has made 21 senior appearances for United since his debut under Louis van Gaal in 2016, played 24 games for Palace last season.

"A good loan is a loan to play," Mourinho told MUTV on Thursday morning. "They just have to play -- it doesn't matter if that team plays to be promoted, plays to not be relegated, plays in England, plays outside England -- they have to play and that's the most important thing, because for playing bits, playing minutes, to be on the bench, to be a squad player, they can be here."

Rico, 24, won the Europa League twice with Sevilla and made over La Liga 100 starts for the Spanish club.

Fulham have already signed goalkeeper Fabricio from Besiktas, but the 24-year-old Rico will arguably have the inside track on being their No. 1 this season.

"I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League," Rico told the club website. "I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Argentine striker Vietto, also 24, has struggled at Atletico since his €20 million move from Villarreal in 2015, scoring just one La Liga goal in 25 games with similarly disappointing spells loan at Sevilla (six goals in 21 league games) and Valencia (two in 14).

He did manage a hat trick against Las Palmas in the Copa del Rey in January, and now will be seeking more consistent form as he moves to London.

"Luciano is a versatile young attacking player, and he has already gained great experience against elite competition in La Liga," director Tony Khan said.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/3590559/fulham-seal-loans-for-timothy-fosu-mensah-sergio-rico-and-luciano-vietto

 
Fulham made signing Bryan look easy

OPINION

Fulham made signing Joe Bryan from Bristol City look easy whereas when Newcastle United were pursuing the defender it looked like hard work.

The Premier League new boys confirmed via their website that they had successfully signed the speedy left-back on Transfer Deadline Day after hijacking his move to Aston Villa just the day before.

The Independent reported that Bryan was all set to complete a £6million move to the Championship side but then Fulham rang offering him a better deal and Premier League football.

This caused the left-sided flyer to completely change his mind about joining the Villans and swiftly rush through a move to the Cottagers in order to get a deal done.

The Cottagers successfully got a deal over the line despite only seemingly making their first move for a mere 24-hours before.

It made signing Bryan look like an incredible easy task and the Magpies' pursuit of the defender earlier in the window seem to drag on before amounting to nothing, making Rafa Benitez's side failure to get him even worse.

The Chronicle Live Transfer Blog on Monday July 23 (18:39) shared that the Magpies were keen to recruit Bryan with the player eager to join if a deal was possible.

However the same updated shared that as the Magpies were restricted to wheeling and dealing in order to get business done then an offer hadn't at that time been submitted for his services.

Given that the Independent's report shares that Bristol City were letting the very talented Bryan go for just £6million then it makes the Magpies failure to get a deal done even more disappointing.

Benitez's side appeared to be one of the first Premier League teams in for Bryan and could easily have wrapped up a deal that would have improved their squad for bargain price.

Yet instead the Magpies made it look difficult to pursue Bryan and ended not getting their man.



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2018/08/blogs/fulham-made-signing-bryan-look-easy/

 
Fulham sign £30m Anguissa from Marseille

The Cottagers have added the highly-rated Cameroon international just before the close of the transfer window

Fulham have completed a deadline-day swoop for Marseille defensive midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The 22-year-old joins the Cottagers for a reported fee of £30 million (€33m/$39m) and signs a five-year deal.

Anguissa has emerged as one of the top holding midfielders in Ligue 1 since joining Marseille from Stade De Reims in 2015.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/fulham-sign-30m-anguissa-from-marseille/ekds8s9zxdas1vfss56ljmc49

 
Fulham take spending beyond £100m with a quintet of deadline day signings

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/08/09/17/slavisajokanovic.jpg?w968)
Done deals | Jokanovic's squad has five new additions ( AFP/Getty Images )

Fulham have announced a host of significant new signings made on transfer day as the number of new arrivals at Craven Cottage this summer hits double figures, at a cost of over £100million.

Spanish international goalkeeper Sergio Rico was the first to be confirmed, arriving on a season-long loan from Sevilla, and he was soon followed by several other new additions.

A £22million deal for Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa soon followed whilst Slavisa Jokanovic's defence was supplemented with the signings of Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United and Joe Bryan, who joined from Bristol City in a £6m deal.

As Standard Sport had reported earlier on deadline day, Luciano Vietto also joined from Atletico Madrid on loan. The deals for Vietto, Fosu-Mesnah and Anguissa all required Fulham to rush through moves after the 5pm deadline, agreeing deal sheets and making use of the additional two hours the Premier League allows clubs to formalise transfers.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today," said Anguissa. "This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the Club, and the supporters."

Anguissa had undergone a medical in the south of France earlier today and has signed a four-year deal. The 22-year-old Cameroon international is expected to provide competition for Kevin McDonald for the role at the base of head coach Slavisa Jokanovic's 4-3-3.

Similarly the arrival of Vietto, highly-rated in his youth, means Aleksandar Mitrovic will have competition for the central striking role and Jokanovic the glut of options he has demanded of the club.

Fosu-Mensah, who will rival Cyrus Christie as a right-back but can also play across the defensive line, said of his move: "I have a good feeling about the club. It has a nice history, it's a nice club.

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2017/09/26/17/timothy-fosu-mensah2609a.jpg?w600)
Versatile defender Fosu-Mensah spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace (AFP/Getty Images)

"Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I'm happy to be here and I want to keep progressing."

Prior to deadline day Fulham had scarcely been slouches in the market, with Jean-Michael Seri's arrival from Nice, a £20million deal for Newcastle striker Mitrovic and the season-long loan of Calum Chambers from Arsenal among the most notable additions.

A total of 12 deals have taken Fulham's summer expenditure over £100m, the first time a newly-promoted club has ever invested a nine-figure sum in their playing squad.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-take-spending-beyond-100m-with-a-quintet-of-deadline-day-signings-a3907946.html

 
Fulham announce audacious Anguissa capture

Fulham have completed an audacious deal to sign Cameron international André Frank Zambo Anguissa which could be worth as much as £27m. The transfer remains dependent on the midfielder being granted a work permit.

The deal to sign the powerful defensive midfielder, who has enjoyed two stellar years in the south of France since being signed from Reims' second string, looked liable to collapse twice earlier this afternoon – firstly, over a dispute about solidarity payments to the midfielder's former clubs and then when West Ham attempted to try and tempt Anguissa to east London.

According to reports in the French press this evening, Anguissa had his medical in Marseille – watched by Fulham employees – and the clubs had to apply for an extension as protracted negotiations over the structure of the deal dragged on. Anguissa established himself as a key member of the Marseille side that reached last season's Europa League final with a number of composed displays as a deep-lying midfielder, but the French club successfully managed to double Fulham's opening bid of around £14m.

Anguissa leaves Marseille having made 104 appearances in three seasons and fits Slavisa Jokanovic's mould of a strong defensively minded midfielder – the type of signing he was calling for in the aftermath of the Whites' final pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo. Fulham have now broken their club transfer record for the second type in a month after signing Ivorian international Jean-Michael Seri from Nice earlier this summer.

Anguissa, who has won eleven senior international caps for Cameroon, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract. He told Fulham's official website tonight:

    I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to. I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the Club, and the supporters.

Fulham's head of football operations, Tony Khan, also added:

    I'm thrilled to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed André Zambo Anguissa. André's tremendous data profile, his glowing scouting reports, and his sterling reputation confirm his world class talent. Throughout this summer, we've pursued elite players on whom we believed we could rely to deliver the quality required to challenge the great competition we'll face in the Premier League, and thus, Andre has been one of our top targets.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/08/fulham-announce-audacious-anguissa-capture/

 
Fulham make another statement signing with new £30m midfielder

Fulham have announced the arrival of Marseille midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa on a five-year deal running until 2023.

The Cottagers have reportedly agreed to pay in the region of £30m to sign the 22-year-old from French giants Marseille, which would him the club's most expensive signing of all-time.

Fulham smashed their transfer record to land Chelsea target Jean Seri from Fulham earlier in the window in a £27m deal, but have surpassed that to capture Anguissa, subject to being granted a work permit.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today," he told the club's official website. "This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the club, and the supporters.


After two seasons on the fringes, the 22-year-old broke into the Marseille first-team last season and ended the campaign as a key man for the French giants.

Anguissa made 2.7 interceptions per 90 in France's top-tier last term to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of 'ball interception'.



https://www.whoscored.com/News/FPPg44-NBk2fhE_a7HhJEg/Show/Fulham-make-another-statement-signing-with-new-30m-midfielder

 
Who is Fulham's new £27m record signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa?

An in-depth look at the Whites' newest signing

Fulham have broken their transfer record once again.

It is the third time in this transfer window that the Whites have broken their transfer record.

First Fulham broke their transfer record for Jean-Michael Seri, then it was Aleksandar Mitrovic. Now they have broken it once again with the £30million signing of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

But who is he?

Anguissa is a defensive midfielder and has joined Fulham from French Ligue Un side Marseille.

He is a 22-year-old who started out his career at Stade Reims, moving to Marseille in 2015.

Anguissa has been a first team regular at Marseille for the past two seasons, making more than 70 appearances for the south French side, featuring in the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid last season.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15008102.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-959249726.jpg)
Marseille's midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Image: JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images)

Get French Football's Nathan Styles described him as a "box-to-box style midfielder who excels in breaking up play and starting attacks".

He added: "He's quick in the challenge, able to apply a high press and get stuck in while also combining great close-ball control with a range of passing that allows him to be a kind of jack-of-all-trades that you need in the middle of the park."

However, he was at fault during that Europa League final for the opening goal, failing to control a pass out from goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and the ball was nicked off him for Atletico to score.

The Spanish side went on to win the game 3-0 and Marseille boss Rudi Garcia defended his defensive midfielder after the game.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15011375.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-884947090.jpg)
Marseille's French midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Image: PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images)

He said: "Mistakes, everyone does. Me, the players, the staff, you. It's not that important. The important thing is not to reproduce them, learn from them and know how to digest them."

Anguissa has acted as the centrepiece of the Marseille side in the past season, but he is not the finished article.

The midfielder himself believes there is room for improvement, and he will now do that at Craven Cottage.

He said in March: "I still have a long way to go."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/who-fulhams-new-27m-record-15011416

 
Versatile young United defender joins Fulham on season-long loan
The Netherlands international will spend a second consecutive season with a London side on loan.

MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Timothy Fosu-Mensah has joined Fulham on season-long loan.

Fosu-Mensah featured in the pre-season for the Red Devils, but has now moved to the Premier League newcomers for the 2018/19 season.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions.

And the Netherlands international is now set to remain in London, with the Cottagers adding another name to their large list of summer reinforcements.

Speaking about his switch to Fulham, Fosu-Mensah told the club's website: "I have a good feeling about the Club. It has a nice history, it's a nice Club.

"Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I spoke to the Manager and he gave me a good feeling.

"I'm happy to be here and I want to keep progressing."

Director of football Tony Khan added: "I'm pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan from Manchester United.

"Timothy is a gifted young defender who excels at multiple positions, and his addition will further reinforce a strong and promising squad that we have assembled to compete in the Premier League."

Ahead of their return to the Premier League, Fulham have signed Jean-Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand, Alfie Mawson, Fabri, Joe Bryan and Aleksandar Mitrovic on permanent transfers.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have also captured Andre Schurrle, Calum Chambers, Luciano Vietto and Sergio Rico on loan deals.

Fosu-Mensah made his Man Utd debut during the 2015-16 campaign, and has two years remaining on his contract with the Old Trafford side.

- Omni



http://www.the42.ie/timoth-fosu-mensah-4172967-Aug2018/

 
Fulham seal £22.3m signing of Anguissa

Fulham have completed the signing of midfielder André Zambo Anguissa from Marseille for £22.3m.

The Cameroon international, 22, has signed a five-year contract Craven Cottage.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to," he told the club website.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-midfielder-deal-0908181

 
Fulham finish busy transfer deadline day with five new signings in preparation for Premier League life

The Cottagers have been busy strengthening their squad

Fulham have completed four signings on deadline day as they bolstered their squad for a first Premier League campaign since 2014.

The Cottagers signed goalkeeper Sergio Rico and forward left-back Joe Bryan on permanent deals, as well as securing Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto on a season-long loan.

A club-record £30m deal for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was said to be completed shortly before a two hour transfer extension expired. ​Anguissa, 22, is an exciting central midfielder bought from Marseille and a Cameroon international.

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/08/09/19/bryan.jpg?w600)
Joe Bryan switched Bristol City for Fulham ((FulhamFC))

Timothy Fosu-Mensah emerged as a late target and sealed a last-minute season-long loan after being convinced to join the club by Slavisa Jokanovic. "Fulham has a lot of good players, and it's good for my development to be here. I spoke to the Manager and he gave me a good feeling."

Rico, who boasts one Spanish cap, was described by Fulham's sporting director Tony Khan as a "world class goalkeeper" and said of his move to west London "I'm very happy, really pleased to have signed for the oldest club in the Premier League. I'm excited to start training, to meet all my teammates and, above all, to enjoy the season that starts this Saturday."

Bryan, who played against the Cottagers for Bristol City last season, said: "The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

"I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

Vietto joins on loan from Atletico Madrid looking to recapture the form that made him one of Europe's most in-demand young strikers and is still only 24.

Vietto, who has previously been on loan at Sevilla and Valencia, said, "It's an important change for me because this is my first experience here in England. I hope to do as well as possible. I'm very happy to come to the club and sign."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/fulham-transfer-news-deadline-day-sergio-rico-timothy-fosu-mensah-joe-bryan-a8485356.html

 
Fulham in business as five arrive at Craven Cottage
Sergio Rico and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa headed the list of new arrivals.

(https://cdn-04.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/article37201946.ece/2cd46/AUTOCROP/w620h342/bpanews_eda0ad1e-79e7-4e46-a6a1-3b60bf34ed7a_1)
Fulham owner Shahid Khan opened his chequebook on transfer deadline day (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Fulham made a significant statement about their Premier League intentions on transfer deadline day, with five new signings ahead of their top-flight return.

The Cottagers had already welcomed a handful of major arrivals to the club during the window – led by Jean-Michael Seri, Andre Schurrle and Alfie Mawson – and continued to be busy as the clock ran down.

Goalkeeper Sergio Rico and midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa joined, with loan deals for Manchester United' Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Atletico Madrid's Luciano Vietto also wrapped up alongside Joe Bryan's arrival from Bristol City.

Since the end of their promotion-winning campaign Fulham have now added an entire team's worth of new talent, at an estimated cost of more than £100million.

Rico, a one-cap Spain international, was a surprise addition to the squad after agreeing a season-long loan and looks sure to be installed as the club's new number one.

Vice-chairman Tony Khan told the club website: "Sergio is a world-class goalkeeper, and thus, his services have been in great demand. He answers our mandate of making our squad the strongest and deepest it can be as we face top Premier League opposition."

Anguissa's deal still requires a work permit to be completed and was processed after the 5pm deadline – Fulham and Marseille having filed a deal sheet to allow the extra time.

The Cameroon international, who reportedly cost more than £20million, said: "I am delighted to have signed for Fulham.

"This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to. I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the club, and the supporters."

Deal sheets were also required for Vietto, who spent last season on loan with Valencia, and Fosu-Mensah, the Red Devils defender who turned out for Crystal Palace in 2017/18.

Left-back Bryan, who had been close to signing for Aston Villa just days ago, put the finishing touches to a £6million deal and like his new employers will get the chance to prove his Premier League credentials this term.



https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-in-business-as-five-arrive-at-craven-cottage-37201947.html

 
West Ham attempted to hijack deal for Fulham's club record signing - report

Fulham added five more signings on the last day of the window

Fulham have had an incredible transfer window and added five more signings on transfer deadline day as they prepare for the rigours of the new Premier League season.

Sergio Rico, Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were all signed on deadline day to add to their summer spending.

Anguissa was their biggest transfer costing the west London outfit a reported club-record fee of £30million from Ligue 1 side Marseille.

The signing was announced after the club submitted a deal sheet before 5pm to complete the deal.

The defensive midfielder was delighted to join the new 'project' that is sure to be fascinating to watch as the season develops.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to," he said.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the Club, and the supporters."

However, according to L'Equipe, West Ham tried to hijack the deal for the 22-year-old.

The east London club signed a defensive midfielder of their own though with the capture of Columbia midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

"I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to," he said.

"I hope to bring my qualities to this new project. I like a challenge and I will ensure that I give my very best to my team, the Club, and the supporters."

However, according to L'Equipe, West Ham tried to hijack the deal for the 22-year-old.

The east London club signed a defensive midfielder of their own though with the capture of Columbia midfielder Carlos Sanchez.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-attempted-hijack-deal-15011943

Cottage Talk Extra: End Of The Transfer Window Special
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is our "End Of The Transfer Window Special", as we started recording the show during the final 45 minutes of the transfer window, and then went almost an additional 45 minutes longer after the window closed shut. We began by talking about the speculation of potential signings for the club. We then discussed each player that had been signed by Fulham during the window. We followed that up by giving our season predictions for Fulham.

While we recorded this episode, the signings of Sergio Rico, and Joe Bryan became official, so you will hear commentary on these players as well. I also want to mention that the players that were later announced by the club after we stopped our recording, we did discuss each of them at the beginning of the show.

Co-hosts for this episode were Yannis Tjanetis and Reece Curtis. This is a super sized episode that I feel strongly you will enjoy.


to listen to the podcast follow the link...
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cottagetalk/2018/08/09/cottage-talk-extra-end-of-the-transfer-window-special

 
Zambo Anguissa transferred to Fulham


The Olympique de Marseille midfielder agreed to sign with Fulham in London on Thursday.

Olympique de Marseille and Fulham FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Arriving during the summer of 2015, the Cameroon international has played 106 games in the Olympien Blue and White. He now joins the Premier League and Fulham.



https://www.om.net/en/news/359946/zambo-anguissa-transferred-fulham

 
Smooth operators Fulham finish remarkable summer of signings thanks to sound planning

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Fulham brought in André-Frank Zambo Anguissa on deadline day from Marseille Credit: AFP

The power that winning a Championship play-off final confers on the victor was never so clear as this week when Fulham contacted Joe Bryan as the Bristol City left-back was having his medical with Aston Villa and convinced him to come to south-west London instead.

It has been a remarkable summer for newly-promoted Fulham, the Premier League's third biggest investors in the window with a net spend of close to £100 million, second only to Liverpool and Chelsea.

They have broken their transfer record on two occasions, and got close for a third final time on deadline day when they paid Marseille £22.5 million for the 22-year-old midfielder André Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The plan started the day they beat Villa in the play-off final, orchestrated by their vice-chairman Tony Khan, son of the owner Shahid, the billionaire who also wants to buy Wembley Stadium.

The Khans had been planning for both outcomes on that day on May 26, but since winning promotion, the club have been bold in their pursuit of surviving their first Premier League season in four years.

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/08/09/TELEMMGLPICT000164701208_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth=1160)
Fulham have brought in 12 players after winning promotion from the Championship Credit: AFP

Bryan joined on deadline day on a permanent deal after Southampton had first turned down an offer of £15 million from Fulham for their former loanee Matt Targett. Fulham immediately set their sights on Bryan, another identified by the club's recruitment department. It would be fair to say that part of the club has not always been plain sailing at Fulham but now the structure is overseen by Tony Khan, in his role as director of football operations.

His assistants are Brian Talbot, the chief scout, and James Lovell, the club's chief data analyst, while the experienced chief executive Alistair Mackintosh get the deals done. The manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who railed against Lovell's predecessor Craig Kline, is also now part of a much smoother operation.

There were five signings alone on the final day including Bryan, Zambo Anguissa and Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United. There were also the incoming loanees Sergio Rico, the Seville goalkeeper and the Atletico Madrid striker, Argentine Luciano Vietto. Anguissa is expected to form a powerful midfield trio with new signing Jean-Michael Seri and captain Tom Cairney.               

"We knew we had to make a serious investment with the squad to be the strong Premier League team we aspired to be," said Tony Khan, speaking to Telegraph Sport. "Five minutes after we won the play-off final I grabbed Alistair and we started sketching out the summer. We had a lot of planning going into the final with two scenarios."

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2018/08/09/TELEMMGLPICT000171299163_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqB9TNGSg3mw1zIYGf6IZil_PnnjZCHM7buvIhfynOWKk.jpeg?imwidth=1160)
Fulham vice chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan kept hold of Ryan Sessegnon Credit: PA

They have signed 12 players, four of them, including Andre Schurrle and Calum Chambers, on loan. In their promotion season they worked more frugally with six loans crucial to the club's 23-game unbeaten run and while one of them, Aleksandar Mitrovic, has been converted into a £20 million signing, the likes of Targett, Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon had to be replaced. To do so, Shahid has authorised a level of spending that the club had not seen before under his ownership.

Tony Khan has his own sports data analytics company TruMedia Networks and he has played a key role in the recruitment, dividing his time between London and Florida where he also works with his father's NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars. He has been unequivocal that teenager star Ryan Sessegnon would stay at the club. The reality is that the club have not had anything like the kind of offer that might have changed their minds.

The newly-signed England international Alfie Mawson will miss the start of the season with injury as will goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, hence the signing of Rico and earlier, the Spanish goalkeeper Fabri from Besiktas.

It is expected that Shahid will be at the first game against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday to see the fruit of his investment and his son's work. "This is what we wanted for a long time," Tony Khan said. This has been our vision for Fulham. It has come together quite nicely. We still have to get the results but we have done as good as job as we could.

"What my dad has excelled at, in business and in sport, has been hiring the best people. He will get it right eventually even if he doesn't the first time. It has been a learning process for him too. He was new to sport with the Fulham and with the Jaguars. He had to assess what was working and he wanted to make changes. He has been very supportive of me and we have worked hard to repay his faith."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/09/smooth-operators-fulham-finish-remarkable-summer-signings-thanks/

 
Premier League predictions: Lawro v Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas on opening weekend


The Premier League is back, but who will enjoy a fast start to the season, and who will suffer the pain of a defeat on the opening weekend?

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson has made his predictions for the first 10 games of the new campaign, which include Manchester United hosting Leicester on Friday night, newly-promoted Wolves against Everton on Saturday and champions Manchester City's trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.

His first guest for the 2018-19 campaign is actor Joe Thomas.

The former star of 'The Inbetweeners' is in a new film called 'The Festival' - and is also looking forward to seeing how Tottenham fare in the forthcoming campaign.

"My favourite times as a Spurs fan were the Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker era of the early 1990s, but this is a good time too," Thomas said.

"We have quite a few England players and I think expectations are going to be quite high for the likes of Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane to follow up what they did at the World Cup.

"The first target is the top four but then we will see what happens beyond that.

"There is a lot of excitement around the new stadium because there is a sense that, once we move in, things are going to be a bit more settled."

You can hear more from Thomas on Football Focus at 12:00 BST on Saturday on BBC One and the BBC Sport website.

	Lawro	Joe
Fulham v Crystal Palace	2-1	1-1

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Keeping hold of c was massive for Crystal Palace because he makes such a difference to their team.

It is going to be interesting to see how new Eagles midfielder Max Meyer gets on in the Premier League too, after his arrival from Schalke.

Fulham have signed a lot of players following their promotion so I am not sure what to expect from them.

But it is sure to be a good atmosphere at their first game back in the top flight since 2014, and I am backing them to start with a win.

Lawro's prediction: 2-1

Joe's prediction: This one is hard to call but it is obviously one that Fulham will be targeting, as a newly-promoted team at home on the opening day. 1-1



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45010790

 
Fulham complete £30m deal for Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa to end deadline day with five new signings

    Fulham bring summer spending spree to an end for addition of Marseille star
    Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa becomes tenth summer signing at Craven Cottage
    The Cameroon international hailed as a 'world-class talent' by owner Tony Khan

Fulham have announced the signing of Marseille midfielder Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa for an undisclosed fee understood to be around £30million.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League newcomers, subject to a work permit being granted.

The Cameroonian told Fulham's official website: 'I am delighted to have signed for Fulham today. This is a new chapter in my career and one I'm really looking forward to.'

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/09/22/4EF8370300000578-6045351-image-a-1_1533851844393.jpg)
Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa has joined Fulham on a £30m deal from Marseille

Fulham owner Tony Khan stated in a tweet: 'I'm thrilled to announce that Fulham has signed Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

'Andre's great data profile, top scouting reports, and his sterling reputation confirm his world-class talent. He's been one of our top targets. We're excited that he's joining the club! Come on Fulham!'

Anguissa' arrival brought an end to a very busy day at Craven Cottage which saw no fewer than five players bolster the ranks.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/08/09/22/4EF7D54600000578-6045351-image-a-2_1533851889089.jpg)
The Cameroon international was hailed as 'world class' by the Fulham owner Tony Khan

Sergio Rico, Luciano Vietto and Timothy Fosu-Mensah all signed on loan while Joe Bryan joined on a permanent basis.

They signed ten players throughout the window including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Jean Michael Seri and Alfie Mawson.

Fulham mark their Premier League return with a London derby against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6045351/Fulham-complete-30m-deal-Andre-Frank-Zambo-Anguissa.html

 
Strongest 4-3-3 Crystal Palace XI to face Fulham in the Premier League

Predicted Crystal Palace line-up to face Fulham in the Premier League

Crystal Palace start the new season this Saturday in fine form with a trip to Premier League newcomers Fulham who are back in the top-flight after four years away from the Premier League.

Roy Hodgson joined Palace last season, with the club at the bottom of the table following the sacking of Frank de Boer, and went on to guide the Eagles to an impressive 11th-place finish.

The London derby could prove to be a thoroughly entertaining match between the two sides.

Team News

Scott Dann is the only injury concern for Crystal Palace, while Hodgson could hand debuts to summer signings Cheikhou Kouyate and Vicente Guaita.

Meanwhile, Max Meyer, who joined Palace on a free transfer from Schalke, is still in the early stages of his pre-season training and he is not expected to be match-fit for the opener against Fulham on Saturday.

Probable Crystal Palace XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Vicente Guaita (GK)

Vicente Guaita should start in goal against Fulham. The Spanish goalkeeper joined Palace on a free transfer from Getafe in the summer and should start ahead of Wayne Hennessy.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)

Wan-Bissaka started all of the first-team friendlies in pre-season and it is very likely that he could start ahead of Joel Ward at Craven Cottage.
James Tomkins (CB)

Rock solid at the back, Tomkins is aerially strong and if he can keep his injuries away, he can take his game to the next level.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)

Ever since Sakho arrived at Palace on loan in January 2017, he has been successful in forging a strong partnership with Tomkins at the heart of the defence.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)

Patrick van Aanholt has cemented his place as the first-choice left-back with his dazzling performances last season. He is expected to start ahead of Pape Souare.
Luka Milivojevic (CDM)

Milivojevic finished the season as the top scorer for Palace last time around with 10 goals, and he is a certain starter at the heart of the midfield against Fulham.
James McArthur (RCM)

With Kouyate and Meyer lacking match fitness, James McArthur could start on the right-hand side of the midfield three.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LCM)

On the left of the midfield three for Palace, Schlupp should get a start at Craven Cottage after impressing in the pre-season.
Andros Townsend (RW)

Townsend has been fantastic in the pre-season and is expected to carry his form in the new season. Fast, industrious and creative, the wide man has a penchant for scoring long-range goals.
Wilfried Zaha (LW)

Palace's talisman, Zaha is a definite starter at the weekend. The Ivorian, with his blistering pace and skill-set, can wreak havoc against any defence.
Christian Benteke (ST)

Benteke struggled for goals last season but should be handed a start in the London derby.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/08/10/image-strongest-4-3-3-crystal-palace-xi-to-face-fulham-in-the-premier-league/

 
The Fulham View


It is a very welcome return to the Premier League for Fulham so ahead of the opening day fixture in South-West London, TEB had a chat with presenter of popular television quiz show 'Pointless' and avid Fulham fan Richard Osman.

Q. Firstly, congratulations on Fulham returning to the Premier League – how was your day at Wembley?

Our win at Wembley was one of the greatest days of my life. I know winning play-off finals is a Palace speciality, but this was the first time Fulham had played at Wembley since 1975. We were pretty drunk throughout, we won promotion and we made John Terry cry. Football does not get any better than that.

Q. Did you envisage Fulham could have reached the promised land as the season kicked off?

We had had a really good end to the previous season, and we were playing good football, so hopes were pretty high. However, we started slowly again and those hopes soon died away. I do not think any of us predicted our 23-match unbeaten run.

Q. How did you become a Fulham fan, as we are led to believe your brother is in fact a Palace fan? We do hope he bought you a pint to celebrate promotion?

My brother, Mat, has always been a Palace fan, so I have always had a soft spot for the club. He started supporting the Eagles in the classic Vince Hilaire days. I have no idea why, I think when you grow up in Sussex you are supposed to support Brighton or Palace.

Q. How often are you able to watch Fulham at Craven Cottage?

I am a season ticket holder so I try to go to most home games. Occasionally in television, you have to work on Saturday's so sometimes you have to miss Fulham take on Rotherham United. I do not go to many away games, but I will definitely be going to Palace, Arsenal and Spurs next season. I get a nose bleed if I go too far East, so I will probably miss West Ham.

Q. Slavisa jokanovic has done a fabulous job this season, are you confident he can be a continued success in the Premier League?

Slav is a great manager. Tough as nails, and he is dying to prove himself in the top division. He plays exciting football, fast and attacking, so we will probably take a few hidings along the way, but it will be a fun ride.

Q. What are your thoughts on Crystal Palace as a club, and have you ever visited Selhurst Park?

I went to Selhurst Park a lot as a kid, because my brother went. I cannot wait to go back this season. I have met Steve Parish a couple of times, he is a very smart guy, and he has done a great job at Palace. Clubs like Palace and Fulham do not have the money of a top six side so we have to work harder and smarter than everyone else. Steve Parish does that, as do Shahid and Tony Khan at Fulham.

Q. We know Fulham fans have only nice things to say about Roy Hodgson, but was still a surprise to quite how much of an impact he had at Palace in turning things around after such a poor start?
Palace are now every Fulham fan's second team because we love Roy so much. That man has the freedom of Fulham until the end of time. The papers were a bit sniffy and snippy when you appointed him, but every Fulham fan in the country knew he would keep you up. I bet a lot of money on it, and I am not the only Fulham fan who did. God bless Uncle Roy!

OUR THANKS TO DAVE BURRELL FOR TALKING TO RICHARD AHEAD OF THE OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON AT CRAVEN COTTAGE



https://theeaglesbeak.com/2018/08/10/the-fulham-view/

 
Fulham FC become the first promoted team to spend over £100 million (A$174 million) in the summer transfer window

(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/0b292b6d5d016c47271bfaec4cd249bf?width=700)
The Fulham team create a huddle prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final.

FULHAM signalled their determination to stay in the Premier League by becoming the first promoted team to spend over £100 million (A$174 million) in the summer transfer window.

The Cottagers are preparing for their first Premier League campaign in four years and have added 11 players to their squad.

Slavisa Jokanovic completed some significant signings on deadline day in particular, with the club-record being smashed when $52m midfielder Andre-Frank Anguissa was brought in from Marseille.

He joined goalkeeper Sergio Rico from Sevilla and Luciano Vietto from Atletico Madrid in moving to Craven Cottage on the final day of the window.

In an abbreviated trading period when English top-flight clubs collectively spent more than 1.2 billion pounds, there was one notably anomaly by the close of the window.

For the first time since the summer transfer window was introduced 15 years ago, one team spent nothing: Tottenham.

The only addition to the north London club in the new season is a new stadium and even that won't be ready for the first month - at least.

London neighbours Fulham, on the other hand, are clearly showing their intent after their four-year exodus form England's top flight.

American owner Shahid Khan has funded the recruitment of 12 players for the west London club.

Manchester City may have set the standard for the chasing pack, but Fulham's summer signings show their clear intentions to compete with the Premier League's best.

FULHAM'S SUMMER SIGNINGS
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa - Marseille, $52m

Jean Michael Seri - Nice, $44m

Aleksandar Mitrovic - Newcastle, $39m

Alfie Mawson - Swansea, $26.5m

Maxime Le Marchand - Nice, $17m

Joe Bryan - Bristol City, $10m

Andre Schurrle - Borussia Dortmund, loan

Fabri - Besiktas, undisclosed

Calum Chambers - Arsenal, loan

Sergio Rico - Sevilla, loan

Timothy Fosu-Mensah - Manchester United, loan



https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/fulham-fc-become-the-first-promoted-team-to-spend-over-100-million-a174-million-in-the-summer-transfer-window/news-story/37abcfb47400527ab98fea038c0d3aac

 
Preview: Fulham v Crystal Palace

Palace kick off their 2018/19 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Fulham at Craven Cottage, who returned to the top-flight after a four-year absence by winning the Championship play-off final against Aston Villa in May.

The game will see Roy Hodgson return to the club whom he guided to the UEFA Europa League final in 2010, and will be afforded a warm welcome by the home fans who haven't tasted much success since his departure.

That all changed last year when they reached the Wembley showpiece by stringing together a 23-game unbeaten run to finish third, and skipper Tom Cairney's goal clinched promotion at the Villans' expense.

Having quietly gone about his business during pre-season, Hodgson will be hoping his Palace side, who remained unbeaten throughout the summer, will begin their campaign with a win over a team who conversely won just one of their six pre-season friendlies.

Summer reshuffle at the Cottage
A busy summer in west London began when the Cottagers broke their transfer record to land Jean Michael Seri from Nice for £30 million, who is tipped to be a star in both defensive and attacking midfield positions, while German World Cup winner Andre Schurrle returned to the Premier League as the ex-Chelsea man joined on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Spanish goalkeeper Fabri arrived from Beskitas and is set to challenge Marcus Bettinelli, while Alfie Mawson was captured from Swansea City for £15 million. Nice were then raided again for left-back Maxime le Marchand, while Callum Chambers has moved from Arsenal on loan.

However, their key capture saw them pay Newcastle United a reported £22 million to land Aleksandar Mitrovic, who netted 12 goals for Fulham on loan in the latter part of last season to help fire the Whites back into the big time.

Deadline day was equally busy, with Spanish international goalkeeper Sergio Rico, Bristol City defender Joe Bryan, Luciano Vietto on loan from Atletico Madrid and Timothy Fosu-Mensah who could face the team he spent last season on loan on Saturday.

View From The Opposition
Slavisa Jokanovic: "I believe we need to be more solid. In the Premier League if we are not solid we are going to be in a dangerous situation. We will have the quality.

"Probably I miss some power, some kilograms to be stronger. We gave many chances to Celta Vigo to score goals [in their final pre-season friendly]. If we give Crystal Palace these chances, we will pay."

Team News
Palace: Roy Hodgson has just one injury concern ahead of the start of the season, with only Scott Dann unable to feature during the summer as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained on New Year's Eve.

Full debuts could be handed to Max Meyer, Cheikhou Kouyate and Vicente Guaita, as well as deadline day arrival Jordan Ayew.

Fulham: New signing Mawson is out of action until September with a knee issue, but Dennis Odoi is available to play despite being sent-off in the Championship play-off final.

From that starting XI that beat Villa, Ryan Fredricks hs departed to West Ham United on a free transfer in the summer, while Matt Targett has returned to his parent club Southampton.

Matchday Officials
Mike Dean gets his season underway in west London, with Palace having won their last three games he was overseen – home games against Stoke City and Leicester City and the trip to Huddersfield Town in March.

Dean has been a good omen for the Eagles during his refereeing career, with Palace winning eight and drawing 10 of the 24 games he has taken charge of, stretching back to the 2004/05 campaign.

Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Refs: Ian Hussin and Dan Robathan
Fourth Official: Robert Jones

Matchday Stats
This will be the fifth Premier League meeting between Fulham and the Eagles, with the Cottagers losing just the first of those games in October 2004.

Each of the last three meetings between Fulham and Palace at Craven Cottage has seen exactly four goals scored.

Fulham have the lowest win rate in Premier League London derby matches, winning 25 of their 118 so far (21%).

Both of Palace's opening day wins in the Premier League have come in away games (Everton in 1997/98 and Norwich in 2015/16).

The Eagles won their last three Premier League games of 2017/18, scoring nine goals and conceding just one. They last won four in a row back in April 2017.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are unbeaten in their previous 16 league games at Craven Cottage, keeping a clean sheet on 10 occasions in this run.

Palace are unbeaten in their last four away games, while only once previously have they gone five without defeat on the road under Roy Hodgson (in January 2018).

Head-to-Head

	Fulham wins	Draws	Palace wins
League	16	14	10
FA Cup	0	1	1
League Cup	1	0	0
Total	17	15	11

https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2018/august/match-preview-for-fulham-vs-crystal-palace-on-11-aug-18/

 
Fulham Make Astute Signing To Fill Left-Back Void

Yesterday with the transfer deadline window fast approaching, we covered the possibility that Fulham, looking for a full-back, were looking to beat Aston Villa to the signature of Joe Bryan.

Our article, Click Here, covered the fact that although Bryan had undertaken a medical at Aston Villa, he'd received an offer to make that jump from the Championship to the Premier League and we questioned whether he'd have the ambition to chance his arm in the top-flight of English football.

Well, it turned out it was an offer Bryan couldn't refuse and yesterday he put pen-to-paper on a deal with our club and explaining his decision to sign for Fulham rather than Aston Villa, he's quoted by the local Bristol press; Bristol Post, as having remarked;

    "Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.

    "The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can't turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.

    "I'm used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in."

As a left-back who has impressed us, whenever our paths have crossed, the acquisition of Bryan will provide Fulham with the chance to allow Ryan Sessegnon to push forward and provide the attacking threat that helped propel the club to promotion last season.

At 24-years-of-age, Bryan is just the right age whereby he can flourish at our club and provide stability in his favoured role for several years to come.

In our opinion, it's a great signing and we wish Joe Bryan every success at Craven Cottage.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-make-astute-signing-to-fill-left-back-void/

 
Fulham's first-choice XI for the 2018-19 season will be taken seriously

Liverpool, Wolves and West Ham United all did extremely well in the transfer window.

The three clubs are certainly ready for the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, which gets underway on Friday evening when Manchester United host Leicester City.

But the winners of the transfer window may be newly-promoted Fulham.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side became the first side promoted to the top flight to spend more than £100 million.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Jean Michael Seri and Alfie Mawson arrived on permanent deals while Andre Schurrle and Calum Chambers were brought in on loan.

Fulham were concluding deals until the last minute; on deadline day, Joe Bryan and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were brought in permanently and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sergio Rico and Luciano Vietto were signed on loan.

The result is a team that could cause many surprises this season.

Fulham's first-choice XI

Let's take a look at how their starting line-up could look.

Goalkeeper: Sergio Rico

Defenders: Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Calum Chambers, Alfie Mawson, Joe Bryan

Midfielders: Andre Schurrle, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Jean Michael Seri, Ryan Sessegnon

Strikers: Luciano Vietto, Aleksandar Mitrovic

That's a seriously impressive side.


It'll be interesting to see what line-up Jokanovic deploys when Fulham's campaign gets underway against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Merson's assessment of Fulham's window
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson heaped praise on the club for their business in the window, giving them an A grade.

"They've put their money where their mouth is," Merson said.

"Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alfie Mawson, Calum Chambers and Andre Schurrle have all played in the Premier League and you look at the Cardiff situation and very few of those have played in the Premier League, so that's a big advantage.

"A lot of people were after Mawson and Schurrle could be anything. I like Fulham and I like their business."

Fulham were a joy to watch in the Championship next season, and they're going to be equally entertaining this time around.



https://www.givemesport.com/1370122-fulhams-firstchoice-xi-for-the-201819-season-will-be-taken-seriously?autoplay=off

 
FPL Dilemma – Ryan Sessegnon vs Diogo Jota – Fantasy Football Tips

We are back with the promoted teams, previously we compared, Neves & Cairney now we are going more attacking with wingers, Ryan Sessegnon and Diogo Jota. Again, they had impressive seasons in both team's promotion campaigns, but who will make the cut for our squads?

Here are our thoughts on this FPL Dilemma...

Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham, £6.5m)

At just 18 years old, Ryan Sessegnon took the Championship by storm to the surprise of many fans. Ryan Sessegnon started off at left back, progressing forward to a winger, somewhat like Gareth Bale at Tottenham.

Sessegnon looks to be a real talent and an exciting prospect for Fantasy Premier League managers as his potential to gain points could prove vital as a 5th midfielder. In the 2017/18 championship season, he made 48 appearances, scoring 16 times and bagging 8 assists. This is a phenomenal record for an 18 year old in the 2nd tier.

However, priced at £6.5m, is this a little steep for a 5th midfielder? Maybe so, he should be a one to watch for now until he proves his worth.

Diogo Jota (Wolves, £6.5m)

Another young attacking midfielder/winger that took the championship by its reigns is Portuguese Diogo Jota for Wolves.
Jota, like Neves came from FC Porto which again turned out to be an excellent signing. Last season the Portuguese winger made 43 appearances, scoring 17 goals and 5 assists. Again, just like Sessegnon this is a terrific record in the championship.

With so many attacking options with creativity and an eye for goal coming about in the promoted teams, it's difficult to choose who to utilise as a 5th midfielder.

The Verdict

Both players can be used in Fantasy Premier League squads as cheap alternatives in midfielc, however the progression of Ryan Sessegnon is truly exciting. He could be Fulham's Talisman this season and I can see him adapting to the Premier League quicker. That said however, it's worth keeping an eye on Jota as he could take the league by storm, but he could easily be rotated, depending on fixtures and fitness.



http://fplupdates.com/exclusive-articles/fpl-dilemma-ryan-sessegnon-vs-diogo-jota/

 
fulhamfctv Update

Ahead of the Club's first fixture back in the Premier League this Saturday against Crystal Palace, fulhamfctv packages for this season are confirmed below.

Due to broadcast restrictions in the Premier League competition, the Club's popular live matchday video streams for overseas supporters will unfortunately no longer be available.

As a result of this change, the dedicated international subscription packages will not be available to buy.

Instead, all supporters based in the United Kingdom and overseas will be able to access the Club's live matchday audio commentary for all 38 Premier League matches, as well as cup competitions where permitted, via two fulhamfctv packages – the existing monthly £4.49 and £45 annual offering.

Fans currently subscribed to the 17/18 International Annual Package are advised that in order to continue watching or listening to fulhamfctv, when this package expires they will need to re-subscribe to one of the available subscriptions.

In addition to live audio commentary with Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, subscribers will also continue to enjoy match highlights and full match replays, as well as exclusive interviews and live streams from selected PL2 and U18s matches, starting this evening with enhanced coverage of Fulham's PL2 clash with Manchester United. Join Gentleman Jim and watch the action unfold at Motspur Park, kick-off 7pm.

fulhamfctv will continue to bring fans closer to the Club, as you enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, player features, selected live PL2 matches from Motspur Park and Craven Cottage and much more.

*All existing £4.49 monthly and £45 annual subscriptions will automatically renew as appropriate.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/august/10/fulhamfctv-update