Friends of Fulham

Report: Liverpool now really concerned they can't sign £60m Premier League player this summer
Liverpool are now reportedly concerned they can't sign Joao Palhinha this summer, with the Fulham midfielder sustaining an injury this week in pre-season.

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are holding their breath on if they can move for the Portuguese international after Palhinha went off injured against Brentford in Philadelphia with a dislocated shoulder.

Valued by the Cottagers at £60m, Palhinha is a target for Liverpool to replace the Saudi Arabia-bound Fabinho, yet this injury could prevent the Anfield side from signing the Fulham star.

With West Ham also interested in signing Palhinha, Liverpool already face one roadblock in their bid to bring the 28-year-old dynamo to Anfield this summer.

And this latest injury update will do favours for Liverpool, with time slowly running out for Jurgen Klopp to sign a midfielder to replace Fabinho as well as Jordan Henderson.

Indeed, the severity of Palhinha's injury is yet to be determined. But with Liverpool now sweating over the midfielder, it's likely to assume that a deal could now be off for this summer.

Palhinha to Liverpool could now be put on ice until January
Palhinha being out for the next few weeks could all but ruin Liverpool's chances of signing the midfielder this summer. And as a result, a deal might now have to be put on hold until the January window.

A dislocated shoulder could realistically keep Palhinha out until September, just after the closure of the summer market, meaning Liverpool should now be looking at new targets for the midfield position.

Whilst other options are likely already on Liverpool's mind, Palhinha could have been a dream signing for the Reds, and this injury has come at the worst possible time for Klopp and his team.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/07/25/liverpool-now-concerned-they-cant-sign-60m-premier-league-player/

Fulham: Cottagers agree personal terms with Hudson-Odoi
The Chelsea winger could be on his way to Craven Cottage this summer.

Fulham have now agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has given them the green light to complete a move this summer, according to a report from The Evening Standard.

Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?
There are a number of clubs vying for Hudson-Odoi's signature this summer, with the winger deemed likely to leave the Blues, including AC Milan and Nottingham Forest, who have both registered their interest.

Forest were initially confident about being able to complete a deal for the Chelsea ace, but they have now dropped out of the race for his signature, due to concerns over the asking price.

That is according to a report from The Evening Standard, which also credits Crystal Palace with an interest in the 22-year-old, however the Eagles have also been priced out of the race.

The three-time England international's huge wages have been causing complications in talks with several of the interested parties.

Chelsea have also been trying to drive up the price for the £120k-per-week earner, having invited Lazio into the race to provide competition, and the Italian side are currently weighing up a loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy.

Despite having their opening bid for the Cobham academy graduate rejected last week, Fulham still retain an interest, and they have now made some progress on the player's side of things, having reached an agreement on personal terms.

The Englishman has given the green light for the Cottagers to complete a move this summer, as he is keen to leave Chelsea as soon as possible, having been stuck training with the Under-21s for the past three weeks.

The last barrier for Marco Silva's side to overcome is the transfer fee, and they appear to be at the most advanced stage of the interested parties.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?
Despite being lauded as "amazingly talented" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet has never been able to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea, being sent out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen during the 2022-23 campaign.

In truth, the London-born forward also struggled in the Bundesliga, recording just one goal in 21 appearances in all competitions, however he still has time on his side, and he could be able to fulfill his lofty potential if he picks his next move wisely.

A switch to Fulham, where he would be likely to receive more game time, could be ideal for the want-away Chelsea winger, who former teammate Olivier Giroud believes can go on to become a "top player".

Cesc Fabregas has also been full of praise for the youngster in the past, saying: "He is a boy who is full of confidence. I remember his first training session and his finishing was superb. I thought "I have never seen this kid before but actually he has something about him." It was very early but you could see that he had a lot of potential."

Fulham should not be held to ransom by Chelsea, as his performances over the past couple of seasons do not justify a huge outlay, but Hudson-Odoi could be a quality addition to Silva's squad.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-premier-league-callum-hudson-odoi-transfer-updates-latest-news-rumours/

Chelsea now set sights on 'fast' 25-year-old defender who impressed Pep Guardiola in training – journalist
Chelsea have set their sights on a possible move for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

That is according to well-respected journalist Simon Phillips.

Phillips has claimed on his Substack that the Blues have been internally discussing for weeks the idea of signing a new centre-back in this summer transfer window.

He claims that Chelsea are now considering a move for Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo.

Adarabioyo, who's now 25, is a very highly-rated centre-half.

The Englishman has been a key Fulham player since he moved to Craven Cottage back in 2020, but he's a product of the Manchester City academy with a great schooling at the Etihad Stadium.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-now-set-sights-on-fast-25-year-old-defender-who-impressed-pep-guardiola-in-training-journalist/

Raul Jimenez: Fulham finalise one deal and ready to sign second forward
Fulham are planning for life without Aleksandar Mitrovic with the signing of Wolves star Raul Jimenez set to be finalised, sources have told Football Insider.

However, the 32-year-old is not believed to be a direct replacement for Mitrovic – who is training alone as he attempts to force through a Saudi Pro League move.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (24 July) that Fulham are becoming increasingly resigned to losing their star man to Al-Hilal this summer.

They have seen their first two offers for Mitrovic, 28, rejected, but are set to return with an offer worth around £50million.

Jimenez is set to come into the Fulham attack – with Marco Silva keen to add striking reinforcements even before the start of the Mitrovic saga.

A medical is already underway after a £5.5million fee was agreed with Wolves.

And a well-placed source has revealed that the Cottagers would sign a further big-money forward should the Serbian be granted his money-spinning move.

Mitrovic netted 15 strikes last season as Marco Silva's side consolidated their Premier League status with a 10th-place finish.

Meanwhile, Jimenez managed just three goals in 20 outings last season and has scored only 10 Premier League goals in the last three campaigns.

Manager Marco Silva has also been the subject of interest from the ambitious Saudi Pro League project this summer.

As per Sky Sports (24 July), Silva has confirmed he has rejected a £40million two-year deal from Al-Hilal – who are also chasing Mitrovic.

Fulham start their Premier League campaign against Man United on 12 August.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/raul-jimenez-fulham-finalise-one-deal-and-ready-to-sign-second-forward/

Tottenham expected to submit official bid for 25-year-old PL ace
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

According to a report from Football London, Tottenham could look to submit an official bid for the 25-year-old Fulham defender in the coming weeks.

Spurs have been linked with players like Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven as well.

Adarabioyo has already proven his quality in the Premier League and he could prove to be a quality addition. He is in the final year of his contract with Fulham and the Londoners could look to sell him for a reasonable price in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Tottenham need to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer after conceding 63 goals in the Premier League.

Signing a quality partner for Cristian Romero should be their top priority before the transfer window closes. They looked quite vulnerable at the back last season and they need to tighten up defensively if they want to get back into the top four and qualify for the Champions League once again.

The opportunity to play for Spurs will be an attractive option for the Fulham defender as well. It would be a step up in his career. The report from Football London claims that Adarabioyo is open to the move and he is an attractive option for Spurs as well because he is a homegrown player.

The Londoners are keeping tabs on other Premier League defenders like Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen as well.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/07/25/tottenham-expected-to-submit-official-bid-for-25-year-old-pl-ace/

Three wingers Fulham should sign

Macsen Morgan takes a look potential new options on the wings, following numerous summer departures.

With the recent exit of Neeskens Kebano and the departure of both Dan James and Manor Solomon after their loans expired, Fulham need some new players to strengthen the wing positions. So here are three players that I think would help us avoid second-season syndrome.

1. Jesper Karlsson
24-year-old Swedish international Jesper Karlsson is the first player I think would fit the Marco Silva system. He is an incredibly talented player, racking up 21 goal contributions in just 33 appearances last season, and at only 24 he has a lot of time to develop. The first comparison I can think of is to Manor Solomon as they are both right-footed left wingers. Another similarity to many of Fulham's wingers is that they play as wingers who can invert into a wide 10 player.

Karlsson ranks very highly in the Eredivisie for his playmaking stats. He also provides a great goal-scoring threat from both inside and outside the box. He wouldn't break the bank at about £15m and would be a great development option while also being starting quality.

2. Pedro Neto
The next winger on my list is Wolves winger, Pedro Neto. The 23-year-old Portuguese winger is one of the most exciting young prospects in the Premier League even after his sub-par season, which was cut short by an ankle injury meaning he only played 18 games. Injury seems to be a common problem in his game, curtailing both his 2021/22 season and 2022/23 seasons. However, he has still retained his explosivity and his incredible dribbling skill.

Neto is a very versatile player, showcasing his ability to play across the front three as well as being very confident with both feet. This means that he will be an option on both wings in case of injury or suspension. In the past, he has been held back by the tactical decisions and the personnel at Wolves but has shown moments of excellence throughout his career and in his first season in the top flight. He's a player with some serious potential but there might be better choices out there for less money as he would probably cost upwards of £20m.

3. Samuel Iling-Junior
The final winger on my list is Samuel Iling-Junior, the 23-year-old who currently plays for Juventus. An out-and-out winger, Iling-Junior is an interesting player, in a world where the majority of successful wingers cut inside and try to take shots on goal, he prefers to hug the touchline and attempt to get crosses into the box. This provides some contrast to the majority of Fulham's wingers such as Wilson and Willian. He also has experience playing as a left-back which means that his pressing and tackling are top notch and his recovery speed is great as well.

However, his ball progression is one of his best assets as he is great as breaking through the defensive line. His crossing is great as well as he had and accuracy of 66.7%, which is incredibly high and would help the Fulham team that whips in 40+ crosses and none of them connect. He is also quite cheap with a market value of just £8m. In my opinion, he would be a good buy but he lacks that first-team experience that Fulham need.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-07-25-three-wingers-fulham-should-sign/

Fulham FC Women 2023/24 Season Tickets


Fulham FC Women Season Tickets are back!
The Club are delighted to announce Season Tickets for Fulham FC Women's 2023/24 London & South-East Regional League campaign are now on sale.

Whether you've been waving the flag for Fulham Women since the start or are looking forward to attending your first game at Motspur Park, the journey is just getting started and there has never been a better time to show your support.

We want to see and hear as many of you as possible throughout the 2023/24 campaign, and with Season Tickets priced at just £40 for adults and £5 for juniors it has never been easier for the whole family to cheer on the whites!

Your Season Ticket will provide entry to all of Fulham FC Women's 2023/24 Home League fixtures. This includes FFCW's return to Motspur Park on Sunday 20th August as they kick-off their upcoming campaign against Ashford United.

Fans can secure their seats now online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

Be part of the journey and show your support for Fulham FC Women at Motspur Park all season!


USEFUL INFORMATION

WHERE DO FULHAM FC WOMEN PLAY?

Fulham FC Women are currently scheduled to play all home league matches at Motspur Park Training Ground, New Malden, KT3 6PT

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?

2023/24 Season Tickets are priced at just £40 for Adults and £5 for Juniors.

Individual match tickets are priced at £5 for Adults and £1 for Juniors.

We encourage fans to purchase their digital tickets in advance of matchday which must then be either downloaded to a smart phone or printed before arriving at the Training Ground.

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or over the phone on 0203 871 0810.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULHAM FC WOMEN?

You can keep up to date with all things Fulham FC Women on Twitter and Instagram: @FULHAMFCWOMEN

WHERE DID FULHAM FC WOMEN FINISH LAST SEASON?

The side finished 3rd in the London and South East Regional Division in 2022/23



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/25/fulham-fc-women-23-24-season-tickets/

Fulham and Liverpool Set Sights on Fluminense's Star
The Battle for Brazilian Sensation: Andre
Football Transfers reports a fierce bidding war in the making, a tug-of-war for the services of Brazilian wonderkid, Andre. English clubs are already circling, ready to swoop in, but their ambition faces a challenge from the youngster's current club, Fluminense.

Fluminense's Stand
Fluminense, though receptive to bids for the coveted 22-year-old, insist that Andre will not be leaving their ranks until the conclusion of the Brazilian Serie A season in December. The asking price? A cool €25m for a significant 80% of Andre's economic rights, with future add-ons expected.

A flurry of initial approaches from the Premier League has already been made, with one particular red-clad Merseyside club among the interested parties. Yet, potential buyers must be prepared to bide their time, awaiting the winter transfer window for Andre's services.

Fulham's Brazilian Gamble
Marco Silva, Fulham's dynamic tactician, eyes Andre as the perfect midfield complement to Joao Palinha and Harrison Reed. But this desired formation largely hinges on the severity of Palinha's recently dislocated shoulder, an injury incurred during Fulham's thrilling 3-2 victory over Brentford in the Premier League Summer Series held in Philadelphia.

In the pursuit of realising this dream setup, Fulham could be poised to table an offer that surpasses Fluminense's quoted asking price.

Liverpool's Midfield Void
Liverpool, simultaneously, face their own issues in midfield. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are seemingly destined for greener pastures in Saudi Arabia, leaving a void that Andre could potentially fill.

Despite his lack of Premier League experience, Andre's price tag is a fraction of Southampton's Romeo Lavia's asking price. Having made his mark in the Brazilian league's team of the year for 2022, Andre is no stranger to accolades and is revered as a colossal talent in Brazil.

Silva's Commitment to Fulham
After Silva rebuffed an enticing proposal from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, the manager's commitment to Fulham remains unwavering. "I answered for my club and I will not talk about this situation," Silva remarked at a recent press conference, firmly establishing his loyalty. "My commitment to the football club is total."

With Silva's resolve clear and Premier League clubs circling for Andre, a riveting transfer saga is on the cards.



https://eplindex.com/92959/fulham-and-liverpool-set-sights-on-fluminenses-star.html

Buy your Fulham FC Women's season ticket
For the first time ever last year, Fulham offered a season ticket to watch their women's side. Not even in the glorious years following Mohamed Al-Fayed's decision to make the Whites a fully professional outfit when Rachel Yankey and company conquered the domestic game did Fulham fans have the ability to follow their side in this fashion. The women's team, now firmly established as part of the club's academy and development structure, are going from strength to strength and the season ticket offer was popular last season at £40 for adults – and £15 for concessions – to follow Steve Jaye's side in all their league matches.

The price point remains the same this term – in stark contrast to the 18.5% average increase in men's pricing after Marco Silva's side stayed in the top flight for the first time in a decade under the Khan family's ownership – and you will get to watch a talented team push for promotion from the London and South East Regional Premier Division. Skippered by lifelong Fulham fanatic Mary Southgate, the part-time squad have already made history by returning to Craven Cottage for a female fixture for the first time in twenty years last season.

Georgia Heasman memorably scored in front of more than 3,000 fans as the Whites pushed AFC Wimbledon all the way in a pulsating Cup tie – and there will be plenty more magic served up at Motspur Park and the Cottage this season. You might have never watched the Fulham women's side before, but if you haven't seen Tia Foreman hit a free kick or Ede Buchele finish then you are definitely missing out.

Season tickets are available online or from the Stevenage Road ticket office in person or by calling 0203 871 0810 and selecting option one. The money from the sales goes directly back into supporting both the women's first team and the under-18 side, who Jodie Williams guided to cup success in their first season last year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/buy-your-fulham-fc-womens-season-ticket/

ExWHUemployee shares update on West Ham United links to Everton ace Demarai Gray amid Fulham interest
West Ham are keen on signing Everton attacker Demarai Gray if a move does not pan out for Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges, claims ExWHUemployee.

The reliable Hammers insider claimed on his Patreon podcast [24 July] that even Fulham are keen on signing the Jamaica international, 27.

It's understood that he will be available for a decent transfer fee and could be an option if Borges, 19, is not signed by the club.

Ex said at 5:57, "We have had a look at Demarai Gray of Everton as a potential option on that wing. He's apparently available for a decent price. Fulham are in for him but he could be an alternative option if Borges doesn't go through, but as I say, I think it will."

Not needed
Gray, after the signing of Arnaut Danjuma, is unlikely to be the first choice even at Everton.

For West Ham to sign a bench player at Everton does not really indicate ambition and a plan to go to the next level.

The Hammers should not be targeting players that are at relegation threatened clubs and are struggling to get game time there.

Gray's goal-scoring and assist numbers are unimpressive, to say the least, and there are plenty of better options out there.

Hopefully, there are no more issues with signing Borges and that deal gets completed sooner rather than later.

Given the club's recruitment team, they do not seem to have any good backup options in mind for him and that's a worry because they had months to plan for it.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/exwhuemployee-shares-update-on-west-ham-united-links-to-everton-ace-demarai-gray-amid-fulham-interest/

'It's sad': Pundit says £100,000-a-week player took Wolves to 'a new level completely'
Dave Edwards has expressed his sadness about Raul Jimenez making a move to Fulham from Wolves.

The Mexico international is expected to officially complete his move to the Craven Cottage outfit, after doing his medical yesterday.

Jimenez had been with the squad for pre-season, leading to a bit of talk about him potentially staying.

But it is now only a question of when Jimenez leaves, not if.

He's no longer with the Wolves squad in Portugal, and will join the Cottagers.

Edwards has given his reaction to the news, and it's one many fans will no doubt share.

Dave Edwards sad as Raul Jimenez prepares to leave Wolves
Edwards has penned a new column in the Express & Star, and Jimenez leaving is the first topic he discusses.

The former Molineux midfielder is gutted to see him go, feeling it is the end of an era at Molineux.

He said: "It's sad in many ways because we all remember how good he was during his first two seasons at the club.

"He helped take the team to a new level completely. Wolves had not had a striker like him probably since Steve Bull. The kind of player who could really run the frontline. The goals and assists he got in that first season were excellent."

Jimenez has made 166 appearances for Wolves, and scored 57 goals and made 24 assists.

He only managed three last season, with all of those coming in the EFL Cup, as he battled some fitness problems.

Raul Jimenez took Wolves to new heights
So it looks as though Jimenez will soon no longer be a Wolves player.

Although it has kind of been on the cards, it is still very sad to see him go.

Jimenez was an absolutely inspired signing for Wolves. He joined the club on loan initially from Benfica, and was an instant hit.

After Wolves then bought him for £30 million, he established himself as one of the best all-round centre-forwards in the Premier League.

His first two seasons at Molineux were truly special, and Edwards is right to say that the club haven't really had someone like him since Steve Bull.

Sadly things were not quite the same for Jimenez after he suffered his skull fracture. And last season was a real struggle for the £100,000-a-week star, and he did take a bit of stick at times.

But hopefully it will be nothing but love and adulation from fans, when this exit is confirmed.



https://www.molineux.news/transfer-news/its-sad-pundit-says-100000-a-week-player-took-wolves-to-a-new-level-completely/

Permission granted: Fulham agree deal to sign Ballo-Toure - sources
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure, sources have told Football Insider.

Ballo-Toure, 26, has been given permission to hold talks with the west London club over a move to Craven Cottage.

The left-back has two years left on his contract in Milan after joining from AS Monaco in 2021 for around £4.7million and has made a total of 26 appearances for the club.

Ballo-Toure was not called up by head Stefano Pioli for the Serie A club's pre-season tour of the US and is no longer considered as part of the club's project.

The defender was brought in as a back up for first choice Theo Hernandez but hardly featured for Milan last season, playing just 650 minutes across 14 appearances.

Ballo-Toure failed to impress when he did feature for Piolo's side but has been unable to impress the coaching staff enough to cement a place in the team as they look to move him on this summer.

Now the Italian side are eyeing up potential replacements for the left-back, with Basel youngster Riccardo Calafiori reportedly a top target.

It is believed AC Milan are waiting to get the Senegal international off the books before commencing talks for Calafiori.

Fulham are in the market for a new left-back to provide back up and competition for first choice Antonee Robinson.

Following last season's tenth place finish, the Cottagers are looking for reinforcements in an effort to push further up the table next term.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/permission-granted-fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-ballo-toure-sources/

Five Aleksandar Mitrovic alternatives Fulham must consider amid Raul Jimenez speculation
Where could Fulham look if they have to replace wantaway striker Aleksandar Mitrovic?

Aleksandar Mitrovic appears to be heading for a somewhat acrimonious exit from Fulham as Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli look to press home their interest in the Serbian frontman.

The move, it should be said, would surely come with a tinge of regret after both club and striker have enjoyed a fruitful relationship that has reinvigorated their fortunes. For Mitrovic, Craven Cottage provided him with a launchpad following an underwhelming spell at Newcastle United as he struggled to earn the trust of former Magpies manager Rafa Benitez.

For Fulham, they have benefited from the talents of a wholehearted and prolific centre-forward, reaping the rewards with 111 goals and 22 assists in 205 appearances as Mitrovic's form inspired them to promotion into the Premier League and a mid-table finish in their first season back in the top tier.

So, what next? A deal for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is seemingly imminent, but there are reasons to believe that he may not be the only attacking acquisition that the Cottagers make this summer. For one thing, Marco Silva's side should have upwards of £40 million burning a hole in their pocket soon enough, and the Mexican star is only expected to cost around £5.5 million. For another, he has struggled to rekindle the form that made him such a hit at Wolves in recent times, and there is a feeling that were Fulham to sign him and him alone, it would be something of a downgrade.

But where could the Cottagers turn in their quest to replace Mitrovic? We've taken a look at a number of options below...

El Bilal Toure
The Mali international has proven his ability in a top league after joining La Liga club Almeria from French side Reims in September last year. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 appearances, and those stats would have been even more impressive had a muscle injury not limited his impact in the second half of the season. Despite that blow, Toure has still attracted interest from a number of clubs around Europe, and Atalanta and Everton are both said to be monitoring his progress, with the latter believed to be in advanced talks.

Folarin Balogun
This one would be ambitious but there is no doubt Balogun is ready to prove himself in the Premier League after he produced a stunning return during a season-long loan spell at Reims. After replacing the aforementioned Toure, the Arsenal striker scored 22 goals and provided three assists in just 39 appearances for the Ligue 1 club and has been linked with a permanent departure from the Emirates Stadium. It would be a costly move but it is one that could work for both parties.

Kevin Volland
A more experienced option and one that would perhaps provide Fulham with a more rounded striker, rather than the out-and-out goalscorer Mitrovic has been. The 30-year-old Germany international has 63 goal involvements in 115 appearances for Monaco since he joined the Ligue 1 club in a £9million move from Bayer Leverkusen just under three years ago. Now entering the final year of his current deal, Volland could prove a cost-effective option for Silva.

Luka Jovic
Could Fulham replace one Serbian international striker with another? It seems remarkable to think Jovic is still only 25-year-old given the hype that has surrounded him for a number of years. An underwhelming spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid may well have limited talk of Jovic's ability, but 13 goals and five assists showed some signs of the unquestionable talent he possesses.

Habib Diallo
Diallo has been linked with Sheffield United and Chelsea in recent years after impressing in the colours of French club Strasbourg. The Senegal international is rapidly approaching a half-century of goals for the French outfit and has captured the attention of a number of clubs around Europe. Premier League trio West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford have also been touted as potential suitors, with the latter believed to have made a bid of around £13 million for the striker. Strasbourg are said to want a fee nearer the £20 million mark.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/fulham/five-aleksandar-mitrovic-alternatives-fulham-must-consider-amid-raul-jimenez-speculation-4230556

Fulham are in transfer limbo amid Saudi disruption, but losing Aleksandar Mitrovic is 'no disaster'
After finishing 10th in the Premier League, the club's pre-season preparations have been hit by Saudi interest in Mitrovic and Marco Silva

Just when you are looking to build on your first top-10 finish for 11 years, along comes the distraction of the Saudi Pro League clubs and their millions.

For Fulham, it has felt different. While other Premier League clubs are doing business with Saudi sides, these transactions have largely been suiting all parties, often featuring players surplus to requirement, nearing the twilight years of their careers. It has certainly helped Chelsea and could soon add further funds to Liverpool's midfield reshuffle as well.

But no other club has faced a disruption like Fulham, whose summer has been dominated by talk of their manager and star striker leaving for Saudi Arabia at a time when, so far, not a single signing has been made.

Already, then, it appears the decisions made by Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic are set to define a season that has not even begun.

In Silva's case, Fulham will hope this period of temptation is at an end. He had already turned down a two-year £34m offer from Al-Hilal, as reported by i earlier this month, before the former Everton boss rejected Al-Ahli's £40m advances over the weekend.

"My commitment for the club [Fulham] is clear and it will continue," he said on Saturday, although he refused to comment on whether he had turned the offer down. "I have shown my commitment to this club last season so many times. I will not talk about the situation. I don't come here to talk about offers and these situations."

Evidently coveted, Silva could yet be the subject of further offers, while Mitrovic does appear to be on his way out.

"It's not the ideal situation," Silva admitted, with Mitrovic reportedly angry with Fulham's £52m valuation and telling relatives he would never play for the club again. Al-Hilal have already had two bids rejected for the striker, who watched Sunday's pre-season friendly win over Brentford from the sidelines and was caught yawning when in-house replacement Carlos Vinicius scored.

"Losing Mitrovic is a blow, but not a disaster," Farrell Monk of the Fulhamish podcast tells i. "He was key to Fulham's success last season, no question, but after missing a third of our league games through a mix of suspensions and injuries, Silva and the squad had to adapt without him, picking up five wins and a draw in his absence.

"That famous eight-game punishment applied to the Serbian may well have been excellent practice for his eventual departure. Carlos Vinicius proved a more than able replacement and is now a popular figure following a memorable and rare winner against Chelsea."

On top of Vinicius, Fulham appear close to signing striker Raul Jimenez from Wolves, but Silva would not address any player in question, adding after their pre-season win over Brentford: "The market is open. It's no surprise that we are looking to sign players in different positions. I'm going to talk about players when they have our shirt."

But time is running out before the new season, and as it stands there have been zero incomings at Fulham, hardly ideal in a league where standing still can often mean going backwards.

Fulham's match with Brentford was the second of nine friendlies in the Premier League Summer Series, which are all being played on the USA's east coast and read like the equivalent of Formula One's midfield battle, with Aston Villa, Brighton, Chelsea and Newcastle also competing.

Of course, Newcastle now have higher aims as a Champions League outfit, with Chelsea out to right the wrongs of their calamitous 2022-23 campaign, and so arguably Fulham's nearest rivals are Brentford, Brighton and Villa – all of whom have been making moves in the transfer market.

Brentford finished ninth last season, seven points above Fulham, and have already spent a club-record £23m on centre-back Nathan Collins, surpassing the £20m spent on Kevin Schade, the forward whose move was made permanent this summer.

Down at Brighton, a first Europa League campaign awaits, with Bart Verbruggen, Mahmoud Dahoud, Joao Pedro and James Milner all arriving after the expected departure of Alexis Mac Allister. With Moises Caicedo set to follow him out the door, the Seagulls could yet have another £70-80m to spend.

And up at Villa, they are welcoming new names ahead of their bid to match West Ham's Europa Conference League-winning exploits. They may yet face a battle to keep hold of their player of the year Douglas Luiz, but have already signed Youri Tielemans on a free and defender Pau Torres for £33m, with Moussa Diaby joining from Bayer Leverkusen as well.

Transfers do not guarantee success (see: Chelsea) but a quiet window can prove detrimental, as Leicester proved when, on a tighter budget, they went from eighth to 18th in the space of 12 months after making just two summer signings in 2022.

And Fulham can ill-afford a similar scenario. Silva defied the odds with this side when finishing 10th last season, placing as high as sixth in February, but disruption can lead to distraction which can lead to talk of relegation – that last year they admirably managed to emphatically avoid.

"Make no mistake, despite Fulham's successes last season on the pitch, a lot of gaps have appeared," Monk adds. "On top of Mitrovic, the club are looking to cash in on Tosin Adarabioyo, and the coveted Palhinha may end up filling a Declan Rice-shaped hole in East London, although separating his shoulder against Brentford may have cooled that.

"Whether or not the Silva-Saudi situ was merely postulation to get Tony Khan's team to get a move on, it is nothing new to Fulham fans. It is a pattern of behaviour that crops up every transfer window with each of Silva's predecessors in the Khan era.

"I have no doubt that the manager committing his future will move things along a little and some will start to trickle through before the usual waterfall on the last day. It is no secret that Marco Silva is a bit of a tactical perfectionist so getting players in early and slowly integrating them into the system is important but hopefully it doesn't mean making rash choices just for the sake of it like years past."

So be it soon or on deadline day, it would appear Fulham will not end the window without a single incoming, but it has sure been slow-going so far.

However, as they proved against Brentford on Sunday, under Silva they can continue to compete. The Fulham boss' commitment is integral to the outcome of the season ahead, and they would do well to avoid another offer coming in for Portuguese.

Just ask Villa fans about Martin O'Neill leaving the club five days before the new campaign started in 2010. Fulham will hope to avoid a repeat scenario, and while they must also reach a swift resolution around Mitrovic, vice-chairman Tony Khan recently did the club few favours with his response about Saudi Arabia's spending.

"It's amazing," he told the Dan Le Batard Show last week. "I think if you have enough money you can get away with anything, including murder, and try to sign up all the top players in the world.

"Certainly they have approached a lot of great players and I'm very, very interested to see where this goes. But for us, we're definitely committed to keeping our top stars and doing what it will take."

Negotiations for Mitrovic could, therefore, prove tricky, especially if they hold out for £52m.



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-limbo-saudi-disruption-aleksandar-mitrovic-2500673?ITO=newsnow

Fulham: Willian delighted by Marco Silva decision as Callum Hudson-Odoi reunion nears

Willian is delighted "one of the best coaches in the Premier League" in Marco Silva will remain at Fulham this season.

Silva was offered a stunning £40million payday to manage Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli on a two-year deal, but rejected the move to stay in west London.

Willian, who excelled on his return to England under Silva last season, was happy his boss was staying put having himself rejected interest from elsewhere to remain with Fulham.

He said: "It is good that he can stay with us. He is a top coach. For me, he is one of the best coaches in the Premier League."

Silva's rejection capped a fine few days for Fulham, who are finalising a £5.5m deal for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez and are closing in on further additions having agreed fees for both Southampton's Mohammed Salisu and Ajax's Calvin Bassey.

Fulham have also agreed personal terms to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Willian hopes his former Chelsea team-mate joins him down the road at Craven Cottage.

"If he comes here it would be good for us and I hope he can come," he said. "I don't know if he will join. I haven't spoken to him. I am waiting after seeing it in the newspapers and media! He is a very good player."

Willian considered leaving Fulham this summer, rejecting two contract offers and even undergoing a medical with Nottingham Forest before performing a U-turn to put pen to paper on a one-year extension.

The Brazilian insists he got his favoured outcome, but insisted he was "never close to joining Nottingham Forest". He addied: "Of course, they wanted me to go there but it was never close.

"It was a few weeks of having conversations with Fulham but they were always my first option. When we reached the agreement, it was easy to decide, to be here and play for this club. I enjoyed my last season and I hope to enjoy myself again this season."

Fulham's 3-2 win over Brentford was a positive start to the Premier League Summer Series, a new pre-season tournament, and they next face Aston Villa in Orlando tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Joao Palhinha painful-looking shoulder injury soured the result.

Willian concluded: "It is good to be here and to have this preparation here but it is hot! We played well but we are not too ready to start the season. We need more weeks to be ready, work hard and gain sharpness."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-willian-marco-silva-hudson-odoi-b1096633.html

Fulham still in talks with player's agent despite agreement with club – 'Also has other offers'
A couple of sources in the Italian media today share some updates on Fulham's pursuit of AC Milan fullback Fodé Ballo-Touré.

A very optimistic one comes from Sky Sport, relayed by Napoli Magazine, claiming there's a deal for the move, but that's not all.

It's said that Fulham already have an agreement with Milan for the permanent transfer, and the negotiations continue with the player's agent.

It seems that convincing the player is indeed the hardest task the Whites currently have, and that's also said on Sport Italia.

The website today features some quotes from journalist Alfredo Pedulla. There, he explains that Touré is still to make up his mind regarding the move to Fulham.

"He hasn't yet dissolved the last reserves in the direction of Fulham. He also has other offers."

The word in the Italian media has been that Touré can choose between Fulham and Bologna, and the possibility of continuing to live in Italy is what attracts him to the latter option.

Milan had reportedly made a €4m request to sell the fullback, and the Craven Cottage side had no problem in matching that. Bologna shouldn't have that difficulty either, so it's all in the player's hands.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-still-talks-players-agent-despite-agreement-club-also-offers/

Willian 'hopes' Fulham sign former Chelsea team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi and reacts to Marco Silva staying
Willian 'hopes' Fulham sign his former Chelsea team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi and says he is delighted Marco Silva has snubbed Saudi Arabia to remain at Craven Cottage.

Hudson-Odoi has agreed personal terms with Chelsea's west London rivals but the Blues are keen to drive up his price amid interest from European clubs.

The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the most highly-rated young players in the Premier League when he burst onto the scene, attracting substantial interest from German giants Bayern Munich.

Chelsea rejected a bid worth up to £70m for Hudson-Odoi in 2020 but they may live to regret that decision as the forward's career has stalled.

Having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge, Hudson-Odoi was sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season but he was unable to revive his career in the Bundesliga, scoring just once in 21 appearances.

Despite his recent struggles, Fulham are keen to secure his signature this summer and Willian insists he 'hopes' the deal goes through.

'If he comes here it would be good for us and I hope he can come,' the former Chelsea winger said.

'I don't know if he will join. I haven't spoken to him. I am waiting after seeing it in the newspapers and media! He is a very good player.'

Willian impressed at Fulham last season after securing a shock return to the Premier League following a brief spell at his boyhood club Corinthians.

One of the favourites to go down following their promotion to the English top-flight, Fulham proved their doubters wrong by finishing 10th on 52 points.

Fulham have been sweating over the future of their manager Silva, who was offered a £40m payday to manage Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli on a two-year deal.

But the Portuguese manager has reportedly turned down the offer and Willian said: 'It is good that he can stay with us. He is a top coach. For me, he is one of the best coaches in the Premier League.'

Willian was also heavily linked with a move away from Craven Cottage earlier in the summer and was believed to have undergone a medical at fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Asked about the speculation he would leave Fulham, the Brazilian added: 'Of course, they wanted me to go there but it was never close.

'It was a few weeks of having conversations with Fulham but they were always my first option. When we reached the agreement, it was easy to decide, to be here and play for this club.

'I enjoyed my last season and I hope to enjoy myself again this season.'



https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/25/willian-urges-fulham-sign-chelsea-flop-reacts-marco-silva-staying-19188787/?ito=newsnow-feed

Willian: 'I'm delighted Silva's staying at Fulham'
Fulham winger Willian feels Marco Silva is 'one of the best coaches in the Premier League' and has shared his delight at the news that the Portuguese boss will be staying in SW6.

Silva has rejected approaches from several Premier League clubs and two Saudi Pro League sides to remain at Craven Cottage after steering the Whites to tenth on their return to the flight. Willian, who reversed his decision to reject a new Fulham contract after Silva intervened, told the Evening Standard:

"It is good that he can stay with us. He is a top coach. For me, he is one of the best coaches in the Premier League."

The Brazilian veteran also revealed he was never close to signing for Nottingham Forest despite fevered press speculation suggesting otherwise.

""Of course, they wanted me to go there but it was never close. It was a few weeks of having conversations with Fulham but they were always my first option. When we reached the agreement, it was easy to decide, to be here and play for this club. I enjoyed my last season and I hope to enjoy myself again this season."

Willian is enjoying spending pre-season in the United States as the Whites warm up for the start of the domestic season in August.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/willian-im-delighted-silvas-staying-at-fulham/

Brentford (H) Tickets


Tickets for Fulham's first home game of the 2023/24 season will go on sale to Members from 10am on Wednesday 26th July.
The Whites face Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday 19th August, kick-off 3pm.

Following the exclusive Member on sale date, tickets will then go on sale to 2023/24 Season Ticket Holders from 10am on Friday 28th July, and to supporters with a previous booking history from 10am on Monday 31st July.

Fulham v Brentford is a match category B, with adult tickets priced from £35 and juniors just £24 in the Family Zone (Blocks A, AL, K and KL).

In line with Season Tickets, the Club has introduced a new pricing structure within the Hammersmith End for the start of 2023/24, with tickets in blocks H1 and H8 just £49 for adults and £25 for juniors.

BUY TICKETS FROM 10AM WEDNESDAY

BRENTFORD (H) TICKET PRICING

Area		Adult	Over 65 / 18-21	Junior
Hammersmith	H1 & H8	£49	£43	£25
	H2 & H7	£54	£48	£30
	H3, H4, H5 & H6	£59	£53	£35
Putney	P1 – P4	£59	£53	£35
Johnny Haynes	A, AL, K, KL (Family Zone)	£35	£30	£24
	B,C,D,G,J,H(&Lowers)	£65	£59	£47
	E, EL, F, FL	£83	£77	£59
Riverside	Bronze	£100	£75	£50
	Silver	£105	£80	£55
	Gold	£105	£80	£55
	Platinum Lower	£105	£80	£55

Record Season Ticket sales sees the amount of available home match-by-match tickets now sit at less than 3,000 seats within Craven Cottage. With high demand expected for games this season, supporters are encouraged to buy early before tickets sell out. Official Fulham FC Membership provides first priority to all home ticket on sales, along with a discount on Member tickets*.

During the sales window of each match, prices may increase due to high demand. Any remaining tickets will increase by £5 on matchday.

*Adult/Concession discount of £10 on Riverside ticket, £5 discount in all other areas. Junior discount of £5 across all stands.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/25/brentford-h-tickets/

Fulham on the verge of signing Fode Ballo-Toure
Fode Ballo-Toure is reportedly on the verge of joining Fulham, with the Cottagers sealing an agreement on the transfer fee with AC Milan.

According to a report by Football Insider, Fode Ballo-Toure is the subject of interest from Fulham. And the Cottagers have agreed to the transfer fee for the 26-year-old with Fulham. But talks with the player are yet to end, with personal terms being the last major detail that the London club will need to sort out.

Fode Ballo-Toure spent his formative years in France before graduating from the Paris Saint-Germain Academy. But he only managed to feature regular for PSG's reserve side and earned his big break at LOSC Lille. After leaving Lille, the Senegalese international spent two years with AS Monaco before joining AC Milan in July 2021.

But the 26-year-old has not been a regular for AC Milan, with Theo Hernandez ahead of him in the pecking order. And Ballo-Toure has turned out only 26 times thus far for the Serie A club, chipping in with one goal. Nonetheless, the player has a Serie A winner's medal from his ongoing stint with AC Milan. However, his spell at San Siro will likely end this summer, with Fulham being his next destination.

Fulham's interest in Ballo-Toure is surprising, considering Antonee Robinson will likely be the first-choice left-back next season. And while the USMNT international attracted the attention of several clubs, including Manchester City and Newcastle United, he is not going anywhere in the ongoing transfer window.

In addition, Robinson recently signed a new contract with Fulham and will remain at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future. So the Cottagers do not need a new left-back. Nonetheless, Fode Ballo-Toure has emerged as a target for Fulham, with the West London club moving swiftly to land him.

The report claims Fulham and AC Milan have sealed an agreement over a transfer fee for the Serie A winner. But the 26-year-old is yet to commit his future to the West London club. So the Cottagers need to sort out the personal terms before finalising the deal to sign Ballo-Toure from AC Milan.

Meanwhile, they have been hard at work this summer, with Raul Jimenez on the verge of joining them. In addition, Demarai Gray is a target for Fulham. And it will be interesting to see if Ballo-Toure moves to Craven Cottage in the ongoing transfer window.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/07/25/fulham-on-the-verge-of-signing-fode-ballo-toure/

Fulham's £18m bid for Ajax's Calvin Bassey accepted, but deal hinges on Ghanaian centre-back
The Nigerian defender who left Rangers FC to join Ajax Amsterdam is on the verge of joining Fulham

Calvin Bassey's potential move to Fulham FC appears to have hit a roadblock, despite the club reportedly agreeing to an £18 million fee with Ajax for the former Rangers star, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to SkySports news reporter, Dharmesh Sheth, the Cottagers' pursuit of Southampton's outcast, Mohammed Salisu, could be why they hesitated to finalise the deal for Bassey.

Fulham are believed to be close to securing a £15 million transfer for Salisu, with personal terms being a critical factor in the decision, which would have the club sign either him or Bassey.

This has left the London-based club leaning towards signing the 24-year-old centre-back from Southampton, potentially jeopardising the deal with Bassey.

The Nigerian defender joined Ajax from Rangers last summer on a five-year deal worth just about £20 million, and he has however faced a lot of backlash during his time in Amsterdam.

Despite his relatively short stint with the Dutch club, Fulham's interest in the Nigerian international has been strong.

Salisu's situation at Southampton allows Fulham to bolster their defensive ranks. The Saints are reportedly looking to cash in on the 24-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, after being excluded from the squad due to concerns over his commitment.

Personal conditions and club considerations will be crucial in choosing which centre-back Fulham finally gets for their Premier League campaign as the transfer story progresses.



https://soccernet.ng/2023/07/fulhams-18m-bid-for-ajaxs-calvin-bassey-accepted-but-deal-hinges-on-ghanaian-centre-back.html

Fulham goalkeeper on loan at Crawley Town wants to prove himself at League Two level
One of Crawley Town's newest signings has revealed he is 'very excited to get going' in his first interview with the club.

Luca Ashby-Hammond is a young goalkeeper who has arrived on a season-long loan from Fulham FC. He spent last season on loan at Aldershot in the National League. "Last year at Aldershot was really good, I played loads of games which exposed me to men's football. It was Tuesday and Saturday, 50-odd games," said. "It prepared me a lot for this step up and I should easily transition.

"It's a step up for me, in terms of coming into this league. So I'm very excited to get going and prove myself at this level."

While at Aldershot, Ashby-Hammond coincidentally faced the Reds in a friendly. "We played them (Crawley Town) last year in pre-season, the style of play was really good," he said.

(https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM1NDZhM2IzLWZjNWYtNGIwZi1hYjdkLTU4MjhiYjM2YWIxMjphYjlmNjMwOC1hNjI4LTRlZWYtYTAyZS1mNzUzZTUxOWM0YTg=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
Luca Ashby-Hammond has joined Crawley Town on a season-long loan from Fulham. Picture: Crawley Town FC

The 22-year-old 'keeper spent time in England's youth set up, his most successful stint being the u17 Euros in 2018. England reached the Semi-Final, being bested by the Netherlands, who went on to win the tournament. Ashby-Hammond found himself in the team of the tournament.

Ashby-Hammond has watched a lot of League Two football before signing with Crawley. His brother, Taye, is a fellow goalkeeper who plays for Stevenage, so he spent last season in League Two: He said: "I watched my brother play in the same league last year, I always watched the teams and Crawley always play a good style of football.

"It's all we talk about! I watch his games; he watches my games. So, I can see the level when I go and watch him and what I need to do to step up."

Ashby-Hammond will be hoping to displace Corey Addai in the Red's net, which is easier said than done. After a few days training with the Reds, Luca said: "It's really good, especially in the goalie-department, the standard is really high. We both keep each other on our toes, Corey and I." He added: "We did a good session today and long may it continue."



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-goalkeeper-on-loan-at-crawley-town-wants-to-prove-himself-at-league-two-level-4231683

Fulham boss Marco Silva 'outstanding' for Saudi stance as Liverpool's Jordan Henderson compared
Fulham boss Marco Silva has reaffirmed his commitment to the club after turning down a £31 million deal to move to Saudi Arabia.

Fulham supporters and Premier League football fans have praised Marco Silva for turning down a lucrative offer to join Saudi Arabian side in favour of staying at Craven Cottage, as scrutiny grows on Liverpool star Jordan Henderson.

The 46-year-old has said he is 'fully committed' to the project at Fulham after the side finished 10th on their return to the top flight last season.

Silva had been offered a huge £31 million two-year deal to take the managerial role at Jeddah-based Al Ahli, who have already snapped up Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino this summer as the Middle Eastern country strengthens its grip on world football.

Explaining his decision, Silva said: "My commitment to this club has been 100% since the first day I signed and will continue this way. Offers are part of the business. We've had two great seasons at this football club, players have improved and managers are in the spotlight as well. It is up to us to think, respecting the club that you are working [for].

"It's what I've always done in my career and keep doing. It's a decision I made, I spoke with the people in the club and my full commitment to the club will continue."

Reacting to the news online, fans of Fulham and supporters wanting to protect the game from growing Saudi money influences, applauded the manager.

One social media user wrote: "Outstanding from Silva there is nothing like the feeling of something when someone does the right thing for the right reasons. The Premier League is the greatest most intense league in the world he's obviously thinking of his career."

Another added: "To turn down that amount of money, to build a legacy at Fulham is nothing short of incredible. You have to tip your hat to the man. Finally, some pushback against Saudi influence."

Meanwhile, others demanded that Fulham erect a statue of Silva in praise for his decision as others praised a 'good man'.

Another user said: "Marco Silva apparently has stronger principles than Jordan Henderson."

Silva's links to Saudi Arabia, and subsequent dismissal of interest, come at a time when the Liverpool captain is rumoured to be on the verge of a move to the country - links that had come under heavy criticism from fans.

Henderson was named Football Ally of the Year at the LGBT Awards in 2021 and had written passionate letters of support to the LGBTQ+ community in programme notes over the years

The 33-year-old once wrote: "My view on this is very much the same as on any other form of discrimination in the game, whether it relates to race, religious intolerance, disability or any other. I have never personally experienced any of these injustices in my life until now, so I can never and would never claim to have an understanding like those who suffer from the ignorance of others.

"But I do believe when you see something that is clearly wrong and makes another human being feel excluded you should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. You also have a responsibility to educate yourself better around the challenges they experience.

"That's where my own position on homophobia in football is rooted. Before I'm a footballer, I'm a parent, a husband, a son, a brother and a friend to the people in my life who matter so much to me. The idea that any of them would feel excluded from playing or attending a football match, simply for being and identifying as who they are, blows my mind."

In Saudi Arabia, should a same-sex couple attend a match at Al-Ettifaq they could be arrested for doing so.

In the country, same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under Sharia law and can be punishable by death. Transgender people can also be prosecuted for failing to follow strict Saudi dress codes imposed by the law.

Human Dignity Trust reports 'substantial evidence' of the law being enforced in recent years with LGBTQ+ people frequently arrested, with some executed for their sexuality.

There have also been 'consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBTQ+ people in recent years, including murder, assault, harassment, and the denial of basic rights and services'.

Liverpool LGBTQ+ supporters group Kop Outs - who shared a Tweet praising Marco Silva's stance - have slammed the proposition of Henderso moving to a Saudi Arabian side. A statement read: "Kop Outs have valued the allyship shown by @JHenderson. We are appalled and concerned that anyone might consider working for a #sportswashing operation for a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed & that regularly tops the world death sentence table?

"We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-boss-marco-silva-outstanding-for-saudi-stance-as-liverpools-jordan-henderson-compared-4231649

Fulham could miss out on defender signing despite reaching agreement with club – 'Would prefer' stay in country
Fulham seem to be having a really hard time convincing Fode Ballo-Touré to join the club this summer.

Earlier today, we covered claims from the Italian media which said that despite the Whites' difficulty, the talks with his agents are still on.

However, as Calciomercato now features a story about the situation, they explain why there's a 'stalemate' for this transfer.

It's once again said that Fulham already have a deal with Milan for the move. That's for a permanent transfer, unlike Bologna, who push for a loan with a right to buy.

The problem is that Ballo-Touré 'would prefer' to stay in Italy. That's why he's currently 'denying himself' to give the green light for the Whites' move and prefers the switch to the Serie A side.

Fulham apparently had no problem matching Milan's €4m request for the player, and now see the deal being 'blocked' by 26-year-old's personal wish.

In a time when players have been so attracted by the Premier League, Marco Silva's side now find themselves in an awkward situation, and apparently patiently wait for the player to be convinced.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-miss-defender-signing-despite-reaching-agreement-club-prefer-stay-country/

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez 'completes his medical' ahead of £5.5m move to Fulham - as wantaway forward Aleksandar Mitrovic seeks a Craven Cottage exit

    Raul Jimenez has reportedly completed his medical ahead of joining Fulham
    Fulham and Wolves have already agreed a £5.5m deal for the Mexican striker
    Jimenez's arrival at Craven Cottage could signal an exit for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Raul Jimenez has reportedly completed his medical at Fulham ahead of a proposed £5.5million move from Wolves.

The Mexican striker scored three goals in all competitions for Julen Lopetegui's side last season, making only 15 Premier League appearances in a campaign plagued by injury.

Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that Jimenez had been given permission to leave Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal with the two clubs moving quickly to complete the deal.

The 32-year-old has now successfully passed his medical with Marco Silva's side and is set to be announced as Fulham's latest signing within the next 24 hours, according to Sky Sports.

Fulham's £5.5m bid for their talisman has been accepted with Jimenez's arrival possible signalling a departure for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Craven Cottage outfit have already rejected two bids from Saudi Arabia for their Serbian goalscorer with Al-Hilal's last offer in the region of £35m.

Mitrovic was reportedly fuming with the decision and has apparently told family members that he will never play for Fulham again, despite signing a contract until 2026.

However, confirmation of Jimenez edging nearer to joining the club could be a signal that Fulham intend to let their disgruntled star leave if a new offer comes in for him.

Mitrovic scored 14 Premier League goals for Fulham last season but has undoubtedly had his head turned by the riches on offer by moving to a Saudi Pro League side.

Meanwhile, Jimenez will be hoping a change of scenery can reignite his career after a difficult few years at Wolves where he has struggled with a long-term lay-off and falling down the first-team pecking order. 

The Mexican had previously been lauded as one of the stand-out performers while working under former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo before a horrific head injury derailed his career.

After fracturing his skull while contesting for the ball with Arsenal's David Luiz in November 2020, Jimenez had to undergo surgery before eventually being eased back into competitive football.

Since the injury, he has managed just nine goals in all competitions as he recovered from the career-threatening accident, and has proven to be a shadow of the player he had shown himself capable of.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12336207/Wolves-Raul-Jimenez-fulham-medical.html

West Ham, Fulham and Everton have all 'concretely come forward' for signing – €20m needed
West Ham United, Fulham and Everton are all in the mix to sign Juventus' Samuel Iling-Junior, according to a report.

The 19-year-old was promoted to the first team last season and his fine displays saw him earn a new contract until 2025.

Il Bianconero state the youngster is on the agenda of West Ham, Fulham and Everton and is 'expandable' for the Serie A side.

The report adds the winger, who can also operate as a left wing-back, is valued at €20m by the Old Lady.

It's claimed the three English clubs have 'concretely come forward' to carry out polls for the England U20 international.

Il Bianconero say he would have received potential offers from the Premier League and this is when the two London clubs and the Toffees are mentioned. Juve, for their part, have turned them down.

If West Ham, Fulham or Everton were to meet their demand, a transfer is possible this summer. Juventus are being flexible to allow Iling-Junior leave, either through a sale or loan with a right to buy.

Iling-Junior managed a goal and two assists from 18 games last season for Juventus.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-fulham-everton-concretely-come-forward-signing-e20m-needed/

Fulham have now 'agreed deal in principle' over £18m star at Craven Cottage
An £18million star is edging towards sealing a move to the Premier League after Fulham have successfully negotiated terms with his current employers

Fulham are close to signing Calvin Bassey as a deal has been 'agreed in principle' with Ajax, while Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GIVEMESPORT when a medical will be undertaken ahead of the Craven Cottage switch being rubber-stamped.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva, who turned down a £40million contract offer to take charge of Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli earlier this month, is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the fast-approaching 2023/24 campaign.

Fulham transfer news - Calvin Bassey
According to MailOnline, Fulham are on the verge of making Bassey their latest signing as a fee worth just over £18million has been agreed with Ajax.

The report suggests the Eredivisie giants' boss Maurice Steijn has convinced the centre-back to head to west London after he was initially willing to stay at the Johan Cruyff Arena after only making the £22.7million switch from Rangers a year ago.

Fulham refused to give up in their pursuit of Bassey after initially launching a £15million proposal last week, which was not enough to tempt Ajax into sanctioning his departure.

The Cottagers have been battling it out with Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for the Nigeria international's signature.

But, having also been in the hunt for Bassey's services last year, Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls are set to miss out once again.

The 23-year-old made 39 appearances last season, chalking up five assists and a solitary goal along the way, but it appears that will prove to be his only campaign in an Ajax shirt.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Bassey?
With Fulham on the cusp of signing Raul Jimenez for £5.5million, Sheth believes Bassey is set to follow the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker to Craven Cottage.

The Sky Sports reporter believes the defender is closer to joining Silva's charges than Southampton's Mohammed Salisu, with a medical taking place in the coming days.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: "Two deals that look close involve Calvin Bassey and Mohammed Salisu, with one closer than the other.

"That is Bassey, from Ajax, and it's worth around £18million. That one is agreed in principle and, like Jimenez, we expect him to have a medical at some point this week. The deal should be done and dusted sooner rather than later as well."

What's the latest news on Mohammed Salisu?
It appears that Silva is eager to give the Fulham backline a makeover as, according to talkSPORT, a £15million fee has been agreed for Salisu.

The report suggests the capital club are looking to take advantage of Southampton's relegation from the Premier League by offering the Ghana international, who made 28 appearances last season, an immediate route back into the top flight.

But Fulham are not the only side aiming to pounce for Salisu, who has been on Saints' books since completing a £10.9million move from Real Valladolid in 2020.

That is because transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that Everton and Monaco have been looking to strike a deal as well.

Southampton are keen to offload Salisu as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract, which is worth £39,000-per-week, at St Mary's.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-agreed-deal-in-principle-18m-star-craven-cottage/

Chelsea now demanding just £8m for player Pochettino wants to sell, Blues once rejected £35m for him
Chelsea are now demanding just £8m to sell Callum Hudson-Odoi as Fulham attempt to wrap up a deal for £4m.

That is according to the Guardian.

So, what is the latest on Callum Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea? Let's take a look...

What's the story?
Well – according to the Telegraph – the England international was not part of Mauricio Pochettino's main training group at Cobham, and he was also left out of the squad for Chelsea's tour of the United States.

Hudson-Odoi looks certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Fulham and Lazio emerging as frontrunners to secure his signature.

A story from Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that the 22-year-old is close to reuniting with Maurizio Sarri at Lazio on an initial loan deal, with the Serie A side then paying £13m to turn the move permanent next summer.

However, Fulham are refusing to go away.

The Guardian believe those at Craven Cottage are hoping to wrap up a £4m deal for Hudson-Odoi, although Chelsea want at least £8m for their academy graduate, who the Blues are keen to sell.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-now-demanding-just-8m-for-player-pochettino-wants-to-sell-blues-once-rejected-35m-for-him/

Jiménez Joins Fulham


The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Raúl Jiménez from Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

The striker has agreed a contract until the summer of 2025, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months.

Raúl will be unveiled at our Summer Series match against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.

"It's really important for me to arrive here," Jiménez told FFCtv. "I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."

Tony Khan added: "I'm excited to welcome Raúl Jiménez to Fulham! Raúl will be familiar to Fulham supporters as he's had great experience playing in the Premier League, and in international football with Mexico.

"It's important for us to follow up on last season's success, and we believe that the addition of Raúl can help us strengthen the squad as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League!

"Come on Fulham!"

Jiménez – who has made a name for himself as a scorer of all sorts of goals – began his career in his native Mexico with Club América.

Despite his tender age, Jiménez played a key role for the club, scoring 38 goals and assisting a further 16 in 103 appearances, helping them to win the league in 2013.

After spending a year in the Spanish capital with Atletico Madrid, the frontman headed to Benfica, where he won six trophies – including the Primeira Liga in successive seasons – across a three-year period in Portugal, claiming 31 goals and 14 assists in that time.

A first taste of Premier League football was next, as Wolves looked to Jiménez to spearhead their first campaign back in the top-flight following their promotion – alongside Fulham – from the Championship in 2018.

Initially a loan deal, the club made the move permanent for €38m after his 17 goals helped them to an FA Cup Semi-Final and a seventh-place finish.

That standing provided Wolves a Europa League spot in 2019/20, with Jiménez registering an exceptional 14 goal involvements (10G, 4A) in 15 matches as the Midlands side reached the Quarter-Finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Sevilla.

Jiménez was equally prolific in the Premier League that season, netting 17 times as Wolves finished seventh once again.

The 2020/21 campaign was a harrowing one for Jiménez. After scoring four goals in Wolves' first six Premier League matches, he suffered a fractured skull after a clash of heads with Arsenal's David Luiz.

Despite it ending his season, thankfully the striker made a full recovery and was back in action during the club's friendlies the following summer, going on to register 10 goal involvements as Wolves secured another top-half finish.

He departs Molineux having scored 57 goals, in addition to laying on 24 assists, in 166 matches for the club.

An icon in Mexico, Jiménez made his international debut more than a decade ago, and has now represented his country on 102 occasions.

In that time he has scored 30 goals, and also represented Mexico at no fewer than three World Cups.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/25/jimenez-joins-fulham/

Jiménez: A New Chapter

Raúl Jiménez speaks to FFCtv prior to flying out to meet his new squad in the USA, following his arrival from Wolves.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/july/25/jimenez-make-new-memories/

Raul Jimenez: Fulham sign Wolves and Mexico striker for £5m


Fulham have signed Mexico striker Raul Jimenez from fellow Premier League side Wolves for a fee of about £5m.

The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Fulham, with the club having the option for a third year.

Jimenez scored 57 goals in 166 games during his five seasons at Molineux following a club record £30m move from Benfica.

The Cottagers moved for Jimenez with the future of their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in doubt.

The Serbia international is pushing for a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after Fulham rejected a £25m bid.

Jimenez said: "It's really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."

The Mexican never rediscovered his goalscoring touch after a nine-month spell out that resulted from a fractured skull suffered in a horrific clash with Arsenal defender David Luiz in 2020.

Before then, he had scored 34 goals in 86 Premier League games for Wolves, but after then only netted six in 49 games.

His only three goals last season were in the Carabao Cup.

Jimenez becomes Fulham's first summer signing after fi

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said: "Raul has been an incredible servant to the football club, both on and off the pitch.

"Because of his goals and overall selfless performances, particularly during those first two years at the club, he'll rightly go down as one of the greatest number nines to ever represent Wolves.

"We all know what Raul went through with his injury and his journey to full recovery was an inspiration to everyone, particularly when he stepped back on the pitch for the first time - we all have the ultimate respect for Raul."

Wolves have sold several first-team players this season, including captain Ruben Neves, former skipper Conor Coady and centre-back Nathan Collins.

Financial Fair Play rules mean boss Julen Lopetegui is unable to execute even what were initially his back-up plans for the summer.

"Unfortunately, the situation was reality, it was bad news for me of course," he said earlier on Tuesday. "I'm trying in the summer; this is the plan A that we have and after that we have to adapt to the situation to the plan B, trying to think about the players that are cost effective signings in this situation.

"It is true that in this moment, we can't develop the plan B either. We lost a lot of players, and it is true that we think the club want to sell more players. This situation, we need players to balance the squad and be competitive in the Premier League for sure."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66308712

Fulham sign Wolves striker Jimenez

Mexican ends five-year spell at Molineux to become Cottagers' first summer signing

Fulham have signed the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Raul Jimenez, their first arrival of the summer transfer window.

The 32-year-old Mexico striker has joined Fulham on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months after spending five seasons with Wolves.

Si Señor… 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/v8OlRcRM3l

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 25, 2023

"It's really important for me to arrive here," Jimenez told FFCtv. "I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."

Jimenez enjoyed tremendous success in the Premier League during his first two seasons with Wolves, playing in every match during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, scoring 30 goals over that period.

His goals helped the club secure back-to-back seventh-place finishes and qualification into the UEFA Europa League. 

A horrific head injury in November 2020 when playing Arsenal ended the striker's season prematurely, but Jimenez made a full recovery and played 34 League matches during 2021/22, scoring six goals. He featured 14 times in the league for Wolves last season, without scoring. 

In total Jimenez has played 135 Premier League matches, scoring 40 goals and providing 18 assists. For Mexico he has 102 caps, scoring 30 goals and appearing in three FIFA World Cups.

Fulham fans will get their first glimpse of their new striker in the Premier League Summer Series when he will be presented at the match against Aston Villa on 27 July.

Their 2023/24 Premier League campaign begins at Everton on Saturday 12 August.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3603598

Fulham sign Raul Jimenez from Wolves as Aleksandar Mitrovic speculation continues

Fulham have announced the signing of Raul Jimenez from Wolves for an undisclosed fee.

The striker has put pen to paper on a two-year deal which will take him until the summer of 2025, plus a club option for a further 12 months.

The Mexican moves to Craven Cottage after spending the last five seasons at Wolves, where he scored 57 times in 166 games.

Upon signing, Jimenez told the club website: "It's really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."

Sporting director Tony Khan added: "Raul will be familiar to Fulham supporters as he's had great experience playing in the Premier League, and in international football with Mexico.

"It's important for us to follow up on last season's success, and we believe that the addition of Raul can help us strengthen the squad as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League."

The signing comes amid continued speculation over the future of Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season despite serving an eight-match suspension for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-sign-raul-jimenez-aleksandar-mitrovic-b1096743.html

Fulham confirm the singing of Raul Jimenez in a £5.5m transfer from Wolves with the Mexican striker signing a two-year deal with the London side

    Fulham have confirmed the signing of striker Raul Jimenez from Wolves
    The London club have agreed a £5.5m deal to sign the Mexican striker
    Jimenez's arrival at Craven Cottage could signal an exit for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Raul Jimenez from Wolves in a deal that is reportedly set to cost £5.5million.

Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that the Mexican striker had been given permission to leave the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal and arrived in London today completed a medical with Marco Silva's side earlier today.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the club confirmed that 32-year-old had agreed a deal that will keep him at the club until 2025, and have the option to extend that contract for a further 12 months.

He is set to be unveiled during their Premier League Summer Series match against Aston Villa at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday night.

Jimenez scored three goals in all competitions for Julen Lopetegui 's side last season, making only 15 Premier League appearances in a campaign plagued by injury.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/25/23/73611363-0-Fulham_have_confirmed_the_signing_of_Raul_Jimenez_pictured_from_-a-20_1690323230537.jpg)
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Raul Jimenez (pictured) from Wolves after he left his former side's training camp in Portugal to join the club
 
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/25/23/73611849-12337527-image-m-36_1690324211580.jpg)
Jimenez (pictured) was in London today completing his medical with the club before completing a deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage outfit until 2025
 
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/25/23/73611853-12337527-image-a-33_1690324156682.jpg)
The Mexican striker (pictured) claimed that it was 'really important for him to arrive at Fulham'

'It's really important for me to arrive here,' Jiménez said to the club . 'I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

'I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League.'

Fulham director Tony Khan said: 'I'm excited to welcome Raúl Jiménez to Fulham! Raúl will be familiar to Fulham supporters as he's had great experience playing in the Premier League, and in international football with Mexico.

'It's important for us to follow up on last season's success, and we believe that the addition of Raúl can help us strengthen the squad as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League! 'Come on Fulham!'

Jimenez is the latest player to depart the Midlands club, with Lopetegui making a plea to the club's owners that they 'need more players', with Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins and Conor Coady having all left this summer. Free agents Joao Moutinho, Diego Costa and Adama Traore also followed them out the door earlier this summer.

The club could also lose Daniel Podence, who has not travelled with the side for their pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Meanwhile in London, Jimenez's arrival could also signal the possible departure for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Craven Cottage outfit have already rejected two bids from Saudi Arabia for their Serbian goalscorer with Al-Hilal's last offer in the region of £35m.

Mitrovic was reportedly fuming with the decision and has apparently told family members that he will never play for Fulham again , despite signing a contract until 2026.

He scored 14 Premier League goals for Fulham last season but has undoubtedly had his head turned by the riches on offer by moving to a Saudi Pro League side.

Fulham boss Marco Silva will be hoping to get to work with his new signing as soon as possible

Meanwhile, Jimenez will be hoping a change of scenery can reignite his career after a difficult few years at Wolves where he has struggled with a long-term lay-off and falling down the first-team pecking order.

The Mexican had previously been lauded as one of the stand-out performers while working under former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo before a horrific head injury derailed his career.

After fracturing his skull while contesting for the ball with Arsenal 's David Luiz in November 2020, Jimenez had to undergo surgery before eventually being eased back into competitive football.

Since the injury, he has managed just nine goals in all competitions as he recovered from the career-threatening accident, and has proven to be a shadow of the player he had shown himself capable of.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12337527/Fulham-confirm-completion-5-5m-transfer-Raul-Jimenez-Wolves.html

Fulham confirm signing of striker Jimenez
Fulham have confirmed the signing of striker Raul Jimenez.

The Mexico international, 32, has moved to west London for around £5.5m and has signed a three-year contract with the option of a further year.

He has scored 27 Premier League goals in 97 appearances since Wolves bought him from Benfica four years ago after he had spent a season on loan at Molineux.

His arrival comes amid doubts over the future of Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic is wanted by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and is keen to make the move.

But Whites boss Marco Silva has rejected a second offer to manage in Saudi and is set to stay at Craven Cottage.

Jimenez said: "It's really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.

"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-sign-wolves-striker-raul-jimenez

Raúl Jiménez completes transfer to Fulham from Wolves
Mexico international forward Raúl Jiménez has officially joined Fulham after completing a transfer from fellow Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, the clubs announced Tuesday.

The 32-year-old has signed a contract through the summer of 2025, with an option for an additional year.

ESPN reported on Sunday that Fulham agreed to pay a £5 million ($6.42m) fee for the former Club America and Atlético Madrid striker.

"I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League," Jimenez said in Fulham's announcement. "I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here.

"I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."

Jiménez will be unveiled by his new team during a friendly against Aston Villa on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida's Exploria Stadium.

Jiménez's signing follows doubts regarding the future of Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is the subject of a big-money offer from Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

With Fulham -- 10th in the table last season -- Jiménez will look to revive the attacking form that has been severely impacted by a life-threatening head injury suffered in late 2020.

After returning after a lengthy layoff in the summer of 2021, the target man struggled to have the same influence that earned him Wolves' 2019-20 Player of the Season award.

Jiménez joined Wolves from Benfica, initially on loan, ahead of the 2018-19 season and went onto score 57 goals for the Midlands club.

At the international level with Mexico, Jiménez's lack of minutes with Wolves last season ultimately cost him a place on El Tri's roster for June's Concacaf Nations League Finals and the recently completed Gold Cup.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38070571/raul-jimenez-completes-transfer-fulham-wolves

There appears to be a lot of activity going on behind the scenes, and hopefully get a few more over the line swiftly, as Fulham need to beef up the squad with quality pronto.

Jiménez: 'I'm really excited'
Raúl  Jiménez is 'really excited' by the prospect of leading the Fulham line after he completed his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, which was finalised in the past three days.

The Mexican international, who became Marco Silva's first summer signing tonight, told FFC TV:

    "It happened really quickly. I just had a call from my agent that I was creating some interest in Fulham three days ago. It was all really fast. I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League.

    I'm really excited. I like the idea of how Fulham like to play. It's really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League. I saw some Fulham games last season. It was a good season and now that I am here I hope this continues!

    I think I'm not just a striker who likes to go into the box and wait for the ball. I like to create, assist, to make some movements to free other players. I think that will help the team: not just me, maybe my team-mates can make a good pass and I can be in the exact place at the exact moment."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/jimenez-im-really-excited/

Chelsea stall Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer exit as former boss given cold shoulder
EXCLUSIVE: Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to leave Chelsea this summer, with interest from the Premier League and abroad.

Chelsea are unwilling to budge on their asking price for Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 22-year-old is the subject of serious interest from Fulham and Lazio, but he is set to snub ex-Blues boss Maurizio Sarri and prioritise staying in the Premier League, providing the Cottagers cough up the cash.

Hudson-Odoi spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, although he failed to rediscover the kind of form that saw Bayern Munich launch a bid worth £70million back in 2020.

Chelsea turned their noses up at the eye-watering offer, and they are set to lose the winger for a fraction of the price this summer. Express Sport understands that banking the full extent of Hudson-Odoi's asking price - thought to be around £10million - is a deal-breaker for the Blues.

Mauricio Pochettino and co are unwilling to come down or compromise, which is stalling the youngster's move to Fulham.

Hudson-Odoi has his heart set on a switch to Craven Cottage. Gaining regular minutes in the Premier League has been the objective all summer, which always meant trouble for his overseas suitors.

Lazio are the latest to emerge as contenders, although Hudson-Odoi is understood to prefer a move to Fulham over a reunion with manager Sarri, who gave him his debut at Chelsea.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1795108/chelsea-news-callum-hudson-odoi-fulham-lazio