Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 21/05/24...

[WhiteJC]

Former Fulham defender gives Club Brugge crucial win in title race



Former Fulham defender Denis Odoi was the hero for Club Brugge as they won 1-0 away from home against Anderlecht. As a result, Club have gone top of the league and now have a three point lead over their opponents. If Club avoid defeat against Cercle next week, they will be champions of Belgium for a 19th time.

Simon Mignolet and Kasper Schmeichel both produced some high quality saves to keep the score at 1-0, although Anderlecht did struggle to create many clear cut chances for an equaliser.

For Anderlecht, despite a strong season spent mainly in the top two, their title chances are now dependent on Cercle Brugge. If Cercle win next weekend, it means that either Union St Gilloise or Anderlecht can still win the title by beating Genk and Antwerp respectively.

Club have only lost one since Nicky Hayen took over from Rony Deila, and that came away from home in the Conference League against Fiorentina. Hayen has only seen his side lose once in 13 games. Last time they played Cercle in the play-offs last month the game ended 1-1.



https://getfootballnewsbene.com/former-fulham-defender-gives-club-brugge-crucial-win-in-title-race/?utm_content=cmp-true

[WhiteJC]

Former Preston North End, Leeds United and Fulham star made free agent at 40
A Premier League club have moved on a popular former Preston North End player

Former Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is now without a club, after his contract was not renewed by Everton.

The Toffees published their retained list prior to their match with Arsenal at the weekend and Lonergan was among those set to depart Goodison Park. The shot-stopper will leave alongside £22m signing Andre Gomes - while Dele Alli has been offered the chance to continue his rehabilitation programme from a long-term groin injury.

Lonergan, 40, was an Everton player for three seasons but failed to make a first-team appearance. He was an unused substitute on 34 occasions, playing as back-up to England and fellow former PNE goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

The last appearance Lonergan made at senior level football was for Stoke City - in an EFL Cup match in December 2020. For the past five years or so, he has played the role of back-up or third-choice goalkeeper - at Everton's Merseyside rivals, Liverpool, as well as West Brom.

Lonergan's been involved in football for 24-years and his career began at his hometown club. He made his Preston debut in the 2000/01 season - playing in a League Cup match against Coventry City under David Moyes. He spent ten seasons at Deepdale, making 231 appearances in total as the club competed in several play-off campaigns.

He moved on to Leeds United in 2011 and spent one season at Elland Road, where he played regularly, before moving on to Bolton Wanderers for three years. Lonergan was also at Fulham and Wolves, before his involvement in first-team football dwindled.

Nine appearances in a second spell at Leeds United followed, then two games at Middlesbrough and a loan spell with Rochdale in 2018/19. He played seven times at Spotland - the last time he had a real run of matches. Lonergan, because he was a part of a match-day squad, picked up a FIFA Club World Cup medal with Liverpool in 2019.



https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/andy-lonergan-everton-preston-north-end-leeds-united-fulham-stoke-city-wolves-bolton-wanderers-4634662

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva shouldn't have said Joao Palhinha will be at Fulham next season

"I'm not surprised by all the interest that has been shown in Louis. He's a terrific player and fulfilling all his potential. But he will be leaving this club over my dead body."

The younger among you readers may not remember these comments from Chris Coleman on the eve of the 2004 January transfer window. But I do. I was 16 years old and punching the air at the fact that our manager had drawn a line in the sand and quelled talk of a transfer saga. Our talismanic striker Louis Saha was going nowhere.

But, of course, he left exactly a month later to join Manchester United.

So, when Marco Silva said on Friday that our Portuguese man of war, Joao Palhinha, would be at the club next season, I have to say I scoffed.

Then, when I thought about it a bit more, I felt a bit frustrated. I love Marco (he's a genius after all), but he's got about as much say in who stays and who goes in the windows as I do. Have we learned nothing from the Mitrovic saga just months ago? It's down to Tony Khan, Ali Mac, and – ultimately – the player himself.

Now, I'm not suggesting Joao would force a move. I think he's shown 10 times over he'll battle to the death for the shirt he plays in. But we sent him to Munich, FFS. With a day of the summer window left. There's clearly an appetite to make a profit on our prized asset – and no one begrudges that. That is modern football, and we must all accept it and play our part. We've all long believed that this season was Joao's prolonged goodbye.

But now we have hope. Cruel, misguided hope. And the bitter disappointment that comes when that hope is dashed is far worse than having nearly nine months to come to terms with loss. It also sets up a narrative of Marco versus the board – a story that none of us want to read while laying on our sun loungers this summer.

Marco said after the final whistle against Luton that he's been led to believe that FFP won't have an impact on our summer activity. I pray he's not being led up the garden path, because one would have thought that a Munich-funded cash injection would provide the foundation for the flurry of activity expected over the coming months.

Ultimately, whether Joao stays or whether he goes, I just hope there is a plan in place. We've just completed a solid second season in the Premier League – and when it was all said and done we equalled our highest tally for goals scored at 55, only finished six points off our record of 53, and fell just two wins short of the 15 we chalked up last year. That's consolidation. Now it's time for growth.

Hold onto your hats – it's about to get wild.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-05-20-marco-silva-shouldnt-have-said-joao-palhinha-will-be-at-fulham-next-season/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United, Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford 'keen' on 16-goal forward
Leeds United are reportedly among the clubs keen on Norwich City forward Josh Sargent.

The marksman has been linked with Leeds in the past, having previously played under Whites boss Daniel Farke at Carrow Road. Sargent's season came to an end last week, when Norwich were dumped out of the Championship play-offs by Leeds.

It was a frustrating campaign for the Canaries but a productive one for Sargent nonetheless, as the USA international notched 16 goals in the second tier.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Leeds are among those interested in making a swoop for the 24-year-old in the summer window. However, they are not the only club to have been credited with interest.

Premier League trio Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also said to be interested in the frontman, who has now enjoyed two impressive Championship campaigns after a difficult spell in the Premier League.

He joined Norwich when the club competed in the top flight, recruited at the start of Farke's final season at Carrow Road. Across his three terms at the club, Sargent has scored 33 goals in 100 appearances.

The business Leeds conduct this summer appears likely to be dependent on the outcome of their play-off final clash with Southampton. Farke's side are set to travel to Wembley and lock horns with the Saints on Sunday, May 26.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-fulham-afc-bournemouth-and-brentford-keen-on-16-goal-forward-4635053

[WhiteJC]

When are Premier League fixtures released? Match dates for 2024-25 season confirmed
It is a busy summer of international football leading into the new Premier League season

As the curtain comes down on the Premier League season, clubs will already be swiftly turning their focus to their summer preparations ahead of the new campaign.

Manchester City remain the team to beat, after they sealed a fourth title in a row, with Arsenal needing to find a way to bridge that gap despite another impressive campaign.

It will be a busy summer at Liverpool, as they begin life under Arne Slot, while there could be plenty of change at Old Trafford too, with Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United still in doubt.

Leicester are back in the top-flight, and Ipswich have also earned promotion to the Premier League after an absence of more than 20 years. Either Leeds or Southampton will join them through the play-offs.

While there is plenty of international football to take the attention this summer, it will not be long until a new club season is on the horizon.

Here are all the details for the Premier League fixtures being released...

When are the Premier League fixtures released?
The Premier League will release the fixtures for the 2024-25 campaign on Tuesday, June 18. The official reveal for the 380 matches is set for 9am BST.

When does the Premier League start?
The first match is currently pencilled in for Saturday, August 17, but that could be brought forward slightly if the opening games is given a Friday night slot for TV coverage.

That is just over a month after the finals of Euro 2024 and the Copa America, which will both be played on July 14.

It is a later start to the season than last year, with a longer summer break brought in as a result of the mid-season winter break being removed.

Over the Christmas period, no clubs will more than once within a period of 60 hours, and there will be no Christmas Eve fixture.

The final round of games is scheduled for Sunday, May 25 2025.

Which Premier League games are on TV?
Sky Sports and BT Sport will announce their first picks for televised coverage shortly after the fixtures are released.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-are-premier-league-fixtures-released-2024-25-arsenal-fc-chelsea-tottenham-liverpool-man-utd-b1158925.html

[WhiteJC]

How Crystal Palace and Fulham bagged £3.1 million each in Premier League finale
Crystal Palace and Fulham both closed their Premier League campaigns in style with victories on the final day.

Crystal Palace and Fulham may have had little to play for on the final day of the Premier League season, languishing in mid-table both safe from a relegation scrap and out of touch with the European spots.

However, both sides managed to finish the campaign on a high with a win on their final outings. The Cottagers were part of a goal fest away at Luton Town as Marco Silva's men secured a 4-2 victory while Crystal Palace ran riot against Aston Villa with an impressive 5-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a hat-trick in that game as Eberechi Eze also bagged a brace. At Kenilworth Road, Raul Jimenez found his name on the scoresheet twice while Adama Traore and Harry Wilson also netted.

Those results had little dramatic effect on the Premier League table as spectators remained transfixed on the top six and bottom three, but did mean that both London outfits climbed up the table. Crystal Palace finished the season in 10th, one point above Brighton, with the Seagulls losing at home to Manchester United on the final day.

For Fulham, the club ended the season in 13th place, one point above Wolves after the Midlands side were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield in Jurgen Klopp's swansong - a 28th-minute red card for Nelson Semedo not helping Gary O'Neil.

Rising up the top flight on the final day is of great financial benefit to both Crystal Palace and Fulham thanks to the division's prize money. In the Premier League, each club will earn around £88.6 million for UK and international broadcast deals but also receive prize money depending on final position on top of that.

That fee is believed to change by approximately £1.7 million per place for the UK merit payment and around £1.4 million per place for international merit payment. The Athletic broke down what that meant for each position this year.

The Eagles pocketed a total of £37.4 million for finishing 10th, which is £3.1 million more than Brighton in 11th place. For Fulham, a 13th place finish secured £24.9 million of prize money, a significant £3.1 million more than Wolves in 14th.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/how-crystal-palace-and-fulham-bagged-ps31-million-each-in-premier-league-finale-4635209

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva embracing challenge ahead as Fulham look to build on another solid season
Cottagers boss wanted more in second half of the season

Fulham manager Marco Silva conceded his side should have finished the season in a stronger fashion.

The Cottagers ended another solid campaign in 13th to confirm their third successive season of Premier League football but were unable to follow up on last year's top-half finish.

A run of only two wins in nine games following the March international break saw the season peter out somewhat having previously looked on course to at least match last year's finishing spot in tenth.

"We all know how it's been tough for us, how it's been challenging for us as well, but the way we have been getting this job done has been really enjoyable for all of us," said Silva after Sunday's 4-2 win over Luton.

"This season – I've been saying to you, but I will say it again – when we have been playing at our best level, we have been really strong, enjoyable to see, to watch, and achieving great results for the football club.

"I cannot hide to you, in one moment of the season, before the last international break, my ambition, my feeling, I expected us to fight for something more.

"You know myself, I'm always a really ambitious person, but not just because of ambition, because of what I see every single day in the training sessions. For many reasons [it didn't happen], and that is for me to analyse why and to take the conclusions that I need.

Still, while Silva has lofty ambitions at the club, he did concede that losing star striker Aleksandr Mitrovic last summer did complicate matters.

"The margins are really small to win a game, or to draw or lose a game in the Premier League," he added.

"The margins are really small, all the details play a big part in it, and in some games we were not at our best level.

"Because of that, we haven't won some points that were really important for us. But definitely another successful season for us again.

"After the last summer and all the noise around our football club, and all that stuff, everybody started to talk about second season syndrome. A lot of noise because we lost our main goal scorer and a player that was so, so important for me.

"We were able to rebuild everything again, around different players in the attack line, and the reality is that we did that in a very good way. And the last five months, no-one spoke about the player that we lost, even if it was a fantastic striker.

"Looking forward for the next season, no-one can stand still in this football club. It's going to be much more competitive, much, much more."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-marco-silva-premier-league-2024-b1158987.html

[WhiteJC]

'I respected England' - Iwobi explains why he chose Super Eagles over Three Lions at senior level
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained why he chose to play for the Nigeria national team at senior level, rather than England where he grew up.

The Hale End Academy graduate represented England's U16, U17, and U18 teams before becoming cap-tied to the Super Eagles with his competitive debut against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on March 25, 2016.

Iwobi trained with Nigeria's Olympic Team in 2015 and was set to play against Gabon U23s in an African Games qualifier.

However, questions about his eligibility arose, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation to pull him from the squad.

Iwobi revealed that although he was well treated by the English Football Association, he chose to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria due to his Nigerian heritage.

In an interview with Hotsports Nigeria, Iwobi said: "I wouldn't say I have any regrets. I'd like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to do them proud.

"But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I'm at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I've grown up in a Nigerian culture so I'd say that I have no regrets picking Nigeria over England "

Lagos-born Iwobi has settled into life playing for his country of birth, Nigeria despite growing up in Turkey and England.

When he started the Super Eagles' 1-0 win over Angola in the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON, he overtook his famous uncle Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as Nigeria's seventh most capped player, behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu and Muda Lawal.

"I've been here for a while now and I'm familiar with the team. Even from the first time I came here they always made me feel welcome.

"I'm always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp it's like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in.

"I'm enjoying my time and hopefully there's more years to come as well," Iwobi concluded.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=51577

[WhiteJC]

Everton transfer news as Fulham twist emerges in Davinson Sanchez race
Everton, Fulham, West Ham and Napoli want to sign former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez, according to Caught Offside.

The news outlet reported on 20 May that with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich keen on signing Jarrad Branthwaite, the Toffees have identified Sanchez as his replacement.
The 27-year-old Colombia international is currently plying his trade at Turkish club Galatasaray.

Davinson Sanchez may not be the answer for Everton
Sanchez is not a suitable replacement for Branthwaite at Goodison Park, as he represents a significant downgrade in terms of talent and potential.

The 21-year-old is a young, promising English defender who has shown great ability and potential during his time at the Toffees.

He has been a key player in the team's defensive setup under Sean Dyche, and his performances have attracted interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Sanchez, on the other hand, is an experienced defender but has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance and was not deemed good enough for the Premier League which is why he was sold by Spurs.

While he could provide some short-term stability, he doesn't offer the same long-term potential as Branthwaite.

The Toffees should do everything in their power to keep Branthwaite, as losing him would be a major blow to the team's defensive capabilities and future prospects.

If they do sell him for a significant fee, they must reinvest that money into signing a defender who can strengthen the playing eleven and has a high ceiling for growth.

In other Everton news, 777 Partners' "prison" verdict has emerged as the takeover of the club delves into further chaos.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/05/20/everton-transfer-news-as-fulham-twist-emerges-in-davinson-sanchez-race/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham summer rebuild predictions with every player assessed including contract rebels
Fulham will look to rebuild this summer and target a top half finish in the Premier League next season.

Fulham ended the Premier League season on a high as 4-2 victors in a six-goal thriller against relegated Luton Town on Sunday afternoon.

Raul Jimenez was back on the scoresheet with a brace as Adama Traore and Harry Wilson also impressed. Fulham supporters will hope those performances are signs of what's to come from those stars next season.

Marco Silva is set to have to deal with a few major departures this summer, including that of Tosin Adarabioyo. However, every cloud does have a silver lining, and those exits will free up space for icomings.

LondonWorld looks at the Fulham first team squad to see how each player has done this season and what the future may hold.

1. Marek Rodak
Made five appearances this season but only in cup fixtures as he played second fiddle to Bernd Leno. Rodak is out of contract this summer and good enough to be playing every week elsewhere with some Championship clubs reportedly interested, so a departure would make sense.

2. Bernd Leno
A strong season between the sticks, Leno played every minute of the Premier League campaign and captained the side a number of times towards the end of the campaign. Seems set to stay first choice.

3. Steven Benda
Signed for Fulham last season but supporters haven't had chance to see him in action for the first team. Was a regular in the Championship for Swansea previously so does have the credentials to become the second-choice shot-stopper if Rodak leaves.

4. Kenny Tete
Only played a bit-part this season but an important squad player. Fulham extended his contract for another year last week.

5. Calvin Bassey
Has certainly shown promise since arriving from Ajax last summer. He will have to step up next season with Tosin Adarabioyo set to quit the Cottage.

6. Tosin Adarabioyo
At the end of his contract and expected to leave with Newcastle United frontrunners to land the centre-back. Tosin has enjoyed a strong season and earned a reputation as somewhat of a late bloomer at 26 years old. He'll be missed at Fulham.

7. Fode Ballo-Toure
Has been on loan from AC Milan this season but that looks a deal Fulham would be unlikely to make permanent. Hasn't really rivalled Antonee Robinson in the left-back role and his minutes on the final day against Luton were the first in the Premier League since February.

8. Tim Ream
Extended his contract with the club last December and will stay at Craven Cottage until 2025. At 36 years old, his sparse minutes will only dwindle, but he's the type of figure you imagine is very important off the pitch and in the dressing room.

9. Timothy Castagne
Has proven to be a really decent piece of transfer business after arriving from Leicester City last summer. His deal has another three years on it and there's no reason for the full-back to leave.

10. Issa Diop
Is still only 27 years old and contracted at Fulham until 2027. Marco Silva seems likely to want a new centre-back in to replace Tosin rather than simply entrusting Diop, but the player was handed a few starts at the end of the campaign as Silva 'prepared for the future'.

11. Antonee Robinson
An outstanding season for the full-back this term. A consistent performer with his energy and capable going forwards, as well as at the back. There are some murmurs of Chelsea and Liverpool transfer interest, which would be understandable, but the player is contracted at the Cottage until 2028 and Fulham would surely be against losing half of their first choice back four this summer.

12. Harrison Reed
Despite being in and out of the starting XI, has enjoyed a really solid season - even rumoured to be in with a chance of an England call up after a particularly strong spell in February. An important member of the squad.

13. Tom Cairney
Club captain has another year left on his Fulham deal. He's another midfielder who moves in and out of the starting XI but still racked up 42 appearances in all competitions this term, highlighting his importance to Marco Silva.

14. Andreas Pereira
Often the attacking spark in the Fulham side, three goals and seven assists in the Premier League perhaps doesn't quite reflect his importance to the team. Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in the player, who is contracted until 2026. A huge bid could be too hard for Fulham to turn down but Sky Sports report that the player wants to stay in the Premier League.

15. Joao Palhinha
Despite a £58 million move to Bayern Munich collapsing last season, Palhinha has got his head down and had another fantastic season in midfield. His ability to be in the right place at the right time to break up attacking moves is vital and Marco Silva is confident the player will stay at Craven Cottage after signing a bumper new deal last September.

16. Sasa Lukic
Only arrived at Fulham in January 2023 but was supposedly subject of interest from Napoli in January. Fulham do have options in defensive midfield so a reasonable bid could be considered but Lukic started eight of the last 13 Premier League fixtures and is someone Silva relies on.
 
17. Raul Jimenez
Seven Premier League goals in 24 appearances was a decent effort from Jimenez in his first season at Fulham. He'll have competition from Rodrigo Muniz next year, which could bring out the best in both players - the Mexican ended his campaign with a brace against Luton Town.
 
18. Harry Wilson
Inspired on the last day of the season, Harry Wilson will hope to push his way into the starting XI next season. There are certainly signs of his ability to do that - he featured in all but three Premier League matches this term despite starting just 15 times.

19. Armando Broja
Returns to Chelsea after an underwhelming loan spell came to an end. Fulham very unlikely to bring the player back to Craven Cottage. The best thing Broja may have given the club is an incentive for Muniz to find goalscoring form.

20. Adama Traore
Has endured a season ravaged by a hamstring injury this term but shown signs of promise when on the pitch, including a goal and assist against Luton Town last weekend. Has at least another year on his contract and, should he stay injury free, could continue to grow in influence. 

21. Bobby De Cordova-Reid
Marco Silva has shared that the club want to extend De Cordova-Reid's deal at Craven Cottage, although confirmation that he has put pen to paper remains to be seen. The forward made 41 appearances in all competitions this season with seven total goals - he would be missed should he leave as a free agent.

22. Rodrigo Muniz
Finishes the season a different beast to the one who started it. The Brazilian has been one of the Premier League's form players since February with nine goals. Some talk of a £50 million Manchester United bid seems ambitious. Fulham fans will be desperate he stays and it seems likely he will with his contract lasting at least until 2026 - it wouldn't be unsurprising to see the club offer a new deal.

23. Willian
Still lively and classy at the age of 35, Willian is out of contract this summer with no news on his future. His departure could free up space on the wage bill for any new acquisitions.

24. Alex Iwobi
Labelled his campaign as a 'season to remember' on social media this weekend. Iwobi can hold his head high with his showings. The Nigerian will hope to build on five goals and two assists in the top flight next term.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-summer-rebuild-predictions-with-every-player-assessed-4636019

[filham]

August 17th , that is almost 3 months without Fulham in premier league action. Guess we will have to try to survive on the scraps offered by the Euros and Olympics.

[WindyCity]

Marco Silva shouldn't have said Joao Palhinha will be at Fulham next season

Hold onto your hats – it's about to get wild.

I'll hold on to my hat, thank you.  But I don't think it's gonna get very 'wild'.  All last minute stuff per usual.  I hope for big moves and happy happy, but I'm resolved to another somewhat subdued transfer period.  Hope I'm wrong.