Saturday Fulham Stuff - 27/07/24...

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Mikel Arteta reluctantly green lights sale of 'special' Arsenal star, he is set to undergo a medical
HITC sources have confirmed that Fulham are close to concluding a deal for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.

Fulham are now growing in confidence that they have won the race to sign the 23-year-old.

HITC exclusively revealed earlier this month that Arsenal set a £35million asking price for Smith Rowe.

The offer put forward by Fulham matches Arsenal's valuation and the two clubs are now close to finalising a deal.

With both clubs now working towards a final agreement, Emile Smith Rowe is expected to undergo a medical with Fulham this weekend before finalising the deal.

Fulham had not been the only Premier League club looking to land Smith Rowe with Crystal Palace also pushing for a deal.

However, Palace look to have lost out to the Cottagers for the second time this week after Ryan Sessegnon left Palace's training camp to sign for Fulham.

Mikel Arteta's stance on Emile Smith Rowe exit
Smith Rowe was once a key player under Mikel Arteta, but he has fallen down the pecking order at The Emirates and struggled for first-team action last season.

He was hailed as a "special" player by Jamie Carragher back in 2021 after bursting onto the scene with Arsenal.

HITC understands that Arteta reluctantly accepted that Smith Rowe should be moved on this summer so he can pursue regular football elsewhere.



https://www.hitc.com/mikel-arteta-reluctantly-green-lights-sale-of-special-arsenal-star-he-is-set-to-undergo-a-medical/

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Arsenal Man Waiting For Green Light To Fly For Fulham Medical
Emile Smith Rowe is waiting for Fulham to reach a full agreement with Arsenal for him before he can head for a medical, according to Sky Sports News.

The Gunners star has fallen out of favour in the last couple of seasons due to injury issues and tough competition to break into the first team.

Smith Rowe started only three league matches for the north Londoners last term and could only register two assists.

Crystal Palace and Fulham have been chasing the attacker throughout this transfer window and the Cottagers are on the verge of landing him.

The 23-year-old attacker is currently in the USA with the Arsenal first team, but Smith Rowe cannot fly back to London yet.

Smith Rowe is waiting for the clubs to reach a full agreement before he can then head for a medical.

Marco Silva's side are reportedly paying a significant sum worth £35m to Arsenal in order to acquire Smith Rowe's services.

He will be allowed to travel to London and have his medical with Fulham once a deal is fully agreed.

Now it remains to be seen if Smith Rowe will be able to join Silva's travelling party for Fulham's Portugal pre-season tour.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/26/arsenal-man-waiting-for-green-light-to-fly-for-fulham-medical/653611/

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Fulham reach agreement for signing – Silva's side sorting out 'final details'
Fulham are looking to strengthen their midfield by signing Fluminense's André Trindade this summer.

Last week, Fluminense president Mário Bittencourt said his side made a counter-offer after Fulham made a bid for the 23-year-old.

Bittencourt also insisted that it's normal for the player to negotiate personal terms with Fulham, even though a deal hasn't been agreed between the two clubs.

The Premier League side are pushing ahead in their pursuit of André, according to Goal in Brazil.

It's claimed Marco Silva's side have made an offer of around £25m including bonuses and the Brazilian club have responded positively to it.

In other words, the two teams have reached an agreement, and the parties involved in the operation are working to sort out the 'final details'.

Goal provide no information of what these details are, but it may be sorted out soon. According to the report, the Brazil international is set to sign a five-year deal with Marco Silva's side.

If the South American completes a move to Fulham for £25m, it will be a club-record sale for Fluminense, surpassing the €18.6m [£15.7m] they earned from Gerson's sale to AS Roma in 2016.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-reach-agreement-signing-silvas-side-sorting-final-details/

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Breaking: Cobblers complete loan deal for highly-rated Fulham midfielder
Cobblers have sealed the loan signing of highly-rated Fulham central midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias.

The 20-year-old New Zealander has signed on at Sixfields for the 2024/25 season, and he follows in the footsteps of striker and fellow Fulham squad member Kieron Bowie, who spent two successful years on loan at Northampton.

Dibley-Dias has been with the west London Premier League club since he was 14, having spent time prior to that in the youth set-up at Brentford. He signed his first senior Fulham contract in 2021 at the age of 18, and was named the club's academy player of the year in 2023.

Last year Dibley-Dias signed a contract extension that will see him stay with Fulham until at least the summer of 2027. He has yet to play in the EFL, but did make two appearances for Fulham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last season, starting in the Cottagers' 3-3 draw at Portsmouth and 2-2 stalemate at Leyton Orient.

Dibley-Dias has also been named on the bench for the Fulham first team on a clutch of occasions in the Premier League, but has yet to make his senior debut.

He was part of the Fulham U21 side that won the Premier League Cup last season, beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the final.

Born in New Zealand, Dibley-Dias moved to England with his family as young child. He is eligible to play for his native New Zealand as well as England, Brazil and Portugal, due to the fact his father is Brazilian.

Dibley-Dias was handed a call-up to the senior New Zealand team last October for friendlies against DR Congo and Australia, but missed out on making his international debut due to a hamstring injury.

His grandfather, Manoel José Dias, known as Manoelzinho, played for both Flamengo and then for Corinthians in the Brazilian League.



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-cobblers-complete-loan-deal-for-highly-rated-fulham-midfielder-4717963

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Dibley-Dias completes Northampton loan move
Fulham midfielder Matt Dibley has signed for Northampton Town on a season-long loan.

The 20 year-old enjoyed an excellent season for Hayden Mullins' under-21 side last term, captaining the team as they won the Premier League Cup and winning the Fulham Supporters' Trust's Johnny Haynes Trophy for academy player of the year. He was named as a substitute by Marco Silva's for Fulham's opening day win at Everton and was also called up to the New Zealand national team squad before signing a new contract with the Whites last September.

Northampton Town manager Jon Brady told the club's official website:

"Matt is a player we are delighted to sign. He has already made an impact at Fulham, he has been in and around their first team squad and I know he is rated very highly. He has had a choice of clubs this summer, I know there were at least half a dozen in for him so we are very pleased he has chosen to come to Northampton Town and we are grateful to Fulham for believing we are the best place for him and for trusting us with another of their young players. I think the work we did with Kieron Bowie and our reputation for developing and improving players certainly counted in our favour.

Matt is good on the ball and he has a good engine, he is an athletic player who is mobile and who can get about the pitch but can also handle the physical side of the game. We believe he can be a good fit for us and a good foil for the other midfielders here. We are very pleased to welcome him in to the group and we are looking forward to working with him."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/dibley-dias-completes-northampton-loan-move/

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Rival have to tussle with Fulham for signing – Club could 'sacrifice' player to 'make cash'
Last month, we covered news from Gianluca di Marzio about Everton's interest in signing Roma's Edoardo Bove and it was made clear the player seemed interested in a move to England. There is now more interest from the Premier League, with Fulham mentioned as a potential suitor.

Leeds United were also linked with the player and that was said to be the work of an intermediary.

The Fulham links come from Radio Mana Mana (as relayed by VoceGiallorossa), who report that the London club are 'on the trail' of the Italian and there is a possibility of the player departing the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

There's feeling that Roma could be forced to 'sacrifice' Bove because of their need to 'make cash' through sales, with the youngster one of the prime candidates to depart.

Fiorentina are also mentioned as an interested party but considering how previous reports have pointed towards Bove's liking for England as a destination, the Fulham links are rather intriguing.

The 22-year-old broke into the Roma first-team under Jose Mourinho and has now become a regular under Daniele de Rossi.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/rival-tussle-fulham-signing-club-sacrifice-player-make-cash/

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Gabriel Agbonlahor reacts to latest Arsenal transfer rumour, suggests star is 'wasting away' at the club
Arsenal's summer transfer business is picking up pace with arrivals and departures now imminent.

The only deal completed by the Gunners thus far is the £27million signing of David Raya.

But the Spaniard's arrival could cause a domino effect at The Emirates with Arsenal now ready to green light a deal for Aaron Ramsdale to leave the club.

The Gunners are also in talks over a deal for Eddie Nketiah with the forward agreeing personal terms with Marseille.

In terms of arrivals, a deal for Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be completed imminently after he flew in to undergo a medical ahead of a £34million move.

Attention has now turned to Emile Smith Rowe, with HITC revealing on Friday that Mikel Arteta has reluctantly allowed him to leave with talks continuing with Fulham.

Gabriel Agbonlahor on Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe is inching closer to an Arsenal exit with Fulham agreeing to meet their £35million valuation of the 23-year-old.

He has fallen down the pecking order under Arteta and has now been allowed to leave this summer.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has given his verdict on the move, telling talkSPORT "He should be going somewhere now – if it's Fulham I think he could do better than Fulham.

"There was a stage where Aston Villa were interested in him and that didn't work out, but if I'm him I'm thinking I could do better than Fulham.

"But it is a chance to stay in London and at 24 years old he still has another move in him.

"Players don't want to leave big clubs sometimes, it's hard to leave when he's been there since 10 and he's Arsenal through and through.

"But if you're not playing football you're wasting away."



https://www.hitc.com/gabriel-agbonlahor-reacts-to-latest-arsenal-transfer-rumour-suggests-star-is-wasting-away-at-the-club/

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Kieron Bowie's rave reviews convinced Dibley-Dias to sign for Cobblers
He may no longer play for the club, but Kieron Bowie is still having something of an influence at the Cobblers.

That's because it was the Scottish striker's rave reviews of life at Sixfields that played a key part in paving the way for fellow Fulham youngster Matt Dibley-Dias to sign for the club on a season-long loan.

New Zealand-born Dibley-Dias has put pen to paper on a 12-month stint at the Cobblers, who fought off competition from a number of other EFL clubs to win the central midfielder's signature.

And a big part of the reason the highly-rated player chose to head to Northampton for his first taste of senior football was the positive reaction he got about the club from Bowie, as well as Town's excellent reputation for developing young players.

Bowie spent two years on loan at Sixfields, making 85 appearances in the claret and white and winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two along the way, and Dibley-Dias said: "I spoke to Kieron quite a bit before coming here.

"I spoke to him about the club, the manager, everyone here, and he had nothing but positive things to say. That showed how good the club is.

"I also took a look before at the young players the gaffer has developed, and obviously Kieron had a good time here.

"I had quite a positive conversation with the manager and after that it made my head straight and I knew I wanted to come here."

So how did the move to Sixfields come about?

"Last year I was playing for Fulham Under-21s and we had quite a good season," said Dibley-Dias, who captained the Cottagers youngsters to Premier League Cup success.

"When the season was finished, and after my break, I had a few calls from my agent talking about possible clubs I could go to on loan to get some first team football.

"Northampton was one of them, and when I got told about that I was quite happy. We got the meetings done and then I spoke to the gaffer, and now we are here.

"I feel like right I am ready to take the next step and make the jump to first team football, so I am quite excited to see how it goes."

Dibley-Dias' experience of men's football so far is limited to two appearances in the EFL Trophy last season, skippering Fulham's U21s as they drew 3-3 at Portsmouth and 2-2 at Leyton Orient.

He can expect to get a lot more playing action this coming season, so what can the Cobblers fans expect to see from their new loan signing?

"I am a midfielder, I like to win the ball back and try to make things happen," said Dibley-Dias. "I like to dictate some of the play, and I would say I am a positive player."

A New Zealander with a Brazilian father, Dibley-Dias moved to England as a young child so is in a position where he has four nations to pick from if he makes the step up to international football.

Brazil, Portugal and England are his other options aside from the land of his birth, and it was the All Whites who made the first move last season - although his chances of an international debut were scuppered by injury.

"I got called up by New Zealand in October last year, and I was going to play," said Dibley-Dias, who was born in Lower Hutt in Wellington.

"In training I got injured and pulled my hamstring which was a bit unfortunate, but it was definitely a show that all of my hard work is paying off."



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/kieron-bowies-rave-reviews-convinced-dibley-dias-to-sign-for-cobblers-4718046

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'Almost done deal' - Former Liverpool transfer target set to sign for Fulham in £25m move
Liverpool FC transfer news: The Brazilian midfielder was heavily linked last summer.

Liverpool's former target Andre Trindade is set to join Fulham, according to multiple reports.

The Brazilian midfielder was heavily linked with a move last summer but Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool decided on alternate signings such as Wataru Endo. Liverpool had moved on from such interest but his name was being continually linked with a move to England, with Fulham keen on a move.

Their priority was ensuring they replaced tackle-master Joao Palhinha who eventually completed a move to Bayern Munich earlier in the window and it looks like they are about to secure their man. LiverpoolWorld had previously reported that the Fluminense president had spoken about negotiations with Fulham, claiming there had been a proposal but no counter-offer - but there looks to have been a breakthrough.

Reports from GOAL Brazil and European journalist Rudy Galetti have claimed that a deal is close to being completed. Galetti took to X to confirm the latest update. 'André from #Fluminense to #Fulham is almost a done deal. Transfer fee confirmed, as reported days ago: £25m for the move of CM, just the last details about bonuses to be discussed. The full agreement is expected soon.'

The 23-year-old had impressed in Brazil last year and played a key role in the club's first ever triumph at the Copa Libertadores campaign. A move to Liverpool fell through partly due to Brazil's timing of their club football campaign, which runs at an opposite time to the UK. This meant Andre leaving last summer would have seen him exit at a crucial point in the cup competition which he didn't want to do.

He started all but one game during their run, which included playing 120 minutes in the final against Boca Juniors. That earned him international recognition as he made his debut in June, 2023. However, injuries meant he missed out on the Copa America having not featured since March for Brazil. Nevertheless, he will likely line up against Liverpool next season and it will be an interesting midfield battle as the Reds face a player who could have joined. It will give fans a chance to see if the Brazilian can live up to the previous hype and the move to Fulham, if all goes well, could lead to a move to a bigger club in the future.



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/liverpool/almost-done-deal-former-liverpool-transfer-target-set-to-sign-for-fulham-in-ps25m-move-4717725

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Club still waiting to hear back from Fulham – Counter-proposal still needs response
Fulham are yet to progress a deal for midfielder André, despite reports that they are closing in on the Brazilian.

That's according to Netflu, relaying information from journalist Victor Lessa, who insists there has been no movement on the matter.

Fulham appear to have reignited their interest in André this summer after selling Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich, seeing the highly rated midfielder as the ideal replacement for the Portuguese international.

They were interested last year but never got a deal over the line, with the youngster instead electing to remain in Brazil for another year despite the Premier League interest in him.

They're now back and a report this week had indicated that negotiations were going well, and Fulham could be about to get their man.

Lessa is having none of that, though, and reports the situation has not moved in any direction after Fulham's initial bid.

According to him Marco Silva's sent a proposal to Fluminense, they Brazilian side analysed it, presented a counterproposal and are still waiting for a response to that from Fulham. The values offered in either part were not disclosed but he does have a €40m termination clause in his current contract.

The figure is presumably below that otherwise Fulham would simply offer that and push this along rather than being in the limbo they currently are.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-still-waiting-hear-back-fulham-counter-proposal-still-waiting-response/

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Tottenham not working on deal to sign Scott McTominay, but Fulham keen
Tottenham are not in the running to sign Scott McTominay despite reports stating the contrary, although Fulham are still interested.

According to Give Me Sport, Tottenham are not likely to pursue Scott McTominay despite some reports stating the contrary. The Scottish midfielder could be on the move if Manchester United decide to sell, with Fulham still keen despite a setback in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Tottenham are uninterested in Scott McTominay
Tottenham are likely to search for a new midfielder after the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the Danish international leaving behind a considerable gap. Ange Postecoglou may have wanted Conor Gallagher. But any move for the Chelsea man seems extremely complicated and unlikely to resolve anytime soon.

Reports stated that Spurs were keen to sign Scott McTominay recently, which makes sense on paper. The Manchester United man can play in the box-to-box role and has a keen eye for the goal, which his numbers from recent seasons indicate. Tottenham will ideally do well with a player of that profile, although they are not in the race to sign him, as per Michael Bridge on GMS.

Bridge said, "My understanding is that there's nothing in Scott McTominay rumours at the moment."He is a very decent player, and he's a bit of a leader, but I don't think Tottenham are in for him as it stands. As we speak, it's not a player I think Spurs are pursuing."

Had Tottenham been in the chase, McTominay might have considered the move given their status compared to other teams who are keen. West Ham are also interested in the midfielder, who is rated at £40 million by Manchester United, which may be seen as a bit excessive by some quarters.

Manchester United are not in a hurry to sell him in this window, although they may not oppose offers in that £40 million range. Should such a bid arrive, the Red Devils might not hesitate to sell Scott McTominay, as they reportedly named that price when rejecting Fulham's offer for the midfielder.

Fulham are still keen on McTominay
Marco Silva wants to use the funds from the sale of Joao Palhinha to strengthen his midfield options and, more so, continues to look for multiple additions. Fulham's bid was reportedly less than £30 million, which is significantly lower than Manchester United's £40 million valuation of the midfielder.

With Tottenham now out of the equation for the 27-year-old, Fulham might have a good shot at taking their interest to the next stage. However, there are doubts whether they will pay up Manchester United's £40 million asking price, which would be a record purchase for the Cottagers should they decide otherwise.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/26/tottenham-not-working-on-deal-to-sign-scott-mctominay-but-fulham-keen/

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Sessegnon Rejoins Fulham!

The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer.

Sessegnon returns to Fulham following the expiry of his Tottenham Hotspur contract last month, with the 24-year-old agreeing a deal until 2026, with an option to extend by a further year.

Speaking to FFCtv, Sess said: "It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well. It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back.

"It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to announce that Ryan Sessegnon has returned to Fulham Football Club! Ryan grew up in our Academy, he spent 11 years at the Club, as he developed here into a wonderful young man and a phenomenal talent.

"I remember travelling to Leeds for the first league start of his career on 16/8/16 as if it was yesterday. We're all so pleased that Ryan has come back, he is beloved here at the Club by our staff and supporters, and we know that he'll be right at home, working with old friends and new, under Marco Silva's great leadership. Welcome home, Sess!

"Come on Fulham!"

Sessegnon's relationship with Fulham Football Club runs deep. Born just down the road in Roehampton, he rapidly moved up the age groups after initially joining as an Under-9 alongside his twin brother Steven, making his debut for the First Team as a 16-year-old in a 3-2 League Cup win against Leyton Orient.

After dazzling at left-back on his league debut at Leeds United a week later, he became the youngest scorer in our history when he netted just three minutes after coming off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.

The youngster racked up 30 appearances in that maiden campaign, scoring seven times – including a famous brace in our 3-1 win away to eventual Championship winners Newcastle United. He was subsequently named in the PFA Team of the Year.

If that season was an impressive one for Sess, 2017/18 was in another stratosphere.

Primarily playing in a more attacking position on the left-wing, he was the Club's top scorer with 16 goals as we won promotion. In fact, he was involved in all three of our Play-Off goals, scoring against Derby County before sending in the corner for Denis Odoi's famous header in the same game, and also providing the perfect assist for Tom Cairney's winner in the Final against Aston Villa.

The recognition for Sessegnon that year was endless. At the EFL awards, he won Championship Player of the Season, EFL Young Player of the Year, and the Championship Apprentice award, in addition to being named in the EFL Team of the Season.

There was a similar theme at the PFA Awards, where he was named Fans' Championship Player of the Year, beating the likes of Diogo Jota and James Maddison to the accolade. He was also the first ever player outside of the Premier League to be nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.

A top flight goal was the next achievement to tick off, with his strike against Cardiff making him the first person born in the year 2000 to score in the Premier League.

After 120 appearances for Fulham – which featured 25 goals and 18 assists – Sessegnon joined Spurs in the summer of 2019 for what was, at the time, a record fee received.

He sampled Champions League football in his first season, scoring against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena on his first start in the competition.

Sess was back in Germany the following year, registering five goal involvements in 29 appearances while on loan with TSG Hoffenheim.

Back in North London, Sessegnon got regular gametime the following two seasons, but was unfortunate with injury in his final campaign at the club, and departed with 57 appearances to his name.

Sessegnon has enjoyed success on an international scale, helping England win the Under-19 European Championship in 2017, claiming the Golden Boot and being named in the Team of the Tournament at the same time.

He has represented his country up to Under-21 level, for whom he won 20 caps.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/july/26/ryan-sessegnon-rejoins-fulham/

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Fulham confirm re-signing of Sessegnon
Fulham have confirmed the re-signing of Ryan Sessegnon.

The 24-year-old, a product of Fulham's academy, left Craven Cottage in 2019 to join Tottenham.

He has been plagued by injuries since and has been looking for a new club since being released by Spurs at the end of last season.

Sessegnon recently had a trial at Crystal Palace but has now agreed a two-year contract with Fulham, which includes the option of a further year.

"It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well. It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back," he told the club website.

"It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Meanwhile, Fulham remain in talks with Arsenal about Emile Smith Rowe despite having an offer rejected by the north London club.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-sessegnon-to-fulham-smith-rowe

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Sessegnon seals Fulham return
Ryan Sessegnon has returned to Fulham on a free transfer, the club have confirmed tonight.

The 24 year-old has signed an initial two-year contract five years after leaving for Tottenham Hotspur in the aftermath of Fulham's relegation from the top flight in 2019. Fulham have the option of extending that deal by a further twelve months and Sessegnon, who joined the club with his twin brother Steven aged eight, become Fulham's first summer signing.

Sessegnon told Fulham's official website:

"It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well. It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back. "It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Sessegnon returns to Craven Cottage having broken into Fulham's first team set-up aged sixteen, ultimately scoring 25 goals and adding eighteen assists – including the Championship play-off final winner for Tom Cairney against Aston Villa at Wembley – in 120 appearances for the Whites. Comfortable operating either at left back or as a left winger, where he flourished in the 2018 promotion season under Slavisa Jokanovic, Sessegnon will provide valuable depth for Marco Silva ahead of Fulham's third consecutive campaign in the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/sessegnon-seals-fulham-return/

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Emile Smith Rowe set for Fulham medical
Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe is all set to join Fulham as Mikel Arteta green-lights the move.

According to a report from HITC, Fulham are closing in on the services of Emile Smith Rowe. The Cottagers are ready to meet Arsenal's demands for the English attacking midfielder and he is expected to undergo his medical at his new club this weekend.

Smith Rowe has been a part of Arsenal since his childhood days. He came up the ranks at some pace and was promoted to their first team back in 2020. While he had an incredible start to his senior career, the youngster hasn't been able to keep up because of multiple injuries that he has picked up over the last few seasons.

Those injury breaks have seen him go down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. Last season, he was involved in 19 matches but he was on the pitch for less than 500 minutes. While the Spanish manager still has high hopes from the players, clubs have been trying to prise him away with just two years left on his current deal.

Fulham within touching distance of Smith Rowe
Fulham are keen on signing the Arsenal graduate as they look to add more firepower to their attack. He is capable enough to feature in multiple positions which will be a huge boost for the Cottagers and since he is only 23, there is still enough time for Smith Rowe to turn things around.

The Gunners were reportedly looking for £35 million from his departure and Fulham have decided to meet their valuation. As per the report, the offer put forward by them has helped them defeat Crystal Palace to his signature.

The Eagles have lost out to the Cottagers for the second time in a week after Ryan Sessegnon chose to return to his former club despite training with Palace throughout the summer.

Marco Silva's team are now looking to finalise the deal for Smith Rowe. Both clubs are working towards a final agreement and the English international is expected to undergo his medical with Fulham this weekend before there is an official confirmation of the move.

While Mikel Arteta was reluctant to let the 23-year-old leave, he has given his green light to the move to allow Smith Rowe to revive himself with a move elsewhere.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/27/emile-smith-rowe-set-for-fulham-medical/

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Sessegnon savours his 'emotional' return to Fulham
Ryan Sessegnon has returned back across London to Fulham, Everton have taken Danish midfielder Jesper Lindstrom on loan and Southampton have looked to Brazil.

Ryan Sessegnon has completed an "emotional" return to Fulham on an initial two-year deal.

He has joined Fulham on a free transfer after being released by English Premier League rivals Tottenham at the end of last season following an injury-hit five years in north London.

A spate of hamstring issues disrupted Sessegnon's time at Spurs but he is back at Fulham where he broke through as a teenager in 2016 and went on to make 120 appearances, scoring 25 goals.

The 24-year-old, who can play in a variety of left-sided positions, has put pen to paper on a contract until 2026 at Craven Cottage, with the option to extend by a further year.

He said: "It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well. It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back.

"It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Everton have announced the season-long loan signing of Napoli's Jesper Lindstrom.

The Denmark midfielder only moved to the Serie A side last summer but will now spend a year at Goodison Park, with the deal including an option for the move to be made permanent.

The 24-year-old has 16 senior international caps and won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.

Newly-promoted Southampton have signed two Brazilians as they strengthen up for the new season, which opens next month.

Wellington, a left-back, and forward Juan will join Southampton in January - the midway point of the English season - from Sao Paulo after signing pre-contract agreements with the south coast club.

Having made his senior debut for Sao Paulo in 2020, 23-year-old Wellington has made 150 appearances for the club. He has also represented the Brazil Under-23s.

Juan, 22, has represented Brazil's under-17s and under-18s and made 80 appearances for Sao Paulo.

Brentford have sold Wales international Fin Stevens to promoted Bundesliga side St Pauli for an undisclosed fee.



https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/sessegnon-savours-his-emotional-return-to-fulham-610163

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Arsenal close to finalising their biggest-ever transfer after reaching an agreement
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a transfer to Premier League club Fulham as the 23-year-old gets set for a new chapter in his career.

The English talent has been with Arsenal his entire career and many thought he was on course to become a superstar following his impressive 2021/22 campaign.

However, injuries have affected his development and recent seasons have seen Smith Rowe slip down Mikel Arteta's pecking order. The Englishman is not guaranteed many minutes at the Emirates Stadium this season and it would be best for the player to try a new challenge.

It now looks like that could be with Fulham as the Evening Standard report that the two Premier League clubs have agreed on a £35m transfer fee for Smith Rowe, which would be Arsenal's biggest-ever sale.

The transfer is great business for the Gunners seeing as Smith Rowe only received 475 minutes of action last season in all competions.

The North London club can use the cash to recruit new players and should the transfer get over the line, it seems to benefit all the parties involved.

Fulham look set to beat Crystal Palace to Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe
Fulham have not been the only club pursuing Smith Rowe this summer with Fabrizio Romano reporting the interest of Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner is said to be a big admirer of the English talent and wanted to add the 23-year-old to his squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

It is uncertain if the South London club still have a chance to win the race for Smith Rowe as it seems that Fulham are very close to signing the Arsenal player.

A move to Craven Cottage should be a positive one for the midfielder as he will be working with a top coach in Marco Silva. The Portuguese should help the Gunners' talent develop further following some tough years in his career.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/26/arsenal-emile-smith-rowe/

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Sessegnon's return is one to savour
Ryan Sessegnon and Fulham always felt a fabulous fit. An eager – if earnest – schoolboy burst on the scene at sixteen after a pre-season that demanded an elevation to the senior squad. Even having to return home to get his boots when he was asked to train in front of Slavisa Jokanovic didn't phase the boy he had blazed such a trail through the age group sides that his name was being whispered knowingly by scouts up and down the country. Fulham fans don't need reminding how he looked like he'd played in the Championship all his life – but it is worth emphasising how much he has already done.

Sessegnon's eye for goal was obvious from the early days, even if Jokanovic wanted his full backs to bomb forward. It was no surprise that he became a left winger who came alive in the penalty area, flourishing in a second full season in senior football, when the young kid from Roehampton was virtually unstoppable. The hat trick at Sheffield United on his fiftieth appearance from his boyhood club was epic – and he was only denied another at Newcastle United when Jokanovic ordered Tim Ream to take a late spot-kick at St. James' Park to try and keep his young starlet out of the spotlight. There was little chance of that.

The teenager seemed to thrive on the big occasion. It was Sessegnon who brought Fulham back into the Championship play-off semi-final with a poacher's finish in the Hammersmith End to wipe out Derby's first leg advantage and, of course, nobody will ever forget the way he threaded that peach of pass through for Cairney to win the final. He might have struggled in the top flight the following year, but so did everyone else – and an emotional return to SW6 now gives Sessegnon the chance to rejuvenate a career that had so much potential at the point when he left for Tottenham.

There were glimpses of that promise in his injury-hit spell at Spurs, including a goal at Bayern Munich on his first Champions' League start, but his most consistent performances came on loan at Hoffenheim, and his dreadful run of injuries – culminating in two hamstring operations – made it almost a forgone conclusion that he would be released at the end of his contract. Any such signing is a risk when the player has been afflicted by fitness issues, but on a free transfer and with plenty to prove, this seems like a move that makes sense for both parties. Sessegnon will return a place he loves with the overwhelming support of a fanbase that already reveres him, whilst Fulham need cover for Antonee Robinson as well as another option on the left flank, which always felt like his natural position.

The return of a Motspur Park academy graduate means this afternoon's announcement stirs all the emotions, but there's also a practical point to make. Silva has already proven that he can get more out of players other teams have cast aside or improve raw youngsters beyond recognition. Sessegnon is still only 24 and has all the attributes to be a success. He's a hard working, humble and determined footballer. He'll be desperate to prove he belongs in the Premier League. Imagine if he can have half the impact he did in his first spell at the Cottage. It will be a sight to see.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/sessegnons-return-is-one-to-savour/

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Fulham to complete stunning triple signing worth £60m: report
Fulham look set to confirm an impressive trio of incomings

Fulham look set to pull off a remarkable triple swoop worth £60 million as they continue their progression under manager Marco Silva.

The West London outfit have recorded comfortable 10th and 13th placed finishes in the Premier League since their promotion from the Championship despite losing key players Aleksander Mitrovic and Frank Anguissa in recent years.

The recent departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich offers yet another obstacle for Silva to overcome as he prepares for the upcoming season, however his lofty price tag has left plenty to spend for the rest of the window.

Fulham's £60 million triple raid
Fulham look set to begin a summer of spending with reports in Brazil suggesting that a move for Fluminense's Andre Trinande is edging closer to completion.

A move for the midfielder was believed to be close a number of times over the past 12 months as Palhinha's future remained unclear despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool in the Brazilian.

However, according to Goal Brazil, the 23-year old is now on the verge of signing for Fulham in a bargain £25 million move this summer.

Elsewhere, a £35 million move for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe appears to be close to fruition after The Guardian confirmed the England under-21 international was close to a 'club record' transfer.

The 23-year old has failed to make a permanent impression on manager Mikel Arteta despite a fantastic individual 2021/22 campaign, seeing Martin Odegaard thrive in his preferred midfield role.

The academy graduate made just 13 appearances in the league, failing to register a single goal in any competition.

Finally, the Cottagers are closing in on a return for academy graduate and promotion hero Ryan Sessegnon following his release from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year old failed to make a single appearance last season and has been without consistent first team action since a 2020/21 loan spell with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

Sessegnon made over 100 appearances for Fulham during his first spell at the club, helping them to promotion in 2019 as well as winning the Championship Young Player of the Season award for his exploits.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-to-complete-stunning-triple-signing-worth-pound60m-report

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Fulham's First Summer Signing: Ryan Sessegnon's Return
Ryan Sessegnon's Triumphant Return to Fulham

Fulham fans rejoice as Ryan Sessegnon makes a homecoming, re-signing with the club on a free transfer after his contract with Tottenham Hotspur expired.

https://www.twitter.com/RyanSessegnon/status/1816924535150530818

Sessegnon's Homecoming
Ryan Sessegnon, a product of Fulham's academy, has penned a two-year deal with the Cottagers, bringing him back to Craven Cottage until 2026, with an option for an additional year. The 24-year-old's return marks a significant moment for both the player and the club. Sessegnon originally left Fulham in a £25m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in August 2019.

Challenges at Tottenham
Sessegnon's tenure at Tottenham was plagued by recurring hamstring injuries, restricting him to just 57 appearances for the North London side. Despite the setbacks, Sessegnon remained optimistic about his career trajectory. Reflecting on his return, he expressed his emotional connection to Fulham:

"It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well," said the former England Under-21 international. "It's where it started for me, where everything began. It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Impressive Early Career
During his initial stint with Fulham, Sessegnon was a standout performer, netting 25 goals and providing 18 assists in 120 senior appearances. His performances earned him a reputation as one of England's most promising young talents. Sessegnon made his professional debut for Fulham at the tender age of 16 in a League Cup tie against Leyton Orient, showcasing his potential from a young age.

While at Tottenham, Sessegnon gained further experience on loan at German club Hoffenheim during the 2020-21 season. This stint abroad helped him develop his skills and resilience, preparing him for his eventual return to English football.

Marco Silva's First Summer Signing
Sessegnon's return marks the first signing of the summer for Fulham's manager, Marco Silva. The Portuguese tactician will be eager to integrate Sessegnon into his squad, harnessing the winger's pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. Sessegnon's familiarity with the club and its ethos will undoubtedly be an asset as Fulham aim to solidify their position in the Premier League.

Fulham supporters will be thrilled to see one of their own back in the fold, hoping that Sessegnon's homecoming will be the catalyst for a successful season. His return not only boosts the squad's depth but also brings a sense of continuity and nostalgia, reminding fans of his earlier exploits.



https://eplindex.com/116275/fulhams-first-summer-signing-ryan-sessegnons-return.html