Saturday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/24...

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 07:37:38 AM

Fulham U21s floor the Foxes
Fulham's under 21s roared back from a goal down to beat Leicester City 3-1 at Motspur Park this afternoon and continue their flawless start to the new season

Former Chelsea forward Michael Golding fired the Foxes in front on 28 minutes with an emphatic finish after Hayden Cartwright had prised open the home defence far too easily with a through ball, but the hosts needed just ten minutes to level as Kristian Šekularac pounced on a defensive error.

Golding then saw a second half penalty crash back off the crossbar after Chris Donnell handled in the box and the game remained in the balance until four minutes from time when Chibby Nwoko's deflected drive from distance nestled in the top corner. Fulham midfielder Josh King capped a memorable week by making sure of all three points deep into added time when powered in the decisive goal from close range having been teed up by Lemar Gordon.

Fulham made the stronger start in the New Malden sunshine but Harry French dealt easily enough with an Eddy Nsasi header from Jon Esenga's free kick. The Leicester keeper's legs then denied Terrell Works an opener before Sekularac drew a superb stop with a fierce strike from just outside the box.

The visitors soon created chances of their own. Leicester's own Josh King fired wide when well placed before being thwarted when Alfie McNally threw himself at centre forward's feet but Golding did eventually make the breakthrough. After Sekularac's leveller, the former Juventus midfielder was frustrated by another fine French save with the visiting keeper somehow tipping over the Swiss under-21 international's curling effort.

Leicester had the better of the chances immediately after the interval with McNally getting his angles right to deny Golding. The attacking midfielder will regret his cheeky chip from the penalty spot that bounced away to safety – and Fulham made him pay as Nwoko and King struck in quick succession as the visitors tired in the closing stages.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-3-3): McNally, Gofford, Nsasi, Amissah, Esenga; Donnell, Sekularac, Josh King; Works (Nwoko 61), Osmand (Loupalo-Bi 69′), Gordon. Subs (not used): Mayer, Park, de Jesus.

BOOKED: Amissah, McNally, Nsasi, Esenga.

GOALS: Sekularac (38), Nwoko (86), King (90+3).

LEICESTER CITY UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): French; Wormleighton, Lindsay (Hill 71), Godsmark-Ford, Grist; Cartwright, Grist; Joseph, Briggs (Onanaye 75), Golding; Josh King (Pennant 45). Subs (not used): McAlinney, Amartey.

BOOKED: Cartwright, Wormleighton.

GOAL: Golding (28).

REFEREE: Stephen Parkinson.

https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/fulham-u21s-floor-the-foxes/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 07:38:03 AM

McKenna: We're Going to Attack the Game as Best We Can
Town host Fulham at Portman Road looking to put their first Premier League points on the board following tough opening fixtures against Liverpool and champions Manchester City, but manager Kieran McKenna has dismissed suggestions that the Blues season starts now.

The Blues went toe-to-toe with the Reds, third in the top flight last season, in the first half of the first game at Portman Road before eventually succumbing 2-0, while last week's first ever visit to the Etihad ended in a 4-1 defeat, albeit after Town had taken a seventh-minute lead via Sammie Szmodics.

It was always going to be difficult for Town to take anything from those matches, but McKenna doesn't agree with the view that the Blues' season proper starts this weekend against the Cottagers.

"I understand the thought process, but I don't like the phrase 'the season starts tomorrow'," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"Do we discount the Liverpool game, the first Premier League game for 22 years at Portman Road with an incredible atmosphere and a fantastic performance for 60 minutes?

"It was the best atmosphere probably in this stadium for decades, 11 players making their Premier League debuts, so many things to be proud of.

"Do we discount that game because we didn't win it? Do we discount going to Man City away for the first time in how many years against the best team probably in world club football, scoring a really good goal, showing resilience, learning so much?

"We can't discount the experiences. If externally, people want to say that staying up is our goal, finishing 17th you win maybe nine or 10 games. Are we going to discount the 28 games that we don't win as they are not part of the season?

"It's all part of the same journey and I really want the group and the players, staff and supporters to enjoy every game.

"Now, of course, getting points is really important and there are some games that are harder to get points in than others, Man City away being one of the games that is very unlikely that you are going to get points.

"We feel all of our home games will give us better opportunities to get points with the home record we have, the atmosphere we create and the football we know we can play. We feel those games are going to be our best opportunities to collect points.

"But you have to respect every opponent. Fulham have spent, how many years in the Premier League out of the last 10 or 20 years? They dropped to the Championship very briefly and came back up and then invested massively when they came back up.

"They have strengthened every season and strengthened again this season. They have had a number of seasons working with the same excellent manager and a fantastic group of players, so we are not going to look at this game as being any easier than any other game.

"They are a super side and it is going to be a big stretch for us. But every home game we play in especially, we are going in with full belief that we can take points and impose ourselves on the opposition to give ourselves the best chance of putting in a good performance. And a good performance over a course of time gives you the best chance of getting points.

"Training has been good. Of course, we have had a busy week with the cup game, so we haven't had as much time on the grass with the whole squad. But everyone is looking forward to the next game.

"We have 19 home games in the Premier League this season and every one is one to cherish and embrace and to go and attack. We have prepared well over the last couple of days.

"From the Man City game, there are lots of things to take from it and in other ways, it is a pretty unique game. In terms of the mistakes we made in the game, we know that they were all within a four-minute spell where we conceded three goals.

"Of course, when that happens, it's usually more of a game management issue than an organisational or tactical issue. That was the case, understanding the level and the environment.

"So we will learn from that and hopefully be better in those situations again. After that spell we went through at Man City, the players regrouped and organised themselves well and did show resilience, which was a big positive.

"We went maybe 70 minutes away to City without conceding and without giving away too many clear-cut opportunities. So that was a positive.

"In other ways, you know it's a unique game. You don't want or expect every game to be pinned back, as we were against Man City. They will do that to better teams than us.

"So we take that but expect a different atmosphere, intensity and feel to the game tomorrow. That's what we have been working towards."

While some might see the Cottagers as considerably lesser opposition than the teams Town have faced in the Premier League up to now, McKenna by no means underestimates them and believes fans will take a similar view.

"I think most supporters are realistic," he said. "I understand that sentiment as you have two of the best teams in the league. But I think most fans understand the years Fulham have had in the Premier League and the investment that brings over a long period of time.

"The stability of the group they have, they've been working together now at that level, with the same manager, for a good number of years. When you are in that position, you can add a top layer of talent to the group that you already have, which I guess they have done with [Emile] Smith Rowe.

"They are a really well-established Premier League team, whereas we are coming from a different position. We know the journey we have been on and we also know we are coming from a summer where we knew it was absolutely essential to make big developments to the squad.

"We are going to be in the process of improvement and that's hopefully going to show some good signs tomorrow. But it is also going to be over the next weeks and months, but we feel that gives us the best chance to be successful over the season.

"I know the fans will be with us. Of course, you want to get points on the board as quickly as possible. Some people will say that this is our best possible opportunity to do so out of the first three games.

"But we are not looking at it like that. We are looking at each game as a challenge, each game as an experience, each home game even more so an opportunity to go and attack the game. This one will be no different and we are really looking forward to it.

"They are a really well organised side - they are a team I admire in that way. I would say they are good on all phases, they can build with the ball but also go a little more direct.

"They have good structure in and out of possession, they are good on transitions and set plays. You can tell they are well coached.

"Of course, we have looked at different ways we can hurt them. And of course, playing with good width is an important part of our game anyway and something we look to do against every opponent.

"We have identified the errors where we think we can exploit and we know the areas that they are dangerous. We will try and deliver a good performance and see where it takes us."

Does he feel his side is settled into a Premier League rhythm? "Probably not yet. We are probably still adjusting. You have your first two games, then you have a cup game midweek, then we play tomorrow and then it's international break and you lose over half the squad.

"They are new things for us as a club and a group to lose that many players. I don't think any team is in the rhythm yet, it is probably too early in the season.

"The first international break comes so quickly, I wouldn't say that any manager or group of players feel that they are in full rhythm or at their best. That's probably amplified a little more for us with the additions that we have made – and with quite a few of those additions being in the last week or two.

"So I don't think we are in our flow yet. We are going to attack the game as best we can. The players are super-motivated, the spirit in the camp is very good, they are really looking forward to the game and we are going to try and attack it and put in a performance.

"But, as I say, we want to play as well as we can now and pick up as many points as we can now. But I am confident that if we stick on the right path then we are going to improve over the next weeks and months and it is a very long season."

McKenna says the Town crowd, at its loudest against Liverpool, can play its part against Fulham.

"They can make the difference," he said. "It's twofold really as they can create the atmosphere and the intensity that make it difficult for the opposition and give our players a boost. We have done that so well over the last couple of seasons. It's been a big part of the home record.

"But it is also about sticking with the group and the team whenever things go against us. I think over the two and a half years I have been here that we have built that. It wasn't there as much at the start, but the way the group have performed and dealt with adversity, they have given the crowd belief and the crowd also give the players belief as they stick together. That's going to be massive as well.

"I think there will be a fantastic atmosphere tomorrow from the start of the game. The level of the opponent and the nature of football, there will be things go against us in the game.

"We are two games into the season, we have 18 home games including tomorrow. I think if we are all there at full throttle for every one of those games, the crowd and players together, irrespective of the score, the timing of the season, the position in the league, then I really trust over the course of the season that will give us a great help in picking up points."

The teams met in the Carabao Cup just under 11 months ago when the West Londoners were very much the better side, winning 3-1.

Asked whether tomorrow's match us a test of how far Town have come since then, McKenna considered: "To certain extent. I think our team that night was 11 changes and a lot of players who hadn't played in a long time and things like that.

"I don't think it was really a marker of where we were at that time in terms of where we were as a Championship team.

"They had some changes on the night as well, although their team was probably a little bit closer to their most common league team at the time.

"I don't think it's a big marker, it's just a mark for us again. It's only our third Premier League game, two of the games have been against two of the top, top, top teams in the league.

"We know that Fulham are a very good and well established Premier League side now and it's a great chance for us to go up against that, perform as well as we can and see where we're."

The Team
McKenna may not stray too far from the team which started at Manchester City last week with more of the new signings integrated over the course of the match.

Aro Muric will continue in goal with Axel Tuanzebe at right-back and Leif Davis on the left. McKenna could stick with the Luke Woolfenden-Jacob Greaves partnership at the heart of the defence.

Skipper Sam Morsy seems likely to be partnered by Massimo Luongo unless McKenna feels either Kalvin Phillips or Jens Cajuste, both of whom would be making their home and league debuts for the club, is ready to start a league match having played 66 minutes each at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

In the trio ahead of them, the Blues boss could opt to start home and Blues league debutant Jack Clarke on the left with Omari Hutchinson switching to the right for Ben Johnson, who played the full 90 minutes at both Manchester City and Plough Lane.

Szmodics, cup-tied in midweek, seems likely to start ahead of Conor Chaplin in the central role, with the latter set to make his 150th Town appearance if he gets on the field, which seems likely given McKenna's liberal use of his attacking subs. Chiedozie Ogbene could be another home and league debutant from the bench at some stage.

Liam Delap again looks set to be the lone out-and-out striker with any addition made today arriving too late to be involved.

Opposition
The Cottagers are 10th in the early Premier League table having been beaten 1-0 at Manchester United on the opening weekend, before beating Leicester 2-1 at home last Saturday.

Boss Marco Silva is anticipating a difficult match having been impressed by the Blues over the last couple of seasons and in their opening fixture this term.

"I expect a really tough game," he said. "They have an unbelievable winning mentality from the last two seasons. When you are promoted the way they were from League One to the Championship, and then Championship to the Premier League. I have to say that is unbelievable.

"They've played two really tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City but the first game of the season was a really tough one for Liverpool, the way they played, the atmosphere. It was a solid start for them except for the result.

"They made life difficult for Liverpool and they started the game with the right intensity, mentality and doing everything to win the game. Since then, they have made very good signings that will probably be in the squad and maybe the starting XI.

"It's another chance for them to play at home. The environment will be the same - really big support for the home side and it'll be a tough game.

"They really trust in their philosophy and process. They've been really successful in the last two seasons and I think they will continue in the same way.

"We need to be at our best level to make life really difficult for them and we need to keep improving, because there is big room for us to improve in certain aspects of the game and we need to show that."

Silva, whose team won 2-0 at Birmingham City in their Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday having made 11 changes from the previous weekend, has a fully fit squad going into the match.

This summer they have signed Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for £34 million, Jorge Cuenca from Villareal, Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for £29.5 million and Sander Berge from Burnley for £25 million, while Ryan Sessegnon returned on a free transfer from Tottenham.

Tosin Adarabioyo departed on a free transfer and joined Chelsea, and Joao Palhinha moved on to Bayern Munich for £47.4 million.

Bobby de Cordova-Reid, now at Leicester, Marek Rodak, currently with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and Tim Ream, who has joined Charlotte FC in the MLS, were released at the end of last season.

Recent History
Historically, the Blues have been victorious on nine occasions in games between the teams (six in the league), Fulham on 14 (11) and with eight (six) games ending in draws.

The teams last met in November last year in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup when the Premier League visitors beat the Championship Blues 3-1 at Portman Road.

The Cottagers went in front via Harry Wilson in the ninth minute as they dominated the first half but didn't find a second goal until five minutes after the restart via Rodrigo Muniz.

Tom Cairney's third on 77 all but sealed it, however, Elkan Baggott netted his first Town goal two minutes later to give the Blues late hope of a comeback which ultimately never came to fruition.

The Blues and the Cottagers also met in the Carabao Cup at the second-round stage in September 2020, again at Portman Road, when Aleksandar Mitrovic's 38th-minute goal was enough to see Premier League side to a 1-0 win.

The Serbian headed home his 50th goal for the Cottagers from Kenny Tete's excellent cross from the right and their victory was never under any serious threat.

In the league, the teams last met in the Championship at Craven Cottage in January 2018 when four goals in seven minutes after Town defender Jordan Spence had been red-carded saw Fulham come from behind to beat Mick McCarthy's Blues 4-1.

Joe Garner gave Town the lead a minute before the break but the match turned on Spence's dismissal for an off-the-ball barge on Aboubakar Kamara in the 54th minute with Ryan Sessegnon equalising on 69, Kamara securing the lead on 72 and then the pair each scoring again on 74 and 76.

The most recent Portman Road league meeting between the teams was in the preceding August when Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte netted goals either side of half-time to see Fulham to a comfortable 2-0 victory, ending Town's 100 per cent start to their 2017/18 Championship campaign.

Kebano nodded home the opener for the dominant Cottagers on 35 and Fonte slammed a rebound into the roof of the net in the 51st minute with the Blues never looking like getting anything out of the game.

Familiar Faces
Blues first-team coach Sone Aluko was with Fulham between 2016 and 2017, making 53 starts and one sub appearance, scoring nine times.

Central defender Cameron Burgess joined the Fulham academy in 2011 and went on to make his senior debut for the Whites on the opening day of the 2014/15 season against Town at Portman Road in a game the Blues won 2-1.

Assistant boss Pert spent six months working as a conditioning coach with Fulham in 2009.

Head of analysis Charlie Turnbull was with the Whites until he moved to Portman Road in December 2021. Turnbull was U23s assistant coach and analyst with the Cottagers having joined them from Spurs in 2016 and having progressed through from working with the U13s and U14s.

Former Town midfielder Brian Talbot is the assistant director of football at Craven Cottage, where he briefly played late on in his career.

Fulham striker Jay Stansfield was a loan target of the Blues in a number of previous transfer windows.

Officials
Saturday's referee is Lewis Smith from Wigan, who has shown 20 yellow cards and no red in eight games so far this season.

Coincidentally, Smith refereed the last meeting between the Blues and Whites, the Carabao Cup tie last season, in which he booked Marcus Harness, Jack Taylor and three of the visitors.

That game was the the first time Smith had refereed a top flight club with his Premier League debut Fulham's home game against Aston Villa in February.

Smith's only previous Town match prior to last season's meeting with the Cottagers was the second-round Carabao Cup tie at Reading a couple of months earlier, which the Blues won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Smith booked George Edmundson, Lee Evans, Cameron Humphreys and two home players.

Assistants: Scott Ledger, Matthew Wilkes. Fourth official: Tim Robinson. VAR: Peter Bankes. Assistant VAR: Marc Perry.

Squad From
Muric, Walton, Slicker, Johnson, Townsend, Davis, Tuanzebe, O'Shea, Woolfenden, Burgess, Greaves, Phillips, Cajuste, Morsy (c), Luongo, Taylor, Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics, J Clarke, Ogbene, Al-Hamadi, Delap, Ladapo.

https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/47800/mckenna-were-going-to-attack-the-game-as-best-we-can

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 07:46:34 AM

Ipswich vs Fulham: Preview, predictions and lineups

Ipswich Town host Fulham on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League
Tractor Boys still searching for first top-flight point since promotion
Cottagers earned victory over newly-promoted Leicester last weekend

Ipswich Town couldn't have been handed a much trickier start on their Premier League return, but things get a little easier when Fulham travel to Portman Road this weekend.

The Tractor Boys hosted Liverpool before travelling to reigning champions Manchester City in their first two outings back in the top flight, losing both matches by an aggregate score of 6-1. They are still chasing their first Premier League points in over two decades and will view Saturday's clash with Fulham as the perfect opportunity to get on the board.

Fulham suffered late heartbreak in their trip to Manchester United in the Premier League's opening match, but earned a hard-fought victory over newly-promoted Leicester City last weekend at Craven Cottage. Summer signing Emile Smith Rowe opened his account and Alex Iwobi bagged the winner in a 2-1 victory.

Here is 90min's guide to Ipswich vs Fulham.

What time does Ipswich vs Fulham kick-off?

Location: Ipswich, England
Stadium: Portman Road
Date: Saturday 31 August
Kick-off Time: 15:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
Referee: Lewis Smith
VAR: Peter Bankes

Ipswich vs Fulham H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Ipswich: 0 wins
Fulham: 5 wins
Draws: 0

Last meeting: Ipswich 1-3 Fulham (1 November 2023) - EFL Cup

Current form (all competitions)

Ipswich	Fulham
AFC Wimbledon 2-2 (4-2p) Ipswich - 28/08/24	Birmingham 0-2 Fulham - 27/08/24
Man City 4-1 Ipswich - 24/08/24	Fulham 2-1 Leicester - 24/08/24
Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich - 17/08/24	Man Utd 1-0 Fulham - 16/08/24
Ipswich Town 1-0 Nice - 10/08/24	Hoffenheim 0-2 Fulham - 10/08/24
Hoffenheim 0-1 Ipswich Town - 03/08/24	Fulham 1-2 Sevilla - 05/08/24

How to watch Ipswich vs Fulham on TV and live stream

Country	TV channel/live stream
United Kingdom	N/a
United States	Peacock
Canada	fuboTV

Ipswich team news
Kieran McKenna is without a handful of players for the visit of Fulham, including Wes Burns after his injury on the opening day. Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke and George Hirst are all sidelined, too.

Ipswich have been busy in the transfer market this summer and there could be appearances for new recruits Jens Cajuste, Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke, Dara O'Shea and Chiedozie Ogbene.

Ipswich predicted lineup vs Fulham
Ipswich predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Muric; Johnson, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Phillips; Hutchinson, Szmodics, J. Clarke; Delap.

Fulham team news
Fulham head to Suffolk with a clean bill of health. much to the relief of manager Marco Silva. The 2-0 win over Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup midweek saw some summer signings handed minutes, including Joachim Andersen, Sander Berge and Jorge Cuenca.

However, the team that faces Ipswich is unlikely to be too dissimilar from the one that beat Leicester last weekend, with Rodrigo Muniz, Antonee Robinson, Smith Rowe and Iwobi all returning to the starting XI.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Ipswich
Fulham predicted lineup vs Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.

Ipswich vs Fulham score prediction
Ipswich have shown promise in two extremely challenging opening fixtures and an array of exciting summer additions will naturally have lifted spirits around Portman Road. They look more than capable of causing issues for the so-called 'lesser sides' in the division.

Saturday's affair is likely to be a tight one but Fulham should have enough quality to come away from Ipswich with victory. Their forwards are starting to gel at the beginning of the new campaign and their reinforced defence and midfield will only make them tougher to break down.

Prediction: Ipswich 1-2 Fulham

https://www.90min.com/ipswich-vs-fulham-preview-predictions-lineups-31-8-24

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 07:48:00 AM

Fulham sign Reiss Nelson on loan from Arsenal
Fulham have secured the services of winger Reiss Nelson from Arsenal on a season-long loan.

Nelson, a product of Arsenal's academy, began his journey with the Gunners at just eight years old. He made his senior debut in Arsenal's 2017 Community Shield win over Chelsea and went on to make 16 appearances that season across all competitions.

His career saw him gain experience on loan at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where he became the third-youngest player to score five goals in the league and also experienced Champions League football.

Nelson scored seven goals in 23 Bundesliga matches and returned to Arsenal to score his first goals for the club in the 2019/20 season.

A subsequent loan spell with Feyenoord in the Netherlands saw him help the team reach the Conference League Final, contributing to 11 goals during his stint.

Last season, Nelson made 23 appearances as Arsenal contended with Manchester City for the Premier League title, bringing his total to 90 appearances for the club, with eight goals and nine assists.

On the international stage, Nelson has also been prolific for England's youth teams, scoring 21 goals in 36 appearances from Under-17 to Under-21 levels.

https://www.extratime.com/articles/34680/fulham-sign-reiss-nelson-on-loan-from-arsenal/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 08:39:54 AM

Every Premier League Club's Summer Transfer Window Ranked

The 2024/25 Premier League transfer window is now shut, signalling a perfect time to analyse all the deals and work out which side had the most successful summer.
Wolves failed to remedy Pedro Neto and Max Kilman sales, leaving them in a precarious position ahead of the season, while Everton's financial constraints leave them in another relegation dogfight.
Chelsea's devil-may-care policy could work out finally, and Brighton and Fulham battle it out at the top.

The summer transfer window is one of the most exciting periods in the Premier League calendar, offering clubs the chance to reshape their squads and bolster their chances for the upcoming season. From high-profile signings to shrewd bargain buys, each team's market activity has the potential to make or break its campaign.

With the latest round of transfers now complete, it is time to rank every Premier League club based on their summer business, as considerations include the potential impact of new arrivals, the strategic choices behind key departures, and the overall effectiveness of each club's approach to the transfer market ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

This season, a total of 105 permanent deals were completed by Premier League clubs, bringing the total spend to a mind-boggling £1.52billion. Astonishingly, this was over £1million more than second-placed La Liga, as England's topflight once again demonstrated its strength as an enthralling season heats up.

20 Wolves
Pedro Neto and Max Kilman sales haven't been remedied

Wolves - Summer signings	Fee
Tommy Doyle (Man City)	£4.3m
Rodrigo Gomes (Braga)	£12.7m
Pedro Lima (Sport Recife)	£8.45m
Arthur Nasta (Larkhall Athletic)	Undisclosed
Jorgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo)	Loan
Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace)	£10m

All fees via Sky Sports

The losers of this summer's transfer window were Wolves - and there can't be much of an argument to suggest otherwise. By Gary O'Neil's own admission, the club should have welcomed far more faces in the wake of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto's departures to Premier League rivals, West Ham and Chelsea.

However, the combined £94m they received from two of their star players wasn't redistributed into a side that must now fear the worst as they stare down the barrel of relegation. Two losses from two at the start of the campaign doesn't bode well as signing other club's hand-me-downs - such as Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace - exemplifies the precarious situation the West Midlands side find themselves in.

19 Everton
Financial constraints continue to drag the Toffees into a relegation dogfight

Everton - Summer signings	Fee
Omari Benjamin (Arsenal)	Free
Jack Harrison (Leeds United)	Loan
Tim Iroegbunam (Aston Villa)	£9m
Iliman Ndiaye (Marseille)	£20m
Jesper Lindstrom (Napoli)	Loan
Jake O'Brien (Lyon)	£17m
Asmir Begovic (QPR)	Free
Armando Broja (Chelsea)	Loan

All fees via Sky Sports

Similarly to Wolves, Everton have also been unable to put Goodison Park's departure lounge to rights. Losing Amadou Onana to Aston Villa might prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the Toffees' Premier League plight, but it was one that was necessary as the club arm wrestle over staying afloat competitively and keeping their heads up above the water financially.

Last season, they faced two separate punishments relating to the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules, and no better is their feeble condition better represented than through the worrying fact they've had to dip into the Championship for loan deals, with Jack Harrison of Leeds United tasked with resisting the tides of the dropzone. Having fought off relegation in the previous three seasons, another poor transfer window will surely make a fourth successful fight nearly impossible this time around.

18 Leicester City
An oddly quiet summer for the Foxes

Leicester - Summer signings	Fee
Abdul Fatawu (Sporting)	£17m
Michael Golding (Chelsea)	Undisclosed
Caleb Okoli (Atalanta)	Undisclosed
Bobby Decordova-Reid (Fulham)	Free
Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton)	Loan
Oliver Skipp (Tottenham)	£25m
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)	£7.5m
Odsonne Edouard (Crystal Palace)	Loan

All fees via Sky Sports

Leicester City fans will be relieved to know they won't have to deal with the pain of falling in love with a loan player after they announced the permanent signing of Abdul Fatawu from Sporting earlier in the summer. This was a big one for the Foxes after the Ghanaian winger lit up the Championship last season, providing 13 assists for his teammates.

But other than this swift piece of business, Leicester's summer has been weirdly quiet. Losing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Enzo Maresca to Chelsea was expected to catalyse a frenzy of acquistions so that the Foxes could reassert their topflight mainstay status they held just a couple of seasons ago. But besides the arrival of Oliver Skipp and Odsonne Edouard's loan deal, there isn't a whole lot to report on.

17 Bournemouth
Dominic Solanke departure will be felt

Bournemouth - Summer signings	Fee
Daniel Jebbison (Sheffield United)	£1.5m
Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix)	£2m
Luis Sinisterra (Leeds United)	£20m
Enes Unal (Getafe)	£14m
Koby Mottoh (Portsmouth)	Free
Dean Huijsen (Juventus)	£15.2m
Julian Araujo (Barcelona)	£8m
Evanilson (Porto)	£40
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)	Free

All fees via Sky Sports

For Bournemouth fans, anything seems possible under the tutelage of Andoni Iraola. And this is a notion supplemented by incomers that entail a fusion of old and experienced, and young and exciting. Notable acquistions this summer include Evanilson from Porto, Enes Unal from Getafe, and Ronald Aruajo's younger brother, Julian.

But despite the positivity that continues to swirl around the Vitality Stadium, it's still difficult to see past the Dominic Solanke sale. The Englishman contributed to 22 Premier League goals last season - which equated to just over 42% of Bournemouth's total league output - and he is yet to be replaced since joining Tottenham.

16 Newcastle United
Keeping ahold of key players is Eddie Howe's side's saving grace

Newcastle - Summer signings	Fee
Lewis Hall (Chelsea)	£28m
Miodrag Pivas (FK Jedinstvo Ub)	Undisclosed
Odysseas Vlachodimos (Nottingham Forest)	Undisclosed
Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth)	Free
John Ruddy (Birmingham City)	Free
William Osula (Sheffield United)	£15m

All fees via Sky Sports

Such is the financial strength Newcastle United's new Saudi Arabian-led ownership now packs, one could be forgiven for thinking the Magpies would have gone big this summer to realise their potential of becoming a household name in European football. But this couldn't have been further from the truth.

Except for the permanent signing of Chelsea's Lewis Hall, it's difficult to see any of their newcomers making an impact on the starting lineup from last season. Unlike clubs who place below them in this ranking article, though, they haven't lost anyone of significance, which naturally places them higher than those around them who have seen drastic turnovers within their squad.

15 Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson and James Ward-Prowse could be interesting signings

Nottingham - Summer signings	Fee
James Ward-Prowse (West Ham)	Loan
Elliot Anderson (Newcastle)	£35m
Eric da Silva Moreiro (St Pauli)	£1.3m
Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)	£12
Carlos Miguel (Corinthians)	Undisclosed
Marko Stamenic (Red Star Belgrade)	Undisclosed
Shea Cahill (Brisbane Roar)	Free
Jota Silva (Vitoria Guimaraes)	£10.1m
Ramon Sosa (Talleres de Cordoba)	Undisclosed
Alex Moreno (Aston Villa)	Loan
David Carmo (Porto)	Undisclosed

All fees via Sky Sports

Nottingham Forest have an insatiable appetite for buying players in abundance as soon as the sun starts to shine. This isn't always a bad thing for a club that is set to face yet another season down near the dreaded dotted line. However, there's only one new face that really stands out this time around.

Whilst Sandro Tonali served a lengthy ban last season, Elliot Anderson became a permanent fixture in Newcastle's midfield. But now that he's not needed in the north-east, he makes his way over to the County Ground for the 2024/25 campaign, and his all-action playing style could be a great addition to Nuno Espirito Santos' squad. Coupled by the fact Forest have been able to keep Brazilian centre-back, Murillo, at the club, and their transfer business could well go down as an underrated one once we know more about how they work on the pitch, especially with James Ward-Prowse now on set-pieces, too.

14 Southampton
Ben Brereton Diaz is a bargain and a half

Southampton - Summer signings	Fee
Flynn Downes (West Ham)	£18m
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)	£25m
Ronnie Edwards (Peterborough)	£65m
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Man City)	£20
Maxwel Cornet (West Ham)	Loan
Ryan Fraser (Newcastle)	Undisclosed
Yukinari Sugawara (AZ Alkmaar)	£5m
Ben Brereton Diaz (Villarreal)	£6.5m
Rento Takaoka (Nissho Gakuen High School)	Undisclosed
Nathan Wood (Swansea City)	£3m
Adam Lallana (Brighton)	Free
Brook Myers (Charlton)	Free
Khiani Shombe (Lewisham Borough)	Free
Charlie Taylor (Burnley)	Free
Wellington (Sao Paulo)	Free (January)
Juan (Sao Paulo)	Free (January)
Kuryu Matsuki (FC Tokyo)	Undisclosed
Cameron Archer (Aston Villa)	£15m
Lesley Ugochukwu (Chelsea)	Loan
Mateus Fernandes (Sporting)	£12.8m

All fees via Sky Sports

At a squad age that averages out at 24.9 years old, much of Southampton's transfer business warrants patience. Because of this, it's very difficult to map out exactly how the new-look side will play in their first campaign back in the big time after an instant return.

But with a starting lineup that already boasted the likes of Joe Aribo, Kyle Walker-Pieters, and Adam Armstrong, one thing is for certain, and it's that the arrival of Ben Brereton Diaz could well be the steal of the summer at £6.5million. In a diabolical Sheffield United side, the 25-year-old forward notched six goals in 14 Premier League appearances. Now around a much improved team, the Chile international could form a lethal partnership with Armstrong.

13 Crystal Palace
Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen are big losses

Crystal Palace - Summer signings	Fee
Chadi Riad (Barcelona)	£14m
Daichi Kamada (Lazio)	Free
Jemiah Umolu (West Ham)	Free
smaila Sarr (Marseille)	£11m
Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest)	Loan
Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg)	£18m
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)	£30m

All fees via Sky Sports

When Crystal Palace lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, there was tangible fear among fans that Euro 2024 star Marc Guehi would be next to leave in a deal that would have seen him join a big six club. But, instead, it was Joachim Andersen who departed, and his short journey across the River Thames to Fulham made things worse than what was initially expected.

Certainly, the arrival of Ismaila Sarr - who finally joined Palace after years of interest - and Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah helped soften the blow. And while the Eagles missed out on Joe Gomez, the purchase of Maxence Lacroix meant no love was lost in south London. To a certain extent, the club still managed to take a few steps forward this summer, and a promising squad that still boasts Eberechi Eze and Jean-Phillipe Mateta still has solid foundations to build upon in January, especially if recouped funds are spent wisely.

12 Brentford
Liverpool duo has bags of potential

Brentford - Summer signings	Fee
Igor Thiago (Club Brugge)	£30m
Benjamin Fredrick-Simoiben	Undisclosed
Julian Eyestone (Duke Blue Devils)	Free
Sepp van den Berg (Liverpool)	£25
Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool)	£27.5
Jayden Meghoma (Southampton)	£5m

All fees via Sky Sports

Brentford are one of the clubs to have made fewer signings in comparison to their rivals this summer. But after coming out on top in the race for highly-rated Liverpool duo, Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho, they can definitely fancy their chances at climbing the table again this season.

The departure of Ivan Toney has very little bearing on the Bees' immediate future after signing these two, with Carvalho in particular being more than capable of forming a deadly attacking lineup alongside Bryan Mbuemo. The Portuguese attacking midfielder scored nine goals from deep with Hull City last season, while the arrival of Igor Thiago also brings a lot of intrigue.

11 Liverpool
Federico Chiesa saves arid transfer window

Liverpool - Summer signings	Fee
Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valenica)	£29m (joins in the summer of 2025)
Federico Chiesa (Juventus)	£12.5m

All fees via Sky Sports

Until the last seven days, Liverpool had failed to make a single transfer under Arne Slot. But much like London buses, once one came in, another followed straight after. It's cliche to say it, but the Reds are in safe hands with the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia after the Georgian goalkeeper took Euro 2024 by storm. Yet, the acquisition of Federico Chiesa will no doubt steal the headlines.

For just £12.5m, the Italian joins an attacking unit that already boasts Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, among others, and it's a deal that encapsulates the conscientious yet effective manner in which Michael Edwards has always operated during his time at Anfield. The Reds have long needed backup on the right flank, and for such a small fee, Slot must be laughing as rivals question Chiesa's ability to stay fit.

https://www.givemesport.com/every-premier-league-clubs-summer-transfer-window-ranked/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 09:08:56 AM

10 Arsenal
Quantity over quality in pursuit of first Premier League title in 20 years

Arsenal - Summer signings	Fee
David Raya (Brentford)	£27m
Tommy Setford (Ajax)	£850,000
Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna)	£42m
Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)	£31.6m
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)	Loan

All fees via Sky Sports

Last summer, Declan Rice was supposed to be the missing piece to Arsenal's jigsaw puzzle. It wasn't quite meant to be for the Gunners, who missed out on their first Premier League title in 20 years by just two points. Nevertheless, their strategy of spending big on few players - rather than little spread across loads of players - could still turn good.

The signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino show that Arsenal's recruitment team kept a watchful gaze on this summer's European Championship, as both impressed with their respective nations. By bolstering midfield and defence, the north Londoners look in good shape to pick up where they left things last season. The deadline day loan signing of Raheem Sterling could yet prove pivotal, too, with the Englishman used to winning what has always evaded the Gunners.

9 Aston Villa
A trilogy of superb signings means Douglas Luiz is already forgotten

Aston Villa - Summer signings	Fee
Ethan Amundsen-Day (Copenhagen)	Undisclosed
Cameron Archer (Sheffield United)	£14m
Ross Barkley (Luton Town)	Undisclosed
Enzo Barrenechea (Juventus)	Undisclosed
Lewis Dobbin (Everton)	£10m
Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus)	Undisclosed
Omar Khedr (ZED)	Undisclosed
Ian Maatsen (Chelsea)	£37.5m
Amadou Onana (Everton)	£30m
Jaden Philogene (Hull City)	£18m
Max Jenner (West Brom)	Free

All fees via Sky Sports

Douglas Luiz's switch to Juventus looked to be a hard-hitter when it first materialised at the start of the window. Needless to say, though, Aston Villa have slowly but surely addressed the departure with a surfeit of new faces, making certain that the Brazilian midfielder's presence is no longer missed.

Amadou Onana is a like-for-like replacement for his predecessor, and his fee cost just £7m than what Villa had sold Luiz for. Elsewhere, the arrivals of Jaden Philogene from Hull City and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea ensure Villa Park is well-positioned to handle the pressures of Champions League football in the 2024/25 campaign.

8 Ipswich Town
The Tractor Boys look more like a Premier League side after a successful transfer window

Ipswich - Summer signings	Fee
Dara O'Shea (Burnley)	£15m
Liam Delap (Man City)	£20m
Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea)	£18m
Jacob Greaves (Hull City)	£15m
Darragh McCann (Glentoran)	Undisclosed
Arijanet Muric (Burnley)	£15m
Leon Elliott (Crystal Palace)	Free
Ben Johnson (West Ham)	Free
Conor Townsend (West Brom)	£500,000
Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers)	£10m
Kalvin Phillips (Man City)	Loan
Jack Clarke (Sunderland)	£18m
Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town)	£8m

All fees via Sky Sports

A popular transfer strategy for teams promoted to the Premier League is one that places emphasis the urgency around signing players with topflight experience. It's not always a successful philosophy, but considering the lengths to which Ipswich Town have gone to ensure they have a squad steeped in talent and wisdom, the Tractor Boys have definitely got a good platform to build from.

Kalvin Phillips, Dara O'Shea, and Ben Johnson should do the Sussex side no harm in the fixtures where grit and determination prevails. Meanwhile, plucking some of the Championship's most exciting players - such as Chiedozie Ogbene from Luton Town and Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers - is a tactic that has paid off in the past for the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham.

7 Chelsea
Decent signings amid a mindless strategy

Chelsea - Summer signings	Fee
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City)	£30m
Marc Guiu (Barcelona)	£5m
Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa)	£19m
Tosin (Fulham)	Free
Pedro Neto (Wolves)	£54m
Renato Veiga (FC Basel)	£12m
Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United)	Undisclosed
Estevao Willian (Palmeiras)	£29.1m
Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal)	£20.7m
Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors)	£15.6m
Jadon Sancho (Man United)	Loan
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)	£46.3m
Mike Penders (Genk)	£17m (joins in the summer of 2025)

All fees via Sky Sports

When you spend as much as Chelsea have in the last three seasons under the devil-may-care policies of Todd Boehly, then eventually money will buy you happiness. So, while a lot of the Blues' transfer dealings over this summer have been mindless once again, there's still a decent possibility some of the big name signings will turn out well.

On paper, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and the loan purchase of Jadon Sancho have all the ingredients to completely change a team's fortunes by themselves, just as Cole Palmer did after making the move from Manchester City 12 months ago. Tosin is bound to stiffen up the defense, and Dewsbury-Hall could be a genuine livewire in that otherwise lethargic midfield. But, again, as always the case with the West End's ongoing tragedy, only time can tell if this actually comes to fruition.

6 Manchester City
Ilkay Gundogan return could be priceless in more way than one

Man City - Summer signings	Fee
Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)	Free
Savinho (Troyes)	£33.6m

All fees via Sky Sports

For once in a blue moon, Manchester City decided to put the handbrake on this summer. But whilst the club decided against any nine-figure mega signings this time around, they were still - somehow - able to pull off a masterful period. The acquistion of Brazilian winger Savinho looks to be one for the future, and the return of Ilkay Gundogan might just be the jewel in Pep Guardiola's final Premier League crown.

Gundogan only left City for Barcelona last summer, but he has already returned on a free transfer just 24 months after captaining the Cityzens to a historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign. An explosive midfielder with a knack of arriving late into the box and scoring crucial goals, the 33-year-old adds heaps of firepower to the four-peat champions just as Julian Alvarez raked in profits of £80m upon his Atletico Madrid switch to alleviate the club's financial concerns.

5 Tottenham
North Londoners finally replace Harry Kane

Spurs - Summer signings	Fee
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)	£65m
Lucas Bergvall (Djurgarden)	£8.5m
George Feeney (Glentoran)	Undisclosed
Archie Gray (Leeds United)	Undisclosed
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)	Loan
Min-Hyuk Yang (Gangwon FC)	Undisclosed
Wilson Odobert (Burnley)	Undisclosed

All fees via Sky Sports

The biggest obstacle early in Ange Postecoglu's reign as Tottenham boss was the club's deep, dark void of an out-and-out goalscorer. Harry Kane left the Lilywhites in the same summer he arrived, and Richarlison and Timo Werner have acted as square pegs in round holes for the vacancy.

Nevertheless, the signing of Dominic Solanke alone is enough to wax lyrical about the club's transfer business this time out. The former Bournemouth striker scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season, and his clinical edge will complement teammates Heung-min Son and James Maddison tremendously. What's more, the swoop for midfield duo Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray could well set Tottenham's midfield up for success in the future.

4 West Ham
Julen Lopetegui must be loving life after initial backing

West Ham - Summer signings	Fee
Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras)	£25m
Max Kilman (Wolves)	£40m
Wes Foderingham (Sheffield United)	Free
Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United)	Undisclosed
Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund)	£27.5m
Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis)	Free
Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice)	Loan
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Man United)	£15m
Mohamadou Kante (Paris FC)	Free

All fees via Sky Sports

In direct contrast to Postecoglu's slow first summer in charge, Julen Lopetegui was provided with a war chest upon his debut summer transfer period at West Ham. The Hammers have splashed £122m since David Moyes left at the end of last season, and it's hard to pinpoint any misses in their dealings.

Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka make the east London outfit a stern opposition, with Lopetegui favouring a rock-solid backline this campaign. Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville are two attacking players that flaunt the club's ability to address every area of their squad this summer.

3 Manchester United
Red Devils' first INEOS-led summer promises a brighter future

Man Utd - Summer signings	Fee
Leny Yoro (Lille)	£58.9m
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)	£36.5m
Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)	£42.7m
Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich)	£17.1
Manuel Ugarte (PSG)	£50.5m

All fees via Sky Sports

It's been a long time since Manchester United fans could genuinely feel happy about their club's summer dealings. But after the first few months under the new INEOS-led ownership, now could finally be the time for celebration.

Of course, those of the Old Trafford persuasion must be reminded that good signings don't always lead to good performances. But there isn't a single transfer they have completed this summer that warrants fear. Noussair Mazroaui and Matthijs de Ligt have proven their worth at the top level with Bayern Munich, Manuel Ugarte has been a stalwart in midfield for PSG, and the Red Devils beat several big clubs to the signatures of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, with the former already hitting the ground running when he scored in the opening game against Fulham.

2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Yankuba Minteh could quite easily become signing of the season

Brighton - Summer signings	Fee
Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle)	£25m
Ibrahim Osman (Nordsjaelland)	£16m
Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord)	£25m
Malick Yalcouye (IFK Gothenburg)	£6m
Amario Cozier-Duberry (Arsenal)	Free
Brajan Gruda (Mainz)	£25m
Georginio Rutter (Leeds United)	£40m
Matt O'Riley (Celtic)	Undisclosed
Ferdi Kadioglu (Fenerbahce)	£25m

All fees via Sky Sports

If there's one club you can always rely on to have a successful transfer period, it's Brighton and Hove Albion. And after two wins from their opening two Premier League fixtures where new faces have been at the heart of promising performances, that notion has proven correct yet again.

Ferdi Kadioglu fits straight in at right-back as the primary choice for that position, Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer appears likely to be the club's Moises Caicedo-esque defensive midfielder, and Yankuba Minteh has already shown he's worth his weight in gold after scoring three goals and providing two assists in 242 minutes of pre-season football. Clearly, Brighton's production line is perpetual, and they also boast young - yet immensely gifted - manager in Fabian Hurzeler.

1 Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe could be a shining light in pending underdog season

Fulham - Summer signings	Fee
Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham)	Free
Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)	£34m
Jorge Cuenca (Villarreal)	Undisclosed
Sander Berge (Burnley)	£25m
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)	£30m
Reiss Nelson (Chelsea)	Loan

All fees via Sky Sports

In fairness, the top two could have easily been interchanged. But, for us, the key difference between Brighton and Fulham's summers is the fact the latter has signed high-profile players who are already well-versed with the physical and technical demands of the Premier League.

Emile Smith Rowe was tipped to be the next big thing out of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, while Joachim Andersen has been a defensive stalwart since making the move to Crystal Palace a couple of seasons ago. Because of this, Marco Silva can feel pretty safe in the knowledge that there shouldn't be any complications over acclimatisation periods, boosting the Cottagers' chances of tapping into a potential underdog story this campaign.

https://www.givemesport.com/every-premier-league-clubs-summer-transfer-window-ranked/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 09:09:47 AM

Up next: Ipswich Town (a)
Fulham go in search of back-to-back away wins at Portman Road this afternoon, although they will have to do without their sharpest performance at St. Andrew's on Tuesday night. Jay Stansfield, who Gordon Davies identified as possessing the predatory instincts to break his club goalscoring record, is back at Birmingham City after the League One club parted with £15m to sign the England under-21 international just before the transfer window slammed shut. Marco Silva will now have to find the goals from the senior squad's two recognised strikers in Rodrigo Muniz, who has yet to score this season, and Raul Jimenez. It is quite reasonable to reckon that the Whites couldn't turn down an astonishing amount of money for a player who played just ten games for the club, but the forward line looks more than a little light.

Reiss Nelson has arrived from Arsenal – having turned down the chance to sign for today's opponents when the Cottagers came calling – and it was telling that the club's press release announcing the successful completion of that deal referenced that the winger could operate as a centre forward. There's no doubting the exciting talent that Fulham have acquired for Silva this summer – the sizzling approach play of Emile Smith Rowe alone is tantalising – but the Whites have lacked a number nine since Aleksandar Mitrovic abruptly departed for Saudi Arabia this time last year.

Stansfield's sale shouldn't impact Silva's plans for this tussle against the Tractor Boys. The main reason why he signed a seven-year contract that trebled his wages was to be guaranteed a game. Blues fans will hope that this statement signing is as totemic for them as Chris Coleman's decision to drop two divisions was for Fulham in 1997. Silva's Suffolk starting eleven shouldn't be too much of a surprise when it comes through at 1.45pm, with Joachim Andersen surely slotting in alongside Calvin Bassey in central defence whilst it may be too early for Sander Berge to add heft and height to the engine room given the rustiness of the Norwegian's midweek outing in the second city.

Ipswich might have lost their first two games but Silva was at pains to praise their 'unbelievable winning mentality' under Kieran McKenna during his press availability earlier this week – and the Portuguese head coach remains absolutely right. Town's back-to-back promotions were brilliant achievements build on their back of an expansive playing style and honest endeavour. The manager was pivotal to that – and, it was refreshing to see the Fermanagh-raised tactician opt to stay with the side he'd steered to the top flight in sharp contrast to Enzo Maresca.

Ipswich's moves in the market have been shrewd with a commendable focus on young talent, like Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves and Liam Delap, alongside Championship captures in the shape of Burnley centre half Dara O'Shea and Sammie Smozdics, who has been superb over the last couple of seasons with Blackburn. They might have missed on a conventional target man to lead the line, although given Armando Broja's failure to take his chance at the Cottage last season he may not have been the ideal solution. Interesting, two rumoured Fulham targets of old ended up at Portman Road: Kalvin Phillips has the opportunity to resurrect a career that three years ago saw him named as the England player of the year by adding a bite of bite to McKenna's midfield, whilst Jack Clarke gets another top tier chance to shine after his sensational showings at Sunderland.

McKenna has talked about wanting to make Portman Road into the sort of fortress that it was when the former Fulham favourite Sir Bobby Robson achieved things nobody thought possible. The Town faithful will see this afternoon as a chance to pick up the win they need to get their Premier League adventure under way – and it is crucial that Silva's side match their intensity. Ending their woeful record against newly-promoted opposition on the road is vital. The stats are staggering: Fulham have won just six of their last 47 top flight away fixtures against teams that they just come up – they have drawn 18 and lost 23.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Andersen, Bassey; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Iwobi, Smith Rowe; Muniz. Subs: Benda, Castagne, Diop, Reed, Cairney, King, Sessegnon, Wilson, Jimenez

https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/up-next-ipswich-town-a-3/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 10:17:43 AM

Player 'on his way' to Fulham decided 'at last minute' to snub Marco Silva's side
Fulham were one of the clubs to have come forward to sign Ernest Nuamah on deadline day.

On Friday, Foot Mercato initially said the Lyon player had accepted an offer from Everton. Their journalist, Santi Aouna, then reported he favoured a move to Fulham.

In the end, Marco Silva's side weren't able to get the deal over the line. L'Equipe have now provided an insight into why Fulham failed to secure the 20-year-old's services.

It's claimed the London club would have offered €19m to the Ligue 1 side, with the latter entitled to receive a 30% of a future sale. The winger was 'on his way' to sign for Fulham, but the deal collapsed in the end.

That's because the Ghana international has 'decided at the last minute' against joining Marco Silva's side. There's no explanation provided as to why he was against a move to the Premier League side.

Nuamah joined Lyon from Belgian side RWD Molenbeek on loan in 2023 and his stay was made permanent last month. His contract lasts until 2028 and will continue at the French club, at least until the window reopens in January.

The winger managed seven goals and three assists from 39 games last season.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-on-his-way-to-fulham-decided-at-last-minute-to-snub-marco-silvas-side/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 10:19:10 AM

Birmingham & Tom Brady obliterate League One transfer record with £15m splurge on Fulham's Jay Stansfield - and fee could still rise
Birmingham City smashed the League One transfer record to rope in Jay Stansfield from Fulham on the deadline day.

Birmingham City break League One record
Paid record fee to sign Stansfield permanently
21-year-old forward spent last season on loan at St Andrew's

WHAT HAPPENED?

Stansfield, who spent the last season on loan at Birmingham, has now made his move permanent as the League One side agreed to pay a record transfer fee of £15million (€17m/$19m) plus £5m (€5.9m/$6m) in add-ons, a 20% sell-on clause, and a £100k bonus if the club get promoted to Championship next season, according to journalist Sam Dean.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 21-year-old made his senior debut for Fulham in 2020 after graduating from their youth academy. In the summer of 2022, he moved to Exeter City on a temporary deal before joining the Blues last summer on a second loan deal. In the 2023-24 campaign, Stansfield appeared in 47 matches across all competitions for the Tom Brady-owned side where scored 13 times and provided three assists.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Birmingham principal owner Tom Wagner introduced the young forward in a unique video where he says, "Blues fans, it's great to be back at Birmingham. I'm super excited to head to St. Andrew's @Knighthead Park tomorrow to see all the great improvements that have been undertaken over the summer, and most importantly, to hang for you for what will be a great match. As you know we worked really hard in this transfer window to improve the squad and deliver a product to you that you will all enjoy. And we got nearly everything we wanted. You know some of the goals we set were very aspirational and some proved to be just a bit of a stretch too far. But in any event, I'm excited for tomorrow. I'm excited for the season. Keep right on and we'll see you tomorrow."

WHAT NEXT FOR BIRMINGHAM CITY?

Chris Davies' side will be next seen in action on Saturday as they take on Wigan Athletic in a League One clash at home.

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/birmingham-tom-brady-league-one-transfer-record-splurge-on-fulham-jay-stansfield-fee-rise/blt041c37873e422ce6#cs007cbd67444e0460

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 10:20:42 AM

Match Preview: Blues look to claim first home win of the season following record-breaking transfer on Deadline Day
Birmingham City face Wigan at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park on Saturday as they look to bounce back from the Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham in midweek.

The game follows Blues' record-breaking transfer of Jay Stansfield on deadline day as they smashed the League 1 record signing by almost four times.

The striker scored 13 goals whilst on loan in the Second City last season and now has the full belief and support from everyone at the club that he can help take Birmingham City back to the top.

Last Time Out:
Birmingham City exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Premier League Fulham on Tuesday night courtesy of 2 goals in 4 minutes early in the first half. A penalty was harshly awarded to the visitors as the referee deemed Alex Cochrane to block Tom Cairney's shot with his hand. Raul Jiminez stepped up and sent Ryan Allsop the wrong way to put Fulham ahead. The Premier League outfit doubled their lead a few minutes later as Joachim Andersen's pinged pass landed at Jay Stansfield's feet. The striker, who ironically has now signed for Blues, controlled the ball and expertly finished into the top right corner to extend Fulham's advantage.

Blues then grew into the game after the 15 minute mark and started to create chances against the side 2 tiers above them. Paik Seung-Ho's lifted pass reached Keshi Anderson, the attacker's header was goalbound but a clearence on the line by Timothy Castagne saved the visitor's 2 goal lead. Willum Willumsson also went close from a free-kick, his powerful whipped strike unfortunately cannoned off the bar and Blues went into the break 2-0 down.

Fulham defended well in the second half and they reduced the amount of clear-cut chances that Blues could create, Alex Cochrane's long-range shot was the most that the home side tested the Fulham goalkeeper. Overall, Bluenoses left the ground impressed as to how their side competed against a strong Fulham team full of Premier League quality. Blues had mre possession and used it well, along with executing their high press and forcing the away side long at multiple points.

The Opposition:
Wigan Athletic picked up their first 3 points of the season as they beat Crawley at home last weekend despite only having one shot on target and 27% possession. Prior to this victory, Wigan had a poor start to the season, losing to Charlton and Reading in League 1, without scoring, either side of a penalty loss to Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. The Latics' attack has been disappointing so far with their striking options relying on 20 year old Joe Hugill, on loan from Manchester United.

Wigan finished 12th in League 1 last season in their first campaign back in the third tier after being relegated from the Championship in 22/23. The Lancashire side are managed by Shaun Maloney who won the FA Cup when playing for the club, he will be looking to improve on a mid-table finish this season. Goalkeeper Sam Tickle will be a big factor if they are to progress, the 22 year old kept 18 clean sheets in all competitions last season and is highly rated by EFL fans.

It is unlikely that Wigan will dominate the ball on Saturday and instead will aim to be solid defensively and manage Birmingham City's attacking quality, hoping to create attacking opportunities through counter attacks.

Team News:
Chris Davies will be able to call upon 2 new Scotsmen on Saturday if needed, Lyndon Dykes and deadline day signing Scott Wright are registered in time to make their debuts.

Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata, both signed late yesterday, will be unavailable to play but will likely get a great reception from the almost sold-out St Andrews @ Knighthead Park crowd.

Blues have been dealt another injury blow as Keshi Anderson is set to be out for a couple of weeks, Dion Sanderson, Lee Buchanan and Alfie Chang remain out injured.

Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Peacock-Farrell, Laird, Bielik, Klarer, Cochrane, Paik, Leonard, Yokoyama, Willumsson, Hansson, May

Score Prediction:

I predict Blues to keep their first clean sheet of the season with an impressive performance against a Wigan side that are struggling to perform, 2-0.

https://bluesfocus.co.uk/2024/08/31/match-preview-blues-look-to-claim-first-home-win-of-the-season-following-record-breaking-transfer-on-deadline-day/

alfie · August 31, 2024, 11:03:17 AM

Quote from: WhiteJC on August 31, 2024, 09:08:56 AM10 Arsenal
Quantity over quality in pursuit of first Premier League title in 20 years

Arsenal - Summer signings Fee
David Raya (Brentford) £27m
Tommy Setford (Ajax) £850,000
Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna) £42m
Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) £31.6m
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) Loan
All fees via Sky Sports

Last summer, Declan Rice was supposed to be the missing piece to Arsenal's jigsaw puzzle. It wasn't quite meant to be for the Gunners, who missed out on their first Premier League title in 20 years by just two points. Nevertheless, their strategy of spending big on few players - rather than little spread across loads of players - could still turn good.

The signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino show that Arsenal's recruitment team kept a watchful gaze on this summer's European Championship, as both impressed with their respective nations. By bolstering midfield and defence, the north Londoners look in good shape to pick up where they left things last season. The deadline day loan signing of Raheem Sterling could yet prove pivotal, too, with the Englishman used to winning what has always evaded the Gunners.

9 Aston Villa
A trilogy of superb signings means Douglas Luiz is already forgotten

Aston Villa - Summer signings Fee
Ethan Amundsen-Day (Copenhagen) Undisclosed
Cameron Archer (Sheffield United) £14m
Ross Barkley (Luton Town) Undisclosed
Enzo Barrenechea (Juventus) Undisclosed
Lewis Dobbin (Everton) £10m
Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus) Undisclosed
Omar Khedr (ZED) Undisclosed
Ian Maatsen (Chelsea) £37.5m
Amadou Onana (Everton) £30m
Jaden Philogene (Hull City) £18m
Max Jenner (West Brom) Free
All fees via Sky Sports

Douglas Luiz's switch to Juventus looked to be a hard-hitter when it first materialised at the start of the window. Needless to say, though, Aston Villa have slowly but surely addressed the departure with a surfeit of new faces, making certain that the Brazilian midfielder's presence is no longer missed.

Amadou Onana is a like-for-like replacement for his predecessor, and his fee cost just £7m than what Villa had sold Luiz for. Elsewhere, the arrivals of Jaden Philogene from Hull City and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea ensure Villa Park is well-positioned to handle the pressures of Champions League football in the 2024/25 campaign.

8 Ipswich Town
The Tractor Boys look more like a Premier League side after a successful transfer window

Ipswich - Summer signings Fee
Dara O'Shea (Burnley) £15m
Liam Delap (Man City) £20m
Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea) £18m
Jacob Greaves (Hull City) £15m
Darragh McCann (Glentoran) Undisclosed
Arijanet Muric (Burnley) £15m
Leon Elliott (Crystal Palace) Free
Ben Johnson (West Ham) Free
Conor Townsend (West Brom) £500,000
Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers) £10m
Kalvin Phillips (Man City) Loan
Jack Clarke (Sunderland) £18m
Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town) £8m
All fees via Sky Sports

A popular transfer strategy for teams promoted to the Premier League is one that places emphasis the urgency around signing players with topflight experience. It's not always a successful philosophy, but considering the lengths to which Ipswich Town have gone to ensure they have a squad steeped in talent and wisdom, the Tractor Boys have definitely got a good platform to build from.

Kalvin Phillips, Dara O'Shea, and Ben Johnson should do the Sussex side no harm in the fixtures where grit and determination prevails. Meanwhile, plucking some of the Championship's most exciting players - such as Chiedozie Ogbene from Luton Town and Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers - is a tactic that has paid off in the past for the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham.

7 Chelsea
Decent signings amid a mindless strategy

Chelsea - Summer signings Fee
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City) £30m
Marc Guiu (Barcelona) £5m
Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa) £19m
Tosin (Fulham) Free
Pedro Neto (Wolves) £54m
Renato Veiga (FC Basel) £12m
Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) Undisclosed
Estevao Willian (Palmeiras) £29.1m
Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal) £20.7m
Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) £15.6m
Jadon Sancho (Man United) Loan
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) £46.3m
Mike Penders (Genk) £17m (joins in the summer of 2025)
All fees via Sky Sports

When you spend as much as Chelsea have in the last three seasons under the devil-may-care policies of Todd Boehly, then eventually money will buy you happiness. So, while a lot of the Blues' transfer dealings over this summer have been mindless once again, there's still a decent possibility some of the big name signings will turn out well.

On paper, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and the loan purchase of Jadon Sancho have all the ingredients to completely change a team's fortunes by themselves, just as Cole Palmer did after making the move from Manchester City 12 months ago. Tosin is bound to stiffen up the defense, and Dewsbury-Hall could be a genuine livewire in that otherwise lethargic midfield. But, again, as always the case with the West End's ongoing tragedy, only time can tell if this actually comes to fruition.

6 Manchester City
Ilkay Gundogan return could be priceless in more way than one

Man City - Summer signings Fee
Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona) Free
Savinho (Troyes) £33.6m
All fees via Sky Sports

For once in a blue moon, Manchester City decided to put the handbrake on this summer. But whilst the club decided against any nine-figure mega signings this time around, they were still - somehow - able to pull off a masterful period. The acquistion of Brazilian winger Savinho looks to be one for the future, and the return of Ilkay Gundogan might just be the jewel in Pep Guardiola's final Premier League crown.

Gundogan only left City for Barcelona last summer, but he has already returned on a free transfer just 24 months after captaining the Cityzens to a historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign. An explosive midfielder with a knack of arriving late into the box and scoring crucial goals, the 33-year-old adds heaps of firepower to the four-peat champions just as Julian Alvarez raked in profits of £80m upon his Atletico Madrid switch to alleviate the club's financial concerns.

5 Tottenham
North Londoners finally replace Harry Kane

Spurs - Summer signings Fee
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth) £65m
Lucas Bergvall (Djurgarden) £8.5m
George Feeney (Glentoran) Undisclosed
Archie Gray (Leeds United) Undisclosed
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) Loan
Min-Hyuk Yang (Gangwon FC) Undisclosed
Wilson Odobert (Burnley) Undisclosed
All fees via Sky Sports

The biggest obstacle early in Ange Postecoglu's reign as Tottenham boss was the club's deep, dark void of an out-and-out goalscorer. Harry Kane left the Lilywhites in the same summer he arrived, and Richarlison and Timo Werner have acted as square pegs in round holes for the vacancy.

Nevertheless, the signing of Dominic Solanke alone is enough to wax lyrical about the club's transfer business this time out. The former Bournemouth striker scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season, and his clinical edge will complement teammates Heung-min Son and James Maddison tremendously. What's more, the swoop for midfield duo Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray could well set Tottenham's midfield up for success in the future.

4 West Ham
Julen Lopetegui must be loving life after initial backing

West Ham - Summer signings Fee
Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras) £25m
Max Kilman (Wolves) £40m
Wes Foderingham (Sheffield United) Free
Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) Undisclosed
Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund) £27.5m
Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis) Free
Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice) Loan
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Man United) £15m
Mohamadou Kante (Paris FC) Free
All fees via Sky Sports

In direct contrast to Postecoglu's slow first summer in charge, Julen Lopetegui was provided with a war chest upon his debut summer transfer period at West Ham. The Hammers have splashed £122m since David Moyes left at the end of last season, and it's hard to pinpoint any misses in their dealings.

Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka make the east London outfit a stern opposition, with Lopetegui favouring a rock-solid backline this campaign. Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville are two attacking players that flaunt the club's ability to address every area of their squad this summer.

3 Manchester United
Red Devils' first INEOS-led summer promises a brighter future

Man Utd - Summer signings Fee
Leny Yoro (Lille) £58.9m
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna) £36.5m
Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich) £42.7m
Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich) £17.1
Manuel Ugarte (PSG) £50.5m
All fees via Sky Sports

It's been a long time since Manchester United fans could genuinely feel happy about their club's summer dealings. But after the first few months under the new INEOS-led ownership, now could finally be the time for celebration.

Of course, those of the Old Trafford persuasion must be reminded that good signings don't always lead to good performances. But there isn't a single transfer they have completed this summer that warrants fear. Noussair Mazroaui and Matthijs de Ligt have proven their worth at the top level with Bayern Munich, Manuel Ugarte has been a stalwart in midfield for PSG, and the Red Devils beat several big clubs to the signatures of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, with the former already hitting the ground running when he scored in the opening game against Fulham.

2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Yankuba Minteh could quite easily become signing of the season

Brighton - Summer signings Fee
Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle) £25m
Ibrahim Osman (Nordsjaelland) £16m
Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord) £25m
Malick Yalcouye (IFK Gothenburg) £6m
Amario Cozier-Duberry (Arsenal) Free
Brajan Gruda (Mainz) £25m
Georginio Rutter (Leeds United) £40m
Matt O'Riley (Celtic) Undisclosed
Ferdi Kadioglu (Fenerbahce) £25m
All fees via Sky Sports

If there's one club you can always rely on to have a successful transfer period, it's Brighton and Hove Albion. And after two wins from their opening two Premier League fixtures where new faces have been at the heart of promising performances, that notion has proven correct yet again.

Ferdi Kadioglu fits straight in at right-back as the primary choice for that position, Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer appears likely to be the club's Moises Caicedo-esque defensive midfielder, and Yankuba Minteh has already shown he's worth his weight in gold after scoring three goals and providing two assists in 242 minutes of pre-season football. Clearly, Brighton's production line is perpetual, and they also boast young - yet immensely gifted - manager in Fabian Hurzeler.

1 Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe could be a shining light in pending underdog season

Fulham - Summer signings Fee
Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham) Free
Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal) £34m
Jorge Cuenca (Villarreal) Undisclosed
Sander Berge (Burnley) £25m
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace) £30m
Reiss Nelson (Chelsea) Loan
All fees via Sky Sports

In fairness, the top two could have easily been interchanged. But, for us, the key difference between Brighton and Fulham's summers is the fact the latter has signed high-profile players who are already well-versed with the physical and technical demands of the Premier League.

Emile Smith Rowe was tipped to be the next big thing out of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, while Joachim Andersen has been a defensive stalwart since making the move to Crystal Palace a couple of seasons ago. Because of this, Marco Silva can feel pretty safe in the knowledge that there shouldn't be any complications over acclimatisation periods, boosting the Cottagers' chances of tapping into a potential underdog story this campaign.

https://www.givemesport.com/every-premier-league-clubs-summer-transfer-window-ranked/

Reis Nelson, Chelsea?

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 11:50:56 AM

Gillingham sign goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond on loan from Premier League Fulham
Gillingham boss Mark Bonner has signed a goalkeeper on transfer deadline day.

The window for new signings closes this evening until the turn of the year, with Gills bringing in goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond on loan from Premier League Fulham.

The 23-year-old, who will wear shirt number 13, is available to feature against Chesterfield in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Priestfield.

Ashby-Hammond spent the first half of last season on loan at Crawley Town, before joining Notts County for the second part of the campaign. He has also represented England from under-15 to under-20 level.

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gills-sign-keeper-on-loan-312158/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 11:53:03 AM

Fabrizio Romano Confirms Important Detail in Fulham's Deal for Arsenal Winger Reiss Nelson
Fulham have completed the loan signing of Arsenal outcast Reiss Nelson, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that he will return to the Emirates Stadium next summer as no option or obligation to buy has been inserted in his deal.

Mikel Arteta and Co, after coming ever so close twice on the bounce, have set their sights on toppling reigning champions Manchester City from the top of the Premier League standings and Nelson is seemingly not a part of the club's plans.

Pivotal to that was trimming the fat of Arteta's squad and, given how far down the pecking order Nelson appeared to be, Marco Silva and Co managed to secure the forward's services on a temporary basis, but he will not prolong his Craven Cottage stay longer than just this term.

Nelson's Fulham Move Won't Include Option or Obligation to Buy
Star set to return to north London next summer
With hours to go in the transfer window and with his Premier League employers willing to entertain a sale, Nelson began to attract interest from a number of suitors across the top flight as the prospect of a move away grew, according to journalist Kaya Kaynak.

A trio of London-based Premier League clubs – West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham – eyed a late move for the right-winger, but it was the former who managed to win the race for his sought-after signature and land a Deadline Day deal.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the ever-reliable suggested that the Hale End graduate, 24, is set to return to Arsenal at the start of July 2025 thanks to having no option or obligation to buy inserted into his Craven Cottage deal.

"Reiss Nelson loan move to Fulham does not include any buy option or obligation clause. Back to Arsenal on July 1, 2025."

Per BBC Sport, newly promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town had been in dialogue with Arsenal over a potential loan move for London-born Nelson, but talks were disrupted by Marco Silva and his Fulham entourage as they swooped in on Deadline Day.

Jay Stansfield Departs Record-Breaking Deadline Day Deal
League One side forked out in excess of £15m
In terms of Craven Cottage outgoings, Birmingham City managed to swoop in and steal striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham's grasp in a deal that saw the League One side shell out north of £15 million, which is a new record for a club in England's third tier.

Three-cap England Under-21 international Stansfield, who netted 13 strikes in 37 appearances for Birmingham last season, emerged as a Deadline Day option for Chris Davies and Co, per GIVEMESPORT sources, and managed to strike a deal before the 11pm deadline.

The exciting 21-year-old became a fan favourite among St Andrews supporters throughout his short - but very sweet - stint last term and, despite scoring against them for Fulham midweek, is set to become their leading talisman this season.

All transfer figures per Sky Sports

https://www.givemesport.com/arsenal-reiss-nelson-fulham-loan-deal-transfer-news-fabrizio-romano/

WhiteJC · August 31, 2024, 01:49:00 PM