Summer Silly Season Transfer Thread 2025

[Craven Mad]

Not sure I'm overly enthused with the Ndidi links. He's really lost his way and the idea that he's comparable or en par with Palinha in a defensive way is.......nuts to me. Sorry. Not seen anything close to his starting levels at Leicester but I guess if we're replacing Ndidi with say, Reed, it could improve the squad, but I wouldn't want to see much of a net loss in that exchange. I feel we need to improve the starting 11 and push backwards, not maintain and boost the back drop.

I mean, looking at the stats to compare them, Ndidi is managing ~3.4 tackles per game and Joao is managing ~3.5 per game for Bayern. Ndidi is also narrowly beating Joao in 'per 90' stats for interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels. He's very competent defensively, and I don't think the comparison to current Joao is misplaced.

I'm definitely not claiming he's better than Joao though, as I don't think he is, but the key point is that we lack depth at CDM but don't necessarily need a starter there, and funds would likely be better spent on a RW and more creative CM. We really just need a competent CDM to help close out games, give us balance against stronger teams, and provide an alternative if our starting CM pairing needs a rest.

I personally think Ndidi would fit the bill well, be an upgrade on Reed (as you point out too) and he would cost far far less than Joao.

If money weren't relevant, I'd definitely choose Joao, for the avoidance of doubt.

I don't think it's fair to compare a defensive midfielder who plays less in a side that dominate the ball and compare it to a team who see far less of the ball and likely should have better stats in that area. Out of interest, and you might well be right on Ndidi, but how stark a difference is Palinha stats at Fulham compared to Ndidi at Leicester?

As I said, I'm not going to pretend like I've watched a huge deal of Leicester but when I did, Ndidi just never stood out for me. But let's see what those stats say.

Very fair response and you're right, I was careful to use Joao's stats from his time at Bayern, as he was more effective defensively for us than he is for them. For example, he managed 4.6 tackles per game in his final season with us.

The decline could be due to the team he's in, as you say, or he could have lost a bit of pace as he's older and getting fewer minutes. It's hard to say  but he is slightly worse now than when he was with us, and who knows whether his older form is recoverable.

That being said, my wider point remains: I personally don't think we should be spending £30m+ on a CDM (which is what I think Joao would cost), and would rather that sort of figure go on a RW and creative CM.

EDIT: also, just to add one point in rebuttal to your comment about players from different teams being challenging to compare, Rodri generally does v v well with his defensive stats despite playing for Man City.

[FFC1987]

Not sure I'm overly enthused with the Ndidi links. He's really lost his way and the idea that he's comparable or en par with Palinha in a defensive way is.......nuts to me. Sorry. Not seen anything close to his starting levels at Leicester but I guess if we're replacing Ndidi with say, Reed, it could improve the squad, but I wouldn't want to see much of a net loss in that exchange. I feel we need to improve the starting 11 and push backwards, not maintain and boost the back drop.

I mean, looking at the stats to compare them, Ndidi is managing ~3.4 tackles per game and Joao is managing ~3.5 per game for Bayern. Ndidi is also narrowly beating Joao in 'per 90' stats for interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerial duels. He's very competent defensively, and I don't think the comparison to current Joao is misplaced.

I'm definitely not claiming he's better than Joao though, as I don't think he is, but the key point is that we lack depth at CDM but don't necessarily need a starter there, and funds would likely be better spent on a RW and more creative CM. We really just need a competent CDM to help close out games, give us balance against stronger teams, and provide an alternative if our starting CM pairing needs a rest.

I personally think Ndidi would fit the bill well, be an upgrade on Reed (as you point out too) and he would cost far far less than Joao.

If money weren't relevant, I'd definitely choose Joao, for the avoidance of doubt.

I don't think it's fair to compare a defensive midfielder who plays less in a side that dominate the ball and compare it to a team who see far less of the ball and likely should have better stats in that area. Out of interest, and you might well be right on Ndidi, but how stark a difference is Palinha stats at Fulham compared to Ndidi at Leicester?

As I said, I'm not going to pretend like I've watched a huge deal of Leicester but when I did, Ndidi just never stood out for me. But let's see what those stats say.

Very fair response and you're right, I was careful to use Joao's stats from his time at Bayern, as he was more effective defensively for us than he is for them. For example, he managed 4.6 tackles per game in his final season with us.

The decline could be due to the team he's in, as you say, or he could have lost a bit of pace as he's older and getting fewer minutes. It's hard to say  but he is slightly worse now than when he was with us, and who knows whether his older form is recoverable.

That being said, my wider point remains: I personally don't think we should be spending £30m+ on a CDM (which is what I think Joao would cost), and would rather that sort of figure go on a RW and creative CM.

EDIT: also, just to add one point in rebuttal to your comment about players from different teams being challenging to compare, Rodri generally does v v well with his defensive stats despite playing for Man City.

Rodri is a bit of an enigma than the rule but you're right. It's a fair point. Not to be a Palinha apologist, but reports of personal issues and struggling to settle at Bayern compared to the behemoth with us makes me think it's likely that rather than a decline in physicality, but it's not something I can firmly point to so you may well be correct.

I agree we shouldn't really be looking at big money in that position as well so Ndidi could well be a welcome low net cost to an improvement to the squad. I'm not really anti Ndidi but I'm just not sure how much of an actual upgrade he is on even Reed at £9m. But then I'd not be overly keen on £30m for him back to us either so I'm really on the fence. In Silva we trust I guess. Nice posts though Craven.

[WolverineFFC]

Personally I couldn't trust Elliott and certainly wouldn't want him at Fulham.

I don't understand where he would play in Marco's system. Right Wing? As the #10? I don't mind him as a talent but really struggle to see a fit style wise or physical stature wise. Marco seems to prefer more physically imposing guys which does not describe Elliot.

With his technique, passing and work rate he would play as a 8 and thats what he has been playing at Liverpool lately, if I am correct. Imagine midfield of Joao Palhinha, Harvey Elliott and Emile Smith Rowe as a 6, 8, 10.

That is my overriding point. I don't see how he fits along ESR, AP, Berge, or Lukic. He is in a very similar situation to ESR at Arsenal. Good enough to come off the bench and spot start at a top 4 club but not to the standard of earning a regular place in a starting 11.

I'd rather Curtis Jones if we're moving for Liverpool players since he'd be a better fit for Fulham's midfield needs imo. I'd doubt Elliot would even be mentioned as a possibility if he wasn't a former youth player.

[AustrianGeezer]

Anybody familiar with max wöber? He can play centre back aswell as leftback.
Has got premier league and international experience
Only worth 8 million, contract expires in 2027 and coach doesnt seem to like him a lot.
Looks like he could be a real bargain

[Bobsffc]

Personally I couldn't trust Elliott and certainly wouldn't want him at Fulham.

I don't understand where he would play in Marco's system. Right Wing? As the #10? I don't mind him as a talent but really struggle to see a fit style wise or physical stature wise. Marco seems to prefer more physically imposing guys which does not describe Elliot.

With his technique, passing and work rate he would play as a 8 and thats what he has been playing at Liverpool lately, if I am correct. Imagine midfield of Joao Palhinha, Harvey Elliott and Emile Smith Rowe as a 6, 8, 10.

That is my overriding point. I don't see how he fits along ESR, AP, Berge, or Lukic. He is in a very similar situation to ESR at Arsenal. Good enough to come off the bench and spot start at a top 4 club but not to the standard of earning a regular place in a starting 11.

I'd rather Curtis Jones if we're moving for Liverpool players since he'd be a better fit for Fulham's midfield needs imo. I'd doubt Elliot would even be mentioned as a possibility if he wasn't a former youth player.

The idea that Curtis Jones is a realistic target this window is a little optimistic...

[Deeping_white]

https://twitter.com/fulhamtransfer/status/1917912424381862095

[WindyCity]

If I was Fulham recruitment manger I would be all over getting
Mason Mount on loan for 18 months pay 85 k a week towards his wages
 Joao Gomes really impressed me this season
Gustavo Hamer Great delivery and doesn't stop running and full commitment.
Brahim Díaz Electric live wire with good technical ability and takes players on
Thomas Muller just for his shithousery and he would score goals
I take a punt on Gavin Bazunu he has all the attributes and hopefully he is over his injury

No thx to Mount, non- finisher
No thx to Muller, great player and history, way past his 'use-by' date
Keep Traore
Yes to possible acquisition of Elliott
Pass on Palhinha at prices being quoted

[Coastwalker]

Gareth Bale coming out of retirement.

[Deeping_white]

https://twitter.com/fulhamtransfer/status/1917988929128554876

[KJS]

We need to create some space in the squad first before recruiting.

Reed has been a magnificent servant to the club but his opportunities are becoming limited. For his own interest he should move on to a club where he can get regular football.

Vinicius and Traore are not, IMO, good enough and should move on.

Others are coming to the end of their contracts. It's up to them, their agents and the club whether they stay.

Obviously you haven't seen Traore play🙄

[jayffc]

We need to create some space in the squad first before recruiting.

Reed has been a magnificent servant to the club but his opportunities are becoming limited. For his own interest he should move on to a club where he can get regular football.

Vinicius and Traore are not, IMO, good enough and should move on.

Others are coming to the end of their contracts. It's up to them, their agents and the club whether they stay.

Obviously you haven't seen Traore play🙄

I find it mad too.

8 assists and 2 goals in 1750mins (19 full matches) this season in all comps.

A goal/assist every 1.9 full 90mins

And he could have had many more assists but for some good saves and less than clinical finishing from those he's set up.

Numerous games he's come on and given us a completely different dynamic that creates space for others even if he doesn't get a G/A

Wildly undervalued by some fans. On a free transfer too, he's been great for us. Hope he stays on for sure, no reason whatsoever to move him on. We don't need to make space in the wing position, just move on Willian and focus on bringing in another player capable of playing both flanks. Thats what nelson was supposed to be and sure we'll be in the hunt for an LW more than anything

[Somerset Fulham]

Haha.

There is always a scapegoat needed, surely we know that by now lads!

[Thailand Mick]

Fulham not interested in Kyle walker Peters or Ben Johnson says Marco, rumours are not true concentrating on extending Tete's contract.

[Drewry66]

Fulham not interested in Kyle walker Peters or Ben Johnson says Marco, rumours are not true concentrating on extending Tete's contract.

Certainly sounds positive from the way Marco is talking and it's not at all dead like we all feared. Huge if he resigns as never getting anyone better defensively and significant budget saved. Let's pray we can get it done.

[hovewhite]

https://twitter.com/fulhamtransfer/status/1917912424381862095

think this has more chance out of them all of the gossip.

[sunburywhite]

https://twitter.com/fulhamtransfer/status/1917507860516294831

According to my Gooner mate, the reason they shipped him out was bescause of his attitude. He loved to party all night long

[Angus Telford]

https://twitter.com/fulhamtransfer/status/1917912424381862095

think this has more chance out of them all of the gossip.

Tend to assume anything that says we're one of multiple clubs looking at a player is false. Almost all our signings seem to be a one horse race. We don't like an auction, gets too expensive.

[Twig]

After watching today's match all I want is one footballer who can kick a dead ball!

[fulhamfever]

Reed has to go alongside Tom Cairney.  Reeds put on weight since his injury and his conditioning is shocking injury 5 minutes in that's what happens when you don't condition well. Laughable that he gets game time

[Jims Dentist]

Reed has to go alongside Tom Cairney.  Reeds put on weight since his injury and his conditioning is shocking injury 5 minutes in that's what happens when you don't condition well. Laughable that he gets game time

Agree.