Summer Silly Season Transfer Thread 2025

[Angus Telford]

Angus is the one going on about how we should change our transfer strategy and putting Brighton forward as a model team, which is why I used them as an example. The minute we are even suggested to act like they do in a window it is suddenly an issue though.

You were the one who brought Brighton into this. Yes I've said we should more young players and/or from foreign markets - which Brighton do (along with almost all our peers). But that's a different debate to Fulham's realistic transfer budget/ceiling for squad players.

[jayffc]

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/1935730982843220111

Dear lord if this happens. By far and the most promising of the youngsters tgat haven't made the first team yet. 

Kids 16. Literally nothing we can do, he shouldnt be anywhere near our starting 11 yet and won't be if he moves there. But they get excited by the lights and could just as easily end up like Carvalho now on brentfords bench, or worse - Roberts after Man City, its seemingly fairly rarely the right move at this stage imo. But these kids never seem to learn. Elliot did pretty well at liverpool but even he's been shown the door there now.

Such a shame if Seth and Josh don't stick around and develop here. If they impress in our first team when they get opportunities, they'll get minutes just like Sess and Fabio did and can grow in the right direction.

Ah well. Fingers crossed we can convince these kids it's in their best interest to play and develop here, then build up to a big move later rather than the other way round

[alfie]

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/1935730982843220111

Dear lord if this happens. By far and the most promising of the youngsters tgat haven't made the first team yet. 

Kids 16. Literally nothing we can do, he shouldnt be anywhere near our starting 11 yet and won't be if he moves there. But they get excited by the lights and could just as easily end up like Carvalho now on brentfords bench, or worse - Roberts after Man City, its seemingly fairly rarely the right move at this stage imo. But these kids never seem to learn. Elliot did pretty well at liverpool but even he's been shown the door there now.

Such a shame if Seth and Josh don't stick around and develop here. If they impress in our first team when they get opportunities, they'll get minutes just like Sess and Fabio did and can grow in the right direction.

Ah well. Fingers crossed we can convince these kids it's in their best interest to play and develop here, then build up to a big move later rather than the other way round

Convince whoever is looking after him, someone might want a payday.

[Drewry66]

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/1935730982843220111

Dear lord if this happens. By far and the most promising of the youngsters tgat haven't made the first team yet. 

Kids 16. Literally nothing we can do, he shouldnt be anywhere near our starting 11 yet and won't be if he moves there. But they get excited by the lights and could just as easily end up like Carvalho now on brentfords bench, or worse - Roberts after Man City, its seemingly fairly rarely the right move at this stage imo. But these kids never seem to learn. Elliot did pretty well at liverpool but even he's been shown the door there now.

Such a shame if Seth and Josh don't stick around and develop here. If they impress in our first team when they get opportunities, they'll get minutes just like Sess and Fabio did and can grow in the right direction.

Ah well. Fingers crossed we can convince these kids it's in their best interest to play and develop here, then build up to a big move later rather than the other way round

Yeah nothing we can do. Believe we can't offer a long term deal until 18 anyway so powerless.

Yeah not going to be anywhere near the 1st team yet but looked really classy for his age when I've seen him. He's at a very good school in London so hoping he/his parents may want to keep him there for A levels as most don't make it of course.

[Drewry66]

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/1935773404042289483

Sounds like Luc may know he's in the right place at least. 

[Cottages]

We have been succession planning since finishing 10th in our first season back. We're in a stable position to kick on. The material links to players like Richarlison, Diarra, Pepi etc are  testament to that. We have money to spend for the first time and there is a feeling that we don't want to screw it up as spectacularly as we did in 2018. Expect the window to be a classic Fulham window - last minute deals, but this time with a bit more money to spend.

Have we been succession planning though? Think it's one area we haven't really been good at it. Bassey and Ream is only example of it I think.

I would welcome it if we do now. Felt we needed an understudy for Joao the season before he left, but was a replacement.

I would argue we are succession planning. The signing of ESR hasn't gone to plan (yet), but he is young, and certainly talented. Josh King is effectively a premier league player already. Berge & Lukic are in their prime. That is why the Diarra link makes perfect sense. Muniz has grown magnificently over the past 3 seasons into a premier league player. That was succession planning. We are in a really strong position. It is now about adding extra quality in wide areas (hence Richarlison links) and defensive cover.

I agree that it is planning to a certain extent-
Many forget that Cuenca, Sess, Nelson (think it was more than a loan, hence him having his rehab here and showing up for lap at end of season), ESR were all 24 or under when bought in last season. Berge 26. This compares favourably with previous years and shows a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing the age of the squad.

Scraping the barrel somewhat. So we've only signed three 24 year olds in three years, one player under 24 (Bassey) and no one under 23. That's shocking and extraordinary. Even if we are indeed "succession planning", we're still doing less of it than every other club.

This narrative makes me laugh. Just because clubs are signing 19 year olds does not mean they are planning for the future. Look at Franca at Palace, big wedge of cash unloaded onto him, played about 70 mins in 3 seasons. Buying 25 + year olds (under Marco's leadership) does more for us than a Franca. Of course the dream is to unlock a gem, but we have proven time and time again that we can not hold onto gems, so why go for them?

[MickTheBeard]

I've seen Seth play has big promise not the biggest I have always pushed for more youth if you have a few in 1st team can spend more on imports,in the muddyman days the vice presidents and the riversiders used to help raise funds for the academy skinner to burnley and the right back to Wimbledon got a mental block with name transfer fees and our collections every bit helps and the players understood but if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

[jayffc]

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/1935773404042289483

Sounds like Luc may know he's in the right place at least. 

One who's always come across like his heads in right place. And agree it's time for a champ loan. The guys now becoming a starter for Canada aged only 19 , he's earnt playtime to develop.  Tough position to break through as a youngster.

Ideal world:
Champ loan
If that goes well...
Promoted prem team loan...
If that goes well ...

Try and Take over from Anderson aged 21/22

[Angus Telford]

We have been succession planning since finishing 10th in our first season back. We're in a stable position to kick on. The material links to players like Richarlison, Diarra, Pepi etc are  testament to that. We have money to spend for the first time and there is a feeling that we don't want to screw it up as spectacularly as we did in 2018. Expect the window to be a classic Fulham window - last minute deals, but this time with a bit more money to spend.

Have we been succession planning though? Think it's one area we haven't really been good at it. Bassey and Ream is only example of it I think.

I would welcome it if we do now. Felt we needed an understudy for Joao the season before he left, but was a replacement.

I would argue we are succession planning. The signing of ESR hasn't gone to plan (yet), but he is young, and certainly talented. Josh King is effectively a premier league player already. Berge & Lukic are in their prime. That is why the Diarra link makes perfect sense. Muniz has grown magnificently over the past 3 seasons into a premier league player. That was succession planning. We are in a really strong position. It is now about adding extra quality in wide areas (hence Richarlison links) and defensive cover.

I agree that it is planning to a certain extent-
Many forget that Cuenca, Sess, Nelson (think it was more than a loan, hence him having his rehab here and showing up for lap at end of season), ESR were all 24 or under when bought in last season. Berge 26. This compares favourably with previous years and shows a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing the age of the squad.

Scraping the barrel somewhat. So we've only signed three 24 year olds in three years, one player under 24 (Bassey) and no one under 23. That's shocking and extraordinary. Even if we are indeed "succession planning", we're still doing less of it than every other club.

This narrative makes me laugh. Just because clubs are signing 19 year olds does not mean they are planning for the future. Look at Franca at Palace, big wedge of cash unloaded onto him, played about 70 mins in 3 seasons. Buying 25 + year olds (under Marco's leadership) does more for us than a Franca. Of course the dream is to unlock a gem, but we have proven time and time again that we can not hold onto gems, so why go for them?

Palace matched us in the league and won the FA Cup with a team that, across the squad, has 2-3 years more longevity than ours.

[Cottages]

We have been succession planning since finishing 10th in our first season back. We're in a stable position to kick on. The material links to players like Richarlison, Diarra, Pepi etc are  testament to that. We have money to spend for the first time and there is a feeling that we don't want to screw it up as spectacularly as we did in 2018. Expect the window to be a classic Fulham window - last minute deals, but this time with a bit more money to spend.

Have we been succession planning though? Think it's one area we haven't really been good at it. Bassey and Ream is only example of it I think.

I would welcome it if we do now. Felt we needed an understudy for Joao the season before he left, but was a replacement.

I would argue we are succession planning. The signing of ESR hasn't gone to plan (yet), but he is young, and certainly talented. Josh King is effectively a premier league player already. Berge & Lukic are in their prime. That is why the Diarra link makes perfect sense. Muniz has grown magnificently over the past 3 seasons into a premier league player. That was succession planning. We are in a really strong position. It is now about adding extra quality in wide areas (hence Richarlison links) and defensive cover.

I agree that it is planning to a certain extent-
Many forget that Cuenca, Sess, Nelson (think it was more than a loan, hence him having his rehab here and showing up for lap at end of season), ESR were all 24 or under when bought in last season. Berge 26. This compares favourably with previous years and shows a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing the age of the squad.

Scraping the barrel somewhat. So we've only signed three 24 year olds in three years, one player under 24 (Bassey) and no one under 23. That's shocking and extraordinary. Even if we are indeed "succession planning", we're still doing less of it than every other club.

This narrative makes me laugh. Just because clubs are signing 19 year olds does not mean they are planning for the future. Look at Franca at Palace, big wedge of cash unloaded onto him, played about 70 mins in 3 seasons. Buying 25 + year olds (under Marco's leadership) does more for us than a Franca. Of course the dream is to unlock a gem, but we have proven time and time again that we can not hold onto gems, so why go for them?

Palace matched us in the league and won the FA Cup with a team that, across the squad, has 2-3 years more longevity than ours.

Really backwards commentary there unfortunately. That's what you get for being in the premier league for the last 10 seasons +. Constant revenue and a bit of genuine luck for the FA cup. We finished above them in the league and I'd argue we're aiming for better players than them. Let's take a deep breath, and understand we have a big budget, we're getting the right ones in to accelerate past the Palaces' of the world.

[Angus Telford]

We have been succession planning since finishing 10th in our first season back. We're in a stable position to kick on. The material links to players like Richarlison, Diarra, Pepi etc are  testament to that. We have money to spend for the first time and there is a feeling that we don't want to screw it up as spectacularly as we did in 2018. Expect the window to be a classic Fulham window - last minute deals, but this time with a bit more money to spend.

Have we been succession planning though? Think it's one area we haven't really been good at it. Bassey and Ream is only example of it I think.

I would welcome it if we do now. Felt we needed an understudy for Joao the season before he left, but was a replacement.

I would argue we are succession planning. The signing of ESR hasn't gone to plan (yet), but he is young, and certainly talented. Josh King is effectively a premier league player already. Berge & Lukic are in their prime. That is why the Diarra link makes perfect sense. Muniz has grown magnificently over the past 3 seasons into a premier league player. That was succession planning. We are in a really strong position. It is now about adding extra quality in wide areas (hence Richarlison links) and defensive cover.

I agree that it is planning to a certain extent-
Many forget that Cuenca, Sess, Nelson (think it was more than a loan, hence him having his rehab here and showing up for lap at end of season), ESR were all 24 or under when bought in last season. Berge 26. This compares favourably with previous years and shows a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing the age of the squad.

Scraping the barrel somewhat. So we've only signed three 24 year olds in three years, one player under 24 (Bassey) and no one under 23. That's shocking and extraordinary. Even if we are indeed "succession planning", we're still doing less of it than every other club.

This narrative makes me laugh. Just because clubs are signing 19 year olds does not mean they are planning for the future. Look at Franca at Palace, big wedge of cash unloaded onto him, played about 70 mins in 3 seasons. Buying 25 + year olds (under Marco's leadership) does more for us than a Franca. Of course the dream is to unlock a gem, but we have proven time and time again that we can not hold onto gems, so why go for them?

Palace matched us in the league and won the FA Cup with a team that, across the squad, has 2-3 years more longevity than ours.

Really backwards commentary there unfortunately. That's what you get for being in the premier league for the last 10 seasons +. Constant revenue and a bit of genuine luck for the FA cup. We finished above them in the league and I'd argue we're aiming for better players than them. Let's take a deep breath, and understand we have a big budget, we're getting the right ones in to accelerate past the Palaces' of the world.

Nothing lucky about the way they turned us over in the cup and they were better in the league from August onwards. If we outspend/outperform them in the market this summer, fair enough - let's see.

[hopper]

On the Palace chat, they do have advantage of having been in PL longer than us, but they have done far better than us at buying from Championship. Eze, Olise, Wharton are all players we could hypothetically have been in for but it's a market we just don't use.

Do envy them that. Have we had a single player as good as Eze in our PL years? Dembele and Saha I guess come close, but my god he's so good.

[Fulham Tup North]

.... if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

Those positive pills just do not work, do they...
 

[iansthailand]

.... if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

Those positive pills just do not work, do they...
 

The problem is Tup North he didn't swallow them , he shoved them where the sun don't shine

[@jolslover]

On the Palace chat, they do have advantage of having been in PL longer than us, but they have done far better than us at buying from Championship. Eze, Olise, Wharton are all players we could hypothetically have been in for but it's a market we just don't use.

Do envy them that. Have we had a single player as good as Eze in our PL years? Dembele and Saha I guess come close, but my god he's so good.

Berba? Dembele as good imo

[Alec of good Stock]

I've seen Seth play has big promise not the biggest I have always pushed for more youth if you have a few in 1st team can spend more on imports,in the muddyman days the vice presidents and the riversiders used to help raise funds for the academy skinner to burnley and the right back to Wimbledon got a mental block with name transfer fees and our collections every bit helps and the players understood but if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

I agree, but there is such a big difference with a young player being given his chance in the old 3rd Div and now in the Premiership, far more pressure to succeed nowadays on the player and manager and the quality has to be so much higher. In those days we were broke and the only other option was to bring in a free transfer which, on occasion, we did very well, mainly in the Micky Adams days.
Duncan Jupp (RB) and Gary Elkins (LB) both moved to Wimbledon. If you mean Justin Skinner, he moved to Bristol Rovers.

[JimOG]

I've seen Seth play has big promise not the biggest I have always pushed for more youth if you have a few in 1st team can spend more on imports,in the muddyman days the vice presidents and the riversiders used to help raise funds for the academy skinner to burnley and the right back to Wimbledon got a mental block with name transfer fees and our collections every bit helps and the players understood but if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

I agree, but there is such a big difference with a young player being given his chance in the old 3rd Div and now in the Premiership, far more pressure to succeed nowadays on the player and manager and the quality has to be so much higher. In those days we were broke and the only other option was to bring in a free transfer which, on occasion, we did very well, mainly in the Micky Adams days.
Duncan Jupp (RB) and Gary Elkins (LB) both moved to Wimbledon. If you mean Justin Skinner, he moved to Bristol Rovers.

According to Sky Sports Napoli have bid €25 million for O'Riley ---

[Fulham Tup North]

.... if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

Those positive pills just do not work, do they...
 

The problem is Tup North he didn't swallow them , he shoved them where the sun don't shine

Bridlington??   

[iansthailand]

.... if you don't have a Dof on-site show some love they will not be loyal and we have the wrong owners and ceo for that if the lads leave hope the stand sinks with the 3 in it.

Those positive pills just do not work, do they...
 

The problem is Tup North he didn't swallow them , he shoved them where the sun don't shine

Bridlington??   

Too far north for me mate. The north starts at the Queen Elizabeth Bridge/Dartford Tunnel.

[Angus Telford]

Have we had a single player as good as Eze in our PL years? Dembele and Saha I guess come close, but my god he's so good.

And of course both signed at a younger age (Saha 21, Dembele had just turned 23) than anyone we've signed since Muniz four years ago.