Monday Fulham Stuff - 19/01/26...

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Sunday 18/01
Wolves	0-0	Newcastle
Villa	0-1	Everton

[WhiteJC]

Transfer news and rumours today: Newcastle want Inter defender, Fulham's injured target, Brentford midfielder extends
Newcastle United have emerged as contenders to sign a long-serving Inter Milan defender during the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe has been working with a depleted defence for a number of weeks now, and the Magpies have now lost Fabian Schar for approximately three months due to a severe ankle injury.

Dan Burn is also expected to remain out until the end of the month due to a rib issue, while Jamaal Lascelles's time at St James' Park is coming towards an end.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now expressed an interest in signing Inter's Stefan de Vrij, who is now in the last six months of his contract with the Nerazzurri.

The 33-year-old reportedly saw a move to the Saudi Pro League collapse earlier this week, but he is open to leaving Inter this month after making just nine appearances so far in 2025-26.

Nottingham Forest are also keeping tabs on De Vrij, who has won two Serie A titles and reached two Champions League finals during his glittering Inter spell.

Nottingham Forest 'pushing' for Napoli defender
Should Forest lose out to Newcastle in the race for De Vrij, the Tricky Trees could still poach another defender from Serie A before the end of the month.

Sean Dyche's men held Arsenal to a creditable goalless draw in Saturday's Premier League clash, where Viktor Gyokeres got no change out of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was unavailable for that game against his parent club as per the terms of his loan agreement, but the Ukrainian could be sent back to the Emirates before the January window slams shut anyway.

If Forest do terminate Zinchenko's loan, they could replace the Premier League winner with Napoli and Uruguay's Mathias Olivera, whom Alfredo Pedulla claims they have made 'in-depth enquiries' for.

The Garibaldi may soon approach the reigning Serie A champions with a 'significant offer' for the 28-year-old, who has become frustrated at his lack of minutes for the Partenopei this season.

Olivera has started just seven Serie A matches for Napoli in 2025-26, but his contract does not expire for another four-and-a-half years.

Fulham 'not giving up' on striker with broken arm
Elsewhere in England, Fulham reportedly retain an interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, despite the American's recent serious injury.

The Cottagers were linked with a move for Pepi during the summer months but failed to agree a deal, eventually bringing in just two new players in Benjamin Lecomte and Kevin.

Pepi has continued to impress in the Netherlands with 11 goals from 22 games in all tournaments this season, although he suffered a fractured forearm in a 5-1 Eredivisie win over Excelsior on January 10.

Even though the 23-year-old could now miss up to two months, Sky Sports News claims that Fulham are still after his signature, having identified him as a long-term investment.

The report adds that the West London club are 'maintaining discussions' with Pepi's camp, but he will not arrive on the cheap, as his contract also runs until 2030.

If Fulham cannot prise Pepi away from PSV, they supposedly have alternative targets in mind, including Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, currently on loan at Roma.

Brentford stalwart signs new contract until 2030
Across the road from Craven Cottage, Brentford have confirmed a new long-term contract for midfield stalwart Vitaly Janelt, who has extended his deal until the summer of 2030.

The German lynchpin joined the Bees in 2020 and has played a fundamental role in their rise from Championship promotion battlers to Premier League European contenders.

After a slow start to the 2025-26 season, Janelt has become a mainstay of Keith Andrews's XI, starting each of Brentford's last seven Premier League matches and registering four assists in the process.

Reacting to Janelt's new contract, head coach Andrews told the Brentford website: "I'm delighted to get it done. Vitaly is a vital cog. He's so important to the way we play, and he's an influential figure in the dressing room and in the club.

"He's been an immense player for us for numerous years, so I'm really pleased to secure Vitaly's future. He's going to be a big player for us for many years to come."

Janelt boasts a total of 13 goals and 16 assists in 217 games for Brentford, who can also extend his stay by a further 12 months until 2031.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/newcastle-united/transfer-talk/news/fulham-target-striker-with-broken-arm-latest-transfer-news-and-rumours-today_590111.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join Nottingham Forest in race to sign Brighton star despite Hurzeler's comments
Fulham have reportedly joined Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Brighton's Evan Ferguson.

The striker has been at the heart of plenty of speculation following his move to AS Roma over the summer on a loan-to-buy deal.

Ferguson has scored three goals and registered two assists in the Serie A so far this season, but some of his performances have left plenty to be desired, prompting some public questioning from manager Gian Piero Gasperini previously.

Roma are said to have concerns about their strike force heading into the second half of the campaign, Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk, and are hoping to replace the duo if possible. Donyell Malen has therefore arrived from Aston Villa, whilst other targets are being explored.

Reports in Italy claim that Ferguson will return to Brighton once Roma are closing in on a replacement, and such speculation has prompted some internal discussions among Premier League outfits.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have shortlisted the 21-year-old as a potential target if he were to have his loan terminated at the Stadio Olimpico.

Marco Silva wants to sign at least one striker this summer, but talks with PSV over a deal for Ricardo Pepi are yet to progress, and alternatives are therefore coming under consideration.

Forest are similarly considering a move for Ferguson as they bid to add depth to their attacking ranks. Igor Jesus has spent the majority of the campaign as their only fully fit striker, with Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoiyi struggling with respective injuries.

Other unnamed teams are also said to have shown an interest in Ferguson, despite Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler recently insisting that he expects the forward to see out his loan with the Giallorossi.

Asked earlier this week if he expects Ferguson to remain in Rome, he said: "At the moment, that's the situation.

"Of course, like we all know, the window is open, so everything can happen, but at the moment that's the case."



https://thebrightonbase.com/brighton-transfer-news-evan-ferguson-fulham-nottingham-forest-roma/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham shock offer floated – Not giving up on exciting transfer
Fulham could revive their interest in Ricardo Pepi, despite being sent packing by PSV Eindhoven already this month.

That's according to Soccer News.

They report, from sources in England, that Pepi remains a target. 'Several English sources' have told them that Fulham have not given up hope of signing him in the January transfer window.

They have already made a move for him this month. It was later confirmed publicly that this was valued at €25m.

PSV have been adamant that they have no interest in selling Pepi this month. That offer was rejected and they've been public in their disdain for Fulham's interest. A report in the Netherlands stated they may want as much as €45m and would prefer to keep Pepi until the summer anyway.

There is a belief at the Dutch club that Pepi could impress at the World Cup and drive his value up. Selling him now, unless for a huge fee, could therefore be a mistake.

Soccer News now report that Fulham may want a second shot, though.

Fulham interest is clearly strong
That's despite Pepi breaking his arm last weekend in the 5-1 win against Excelsior. Marco Silva's side are believed to be considering submitting a second offer to PSV.

That would be bizarre given his injury, which is sure to keep the striker out of action for an extended period. Some reports have stated his lay off could be as much as two months. Spending big on him this month would, therefore, be strange for Fulham.

Nevertheless, this is a transfer Fulham are clearly keen on and their interest continues. There's always the possibility they could agree a deal now and let Pepi stay where he is for the rest of the season. That would allow Marco Silva's side to get in ahead of any World Cup boost.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-shock-offer-floated-not-giving-up-on-exciting-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Player Ratings: Leeds United 1-0 Fulham
The ratings are in after a shocking Fulham performance at Elland Road.

Fulham turned in one of their worst performances, if not the worst performance of the season and suffered a deserved defeat, albeit in devastating fashion at the death courtesy of Lukas Nmecha. Fulham were rubbish from the off and never got started, playing slow ineffective football, with no real moments of excitement. It's hard to find anything positive to say about this whatsoever.

Bernd Leno

Probably better than most. Admittedly threw the ball straight to a Leeds man in the first half which very nearly put us behind and looked nervy from Leeds' frequent corners, but his shot stopping was decent enough. Leeds had a few half chances in the second half, which Leno not only got to but also held onto every time. Would've been a sensational stop to deny Nmecha's goal, and to be fair he prevented a second just after with his best save of the game. 6/10

Timothy Castagne

Normally when Fulham have experimented with system, Castagne has often been the one moved wider in the backline, so seeing him in a centre back role out of possession was a bit strange. He always looked a tad lost on the ball, not because he played poor passes but more just because he didn't know where to play it too and often just resorted to going backwards too often. Defensively okay until he switched off in the final moments and saw Nmecha get ahead of him to score at the back post. 5/10

Joachim Andersen

Not terrible on an individual level but just a reoccurring thing with leadership was annoying. He's frequently captain of this team, with a new backline struggling that had him at the centre of it you are looking at him to show organisational and leadership qualities and he just does not. Passing was fairly solid but also so slow and so often going back to Leno, relieving us of no pressure at all. Struggled in the air against Calvert-Lewin too, getting pushed away by the forward far too easily, far too often. 4.5/10

Jorge Cuenca

Probably comes away with some credit as he wasn't as obviously terrible as most others. The only one of the centre-backs (one of the only ones in the XI, to be honest) that looked comfortable on the ball and taking it forward rather than looking panicked and going backwards. Made more clearances than any other Fulham player which didn't surprise me, he just seemed the most assured of the backline throughout in every department. Bassey will do well to instantly displace the Spaniard next weekend. Didn't do much, but didn't do as much wrong as the others. 6.5/10 – man of the match

Ryan Sessegnon

It feels horrid to go in on our Sess but it has to be done I'm afraid. The system we played in which he switched between wing-back and winger dependant on game state would be where he would thrive on paper but he looked absolutely lost. His fourteen touches were staggeringly low, completing just three (yes, THREE) passes all game. Defensively, he made zero positive contributions and was constantly chasing shadows. Going forward his final ball was never coming off at all when he got there. Many around me suggested he looked unfit but I disagree, I just thought he was uncharacteristically abysmal. 3/10

Sander Berge

Absolutely infuriating. Not the worst player on the pitch, far from it. But that was because he didn't involve himself in anything. When Leeds played through us, he was once again too passive in trying to win the ball back. When we lacked control, he, a central midfielder with obvious ball carrying abilities, made no effort to put foot to ball and change that. And all of this after he showed against Chelsea all the qualities he possesses. But what's the point when you only play like that once in a blue moon? Infuriating footballer who just doesn't do enough to justify a weekly place in the eleven. Absolute bystander and not for the first time. 3.5/10

Sasa Lukic

I can't even sit here and say I thought Lukic was even relatively good but when you compare him to his midfield partner you at the very least cannot fault his effort. Yes he struggled to win the ball back and committed multiple fouls but he tried. Yes he struggled to create but he tried going between the lines at least. He made a nice run in the first half which resulted in him setting himself up for a header which was easily stopped by Darlow. He wasn't good, but knowing he may have a semi-serious muscle injury is terrifying because I'd much rather rely on him in the middle than a bystander like Berge. 6/10

Antonee Robinson

Jesus Christ, not a good day for our wing-backs. The number of times Robinson stepped out stupidly early, got beaten so easily and then failed to recover before a cross came in was like watching a school child trying to learn a new position the way Gary Neville suggests a failed winger has to. He got forward far more often than Sess did and failed to complete a single cross, which is becoming a reoccurring theme again which is infuriating after the assist-heavy season he's come off the back of. He was terrifying to watch at both ends of the pitch and ended up getting targeted more and more as the game went on. Absolutely rubbish. 3/10

Harry Wilson

Normally in this sort of game I'd go all in on Wilson for being too quiet but thought he was subtly decent at times. Think there definitely needs to be a fair element of criticism going his way for the manner in which he struggled to play in a more central role, also struggling to join Raul in pressing high like our number two normally would. When we were terrible, he was the only one I had faith in creating, playing a couple of lovely chipped balls over the Leeds defence which sadly came to nothing. Need to play him on the right, sorry for stating the obvious. 6/10

Emile Smith Rowe

Can't fault his effort really either. Of anyone I thought he was one which was most up for the fight, winning more duals than any of our other players in the middle of the pitch from where I was watching. Four completed tackles and more interceptions than any other Fulham player backs that up. Really don't like him when he's having to drift further to the left, obviously not his fault it's how he's set up to play, but he's so much less effective on the ball than when he's more central. 6/10

Raul Jimenez

Just frustrates me watching him when we struggle as a team and it's not even his fault. Sometimes when we are poor (especially here when we were terrible) he tries to take the game by the scruff of the neck the way someone like a Harry Kane does. But this man is a predator in the box. While seeing him make four clearances, tracking back to his own box to make challenges, playing the ball from the halfway line etc all pinpoints his insanely good effort and skillsets, I just want him in the box. But he can't, because we aren't set up well enough to do that most weeks under a pragmatist manager. 6/10

Substitutes
Kevin

Came on with half an hour to go in place of Sess and seemed the obvious substitute to everyone watching with such a lack of pace in the way we were playing. Got frustrated with the lack of service which pushed him into a couple of naïve fouls with some silly pushes in the back and never really got to make an impact in the final third. 5.5/10

Tom Cairney

Like Raul, I felt for Tom here. Replaced Lukic which felt right because we lacked control but those around him failed him. TC got on the ball more than anyone else in the final quarter of the game but every time had to turn and turn and beg for an out ball because there was zero movement around him. No point bringing on your best technical player to gain control if he's got nobody to pass to. 6/10
Marco Silva

Recently he deserves credit, no denying it. We've played some extremely difficult opponent with extremely limited depth and got some great results from taking the game to those teams. So why on God's earth did he decide he'd set up so negatively with a system alien to so many of the eleven. Castagne, Sess, Jedi, Wilson, ESR all looked completely out of place as we interchanged between a back five out of possession and a back four in it. That level of negativity got what it deserved. We played slow, lethargic football at the back, with f all clear cut chances created at the top end of the pitch. Issa Diop replacing Harry Wilson with two minutes of normal time to play in a level game against opponents below us in the league summed the whole afternoon up for a manager who just can't seem to help himself from returning to his negative ways. He was a disgrace and his team's performance and end result reflected his idiocies in how he set them up. Pathetic. And just like I spoke of regarding Sander Berge and how the game with Chelsea planned out, it all felt so unnecessary. We can be so much better than he allows us to be sometimes. 2/10



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-leeds-united-1-0-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal, Fulham decisions allowed QPR to hit transfer jackpot
It's fair to say that a number of clubs are kicking themselves over former QPR star Eberechi Eze, including Premier League sides like Arsenal and Fulham.

There is something quietly humbling about Eze's rise to the very top of English football. In an era where academy reputations often feel as powerful as the players themselves, Eze's journey is a reminder that development is rarely linear — and that Football League clubs continue to thrive by spotting what others have overlooked.

Released by Arsenal and Fulham but also Millwall and Reading as a youngster, Eze's early years were defined by rejection rather than acclaim and. He was a gifted footballer, no doubt, but elite academies were overlooking him continuously. Arsenal, in particular, allowed a local talent to slip through the net and it looked understandable at the time.

In hindsight, it has become one of those decisions that quietly gnaws away. However, Fulham's role in this story is especially striking as well. Known for having one of the most productive academies in the country in the 21st century, they made the call that Eze was not quite what they needed.

The decision from Fulham was one which was rooted in short-term assessment rather than long-term projection. Queens Park Rangers, however, saw something different.

Eberechi Eze's rise at QPR in the Championship
 Joining the club from Millwall in 2016 after his release, Eze found the environment he needed at Loftus Road. QPR have long had a reputation for giving technical players freedom, and following a brief stint with Wycombe Wanderers on loan alongside Adebayo Akinfenwa, under managers willing to trust him, Eze blossomed.

In many ways, the Championship became his canvas. By the time the 2019/20 season rolled around, Eze was no longer a prospect — he was a star. Operating primarily off the left but drifting inside, or as an out-and-out No.10, he played with a confidence and personality that set him apart.

His close control in tight spaces, ability to glide past defenders, and willingness to take responsibility in big moments made him one of the most watchable players outside the Premier League — and at such a tender age as well. That season, Eze contributed goals, assists and — perhaps most importantly — belief.

QPR were not a promotion-chasing side, but every time Eze picked up the ball, Loftus Road leaned forward expectantly. It was inevitable that Premier League interest would follow for a player aged just 22 by the end of that campaign, with Eze having scored 14 and notched eight assists in 46 Championship games.

Crystal Palace's decision to move quickly in the summer of 2020 proved decisive. Paying what was, at the time, a significant fee for a Championship player, Palace took a calculated risk. The second tier was proving to be a fruitful market for a number of clubs, and Palace were no different.

In doing so, both Palace and QPR hit the jackpot. The structure of the deal, including add-ons and sell-on clauses, exemplified exactly how smart EFL recruitment for players let go at academy level can underpin a club's finances for years. They took a chance on Eze and reaped the rewards via his switch to Selhurst Park.

Eze's Palace career was the natural continuation of his upward curve. Initially adapting to Premier League intensity, he has since grown into one of the division's most effective attacking midfielders. Injuries certainly threatened to stall his momentum at one point, but his resilience has been as impressive as his talent.

Eberechi Eze's dream move to Arsenal
 Now 27 and firmly at his peak, Eze is the complete modern attacker. He combines explosive ball-carrying with improved decision-making, end product, and tactical intelligence. He can operate between the lines, break low blocks, and change games with a moment of individual brilliance.

Those attributes have not gone unnoticed and were the primary reason for Palace's success in the FA Cup last season, with four goals and an assist in the competition on their way to winning it. A big game player, Eze bagged the winner in the 1-0 win over Man City back in May.

With Arsenal consistently linked as he approached his prime years, the narrative has come full circle. The boyhood Gunners fan, once deemed surplus to requirements, has forced his way back into the conversation through performances with QPR and Palace.

For QPR, this is a success story that deserves retelling. They took a chance, gave Eze minutes, trust and responsibility, and were rewarded handsomely. For Arsenal and Fulham, it is a reminder that development timelines differ — and that releasing a player too early can carry long-term consequences.

Arsenal had to shell out for Eze, having had him on their books, but he would not be the player he is now without that EFL development with QPR and Wycombe. For that, and most of all, Eze's journey is a celebration of the Football League's role in English football's ecosystem.

Without those experiences, there is no current Arsenal star notching hat-tricks in North London derbies against Spurs, no England international, and no big-money return to the very club that once let him go.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/arsenal-fulham-decisions-allowed-qpr-to-hit-transfer-jackpot/

[WhiteJC]

Everton And Fulham 'Among The Most Active' In Interest In Bundesliga Star
Everton and Fulham are both interested in Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer, with a move for the Austrian in this month's transfer window not ruled out.

David Moyes is in the market for additions in the final third and Everton were in for Brennan Johnson, only to see him prefer a move to Crystal Palace, with the Wales international keen to stay in London.

Other options are on the table for the Toffees, including Saint-Etienne attacker Zuriko Davitashvili, who has impressed in Ligue 2 this season.

Saint-Etienne are firmly opposed to letting him go this month as they feel it could damage their promotion prospects and they recently turned down a bid from Olympiacos.

It has now emerged that Everton are looking at an option in the Bundesliga and they have been joined by Fulham in the pursuit.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, four English sides have asked for information about Wolfsburg winger Wimmer and amongst them, Everton and Fulham are 'among the most active sides showing interest'.

Wolfsburg are not opposed to letting the Austrian go this month if they receive an offer which they find to be convincing.

Whether Everton or Fulham will translate their interest into a solid bid in the coming days remains to be seen, but Wimmer also has interest from Italy.

Bologna, Lazio and Fiorentina are all looking at the winger, though La Viola have already added two wingers this month in the shape of Jack Harrison from Leeds United and Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham have European ambitions this term, but their form took a knock on Saturday when they were beaten 1-0 at Leeds.

Marco Silva looks to feel he needs reinforcements and Wimmer could fit the bill for the Cottagers.

An Austria international, the 24-year-old rose to prominence at Austria Vienna before being taken to Germany by Arminia Bielefeld in 2021.

Wolfsburg snapped Wimmer up the following year and his current deal at the Volkswagen Arena runs until the summer of 2027.

In last year's winter transfer window, Leicester City looked at bringing Wimmer to England, but only wanted a loan, while Wolfsburg favoured a permanent sale.

The German club could well believe that given his contractual situation, this month would represent the best chance to get the most value from a sale.

Wimmer has clocked 15 Bundesliga outings this season so far, scoring three times and providing three assists.

He featured for over an hour in the recent 8-1 thrashing Wolfsburg suffered at the hands of Bayern Munich.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/01/18/everton-and-fulham-among-the-most-active-in-interest-in-bundesliga-star/703607/