Friday Fulham Stuff - 08/05/26...

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Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Fulham rival Everton for Federico Gatti
Aston Villa and Fulham will reportedly compete with Everton in the race to sign 27-year-old Italian international Federico Gatti from Juventus this summer.

According to a report by Italian outlet Tuttosport, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are interested in Federico Gatti. The Juventus centre-back is also a target for Everton, and he is ready to entertain offers in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Bianconeri will demand around €20-25 million to part ways with the 27-year-old in the coming months.

How has Federico Gatti fared at Juventus?
Federico Gatti has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Juventus from Frosinone. The Serie A giants initially signed the Rivoli native on loan in January 2022 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window. However, the player has had to bide his time during his stint at the Allianz Stadium in the last four years.

The Italian international has been in and out of the starting lineup this season, managing only 1,533 minutes of game time across 25 appearances in all competitions thus far. Nevertheless, Gatti's stock is high, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Will Gatti seal Premier League transfer this summer?
The 27-year-old has been on Aston Villa's radar for several years, and the continued interest makes sense. The Villans are scouring the market for a centre-back, as Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof are approaching the twilight of their careers. So, the West Midlands outfit must sign a centre-back who can line up alongside Ezri Konsa for a few seasons, making Gatti an appealing target.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's interest in Federico Gatti is understandable. The Eagles are combing the market for a centre-back as they have yet to fill Marc Guehi's void at Selhurst Park after selling the Englishman to Manchester City. Several candidates, including x, have thus emerged on Crystal Palace's wishlist, with Gatti also a viable target.

As for Everton, the Toffees also hold a long-standing interest in Gatti. The Merseyside outfit will dip into the market for a centre-back, as Jarrad Branthwaite has struggled with fitness issues this season. Additionally, Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are on the wrong side of 30. So, Gatti is an option worth considering.

Meanwhile, Fulham's interest is surprising, as Calvin Bassey and Joachim Andersen have been reliable at the heart of the West London club's defence. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Italian international is a target, and Juventus's asking price of €20-25 million makes him an appealing option. With the player ready to leave the Bianconeri this summer, a move to the Premier League may be on the cards.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/05/07/aston-villa-crystal-palace-fulham-rival-everton-for-federico-gatti/

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Preview: Fulham vs Bournemouth - prediction, team news, lineups
On opposite ends of 3-0 scorelines in gameweek 35, European-chasing Fulham and Bournemouth do battle at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

The illness-hit Cottagers were comprehensively beaten by Arsenal last time out, while the Cherries capitalised on Crystal Palace's continental fatigue in a 3-0 victory over the Eagles.

Match preview

Fulham's gritty victory over Aston Villa and Arsenal's taxing away day at Atletico Madrid gave rise to a competitive London derby between the two clubs at the Emirates Stadium last week, but the first 45 minutes was the furthest thing from a contest.

Hampered by a sickness bug that swept its way through the training ground before the game, the Cottagers succumbed to two Viktor Gyokeres goals either side of a Bukayo Saka strike, in what was their joint-heaviest defeat of the Premier League season.

A scoreless second half was little consolation for Marco Silva, whose uncertain contract situation is also not helping matters at Craven Cottage, where he could very well be taking charge of his penultimate home game for Fulham this weekend.

The Portuguese's team remain just three points below the top seven in the Premier League table, though, and the hosts have an applaudable home record to fall back on, winning 10 of their 17 top-flight games at Craven Cottage this term.

Only Arsenal (14), Manchester United, Manchester City (12) and Aston Villa (11) have picked up more Premier League home victories than the Cottagers in 2025-26, and only twice have Silva's side been shut out on their own turf - against the Gunners and West Ham United.

As Fulham go in search of a 15th Premier League victory of the season, visiting Bournemouth endeavour to extend a tremendous 15-match unbeaten run - the longest of its kind in the division right now.

The departing Andoni Iraola has overseen seven victories and eight draws during that scarcely believable sequence, the most recent triumph coming in convincing circumstances against Palace, as Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan struck after a Jefferson Lerma own goal.

While Arsenal benefitted from Fulham's unsuccessful attempt at infection control, Bournemouth took advantage of Palace having an empty tank - in the words of Oliver Glasner - to keep their Champions League hopes alive; the sixth-placed Cherries sit six points adrift of the top five.

Iraola's attackers have also rediscovered their best selves at the best time, as after Bournemouth scored just one goal in four games between February 21 and March 14, they have since netted at least twice in each of their last five.

The South Coast side also strolled to a 3-1 home win over Fulham in October, and are aiming to do the Premier League double over the Cottagers for the first time; last year's Craven Cottage contest ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

Fulham Premier League form:

    D    W    L    D    W    L

Bournemouth Premier League form:

    D    D    W    W    D    W

Team News
Fulham fulcrum Sander Berge was the one notable illness absentee from the squad to face Arsenal, but the Scandinavian should have recovered in time to replace Harrison Reed in midfield this weekend.

Emile Smith Rowe is also expected to be given the all-clear despite coming off with cramp at the Emirates, but Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Alex Iwobi (thigh) and Kevin (toe) are all on the sidelines.

Raul Jimenez's unsuccessful outing at Arsenal means that he has now failed to score in four successive Premier League games, but the Mexican is fond of facing the Cherries, having netted five goals in six top-flight starts against Saturday's opponents.

Meanwhile, it is as you were on the injury front for Bournemouth, who are still missing Julio Soler (thigh), Lewis Cook (thigh) and Justin Kluivert (knee) but have no fresh concerns from the win over Palace.

Kroupi's penalty last time out marked the 19-year-old's 12th goal of the Premier League season, the joint-most for any teenager in their debut campaign in the competition, alongside Robbie Keane from 1999-00.

Only four players have ever scored more Premier League goals in a single season before turning 20 - Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen (twice), Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Anelka - and Kroupi should continue just behind Evanilson in an untouched XI.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, King, Chukwueze; Jimenez

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson

We say: Fulham 1-1 Bournemouth

So long as Fulham have stayed virus-free this week, expect to see a re-energised Cottagers on their own turf, where Silva's men have got the better of their opponents more often than not this term.

Victory may still be beyond the inconsistent hosts, but as Bournemouth have become the stalemate specialists this season - drawing a league-high 16 games - a share of the spoils is a realistic outcome.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/fulham-vs-bournemouth-prediction-team-news-lineups_597039.html

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Fulham lineup vs. Bournemouth: Predicted XI for Premier League fixture as Emile Smith Rowe dropped
Fulham playmaker Emile Smith Rowe could be at risk of dropping out of the starting XI when the Cottagers play host to Bournemouth in Saturday's Premier League fixture.

The 25-year-old played 78 minutes of last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal before coming off injured, although Marco Silva played down his concern as cramp.

However, Smith Rowe's fruitless outing at the Emirates means that he has now gone 18 Premier League games without a goal or assist, and all the while, teenager Joshua King is pushing for more starts.

The latter was one of Fulham's brightest players at Arsenal during his short-lived cameo, winning two free kicks and completing six carries, so Smith Rowe's spot in the side is undoubtedly at risk.

King could therefore slot into an otherwise unchanged attack alongside Harry Wilson, Samuel Chukwueze and Raul Jimenez, who boasts an impressive five goals from six Premier League starts against Bournemouth.

Silva's side were beset by illness before the trip to the Emirates, and one of the victims was Sander Berge, but the Norwegian should have recovered in time to displace Harrison Reed in midfield.

Ryan Sessegnon would ordinarily come into contention to replace Antonee Robinson, but as the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man is out with a thigh injury, Silva should stick with an untouched backline.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, King, Chukwueze; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/smith-rowe-dropped-in-double-change-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-bournemouth_597041.html

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Everton preparing offer to re-sign 22-year-old with Fulham bid expected as well
Everton are preparing a proposal to re-sign a former player of theirs, but they'll face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Fulham.

Everton make summer plans as European dream flickers
David Moyes has spent much of this season confounding expectations, steering Everton into genuine contention for European football.

The ambition has been real, the progress tangible, and the performance against Man City on Monday — taking the title-chasers to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after leading 3-1 with under 10 minutes to play — was the kind of display that encapsulates both the promise and the frustration of this Toffees side.

Everton sit 10th in the table, three points behind Brentford in seventh with three games remaining.

Their form has faltered in recent weeks, with stoppage time winners conceded against both Liverpool and West Ham in consecutive matches, and the City draw — so tantalisingly close to a result that would have kept European qualification very much alive — ended in the same heartbreaking fashion.

The Merseysiders can still make Europe, but they can't afford any more slips.

Moyes himself has acknowledged the squad is still a work in progress, with their rebuild expected to take a further two summer windows to complete, and the focus behind the scenes has already shifted to identifying the right additions to take the club forward next season.

Everton preparing offer to re-sign Isaac Price with Fulham bid expected
One name firmly in their sights, according to SportsBoom, is West Bromwich Albion's Isaac Price, and the move carries a personal dimension that Moyes will not have missed.

Price came through Everton's academy before departing for Standard Liège, and the club are understood to be preparing an offer structured around a "homecoming" narrative, recognising the 22-year-old as someone with genuine ties to the club.

The ex-Everton gem has been one of the Baggies' standout performers this season, establishing himself as an indispensable figure in West Brom's midfield with his energy, range of passing and ability to contribute in both directions.

He has also cemented himself as a key figure for the Northern Ireland national team, adding an international dimension to his profile that only enhances his appeal at Premier League level.

West Brom regard him as untouchable in principle — their most successful piece of recent recruitment since signing him from Liège in January 2025.

With his contract running until June 2029 and no release clause in place, Brom hold all the leverage in any negotiation.

Everton are not alone in their pursuit, either.

Fulham are expected to move for Price as soon as the season ends, with sources indicating Marco Silva's side will table an opening offer of £10.5 million plus performance bonuses — a package likely to fall short of what West Brom will demand.

Crystal Palace and several newly promoted clubs are also monitoring the situation.

For Everton, the appeal is clear.

James Garner has been exceptional this season, but Moyes will want competition and depth in a midfield that has occasionally lacked dynamism.

Whether the homecoming story is enough to edge Fulham out of the race remains to be seen.



https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-transfers-west-brom-isaac-price-fulham/

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Arsenal, Manchester United rival Fulham in race to sign Danilo
Arsenal and Manchester United will reportedly compete with Fulham in the race to sign 25-year-old Brazilian international Danilo from Botafogo this summer.

According to a report by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Danilo. The Botafogo midfielder is also a target for Fulham, with  Barcelona and AC Milan also vying for his signature this summer. Meanwhile, the Brazilian club will demand around €40 million to sell the 25-year-old in the coming months.

How has Danilo fared since returning to Brazil?
Danilo has established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in his homeland since joining Botafogo from Nottingham Forest last summer. Born in Salvador, the South American midfielder spent his formative years in Brazil and graduated from the youth division at Palmeiras. That helped him secure a move to Nottingham Forest, where he spent 30 months at the City Ground.

The 25-year-old returned to Brazil nearly 12 months ago, and he has been solid in the middle of the park for Fogao. The Brazilian midfielder has impressed with his output, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 39 appearances for Botafogo. Meanwhile, his exploits have piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Arsenal, Fulham, and Manchester United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League return on the horizon?
Arsenal may dip into the market for a versatile and productive midfielder this summer, and Mikel Arteta wants alternatives to the first-choice duo of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the middle of the park. The Spanish tactician's intentions have become clear in the past week, as Myles Lewis-Skelly has started in the central areas ahead of Zubimendi. So, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder is an option worth considering for Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Danilo has been on Fulham's wishlist for a long time, but the West London club failed with a bid last summer. The continued interest makes sense, as Sasa Lukic has fallen in stature in recent weeks. While Alex Iwobi has stepped up in a central role, Marco Silva requires additional options in the middle of the park, and the Botafogo mainstay has emerged as a viable target.

As for Manchester United, the Red Devils also hold a long-standing interest in the player. They are scouring the market for a holding midfielder as they prepare for Casemiro's departure as a free agent this summer. With Manuel Ugarte being a liability throughout his stint with Manchester United, they need a solution from the market.

With Barcelona and AC Milan also involved in the battle for Danilo's signature, Fulham may risk falling behind, as the other suitors can offer UEFA Champions League football. Nevertheless, the Cottagers should have the financial bandwidth to afford a deal worth €40 million to land the 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/05/07/arsenal-manchester-united-rival-fulham-in-race-to-sign-danilo/

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Fulham need to "be more Bournemouth"
Ahead of our make-or-break game on Saturday, we'd do well to look at our European rivals.

As the title of this week's Thursday Club notes, Saturday is the last chance saloon when it comes to Europe. Lose, and we're cooked - that we can all agree on.

Sammy wrote earlier this week that nine points - and no fewer - will get us into a European competition this term. I think seven could do it, but six certainly won't.

But Bournemouth haven't lost a league game since 3 January, when they lost to Arsenal - who they then beat at the Emirates later in this run. It's incredible when you think about it.

It's even more astonishing when you think about all the players they sold in the summer - famously raking in £200m in the process - and the fact they lost Antoine Semenyo in the January window. It shouldn't be possible.

This is all before we mention that their boss, Andoni Iraola, publicly announced his intention to leave in the summer. Historically, that's a kiss of death; football is littered with examples of that, from Alex Ferguson's first retirement announcement in 2001 to Arsene Wenger in 2018 and Jurgen Klopp in 2024. It's even happened here, with Jean Tigana being told he'd be leaving the club in the summer of 2003, before being shown the door a month later.

That sort of clarity can be a detriment. But so can uncertainty. I've written before about how Marco Silva's future has become a millstone. I still subscribe to that school of thought. Our last six games read: two wins, two draws, two losses. It is the perfect summary of our season - and symptomatic of our current relationship with our boss.

Bournemouth's recruitment to replace the £200m exodus speaks for itself. Our recruitment, though impressive in many areas, is slower and based more on stringent negotiation and brinkmanship. We're not as nimble in the market; not as fluid.

Then there's the progress away from the pitch. It's not as important to many, but it's worth mentioning as it further illustrates the Cherries' well-oiled lean machine. A swift announcement of premium brand Vitality as it's front-of-shirt sponsor ushered in the post-gambling era, while a club-record deal with Hummel shows that Bournemouth are determined not to stand still in any area.

But as good as it's going down south, we have to be the party poopers this weekend. We're more than capable of winning, but a draw would also give us a fighting chance in our final two games. And that's where the opportunity lies. Bournemouth have drawn 16 times this season - the most in the top flight this term and their highest number in 20 years.

We shouldn't play for a point, of course. Our form at Craven Cottage is what's brought us to the dance in these final three games. And with our own series of stories entering their final chapters, we must focus on writing happy endings.

But when the dust settles on 2025/26 and we look at where we want to go in the future, we could do a lot worse than looking at our opponents this weekend.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulham-need-to-be-more-bournemouth

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Frank Lampard to Fulham? Richard Keys 'hearing' Coventry City rumour
Fulham are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move for Coventry City boss Frank Lampard.

Lampard has done a stellar job in charge of the Sky Blues, guiding them to the Championship title, and bringing top-flight football back to Coventry for the first time in 25 years.

The West Midlands outfit won 95 points in the second tier this term, finishing 11 points clear of second-place Ipswich Town, who only secured their Premier League return on the final day of the season.

Lampard is now tasked with building a squad that can survive in the top flight following the Sky Blues' Championship title triumph, but there is growing speculation that the 47-year-old could leave the CBS Arena this summer.

Richard Keys reveals what he's heard about Coventry City boss Frank Lampard and the Fulham vacancy
Lampard previously managed in the Premier League with both Chelsea and Everton, but a largely poor spell in charge with the Toffees and a very underwhelming second stint with the Stamford Bridge outfit saw him turn to the Championship for a fresh opportunity.

When the former England midfielder initially took the reins at Coventry in November 2024, it was a big risk for him because his predecessor, Mark Robins, was an extremely popular figure among Sky Blues supporters.

Robins successfully guided the West Midlands club all the way from League Two to a Championship play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final, so his dismissal was controversial.

However, Lampard has successfully won over the hearts of Sky Blues fans and has etched himself into the Coventry history books by steering them to the Premier League.

His exploits haven't gone unnoticed by more established top-flight clubs, though, and writing his latest blog post, BeIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys, who supports the CBS Arena side, said: "If Lampard leaves, it'll likely be for Fulham. I keep hearing his name linked with it."

The West London club's current boss, Marco Silva, is set to leave Craven Cottage when his contract expires this summer, which would leave them needing to appoint a new manager.

Silva has established Fulham as a comfortable mid-table outfit in the Premier League since leading them to the Championship title in 2022, while they could still qualify for a European competition ahead of next season.

Frank Lampard is unlikely to be tempted by Fulham swoop
Lampard has endured a mixed managerial career to date, having initially steered Derby County to the Championship play-off final in 2019, where the Rams were ultimately defeated by Aston Villa.

However, his spells in charge of both Chelsea and Everton proved more testing, as he was sacked by the Stamford Bridge side in 2021, before also being dismissed by the Merseyside club two years later.

Lampard has now found great stability at Coventry, where his stock is incredibly high.

Furthermore, having guided the Sky Blues to the Premier League, Lampard shouldn't want his journey with the West Midlands side to finish there, and will want to see what he can achieve with them in the top flight.

Therefore, the 47-year-old is unlikely to move to Fulham, should they make a swoop for his services.

Lampard also remains a legendary figure among Chelsea supporters, thanks to his playing days, and shouldn't want to join the Blues' West London rivals.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/frank-lampard-to-fulham-richard-keys-hearing-coventry-city-rumour/

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Player reveals manager's bully tactics at Fulham – Agent turned to SAS man for help
Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has shared how manager Felix Magath tried to bully him at Fulham, leading to his agent turning to the SAS.

Soccer News report comments from the former Fulham goalkeeper today during an appearance on the on the podcast 1 op 1 with Rob Jansen.

Fulham problems
The website explains that problems between Maarten Stekelenburg and Felix Magath began in 2014 during an international break.

The goalkeeper was in Paris, enjoying a few days off, when all Fulham players received a message that the German had been appointed. Alongside that, they had been ordered to return to the club in the morning for their first training session.

Stekelenburg thought it was a joke, so contacted teammate John Heitinga, who was also staying in Paris at the time. The pair decided not to return immediately, starting an issue between the pair.

That then developed when Magath started to overwork the Fulham squad.

"We mainly had to do a lot of walking, around the entire complex. That took half an hour, and Magath would cycle along on the inside," the goalkeeper explained.

Fulham training decision
Magath also had an ironclad rule that there were no days off following a defeat. Stekelenburg went against this, demonstratively dropping out of the group to work at his own pace.

"Well, if you want me to stop balls this weekend, I am a goalkeeper, then you shouldn't make me do this. Because this isn't going to help me, and ultimately not you either," he told the German coach.

Magath seemingly reacted calmly, but then the issues began. The following day, Stekelenburg discovered his name had been removed from the dressing room. The kit man had been ordered to take his personal belongings out of his locker.

An assistant manager then told the goalkeeper he had been 'banished' and would not be allowed to train, with the youth goalkeeping coach, until afternoon.

Agent hires the SAS
The Dutchman contacted his agent, Rob Jansen. He, in turn, hired an expert from the British Army's special services to help the Dutchman.

"He told me that no matter what they throw at you and how badly they want to hurt you, I always had to smile back. They could take everything from me except my money," Stekelenburg explained.

But Magath's psychological warfare continued. The goalkeeper was repeatedly summoned for 8am, only to be told training was in the afternoon and he could go home. He was also denied access to the player's car park.

He eventually left at the end of the season, joining Monaco on loan. And he admits he was overjoyed at the move.

"But I was overjoyed to be able to leave; I had a fantastic year there," he concluded.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-reveals-managers-bully-tactics-at-fulham-agent-turned-to-sas-man-for-help/

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Raúl Jiménez: Everton become real option as Fulham talks go nowhere
Fulham are discovering that keeping Raúl Jiménez may not be as straightforward as expected, even after the striker produced a season that exceeded many expectations. Everton and Club América are both in the picture.

When the London club continued trusting the Mexican forward, there were obvious doubts about how much he still had left physically.

Instead, he has remained useful for Marco Silva. Jiménez has scored nine Premier League goals in 34 appearances this season, alongside three assists.

His underlying numbers are also respectable. His non-penalty xG total stands at 7.22, placing above 86% of the Premier League players. He also averages 2.92 shots every 90 minutes, scoring about 27% of them.

Those are strong stats for a 35-year-old striker many expected to decline much faster. And that is why Fulham still want to renew his contract.

According to journalist Christian Vaquero, though, negotiations are currently not advancing. And Everton and Club América are both closely monitoring the situation.

Fulham balancing short-term value and long-term reality
Raúl Jiménez still offers experience, a quailty hold-up play and reliable movement inside the box.

Fulham know replacing that profile is expensive and risky. A short-term extension may therefore make more sense than entering the market immediately for a new striker.

Still, there is another side to the discussion. Jiménez is now 35 and continues losing market value every month. Fulham may still trust his production, but they also know he is no longer a long-term asset.

In our lastest update, Jiménez said his future "depends a lot on what Fulham decides, on negotiations, on an offer being made, and then we'll analyse what's best".

Everton interest fits Moyes profile
Raúl Jiménez being linked with Everton also makes sense given the way David Moyes usually builds his squads. Toffees' interest was previously covered in March.

Moyes has often preferred experienced forwards capable of bringing structure and reliability to an attack. Everton have struggled for goals this season, and a veteran striker with Premier League experience could help stabilise the forward line.

Even now, Jiménez still offers qualities Moyes tends to value highly. He can occupy defenders, connect play and help less productive attackers around him.

Mexican clubs watching closely
Adding to that, Raúl Jiménez is now at the stage where every contract negotiation becomes more delicate.

Fulham still want him, but Mexican clubs know situations like this can shift quickly. Club América are aware the Premier League side are trying to extend the relationship without taking major financial risks.

A return to Mexico has seemed inevitable for years. Club América recently 'made room' for his arrival. The question is whether Fulham can postpone it a little longer.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/raul-jimenez-everton-become-real-option-as-fulham-talks-go-nowhere/

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Transfer reaches serious competition stage – Aston Villa, Fulham still there, but Burnley out
Aston Villa and Fulham are still firmly in the race for Geny Catamo after another strong season from the Sporting CP winger, but the market around him is beginning to look far more crowded.

The Mozambique international has produced eight goals and three assists in 41 matches this season and has become one of Sporting's most reliable attacking outlets.

His growth over the past year has been significant, especially after establishing himself as a key player under Rui Borges.

That rise is attracting more and more attention across Europe. And it's becoming obvious that he needs a bigger stage.

Wider chase for the winger
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Fiorentina have now joined the growing list of clubs tracking Catamo after closely monitoring his performances in Portugal.

Napoli and Atalanta were already keeping tabs on him earlier this year, and another Serie A side has now entered the picture.

Burnley, however, appear to be out of the running after their relegation to the Championship. That leaves Aston Villa and Fulham as the Premier League clubs still clearly attached to the Sporting winger heading towards the summer window.

Catamo's rise is changing the market
The 25-year-old is enjoying the best campaign of his career and has become one of Sporting's most important attacking players. Rui Borges has relied heavily on him throughout the season, especially after injuries elsewhere in the squad, including Geovany Quenda.

O Jogo explain that Sporting received several approaches for Catamo in January but refused to sell midway through the campaign while still fighting on multiple fronts. Since then, his importance has only increased.

The winger recently renewed his contract until 2029 and saw his salary almost double to around €700,000 per year (£600,000).

Sporting kept his €60m (£51m) release clause untouched, though the growing interest around him suggests the summer could become very busy. As per our lastest coverage, it will take €20-30m (£17m-£26m) to get him.

Burnley fall away as bigger competition arrives
Villa first pushed for Catamo last summer, while Marco Silva has him targeted for a long time at Fulham. Now the situation has changed.

Burnley's relegation has effectively taken them out of the equation for a player whose profile keeps rising across Europe. Instead of the race getting smaller, it is becoming more competitive.

Catamo is attracting attention across multiple top leagues, and Sporting know they are holding one of the club's biggest potential summer sales. The Portuguese side are expected to evaluate offers once the season ends.

For Aston Villa and Fulham, the challenge is clearer. They are still in the race, but they are now dealing with stronger European competition and a player whose value keeps climbing almost every month.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/transfer-reaches-serious-competition-stage-aston-villa-fulham-still-there-but-burnley-out/

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Fulham price hikes place "undue burden on loyal fans"
This week Fulham announced that season ticket prices would be going up at Craven Cottage yet again – a move which Fulham Supporters Trust (FST) says places an "undue burden on loyal fans".

The Premier League club will impose an above inflation 3.5% hike on season ticket prices for the 2026-2027 campaign, the fourth consecutive season of price increases at Fulham.

"The claim that the increase in season ticket prices is required for the club's sustainability or compliance with new financial regulation simply does not stand up to scrutiny," FST said.

"Matchday receipts account for less than 10% of total revenue and that share is falling. A price hike will have no material impact on the Club's bottom line, which makes raising ticket prices a choice, not a necessity.

"Today's decision to apply a uniform price increase affecting these stands will regrettably contribute to the sense of disconnect between the fans and the club's management."

FST are urging the club to rethink by freezing membership and matchday ticket prices, while also addressing matchgoing supporters' concerns about facilities and infrastructure at Craven Cottage.

"Watching football at Craven Cottage must remain within reach for all fans, old and new," they said. "No one should be priced out of supporting the team they love."

Fulham's fan-led podcast, Cravenpod, has been looking at the club's ticket price data and the increases over the last four seasons have been eye-watering – season ticket holders have seen a +30.6% increase in cost since 2022-23.

"The problem is that nothing in football exists in isolation," Cravenpod said. "The 3.5% lands on top of 2.8% last season, 4% the season before that, and the gut-punch 18% in 2023-24 when the club came back up.

"Compound those four years and a Fulham supporter is paying roughly 30.6% more for their seat today than they were in 2022-23. UK CPI over the same period has run at roughly half that."

Cravenpod have created a price calculator for Fulham season ticket holders, to see how much their season tickets have gone up since 2012-13.

Both Cravenpod and FST have pointed out that other clubs in the division – most noticeably Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City – have been able to freeze prices for next season despite the different financial challenges at each of those clubs.

"The argument that a freeze was simply impossible at Fulham requires more evidence than the club has given us," Cravenpod said.



https://thefsa.org.uk/news/fulham-price-hikes-place-undue-burden-on-loyal-fans/

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Marco Silva is Disrespecting Fulham FC: Fulham Need Answers Now
Marco Silva is unquestionably one of the all time great Fulham managers, but his recent antics hold Fulham FC and Fulham fans in complete contempt. Fulham need to be stronger and get a contractual answer now.

Marco Silva is Disrespecting Fulham
Silva's Championship side that romped to the title will live long in the memory of every Fulham fan and the magnitude of the achievement that is stabilising Fulham as an upper mid table Premier League side cannot go understated, and after window after window of drawn out transfer business, no Fulham fan would blame Marco Silva for walking away from the Cottage after an unforgettable spell in charge, but the way Marco is going about his potential exit is nothing short of disrespectful.

It's simple, Marco Silva wants to have his cake and eat it too.

Silva's ability to finally stabilise Fulham as a Premier League outfit caught the eyes of many, but his inability to go any further than mid table mediocrity and the cusp of Wembley makes him not attractive enough for a top team to pay the sizeable release clause the Khans hang over his head.

But after being on recent shortlists for both the Tottenham and Man United job, Silva clearly sees himself as above Fulham's station, and with both the Man United and Chelsea jobs available in the summer, signing a new deal with Fulham would rule the 43 year old out of any talk of a top job talk, regardless to whether he is at that level or not.

While Iraola and Glasner gave their employers an answer on where their future's lie months before season's end, despite a very lucrative contract offer being on the table since November, Silva has led Fulham on and has treated us as a a backup option to what Silva sees as a better job, something that the club that saved your managerial career and built their club around you does not deserve.

And the possibility of Silva joining the other side of SW6? That would cement him in Fulham's bracket of Sol Campbell like traitors, far beyond Tosin and Fabio, it would firmly make him public enemy №1 in the eyes of all Fulham fans.

Fulham Are Also to Blame
While it is easy to criticise Silva's antics, Fulham have to be stronger — allowing this situation to go on for this long is on Fulham.

Higher ups at the club need to make the call to Silva that it's time to sign or sign off because right now, we are rudderless.

We are unable to plan for the upcoming season because a Premier League football club is allowing one man to hold our future plans in the balance. That is hardly the mark of a club with a clear long term plan and vision — it stinks of a club over reliant on one man.

Has Silva taken Fulham as far as he can?
We have become accustomed to annual stretches of relegation form post March, and with performances like the one we saw at the Emirates just one of a litany of bad performances in a season were bad performances have been prevalent even when London's Original were picking up points this season, I'd suggest that Silva's inability to tactically evolve and motivate players when it matters most may well mean that Marco may well have taken Fulham as far as he can and it may be best for both parties to go their separate ways.

While life under Silva has a clear ceiling, it has a lower mid table floor too, and for a club like Fulham that is worth its weight in gold. So, if he does sign, I'd be fully behind his signature — but that comes with a caveat — he has to be fully committed to the Fulham project.

No more short term, tie over deals, sign a long term deal that ensures your present on the right side of SW6 for at least the next three seasons.

Fulham Need a Long Term Strategy
Regardless of whether Silva signs or walks, Fulham need a culture change. This saga has proved our over reliance on our head coach.

We need a structure outside of our Portuguese boss and we need to operate like a proper top flight side and tell Marco, it's sign up or sign off, not next month, next week or within the next fortnight, the time is now.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/marco-silva-is-disrespecting-fulham-fc-fulham-need-answers-now-22bcbbecde75

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Fulham vs Bournemouth: Preview and Prediction
Bournemouth will be eager to remain in contention for UEFA Champions League qualification when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The 2025/26 Premier League season resumes this weekend with Gameweek 36. The latest round of fixtures starts with the game between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield before continuing with three simultaneous matches, including Fulham vs Bournemouth at Craven Cottage.

Fulham's relentless form midway through the 2025/26 season has become a distant memory, and they have fallen behind the other European qualification-chasing teams. However, a few wins and favourable results elsewhere can bring the West London outfit back into the top seven, with Brentford only three points ahead of Marco Silva's men.

However, with the Cottagers managing only one win in their last four games, they need to spectacularly improve their form. On the other hand, Bournemouth's sensational unbeaten run shows no signs of ending, and the Cherries have now gone 15 Premier League games without a defeat.

This exceptional streak began in January, and Andoni Iraola's men have faced almost every top-flight team without suffering a defeat in the second half of the 2025/26 season. So, his charges are in the driver's seat in the chase for European qualification, and they may even secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League if Aston Villa's terrible run of form continues.

The reverse fixture saw Bournemouth come from a goal down to beat Fulham 3-1, with Antoine Semenyo (brace) and Justin Kluivert finding the back of the net to earn the Cherries all three points. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Fulham
Marco Silva has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Fulham head coach may be bereft of the services of only three first-team players vs Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Portuguese tactician has been sweating over Emile Smith Rowe's fitness after the English playmaker came off with cramps in the Premier League game against Arsenal. However, Smith Rowe and Sander Berge (illness) should be fit and available to take on Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Alex Iwobi (thigh), and Kevin (toe) remain in the treatment room.

Bernd Leno is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Fulham lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Bournemouth on Saturday. The backline will feature Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge in the double pivot, with Joshua King reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Raul Jimenez will lead the line for Fulham against Bournemouth, with Samuel Chukwueze and the talismanic Harry Wilson being the two wide attackers.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, King, Chukwueze; Jimenez

Bournemouth
Unlike his counterpart in the Fulham dugout, Andoni Iraola has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Bournemouth head coach will be without only three first-team players on Saturday.

Julio Soler (thigh), Lewis Cook (thigh), and Justin Kluivert (knee) are the only players in the treatment room, and Iraola will have a full-strength squad to take on Fulham this weekend.

Djordje Petrovic is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Bournemouth lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Fulham at Craven Cottage. The backline will feature Alex Jimenez, James Hill, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert.

As for the midfield unit, Tyler Adams will join Alex Scott in the double pivot in the middle of the park. Eli Junior Kroupi will reprise the no. 10 role, with Rayan Vitor and Marcus Tavernier being the two wide attackers. Finally, Evanilson will spearhead the Bournemouth attack against Fulham this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson

Key Stats

    Fulham have won only two of their nine Premier League matches vs Bournemouth (D2 L5), 1-0 away in April 2019 and 3-1 at home in February 2024. Meanwhile, the Cherries have won their last two Premier League games against Fulham. They're looking to complete the double over them for the first time in the competition, last doing so in any division in 2014/15 (Championship).
    Fulham have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League games, though they won both in which they found the net during this run (D2 L3). The Cottagers had only failed to find the back of the net in five of their first 28 top-flight outings this term. Meanwhile, following wins over Burnley and Aston Villa, Fulham are looking to win three consecutive home league matches for the first time since December 2023.
    Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League games, both their longest run and the longest current run of any side in the competition (W7 D8). The only team to have a longer run with all of their games coming while sitting outside the top five in the table were Manchester United between October 2016 and March 2017 (18).
    Bournemouth conceded 27 goals in their first nine Premier League away games this season (3 per game), shipping at least three goals on seven occasions. They have let in just six times in their last eight outings on the road (0.8 per game) and never more than twice in a match.
    Only the current top two sides, Arsenal (5) and Manchester City (5), have lost fewer Premier League games than Bournemouth this season (7). The Cherries have drawn a league-high 16 games this term, which is also their most draws in any league campaign since 2005/06 (19 in League One).

Player to Watch

Eli Junior Kroupi
While Harry Wilson, Raul Jimenez, and Marcus Tavernier were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Eli Junior Kroupi as the Player to Watch for Saturday's Premier League match between Fulham and Bournemouth at Craven Cottage.

The 19-year-old has scored 12 Premier League goals for Bournemouth this season. There are just five occasions of a teenager netting more in a campaign: Robbie Fowler in 1994/95 (23), Michael Owen in 1997/98 and 1998/99 (18), Nicolas Anelka in 1998/99 (13), and Romelu Lukaku in 2012/13 (14).

While breaching Fowler's tally is improbable, the young Frenchman will be eager to add to his haul and help Bournemouth continue their unbeaten run this weekend. Additionally, amid his links with several high-profile clubs, Kroupi can elevate his stock further with another game-changing display.

Prediction

Fulham 0-2 Bournemouth
Fulham's recent form provides a confusing picture for those attempting to predict what will happen on Saturday. While the Cottagers have failed to find the back of the net in most of their recent Premier League outings, they are on a two-match winning run at Craven Cottage.

However, getting the better of Bournemouth is unlikely, with the visitors being the most in-form team in the Premier League. Additionally, James Hill and Marcos Senesi will not give an inch, and that will add to Fulham's frustration. Ultimately, the home side should not have enought quality to trouble the Cherries, and The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Andoni Iraola and his charges.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/05/07/fulham-vs-bournemouth-preview-and-prediction-2/