Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 01/09/26...

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Alvaro Arbeloa has done Real Madrid yet another favour
Fulham have signed Real Madrid youngster Manuel Angel, according to Fabrizio Romano. The youngster will finally move to the West London outfit on deadline day, as a transfer out of Real Madrid was inevitable.

According to reports in Spain, Angel will join Fulham for 4 million euros, and Real Madrid will retain 50% of his rights, which is more than what they have for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios - who also joined Fulham earlier this summer.

Angel, now 22 years old, would not have stayed at Real Madrid for another season because his contract would expire in 2027, and the club would not have wanted to lose him for free.

It is also worth noting that generally, for Castilla players, leaving when you are 22 years old is considered late. Most players leave at around 20 to 21, with some staying till 22 or, sometimes even 23, but not beyond that.

Alvaro Arbeloa is giving so many Real Madrid academy players a chance to succeed
This transfer means that Alvaro Arbeloa has signed three of Real Madrid's most talented academy players to come out of the club in recent years, and he deserves a lot of credit for helping these clubs out.

Real Madrid's academy is generally considered very underrated, with so many good players out playing for top level clubs, and yet, no one talks about many of them.

Because Barcelona's academy players slot straight into their team, while Real Madrid's don't, it is considered that Los Blancos' academy isn't good enough. That is not true. These players may not be good enough for Real Madrid, but they are good enough for most clubs in the world, which is what the point of La Fabrica is.

Arbeloa is now helping the club put these players on the map. So many players from recent Fabrica teams have now gone to top level teams. Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia are now getting the opportunities to play alongside Angel at Fulham. Two of these three players got their first games for the senior team because Arbeloa laid the foundations for them to start.

Now, they are at a top level club, and this would hopefully kickstart their post-Fabrica career in the best possible way. All these young players need is consistent game time and a healthy environment to develop, and Arbeloa is providing these three with both of those things.

They join Nico Paz, Victor Munoz and so many other clubs in playing for a top team from just one generation of Castilla graduates, and there are plenty more talented players still at the club, which will no doubt have the same fate.



https://therealchamps.com/alvaro-arbeloa-has-done-real-madrid-yet-another-favour-01m1eer8wvsv

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Fulham emerge as potential takers for Bayern Munich's Sacha Boey
Fulham have opened direct talks with Bayern Munich over a deadline-day move for Sacha Boey as the German record champions continue working to find a solution for the French right-back. According to Marca reporter Matteo Moretto – as relayed by transfermarkt.de – the Premier League side have made direct contact regarding the 25-year-old after encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Rațiu.

Fulham have already been active in the Bundesliga market this summer. Get German Football News recently reported that the London club were among the Premier League sides showing interest in Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson. Boey could now represent another late German top-flight addition.

Bayern actively working on Sacha Boey exit
The possibility of a departure has become increasingly clear. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed on Tuesday that Boey is fit but currently training separately while discussions over his future continue. Boey is now the last remaining member of a trio Bayern had been seeking solutions for this summer. João Palhinha and Bryan Zaragoza have already departed.

The Frenchman joined Bayern from Galatasaray in January 2024 for approximately €30m but has never managed to establish himself consistently in Munich. Injuries disrupted his early months at the club, while subsequent competition for places further limited his opportunities. Boey has made 38 competitive appearances for Bayern and also spent time back on loan at Galatasaray.



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2026/fulham-sacha-boey-link/

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Arsenal youngster given transfer lifeline as Fulham miss out: report
Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is en-route to Germany for a medical

The proposed move would see Nwaneri join Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on loan, without an option to purchase, according to reports.

Arsenal, who will strive to retain the Premier League title for the first time in the North London club's history this season, are willing to part ways with their 19-year-old prospect.

Borussia Dortmund's interest in Nwaneri pre-dates the signing of Giannis Konstantelias; however, the Gunners youngster is expected to receive greater playing minutes after the Greek attacker sustained a recent injury.

Konstantelias suffers ligament injury, Nwaneri travels for medical to Dortmund
According to transfers expert David Ornstein, the 19-year-old is travelling today to Dortmund to undergo his medical exam.

Konstantelias is braced for a lengthy sideline spell after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his debut Bundesliga appearance versus Hamburger SV — in which he also hit his first goal.

Dortmund prevailed 2-0 on the day, with Konstantelias scoring his side's second: a glorious right-footed effort from just inside the box.

Following the Greek's injury, Dortmund reached out to Arsenal and made it clear that Nwaneri's arrival had become a priority, before an arrangement was ironed out.

Prior to this heightened interest, the youngster was reportedly considering a loan move to Fulham, prioritising a stay in the Premier League. This will no longer happen.

The 19-year-old did not appear in the squad for the Gunners' 3-0 pre-season victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield, missing out alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has since departed for Saudi Arabia, and Nwaneri is now Bundesliga-bound, with Arteta's side hoping that the 19-year-old is able to develop further with Dortmund.

The youngster spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1, scoring twice, and assisting once, in nine French top-flight appearances.

Nwaneri also scored against Dortmund for Arsenal in pre-season, during a 3-2 loss in the Emirates Cup — and converted his penalty in the post-match shootout.

Since making his Premier League debut for the North London club in 2022, aged just 15, Nwaneri has failed to break into a side that has competed for the English top-flight title in four successive seasons.

He has made 51 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 and assisting two, with Mikel Arteta confessing in August that he would like the 19-year-old to stay, but that he needs to receive further opportunities.

The club reportedly weighed up the benefits of selling their youngster outright, however, a loan period has been agreed. Should Nwaneri seize the chances he will receive at Dortmund, a sale or place in the first team are both possible for him upon his return to London.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/transfer/arsenal-youngster-given-transfer-lifeline-as-fulham-miss-out

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Fulham agree to sign midfielders Angel and Larsson
Fulham have agreed to sign midfielders Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson from Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.

Angel, a graduate of Madrid's academy, is set to join for an undisclosed fee after making his first-team debut earlier this year.

The Spanish youth international will reunite with former boss Alvaro Arbeloa and become the third player to make the switch to Craven Cottage from the Spanish capital.

Frankfurt's Larsson, capped 12 times by Sweden, is expected to cost €25m (£21.4m).

The 22-year-old has spent three years at the Bundesliga club, making 87 appearances in the German top flight.

Angel and Larsson will follow in the footsteps of Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios, Shea Charles and Jonah Kusi-Asare in moving to Craven Cottage this summer.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4grzg0jzgzo

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Fulham transfer stuck despite €25m deadline offer – Payment demand behind the problem
Fulham's attempt to sign Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano has hit a very specific problem on deadline day.

The Cottagers have put €25m (£21.7m) on the table for the right-back. Ratiu wants the move, but Rayo are yet to give them an answer.

We covered at the weekend how Fulham had advanced in talks and already had the player's approval. There is now considerably more detail on why an agreement between the clubs hasn't followed.

Fulham's payment plan is the problem
Marca report that Fulham submitted their €25m (£21.7m) offer in writing on Monday afternoon. That figure matches Ratiu's release clause. However, Fulham want to pay it in instalments.

Rayo president Raul Martin Presa is demanding something different. He wants the full €25m (£21.7m) paid immediately and isn't willing to negotiate the payment structure. And Fulham aren't prepared to do that at this stage.

AS explain that leaves the Premier League club with a difficult choice. To activate the clause without Rayo agreeing to a deal, Fulham would have to deposit the entire €25m (£21.7m) with LaLiga in one payment. Otherwise, they need Presa to engage in negotiations.

That hasn't happened. AS say the president isn't giving Fulham a yes or a no and isn't even taking Ratiu's calls.

Of course there is some frustration for Fulham given how they got to this point. Ratiu's agents informed Rayo of the interest on Saturday and told them Fulham were prepared to reach the clause figure.

Marca say the Spanish club wanted to see an official offer before doing anything. Fulham then delivered exactly that on Monday.

Rayo have since reactivated the right-back alternatives they had lined up in case Ratiu departed.

Ratiu fears another deal will collapse
The concern now is that Fulham could simply run out of patience. Local outlets say the €25m (£21.7m) would give Rayo useful funds for other additions. Yet they warn Fulham could walk away if the current situation continues.

Ratiu has already seen that happen once. AS say Nottingham Forest previously offered €25m (£21.7m) in instalments for him. Rayo didn't respond to that proposal either.

Wolverhampton also tried for him last summer. Their €18m (£15.6m) offer went nowhere because Rayo demanded his clause. Ratiu now fears his Fulham move could suffer the same fate.

Fulham have at least reached the €25m (£21.7m) figure this time. The problem is getting Rayo to accept how they want to pay it.

With the clock ticking, that leaves Fulham needing Presa to change his position or find a way to make the full payment in one go.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-transfer-stuck-despite-e25m-deadline-offer-payment-demand-behind-the-problem/

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Fulham in the lead for late defensive signing – Jorge Mendes rushing to find new club
Fulham have been interested in a late deal for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori but they are also trying to sign another defender.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sport Witness covered the London club's interest in the Englishman. They made an offer for him and the player was carefully evaluating the idea of joining Alvaro Arbeloa's side.

At the same time, Fulham were also in the chase for Lecce's Tiago Gabriel. They were competing for his signature with AC Milan, who also want a defensive signing.

Some clarity about a possible deal is now emerging.

Arbeloa's side in the lead
Gazzetta dello Sport report that these are hot hours for Lecce. They are working on several fronts and one of them concerns Gabriel, who impressed in the 2025/26 campaign.

Today, they met Jorge Mendes' close collaborator Ruben Saavedra. This was an attempt to understand their plans, with the super-agent trying to find a new club for the defender.

The newspaper believe Fulham are currently in the lead for the defender. Milan are in the background and are 'far behind' in the chase.

This could be mainly because Lecce demand no less than €25m to sell the Portuguese. This price is more favourable for the London side, with Lecce also having identified a replacement for their young centre-back.

Transfer dominos in full swing
Fulham would be unlikely to sign both players and the situations of both Tomori and Gabriel are connected. If Arbeloa's side push for the Rossoneri outcast, it will hand Milan the chance to sign the Lecce talent.

But it is clear that the 21-year-old would offer better value. He has a higher ceiling and his career is going in the right direction. The same can't be said for Tomori, who has declined in the last two seasons.

That is why Fulham should prioritise a move for Gabriel, even if he costs a bit more.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-in-the-lead-for-late-defensive-signing-jorge-mendes-rushing-to-find-new-club/

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Crystal Palace now on General Sale
Tickets for our upcoming London derby against Crystal Palace are now on General Sale!

Enjoy Premier League action this weekend on Saturday 5th September, kick-off 3pm, with all supporters now able to secure up to four tickets per person for this fixture.

Supporters should be advised that there will be no General Sale in the Putney End for this derby.

Further matchday information can be found here.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/01/crystal-palace-now-on-general-sale/

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Ticket Forwarding: Crystal Palace

Ticket forwarding for our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace is now available.

2026/27 Season Ticket Holders are advised that they can now forward their tickets onto other supporters for our match against Crystal Palace on Saturday 5th September, kick-off 3pm.

Supporters are reminded that they must have added their intended recipient to their Friends & Family Network in order to forward tickets, further information on how to do so can be found here.

Ticket forwarding will be available until 30 minutes prior to kick-off on matchday, the deadline for this fixture is 2:30pm on Saturday 5th September.

Any forwarded tickets must have been accepted by the recipient before the deadline, otherwise they will be returned to their original owner.

Further guidance on how to forward your tickets can be found in our step-by-step guides.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/28/ticket-forwarding-crystal-palace/

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Fulham Target In London To Speak To Agents Amid Cottagers' Offer
AC Milan outcast Fikayo Tomori has arrived in London to talk to his agents about his future amid an offer from Fulham.

Tomori was widely expected to leave AC Milan in the summer transfer window after being excluded from the squad by manager Ruben Amorim.

The 28-year-old preferred a move to Aston Villa, but the Villans have signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Championship side Southampton and are currently looking to make additions in different areas.

It emerged that Tomori was happy to remain at the San Siro if no team he wants to join comes in with an offer before the transfer window shuts, and that stance is being potentially tested.

Fulham have come in with an offer on deadline day and the English centre-back 'is considering it' at the moment.

Now, Tomori is in London to talk to his representatives about his future, according to Italian journalist Luca Bianchin.

The offer from Fulham is still on the table, but the deal is not that simple to finalise in a few hours.

However, if Tomori does remain at AC Milan then he faces being frozen out, with no game time under Ruben Amorim.

Fulham have signed Jonah Kusi-Asare, Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios and Shea Charles to bolster their squad, but are seeking to add more depth to their backline.

Adding a centre-back is crucial for the Cottagers before the window closes and they have several avenues they are exploring.

Tomori has drawn interest from a host of Premier League sides throughout the summer and Fulham may now represent his best exit from AC Milan.

He will need to think quickly with his agents, but currently being in London means he is indeed in position to complete a move to Fulham soon if he chooses to.

Fulham will also want clarity on his thinking as soon as possible.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/09/01/fulham-target-in-london-to-speak-to-agents-amid-cottagers-offer/726300/

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Player heading for Fulham medical as €10m deal agreed – Could have cost €50m
Elche centre-back David Affengruber is heading to Fulham, with a medical booked in ahead of a €10m move.

AS report that the Elche centre-back, whose contract was set to expire next summer, is set to head to England today for a medical.

The newspaper states that Elche are preparing to part ways with the centre-back who has 'delivered outstanding performances' in his two season with the club. That's because Affengruber is heading to Fulham for a fee close to €10m.

Medical before Fulham move
Fulham are closing in on a deal with Elche for the defender. That deal is 'nearing official confirmation'.

In fact, AS have learned that the defender is currently awaiting medical examinations and then the final signing to complete his move to Fulham.

Elche are happy to do the deal. While they're losing a key player – a key defender – the move makes good business sense for the Spanish side. Affengruber's contract is due to expire next summer. They risked losing him on a free in a year's time.

The Spanish club had hoped for more – particularly as the defender has a €50m release clause in his contract. But they have accepted that a €10m offer plus add-ons is acceptable.

Premier League at last
David Affengruber has been on the radar of several English clubs throughout the summer. There's also been interest from Italy.

But it is ultimately Fulham, now managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, who have made a final strong push for the defender.

The Spanish coach has been keen to shop in a market he knows well this summer, with Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios both arriving from Real Madrid for a combined €50m.

Now David Affengruber is set to make it a third arrival from his homeland on deadline day. He's awaiting a medical before completing his €10m move to Craven Cottage before tonight's 11pm deadline.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-heading-for-fulham-medical-as-e10m-deal-agreed-could-have-cost-e50m/

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Fulham closing in on double midfield transfer swoop
Fulham Agree Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson Deals as Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape

Fulham have moved decisively in the market, with BBC Sport reporting that the club have agreed deals to sign Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson. It is an eye-catching double swoop, one that points to a clear strategy at Craven Cottage as Alvaro Arbeloa begins to shape the next phase of his squad.

The headline detail is straightforward. "Fulham have agreed to sign midfielders Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson from Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively." For a club looking to add quality, energy and long-term value in the centre of the pitch, this is a notable statement of intent.

Manuel Angel arrival adds technical quality
Angel arrives with a profile that will intrigue Fulham supporters. "Angel, a graduate of Madrid's academy, is set to join for an undisclosed fee after making his first-team debut earlier this year." He also brings an existing connection to the head coach, with the report noting that "The Spanish youth international will reunite with former boss Alvaro Arbeloa and become the third player to make the switch to Craven Cottage from the Spanish capital." That familiarity matters. Arbeloa will know exactly what Angel can offer, and that knowledge tends to reduce risk in signings of this type.

Hugo Larsson fee reflects proven Bundesliga pedigree
Larsson is the more established acquisition and, on paper, the one likely to attract immediate attention across the Premier League.

That level of exposure suggests Fulham are not only buying potential, they are buying readiness. Larsson looks like a midfielder equipped for the demands of English football, with the physical and tactical grounding that Bundesliga experience often provides.

Fulham transfer strategy points to youthful core
These two additions fit neatly into a wider recruitment pattern. "Angel and Larsson will follow in the footsteps of Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios, Shea Charles and Jonah Kusi-Asare in moving to Craven Cottage this summer." There is a clear emphasis on youth, development and upside, while still targeting players capable of contributing in the near term.

From Fulham's perspective, this feels like smart business. Angel offers coaching familiarity and technical promise, Larsson brings a stronger body of first-team evidence, and together they deepen a crucial area of the squad. If both deals are completed as expected, Fulham will have added two midfielders with different strengths but a shared sense of upward trajectory.

Our View
As a Fulham supporter, this is exactly the kind of report you want to read at this stage of the window. There is purpose to it, and there is a sense that the club are acting with a proper plan rather than reacting late. Bringing in two midfielders of this calibre, one from Real Madrid's system and one with serious Bundesliga experience, feels ambitious in the best possible way.

The Angel move is especially encouraging because of the Arbeloa connection. If the head coach already knows the player, understands his character and trusts his game, that gives the transfer a strong foundation. Supporters always want signings to arrive with a pathway, and Angel appears to have one.

Larsson, meanwhile, sounds like a real coup. A Sweden international with 87 Bundesliga appearances for £21.4m looks like excellent value in this market. He seems the type who can raise the floor of the midfield immediately while still having room to improve.

Most pleasing of all is the age profile. Fulham are building for the present and the future. That is how clubs in our position keep progressing. There is no guarantee with any signing, but this report suggests Fulham are recruiting brave, talented players with resale value and serious upside. For fans at Craven Cottage, that should bring genuine excitement about what comes next.



https://eplindex.com/150046/fulham-closing-in-on-double-midfield-transfer-swoop.html

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Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson scheduled for Fulham medical
Hugo Larsson appears to be closing in on a move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Fulham after reportedly reaching an agreement with the Premier League club over personal terms. International reports – confirmed by Kicker – indicate that a medical has already been scheduled for the 22-year-old Sweden international, with a transfer fee of approximately €25m currently under discussion.

Get German Football News reported earlier that Fulham and Crystal Palace were both showing concrete interest in Larsson, with Frankfurt understood to be willing to discuss a sale in the €25m-€30m range. The Fulham option now appears to have moved significantly further. A deal is expected to be completed before the transfer window closes.

Larsson nears Premier League switch
Larsson remains under contract with Frankfurt through 2029 but has long attracted interest from England following his rapid development in the Bundesliga. The Swedish midfielder established himself as an important part of the Eintracht midfield after arriving from Malmö and subsequently saw his market standing rise considerably.

Fulham have now reportedly convinced the player to move to London. With personal terms apparently agreed and a medical being prepared, the remaining work centers primarily on completing an agreement between the clubs. A fee around €25m would fall toward the lower end of the range Frankfurt had previously been expected to consider.

Frankfurt already prepared for Hugo Larsson departure
Eintracht may not need to respond to Larsson's departure with another midfield signing. The club already added Noel Aseko and Raphael Onyedika during the summer window and regards the pair as the future of the SGE midfield. Germany's Mario Götze and Algerian international Fares Chaïbi are also capable of operating in the No. 6 role.



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2026/hugo-larsson-fulham-medical/

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Fulham advance talks to seal last-gasp deal for David Affengruber
Fulham are pushing to strengthen several areas of their squad before the transfer deadline, with defensive reinforcements now becoming a major priority.

The Cottagers have already been active in midfield, with medicals taking place for Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson, but Alvaro Arbeloa is also looking for more pace and athleticism at the back.

According to Nizaar Kinsella via X, Fulham are now in advanced talks to sign Elche centre-back David Affengruber, with club officials confident they can complete the move before the deadline.

Fulham confident of completing Affengruber deal
Affengruber has emerged as a serious late target as Fulham search for a quick central defender capable of fitting Arbeloa's preferred style of play. The 25-year-old has been a regular for Elche this season, making 35 La Liga appearances and earning recognition at international level with Austria.

His form has also helped him break into the national-team picture, with the defender earning his first senior cap earlier this year. Fulham's interest has now progressed beyond the exploratory stage, with talks understood to be advanced and confidence growing that an agreement can be reached in time.

Contract situation could help Fulham
Elche are also under some pressure to make a decision over Affengruber's future. The Austrian defender's current contract expires next summer, meaning the Spanish club risk losing him for nothing if they refuse to sell and fail to agree fresh terms.

That situation could give Fulham additional leverage during negotiations and Affengruber has been described as an exceptional performer in Spain and his combination of age, speed and first-team experience appears to match the profile Fulham are looking for.

The Cottagers are also attempting to sign a right-back, which could potentially open the door for Kenny Tete to move to Everton before the window closes. However, the Toffees are seemingly prioritising signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles, having already reached an agreement to sign the Lyon utility man.

Affengruber is entering the final year of his contract, is already proven at La Liga level and fits the specific requirement for a quicker centre-back. That gives Fulham a strong negotiating position compared with chasing a player tied down to a long-term deal.The key now is timing. With talks already advanced, this could become one  of the more realistic late deals on Fulham's agenda if the two clubs can settle the final terms quickly.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/01/fulham-advance-talks-to-seal-last-gasp-deal-for-david-affengruber/

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Fikayo Tomori's agents negotiating Fulham transfer as player open to move
Fikayo Tomori has been excluded from the project at Serie A side Milan and there is a possibility of him moving to England. A transfer to Fulham is slowly gaining traction.

Several other Premier League clubs have tried to sign the defender – with Get Italian Football News shedding light on Aston Villa's enquiries.

While those deals never took off, Sportmediaset report that Tomori has now opened up to a move to Fulham, which wasn't really true when Coventry City had tried to sign him earlier this summer.

He didn't train with Milan today, as the Rossoneri are discussing a deal worth €15 million with Fulham. The defender is currently in London to potentially play a part in pushing through the transfer.

This can potentially be linked with a possible incoming at Milan too. They have been interested in Lecce's Tiago Gabriel today and initial contact was already made some weeks ago.

For now, the Portuguese has been rather expensive for the Rossoneri but this can change, if they earn a fee from Tomori's move to Fulham.



https://www.getfootballnewsitaly.com/2026/fikayo-tomoris-agents-negotiating-fulham-transfer-as-player-open-to-move/

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David Affengruber set to join Fulham as €10 million deal agreed
Fulham are moving decisively to strengthen Alvaro Arbeloa's squad in the closing stages of the transfer window, with additional defensive quality among the club's priorities.

A new centre-back has been particularly important for Arbeloa, who has been looking for a defender capable of bringing pace and reliability to his backline. After identifying David Affengruber as a leading candidate, Fulham have wasted little time progressing negotiations.

According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Fulham have now agreed a deal to sign Affengruber from Elche for a fee approaching €10 million, with the 25-year-old having already finalised the details of his move to the Premier League.

Fulham strike David Affengruber agreement
The transfer is now close to becoming official, bringing an end to Affengruber's impressive two-year spell with Elche. The Austria international had a €50 million release clause, but Elche have accepted a package worth around €10 million, including fixed payments and potential variables.

His contract situation played an important role in the Spanish club's decision. Affengruber's deal was due to expire in June 2027, meaning Elche faced the prospect of seeing his value decrease significantly if they kept him for another season without agreeing an extension. Instead, they have opted to cash in while receiving a significant fee for a player who had attracted considerable interest.

Affengruber leaves Elche after 84 appearances
Premier League clubs had been monitoring the centre-back throughout the summer, while teams in Italy were also interested in securing his services. Fulham have ultimately moved ahead of that competition to hand Arbeloa another important addition.

Affengruber leaves Elche after making 84 appearances for the Spanish side and playing an influential role in an important period in the club's recent history. He helped Elche secure promotion to La Liga before contributing to their successful battle to remain in the Spanish top flight. Those performances have now earned him an opportunity in the Premier League, where Fulham will hope his combination of experience and defensive qualities translates quickly.

At around €10 million, Affengruber looks like an excellent piece of business for Fulham. His €50 million release clause was never necessarily an indication of what Elche could realistically demand, particularly given his contract situation. Fulham appear to have taken advantage of that uncertainty at precisely the right moment.

For Affengruber, meanwhile, this is a deserved step forward after helping Elche through promotion and then establishing himself at La Liga level. If he adapts quickly to English football, Fulham may have secured considerable value for a relatively modest fee.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/01/david-affengruber-set-to-join-fulham-as-e10-million-deal-agreed/

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Player left furious as late transfer to Fulham being blocked
Fulham's late move for Andrei Ratiu is now practically off, with Rayo Vallecano president Raul Martin Presa refusing to budge.

The Cottagers have spent the past few days trying to sign the right-back and Ratiu himself wanted the move. That now looks unlikely to happen, and his reaction towards the Rayo president is said to be particularly strong.

AS journalist Sergio Lopez reports there is a "99%" chance the 28-year-old will stay at the Spanish club.

Fulham have had enough
Ratiu had been hoping to start a new chapter in his career. Lopez says the Romania international wanted a new experience, specifically the chance to play in the Premier League and live in London.

Presa's position has prevented that so far and there is little expectation of him changing it before the deadline.

Fulham also appear to have reached their limit. Lopez says the Cottagers believe they have already "offered and waited enough" during their attempts to get Ratiu out of Rayo.

That's significant given the situation earlier on deadline day, when there was still some hope the two clubs could find a solution.

Eduardo Burgos, also reporting for AS, is even more definitive. He says Ratiu will stay at Rayo this season unless there is a "radical turnaround".

According to the journalist, Presa is blocking the defender's departure despite Fulham being willing to push the boat out to sign him.

Ratiu anger grows
That has left Ratiu seriously unhappy with his president. Lopez describes his anger with Presa as considerable, going beyond the disappointment which had already surrounded the situation.

The player had made his preference clear. He wanted Fulham and the opportunity to move to England. Now the expectation in Spain is that he will have to remain at Rayo instead.

Fulham, meanwhile, don't appear minded to keep waiting or improve what they have already put forward. A dramatic late change could still alter things, but AS now consider that highly unlikely.

As things stand, Presa has held firm, Fulham have had enough, and Ratiu looks set to be the unhappy party left behind in Madrid.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/player-left-furious-as-late-transfer-to-fulham-being-blocked/

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Will Real Madrid Regret Selling Young Trio to Alvaro Arbeloa?
Three Real Madrid Castilla products followed their former boss to Craven Cottage this summer.

Real Madrid are not expecting any incoming transfers on Deadline Day, but they are still making some noise before the window shuts—and of course former boss and new Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa is at the center of the action.

The 15-time European champions have reportedly sanctioned a move for Castilla gem Manuel Ángel to Craven Cottage. The Athletic report the 22-year-old midfielder is in London to complete a medical before reuniting with Arbeloa in the Premier League.

Ángel will join fellow Castilla products Gonzalo García and César Palacios at Fulham. The three players opted to follow Arbeloa to west London in the hopes of accelerating their careers after it became obvious they were not in José Mourinho's plans back in Madrid.

Los Blancos are expected to bank around $4.6 million (€4 million) for Ángel. Combined with the $58 million (€50 million) from selling Gonzalo and Palacios, Real Madrid raked in nearly $63 million (€54 million) just from those three academy exits, adding to an already record-breaking summer of outgoing sales.

It was great business from the club, but will there be long-term implications of letting three emerging young talents leave the Bernabéu?

Real Madrid's Complex Midfield Predicament
At first glance, it seems rather counterproductive for a team in desperate need of midfield solutions to sell two promising, homegrown midfielders. Last season, Palacios made seven first-team appearances and 32 for Castilla, scoring 15 goals along the way.

Ángel also earned seven first-team cameos in 2025–26, awarded his senior debut by Arbeloa, as was Palacios. The two both logged promising minutes and came highly touted, so much so that Palacios has already started Fulham's first two Premier League matches of the season.

There is no doubt either player—or both—could have one day became a mainstay in Real Madrid's midfield, much like fellow Castilla graduate Federico Valverde. But that jump was never going to happen this season, even after the team failed to sign Rodri.

Mourinho already has Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler at his disposal. Plus, there's Castilla gem Thiago Pitarch, whose first-team breakthrough last season earned him a place in Mourinho's squad.

Realistically, there was no room for Ángel and Palacios at the Bernabéu. Mourinho was never going to use either player with any sort of regularity, and that fact became painfully obvious when the team signed 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martínez from Racing Santander to join the Castilla ranks.

It makes complete sense Real Madrid instead cashed in on the two transfers and let the academy players reunite with Arbeloa. No matter what issues come about in Mourinho's midfield, Ángel and Palacios were never going to be the answers.

Gonzalo Might Just Be the One Who Got Away
Unlike Ángel and Palacios, Gonzalo had a strong place in Real Madrid's squad. The striker already showed his skill in a white shirt when he scored four goals at the Club World Cup and then eight more last season despite logging wildly inconsistent minutes.

Gonzalo even did enough to ship Endrick out on loan to Lyon, fully commanding the role as Kylian Mbappé's backup. Yet the Brazilian's return this summer pushed Gonzalo out the door and right into the arms of Arbeloa.

It came as no surprise to Real Madrid fans that the striker scored on his Fulham debut against Chelsea and then bagged another goal in the team's 3–0 Carabao Cup win over Wimbledon. Gonzalo is a pure No. 9 with great positioning, clinical finishing and instincts you simply cannot teach.

It's highly plausible there comes a time in the next few years that the 15-time European champions regret letting the young Spaniard go, especially if he continues to explode in England. But the fee Fulham was willing to pay for his signature was too good to pass up considering he likely would have spent more time on the bench than on the pitch at the Bernabéu.

Los Blancos quickly signed Gonzalo's replacement in Carlos Espí, who scored a last-gasp winner in his debut against Espanyol. Mourinho also has Endrick at his disposal once the Brazilian recovers from a muscle injury.

Real Madrid have plenty of depth up top even without Gonzalo still in the dressing room. But in a few years' time, the club could have another Achraf Hakimi situation on its hands.



https://www.si.com/soccer/will-real-madrid-regret-selling-young-trio-alvaro-arbeloa

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Defender Rejects Fulham Move As West Ham Possibility Floated
AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opted against moving to Fulham on deadline day, but West Ham United could be an option in the background.
 
The 28-year-old has fallen outside Ruben Amorim's plans at the San Siro, a situation that prompted Newcastle United and Aston Villa to explore a move last month, although neither pursuit came to fruition.
 
A return to his homeland remained a possibility with Fulham entering the picture, while Tomori is currently in London with his representatives to discuss the prospect of a deadline day move.

Tomori has been considering Fulham's proposal, but according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, he has decided to say no.

It is unclear why the defender has rejected the chance to move to Craven Cottage, but there could still be an option in England for him.

According to Fulham insider Dave Kidd, West Ham 'may be interested in Tomori'.

The Hammers are in the market to bolster their defensive options before the window closes, with centre-back a particular focus.

However, it remains to be seen whether Tomori would entertain dropping into Championship football with the east London outfit remains a key question.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are already set to welcome a centre-back in Morato from Nottingham Forest, while they have opted to shelve their pursuit of Wout Faes.

With the clock running down, West Ham have very little time to assess whether there is enough encouragement around Tomori to keep the possibility alive.

The 28-year-old is final year of his contract with the Serie A giants and if he stays with AC Millan then he could agree pre-contract deal with clubs during the winter transfer window. 

However, with the Rossoneri having frozen him out, he faces playing no football until the new year.

AC Milan would prefer to cash in on him this summer instead of losing him on free which could work to West Ham's advantage to strike a deal for the English defender.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/09/01/defender-rejects-fulham-move-as-west-ham-possibility-floated/726348/