Saturday Fulham Stuff - 13/06/26...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham release retained list as striker departs, defender starts coaching career – plus latest manager odds as trio emerge
FULHAM have released veteran striker Raul Jimenez – and offered a new deal to midfielder Harry Wilson.

Jimenez, 35, is at the World Cup as Mexico are set to open the tournament against South Africa on Thursday (June 11).

Jimenez joined the Cottagers from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £5.5million in the summer of 2023. He went on to score 28 goals in 98 Premier League games and leaves with an overall record of 31 goals in 115 games.

Jimenez recovered from a fractured skull he suffered in a clash of heads with Chelsea defender David Luiz in November 2020 before returning at the start of the following season wearing a protective guard.

The former Benfica forward was in talks this week over a return to Wolves, who were relegated to the Championship last season.

Fulham are also releasing Steven Benda, Devan Tanton, Bradley De Jesus, Ollie Gofford, Charlie Robinson, Joseph Walters, Tom Wingate, Callum Cliff, Marcell Hall, Ruban Khan, Oliver Mayer, Harley Platel and Quinn Schutter.

Defender Robinson, 21, announced his retirement from professional football after the end of the season. He suffered an ACL injury in the final training session of the 2022-23 campaign and needed four surgeries.

"After three years of knee issues, and having sought the opinions of the best specialists in the country after four operations, I will sadly be retiring from professional football," he said.
"It was never what I wanted to happen but, I must prioritise my long term health.

"I am immensely grateful for all the support from everyone around me, especially friends, family and the medical staff at Fulham."

The club have confirmed that Robinson will begin his coaching career at Motspur Park.

Wilson, 29, is set to be out of contract at the end of this month and is exploring his options. The Wales international has been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Wilson scored eleven goals and registered eight assists in 41 appearances last season.

The club have also offered deals to Samuel Amissah, Jonathan Esenga, Michael Allen, Chibby Nwoko, Tom Olyott, Jayden Quashie and Olly Sanderson.

Fulham have exercised the options in the contracts of Luke Harris, Farhaan Ali Wahid, Terrell Works and Marco Underwood. Macaulay Zepa has had his third-year scholarship exercised.

In a statement, the Cottagers said: "We would like to thank every player for their service and efforts during their time at Fulham, and wish them the best of luck during the next chapters of their career."

It is set to be a pivotal summer at Craven Cottage as the club search for a replacement for Marco Silva, who left after five years in charge.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is still odds-on favourite for the job, while former Cottagers boss Scott Parker, ex-Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss, and current United States head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, have all moved up the betting lists over the last week.



https://southlondon.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/fulham-release-retained-list-as-striker-released-defender-starts-coaching-career-plus-latest-manager-odds-as-trio-emerge/

[WhiteJC]

De Fougerolles' World Cup Preview

Luc De Fougerolles described 2026 as a 'big year' in his last interview with fulhamfc.com. Six months on, he now stands on the verge of the biggest moment of his career.

A World Cup debut beckons for the 20-year-old Canada international. Luc, who started his football journey with Battersea Bedhead, is in line to start against Bosnia in Toronto on Friday evening.

"It now feels a bit more real," said the young Fulham defender. "We had the two friendlies [v Uzbekistan and Ireland] to prepare for first, so I was thinking about those. But now they're done, the next game is the big one. I can't wait and it's going to be amazing. I know the team is ready."

While a start on Friday evening looks likely – especially with Nice centre-back Moïse Bombito set to be sidelined - just receiving the call up for his first ever World Cup was a special moment for Luc. A six-month injury disrupted his 2024/25 campaign at Fulham, while this season, during his first senior loan, he suffered relegation with Belgian side FCV Dender in heartbreaking fashion.

"There was a bit of doubt in my mind," said Luc, when asked about the call up. "It's been a tough few seasons for me, and this season has also been tough, getting relegated at the end of it, but all the work I've put in is coming to fruition.

"Jesse [Marsch] called 32 of us up to a camp, and then obviously he had to cut it down to 26 which is when we found out. He did a meeting with the team, said who dropped out and named the squad. Half an hour later, it was named publicly.

"I didn't tell my family because I wanted them to find out on the livestream, I thought that would be nicer for them. They were really excited. It got announced at about 1am their time, but the whole family waited up watching it."

Still four months away from his 21st birthday, Luc has already racked up 13 caps for his country. That figure is even more impressive given the number of camps he's been forced to miss with injury over the last two years.

Marsch has always spoken glowingly of the 20-year-old. During one of Luc's first camps in 2024, Marsch labelled him as 'one of the best performers' in the squad, while 'outstanding' was the adjective used to describe his performance in last weekend's draw with Ireland – Canada's final game before their World Cup curtain raiser.

"Jesse has been amazing with me," said Luc. "Putting me in during moments where I didn't really have any senior football under my belt, but trusting me to start games, big games as well. He trusts me a lot, so a lot of thanks goes to him for putting a lot of belief in me.

"The whole world will see what Canada is about."

"I remember my first camp, he told me 'I know you're young, I know you don't have many games', but for him it doesn't actually matter. It's based on what he sees on the training pitch and what he thinks is right. A lot of the caps are down to him and I thank him for his continued support.

"He's honest with me if he thinks I can do something better, which I like. I know he believes in me, and his actions show that even more than his words, to be honest with you, with how much he's played me and how much he's trusted me. I'm still trying to learn, get better, because I'm still young in the game, so he tells me if he thinks I can do something better, which is helping my game. Every game, I'm learning."

Marsch has heaped praise on the whole squad, not just Luc, describing the Canada roster as the 'best group' the country has ever assembled.

Canada are out to make history having never won a game at a World Cup. They came close in 2022 - falling to defeat in their opener in Qatar despite outshooting Belgium 21-7 – but a group containing the Red Devils, Croatia and Semi-Finalists Morocco was cruel, and ultimately one that ended pointless for Les Rouges.

But since then, Marsch's high-energy 'Maplepressing' style has proved successful. Since being appointed in 2024, the former Leeds Head Coach has led Canada to the Copa America Semi-Finals, a goalless draw against a strong France side, and wins against European outfits including Ukraine, Romania and Wales.

"The squad is very high level," said Luc. "Some of the guys who have missed out are also of a very high level. We've got a lot of depth now.

"That showed in the Uzbekistan friendly where we made 11 changes at half-time and managed to win the second half 2-0. Jesse trusts everyone, all 26 in the squad, and everybody knows their role and is ready to perform."

It's a team that prides itself on its speed. Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Villareal's Tajon Buchanan, and, if fit, Bombito, will be among the fastest players in the tournament.

"It's definitely the quickest team I've been a part of. I consider myself fairly quick, but maybe not in this team! There are guys who are much, much quicker than me.

"We'll play to our strengths. You could say we're good to watch because there's a lot of attacking transitions, a lot of pace, attacking football, running in behind, pressing. The whole world will see what Canada is about."

While it may be the team's dynamism that catches the eye of neutrals, it's Canada's defensive solidity that will give them a chance of going deep in this tournament, something that Luc has more than played his part in.

Canada have conceded one goal or fewer in 11 of Luc's 13 appearances. In the last two years, France, Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador are among those who haven't been able to breach the Canadian backline.

"I think the way we defend as a whole team is amazing. You look at those stats and think 'the defenders, goalkeepers and midfielders', but the way our strikers press, keeping the ball out of our half so much, there's not much for the defence to do in the end!

"It makes our lives much easier. Our system is really defensively solid and you're seeing that in the numbers. If we can take that into the World Cup, it'll be a great foundation to build from to help us get wins. Clean sheets will take us far in the tournament."

For Friday night's opener, Luc will be backed by a small army of his loved ones. His Montreal-born father, as well as mother, brother, cousin and uncle will be in attendance at BMO Field. He hopes more friends and family will join them later in the tournament, depending on Canada's progress.

"It's going to be special. Playing in Toronto for the first game, where a lot of the guys grew up, playing in front of friends and family. Having the whole world in Canada and the US, watching the biggest tournament in the world, will be great for the country, and we're hoping to inspire many young Canadians who are getting into football. We want to get youth football growing in Canada.

"The whole country is excited already – and I'm sure it'll be even more crazy in Toronto on Friday."

Photo credit: CANMNT.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/12/de-fougerolles-world-cup-preview/

[WhiteJC]

"He will say no" – Fulham chances of landing manager dismissed
Fulham's search for a new manager has already seen Abel Ferreira linked with the vacancy, but reports from Brazil suggest the Palmeiras boss would be almost impossible to prise away from his current club this summer.

With Marco Silva now in charge of Benfica, the Premier League side are expected to assess a range of candidates.

Abel's name emerged in English reports this week, with the Portuguese coach's success in Brazil making him an obvious candidate whenever European jobs become available.

Yet the latest information from Brazil paints a very different picture.

Speaking for ESPN Brazil, journalist André Hernan strongly downplayed any prospect of Abel leaving Palmeiras before the end of his current contract.

"Any approach, Abel will say no"
According to Hernan, Abel Ferreira has been completely consistent in discussions with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira and football director Anderson Barros.

The journalist explained that the manager does not see himself as someone who abandons a project midway through and remains committed to the agreement he signed with the Brazilian club.

Hernan said: "Today, to any enquiry, any approach, Abel will say no."

His stance is not new actually. That already happened to Tottenham, Chelsea, Forest and Wolves.

The reporter added that he expects Abel to honour his contract through to the end of 2027, the same year Leila Pereira's current presidency comes to an end.

His feeling is that the coach could then take several months away from football before finally exploring opportunities in Europe. That timeline alone would leave Fulham facing a very long wait.

Sporting example highlights Palmeiras advantage
One of the more revealing details from Hernan's comments concerned previous European interest.

The journalist pointed to an approach from Sporting and explained that the Portuguese side were unable to match the financial package Abel already receives at Palmeiras.

That carries extra weight given Abel Ferreira's long-standing relationship with Sporting. The Portuguese coach spent much of his playing career at the Lisbon club, finished his career there and later worked his way through Sporting's academy setup before moving into senior management.

In that context, the fact Sporting were unable to tempt him away from Palmeiras underlines just how comfortable his current situation is in Brazil.

Abel is not working under difficult circumstances or waiting for an escape route. According to Hernan, he effectively has full control over football matters at Palmeiras, enjoys a salary comparable with European standards and remains in a position of considerable influence.

Europe may have to wait
Hernan even addressed the possibility of interest from elite clubs. While stressing that the situation would naturally become more complicated if clubs such as Real Madrid or Barcelona became involved, he still framed the current reality as one in which Abel has no intention of leaving Palmeiras.

Also, Palmeiras remain alive in three major competitions and are challenging for silverware on multiple fronts. Hernan highlighted that fact as another reason why a departure now makes little sense from Abel's perspective.

So while Fulham may be drawing up lists following Marco Silva's move to Benfica, the message coming from one of Brazil's best-connected journalists is straightforward.

Abel Ferreira may have admirers in England, but convincing him to leave Palmeiras this summer appears highly unlikely.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/he-will-say-no-fulham-chances-of-landing-manager-dismissed/

[WhiteJC]

Khan: Fulham were convinced Silva would stay
Fulham director of football Tony Khan says the club expected Marco Silva to stay and the Portuguese performed a U-turn.

In an exclusive interview, Khan – son of club owner Shahid Khan – admitted a statement had been prepared to announce that Silva had signed a new deal to stay on as Whites head coach.

But Silva, whose contract was expiring, instead left to take over at Benfica.

"I wrote a statement thinking Marco was going to be staying, which is definitely how we all felt on Tuesday (June 2) morning," Khan revealed.

"That's what I had worked very hard (on) and tried my best to make it possible for Marco to stay, for Marco to make that decision.

"It is accurate to say that on Tuesday we all thought Marco would be staying and we were all thrilled about it.

"I have written a statement and everything I said in that statement is still very much how I felt – just over the moon about Marco staying. But obviously, over the last week we've had to plan and move forward.

"It's been a week, and certainly Tuesday morning, I believed, and my father and everyone at the club thought, that Marco would be staying and that's what he had said going into Tuesday."

In Silva's last post-match press conference, following the final-day win against Newcastle, he insisted the annual lap of appreciation to salute the home fans did not feel like a farewell.

However, his departure was announced 10 days later.

"I had always told my father: 'I think (we should do) everything we can do to keep Marco here'," Khan said.

"He does an excellent job. I love working with him. The players love working with him and everyone at the club loves working with Marco."

'Inaccurate reports'
The focus is now on appointing a successor to Silva, who guided Fulham back to the Premier League and firmly re-established the club in the top flight during his five years at the helm.

The likes of Kieran McKenna, who has left Ipswich but insists he will take a break from football, ex-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino and Frank Lampard have been linked with the job, as has Alvaro Arbeloa, who recently had a spell as Real Madrid boss.

Various players have also been linked with possible moves to the club.

But Khan said: "I see reports and people go off the different sources they get and there's probably times where the club and I should come out and talk more about what's going on, because of other people, other sources, other parties, counterparties in transfers or negotiating with coaches or all kinds of transactions that happen in football.

"A lot of times I see things in football media that are partially true or largely true, sometimes completely true, and sometimes completely untrue – and everything in between. Around transfer season, around transfer windows, it's amazing how many inaccurate reports there are.

"I can't say with certainty how long it (appointing a new manager) will take, but we are working on it. We have been every day for the past week.

"We have had a lot of meetings internally and also talking to candidates. And we're going to continue with this process.

"It is, frankly, a wider net than five years ago. It was, I'll be totally honest, a one-man show five years ago. I had one name and it was Marco.

"So I have a much wider net and a lot more people this time. I think it's a very different search."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/khan-fulham-were-convinced-silva-would-stay

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Supporters invited to Cottage Catch-Up
Supporters are invited to attend a drop-in session at Craven Cottage on Saturday 20th June, to help mark Loneliness Awareness Week.

During the summer, many fans miss the community and companionship that the football season provides – making it so important to keep in touch with the Fulham family.

The free event is open to all fans and will be held in The Flag, situated in the Johnny Haynes Stand, from 2-5pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

There's no need to register in advance – just come down and enjoy a catch-up with fellow Fulham fans!

If you have any further questions about the event, please email [email protected] with 'Cottage Catch-Up' in the subject line.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/12/supporters-invited-to-cottage-catch-up/

[WhiteJC]

Why has Shad Khan invested so much in Fulham? The answer is Tony Khan.
Tony didn't just get his job because his Dad owns the club. He is the reason his Dad owns the club.

According to Fulham's most recent public financial reports, in 2024/25 Shad Khan, through the various entities he uses to control the club, converted £145m of loans owed to him into equity for a club that he already owns outright.

This brings his total investment in Fulham to £1.158bn, a club he bought for £150m in 2013 and that is, according to Forbes, now worth £681m (or 70% less than his total investment).

And, that total investment figure does not include the reported £62m that Khan loaned to the club in 2024/25, nor the additional tens of millions he's likely invested in 2025/26.

Why is Mr. Khan spending so much money on Fulham? Does he just love football and the team that much? The answer seems to be no.

While Khan does seem truly committed to Fulham, what he really seems to love is working with family - and his son, Tony.

In an interview with TalkSport last October, Shad was asked why he started buying sports teams, including Fulham. He said:

    "Well, I liked sports, but I played cricket (laughs).

    And first of all cricket doesn't exist in the US. I played a little bit of tennis in high school and what have you, but I really discovered sports with Tony."

Maybe he was, like us, watching the Premier League as a young man? Nope:

    "I would have our customers, our suppliers, and banks invite (me) to (sporting) events. And I was like, no, I work 12 hours. I just want to pick up our hamburger on the way [home] for my wife and myself or maybe for my son and I want to go have it and go to bed - that was the life for us. And then Tony had an interest in sports. And [if] he wants to go, so I'll take someone up on an invitation."

Shad Khan's life story is incredible. He worked his way through college by washing dishes, became an engineer and then somehow was able to buy the company he first worked for and turn it into a multibillion dollar, cash-generating auto parts behemoth.

But he was not interested in sports or football until Tony came along. Family and Tony are the key. The TalkSport interviewer asked him how special it was to work with his son, and Shad replied:

    "Being born in Pakistan, pretty much everything is like a family business - you survive as a family. I worked with my dad ever since I could walk. Just the personal satisfaction you get... most people, unless they're working as a family to survive, don't get that. So I have really enjoyed that and want to be able to support him (Tony) to have the success he's enjoying. It's such a fulfilling thing, frankly it's really hard to describe."

I think the passion in this answer is notable in contrast to how Shad usually talks about Fulham where he tends to say nice, but not very passionate, things.

Shad got into sports to be able to work with his son - like he did with his Dad - and it paid off for him emotionally and, outside of Fulham, financially. The Khans have more than doubled their money on the Jaguars - now worth $5.6bn according to Forbes - and reportedly spent $100m to start a new wrestling federation that is now valued at $2bn.

Tony is the key. Getting to work with him is the main reason why Shad owns sport teams, including Fulham. What does Tony say about getting to work with his Dad? In another TalkSport interview from February this year, TK said:

    "I'm very blessed to be able to spend this much time with him and to work in businesses that I really love and I've learned so much from him before I was working when I was in school when I was growing up and now as an adult and working professionally with him."

The Khans often like to refer to Fulham as a "family club." And, they mean it - it is the Khan Family Football club. Tony is not a nepo baby employee who got his job because his Dad owns the club. He is the reason why his Dad owns the club.

So, did Tony love football? Is that the reason why his Dad bought Fulham? I don't think so. And while I believe Tony has, over time, come to love Fulham. But back then, what Tony loved was sports.

I think the reason Shad became our owner was because Tony was (and still is) passionate about sports management and analytics and that the Premier League was an exciting new area for both.

Look at the Jacksonville Jaguars site where Tony is described as a "a thought-leader in the world of sports analytics and insights." The (not very recently updated) team bio, which presumably Tony approved, describes his role at Fulham:

    "Khan has played an integral role in the identification, recruitment and signing of the players while continuing to oversee the club's statistical research department, which he created in 2015 to analyze football player performance and develop proprietary football performance."

Data and recruitment are Tony's main interests. He wants to make his name by building successful sports teams using analytics. Tony is not (according to this reasoning) ever going to stop being involved with transfers as long as the Khans own Fulham.

Here's how Tony described his role at the club to the Athletic in a 2023 interview:

    Recruitment at Fulham, (Tony) explains, is a collaborative process involving himself, Silva and Mackintosh, as well as a team of data, analytics and scouting experts to look at every target in almost forensic detail. It is an exhaustive, time-consuming process and life can be hectic when Khan is also the co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as running his All Elite Wrestling empire and having various other work commitments.

    "I lean heavily on data and analysing information," says Khan, whose Boston-based company, TruMedia Networks, is one of the big hitters in the world of sports data. "Marco is also very analytical, but not looking so much at the databases. We're looking (at players) in different ways and coming together on a lot of shared philosophies. We agree on almost everything and the players who have come in over the last two years have, overall, been very successful."

This quote is telling about who the Khans will seek to hire as Fulham's next manager - someone that Tony will like to work with on transfers and that will allow him to continue playing his role as chief of analytics (and Director of Football).

I know this might be frustrating to hear, but while Alistair Mackintosh could be set aside for the right new Fulham manager - as recently happened with top Jaguar executives when the Khans hired a new head coach for their NFL team - Tony will not be moved and, in fact, will mostly likely be the key decision maker in what manager we hire next.

I say this because, as far as I can tell, the Khans divide their work at Fulham thusly: Shad focuses on the Riverside Development and Tony focuses on the team.

As Tony said in his interview with TalkSport in February:

    "Dad's project has (borne) incredible fruit with the Riverside stand and the development there.That was a dream and he's built something that will truly stand the test of time. He's taken a timeless property and a timeless place and something that has so much beautiful magic with Craven Cottage and he's added something incredible that I really believe in with Fulham Pier and the Riverside stand and I care so much about the football and the results of the football and I've never been the person who has the most sight on building out the stadium. and the ticketing revenue and things like that."

I do think that Shad will be involved in selecting a new manager, because it is ultimately his money. He is a smart guy and incredibly successful businessman who understands that his billion-dollar investment might go up in smoke if we pick the wrong manager and get relegated, but Tony is likely going to be the main voice in room because, again, Shad is doing all of this mainly to be able to work with Tony. And what Tony wants to do is to be able to do what he thinks is the fun stuff at the properties they own.

God help us.

But, the good news, fellow Fulham fans, is that Shad Khan's modus operandi is to not give up and to keep on investing until he wins and is successful (even more so because this is about his family and son).

Here's what he said after the Jaguars finally - after many years of mediocrity (and a lot of criticism) - made it to the play-offs in 2017 (the equivalent, I guess, of getting to Europe):

    "Well, I had been through life when I was a laughing stock in whatever business I was in, auto parts or what have you," he said. "You have to stay in it and success comes. It's a story of perseverance."

And, as his continued investment of hundreds upon hundreds of millions of dollars shows, Khan is putting his money where his mouth is, which he can continue to do given that he is worth a reported $15.3bn and owns a company that generates hundreds of millions in cash every single year.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/why-has-shad-khan-invested-so-much

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United and Brentford 'monitoring' Mariano Troilo as Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion 'prepare' to bid
Leeds United, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford linked with Parma defender Mariano Troilo

Leeds United are reportedly monitoring Parma defender Mariano Troilo amid interest from some of their Premier League rivals.

A highly-rated centre-back, Troilo started his senior career in his native Argentina with Belgrano before moving to Italy last year.

He started the 2025/26 Serie A campaign on the fringes but ended the campaign as a regular in the Parma backline.

Leeds United 'monitoring' defender
According to SportsBoom, Leeds are keeping an eye on the defender ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.

However, if the Whites do want to add Troilo to their ranks, they could have a battle on their hands.

Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion are both said to be preparing bids in the region of €15-20m (£12.9m-£17.2m), and Brentford are believed to be among his admirers.

Parma are reportedly set to knock initial approaches, believing Troilo's value to be much higher than the mooted sum. Resistance from Parma could make a deal tricky to do, although the lure of the Premier League could prove strong for the player himself.

A high-profile switch could boost his chances of securing an Argentina cap having been called up to the squad for the first time last year.

Centre-back links
Leeds have been linked with a clutch of centre-backs of late and it has not come as a surprise. There are doubts over the future of Pascal Struijk and the Dutchman will need replacing if he does seek pastures new.

The importance of the centre-back department to manager Daniel Farke has been increased by his switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which has made Leeds look much more assured.

His trio of choice last season consisted of Struijk, Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol. Sebastiaan Bornauw and full-back James Justin were both used as deputies.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-mariano-troilo-brentford-fulham-brighton-hove-albion-8687617

[WhiteJC]

2026/27 Season Tickets update
Supporters are advised of our on sale dates for 2026/27 Season Tickets.

eason Tickets at Craven Cottage for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign will begin to go on sale from 10am on Monday 15th June to supporters who signed up to the Waiting List.

Those on the Waiting List will be able to enjoy an exclusive window to secure their seats ahead of any remaining tickets going on General Sale, subject to availability. Supporters who successfully joined the Waiting List must login to their OneFulham account using the same email they used to sign up to the Waiting List in order to purchase during the priority window.

Supporters who have not linked their OneFulham account to their ticketing account can link them here, any supporter without a OneFulham account can create one here.

Subject to availability, remaining Season Tickets will then go on General Sale to all supporters from 10am on Wednesday 17th June.

HOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT
With high demand expected, don't miss out on your chance to join us in SW6 for every home fixture of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. Along with a guaranteed seat for all nineteen fixtures, you'll enjoy a host of other benefits, including priority access to tickets for away & cup fixtures, exclusive retail discounts, access to supporter events and much more!

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/12/2026-27-season-tickets-update/

[WhiteJC]

Abel Ferreira committed to Palmeiras amid Fulham links
Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira has no interest in leaving the Brazilian giants anytime soon amid his links with Fulham.

According to an update by Brazilian journalist Andre Hernan on the ESPN show Fala a Fonte, Abel Ferreira is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are combing the managerial market for a long-term replacement for Marco Silva, who has left the West London club to join Benfica. However, the Palmeiras head coach is committed to the Brazilian club and will "say no" to all enquiries this summer.

Abel Ferreira and his managerial career so far
Abel Ferreira has become one of the world's most highly rated managers in the last half a dozen years. The 47-year-old was a right-back during his career as a footballer and represented well-known clubs like Vitoria Guimaraes, SC Braga, and Sporting CP before hanging up his boots in 2011.

He entered the managerial world immediately by coaching the youth sides at Sporting CP, then the Primeira Liga club's reserve team. Since then, Ferreira has managed SC Braga and PAOK before rising in prominence during his ongoing stint with Palmeiras, having joined the Brazilian club in 2020.

Under Ferreira's tutelage, the Green and Whites have won nearly a dozen trophies, including two league titles and two Copa Libertadores. The Portuguese tactician's exploits have reportedly piqued the attention of several well-known European clubs, including Chelsea. The latest reports have linked him with Fulham.

Will Ferreira return to Europe by joining Fulham?
Fulham's interest in Abel Ferreira is understandable. The Cottagers have a gaping hole to fill in the managerial hot seat after the end of a fruitful union with Marco Silva. However, with the Portuguese tactician vacating his role to move to Benfica, the West London club must procure a replacement.

Recent reports have linked Fulham with Alvaro Arbeloa, but Ferreira is also a viable target. The 47-year-old has been renowned for his tactical versatility, defensive resilience, and positional structure, which will suit Fulham's squad strengths appropriately.

However, Andre Hernan has revealed that the Portuguese tactician has been "completely consistent in discussions with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira and football director Anderson Barros" and insisted that he "does not see himself as someone who abandons a project midway through". So, Fulham must look elsewhere for a new head coach.



https://thehardtackle.com/news/2026/06/12/abel-ferreira-committed-to-palmeiras-amid-fulham-links/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham are leading the race to sign Serie A defender
Fulham Transfer News: Mariano Troilo Emerges as Defensive Target

Fulham's search for defensive reinforcements has taken them towards Serie A, with Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo now firmly on their radar.

Sports Boom report that Fulham and Brighton are preparing offers worth around €15 million to €20 million for the 22-year-old Argentine, although Parma are expected to reject those opening proposals. Leeds United and Brentford are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Troilo has impressed in Italy with a profile that fits the demands of modern Premier League recruitment. Sports Boom describe him as a defender with "quality in reading positions, his ability to build from the back and his determination in duels."

For Fulham, that blend matters. With Marco Silva having left to become Benfica head coach, the club are entering a period of transition. Recruitment cannot stand still while the managerial search continues, and adding young, adaptable players may be central to the next phase.

Defensive Profile Suits Premier League Needs
Troilo's appeal is not difficult to understand. He is 22, already gaining Serie A experience, and capable of operating as a centre-back while offering flexibility across defensive roles.

Sports Boom state: "He represents the versatile defensive profile demanded by modern football extremely well."

That versatility could be especially important for Fulham's next head coach. Whether the new appointment favours a back four, a back three, or a possession-heavy structure, Troilo appears to offer tactical value beyond one fixed role.

Fulham's interest also reflects a wider shift. Rather than waiting for established Premier League names at inflated prices, clubs are increasingly seeking earlier access to high-upside talent. Troilo fits that bracket.

Parma's Position Remains Firm
Parma's stance is clear. Sports Boom report that "€20 million is not enough," with the Italian club preferring to retain Troilo for the 2025/26 season and develop him further.

That does not mean a deal is impossible. The report adds that "an offer significantly above €20 million could alter this process." In other words, Fulham may need to decide how aggressively they want to move before rival interest hardens.

Brighton's presence is notable. Their recruitment model is widely admired, and when they identify a young player, others tend to take notice. Brentford's data-led approach and Leeds' Premier League needs only add to the market pressure.

Fulham Strategy After Silva Exit
For Fulham, this is more than a simple transfer link. It is a test of direction. Without Silva, the club must show they can maintain continuity in recruitment while preparing for a new tactical era.

Sports Boom also note that "Troilo isn't the only Serie A talent on Fulham's radar this summer," with Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta also on the shortlist.

That suggests Fulham are looking at the Italian market as a serious source of value. Troilo would be a young, developable signing with resale potential and immediate squad relevance.

Sports Boom add: "SportsBoom can exclusively reveal that no formal bids have yet been accepted by Parma, and the club remain committed to retaining Troilo for the 2025/26 season."

So the process has begun, but Fulham still have work to do. If they want Troilo, they may need to move beyond the early valuation quickly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Fulham perspective, this is exactly the kind of rumour that feels both exciting and slightly uncertain.

The exciting part is obvious. Troilo sounds like a player with proper upside. He is young, Serie A-tested, comfortable on the ball, and physically competitive. That is the type of defender Fulham should be targeting, especially if the club want to build something sustainable rather than constantly patch holes with short-term signings.

The uncertainty comes from the timing. Marco Silva leaving for Benfica changes everything. Supporters will naturally ask who is driving this move, and whether Troilo suits the next head coach or simply the club's recruitment department. Ideally, Fulham need both sides aligned before spending above €20 million.

Still, this is the market Fulham should be working in. Brighton being involved is usually a sign that the scouting reports are strong. Brentford's interest says something similar. If Fulham can beat those clubs to a player before his price rises, that would be a serious statement of intent.

The key is not overpaying out of panic. Troilo looks like a smart target, but Fulham need clarity, a new head coach, and a proper plan around how he develops.



https://eplindex.com/147286/report-fulham-are-leading-the-race-to-sign-serie-a-defender.html