Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 23/06/26...

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"We'll be ready" – Alex Iwobi reacts to Fulham coaching dilemma following Silva's exit
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has reacted to Fulham's decision to part ways with Marco Silva after the Portuguese spent five years at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old became a key figure for Fulham under Marco Silva, breaking the Premier League record for the Nigerian with most appearances, while also reaching a career-high milestone for goal involvements in a top-flight season.

However, the Cottagers stalled on renewing the contract of the former Watford coach, and many believe that decision played a key role in derailing the team's European ambitions, as they fell short by just a point.

Silva has now signed for Benfica on a two-year deal with the option to extend for another year. This came after Jose Mourinho decided to join Real Madrid.

Alex Iwobi maintains Fulham are unfazed by Silva's exit
The Cottagers are reportedly in talks with former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, but no agreement has been reached yet. Recently, Championship title-winning manager, Frank Lampard, who previously coached Iwobi at Everton, has also been linked with the vacancy at the West London club.

Quizzed about how he feels regarding the uncertainty of the manager who'll be at the dugout next season, the Super Eagles centurion remained calm, trusting in his own abilities to adapt to any systems brought in by the new coach.

    "Yeah, I mean, I can only go off my experience with the national team and at Everton," the one-time FA Cup winner said in quotes revealed by TalkSPORT.

    "I've had several managers there, so it won't be difficult for me to adapt.

    "We'll be ready to play whoever the manager is."

The former Arsenal man has been very vocal about how Frank Lampard revived his career when he was at Everton, and is now open to working with the Coventry City coach again, if the opportunity presents itself.

    "Of course, I've worked with Frank Lampard before and he's someone I really enjoyed working with.

    "But I don't really mind as long as the manager that comes in wants to help better the club and so do the players.

    "So whoever the manager is, we're ready to work with them.

    "Obviously when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was active.

    "Thinking, 'Oh no, who are we going to get in next?'

    "But ever since then, it's been pretty quiet," the AFCON 2023 silver medallist concluded.

Iwobi's contract with Fulham runs until the summer of 2028, and by then, he'll be 32 years old.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/06/alex-iwobi-fulham-coaching-silva-exit.html

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Fulham make contact with Celtic over Alistair Johnston
Fulham have made contact with the agent of Celtic right back Alistair Johnston

A worrying Alistair Johnston update has emerged from England, regarding Fulham's interest in Celtic's Canadian internationalist...

The 27-year-old is currently with his country participating in the home World Cup this year, with AJ and his countrymen featuring in two matches so far – one against Bosnia-Herzegovina in a 1-1 draw and the other a 6-0 thumping of 2022 tournament hosts Qatar, who were outclassed by the Celtic defender and his team.

Johnston's performances haven't gone unnoticed, much like the ones four years ago, which prompted Ange Postecoglou to bring him to Celtic later on in that same winter.

The physical and athletic full-back has been an ever-present in the Hoops side since replacing outgoing Croatian international, Josip Juranovic, who made a surprising move to the Bundesliga with Union Berlin that same window.

Johnston's consistently strong performances

Performances from Johnston have been so consistently strong, with the former CF Montreal man rarely putting a foot wrong and always chipping in with assists further up the field, whilst tenacious in the tackle too. That had started rumours of Premier League interest in the Bhoys star, with Fulham thought to be especially keen on the big defender.

Well, it seems like that interest has remained ahead of this summer coming into full focus, with a new update from down the road in England potentially worrying for the Celtic support this close season. Fulham Fan News have taken to social media site X, to report the news that The Cottagers have reached out to Alistair Johnston's representatives, as they seek to find out if he would be interested in a move to London.

The ominous update states:

"Fulham have made contact with the agent of Celtic & Canada right back Alistair Johnston."

🚨 Fulham have made contact with the agent of Celtic & Canada right back Alistair Johnston.
⚫⚪#FFC #Transfers #TransferNews pic.twitter.com/Hpbk2rLl9u

— FulhamFanNews (@FulhamTransfer) June 19, 2026

With Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren said to be on the move after English Premier League interest in the pair as well as Johnston now, Celtic's rebuild could be turning into a complete root and branch change of the starting XI for Martin O'Neill and his recruitment staff at Lennoxtown.



https://celticshorts.com/2026/06/fulham-make-contact-with-celtic-over-alistair-johnston/

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Why Fulham can no longer ignore Luc de Fougerolles
Has LdF already played his way into Fulham's 2026/27 squad?

A few months ago, the conversation around Luc De Fougerolles centred on potential. Today, it centres on opportunity.

The 20 year old arrived at the World Cup as one of Canada's youngest squad members and with only limited senior football experience. Yet after two group-stage matches, he has looked increasingly comfortable on one of football's biggest stages.

While it would be reckless to draw definitive conclusions from a sample size of just two games, it could become increasingly difficult to argue that de Fougerolles should begin the 2026/27 season outside Fulham's senior matchday plans.

The question is no longer whether he has potential. The question is whether he has already done enough to warrant a place on Fulham's bench.

World Cup so far
Canada's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina provided the clearest glimpse yet into what LdF could become.

Making his World Cup debut, he played the full 90 minutes and recorded eight clearances, six headed clearances and won 11 duels. For a young centre-back facing a proven Bundesliga striker in Demirović and a physical partner in Lukić.

Those numbers were impressive not simply because of their volume, but because of what they revealed about his game. He was willing to engage physically, comfortable defending his penalty area and showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion or experience/pedigree of opposition.

Canada's subsequent 6-0 victory over Qatar offered far fewer opportunities for defensive heroics, but showcased another side of his game. While Canada by no means dominated possession (they actually had less of the ball). LdF operated a mix of a 'Centre-back box crasher' alongside playing key roles in the high line build up that Canada employed in a 'quarterback' role that he wouldn't often get the time to exhibit in the Premier League.

While Luc was replaced on 71 minutes in both matches, together, the two performances painted the picture of a modern centre-back: comfortable defending his box while also possessing the composure and technical ability required in possession. With tinges of leadership on display, his future is bright.

The Andersen comparison
Any discussion about de Fougerolles's future at Fulham inevitably leads to comparisons with the players currently ahead of him.

The most obvious benchmark is Joachim Andersen. The Danish international would be described as Fulham's defensive leader in the RCB spot. While he would formally have been seen as one of Premier League's most reliable centre-backs, his stock may have fallen a little following a disappointing and quite frankly unprofessional decision towards the end of the season.

During the 2025-26 Premier League season, Andersen accumulated 257 clearances across 33 appearances, won 131 of his 208 duels and 74 of his 103 aerial contests while recording 36 interceptions.

Clearly, de Fougerolles is nowhere near matching that volume of production. Andersen has nearly 3,000 Premier League minutes behind those numbers, while de Fougerolles has only two World Cup appearances to analyse. Any direct comparison must be treated with caution.

However, what is striking is how similar some of the underlying traits appear.

Like Andersen, de Fougerolles looks comfortable defending deep. Like Andersen, he shows a willingness to attack aerial balls rather than merely react to them. Like Andersen, he appears calm in possession and willing to progress the ball rather than simply clear his lines.

Andersen's greatest strength is arguably his ability to combine traditional defending with modern ball-playing qualities, and some of those same attributes are increasingly visible in de Fougerolles's game.

Why the sample size doesn't matter as much as you think
Sceptics will rightly point out that two World Cup matches do not guarantee Premier League readiness.

They would be correct. Hello Ragnar Sigurðsson.

The purpose of a bench role is not to identify players who are already Premier League starters. It is to identify players who are capable of contributing when called upon.

What de Fougerolles has demonstrated is that he can handle pressure, adapt to high-level opposition and maintain his composure in major moments. Those qualities are often more difficult to teach than technical ability.

At 20 years old, he already looks capable of stepping into senior matches without appearing overawed. That alone is significant.

The strongest argument for inclusion
Andersen's greatest strength is arguably his ability to combine traditional defending with modern ball-playing qualities, and some of those same attributes are increasingly visible in de Fougerolles's game.
Why the sample size doesn't matter as much as you think

Sceptics will rightly point out that two World Cup matches do not guarantee Premier League readiness.

They would be correct. Hello Ragnar Sigurðsson.

The purpose of a bench role is not to identify players who are already Premier League starters. It is to identify players who are capable of contributing when called upon.

What de Fougerolles has demonstrated is that he can handle pressure, adapt to high-level opposition and maintain his composure in major moments. Those qualities are often more difficult to teach than technical ability.

At 20 years old, he already looks capable of stepping into senior matches without appearing overawed. That alone is significant.
The strongest argument for inclusion

Perhaps the strongest argument for de Fougerolles' inclusion is not statistical at all.

Fulham have spent years searching for a sustainable pathway between their academy and first team. When a young player performs well at international level, against senior professionals, in the pressure cooker of a World Cup, there comes a point where continued exclusion becomes harder to justify than inclusion.

I am not suggesting De Fougerolles should replace Andersen yet. But a place on the bench is a different conversation entirely providing we find a manager who trusts in young talent.

If a 20-year-old centre-back can start World Cup matches for Canada, win 11 duels on his tournament debut and display the composure of a far more experienced player, then it becomes reasonable to ask why he shouldn't be trusted as Fulham's fourth or fifth defensive option - at the very least.

Verdict
The World Cup has not proven that Luc De Fougerolles is ready to become a Premier League starter. What it may have proven is that he has outgrown the category of "academy prospect".

Football careers often change because of moments exactly like these - two games into the World Cup, De Fougerolles has not forced his way into Fulham's starting XI. He may, however, have played his way onto the bench.

One thing is certain, if we don't give him his chance, and a pathway - somebody else will. The biggest remaining question is whether our new incoming manager is willing to open that pathway up.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/why-fulham-can-no-longer-ignore-luc

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Hull City and Everton 'interested' in ex-Sheffield United star Sander Berge amid Fulham uncertainty
Hull City and Everton credited with interest in Fulham's ex-Sheffield United star Sander Berge

Fulham midfielder and former Sheffield United star Sander Berge has reportedly emerged as a shock target for Hull City.

The 28-year-old is no stranger to Yorkshire having first been brought to British shores by Sheffield United in 2020. He was a marquee signing from Genk for the Blades and racked up 109 appearances before departing for Burnley in 2023.

After suffering relegation from the Premier League with the Clarets a year later, Berge was signed by Fulham in a deal reported to be worth £25m.

He has established himself as a key figure for the Cottagers, fuelling talk of interest from Premier League giants Manchester United.

Hull City credited with interest in Fulham midfielder
According to SportsBoom, newly-promoted top-flight outfit Hull are interested in getting the Norway international on board.

Berge, who is currently on duty at the World Cup, would be a huge coup for a club in serious need of star quality. It has been suggested the Tigers want players with experience of the Premier League to help them stay in it.

However, Everton are also said to be on the trail of the ex-Blade amid uncertainty over his future as a Fulham player.

Sander Berge's future
With Manchester United thought to be turning their attention towards West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes in their midfielder hunt, an opportunity to land Berge could arise.

However, even with Fulham in flux following the departure of head coach Marco Silva, Hull could find it difficult to persuade Berge to move to the MKM Stadium.

Hull have also been linked with another former Sheffield United player - Berge's ex-Blades teammate Daniel Jebbison. The 22-year-old forward is due back at AFC Bournemouth for pre-season after a season on loan in the Championship with Preston North End.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-everton-sander-berge-sheffield-united-fulham-8753752

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Fulham told to meet wing-back's €25m valuation – Club awaiting formal offer
Atalanta's Raoul Bellanova is likely to leave and Fulham are in the picture to sign him.

The wing-back had a frustrating 2025/26 campaign. This wasn't just due to injuries but because he provided just one assist in Serie A, playing only 24 times.

This is different to how things were in the 2024/25 season, when he contributed ten assists in the league. He also played 34 times and stayed away from injuries.

Sport Witness have covered how Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are in the race for the Italian.

It is Fulham who are the more serious of the duo.

La Dea open to sale
Il Giorno carry a detailed report about possible transfers involving Atalanta this summer.

They are making progress in a move for Gianluca Gaetano but other incomings can be determined by sales. Bellanova is in the picture to leave, with Fulham and AS Roma competing for his signature.

As of now, La Dea value the wing-back at €25m. They have been left frustrated by his injury worries, which have held back his progress significantly.

As a result, the Bergamo club are awaiting an approach and see Nicolo Savona as a possible replacement.

Big doubts about player
Atalanta are usually wise sellers and if they're parting ways with a player willingly, there should be concerns about him.

Bellanova's injuries have usually been muscle worries, which isn't a good sign.

If he moves to Fulham, he will have to cover a lot more distance in the Premier League. Besides, he is quite inconsistent with his final ball and has often come under criticism for that.

That is why even if the London club sign him, they should seek a discount. There is a chance the 26-year-old doesn't prove to be an upgrade on what the Craven Cottage side currently have among full-back options.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-told-to-meet-wing-backs-e25m-valuation-club-awaiting-formal-offer/

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Fulham make contact with Alistair Johnston's agent, according to a report
Fulham have reportedly taken the first steps towards a potential move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, with the Premier League club said to have made contact with the Canadian's agent.

Fulham have reportedly taken the first steps towards a potential move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, with the Premier League club said to have made contact with the Canadian's agent.
The interest follows Johnston's standout display for Canada in their emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar at the World Cup.

Despite enduring an injury-hit campaign and spending much of the season on the sidelines, the right-back delivered an exceptional performance that earned widespread praise, with Andros Townsend describing his display as 'world-class'.

New Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is believed to be an admirer of the 27-year-old. The former Spain international – who spent his playing career operating as a right-back – is reportedly looking to strengthen that area of his squad.

Reports of Fulham's approach surfaced less than a day after Johnston's impressive World Cup outing, fuelling speculation that his performance may have accelerated the club's interest.

https://x.com/FulhamTransfer/status/2067998170408161512

Celtic remain in a strong position regarding the defender's future, however, with Johnston tied to a long-term contract that runs until 2029.

Only last month, the Canadian appeared to underline his commitment to life at the Hoops when he publicly championed a move to Scotland for his brother, suggesting he remained settled at Celtic.

That said, Johnston has previously stopped short of guaranteeing his long-term future with the Scottish champions. Earlier in the season, he acknowledged the possibility of testing himself elsewhere, leaving open the prospect of a future move to the Premier League.

Canada and Johnston's final group stage game is on Thursday night against Switzerland.



https://celticshorts.com/2026/06/fulham-make-contact-with-alistair-johnstons-agent-according-to-a-report/

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Fulham's interest genuine but offer claims not accurate – West Ham also make contact
Fulham and West Ham United are keen on signing Trabzonspor's Chibuike Nwaiwu this summer.

The Premier League side are yet to appoint Marco Silva's successor while are also working on carrying out new signings.

Fulham have their sights on the centre-back but have to be wary of other clubs, including West Ham.

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Turkey that Fulham are keen on the 22-year-old and his club teammate, Wagner Pina. They are also preparing to make a bid of over €10m for Nwaiwu.

The latest claims from elsewhere have mentioned of the London club tabling a €20m bid.

West Ham could challenge Fulham
After relaying these claims, Foot-Africa provides the latest on Fulham and also covers West Ham United.

Fulham have a 'genuine interest' in the Nigeria international but claims of their €20m bid aren't true.

The outlet got in touch with a source close to Chibuike Nwaiwu to get an update on the London club. When responding to that, the source also reports of West Ham's approach for the Trabzonspor player.

"I can confirm that Fulham have expressed interest in him, but the figure being reported in the media is not entirely accurate. Regardless, Trabzonspor were not willing to do a deal," the source said.

"But they are not the only team that have made inquiries about him. There are about three clubs. West Ham are one of them, and they are looking to strengthen their squad."

"There is also Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, who have been tracking him since his time in Austria. They remain interested in him. Another German club has also asked about him. It is Werder Bremen."

Fulham and West Ham told price
Chibuike Nwaiwu joined the Turkish club in January and his interested parties like Fulham and Nuno Espírito Santo's side have to offer at least €30m to convince Trabzonspor.

"I do not think Trabzonspor want to sell him at this stage because they want to challenge for the league title next season and see him as an important part of their plans. Unless one of these clubs comes in with an offer between €30m and €35m, I believe he will remain in Turkey," the source explained.

The Hammers' relegation may give Fulham an edge over them in the race to sign Nwaiwu. His contract expires in 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €10m.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-interest-genuine-but-offer-claims-not-accurate-west-ham-also-make-contact/