Sunday Fulham Stuff - 05/07/26...

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Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, Newcastle United vying for El Bilal Toure
Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United are keen on signing 24-year-old Malian international El Bilal Toure from Atalanta this summer.

According to a report by Africa Foot, a four-way Premier League battle is brewing for the signature of El Bilal Toure, with Fulham leading the race. The 24-year-old winger has no future at Atalanta, and the Serie A club will demand around €18 million to part ways with him in the ongoing transfer window.

El Bilal Toure and his struggles
El Bilal Toure has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Atalanta from UD Almeria in July 2023. The 24-year-old attacker's stock was high when he moved to the Serie A club three years ago. However, fitness issues and poor form have plagued him, with a loan stint with VfB Stuttgart not yielding the desired results. His loan move to Besiktas in the 2025/26 season proved productive.

The Malian international scored seven goals and five assists in 26 outings for Besiktas. Those performances have piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, and an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards.

A man in demand
Aston Villa will target a wide attacker this summer, as Unai Emery is eager to reduce the over-dependence on Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in the upcoming campaign. Toure would add depth to their wide attacking options, which have relied heavily on those two players.

Meanwhile, El Bilal Toure has been on Everton's radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as the Toffees are understood to be concerned about Jack Grealish's long-term future, having yet to strike an agreement with Manchester City on a permanent move. Additionally, Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a target for Manchester United and other bigwigs.

As for Fulham, Harry Wilson has become a free agent and is reportedly unlikely to sign a new deal with the West London club. With Samuel Chukwueze's permanent move still pending, Fulham are likely to pursue a new wide attacker before the window closes—and El Bilal Toure is an option the Cottagers are understood to be considering.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are on the cusp of signing Bazoumana Toure from TSG Hoffenheim. However, the Magpies need more quality in the final third, as Anthony Elanga struggled in his debut season, and Jacob Murphy is no longer a regular starter. Meanwhile, Atalanta's asking price of €18 million is not excessive, though Aston Villa, Everton, and Newcastle have fallen behind Fulham in the battle for the Malian winger's signature.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/04/aston-villa-everton-fulham-newcastle-united-vying-for-el-bilal-toure/

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£15m race explodes between Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton and Fulham
It's shaping up to be a massive summer in the Premier League. The midfield market has already erupted into life, with some record deals on the table, and the attacking market could be about to follow suit.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Fulham and Everton have all set their sights on El Bilal Toure. Newcastle, of course, are attempting to revive Eddie Howe's side after losing Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in the space of 12 months.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are seeking additions ahead of their Champions League return and in the event of a record departure for Morgan Rogers. It's less of a frantic case for Everton and Fulham, as the Toffees look to back David Moyes and the West London club eye Alvaro Arbeloa's first signing.

Football FanCast's Verdict

Credibility	Toure has entered the radar of several Premier League sides after an excellent loan spell at Besiktas and now needs a permanent move that England could provide. He'll even come at a bargain price.
Finances	Reports are now suggesting that Atalanta could sell their winger for just €18m (£15m) this summer. That would be well within the reach of all four Premier League sides that are interested.
Insight	It's easy to write off the 24-year-old after two loan spells. Atalanta certainly have. But it's key to point out that, for £15m, clubs can land a winger that recorded 12 goal involvements last season.
Impact	The biggest winners in the race for Toure's signature would be Aston Villa. They need better depth ahead of their Champions League return and the Atalanta man would provide that and potentially replace Rogers' quality if needed.

Premier League sides have plenty to consider in pursuit of Toure. In the summer of outrageous transfer fees, though, he'd be an undeniable bargain.

Race leader emerges as Premier League sides battle begins
According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Fulham are leading the race to sign Toure ahead of Aston Villa, Newcastle and Everton this summer.

All four clubs are chasing a bargain deal, with Atalanta willing to accept just €18m (£15m) for their winger, who impressed on loan at Besiktas last season.

Whether that means an offer is on the way from Craven Cottage remains to be seen. If that is the case, then Villa would be wise to match that offer.

Why Aston Villa should battle Fulham to sign Toure
Aston Villa learned the hard way last time out that squad depth is the key to any success when balancing domestic and Champions League football. It's not a mistake that they will want to make again. Even if they are still somewhat limited by SCR rules, a deal for Toure is the perfect opportunity.

The winger would be within their reach financially and could act as the perfect depth option out wide for Emery. If Rogers does also depart, then Unai Emery will need all the creative players that he can get. Toure, again, ticks that box.



https://www.footballfancast.com/el-bilal-toure-race-explodes-between-aston-villa-newcastle-everton-fulham/

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Report: Fulham have joined the race to sign World Cup star
Fulham Eye Crysencio Summerville as West Ham Exit Looms

Fulham have entered the conversation for Crysencio Summerville, and that makes sense on several levels. He is available, he has Premier League pedigree, and West Ham's relegation has made this one of the more obvious market situations of the summer. According to The Guardian, Fulham have "joined the race to sign Crysencio Summerville from West Ham" and the winger "is expected to move this summer".

There is wider interest. Chelsea and Manchester United have both been tracking the 24-year-old, which tells you plenty about the player's talent ceiling. It tells you less about how realistic those moves are. The more credible reading is in the detail, that "a more realistic outcome could be that the firmest interest in the 24-year-old comes from an ambitious team from outside the elite." Fulham fit that description well enough. They are established, organised, and in need of attacking reinforcements out wide.

Summerville transfer suits Fulham need
The timing is straightforward. Fulham need to refresh their wing options after losing Harry Wilson, who is "poised to join Leeds on a free transfer". That alone creates a practical opening. There is also uncertainty around Samuel Chukwueze, with it "unclear if Fulham, who are expected to appoint Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, trigger an option to make Samuel Chukwueze's loan from Milan permanent." Put those two points together and a winger moves from luxury to requirement.

Summerville offers directness, goals and top-flight experience. He also arrives with a fairly mixed file, which is exactly why this sort of transfer becomes available to clubs like Fulham rather than being wrapped up immediately by the richest sides. He was "one of West Ham's best players last season" and his form after Christmas was significant, "scoring seven goals in 10 games to lift West Ham's hopes of avoiding the drop." That is a serious spell of production in a bad team.

He also had a notable tournament with the Netherlands, "scoring two goals in four games" at the World Cup. Those numbers matter because they reinforce that he can impact games beyond one system or one club environment.

West Ham sale looks inevitable
From West Ham's perspective, there is little ambiguity. The report says they "accept that they have little chance of keeping Summerville." Once a club goes down, difficult decisions follow. They have already brought in major money by selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85m, and the next stage is balancing competitiveness with financial reality. The stated objective is clear, to leave Nuno Espírito Santo with a squad "capable of winning promotion at the first time of asking."

That also explains why West Ham would prefer further sales to come from elsewhere in the squad rather than be forced into a bigger sacrifice. It is "hoped that bringing in money for Fernandes and Summerville will mean they are not under financial pressure to sell Jarrod Bowen." That is the important line. Selling Summerville may be painful, but it is easier to justify if it helps protect the captain and keeps the promotion push on track.

Concerns around consistency and fitness remain
This is where the market becomes more cautious. Talent has never really been the issue. Availability and reliability are closer to it. There are "doubts remain over Summerville's consistency and physicality at the highest level" and the injury record is not trivial. He "initially struggled for fitness after joining West Ham in the summer of 2024" and "missed much of the 2024-25 season with a hamstring injury" before also missing time last season with a calf problem.

That profile can cut both ways. On one hand, it depresses certainty and perhaps price. On the other, it creates an opening for a club willing to back its medical and coaching departments. Fulham would need to be convinced they are buying a player ready to contribute immediately, not another rehabilitation project. If they get the fit version, he improves them. If they get the intermittent version, the discussion changes quickly.

Our View
From a Fulham perspective, this feels like the sort of move the club should be trying to make. Summerville is 24, proven in English football, and still has room to improve. He is not a punt from nowhere and he is not a veteran on the way down. If Harry Wilson is going and the Chukwueze situation remains unresolved, there is a genuine need here.

The attraction is obvious. He can carry the ball, attack defenders and chip in with goals. "One of West Ham's best players last season" is not a throwaway line when that team was struggling around him. "Scoring seven goals in 10 games" also suggests he can swing momentum almost on his own when he gets hot.

There are valid worries. Injuries matter, and so does consistency. Fulham cannot afford to fill important squad spots with players who miss long stretches. But this is where recruitment earns its money. If the fee is sensible and the medical view is positive, it is a gamble worth taking. Fulham have spent enough windows hovering around solid, practical solutions. Summerville feels a bit more ambitious than that.

If Arbeloa is indeed coming in, he will need players with pace and individuality in wide areas. Summerville gives you that. He may not be the finished article and he may never end up at one of the division's superclubs, but Fulham do not need perfection. They need impact, depth and a player capable of deciding matches. On this evidence, he could be exactly that.



https://eplindex.com/148001/report-fulham-have-joined-the-race-to-sign-world-cup-star.html

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Fulham transfers: Trabzonspor reject second bid from EPL club for Chibuike Nwaiwu
Turkish giants Trabzonspor have rejected a second bid from Fulham for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu as they refuse to budge on their valuation, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwaiwu has emerged as Fulham's leading defensive target as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season. The Premier League club have been impressed by the Nigerian's rapid development since his arrival in Turkey and view him as an ideal addition to their defence.

The 22-year-old became an integral part of Trabzonspor's squad shortly after joining the club during the January transfer window. Despite arriving midway through the campaign, he quickly established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet and played a crucial role in the club's impressive finish.

His commanding performances at the heart of the defence helped Trabzonspor secure a third-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig, qualifying them for next season's UEFA Europa League, while they also lifted the Turkish Cup.

Those displays have not gone unnoticed across Europe, with several clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window. Fulham face competition from multiple clubs including West Ham United, Napoli, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen as well as Leeds United, all of whom have shown interest in the Nigerian defender.

Fulham had previously seen an opening bid worth €20 million turned down by Trabzonspor before returning with an improved proposal in an attempt to test the Turkish club's resolve.

Trabzonspor's stance on Nwaiwu amid Fulham interest
Soccernet.ng previously reported that Fulham submitted an improved package of around €28 million, which is made up of a guaranteed €25 million plus a further €3 million in performance-related add-ons.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Trabzonspor have now rejected that second offer and remain firm in their valuation of the defender.

The Black Sea Storm are only prepared to consider selling Nwaiwu if an offer in the region of €30 million to €35 million arrives before the close of the transfer window.

Should such a deal materialize, it would make Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Turkish Super Lig history, surpassing the €30 million Brighton paid Fenerbahce for Turkish international Ferdi Kadioglu in 2024.

The transfer would also see the Nigerian become the fourth most expensive Super Eagles player of all time.

Trabzonspor are under no pressure to sell. Nwaiwu remains tied to a long-term contract, giving the club a strong negotiating position, while the player himself has not pushed for a transfer and is understood to be happy to continue his development in Turkey after spending only a few months at the club.

Despite having two bids rejected, Fulham are expected to return with another offer. The West London club remain keen on signing the centre-back, having identified him as one of their priority defensive targets ahead of next season.

Nwaiwu is expected to continue pre-season preparations with Trabzonspor for now as they gear up for the new campaign. However, with interest from several European clubs continuing to grow, his future is likely to remain one of the biggest transfer stories to watch in the coming weeks.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/07/fulham-trabzonspor-chibuike-nwaiwu.html

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Fulham reject Como bid for Issa Diop, keen on keeping him
Fulham's summer planning has taken an unexpected turn, with Issa Diop's future now looking far more secure than it did only a few weeks ago.

The Moroccan international had appeared likely to be available after a frustrating club season, but his performances on the international stage have changed the conversation.

Diop spent much of last season outside Marco Silva's preferred defensive setup. He made 18 appearances in all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League, and accumulated just over 1,200 minutes. At that stage, a summer departure looked realistic.

However, the 29-year-old has dramatically improved his standing during the 2026 World Cup. Starting regularly for Morocco, Diop delivered several commanding displays and was named man of the match against the Netherlands in the Round of 16.

That form has strengthened his market value and forced Fulham to rethink their position. According to Africa Foot, the Cottagers have now rejected an official approach from Como, who were hoping to bring the defender to Serie A. DefensivePlayer Analysis

Fulham are no longer keen to enter negotiations unless an exceptional offer arrives. Diop joined the club from West Ham in 2022 for around £15 million, and his recent international performances have made him a more valuable asset than his club minutes previously suggested.

Why Fulham now see Issa Diop as worth keeping
From a tactical perspective, Diop gives Fulham a profile that is difficult to replace cheaply. He offers height, strength, aerial dominance and experience in a physically demanding Premier League environment.

His World Cup displays also showed improved concentration and authority in defensive leadership. For Morocco, he defended with aggression, covered space well and looked far more confident when dealing with high-pressure moments.

Como's interest is understandable, and as a high-flying Serie A club looking to strengthen, they would value Diop's top-level experience and physical qualities, particularly amid widespread interest in Jacobo Ramon.

However, Fulham's refusal suggests they now believe his role can be rebuilt rather than discarded. Keeping him also gives Fulham valuable depth across a long season. Centre-backs with Premier League experience and international pedigree are expensive, and replacing Diop may cost more than retaining him.

Are Fulham right to block Diop's exit?
Fulham are making the sensible call. Diop's club season was underwhelming, but his World Cup form has reminded everyone of his qualities. Unless Como return with an improved offer, keeping him gives Fulham experienced defensive cover and protects an asset whose value may continue to rise.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/04/fulham-reject-como-bid-for-issa-diop-keen-on-keeping-him/

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Nottingham Forest rival Fulham to sign Atalanta star for Glasner with discussions opened
Nottingham Forest's summer plans are beginning to take shape quickly after a major change in the dugout.

Oliver Glasner has now stepped in to replace Vitor Pereira following the termination of his contract, and it marks the start of a new direction at the City Ground, with Forest expected to reshape key areas of the squad to suit Glasner's tactical style.

Glasner is known for structure, discipline and aggressive wing-back play, which immediately places emphasis on the wide areas.

That is why Forest are already being linked with a number of full-backs and wing-backs who can provide energy up and down the pitch.

One of the latest names to emerge is Atalanta's Raoul Bellanova.

Nottingham Forest rival Fulham for Raoul Bellanova with contact made
According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Alessio Del Lungo, Forest have made an enquiry for the Atalanta defender as part of a growing list of Premier League clubs tracking him.

Fulham are also said to have shown interest, setting up a potential domestic battle for the Italian this summer.

Bellanova is expected to leave Atalanta, with TMW suggesting his departure is certain if the right offer arrives.


Football FanCast's Verdict

Credibility	This story comes from Alessio Del Lungo, who is generally viewed as a solid Italian transfer journalist, working mainly within the TuttoMercatoWeb ecosystem. He is often first to publish developing Serie A-related rumours and club enquiries, which can give early visibility on stories. However, his reports are best treated as early signals rather than firm guarantees. He is more useful for tracking interest and contact between clubs.
Finances	Bellanova's potential move to Forest looks financially realistic based on current market reporting, with Atalanta said to value him in the £13m–£17m range depending on structure and bonuses. Forest could afford that level of fee without breaking PSR/SCR rules, especially if payments are staggered or linked to appearances and performance targets. The key factor is competition, as Fulham and other Premier League clubs are also tracking him, which could push the final price slightly higher.
Insight	Bellanova has rebuilt his career through persistence after struggling to break through at AC Milan. He developed into a consistent Serie A performer at Cagliari and Atalanta, earning Italy international recognition. His growth reflects a late-blooming modern full-back combining pace, attacking drive and versatility.
Impact	Glasner's switch to Forest points towards a clear 3-4-2-1 system, which relies heavily on energetic wing-backs. Bellanova fits that role. The Atalanta defender is quick, strong in transition and comfortable pushing high up the right flank. Bellanova would operate as a right wing-back, providing width, overlaps and recovery runs in equal measure. His Serie A experience and £17m valuation make him a realistic target. If signed, he would add pace, attacking threat and balance to Forest's wide options.

The asking price is believed to be around £17 million, a fee that reflects both his development in Serie A and his growing reputation as one of the most athletic wide defenders in Italy.

For Forest, the timing of this interest is no coincidence.

How Raoul Bellanova would fit into Oliver Glasner's Forest side
With Glasner now in charge, the squad is expected to be tailored towards players who can operate in a high-intensity system.

Bellanova fits that profile well.

He is naturally suited to playing as a right-sided wing-back, but also has the ability to operate as a traditional right-back if required. His pace, stamina and willingness to push forward make him an ideal candidate for a Glasner system that relies heavily on width and quick transitions.

During his time in Serie A, Bellanova has built a reputation for consistently covering large distances during matches, often making overlapping runs to support attacks while also tracking back effectively when possession is lost.

That balance is exactly what modern Premier League managers look for in wide defenders.

 Fulham's involvement, as well as other rivals, adds competition, meaning any deal could develop quickly if either club decides to push forward.

At £17m, Bellanova represents a relatively modest investment in today's market for a player with top-flight European experience. However, Forest will need to weigh up their priorities carefully, especially as they continue to rebuild following managerial changes and squad adjustments.

Bellanova looks like a very sensible fit for Forest under Glasner, having also racked up 13 assists in total over the last two seasons.



https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-fulham-atalanta-raoul-bellanova/

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Fulham, Tottenham rival Everton in Raoul Bellanova chase
Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing 26-year-old Italian international Raoul Bellanova from Atalanta this summer.

According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Raoul Bellanova is also the subject of interest from Everton, with the Merseyside club scouring the market for a right-back in the ongoing transfer window. Meanwhile, Atalanta will demand around €15-20 million to part ways with the 26-year-old wide player.

The recent rise of Raoul Bellanova
Raoul Bellanova has continued his ascent in stature in Serie A since joining Atalanta from Torino in August 2024. The 26-year-old has seen his stock soar since joining Atalanta, and he has enjoyed two fruitful campaigns with La Viola, continuing from where he left off at Torino. SerieA Highlights

The Italian international has made 80 appearances for Atalanta thus far while chipping in with one goal and 12 assists. Meanwhile, Bellanova's progress has piqued the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs, with Everton, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?
Everton will target a right-back during the off-season, as Seamus Coleman has called time on his illustrious stint with the Merseyside club. Additionally, recent reports have linked Nathan Patterson with a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium. So, with Jake O'Brien the only option for the right-back berth, Bellanova has emerged as a viable target for Everton.

Meanwhile, Raoul Bellanova has been on Tottenham Hotspur's wishlist for several years. The continued interest makes sense, as recent reports have linked Djed Spence with a move away from the North London club. So, Spurs need an alternative to Pedro Porro if the English international leaves, with Bellanova an option worth considering.

As for Fulham, the Cottagers also hold a long-standing interest in Bellanova. Timothy Castagne and Kenny Tete have not been reliable or consistent enough to turn the team into candidates for European qualification. Bellanova, with his vast experience in European football and towards the top of Serie A, is a player who can be one of the catalysts towards changing that.

Meanwhile, Atalanta's asking price of €15-20 million makes Bellanova an attractive target for the Premier League clubs. Per Tutto Mercato Web, Everton, Fulham, and Tottenham have submitted enquiries for a summer move, though they face stiff competition from Napoli, which complicates matters for them.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/04/fulham-tottenham-rival-everton-in-raoul-bellanova-chase/

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Former Fulham keeper Oliver Mayer joins Albion under-21s
Albion have added a former Fulham goalkeeper to their academy ranks.

 Oliver Mayer has joined the Seagulls after his contract in West London came to an end.

Mayer, 18, will now be given chance to progress with the Albion academy, who have several promising young keepers in their ranks.

 Under-21s head coach Shannon Ruth said: "Oliver has had an excellent education at Fulham and that will give him a good understanding of what will be required from him within our group.

"We are looking forward to bringing him into our environment and seeing him develop."

Mayer made 16 appearances in the league for the under-18s at Fulham who, until now, have been his only club and has earned caps for England under-16s, making his debut in 2023.

He was described by Fulham as a strong leader and communicator from the back and comfortable playing with the ball at his feet,

Meanwhile former Albion under-18s goalkeeper Will Rutter has joined West Bromwich Albion on a two-year deal after a successful trial.

 Rutter was part of matchday squads as the Seagulls' youngsters reached the final of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup last season.

He was awarded the academy save of the season award after a stunning stop against QPR.



https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/26253682.former-fulham-keeper-oliver-mayer-joins-albion-under-21s/