Monday Fulham Stuff - 06/07/26...

[WhiteJC]

World Cup 2026: Issa's Morocco book Quarter-Final spot

Issa Diop and Luc De Fougerolles faced off in the World Cup Round of 16, as Morocco progressed to the Quarter-Finals with a 3-0 win over Canada.

Both of our lads started for their respective nations in a game that was tight for long spells, but Morocco's ruthless streak showed in the second period as they took the match away from the co-hosts.

Issa, Morocco's hero against the Netherlands in the Round of 32, was solid throughout, although it was Canada who had the better of the first period, with Luc's flick on creating a chance for Jonathan David inside the first five minutes.

A smart free-kick routine, converted by Azzedine Ounahi, handed Morocco the lead early in the second half, and two blistering counter-attacks from the 2022 Semi-Finalists killed the contest, as Soufiane Rahimi and another goal from Ounahi completed a clinical display.

Issa was substituted in the 87th minute and he now prepares to face France in the Quarter-Finals on Thursday 9th July, 9pm BST.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/05/world-cup-2026-issa-morocco-book-quarter-final-spot/

[WhiteJC]

Everton join race to sign Christ Inao Oulai
Everton will look to sign 20-year-old Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai from Trabzonspor in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Africa Foot, Barcelona, Fulham, and Chelsea are also among the clubs interested in Christ Inao Oulai, with the list of suitors growing to nine teams. Meanwhile, the Trabzonspor midfielder will not cost a premium fee, with the Turkish Super Lig club valuing him at around €23 million.

Who is Christ Inao Oulai?
Christ Inao Oulai is the latest promising prospect from his homeland to rise in prominence. Born in Yopougon, the teenage prospect spent most of his formative years thus far in the Ivory Coast and graduated from the youth division at JMG Academy Abidjan. The 20-year-old arrived in Europe by joining SC Bastia in July 2024 before moving to Turkiye last summer.

The Ivory Coast international has made gradual progress during his spell with Trabzonspor thus far, amassing nearly 2,500 minutes of game time in 31 outings thus far while contributing 2 goals and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Oulai's exploits have piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Barcelona, Chelsea, Everton, and Fulham among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

A man in demand
Barcelona will target a versatile midfielder in the ongoing transfer window, as Marc Casado faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou amid his reported links with Saudi Pro League clubs. So, the Blaugrana must sign a tactically flexible midfielder who can reprise defensive and box-to-box roles per Hansi Flick's requirements.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's interest in Christ Inao Oulai may be surprising, but it is understandable. The Blues are scouring the market for a midfielder, as Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia struggled with persistent fitness issues for most of the 2025/26 campaign. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after Javier Pastore's recent comments discussing a possible exit.

As for Everton, the Toffees are combing the market for a midfielder, as Idrissa Gueye is in the twilight of his career. With Merlin Rohl sidelined by injury for much of 2025/26, James Garner has emerged as their primary midfield option. So, Oulai, known for his high stamina, explosive pace, and excellent tactical awareness, can be the ideal foil for the defensive-minded Garner.

Meanwhile, Fulham will pursue a midfielder this summer, as skipper Tom Cairney is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, Sasa Lukic's stock has fallen in the last 12 months. Oulai would complement Sander Berge's midfield profile and provide the energy Fulham's central options require.

Trabzonspor's asking price of €23 million makes the Ivorian midfielder an attractive target for his prospective suitors. The intense competition for his signature should see the Turkish club command the desired fee before the summer window closes.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/05/everton-join-race-to-sign-christ-inao-oulai/

[WhiteJC]

Celtic now willing to sell Daizen Maeda with Nottingham Forest and Fulham keen
Celtic have made their demands for Daizen Maeda clear, amid interest from Premier League sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

Maeda was called up to Japan's World Cup squad off the back of his 2025-26 campaign, and the forward scored one goal in three appearances, with his side bowing out at the round of the 32 stage after a 2-1 defeat against Brazil.

In fairness, it was a tough draw at such an early stage for Japan, who managed to take the lead against Carlo Ancelotti's side, but the Celtic star was unable to make an impact prior to being replaced by Koki Ogawa just before injury time.

That said, the 28-year-old has impressed at club level across the past five seasons, amassing 79 goals and 38 assists in 212 matches for the Scottish side, which suggests he may now be ready for a move to the Premier League.

Football FanCast's Verdict

Credibility	Forest struggled from an attacking point of view at times last season, with 12 of their 48 Premier League goals coming in their final five matches. With that in mind, Oliver Glasner may be keen to improve his forward line.
Finances	Celtic are set to demand £15m - £20m for the Japan international, which should be more than affordable for the Tricky Trees, considering they are widely reported to have raised £116m from selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.
Insight	The versatile forward is capable of playing on both flanks and through the middle as a centre-forward. Last season, he amassed 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, while Chris Sutton described him as "the fittest player in the universe" in January of last year.
Impact	Forest may need to reshape their attack this summer, considering Arnaud Kalimuendo scored just two goals in 14 games before being shipped out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. Winger Dilane Bakwa also failed to make the desired impact, registering two assists and no goals in 14 Premier League matches.

Forest and Fulham could battle it out for Daizen Maeda
 According to a report from Puribets (via Chosun Daily), Nottingham Forest and Fulham could now be set to battle it out for Maeda's signature, with both Premier League sides expressing interest.

The £15m - £20m price tag set by Celtic is deemed to be reasonable, and English sides are now queuing up to secure his signature, with Everton and Brentford also named as potential suitors.

Daizen Maeda could make major impact in the Premier League
Maeda proved himself on the grandest of stages by scoring in Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden at the World Cup, while he has also been one of Celtic's key players since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos back in 2021.

Perhaps most impressively, the 30-cap Japan star chipped in with 16 goals and ten assists in 34 Scottish Premiership matches during the 2024-25 season, with the Hoops going on to win the Scottish Premiership title.

In fact, during the same campaign, the former Yokohama F. Marinos man scored four goals and provided one assist in nine Champions League matches, highlighting that he has what it takes to perform at the very highest level.

With Bakwa failing to impress during his first season at the City Ground, Forest could do with bringing in another forward, and Maeda could be the ideal addition to Glasner's squad.



https://www.footballfancast.com/celtic-sell-daizen-maeda-nottingham-forest-and-fulham-transfer-news/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join Tottenham and Man United in race for £50m winger who scored at World Cup
Fulham have entered the race for Crysencio Summerville, with Tottenham and Man United among the clubs also monitoring the winger's situation this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur will be relieved to have avoided relegation last season, when they came dangerously close to dropping into the Championship.

An improved run-in during the Premier League campaign proved just enough for Roberto De Zerbi's side, who managed 11 points from their final 21 available.

Spurs now appear to have learned their lesson after flirting with the drop and have since moved to strengthen their squad.

Fulham make move for Tottenham target Crysencio Summerville
So far, Tottenham have secured the services of six new players. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers to bolster the defence, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali were signed for a combined £237 million to reinforce both defence and midfield.

The expectation now is that Spurs will turn their attention to the attack, with several names linked – including Summerville.

Tottenham have shown interest, but a report from the Guardian has now thrown fellow London side Fulham into the mix.

The publication makes it clear that Summerville is expected to move this summer, with Fulham placing him on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Harry Wilson, who has departed the club.

Spurs can be confident in Summerville pursuit despite competition
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Summerville, though it remains to be seen whether he will secure such a high-profile move.

In fact, Man United are said to have opened talks over signing Summerville to reinforce their options at left wing this summer. Spurs are still mentioned as a potential destination for the West Ham star, though.

While competition is never ideal, Tottenham fans may not be overly concerned given the intent Spurs have already shown this summer.

Tottenham beat United to the signing of Fernandes and City to Tonali, and there is every reason to believe they could outmanoeuvre Fulham, United and Chelsea if they decide to make a move for Summerville.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/fulham-join-tottenham-and-man-united-in-race-for-50m-winger-who-scored-at-world-cup/

[Jim©]

Weird that two of my picks from my world cup scouting mission post here are mentioned above.
Will i start getting commission from the club?