Saturday Fulham Stuff - 18/07/26...

[WhiteJC]

Arbeloa pushing Fulham to sign highly-rated Real Madrid academy prospect
Alvaro Arbeloa is continuing to look toward Real Madrid's academy after taking charge of Fulham, with Cesar Palacios emerging as the latest youngster the Spanish coach would like to bring to the Premier League.

Indeed, according to AS, Arbeloa has asked Fulham's hierarchy to explore a move for the Castilla attacking midfielder as he begins shaping his squad for the upcoming season.

Palacios expected to leave Real Madrid
Although Palacios has started pre-season with Real Madrid's first team, the expectation remains that he will spend next season away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Earlier this summer, the 21-year-old reached a verbal agreement with Como, and both the player and his representatives believed the transfer was close to completion. However, the move ultimately collapsed before contracts were signed.

Arbeloa wants Palacios at Fulham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Since then, clubs including FC Porto and Osasuna have shown interest, but none of those approaches have progressed far enough to secure a deal.

For now, Palacios has returned to Valdebebas and is carefully evaluating his options alongside Real Madrid before deciding on the next step in his career.

Reunion with Arbeloa?
Palacios is a player that Arbeloa knows very well, having managed the youngster with Castilla and the Real Madrid first team.

In fact, it was Arbeloa who handed the 21-year-old his senior debut with Los Blancos in January earlier this year, with the attacking midfielder going on to make seven appearances in total.

Palacios' contract expires in 2027. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Given the prospect of regular minutes with the senior team unlikely, an exit seems to be on the cards, even more so considering that his contract expires in 2027.

Now, Arbeloa is asking Fulham to make a move for the young Spaniard.

Gonzalo and Mastantuono also on the radar
Palacios is not the first Real Madrid player Arbeloa has asked Fulham to monitor.

Indeed, the former Real Madrid coach has also expressed interest in Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono as he looks to add familiar faces to his new squad.

However, as things stand, Jose Mourinho, Arbeloa's replacement at Real Madrid, intends to take a close look at the youngsters in pre-season before deciding on their future.



https://madriduniversal.com/arbeloa-pushing-fulham-to-sign-highly-rated-real-madrid-academy-prospect/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham transfer claims dismissed in Brazil – Striker set to stay put
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz is seeing speculation over a return to Flamengo quickly lose momentum. Several Brazilian sources now insist the striker is not part of the club's transfer plans.

Earlier reports had claimed Flamengo had already opened negotiations with Fulham. They had identified Muniz as their priority attacking target.

Within hours, however, that version of events began to unravel.

Three sources dismiss Flamengo move
Journalist Pablo Oliveira reported he had contacted people close to both clubs and was told by a Flamengo source that the story was "complete nonsense". And he wasn't the only one to receive that message.

Flamengo reporter Pablo Rua also checked the story with a source connected to the club's board. He was told Muniz is not the striker close to joining the Rio de Janeiro side.

Instead, Flamengo are said to be working on three signings. Two are already well advanced and Thiago Almada represents the third ongoing negotiation.

Insider outlet Coluna do Fla have also dismissed the rumours. They say Flamengo have made no approach whatsoever for Muniz, and that bringing the Fulham striker back is not currently part of the club's plans.

The outlet adds Flamengo still want to sign a centre-forward, as requested by Leonardo Jardim, but insist no specific target has yet been defined.

Fulham message
Pablo Oliveira also claims to have received information from people close to Fulham.

According to that update, the Premier League club recently rejected a €50m (£43.4m) offer for Muniz, with the striker said to be "totally focused on improving his performances in England."

No details are provided regarding the identity of the club behind that alleged bid or when it arrived.

So rather than negotiations progressing, multiple Brazilian journalists now insist Flamengo have not moved for Muniz, while the message from Fulham's side is that the striker remains committed to establishing himself in England.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-transfer-claims-dismissed-in-brazil-striker-set-to-stay-put/

[WhiteJC]

Alvaro Arbeloa adds third Real Madrid name to transfer wish list – Testing Fulham options
Álvaro Arbeloa is continuing to focus on Real Madrid for potential Fulham signings, with César Palacios the latest name added to his list.

AS report the Spanish coach has added Palacios to his list of potential signings as he looks to shape the squad he inherited from Marco Silva.

Arbeloa focused on Real Madrid
The newspaper reports that Arbeloa 'still has part of his mind' focused on the Spanish capital. The former Real Marid coach wants to poach players from the Spanish giants for Fulham.

Since arriving at Craven Cottage this summer, he has made more than one request to his former club. The latest name that he has been exploring the possibility of signing is César Palacios.

The Real Madrid academy graduate will be playing away from Madrid next season, despite having started pre-season with the first team. A move to Como has been mooted, while there is also interest from Porto and Osasuna.

The 21-year-old is currently weighing up his options before making a decision. Real Madrid will be involved in that process.

Fulham requests
He is not the only player that Arbeloa has 'requested' after arriving at Fulham this summer. He has also asked Fulham to looking into signing Gonzalo and Franco Mastantuono. César Palacios can now be added to that list.

If Real Madrid were to sell, they would want to retain 50% of the youngster's rights and Fulham would made a 'modest' payment. That's the case for Palacios and Gonzalo.

With Mastantuono, only a loan would be possible given Real Madrid paid €63.2m for him last summer.

Either way, Fulham are analysing their options and it's being led by Arbeloa. He clearly thinks that the Real Marid youngsters can make an impact on his team nest season. And he's opening dialogue with the Spanish giants to try and get them into Craven Cottage.

Key transfer points

    Fulham now keen on César Palacios, Gonzalo and Franco Mastantuono
    Of those three, Franco Mastantuono is the most high profile
    Alvaro Arbeloa has worked with all three of the players
    Fulham manager has a good relationship with Florentino Perez at Madrid
    Real Madrid have recent record of selling youngsters with buyback clauses



https://sportwitness.co.uk/alvaro-arbeloa-adds-third-real-madrid-name-to-transfer-wish-list-testing-fulham-options/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ahead of Everton in Brooke Norton-Cuffy chase
Fulham are preparing to strengthen their options on the right side of defence as Alvaro Arbeloa seeks to strengthen the long-term balance of his squad.

Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne remain dependable senior options, but both are now 30, increasing the need for a younger player capable of competing immediately while developing over several seasons.

Several Premier League clubs are examining similar profiles this summer, particularly defenders who can operate as both conventional full-backs and attacking wing-backs. That has brought one former Arsenal academy prospect back onto the radar of clubs in England.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy is attracting interest from Fulham, Everton and Brentford, with the 22-year-old's representatives actively exploring a return to the Premier League. According to TEAMtalk, Fulham are currently regarded as the most serious admirers and appear to have moved ahead of Everton in the developing race.

The England Under-21 international is currently with Bologna, where his exposure to Serie A has helped broaden his tactical understanding. The Italian club are open to discussing a sale should an acceptable proposal arrive, with a fee of around £17 million believed to be sufficient. No formal offers have been submitted, but interested clubs are expected to step up their efforts as the transfer window progresses.

Why Fulham are leading the race
Fulham have admired Norton-Cuffy for some time and see him as a natural long-term successor on the right. His pace, crossing and willingness to advance into attacking areas would give Arbeloa a more dynamic alternative to Tete and Castagne.

The former Arsenal youngster is particularly effective when given space to carry the ball forward. He can provide width from a deeper position, overlap around a winger and deliver early crosses into the penalty area.

His experience in Italy could also appeal to Fulham. Serie A has exposed him to more structured defensive systems, while his earlier loan spell with Coventry City means he already understands the physical demands of English football.

Everton remain interested after considering a move in January. A new right-back is one of their priorities, but the Toffees are also assessing other targets, including Manchester City defender Rico Lewis. That broader search may have allowed Fulham to establish an early advantage.

Brentford also monitoring developments
Brentford have included Norton-Cuffy on their shortlist as they consider adding competition for Michael Kayode. However, Kayode's strong 2025/26 campaign and subsequent new contract mean the Bees may not view right-back as urgently as Fulham or Everton. Norton-Cuffy's camp is pushing for a move, and Bologna's willingness to negotiate means the conditions for a transfer are beginning to take shape.

Fulham look like the most logical destination. Norton-Cuffy would have a realistic pathway into the starting team without being placed under immediate pressure to carry the position alone. At £17 million, he would represent an investment in potential rather than a guaranteed finished product, but his age, Premier League ambition and Serie A development make him an appealing long-term option.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/17/fulham-ahead-of-everton-in-brooke-norton-cuffy-chase/

[WhiteJC]

Becky Stormer on signing her contract
We caught up with Becky Stormer after she signed her contract to extend her stay with FFCW.

Congratulations on signing your first contract with Fulham, how do you feel?

Yeah it's amazing, it's an awesome moment for the club. I've been here a while now so it's fantastic.

You're part of the first group of players to have ever signed a contract with this team. How important is that moment within the squad and for you personally?

I think it just shows the progression that this club has gone through over the last few years. We've had a great last few seasons and for this to be sort of a sign of what's to come and us hoping to cement ourselves in Tier 3 and beyond, I think it's fantastic.

The girls are really happy about it and it's a great moment for us. I think for the last few seasons I've been here, every single season there has been progression in an area, whether it be more staff, better facilities, more access to facilities. It's great. The club is really pushing us to advance and we're showing that on the pitch and we're being supported by that off the pitch. So it's a fantastic moment for all of us.

We're coming off two back-to-back promotions and two invincible seasons. We're coming into a new league with new opposition, new challenges, new clubs. How are you feeling ahead of the new season?

I think everyone's really excited for the challenge. We had a few games last season against tier three teams in cup competitions and they were great games, really competitive. So we're looking forward to it, looking forward to the challenge. We know it's going to be more physical, more technical, but we're all up for it and we're ready for it.

What do you think supporters can most look forward to this coming season?

I think us still playing the way that we always play, which is a possession-based game and sticking to that and sticking to our game plan and ultimately seeing how we do in Tier 3. Yeah, it's going to be exciting.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/17/becky-stormer-on-her-contract-signing/

[WhiteJC]

The Arbeloa era won't feel that different - at least initially
It's a new manager, but it's the same Fulham.

After what has felt like an eternity, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new manager of our beloved Fulham.

I had predicted that Marco Silva would be saying goodbye. I trusted my prediction so much that I stayed behind after full time for the first time in 23 years at the final game of the season against Newcastle.

I'm no expert in body language or lip reading, but from where I was sitting behind Marco in the Riverside Stand, no European football meant he was very unlikely to stay.

Benfica has the largest club membership in world football. Benfica will be competing in Europe next year. Benfica are expected to challenge for league titles. Like any great company man, Marco executed a project with conviction. It is a shame he wasn't open about his intentions with the fans. We would have given him an almighty send off.

Marco kept fans in the dark for reasons known only to him. Tony Khan seemed to be kept where it was darkest. Marco's decision to leave had surprised him; Marco could have been making a point. The announcement that Ricardo Pepi was signing for Fulham was met with a very blunt "you know more than me" from the former manager. The writing had been on the wall. Clearly, Tony should have spent more time reading Fulhamish.

So, time for a new era. But do not expect this to be the start of something entirely 'new'.

Fulham are unlikely to reinvent themselves. Having a former Real Madrid manager at the helm doesn't mean Fulham are suddenly shopping in Bayley & Sage instead of Sainsbury's (and occasionally Waitrose).

Arbeloa arrives in comparable circumstances to Marco when he arrived. Both had been beached on a managerial island whose inhabitants endured unique career trajectories.

Like Silva, Arbeloa wants his team to play on the front foot. Like Silva, Arbeloa was predominantly a right-back. Like Silva, Arbeloa has a point to prove. Like Silva, if Arbeloa doesn't make a success of this move, he is unlikely to get a role at a similar level again anytime soon. The appointments are therefore comparable.

Every time we watch Fulham we're always moderating hope. Many fanbases across the country would see this as an appointment that signified substantial change. But this appointment was announced in the middle of the World Cup, at a quarter to midnight on a Tuesday. The manner of the announcement confirmed something that we've known for a long time. Fulham don't play by the new 'football media playbook'. Fulham stick to their formula. Fulham are old school.

When the season opens with one of the biggest games in the Fulham calendar, we should go into that game with our usual management of expectation. Sure, Silva made results against our biggest rivals a regularity, but that is the reason why he's no longer with us.

Arbeloa is at the start of his journey. We will be lucky to get a point in the season's opener. Arbeloa should set his sights on the reverse fixture in April. Arbeloa must focus on shaping the environment surrounding the team for when they step out at Stamford Bridge. If Arbeloa goes into that game with confidence, his first season will have been a success. The first game is, almost, a free hit. Get a result and he'll be a cult figure from day one. Play well and lose, and he can take the positives forward and cut to the reality check. Arbeloa won't and shouldn't be judged that early.

First, the lack of glamour. Second, the need to motivate and clearly instruct players with less talent than the Real Madrid squad. Arbeloa will learn these two things will define him quickly. The board will back him for fear of sacking him too soon. He'll be given a reasonable time to string good results together. But string good results together he must.

As fans, we may have to get used to someone who is much calmer on the touchline. Marco was known for making the fourth official's life difficult. Arbeloa seems to be a stoic figure. Arbeloa would do well to keep it that way. Fulham are well established now; and Arbeloa doesn't need to act exasperated when he's got Florentino Perez singing his praises publicly.

As the season continues many may say "Arbeloa is creating a path for the academy players". This may be true. It separates Arbeloa from Marco. But the cynical side of me acknowledges that an emphasis on the academy conveyor belt predates Arbeloa.

Fulham have already built a top-class academy. The focus on youth arrives just as the SCR rules come into effect. Those in the know will tell you the new regulations reward trusting and developing youth. When Josh King was introduced to the starting lineup last term, Fulham laid down a marker.

Hence the Arbeloa appointment makes sense for all parties. He is widely renowned for his time managing Real Madrid's youth teams. Much like Marco was handed a project, Arbeloa has been handed a new phase of what is likely to be the same project. The initial execution of the new phase will still feel very 'Fulham'. With our mid-table rivals playing more games than ever, maybe this time, a very 'Fulham' execution will leave us with something bigger to celebrate.

Only time will tell. Remember though: Fulham don't do new school.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/the-arbeloa-era-wont-feel-that-different

[WhiteJC]

Man Utd believes Fulham star will cost them less than £40m
Manchester United are interested in signing Sander Berge this summer, having followed the Fulham midfielder over the last few seasons.

The Red Devils believe their midfield is an area that needs strengthening during this transfer window, and they have already worked to bring new players into their squad.

However, they still require further additions in midfield, and Berge is one of the players they want to sign. The Fulham midfielder would reportedly be happy to join United and take the next step in his career.

Manchester United consider a move for Berge
Berge has spent a long time playing in English football, but he has never represented one of the traditional top clubs in the country. A move to United would therefore see him join the biggest team he has played for during his career.

After changing clubs regularly in previous seasons, Fulham has provided Berge with stability since he joined them. This is also one of the first times there has been significant speculation about his future at the club.

The midfielder has impressed with his performances and has shown that he can contribute at the Premier League level. United believe his experience and physical qualities could improve their midfield options.

United assess affordable Berge transfer
According to Sporten, Manchester United's interest in Berge is serious, and the club believe they can complete a deal if they pay less than £40m for his signature.

A transfer fee below that amount would make Berge an attractive option for United, especially as they continue looking for players who can strengthen the squad without excessive spending.

The midfielder could provide additional quality, experience and balance to the team. United believe he can improve their midfield and make a positive contribution from this season.

The coming weeks will determine whether the Red Devils decide to make a formal move for Berge. Fulham's stance will also be important as they consider whether they are willing to part ways with one of their key players.



https://www.footballnorge.com/posts/man-utd-believes-fulham-star-will-cost-them-less-than-40m/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham increase offer after Chelsea's 200% increase in January – Still not enough for transfer
Fulham have again made a move for Trabzonspor star Christ Oulai, increasing their offer for the defensive midfielder. This comes after Chelsea interest in January.

Hurriyet report that Fulham have come back to the Turkish side with an improved offer for the 20-year-old. But Trabzonspor are not backing down from their asking price.

Fulham offer €27m
The newspaper explains that Christ Oulai is one of the most talked about players at Trabzonspor at this moment in time. His value has been rapidly increasing in Türkiye, and the Premier League is interested.

Fulham are at the front of the queue and have 'once again approached' Trabzonspor regarding a deal. According to their information, Fulham are now offering over €27m including bonuses for the midfielder. Trabzonspor, though, are insisting on a €30m fee.

Negotiations between the various parties are continuing. Crucially, though, Fulham have obtained the necessary permission from Trabzonspor to hold talks with the 20-year-old.

Oulai, for his part, is happy at the Turkish club but is open to the prospect of playing in the Premier League. Fulham, though, will need to come close to the €30m Trabzonspor want for a deal to happen. They are also looking for a share of any future transfer fee and bonus clauses to be included.

€30m may not be enough
But even a €30m offer seems low given what Sport Witness have already reported on when it comes to Christ Oulai.

For example, back in the January transfer window, we covered a report explaining how Chelsea had made an offer worth 200% more than their rivals at the time. That was worth €40m.

Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed offers of that value at the time.

"We received an offer from Galatasaray. It's an important club. It's not appropriate to name the club. I don't want to discuss this matter. I don't want to get into these details. Trabzonspor's expectation is €40m and above," he said.

"They say there's an agreement with Oulai, how is that possible? There's no such thing. Our player has offers from Europe and Türkiye. This isn't a bad thing, it's a success. They're talking about 35-40 million for a player we bought for €5m. We have a figure in mind; the reason we buy these players is to resell them."



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-increase-offer-after-chelseas-200-increase-in-january-still-not-enough-for-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Arbeloa wants Fulham to explore César Palacios signing — report
According to a report from AS, former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has identified Palacios as a target

Alvaro Arbeloa, who recently took over as Fulham manager after leaving Real Madrid, is reportedly looking to reunite with several players he worked with during his time in the club's academy. AS reports that his latest request to Fulham's hierarchy is to investigate a move for Palacios, whose future appears set to be away from Madrid for the 2026-27 season.

The Castilla midfielder is currently training with José Mourinho's first team during preseason, but Real Madrid are expected to find him a new destination before the transfer window closes.

Palacios had previously reached a verbal agreement with Como toward the end of May, with all parties believing the move was close to completion. However, AS reports that the transfer ultimately fell through before any contracts were signed. Since then, clubs including Porto and Osasuna have also shown interest, although neither move has advanced significantly.

For now, the midfielder continues evaluating his options alongside Real Madrid as both sides work toward a decision on the next step in his development.

According to AS, Palacios is not the only Madrid player on Arbeloa's wishlist. The report states that Fulham have also explored the possibility of signing Gonzalo, with a structure similar to previous deals involving La Fábrica graduates in which Real Madrid would retain 50 percent of the player's rights.

Franco Mastantuono has also reportedly been discussed, although AS says Real Madrid's stance is clear: the Argentine wonderkid would only be allowed to leave on loan after the club invested €63.2 million to bring him to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Arbeloa spent five years coaching within Real Madrid's academy before making the move to Fulham, and AS suggests his familiarity with the club's young talent is shaping his recruitment plans ahead of his first season managing in the Premier League.



https://www.managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf-transfer-talk/110151/arbeloa-wants-fulham-to-explore-cesar-palacios-signing-report

[WhiteJC]

Aston Villa now set to approach club – Taking next step in incoming transfer
Aston Villa are ready to take the next step in their pursuit of João Palhinha. The Premier League side are now preparing to approach Bayern Munich as they look to beat Benfica to the midfielder.

The Portuguese international has emerged as one of Unai Emery's priority midfield targets. This comes after Aston Villa lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and saw Amadou Onana suffer a serious injury.

Having already identified Palhinha as an option earlier this week, the Villans are now moving forward with concrete plans.

According to O Jogo, Aston Villa are set to make contact with Bayern Munich over a deal for the 31-year-old. The newspaper reports the English club are preparing an initial proposal in the form of a loan with an option to buy. However, it remains unclear whether they would be willing to make that purchase clause obligatory.

The Portuguese giants have already approached Bayern and are trying to convince Palhinha to return home. New manager Marco Silva is making the former Fulham midfielder one of his requested signings for the summer.

Aston Villa step up competition
O Jogo explains Aston Villa's financial strength could become a major obstacle for Benfica.

While the Lisbon club are relying on Palhinha's desire to return to Portugal and be closer to his family, Aston Villa are better placed to match the midfielder's current salary. That salary is reported to be close to €9m (£7.8m) per season.

The relationship between Palhinha and Marco Silva, who coached him at Fulham between 2022 and 2024, is also viewed as one of Benfica's strongest cards.

Earlier this week, reports in Portugal stated the midfielder had rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia because he wants to remain in Europe. Family considerations are also playing a significant role in his thinking. That kept both Benfica and Aston Villa firmly in the picture.

Bayern talks expected
While Benfica have already opened discussions with Bayern Munich, Aston Villa are now expected to do the same.

O Jogo says Benfica have yet to submit a formal offer, despite previous claims suggesting a package worth €10m (£8.7m) as a loan fee plus €15m (£13m) to make the move permanent.

Instead, the Portuguese club are now expected to propose a structure involving only a small initial payment. So that could leave the door open for Aston Villa if they move quickly.

Whether Bayern favour an outright sale or are prepared to accept another loan remains to be seen, but the Premier League club are now preparing to formally enter negotiations, turning their long-standing interest into the first concrete step towards a potential deal.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-now-set-to-approach-club-taking-next-step-in-incoming-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

European Club Set to Play Champions League Games in English Stadium Next Season
Shakhtar Donetsk are facing yet another venue headache heading into next season's Champions League campaign.

The Ukrainian giants have been without a permanent European home for more than a decade, after being forced out of the Donbass Arena in 2014 and having to play their league matches in Lviv, some 600 miles away.

UEFA safety restrictions tied to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have left the club wandering the continent for their European fixtures, having previously staged matches in Poland, Germany and Slovenia.

Now, reports suggest a new solution could be found, with two London clubs in the Premier League emerging as potential hosts.

Shakhtar's Stadium Shortlist Revealed
As reported by The Chelsea Chronicle, Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas discussed the situation on the BurBuzz YouTube channel, revealing that Brentford's compact ground has already been ruled out due to capacity concerns, leaving two Premier League venues in contention. "As far as I have heard and understand, the stadium is too small for them at Brentford, which only holds 17,000 people," Burbas said.

"And now, as far as I understand, Shakhtar is choosing between two stadiums. This is Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's home Stadium, and Craven Cottage, Fulham's home stadium. Well, in principle, Craven Cottage accommodates about 25,000, that is, more than Brentford."

It must be said, that with Chelsea failing to qualify for any European football at all for the coming season, renting their stadium out for a side playing in the Champions League, a competition they won just four years ago, might not sit well with their fans.

How Groundshare Deals Work for Host Clubs
Arrangements like this are typically treated as lucrative commercial rentals for the stadium owner, with the host club charging a flat fee per match or taking a cut of gate receipts and hospitality sales, while covering costs like stewarding and policing falls to the visiting side.

It offers a useful secondary revenue stream on otherwise quiet midweek nights, though it does require careful scheduling to protect the pitch and avoid clashes with the host's own fixture list.

Tottenham have previously profited handsomely from renting out their stadium for a variety of events, while Hamburg's Volksparkstadion has also cashed in before by hosting Shakhtar's European nights in the past.



https://www.givemesport.com/shakhtar-donetsk-to-play-champions-league-games-chelsea-fulham-stadium/

[WindyCity]

Very encouraging seeing FFC looking at prospects age 20-21-22.  Good stuff......