Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 29/07/26...

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Fulham have received answer in striker pursuit – Mourinho gives green light for exit
Fulham's chase for Gonzalo García appears to have taken a significant step forward after José Mourinho reportedly decided the striker can leave Real Madrid this summer.

Last week, reports from Spain indicated Álvaro Arbeloa was leading Fulham's efforts to sign the 22-year-old. The Premier League club is already in talks with both Real Madrid and the player.

At that stage, García still hoped to convince Mourinho to keep him in the Spanish giants' first-team plans during pre-season. That situation now appears to have changed.

Mourinho changes picture
According to El Desmarque, Mourinho has now given the green light for Gonzalo García to depart. This opens the door for Fulham to push ahead with negotiations.

The report states discussions between the London club and the player are already underway. Real Madrid is now prepared to negotiate a deal.

The outlet adds Los Blancos want to retain control over the striker's future by keeping 50% of his economic rights. This follows a model they have used in several academy departures in recent years.

That would represent quite a shift from the uncertainty surrounding García's future only a few days ago, when his chances of remaining in Madrid were still being assessed internally.

Transfer fee claim emerges
Local insider outlet Bernabéu Digital also reports on Monday that Fulham are prepared to offer €30m (£26m) for Gonzalo García.

The outlet even suggests the transfer could be completed next week. However, it also acknowledges details of the structure remain unclear, particularly whether Real Madrid would include any clause allowing them to retain influence over the player's future.

Fulham's interest has been driven by Arbeloa, who worked closely with García in Real Madrid's academy before taking charge at Craven Cottage earlier this summer.

The striker enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring regularly for Real Madrid Castilla before continuing his development around the first team.

With Mourinho now reportedly willing to sanction his departure, Fulham may finally have the opening they have been waiting for.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-have-received-answer-in-striker-pursuit-mourinho-gives-green-light-for-exit/#google_vignette

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Crystal Palace agree terms for Fulham target – Eagles progress in recent days
Crystal Palace and Fulham have shown interest in Stade Brestois' Raphaël Le Guen, with the UEFA Conference League winners ahead in the transfer race.

That's according to L'Equipe, who mention Fulham in a report mainly focusing on Crystal Palace.

The Selhurst Park club will see Maxence Lacroix leave for Chelsea. His impending exit has seen the Eagles take action to find a new centre-back this summer.

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from France that Crystal Palace stepped up to sign FC Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima. They have his compatriot, Le Guen, on their radar, and Fulham are also keen.

Crystal Palace ahead of Fulham
Raphaël Le Guen is a product of the Ligue 1 side's academy and made his first team debut in August 2025.

The 19-year-old has played only six matches so far, but still attracted both Crystal Palace and Fulham attention.

Although Fulham have positioned themselves, Pierre Sage's side have taken the lead by making progress in 'recent days'.

Crystal Palace did this by agreeing on personal terms with Raphaël Le Guen and would like him to replace Maxence Lacroix.

Further advances from Crystal Palace soon
Fulham have shown interest but haven't taken the same concrete steps as their Premier League rivals.

The Eagles have to find an agreement with the French club and will submit a formal bid in the next few days.

Stade Brestois are open to parting ways with the player as long as there is a 'substantial offer'. L'Equipe doesn't mention their request or the price needed to convince them.

In January, Raphaël Le Guen signed a new contract until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €800k.

Crystal Palace have to offer a fee much higher than that to get Stade Brestois's approval.

Key transfer points

    Crystal Palace identify Le Guen as Lacroix replacement
    Sage's side reach agreement for personal terms
    Eagles to submit offer in next few days
    Fulham keen but didn't make advances




https://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-agree-terms-for-fulham-target-eagles-made-progress-in-recent-days/

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Are Fulham sleepwalking into trouble?
Jack Stroudley looks ahead to the upcoming 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

The World Cup provided a fantastic distraction from Fulham, but there's no rest for the wicked with Premier League football right around the corner.

Usually I take Fulham's lack of early summer business on the chin, but this time it feels different; concerning; alarming. Is this just a case of groundhog day where Fulham do what they need to in the eleventh hour? Or are we sleepwalking into impending trouble?

The manager
I'll break this article down into three main points that provide understandable cause from concern. I'd like to preface I'm usually quite the optimist when it comes to Fulham, but this time round, I'm struggling - let's start with the gaffer.

In news that will be new to nobody, Fulham appointed Alvaro Arbeloa earlier in July following Marco Silva's departure. I'll keep this section brief because everyone has spoke till the cows come home about their thoughts on Arbeloa. His lack of experience is a real concern, his difficulties managing the toxic Madrid dressing room doesn't go in his favour and his sheer lack of managerial sample size makes this appointment a huge risk.

Fulham do need risk and while I am excited and will support Arbeloa all the way, in a summer of huge transition, this is one that really could go either way. He talks a good game but will he back it up? If he does well I wouldn't be shocked, but if he starts poorly and is gone by October - I would be equally not as shocked.

The current squad/recruitment
Strap in folks, it's time for everyone's favourite talking point - what on earth are Fulham doing in the market? I write a weekly rumour round-up on the Fulhamish website (shameless plug for those who haven't read it) and once it goes live on Thursday and I remove all the rumours from my word doc, I get a sense of excitement that next week there will actually be some movement in the market - and there never is.

I can't say this is a surprise; we all know what the Khans are like and Tony Khan even confirmed they weren't going to change the recruitment model in his interview with Jack Kelly earlier this summer.

This does feel different though. The squad has taken a huge hit losing both Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, the pair were involved (goals or assists) in 29 of the 47 we scored last time out, so there is a huge gap to fill.

On top of that, Fulham never addressed the lack of midfield options last summer. Then in defence, people are understandably concerned by Joachim Andersen, we've lost Issa Diop, Kenny Tete's fitness is always a worry, Samuel Chukwueze won't be returning so we're another winger light and Bernd Leno isn't getting any younger.

That is a gargantuan ask for a club/ownership model that will not budge on their strategy. I'm not saying Fulham need all of that come the end of August, but if there was a contingency plan in previous years, I wouldn't be sat here listing all of these points at the same time.

Other clubs
This is one of my main points for writing this article. The reason I've never really been worried about our slow summers before is because we've always had a few players you could count on - this year I'm struggling though.

Sure, we've got exciting young talent in Kevin, Oscar Bobb and Josh King. Rodrigo Muniz struggled last year and could find his form again, but there's no "sure-fire" players who will get us out of trouble at the moment.

Meanwhile, those who finished above us are improving their squads. As are those who finished around us, and even below us. Not only that, clubs are losing players and being proactive by having those lined up to come in immediately.

Lacroix at Palace, van Hecke at Brighton, Struijk at Leeds, Gordon at Newcastle and a number of players at Aston Villa. Fulham just don't do that; we still haven't replaced Mitrovic, we never truly reinvested after Palhinha and we're in the same boat with Wilson and Jimenez.

Other clubs are also poaching players, making very shrewd signings. Diomande to Nottingham Forest and Hackney to Everton just to name two. Leeds are looking like they'll sign Japanese 'keeper Zion Suzuki. These are all the types of players Fulham should be in for. We have financial muscle, we have the London location going for us - use it!

Instead, we're looking at going after a bunch of Castilla academy graduates and a central defender in Turkey whose played there for six months (of which still hasn't been backed up by any credible UK media). I'm not saying these won't turn out to be successful signings, but the teams around us and below us are picking up ready-made players who will make an instant impact. I'm not too sure these players will.

Are we sleepwalking?
Honestly, I think the answer could be yes. I'm usually quite the optimist and I'm not saying Fulham are going to go down. But in a season of transition, we're making some very worrying choices. An unproven manager, a lack of squad depth and an inability to be proactive in the market. Other teams around us are improving, and if we're not careful, we might sink.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/are-fulham-sleepwalking-into-trouble

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Fulham Have 'Strong Chance Of Convincing' Crystal Palace Target To Join
Fulham have a 'strong chance of convincing' Crystal Palace target Jordan James to join them this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Last summer a host of Championship clubs were after the signature of the 22-year-old midfielder, but Leicester City managed to beat them to sign James on loan from French outfit Rennes.

Leicester were relegated to League One after a disappointing season, but James was one of the standout players for them.

James netted eleven goals while laying on four assists in 34 games for the Foxes and former Championship striker Sam Parkin praised him for his leadership qualities.

The Wales international has returned to Rennes following the expiry of his loan spell and this summer he is gathering interest from the Premier League.

James has been heavily linked with Crystal Palace in the ongoing window and La Liga outfit Villarreal also showed interest in him .

Fulham have also come up as suitors of James in the ongoing window and it has been suggested that Rennes are looking for a fee in the region of €15m to let the player leave.

Linked with Jordan James

Club	League
Crystal Palace	Premier League
Atalanta	Serie A
Everton	Premier League
Villarreal	La Liga
Fulham	Premier League

However, Rennes' high price tag has failed to deter the suitors of the Crystal Palace and Fulham target and several Serie A clubs have joined the race.

James is keen on playing in the Premier League and it has been claimed that Fulham now have a strong chance of convincing him to join them.

The Cottagers last season finished eleventh in the league table and under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa they are looking to add more quality to the team.

Palace, on the other hand, are keen to add to their midfield department and they have been recently linked with AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana. 

James is a product of the Birmingham City academy system and joined the French outfit in the summer of 2024.

He made 105 appearances for Birmingham City before leaving for France and now he could again return to English soil on a permanent transfer.

Fulham are also in the market for a defender with Trabzonspor star Chibuike Nwaiwu, who recently met with his manager regarding a move to London, a player they are actively looking to sign.

Trabzonspor would like to keep hold of the defender though and are fighting a rearguard action to keep hold of him.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/28/fulham-have-strong-chance-of-convincing-crystal-palace-target-to-join/721431/

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West Ham & Wolves facing Fulham blow after Jordan James transfer twist
West Ham and Wolves are both aiming to be in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.

The two clubs have come down to the Championship after lengthy stints in the top flight, and will want to bounce straight back at the first attempt.

Nuno Espírito Santo remains in charge of the Hammers, and his previous success at this level came during his time at Molineux, guiding the Old Gold to the second tier title in 2018.

But now it is Cesar Peixoto who has been tasked with earning promotion with the Midlands outfit, with the Portuguese replacing Rob Edwards earlier this summer.

Both clubs will be keen to utilise the transfer market to bolster their first team options for the season ahead, as they are likely to face stiff competition in the battle for a top two finish.

And West Ham and Wolves have both been linked with Jordan James as a target this summer, so they will be competing on and off the pitch until the 1 September deadline.

West Ham and Wolves suffer Jordan James transfer blow
 It has been reported by Alan Nixon that Fulham are ready to close in on a deal to sign James from French side Rennes.

It's believed that the former Birmingham City player is likely to join the Premier League side after spending last season on loan with Leicester City.

This will come as a blow to West Ham and Wolves, who are both set to miss out on the Wales international.

The 22-year-old has not been able to cement himself as a key part of the Rennes first team squad since joining from Birmingham in 2024.

This led to his loan move to the Foxes, where he made 34 appearances in the Championship, contributing 11 goals and four assists.

Wolves have also been linked with Jordan Holsgrove, who could be an alternative signing to James now that Fulham have won the race to his signature.

The Old Gold have made four signings so far this summer, including a permanent deal for loanee Ladislav Krejci.

The Championship side have also brought in Rafiki Said and Kieran Tripper, with Raul Jimenez also returning to Molineux.

Meanwhile, West Ham are yet to add a major first team addition this summer, with the club instead focusing on major player sales up to this point.

The Hammers have sold both Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes in big money deals.

Jordan James miss is a blow for West Ham and Wolves
James' exit from Rennes is the best for him, as he excelled in the Championship last season in a disappointing Leicester side and he's not had much of a look in during his time in France.

Missing out on a deal for the 22-year-old is a blow for both West Ham and Wolves, as he is someone that could've aided their promotion bids.

But the chance to compete for the Cottagers is going to be more appealing at this stage, given they can offer Premier League football.

Wolves and West Ham will have to turn their attention to other targets quickly, as both teams still need to bolster their squads in order to compete for a top two finish next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/west-ham-wolves-facing-fulham-blow-after-jordan-james-transfer-twist/

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Fulham progressing in deals to sign TWO Real Madrid stars in Arbeloa masterclass – Exclusive
Fulham are stepping up their efforts to reunite new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa with two of the brightest talents at Real Madrid, though they could face complications by way of Jose Mourinho and Cesc Fabregas, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Fulham are actively working on deals for the pair after Arbeloa made it clear during discussions over his appointment that strengthening ties with his former club could prove crucial to the club's recruitment strategy this summer.

Arbeloa's relationship with Madrid runs far deeper than his spell as first-team coach following Xabi Alonso's departure.

The former Spain international spent several years working within Real's academy and as head coach of Castilla, playing a significant role in the development of many of the club's emerging stars – including Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios.

TEAMtalk previously revealed Fulham's interest in both players, and we can now confirm negotiations are progressing.

However, neither transfer is straightforward.

Garcia has been attracting attention from across Europe for the past year and announced himself to a wider audience during Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign last summer.

The 22-year-old featured regularly for the first team last season, making 30 LaLiga appearances, although only nine came as starts.

Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce have both explored moves for the striker, but TEAMtalk understands Fulham are currently best placed to secure his signature – if Real agree to let him leave and that remains the biggest obstacle.

Returning Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been impressed by Garcia during pre-season and believes he could play an important role within his squad this season.

Despite that confidence, sources indicate Garcia is eager to play regularly and is open to leaving the Santiago Bernabeu if it guarantees consistent first-team football.

Fulham are therefore continuing discussions with Madrid over a structure that could satisfy all parties.

TEAMtalk understands any agreement is likely to include a buy-back clause or other mechanisms allowing Real to retain long-term control over one of their most highly-rated academy graduates.

Fulham want Real Madrid midfielder too
A similar arrangement is expected to be required for Palacios.

Fulham are also in talks over the gifted midfielder, with Real determined to protect their long-term interests should he move to Craven Cottage.

The biggest competition for Palacios comes from Italy. TEAMtalk can reveal that Cesc Fabregas has identified the youngster as one of Como's priority targets this summer.

The Serie A side enjoy an outstanding relationship with Real Madrid following previous deals involving Jacobo Ramon and Nico Paz, and Fabregas is hoping those connections can once again work in Como's favour.

Fulham, though, believe they hold an important advantage.

Sources say Arbeloa's close relationship with Palacios, forged during their time together in Madrid's academy system, could ultimately prove decisive.

The Spaniard has outlined a clear pathway for both players at Craven Cottage and is understood to be personally driving the club's pursuit of the Real Madrid duo as he looks to stamp his identity on Fulham's squad ahead of the new campaign.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/fulham-progressing-deals-sign-two-real-madrid-stars-alvaro-arbeloa-masterclass-exclusive

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Aston Villa and Fulham ready to move for Sporting star – Braced for €40m bids
Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley have all been credited with interest in Geny Catamo, as Premier League clubs prepare to test Sporting's determination to keep the winger.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reports that Sporting have already been informed of concrete English interest in the 25-year-old. The clubs involved are considering offers worth €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m).

All three clubs have watched Catamo last season, although Burnley's relegation to the Championship has clearly weakened their position.

The player, meanwhile, is said to dream of playing in the Premier League.

Premier League clubs preparing major offers
O Jogo says Sporting have received approaches for Geny Catamo and are aware that serious proposals could arrive.

The possible €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m) figures represent a significant increase on the amounts previously discussed around the Mozambique international.

Sporting remain reluctant to sell. Catamo has a €60m (£51m) release clause and is contracted until 2029 after signing a renewal midway through last season.

That agreement almost doubled his annual salary to around €700,000 (£600,000). Sporting also strengthened their ownership position at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. They paid Amora €2.25m (£1.9m) for another 65% of Catamo's economic rights.

The Lisbon club now have much greater control over any future transfer.

Sporting want him to lead rebuilt squad
Sporting have already lost several important players, including Morten Hjulmand, Francisco Trincão, Hidemasa Morita and Geovany Quenda. Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves are also described as being close to leaving.

That level of turnover has made keeping Catamo more important for Rui Borges. The manager views the winger as a key player on the pitch and inside the dressing room. Sporting have reportedly made that message clear to Catamo.

He is now one of the squad's more experienced players in terms of appearances for the club. Borges wants him to continue providing attacking threat while also taking greater responsibility within the group.

Catamo ended last season with eight goals and four assists. His 11 direct goal contributions matched his previous career high from 2023/24, when he recorded six goals and five assists.

He has also started all three of Sporting's open pre-season fixtures against Celtic, Strasbourg and Monaco, scoring twice.

Different outlooks for the three clubs
Aston Villa and Fulham can offer Catamo the Premier League move he reportedly wants. Both also retain the financial strength to consider an offer within the €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m) range.

Burnley's situation is more difficult following their drop to the Championship of course. They previously watched the player, but convincing him to abandon his top flight ambition would now be a much harder task.

Sporting's message is that Catamo remains fundamental. The player's English dream and the size of the possible offers may soon put that stance under real pressure.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-and-fulham-ready-to-move-for-sporting-star-braced-for-e40m-bids/

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Fulham rival Everton in Nestory Irankunda race, Sporting CP in pole position
Fulham have joined Everton in pursuing Watford winger Nestory Irankunda, with Sporting CP remaining the favourites to sign the highly-rated Australian winger before the summer transfer window closes.

Nestory Irankunda has emerged as one of the most sought-after young attackers in the market following an impressive campaign with Watford and a string of eye-catching performances for Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His displays have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, with the Premier League, Portugal and Italy all represented among his admirers.

A report by Record via Sport Witness has suggested that Fulham have entered the race for the winger. Marco Silva's side are now monitoring Irankunda's situation alongside Everton, Hull City, and Fiorentina. However, Sporting CP are still considered to be in the strongest position to complete a deal.

Sporting have been working on the transfer for several days and are understood to have already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms. Negotiations with Watford are continuing, with the Portuguese club reportedly discussing a package worth around €15 million plus a further €5 million in performance-related bonuses.

The Lisbon outfit remain confident that an agreement can eventually be reached despite growing competition from elsewhere. A deal for Irankunda is necessary, as Francisco Trincao has joined Al-Ahli this summer.

Everton and Fulham eye Irankunda move
Everton have been credited with a strong interest in the Australia international throughout the summer as David Moyes looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The Toffees are understood to see the winger's pace, direct running and ability to play either flank as assets for a modern attack. With Iliman Ndiaye linked with a move to Al-Hilal, they will need a replacement.

Fulham's interest adds a third English rival to Sporting CP's pursuit. Silva is thought to be keen on adding greater depth and creativity in wide areas, and the promising young winger fits the profile of a young player capable of developing into a long-term Premier League asset.

Despite the increasing interest, Watford are under no immediate pressure to sell. The EFL Championship side are understood to have rejected offers in the region of £10 million and have welcomed Irankunda back for pre-season as preparations for the new campaign continue. While a transfer remains possible before the deadline, the Hornets are holding firm on their valuation, and the window is closing.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/28/fulham-rival-everton-in-nestory-irankunda-race-sporting-cp-in-pole-position/

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Fulham Deny Talk Of Move To Land Crystal Palace Target
Fulham have no interest in signing Crystal Palace target Jordan James from French side Rennes, according to journalist Sam Tabuteau.

James was on loan at Leicester City over the course of last season, but was unable to change what was a disastrous season for the Foxes that saw them relegated.

He has returned to Rennes, however the French side have been plotting to sell him this summer, with interest from a host of sides.

A return to England has appeared to be on the agenda, with Palace amongst the sides credited with interest in signing James.

The Eagles though have looked to be facing competition from Fulham, with the Cottagers suggested to have a strong chance of convincing James to join.

Fulham though, it has been claimed, are not interested in signing James, with the Cottagers denying having held any talks over a deal or holding any interest.

The news will be a boost to Crystal Palace, however Fulham could later revise their position and enter the race if no deal for James is done quickly.

Crystal Palace have shown an eye for poaching top performing Championship players and James may be another one they now want.

Rennes though are ready to drive a hard bargain for James and want a substantial profit on the €5m they paid to sign him from Birmingham City.

The French side are keen on up to €15m to let the midfielder move on.

Such a sum should be within reach for Crystal Palace if they are serious about taking the midfielder to Selhurst Park this summer.

Whoever does end up landing James will be signing a midfielder with leadership abilities, with those traits having been spotted and praised by ex-Championship striker Sam Parkin over the course of last term.

Even so, the step up from Championship football to the elite level of the Premier League will be demanding and all eyes are on whether James can pull such a move off.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/28/fulham-deny-talk-of-move-to-land-crystal-palace-target/721486/

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40 years later: Fulham Football Club and those chilling links with Suzy Lamplugh...
It's 40 years since Suzy Lamplugh vanished into thin air on the afternoon of 28 July 1986.

It's a story we've all read thousands of times.

The 25-year old estate agent left the Sturgis Estate Agency to meet a client calling himself "Mr Kipper" to show him around a flat at 31 Shorrolds Road.

And was never seen again.

Whether those events unfolded exactly as recorded remains anyone's guess. But it remains the accepted version of events to this day.

Her white Ford Fiesta was later found abandoned just a five-minute walk from Craven Cottage on Stevenage Road.

Parked awkwardly and partially obstructing the entrance to a residential garage, its discovery sparked decades of speculation over whether Suzy was even the last person to drive it.

Nearly 15,000 days have passed since that infamous summer afternoon.

Since then, the club's life has gone on with Fulham FC enduring relegations, promotions, financial uncertainty,  memorable Premier League campaigns and they even languished in Division Three in the years following her presumed kidnapping.

But one mystery has never truly left the streets surrounding Craven Cottage. What happened to her? Did she drive past the stadium at some point? Apparently yes, as we tell you later in the article.

Suzy Lamplugh, whose body has never been found, was declared dead in absentia on 27 July 1993 – the eve of the seventh anniversary of her disappearance.

That same summer, Fulham swooped for QPR's Robbie Herrera for a modest £48,000 fee while agreeing a deal to bring in Paul Mahorn on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Just weeks before her disappearance England were left devastated by Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God in Mexico, while Gary Lineker became a national hero with his World Cup exploits.

We combed through the archives and found a fascinating snapshot of how Fulham fared in the first outing at SW6 following Suzy's mysterious disappearance, with football offering a brief escape for a community still gripped by fear and uncertainty.

The whole story had a profound impact, not only west of the Big Ben but in the whole country. Because if it could happen to her in broad daylight, it could happen to anyone.

That said, with Ray Lewington taking over from Ray Harford following relegation to Division Three, the Cottagers opened the campaign with a drab 0-0 draw away at Rotherham United.

A week later – 33 days after Suzy had vanished without trace – Fulham welcomed Blackpool to Craven Cottage as the haunting search for the young lady carried on in the capital.

The mood around SW6 did little to improve as the visitors escaped with a 1-0 victory in front of just 3,903 supporters.

It was a Fulham side boasting the likes of Paul Parker, Peter Scott and Gary Barnett.

Paul Stewart scored the only goal of the game for the Seasiders.

And the goal came in what is now known as the Putney End.

Just beyond that goal lies Bishops Park.

It was there that one of the most intriguing witness accounts in the entire investigation would later emerge.

A jogger came forward claiming he had seen a blonde woman matching Suzy's description involved in what appeared to be an altercation with a man inside a car on nearby Stevenage Road, five yards or so away from where today's mixed zone is situated.

His account would become one of the most haunting witness statements connected to Britain's most enduring missing-persons mystery.

Weeks later, Fulham would be thrashed 10-0 by Liverpool in the League Cup before eventually finishing 18th and avoiding relegation.

Four decades on, the ghosts of Suzy Lamplugh's disappearance still linger around Stevenage Road, Bishops Park and the streets surrounding Craven Cottage. These include Fulham Palace Road, a road most fans drive and walk through on matchdays, where one of her ex-colleagues Barbara saw her with a man inside the car- presumably minutes after leaving the flat in Shorrolds Road.

Suzy's eerie disappearance will forever be inextricably linked with the place, the park and the football club that unknowingly became part of one of Britain's greatest unsolved mysteries.

And for younger Fulham supporters – particularly those aged 45 or under – this may be a story they have never heard before. Most were not even born when Suzy disappeared, and for a new generation of fans, the connection between one of Britain's most famous unsolved crimes and Craven Cottage may come as a surprise.

But 40 years later, it remains part of the history of the area – a haunting story that unfolded just moments from the ground Fulham supporters have called home for generations.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/40-years-later-fulham-football-club-and-those-chilling-links-with-suzy-lamplugh

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Al-Ahli 1-1 Fulham

Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw in our second pre-season friendly, against Al-Ahli in Albufeira on Tuesday evening.

Ryan Sessegnon scored the first goal of the Álvaro Arbeloa era, lashing in a fine strike to cancel out Ricardo Mathias' opener.

The Whites had been by far the more dominant side in the first half, but the back-to-back AFC Champions League winners were more robust after the restart to ensure the clash finished honours even.

Fulham began proceedings with a real sense of purpose, with Sessegnon in particular causing all manner of problems in his role as an attacking left-back.

It was from one such jaunt forwards that led to the first chance of note. After Sessegnon had won a corner, Harrison Reed put the ball on a sixpence for Rodrigo Muniz, whose goalbound header was brilliantly repelled by Abdulrahman Alsanbi.

Moments later the two went head-to-head again, this time Muniz drilling in a low angled strike from the edge of the box which the Al-Ahli stopper got down well to.

Mathias had a sniff of goal on 21 minutes as he looked to convert a low cross from the right, but Joachim Andersen made a fine block to deny him.

Unfortunately, the reprieve was shortlived, with the imposing Mathias rising highest from the corner to glance home the opener.

Some lovely interplay between Emile Smith Rowe and Josh King almost brought an equaliser, but the youngster shot just wide from 16 yards following a slick turn away from his man.

King was a threat playing nice and high, stabbing marginally off target having been picked out by Sessegnon at the end of another promising run down the left flank.

It seemed like it was always going to be one of those two Academy products who might restore parity for the Whites, and it was Sessegnon who did the business, lashing home a fine strike after getting on the end of Alex Iwobi's pass five minutes before the break.

    Slick move, fine finish. 👌 pic.twitter.com/fxCkbWeb9z
    — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 28, 2026

Benjamin Lecomte came on at the interval and had a lively start to the second half, including a smart save to deny Meshal Almutairi.

Al-Ahli had done a better job of containing Fulham since the restart, and we had to wait until the midway point of the half for a shot in anger, but Kevin's free-kick missed the target.

Another free-kick on the other side of the box brought us a shot on target with seven minutes to play, but Alsanbi was equal to Saša Lukić's low effort.

That set-piece had been won courtesy of a foul on Jonah Kusi-Asare, and more good footwork from the Swede earned another dead ball situation in the closing stages. Kevin did better with his effort this time, testing Alsanbi who parried straight to Farhaan Ali-Wahid, and then also saving the follow-up from the young winger.

That proved to be the final chance of note, as Fulham were forced to settle for a draw.

Fulham: Leno (Lecomte 46'); Tete (White 80'), Andersen (Cuenca 63'), Bassey (Amissah 80'), Sessegnon (Nwoko 68'); Reed (Lukić 63'), Iwobi (Dibley-Dias 80'); King (Harris 80'), Smith Rowe (Kevin 62'), Zepa (Ali Wahid 69'); Muniz (Kusi-Asare 69')

Subs: Lecomte, Borto, Kaiser, Cuenca, Amissah, White, Araujo, De Fougerolles, Robinson, Nwoko, Lukić, Cairney, Dibley-Dias, Harris, Ali-Wahid, Kusi-Asare



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/28/al-ahli-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Sessegnon scores as Fulham draw in Portugal
Ryan Sessegnon scored for Fulham as they drew 1-1 with Al-Ahli in a pre-season friendly in Albufeira, Portugal.

The Saudi Arabian side went ahead but Fulham responded before half-time, with Sessegnon slotting home after being set up by Alex Iwobi.

New boss Álvaro Arbeloa made a host of changes in the second half.

Kevin and youngster Farhaan Ali-Wahid both went close for the Whites late on.

Fulham: Leno (Lecomte 46) Tete (White 80), Andersen (Cuenca 63) Bassey (Amissah 80), Sessegnon (Nwoko 70), Reed (Lukic 63), Iwobi (Dibley-Dias 80), King (Harris 80), Smith Rowe, (Kevin 63) Zepa (Ali-Wahid 70), Muniz (Kusi-Asare 70)



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sessegnon-scores-as-fulham-draw-in-portugal

[WhiteJC]

Cesar Palacios getting closer to joining Fulham
According to MARCA's Matteo Moretto.

Real Madrid Castilla graduate Cesar Palacios is getting closer to a potential transfer to Fulham, reports Matteo Moretto of MARCA.

Palacios was always an option who was likely to leave Real Madrid in the summer due to his stellar performances for the academy over the season, as well as being nearly 22. He showed he was too good for the third division of Spain, and it is the best time to see what he is capable of elsewhere.

Palacios also enjoyed a few first-team appearances, and already looked very neat with the ball and made some great runs without it.

A lot of it was down to former coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who always looked to give the academy boys a run in the first team.

It is the same manager who now wants Palacios at Fulham, as Arbeloa looks to bolster his squad in London.

Fulham are also interested in signing Gonzalo Garcia, although the Palacios operation — which is separate in any way — would be a much cheaper than whatever Real Madrid would demand for his fellow academy graduate.

It will be interesting to follow Palacios's development as a football player under Arbeloa, and there is no doubt that he has the talent to succeed anywhere.



https://www.managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf-news/110681/cesar-palacios-getting-closer-to-joining-fulham

[Lovely park walk]

40 years later: Fulham Football Club and those chilling links with Suzy

But 40 years later, it remains part of the history of the area – a haunting story that unfolded just moments from the ground Fulham supporters have called home for generations.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/40-years-later-fulham-football-club-and-those-chilling-links-with-suzy-lamplugh

Appalling basis for an article. I realise this roundup is automated but that really should be removed. Sick interweaving of a terrible murder and a football roundup.

[Coastwalker]

Are Fulham sleepwalking into trouble?
Jack Stroudley looks ahead to the upcoming 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

The World Cup provided a fantastic distraction from Fulham, but there's no rest for the wicked with Premier League football right around the corner.

Usually I take Fulham's lack of early summer business on the chin, but this time it feels different; concerning; alarming. Is this just a case of groundhog day where Fulham do what they need to in the eleventh hour? Or are we sleepwalking into impending trouble?

The manager
I'll break this article down into three main points that provide understandable cause from concern. I'd like to preface I'm usually quite the optimist when it comes to Fulham, but this time round, I'm struggling - let's start with the gaffer.

In news that will be new to nobody, Fulham appointed Alvaro Arbeloa earlier in July following Marco Silva's departure. I'll keep this section brief because everyone has spoke till the cows come home about their thoughts on Arbeloa. His lack of experience is a real concern, his difficulties managing the toxic Madrid dressing room doesn't go in his favour and his sheer lack of managerial sample size makes this appointment a huge risk.

Fulham do need risk and while I am excited and will support Arbeloa all the way, in a summer of huge transition, this is one that really could go either way. He talks a good game but will he back it up? If he does well I wouldn't be shocked, but if he starts poorly and is gone by October - I would be equally not as shocked.

The current squad/recruitment
Strap in folks, it's time for everyone's favourite talking point - what on earth are Fulham doing in the market? I write a weekly rumour round-up on the Fulhamish website (shameless plug for those who haven't read it) and once it goes live on Thursday and I remove all the rumours from my word doc, I get a sense of excitement that next week there will actually be some movement in the market - and there never is.

I can't say this is a surprise; we all know what the Khans are like and Tony Khan even confirmed they weren't going to change the recruitment model in his interview with Jack Kelly earlier this summer.

This does feel different though. The squad has taken a huge hit losing both Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, the pair were involved (goals or assists) in 29 of the 47 we scored last time out, so there is a huge gap to fill.

On top of that, Fulham never addressed the lack of midfield options last summer. Then in defence, people are understandably concerned by Joachim Andersen, we've lost Issa Diop, Kenny Tete's fitness is always a worry, Samuel Chukwueze won't be returning so we're another winger light and Bernd Leno isn't getting any younger.

That is a gargantuan ask for a club/ownership model that will not budge on their strategy. I'm not saying Fulham need all of that come the end of August, but if there was a contingency plan in previous years, I wouldn't be sat here listing all of these points at the same time.

Other clubs
This is one of my main points for writing this article. The reason I've never really been worried about our slow summers before is because we've always had a few players you could count on - this year I'm struggling though.

Sure, we've got exciting young talent in Kevin, Oscar Bobb and Josh King. Rodrigo Muniz struggled last year and could find his form again, but there's no "sure-fire" players who will get us out of trouble at the moment.

Meanwhile, those who finished above us are improving their squads. As are those who finished around us, and even below us. Not only that, clubs are losing players and being proactive by having those lined up to come in immediately.

Lacroix at Palace, van Hecke at Brighton, Struijk at Leeds, Gordon at Newcastle and a number of players at Aston Villa. Fulham just don't do that; we still haven't replaced Mitrovic, we never truly reinvested after Palhinha and we're in the same boat with Wilson and Jimenez.

Other clubs are also poaching players, making very shrewd signings. Diomande to Nottingham Forest and Hackney to Everton just to name two. Leeds are looking like they'll sign Japanese 'keeper Zion Suzuki. These are all the types of players Fulham should be in for. We have financial muscle, we have the London location going for us - use it!

Instead, we're looking at going after a bunch of Castilla academy graduates and a central defender in Turkey whose played there for six months (of which still hasn't been backed up by any credible UK media). I'm not saying these won't turn out to be successful signings, but the teams around us and below us are picking up ready-made players who will make an instant impact. I'm not too sure these players will.

Are we sleepwalking?
Honestly, I think the answer could be yes. I'm usually quite the optimist and I'm not saying Fulham are going to go down. But in a season of transition, we're making some very worrying choices. An unproven manager, a lack of squad depth and an inability to be proactive in the market. Other teams around us are improving, and if we're not careful, we might sink.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/are-fulham-sleepwalking-into-trouble

Agree with what he says,we're sleepwalking.

[bill taylors apprentice]

40 years later: Fulham Football Club and those chilling links with Suzy

But 40 years later, it remains part of the history of the area – a haunting story that unfolded just moments from the ground Fulham supporters have called home for generations.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/40-years-later-fulham-football-club-and-those-chilling-links-with-suzy-lamplugh

Appalling basis for an article. I realise this roundup is automated but that really should be removed. Sick interweaving of a terrible murder and a football roundup.

Totally agree, please remove!

[Coastwalker]

40 years later: Fulham Football Club and those chilling links with Suzy

But 40 years later, it remains part of the history of the area – a haunting story that unfolded just moments from the ground Fulham supporters have called home for generations.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/40-years-later-fulham-football-club-and-those-chilling-links-with-suzy-lamplugh

Appalling basis for an article. I realise this roundup is automated but that really should be removed. Sick interweaving of a terrible murder and a football roundup.

Totally agree, please remove!

Yes distasteful at the least,what has the club got to do with that poor girls disappearance

[Stoneleigh Loyalist]

40 years later: Fulham Football Club and those chilling links with Suzy

But 40 years later, it remains part of the history of the area – a haunting story that unfolded just moments from the ground Fulham supporters have called home for generations

One could say the same thing about JillDando but it is best not to.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/40-years-later-fulham-football-club-and-those-chilling-links-with-suzy-lamplugh

Appalling basis for an article. I realise this roundup is automated but that really should be removed. Sick interweaving of a terrible murder and a football roundup.

Totally agree, please remove!

Yes distasteful at the least,what has the club got to do with that poor girls disappearance