Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 28/07/26...

[WhiteJC]

Structure of upfront payment major obstacle in Fulham's move for Super Eagles defender
Fulham's pursuit of Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu is nearing conclusion, but negotiations with Trabzonspor have yet to be finalised due to disagreements over the structure of the upfront payment, rather than the overall transfer fee.

The Cottagers have made the Nigeria international a priority target this summer as they look to replace Morocco World Cup star Issa Diop, who recently completed a move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

According to reports in Turkiye, including sports daily Fanatik, the main obstacle to the transfer is the amount of the initial payment.

Trabzonspor value Nwaiwu at around €30 million and want roughly half of that fee, about €15 million, paid upfront.

However, Fulham are negotiating for a lower initial payment, proposing to spread the remainder across instalments and performance-based add-ons.

Trabzonspor are scouring the market for a replacement for Nwaiwu, with Nordsjælland's highly rated Denmark U21 international Noah Markmann emerging as the latest defender linked with the club, although Lazio are also interested in the youngster.

Despite a potential transfer looming, Nwaiwu played the second half of Trabzonspor's 3-0 defeat to German side Eintracht Frankfurt in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/structure-of-upfront-payment-major-obstacle-in-fulhams-move-for-super-eagles-defender

[WhiteJC]

'A real eye-opener' - Harry Wilson lifts lid on Leeds United life after Fulham departure
Harry Wilson has lifted the lid on life at Leeds United after leaving Fulham

Harry Wilson has found it "quite easy" to get to know his new teammates at Leeds United.

The 29-year-old was pursued by Leeds during the last summer transfer window, but did not put pen to paper at Elland Road until earlier this month. It was a move that reunited him with his Wales teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James.

Fans finally got to see the former Fulham winger in a Leeds shirt over the weekend, when he appeared from the bench in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Wrexham in the USA.

Harry Wilson settling in
In a post-match interview with LUTV, Wilson said: "There are no distractions. We are all together pretty much all day. It has been good for me getting to know everyone, all the new faces.

"The Welsh boys have helped me with that anyway so I found it quite easy to get to know everyone and, yeah, spend a lot of time on the training pitch getting to know the manager's ideas, getting to know the lads on and off the pitch. I think it has been really good."

Stateside support
Leeds were a long way from home as they did battle with Wrexham in Florida, but had the support of fans who had flow across the pond to show support.

Wilson said: "It is crazy. I think even before we left the hotel, the lobby was full and the send-off we got from the hotel was a real eye-opener for me.

"To turn up here today and see them here supporting and singing, yeah, I am sure that is going to be a sign of things to come."

Defeat to Wrexham
Leeds went behind to an early Kieffer Moore goal before hitting back via Joel Piroe. Bailey Cadamarteri restored the Wrexham lead, only for Sean Longstaff to level proceedings on the stroke of half-time.

Sam Smith later struck for the Red Dragons in the 86th minute, clinching victory for the Championship outfit.

Wilson said: "Disappointed to lose the game but I feel for large parts of the game we were the better team. I don't think I have seen a start like that for a while from a team. I thought it was a great, great goal from them.

"But I think after that, the boys that played the first half really took control of the game and got ourselves back in it and probably should have gone in half time winning.

"And then, yeah, we made a few changes half-time, and I thought we started the second half really, really well. Controlled the half for long spells and then disappointed to concede a counterattack quite late on. I think overall, a good run out for our first game."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-harry-wilson-fulham-8822764

[WhiteJC]

Can Fulham afford to gamble on our new striker?
This squad needs someone who can deliver from day one.

I'll happily admit it. I miss Aleksandar Mitrovic.. a lot.

The way he departed in 2023 may have left a sour taste, but in three years, that bitterness has more than disappeared in my eyes. Louis Saha was a more complete player, but no Fulham striker before and definitely since has given me as much joy as that big Serbian bulldozer.

This article is not an ode to Mitro, even though I would happily write that, but a plea to Fulham to actually replace him properly. It's incredible how we have managed to achieve relative success for three consecutive seasons without him:

    2023-24 - The purple patch season. After a shaky start, Jimenez eventually scoring a glut of goals and then Armando Broja's loan knocked some unlikely life into Rodrigo Muniz who went on his own purple patch.

    2024-25 - The super-sub season. Jimenez and Muniz interchanged as starter and sub and between them they scored 20 goals. A real "replace him in the aggregate" combination.

    2025-26 - The Harry Wilson season. An injury-plagued Rodrigo Muniz scores on the opening day, but doesn't score again. Jimenez chips in with important goals, but much of the burden falls on Harry Wilson, who scores belter after belter.

I fear though that this run of luck is very much over, not least because we've lost Raul Jimenez, whose role in each of those three seasons was indispensable.

We all hoped that Rodrigo Muniz would have stepped up by now. In fairness, that's still possible, but last season was the season to prove that he could be the "main man" and while of course injuries were to blame, would you 100% trust him alone to score the goals that keep us safe?

And yes, that's not exaggeration. I think that in our current state, relegation is a serious possibility. There are concerns all over the pitch, but without a proper number nine, I feel like we are heading straight for a relegation battle.

We have exciting wingers and attacking midfielders, but not having a player that you can rely on to score is always bad news. Look at Wolves last season without Matheus Cunha or Nottingham Forest for the majority of the season without Chris Wood.

Of course, I do understand that we will sign a centre-forward of some description, my worry is about whether we actually try to land a knock-out punch with this transfer.

The biggest rumours of course surround Real Madrid's Gonzalo Garcia. The 22-year-old Spaniard was linked with us the day after Arbeloa was appointed and has been the on-off saga of the summer so far. The Athletic said it was happening, Nizaar Kinsella said that it wasn't and now the latest seems to be that it could be back on, with Fulham reportedly preparing a big bid.

Don't get me wrong, I think that Garcia is a really exciting player, but I feel like this is another giant gamble from Fulham. His early promise is certainly exciting, he was Real Madrid's top scorer at the Club World Cup last summer and he scored six goals in 1127 minutes last season (basically a record of one in two), including a highly impressive 'perfect' hat-trick against Real Betis.

My fear here is the same that I have with Àlvaro Arbeloa himself; we do not have the proof that Garcia can be reliable for a team in Fulham's position. Can we be sure that he will score the 12+ goals we need over a 38 game season?

Asking a player to go from occasional appearances at the world's biggest football club to fighting in the trenches of Premier League mid-table week-in and week-out is quite a big ask. Garcia screams the kind of player that would need a season to 'get acclimatised' to the Premier League and English football, I worry that Fulham cannot afford that.

From a squad management level, where would signing Garcia leave Rodrigo Muniz? We all still think of the Brazilian as a young up-and-coming prospect, but he's now 25 years old. If we sign Garcia, three years his junior, it surely shuts off Muniz's pathway? Either that, or the highly touted Spaniard will be leaving the world's biggest football club to sit on the bench at Craven Cottage, neither feels tenable.

My opinion is that Fulham need to go out and sign a centre-forward that can make an instant impact - one that has experience of scoring goals in a top European league.

A week ago we were tentatively linked to Folarin Balogun, and whilst there seems to be a queue of Premier League clubs vying for his signature, I feel like Fulham need to muscle their way in here. It would be a lot of money, but Balogun is the kind of player who guarantees you not just safety, but a comfortable mid-table finish, which I'm sure we'd all settle for right now.

Of course, Balogun isn't the only player that would work. Dusan Vlahovic and to a lesser extent Ricardo Pepi also feel much more proven. I know that Garcia's ceiling is probably higher than all three players and it would be a shame to miss out on that, but having a player with a high ceiling is no use to us if we can't stay up next season.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/can-fulham-afford-to-gamble-on-our

[WhiteJC]

Fulham enter race for Watford winger – Player close to joining Portuguese side
Watford's Nestory Irankunda is attracting even more attention from the Premier League. Seems like Fulham are now joining Everton and Hull City among the clubs keeping tabs on the Australia international.

Sporting are still leading the race for the 20-year-old after spending the past week negotiating with Watford over a package worth €15m (£13m) plus another €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses.

The Portuguese champions remain confident they can get the deal over the line after already reaching an agreement with Irankunda over personal terms. However, the list of interested clubs continues to grow.

Fulham enter the picture
According to Record, Fulham have now emerged as another Premier League club interested in Irankunda. They join Everton, Hull and Fiorentina in tracking the winger's situation.

Hull are still the only other side reported to have made an offer, with their previous €10m (£8.7m) bid turned down by Watford. Fulham's arrival is the latest sign that interest in Irankunda is building. Meanwhile, Sporting try to wrap up the transfer.

That level of attention was always likely after Irankunda's World Cup. The 20-year-old was one of Australia's standout performers during the tournament, scoring against Turkey. It is no surprise that more Premier League clubs have begun to monitor his situation this summer.

Sporting still in front
Even with more clubs showing interest, Record says Sporting's proposal remains the only concrete offer currently on Watford's table.

The Hornets are trying to squeeze the best possible fee out of the deal before giving the green light. At the same time, Sporting are confident an agreement can still be reached and are keen to avoid letting negotiations drag on for much longer.

Irankunda has already returned to Watford for pre-season after his extended post-World Cup break. However, the expectation is still that he could move before the transfer window closes.

With Fulham becoming the latest Premier League side to enter the race alongside Everton and Hull City, Sporting no longer have the market to themselves. Even so, the Portuguese champions are still seen as the club best placed to complete a deal.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-enter-race-for-watford-winger-player-close-to-joining-portuguese-side/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on La Liga starlet
Fulham Handed Mastantuono Loan Hope as Real Madrid Weigh Crucial Transfer Decision

Fulham may yet find themselves in a strong position if Real Madrid decide Franco Mastantuono needs a loan move this season. According to As.com, the 18-year-old Argentine remains highly rated in Madrid, but patience is being tested after another underwhelming pre-season display.

This is the key point. Real Madrid have not given up on the player. Far from it. They paid €63.2m for him last summer because they saw elite talent, not a squad filler. But talent alone buys time, not certainty. Right now, Mastantuono looks like a footballer short of rhythm, confidence and conviction, and at a club like Madrid that becomes a problem very quickly.

He started against Alcorcón and won a penalty, which on paper sounds useful. In reality, that was the high point. From there, his influence faded and the wider impression was familiar, too passive, too little spark, too little authority in possession. For a player trying to reverse the momentum of his current situation, it was not enough.

Fulham emerge in Mastantuono loan race
Fulham's name appearing prominently in this conversation makes sense. If Madrid approve a temporary exit, the belief is that it will be a straight loan. No complicated structure, no long-term separation, just one season to play, improve and return stronger. That suits all parties, if the destination is right.

As.com reports that Fulham are among the leading options, with Fiorentina also in the frame. A return to Argentina is effectively off the table. The objective is clear, regular football in one of Europe's major leagues, physical growth, tactical education and, ideally, experience around European qualification-level pressure.

That is where Fulham become interesting. They do not offer continental football right now, and that matters. Madrid would prefer a setting where Mastantuono can grow while operating in meaningful matches. Still, Fulham offer something different, a clear project, Premier League intensity and a side that came close to Europe last season. Missing out by a point tells its own story. This is not a club treading water.

There is also the coaching angle referenced in the report, which further strengthens Fulham's standing. Familiarity, trust and a development-minded environment can make a major difference for a young attacking player who needs rebuilding as much as polishing.

Real Madrid squad depth leaves little room
Here is the brutal reality for Mastantuono. He is running out of space. Not metaphorically, literally. Real Madrid's right-sided attacking positions are crowded and getting more crowded. Brahim moved ahead of him late last season. Federico Valverde can be used there. Arda Güler has the technical profile to operate in that zone. Bernardo Silva is another possible fit. If Diomande arrives and fills that area, the route narrows even more. Rodrygo is also due back in January, effectively like another new signing entering the mix.

That is too much traffic for a teenager who is already struggling to impose himself. This is not about writing him off. It is about sequencing development properly. If he cannot get the minutes, he cannot build confidence. If he cannot build confidence, he cannot show why Madrid invested so heavily in him.

The club's thinking appears increasingly practical. Keep backing the player, but do it intelligently. A loan would not be an admission of failure. It would be recognition of context.

Mastantuono future hinges on final auditions
There is still a window, though it is narrowing. Mastantuono has two more pre-season opportunities to change the tone, against Leganés and then Fiorentina. Those games matter because some of the established attacking competition is not yet fully available to start, which gives him a cleaner runway than he is likely to get later.

If he performs, the conversation shifts. If he drifts again, the loan path becomes harder to avoid. That is where Fulham must be alert. This sort of market chance does not always announce itself loudly, but it can become very real very quickly.

For Fulham, this would be a calculated gamble on pedigree and upside. For Madrid, it would be a developmental bet. For Mastantuono, it could be the one step back that allows two steps forward.

Our View
From a Fulham perspective, this is exactly the kind of deal the club should be pushing hard to complete. No one is pretending Mastantuono arrives as the finished article. If he was already fully delivering at Real Madrid, Fulham would not get a look in. That is obvious. But this is where smart clubs make gains, by spotting elite-level talent at the point where circumstance has made him available.

From a Fulham perspective, this is exactly the kind of deal the club should be pushing hard to complete. No one is pretending Mastantuono arrives as the finished article. If he was already fully delivering at Real Madrid, Fulham would not get a look in. That is obvious. But this is where smart clubs make gains, by spotting elite-level talent at the point where circumstance has made him available.



https://eplindex.com/148797/fulham-keen-on-la-liga-starlet.html

[WhiteJC]

Roma wants to add Fulham star to their squad
Oscar Bobb has become the latest player AS Roma want to add to their squad this summer as they continue their search for a new winger.

The Italian club have been linked with several wide players during the transfer window, including Antonio Nusa, as they look to strengthen that area of the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League. Roma believe adding more quality on the wings will improve their chances of competing at the highest level.

According to Football Italia, Roma have added Bobb to their list of transfer targets as they continue searching for reinforcements. The report states that the Fulham winger has emerged as one of the players the club are considering for the position.

Roma identify Bobb as target
Bobb only joined Fulham from Manchester City during the January transfer window, and he has already established himself as one of the club's key players. The Cottagers regard the attacker as an important member of the squad, and Alvaro Arbeloa is keen to keep him as part of his plans.

Roma, however, believe Bobb has the qualities needed to become an important player under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italian side are eager to strengthen their attacking options and see the winger as someone capable of making a significant contribution.

Fulham face transfer interest
Fulham are expected to resist any attempt to sign Bobb because they value him highly and do not want to lose one of their promising attackers. Roma may therefore need to submit a substantial offer if they hope to persuade the Premier League club to consider a sale.

Bobb would welcome the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, making Roma an attractive option if a move becomes possible. However, he also enjoys life in London and would like to continue playing in the Premier League.

The outcome of the transfer will depend on whether Roma are willing to meet Fulham's demands. For now, the Premier League club remain in a strong position, but interest from the Italian side means Bobb's future could remain a talking point throughout the remainder of the transfer window.



https://www.footballnorge.com/posts/roma-wants-to-add-fulham-star-to-their-squad/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Trabzonspor begin plans to sign Chibuike Nwaiwu's replacement amid Fulham links
Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor have intensified plans to sign a new center-back amid ongoing talk of Chibuike Nwaiwu potentially moving to Fulham, Soccernet.ng reports.

This summer, Nwaiwu's future has dominated transfer discussions at Trabzonspor. The Nigerian defender only just joined the Black Sea Storm from Wolfsberger in January, but rumors are already swirling that he will leave Papara Park.

Recent reports have linked Crystal Palace with a potential summer move, but Fulham have emerged as his most likely destination.

The Premier League club has been locked in negotiations with Trabzonspor throughout the window, submitting multiple bids for the 23-year-old defender. Having recently agreed on personal terms with the player, a move appears increasingly imminent.

Trabzonspor Identify Chibuike Nwaiwu's Replacement
As speculation surrounding Nwaiwu's future continues, Trabzonspor have already targeted a replacement for the Super Eagles star.

According to Turkish outlet Sabah Spor, the club has set its sights on Danish defender Noah Markmann.

The 19-year-old center-back currently plays for Danish side Nordsjaelland and has also attracted interest from Italian Serie A side Lazio, who have been in discussions with the youngster for a few weeks.

Markmann is technically sound, highly comfortable on the ball, and possesses a strong physical frame, making him an ideal successor.

Valued at around €7 million, he is well within Trabzonspor's budget—provided they cash in on Nwaiwu for their projected €30 million asking fee.

With just over a month left in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Nwaiwu will ultimately make his exit from Papara Park.



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

[WhiteJC]

Ipswich Town - Fulham's Sasa Lukic among midfield transfer targets
Ipswich Town are keen on signing Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic, the EADT and Ipswich Star understand.

 As first reported by Sky Sports, the 29-year-old is one of a number of options the Blues are looking at in the summer transfer window following promotion from the Championship.

We understand that Town are focusing their recruitment on midfield next, with Premier League experience an important criteria for the role in the centre of the park.

 Lukic ticks that box, having played almost 100 top-flight games since joining the Cottagers in 2023, scoring twice. He is heading into the final year of his contract, although Fulham have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The 62-cap Serbia international came through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade before making the move to Serie A club Torino in 2016.

He spent seven years in Italy, then joining Fulham, where he was an important player under Marco Silva. Last season, he made 26 Premier League appearances, 20 of which came as starts.

 Ipswich have already been in contact with the West London club this summer, having signed their Moroccan defender, Issa Diop, last week. Fulham are preparing for a new era under boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed earlier this month.

Town had been in talks with Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita, who was a free agent following his departure from Sporting CP. However, it's believed that an issue with his medical meant that they did not proceed the move, and he subsequently joined Hull City instead.



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/26414321.ipswich-town---fulham-sasa-lukic-among-transfer-targets/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Target Meeting Coach To Demand Cottagers Move Happens
Fulham target Chibuke Nwaiwu is set to meet Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke and the club's hierarchy to request that they facilitate his move to Craven Cottage.

The 23-year-old centre-back only arrived at Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January, but wasted little time making his mark, racking up 21 appearances in the second half of the campaign.

During that spell, he contributed three goals and one assist for the Black Sea Storm, with his impressive form also earning him a Nigeria call-up in March.

Capable of playing at centre-back, right-back, defensive midfield and central midfield, Nwaiwu's versatility has quickly emerged as one of his biggest strengths, with Fulham keen to bring him to Craven Cottage ahead of the new season.

The Premier League club were said to be close to reaching an agreement earlier this month, with preliminary terms in place and personal terms also understood to have been agreed with the defender.

However, Trabzonspor have since been said to be 'continuously revising' their demands in an effort to prevent the Nigeria international from leaving this summer.

The drawn-out negotiations are now said to be testing Nwaiwu's patience, with the defender understood to have his sights firmly set on a move to England.

According to Trabzonspor insider Serdar, the 23-year-old is due to meet Fatih and the club's hierarchy to ask that they facilitate his transfer.

The Turkish side, who finished third in the Super Lig last season, are holding out for an initial €15m payment as part of the overall €30m package.

Fulham, meanwhile, are understood to have requested a reduced fee in exchange for structuring the remaining payment in two instalments.

With pre-season already under way, Nwaiwu is said to be eager to complete his move to London, and the meeting could prove pivotal in determining the next step in negotiations.

It now remains to be seen how long the talks continue and on what terms Trabzonspor ultimately agree to part with the defender.

The Cottagers, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Norwich City under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa when they face Al Ahli in a pre-season friendly tomorrow.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/27/fulham-target-meeting-coach-to-demand-cottagers-move-happens/721304/

[WhiteJC]

Blues Eyeing Fulham Midfielder Lukic
Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic is reported to be among those the Blues are interested in this summer.

Town will need to add to their central midfield ranks ahead of their Premier League return and, according to Sky Sports, Lukic is among those being eyed.

The 29-year-old Serbian international has been with the Cottagers since January 2023 and since then has made 74 starts and 32 sub appearances, scoring three times.

Lukic, who has a year left on his contract but with Fulham having an option for a further season, started his career with Partizan Belgrade, spending time at Teleoptik on loan before, in 2016, joining Torino where, aside from a season on loan at Levante in Spain, he spent almost seven years.

Born in Sabac, Lukic has won 62 Serbia caps, scoring two goals, and played all their games at both the 2022 World Cup finals and Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, former Fulham central defender Issa Diop began training with his new Town teammates today following the Morocco international's move from Craven Cottage last week.

Elsewhere, the Blues are understood not to be currently showing interest in Levante striker Carlos Espi, despite widespread links. It's believed the 21-year-old was among those eyed prior to Town signing Brazilian frontman Emersonn.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/52404/blues-eyeing-fulham-midfielder-lukic