Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/10/26...u

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Bayern Munich target bargain move for Bernd Leno
Bayern Munich will attempt to sign 34-year-old former German international Bernd Leno from Fulham next summer.

According to a report by German outlet BILD, Bayern Munich have begun compiling the succession plan for Manuel Neuer, with the veteran goalkeeper expected to call time on his career after the end of the 2026/27 season. Bernd Leno has thus emerged as a target for the Bundesliga champions.

Per BILD, Jonas Urbig will become the new first-choice goalkeeper for Bayern Munich if Neuer announces his retirement next summer. Leno will thus arrive as Urbig's deputy, with the report suggesting the experienced Fulham star will be open to joining the Bavarian outfit ahead of the 2027/28 season.

Bernd Leno and his career so far
Bernd Leno has been one of the world's most dependable goalkeepers over the past decade. The 34-year-old turned professional at hometown club VfB Stuttgart, but he rose in prominence during his spell with Bayer Leverkusen before moving to the Premier League in July 2018. After a few impressive campaigns with Arsenal, Fulham signed him for a package worth £8 million in August 2022.

The German goalkeeper has been one of the first names on the team sheet at Fulham, making 161 appearances while keeping 33 clean sheets and conceding 236 goals. Despite modest figures, his shot-stopping ability has been impressive over the last four years, and he has been pivotal to Fulham's permanent mid-table status during this period.

What next?
Bernd Leno now faces an uncertain future at Fulham, as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract. While the Cottagers have the option to extend the veteran goalkeeper's contract by another year, a departure appears to be on the cards.

Bayern Munich's interest reflects the need to plan for life after Manuel Neuer, as the skipper, at 40, is in the twilight of his career. With Jonas Urbig proving he can step up and become a reliable shot-stopper for the Bavarian outfit, they need a new backup if Neuer calls time on his glittering career.

With Leno open to joining Bayern Munich, a summer return to the Bundesliga may be on the cards. However, Bayern may not land him for free due to Fulham's extension clause in the German goalkeeper's contract.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/30/bayern-munich-target-bargain-move-for-bernd-leno/

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Fulham's collapsed summer deal can be revived in January for lower fee
Fulham tried to sign Fikayo Tomori late in the summer transfer window. The London club could have another chance to get the player in January.

It was clear the player's agents were in the English capital on transfer deadline day. This was an attempt to find a new club but Milan decided to reinstate him into their project.

Despite that and after Fulham's persuasion, Tomori hasn't played for Milan yet. His current deal runs out in 2027 and his situation hasn't exactly changed after the summer.

Talk about his future is now back.

Arbeloa's side have another shot
Gazzetta dello Sport carry a detailed article about potential outgoings from Milan and add information about possible renewals.

Tomori's situation finds significant mention. For now, he is not expected to sign a new deal at the San Siro. The last communication
between his agents and Milan has been the news about his reinsertion into the squad. After that, the situation has been at a standstill.

Game time will come for the 28-year-old but probably not enough.

The newspaper state a transfer to Fulham would've gone through, if not for Matteo Gabbia's injury. If Tomori doesn't find more game time before January, his exit will be on the cards again.

That is when Alvaro Arbeloa's side will be given a chance at a deal once more.

Favourable deal possible
Tomori finds himself at a club which probably sees him as a fifth or sixth-choice centre-back. He would be much better off playing for a Premier League club that isn't in Europe but would offer him a squad role.

Fulham will do that and they can get a player with proven Premier League experience.

In the summer, the player was valued at around €15m. Now, the value could drop further, as the defender's contract runs out in 2027. Milan would also be better off selling
him for a low amount than to lose him for free.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-collapsed-summer-deal-can-be-revived-in-january-for-lower-fee/

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Northern Ireland legend feels Fulham move could be 'stepping stone to something bigger' for star
Northern Ireland legend David Healy believes Shea Charles can use his record-breaking move to Fulham as "a stepping stone to something bigger" with the midfielder continuing to impress at both club and international level.

Charles' £30million summer switch from Southampton to Premier League outfit Fulham set a new record transfer fee for a Northern Irish player.

The 22-year-old has been able to take expectation in his stride, earning plaudits for performances against Liverpool and Manchester United, and scored a late winner in Northern Ireland's dramatic 1-0 Nations League victory over Georgia on Friday.

Charles was named captain for Monday's stalemate with Hungary at Windsor Park – a point which helped Northern Ireland move top of League B Group Two – and will once again be a key player when Michael O'Neill's side face Ukraine.

The midfielder has already brought his international cap tally to 37 and developed into one of Northern Ireland's most important stars.

Charles was linked with transfer interest from Manchester United during the most recent transfer window before signing for Fulham, and Healy, who spent time at Craven Cottage as a player, believes he could be set for an even bigger move in the near future.

"He's been an incredible player for Northern Ireland," said Healy on BBC Sport NI. "You see him after the games, nothing fazes him, he has quality on the ball, running power, and I think his move to the Premier League...I know Fulham fans wouldn't want me to say this, but it could be a stepping stone to something bigger.

"This lad is a Rolls Royce of a player, gets about the pitch, technically very good. It was a wonderful goal (against Georgia)."

Northern Ireland have turned Windsor Park into a fortress across recent years, losing just one of their last 10 matches in Belfast – a 1-0 defeat to Germany in October – and have kept eight clean sheets in that period.

O'Neill's men will host Georgia on Monday after Friday's trip to face Ukraine in Slovakia and Healy feels it was important to back up three points last week by making further Nations League progress – even if the performance wasn't as impressive.

"Coming off the Georgia game, it was important they backed it up with some sort of result," added Healy. "Michael will be disappointed with the performance (against Hungary), it was a little bit sloppy and maybe even a bit tired, the players have put a lot in.

"Having spoken to Michael previously when the campaigns were just two games, there was always a concern about the intensity in the second or third game."



https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-legend-feels-fulham-move-could-be-stepping-stone-to-something-bigger-for-star-9233586

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Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa charged with misconduct over claims referees 'would not let Manchester United lose' during 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the FA for comments made during his post-match press conference after his side's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

The two-time Champions League-winning right back landed himself in hot water with the FA after suggesting that officials were biased towards Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday - and implying that they were reacting to decisions which went against United in the Manchester derby the previous weekend, when they lost to a goal by City's Erling Haaland that officials later conceded should have been ruled out for offside.

An FA statement on Wednesday afternoon read: 'Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct for comments made after the Premier League fixture between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday September 20.

'It is alleged that the Fulham manager acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.'

It added that Arbeloa has until Thursday to respond.

In an interview with Sky Sports after the game Arbeloa, 43, stated that 'every decision was for them' and that 'after the game against Man City they [won't] let Manchester United lose here'.

Arbeloa referred specifically to a contentious decision made by referee Peter Bankes, 44, towards the end of the game in which a relatively soft free-kick was given against Fulham for a foul on Harry Maguire that led to Matheus Cunha's late equaliser.

Arbeloa implied that a player of Maguire's stature should not be going down from such minimal contact, saying 'the foul against Maguire, a guy that is 100 kilos?'

Arbeloa's anger with the officials may have also been amplified by United not receiving a single booking throughout the game, despite some contentious challenges, and Fulham receiving three yellows for their own offences.

Fulham dropped two points late in the game due to Matheus Cunha's deflected equaliser, and their manager believed they 'deserved more'.



https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16148479/Fulham-Arbeloa-charged-referees-Manchester-United-1-1-draw.html

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Alvaro Arbeloa hit with FA charge for Manchester United outburst after Fulham draw
Fulham boss has landed himself in hot water with the FA

Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for comments that imply referees show bias towards Manchester United.

Arbeloa's side were pegged back for a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in their final match before the international break as Matheus Cunha scored a deflected equaliser in the 89th minute for the Red Devils.

The Fulham head coach was furious that United had been awarded a free kick for a foul on Harry Maguire on the halfway line 35 seconds before that goal which Arbeloa deemed not to be worthy of a free kick.

The Spaniard felt Cesar Palacios had not committed a foul on Maguire and later claimed referee Michael Oliver and his officiating team working on the game had awarded "all fouls" to United.

Failure to hold on for victory left Fulham in the relegation zone, above Tottenham in 19th place.

"All fouls for them," Arbeloa said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports after the game on September 20.

"You can see before they scored, the foul against Maguire, he's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them.

"And I knew. I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here. We deserved a little bit more."

A statement on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Arbeloa has been charged for those comments.

The FA statement read: "Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct for comments made after the Premier League fixture between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday 20 September.

"It is alleged that the Fulham manager acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has until Thursday 1 October to provide a response."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arbeloa-fa-charge-man-utd-fulham-b1299007.html

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Premier League boss hit with FA charge for behaviour after Man Utd match
Alvaro Arbeloa made controversial comments after watching his Fulham side narrowly miss out on a first Premier League win of the season against Manchester United earlier this month

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after he claimed that officials did not want Manchester United to lose against his side. The head coach's comments came after a 1-1 draw between the two teams at Craven Cottage on September 20.

United were poor in West London, going 1-0 down against the team that began the afternoon bottom of the top-flight. Michael Carrick's side ended up rescuing a point thanks to Matheus Cunha's deflected effort in the 89th minute.

And Arbeloa was left fuming after the fixture. The Spaniard was furious that, 35 seconds before United's equaliser, the Red Devils were given a free-kick for a foul on Harry Maguire on the halfway line.

The former Real Madrid head coach went on to accuse the referees of not wanting United to lose against Fulham because of the injustice Carrick's men faced in the Manchester derby seven days earlier. The incident in question saw Erling Haaland's goal incorrectly allowed to stand despite Manchester City's Enzo Fernandez interfering with the build-up from an offside position.

Arbeloa felt this influenced refereeing decisions against his team. He said: "All fouls for them. You can see before they scored, the foul against Maguire, he's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them.

"And I knew. I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here. We deserved a little bit more.

"We were so close. So, so close. We were a little bit unlucky again. We knew it would be difficult against this big team.

"Also we knew what happened last week. We have seen what the referees have been doing all the match so it was a difficult game. And we were unlucky."

Now, the FA have accused Arbeloa of acting improperly in his post-match comments. The governing body said: "Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct for comments made after the Premier League fixture between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday, 20 September.

"It is alleged that the Fulham manager acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official. Alvaro Arbeloa has until Thursday, 1 October to provide a response."

Arbeloa appeared to attempt to temper his initial frustrations after the game against United.

The 43-year-old said: "My English is not so good. Maybe I explain myself so bad and I prefer not to say anything about the referees because you never know.

"When you say something that you don't have to say, it's better to stay calm, focus on the performance of my team and focus on the next game.

"I'm not really happy. Like I said, I need to be focused and put my energy in all the things that I have to improve.

"[Maguire] is a very big guy and maybe it wasn't a foul. But it's ok. Like I said, I prefer to analyse the game - players, systems and it's the best for win."

Potential punishments for the ex-defender, if found guilty, include a fine and a touchline ban. Fulham return to action at Ipswich Town on October 10 (3pm).

United, meanwhile, take on Tottenham Hotspur later that day (5:30pm).



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-alvaro-arbeloa-fulham-37719696

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Jaye awarded Manager of the Month for August

Steve Jaye has been named the FA Women's National League Premier Division Manager of the Month for August after a fantastic start to FFCW's first season in Tier 3.

Jaye's side have made an impressive start to the campaign, winning all three of their league matches in August. They have scored 10 goals and conceded just once during that run, leaving them third in the table with a game in hand. Fulham also enjoyed success in the FA WNL Cup during August, beating Actonians 4-1.

With the team settling quickly into their new surroundings following promotion last season from Tier 4, Jaye has been recognised for his part in what has been an excellent opening month.

Jaye said: "I'm very humbled, shocked and surprised by being able to earn this award.

"The group deserve more credit than I do for what we've achieved so far this season, because they've had to go out and deliver in an environment and at a level I'm not experienced in at all. This is all new for me, and so they deserve an incredible amount of credit for the way that they've gone about their business and settled in really quickly.

"I think this is a great opportunity to share just how proud I am of our staff team around us as well, who continuously ensure that the environment and the standards that we have in and around training and match days are the best that they can possibly be."

Attention turns back to the FA WNL on Sunday, as FFCW welcome Exeter City to Motspur Park.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/30/jaye-nominated-for-august-manager-of-the-month/

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Internationals: Jedi captains United States in big win
Antonee Robinson captained the United States for the first time as they recorded a 4-2 friendly victory over Chile.

It was Jedi's 60th senior cap, and he played the full 90 minutes as goals from Sebastian Berhalter, Julian Hall, Chris Richards and Mathis Albert secured the win.

The full-back said: "It's a huge honour. I've been the young kid coming on the team when older players led by example, and now I get to do that for a bunch of other guys making their debuts. It means a lot to me."

    WE HAVE KICKOFF IN ST. LOUIS! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5iaspiCb15
    — U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 30, 2026

There was also a special presentation for former Fulham defender Tim Ream before the match in St. Louis, following the 38-year-old's decision to retire from international football.

The centre-back made 86 appearances for his country, representing the United States at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and winning two Concacaf Nations League titles.

    Tim Ream is honored in his hometown of St. Louis after announcing his retirement from the USMNT 👏 pic.twitter.com/FA8yGAJWW3
    — B/R Football (@brfootball) September 30, 2026

Elsewhere, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi both started for Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, but the Super Eagles fell to a 3-0 defeat.

The result leaves them second in Group L with one game left to play.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/30/internationals-jedi-captains-united-states-in-big-win/

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FA charges Fulham boss Álvaro Arbeloa with misconduct for comments after Man United draw
Fulham boss Álvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for claiming officials would "not let Manchester United lose" after Michael Carrick's side scored a late equaliser to draw their Premier League match at Craven Cottage.

United were fortunate to leave with a point after Matheus Cunha's 89th-minute deflected goal snatched a 1-1 draw on Sept. 20.

In a post-match TV interview, Arbeloa said the referee had given "all fouls" for United and that "I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here," referencing the controversial VAR call in the Manchester derby.

The FA's misconduct charge alleges the Fulham manager "acted in an improper manner by making comments in a postmatch interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official."

Arbeloa -- who took over at Fulham in the summer but has yet to win a league game -- has until Thursday to provide a response.

United, meanwhile, have won just one game in their first five Premier League matches -- against Ipswich Town. They lost to Hull on the opening weekend, drew with Everton, lost to Man City and salvaged a draw against Fulham.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/50067385/fa-charges-fulham-boss-alvaro-arbeloa-misconduct-comments-man-united-draw

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'They would not let them lose!' - Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa charged by FA after accusing referees of Man Utd bias following late Craven Cottage drama
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been hit with a misconduct charge by the Football Association following his explosive comments about officiating during the recent clash with Manchester United. The Spaniard suggested that match officials were determined to protect the Red Devils from defeat at Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa under fire for referee allegations
The Football Association has officially charged Arbeloa with misconduct following a series of controversial remarks made after Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, where Michael Carrick's side were fortunate to salvage a point thanks to a deflected 89th-minute strike from Matheus Cunha on September 20.

In his assessment of the officiating, Arbeloa suggested that the refereeing team was biased in favour of Carrick's side. The FA statement clarified that the charge relates to comments that 'imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.' This disciplinary action adds further pressure to the Fulham boss, who has endured a difficult start to life in the Craven Cottage dugout since arriving in the summer. The Spaniard has until Thursday to provide a formal response to the governing body regarding the allegations.

Late drama sparks explosive interview
The frustration for Arbeloa boiled over after Cunha scored a heavily deflected equaliser in the 89th minute to rescue a point for Manchester United. Fulham had looked set to claim all three points after taking the lead in the 63rd minute through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, leaving the manager fuming at what he perceived as inconsistent officiating throughout the contest. In a candid post-match interview, the Fulham boss expressed his belief that the outcome was influenced by factors beyond the players' control on the pitch.

Arbeloa did not hold back in his criticism, stating that the referee had given 'all fouls' for United. He further intensified his rhetoric by referencing previous officiating controversies involving United, most notably a disputed VAR decision in the Manchester derby. During the interview, Arbeloa remarked: 'I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here.' These specific comments are at the heart of the FA's investigation into his conduct.

Struggles continue for both clubs
The draw at Craven Cottage highlighted the ongoing struggles for both clubs in the early stages of the Premier League campaign. Fulham currently sit 19th in the table with just two points, having picked up draws against Manchester United and Liverpool while suffering three defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace, Sunderland, and Chelsea.

Manchester United's form has been equally patchy, with Carrick's men managing just one victory in their first five league matches. That lone win came against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, sandwiched between an opening-day defeat to Hull City, a draw with Everton, and a painful loss in the Manchester derby.

Crucial fixtures ahead for Arbeloa
Following the conclusion of the current international break, Arbeloa's side will return to Premier League action with an away trip to Ipswich Town on October 10. Fulham will then host Hull City at Craven Cottage on October 17, as the manager continues his search for a first league victory of the season.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/alvaro-arbeloa-charged-fa-referee-bias-man-utd-fulham-premier-league/blt2786e7a880134dd4?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Should Bayern Munich sign Bernd Leno from Fulham?
Fulham shot-stopper Bernd Leno has emerged as one of the candidates for Bayern Munich to strengthen their goalkeeping department next summer.

The first international break of the season has been dominated by reports linking Bayern Munich with several goalkeepers. It does look like Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich will be hanging up their boots at the end of the season.

Bayern are counting on Jonas Urbig to be the long-term successor to Manuel Neuer. Urbig has done well ever since arriving from FC Köln 18 months ago. He has been an able deputy of Neuer, confident with his shot stopping and passing out from the back.

However, Bayern will need a solid backup for Urbig, someone who can step in between the posts when needed. The record Bundesliga champions have been linked with a couple of Bundesliga goalkeepers in the last few days.

Bild has now reported that Bayern have Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno on their shortlist for next summer. The German goalkeeper has a contract until 2027 at Craven Cottage, but Fulham have the unilateral option to extend it until 2028.

Leno is open to a move to Bayern
TZ has also reported on Bayern's interest in Bernd Leno. The 34-year-old is open to joining a club of Bayern's size in the final years of his career. Fulham do have the option to extend his contract, but Leno will hope that the London-based club will open the doors for a free transfer if Bayern make their interest concrete.

Leno has been a fine goalkeeper for Fulham ever since arriving from Arsenal in 2022. He has made more than 100 appearances in the Premier League for Fulham. The German will hope Fulham can grant his wish for a free transfer considering the fact he has been a great servant for the club. Bayern are likely to be interested in a free transfer instead of paying a fee for Leno.

Leno ticks all boxes as a number two for Bayern
Leno was tipped to become a top goalkeeper after delivering promising performances in the first team at VfB Stuttgart. He eventually earned a big move to Arsenal in 2018. He initially started as backup to Petr Cech. Leno went on to make more than 100 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. He may not have reached the heights he was initially expected, but Leno has been definitely a solid goalkeeper at the Premier League level for several years.

The 34-year-old is a fine shot-stopper, with his latest performance against Manchester United highlighting his ability to step up in big games. He has also earned nine caps for the German national team. From a quality and ablity perspective, Leno is a fine number two option for Bayern.

Leno is also big fan of Jonas Urbig
Bayern will ideally like the new goalkeeper be content with limited playing time and train exceptionally well to help Urbig. Leno has already tipped Urbig to be Neuer's long-term successor for Bayern and Germany. He rates the 23-year-old highly, so Bayern can expect him to support Urbig in all possible ways. Leno is unlikely to be frustrated with limited game time.

Die Roten have also been linked with Augsburg's Finn Danhem. The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent next summer. Unlike Leno, Danhem would like to get consistent playing time to ensure he gets selected for the German national team. Danhem has been part of Jurgen Klopp's German side during the ongoing international break.

Considering all factors, Leno is certainly a very good option for Bayern to fill the number two vacant slot in the squad next summer when Neuer and Ulreich end up leaving the club.



https://bayernstrikes.com/should-bayern-munich-sign-bernd-leno-from-fulham