Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 14/05/24...

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Results

Monday 13/05
Villa	3-3	Liverpool

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Why this summer is so important – and exciting – for Fulham

I write this while overlooking the Ionian Sea from a sun lounger. I'm thousands of miles from Craven Cottage and to be honest, that makes me fairly happy; I'm ready for this season to be over.

It's not that I haven't enjoyed it. There have been some wonderful moments, but this dirge-like procession to the finish line does test your resolve. We're likely going to finish 14th, despite being five points off seventh in mid-March, which feels painfully underwhelming. We're all guilty of overreacting, and this season we quickly jumped from "oh God, we might get relegated" to "renew the passport, we're going on a European tour", and ultimately we've ended up slap bang in the middle of those two things – the average position of our fickle opinions.

My coping mechanism for lulls in my love for Fulham is always to look forward. I'm usually a perennial pessimist, but not when it comes to this era of the Whites. I spent 20 minutes of my holiday watching Marco Silva chat to Steve Sidwell and it made me think how lucky we really are. So many teams seem to be in crisis when it comes to identity: Chelsea, Burnley, West Ham, Palace before Glasner arrived. Not this Fulham side, and that's all thanks to Marco. I love his footballing philosophy, and I appreciate the desire to play entertaining, fast-moving football, and while players come and go, the constant presence of Silva is how I believe we best position ourselves for success.

I get the feeling that this summer will bring a fair amount of turnover. There are players out of contract who seem likely to leave, there are also stalwarts who may need to step aside for us to grow. With this comes an associated risk; waving goodbye to known quantities with the hope of a replacement that will raise the ceiling of our potential. It sounds simple, but we all know it isn't. However, it's definitely exciting.

A summer of rumours, all building up to the first few weeks of the season where we get to see a shiny new winger tasked with terrorising full-backs, or a fresh centre-back who is not gaff-prone and provides a sense of defensive security. Yes, there's comfort in the known reliability of a Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but there's a tantalising thrill in the emergence of an unknown. Have we bought another Anthony Knockaert, or will they be the player that drives us into Europe? We don't know, and that's fun.

We're also likely to see Jay Stansfield get a deserved chance, and while he's not technically one of our own, it still feels the same as a Sessegnon or Carvalho. Stories like his are the best thing about football, and I can't wait to see him ruthlessly bury chances in the Premier League.

Under anyone else's stewardship a summer that signalled such upheaval would be concerning. "Transition years" have been the death knell of Premier League sides like Fulham, but those teams didn't have Marco Silva. A man with a defined philosophy who knows exactly how he wants to play football, and which players he needs to execute his vision. With him at the helm, our transfer business has become more refined, less scatter-gun, and I don't think that's a coincidence. It'll be sad to see some of the old guard move to pastures new, but this summer could set up the second era of Silva's Fulham. These first three years have been exceptional progress, the coming years could be even more special.

I will be in that away end at Luton on Sunday, but I don't care what happens. I have grown apathetic towards the Fulham that's won one of their last eight. But next season's Fulham? I love them with all of my heart.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-05-13-why-this-summer-is-so-important-and-exciting-for-fulham/

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Player reveals 'there are talks' to secure Fulham exit – Director confirms agent discussions, Silva's side have 'final say'
Last week, FC Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic confirmed the club's interest in keeping Fulham's Kevin Mbabu, after signing him on loan last summer.

The 29-year-old will have to return to Fulham after this season, and they will then make a decision on his future.

After playing the last home game of the season with Augsburg at the weekend, Mbabu spoke to reporters. His comments are relayed by Augsburger Allgemeine.

The Fulham owned right-back has expressed his desire to continue at the German club next season.

"I don't know yet. There are talks. I feel good here, I have a good relationship with the coach, with the whole team and also Jure [Jurendic]. FCA is a very good option for me. Fulham and Augsburg have to find a solution," he said.

The newspaper states the German club will need to strengthen the right side of defence in the summer window, more so after Robert Gumny suffered a serious knee injury in March.

They are keen on retaining the Switzerland international, and the report says Marco Silva's side will have the 'final say'. That hasn't stopped Augsburg from opening talks with his agent.

"The loan is coming to an end, that's clear. Kevin is interested in staying here, we are interested in him staying here. We are in discussions with Kevin and his advisor. We'll see if we can get together," Jurendic explained.

Augsburger Allgemeine state the Bundesliga side have to consider the transfer fee, salary and if other clubs are interested in the Fulham man, before making an approach.

Silva's side covered the majority of Mbabu's salary and he would have to take a pay cut to join Augsburg permanently. For now, Jurendic isn't clear if his side can afford the overall cost of the deal.

"I can't judge that today. There is another partner involved. That's Fulham. The English are not under pressure, they have a long time to breathe," the sporting director added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-reveals-there-are-talks-to-secure-fulham-exit-director-confirms-discussions-with-agent-silvas-side-have-final-say/

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Brighton £6m target 'perfect for pre-season plan' amid Everton and Fulham transfer link
Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi admits he's keen to bolster his defence and midfield this summer.

The Seagulls are 10th in the Premier League with two games of the season remaining – Chelsea this Wednesday and Man United on Sunday – but plans are well underway for next term.

De Zerbi has battled with numerous injuries this campaign and insists reinforcements are his priority for this summer's transfer window.

"We have two great goalkeepers and then first of all we have to analyse the injured players," said the Albion head coach. "In defence we have to bring someone, a full-back or centre-back. For sure in midfield the same."

One player heavily linked of late is AZ Alkmaar's Japan international defender Yukinari Suguwara, according to Florian Plettenberg. The 23-year-old right back will have just one-year remaining on his contract this summer and could be available for around £6m. Suguwara has impressed in the Eredivisie this season, with four goals and six assists, while he has made 12 appearances for his country, with one goal.

Fulham were previously linked with a move for him last season but Everton, Brighton, Inter and Wolfsburg are now said to be leading the chase.

Any potential move to Brighton would see Suguwara link-up with his countryman Kaoru Mitoma, who has impressed at Albion following his move from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 for around £3m.

Mitoma's popularity has greatly increased Brighton's profile in the Far East – so much so, they are set for their first ever pre-season tour to Japan this summer. The arrival of Suguwara would tie-in perfectly with that plan.

Right back has been a problem area at times for Albion as Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, Jack Hinshelwood and James Milner have all suffered injuries this season.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/brighton-ps6m-target-perfect-for-pre-season-plan-amid-everton-and-fulham-transfer-link-4625950

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Fulham line up Soyuncu swoop
Fulham are lining up a summer swoop for the Atletico Madrid centre back Caglar Soyuncu, according to the Sun.

The Cottagers will need to bring in additional centre backs after Tosin Adarabioyo turned down a contract extension to leave Craven Cottage on a free transfer this summer and will reignite their long-standing interest in the former Leicester City defender, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce.

Soyuncu, who Fulham previously tried to sign from Leicester, was a target in January, when he was made available for loan after struggling to hold down a first-team spot at Atletico. The Turkish international is likely to leave Diego SImeone's side this summer, despite having three years on his current contract.

The Spanish giants would prefer a permanent deal but Fulham could construct a loan with a possible purchase option as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of a third consecutive campaign in the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/fulham-line-up-soyuncu-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Godo: 'I grew from a boy to a man at Wigan'
Fulham winger Martial Godo has said he will never forget his loan spell at Wigan Athletic – saying his time with the Latics helped him 'grow from a boy to a man'.

The 21 year-old's first extended taste of senior football was a success as he was one of Shaun Maloney's most consistent performers in a promising spell in League One, scoring five goals in 38 appearances.

The youngster posted a moving statement on Twitter as he prepared to return to Fulham:

"That concludes an unforgettable season at such a prominent and unreal club. Enjoyable moments and memories I will never forget on my first professional senior season. I want to thank the gaffer, my team-mates/brothers and the fans who welcomed me with open arms when I came up as a boy until I left as a man.

Through my experiences...high and low. Scoring my first professional goal, playing/representing England, winning my first player of the month award, and many, many more highs. To being out with injury for up to six weeks. I am forever thankful and owe massive gratitude to God, my family, friends, and everyone at the club who helped me throughout the season, on and off the pitch."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/godo-i-grew-from-a-boy-to-a-man-at-wigan/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham transfer fee for player reaches 'maximum possible ceiling' – Whites are paying out the full amount
Fulham are now set to pay an extra €1m for João Palhinha's transfer from Sporting.

According to newspaper Record, the final bonus has been triggered, with the Whites having ended up paying the full amount.

The outlet explains that when selling Palhinha to Fulham in 2022, the Lions accepted €20m plus a payment of €1m for each time the Craven Cottage side stayed in the Premier League in the coming two seasons.

Well, the Whites did very well in 2022/23, and paid that first million a year ago. They're currently 14th, and that was enough to escape relegation again, with another €1m going to Sporting.

Now with the €22m paid, the process is done, reaching the 'maximum possible ceiling'. The Lions will only make more money in case Palhinha leaves the London side for over that amount. In that case, the Lisbon side get 10% of Fulham's profit.

It sounds like those bonuses were far too easy to be achieved, but considering Palhinha's success in his first couple of years at Craven Cottage, any individual goal would probably have been reached by him anyway.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-transfer-fee-player-reaches-maximum-possible-ceiling-whites-paying-full-amount/

[WhiteJC]

New club joins fight for rumoured West Brom, Ipswich Town, Norwich City target
West Brom, Ipswich Town and Norwich City's rumoured target Aiden McGinlay is now of interest to Fulham, Football Insider has claimed.

West Brom, Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Stoke City have all been linked with Scottish prodigy McGinlay ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Tractor Boys and the Canaries were first linked before the Baggies and the Potters were said keen in a separate report. Scottish giants Celtic are also admirers of the Queens Park prospect.

Now, a fresh report from Football Insider has named a new admirer of McGinlay.

They claim that Premier League side Fulham are also keen on the 17-year-old midfielder. The Cottagers sent scouts to watch him in action last week and while his club are keen to tie him down to a deal, the sought-after McGinlay may move on for only £70,000 compensation.

Fulham scouts have been impressed by what they've seen, so West Brom, Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Stoke City could be in for some competition.

Premier League advantage?
McGinlay looks as though he'll have a fair few options to choose from should he decide to move on this summer. There are some prestigious clubs keen on offering him the chance to kick on under their watch.

The interest of Fulham and Ipswich Town could make it tricky for the Championship admirers though.

Both clubs will be playing in the Premier League next season and while the likes of West Brom, Norwich City, Stoke City and Celtic could all be attractive options, the draw of England's top-flight may be too strong.

Of course, the Baggies or the Canaries may yet make it to the Premier League with their respective play-off battles hanging in the balance.

Top prospect
One thing that seems certain is that McGinlay is already quite the talent.

To have such interest at only 17 speaks volumes about his current abilities and potential to become even better in the years to come. Plenty of Scottish prospects have caught the eye in their native before moving south and he may well follow that well-trodden path.

Wherever he ends up next, the priority will be ensuring he's in the best place for his development. That club will have to carefully manage and monitor his progress before giving him a step up to the senior game when the time is right.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/05/13/west-brom-ipswich-town-aiden-mcginlay-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Forget Monaco! Brand new £288m superyacht belonging to Fulham's billionaire owner Shahid Khan and fitted out with helipad, pool and cinema docks in Scottish harbour

    The vessel, Kismet, requires staff of up to 40 to cater for dozen guests on board
    Megayacht is also available for charter, with prices starting at £2.4m per week

It would not look out of place at the billionaires' playgrounds of Monaco and Dubai.

So locals in the Scottish town of Troon were stunned to see the £288 million Kismet megayacht pull into harbour at the weekend.

The 400-foot charter yacht includes a helipad, a beauty salon, a spa, a sauna and a swimming pool, as well as indoor and outdoor cinemas, a dance floor and a gym.

It has accommodation for 12 guests across nine cabins, and is so large that it contains an elevator.

The luxurious interior styling is by British designer Reymond Langton Design.


The 'Kismet' belongs to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. It was spotted docked in Troon harbour over the weekend
 

The £288 million superyacht was constructed in German shipyard Lurssen with its luxurious interior styled by British Reymond Langton Design
 

The vessel can sleep 12 guests, and has room for up to 40 members of staff, as well as an outdoor cinema, swimming pool and helipad

Kismet arrived in Troon on Saturday on its maiden voyage after being constructed at German shipyard Lurssen.

The vessel commands a staff of up to 40 workers, and belongs to Shahid Khan, the Pakistani-American billionaire businessman and owner of Premier League side Fulham.

Mr Khan is also principal owner of American football team Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kismet was spotted by keen kayaker Mark McInnes.

He said: 'I'm from Troon, a short walk along the road to the beach to launch the kayaks.

'Myself and my girlfriend Dawn decided to paddle out to the harbour on Saturday morning to get a closer look at the yacht.

'Not every day these are in Troon and it was such a lovely sunny calm morning on the water.

'It was amazing to see it up close, so new and clean. There was even a man abseiling off the side of it to clean the windows.

'We would have loved to get an invite on board but that didn't happen, so we will just have to imagine what it looks like inside.'

Passengers are able to arrive by helicopter and can enjoy a dancefloor, beauty salon, spa, elevator, underwater lights, beach club and gym.


Shahid Khan, right with wife Ann Carlson Khan, came to America aged 16 and started out living in a YMCA
 

Khan, pictured in October during a match between Fulham and Bournemouth at Craven Cottage. He became owner of the current Premier League team in 2013
 

Khan also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is pictured in October at the fixture with Atlanta Falcons played at Wembley Stadium
 

The superyacht was spotted docked in calm conditions by kayaker Mark McInnes, who said the sight was unusual in the Scottish harbour

The opulent yacht is also available for charter, with prices starting at £2.4 million per week, plus expenses.

Mr Khan is well known in celebrity circles and is understood to have entertained the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z on his yachts in the past.

His rags to riches story has seen him go from earning just 85p an hour washing dishes to making a £900million bid for Wembley stadium in 2018.

The 73-year-old businessman, who moved to the US when he was 16 with just 500 US Dollars (£360) to his name, became owner of west London side Fulham in 2013.

The married father-of-two bought the club from Mohamed Al Fayed for a fee believed to be between £150m and £200m and at the time he said: 'Fulham is the perfect club at the perfect time for me.

'I want to be clear, I do not view myself so much as the owner of Fulham, but a custodian of the club on behalf of its fans.'

He was born in Lahore, Pakistan to his mother, Zakia, a maths professor, and father, Rafiq, who sold surveying equipment.

Encouraged by his father, who stood for humility and frugality, Khan from an early age developed a nous for business.

He is said to have charged his school friends to borrow his comic books as a youngster.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13412349/Luxury-288m-superyacht-Fulham-billionaire-owner-spotted-Scottish-habour.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in transfer tussle to sign Aiden McGinlay
Fulham are reportedly keen on signing 17-year-old Scottish sensation Aiden McGinlay in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Aiden McGinlay is the subject of interest from Fulham. But the West London club will face stiff competition from Celtic for the 17-year-old Scottish prospect.

McGinlay is highly rated in Scotland, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. The winger has excelled with the under-18 team at Queens Park, and the likes of Celtic and Fulham are now hoping to secure his signature. Apparently, Fulham have recently sent scouts to watch the winger in action last week.

Queens Park are hoping to hold on to the player for the long term, and they are looking to agree on a professional contract with the player. It will be interesting to see if the 17-year-old is willing to put pen to paper on a deal with Queens Park.

If he does not sign a professional contract with them, the player could leave for a compensation fee of just £70,000 in the summer. Signing the 17-year-old for the reported amount would be a major bargain for Fulham. He could be the ideal long-term prospect for the West London club, and they could help him develop and fulfil his tremendous potential.

Aiden McGinlay could be tempted to join big clubs
The opportunity to join a Premier League club can be quite exciting, and the Scottish sensation is likely to be tempted. In addition, Celtic are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to compete for trophies on a regular basis. They might be able to offer him ample game time as well.

It will be interesting to see where the 17-year-old ends up eventually. McGinlay is a prodigious talent, and he needs to choose his next destination carefully. He cannot afford to sit on the bench at a big club at this stage of his career. He should only consider a move to Celtic or Fulham if they are willing to provide him with ample first-team opportunities. Regular football with the two clubs could accelerate his development and help him achieve his true potential.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/05/13/fulham-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-aiden-mcginlay/

[WhiteJC]

Well-being director hopes to inspire open discussions in sporting workplace
Director of Elevate Ruth Tongue spoke on a panel at the Women's Health Summit at Craven Cottage

Well-being company director Ruth Tongue hopes her impact on attitudes towards female health in the workplace will serve generations of aspirational women to come as a result of her unique work within employment wellbeing.

The boss of Elevate hosted the Women's Health Summit at Craven Cottage in partnership with Women in Football, a professional network representing 9,000 members working in and around the football industry, and Fulham FC.

Panels and speaker sessions throughout the day discussed all topics from mental and emotional health to dealing with hormonal changes to traditional well-being methods regarding nutrition and self-care.

Fulham FC have been in partnership with Elevate for 18 months as the inclusive Premier League club look to inspire more across the country to advocate for female workplace well-being.

Tongue said: "Having had discussions with Fulham and Women in Football, we felt this was a perfect way to bring together women working within football together.

"We wanted to engage, elevate, and give more knowledge around women's health, the way it can affect things like hormones and how we feel in our job role.

"We're trying to break down some of the aspirational things we see in many women, burning the candle at both ends, feeling like we have to be it all.

"Sometimes, through doing that we're risking burnout to our mental and physical health, not just in the moment but 10 or 20 years down the line."

Fulham have led ground-breaking initiatives tailored to women's needs within the workforce, including hosting a female working group to provide a safe space for employees to discuss a range of issues and topics.

However, despite progress within the football and wider sports industry, Tongue insists the stats speak for themselves when it comes to female employees feeling uncomfortable to speak openly about their health and well-being.

She added: "We spend half of our lives in perimenopause and post menopause.

"Two out of three women don't feel comfortable talking about their health in the workplace and half of women think if they did talk about their health, it would affect their career progression.

"We know that if women don't feel comfortable having those conversations, it will be affecting their physical and mental health, but they'll also be more likely to leave their job roles.

"Women are thinking about leaving their job roles due to things like menopausal symptoms.

"We know that if women can talk more openly about their health they will feel more able to stay in their current roles and progress."



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/well-being-director-hopes-to-inspire-open-discussions-in-sporting-workplace-180301094.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham praised for hosting safe space to discuss female health
The club hosted the Women's Health Summit in partnership with Elevate and Women in Football


Women in Football members and attendees of the Women's Health Summit at Craven Cottage (Beat Media Group)

Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison praised Fulham FC for hosting a safe and open space at Craven Cottage for important discussions around female health.

The South West London club hosted the Women's Health Summit, in partnership with Elevate and Women in Football which provided invaluable insight for female professionals working within the sports industry.

Panels and speaker sessions focused on physical and mental well-being, stress management, nutrition, and a whole host of topical issues.

Harrison admitted the day helped her take on board key pointers to continue to drive positive dialogue within her personal and professional life.

She said: "It was a fantastic occasion; our members have talked so much about the value that they've got out of the day.

"Whether it was learning about personal health, nutrition and how we fuel our bodies, coping mechanisms with stress, or responsibility as leaders to bring these conversations to the fore, it's perfectly normal for female, male and non-binary colleagues to be talking and socialising the idea of female health.

"My mind was buzzing with so much new knowledge, and I've really taken away things that I can do personally to improve my performance, protect my space, and equally inspire my team as well.

"It's brilliant to be working with Fulham Football Club and Elevate on this Women's Health Summit.

"It's not something that we've done before, they bring a whole range of different expertise into our organisation which ultimately will benefit our members who have learned so much."

Women in Football are a professional network representing 9,000 members working in and around the football industry who support and champion their peers.

Elevate are the UK's leading workplace well-being provider who bring tailored programmes to employees and employers alike.

The company work with a number of Premier League clubs and have partnered Fulham FC for 18 months as the club works to drive inclusivity and celebrate diversity across their workforce.

Elevate director Ruth Tongue said: "Having had discussions with Fulham and Women in Football, we felt this was a perfect way to bring together women working within football.

"We work to engage, elevate, and give more knowledge around women's health and the way it can affect things like hormones and how we feel in our job roles.

"We're trying to break down some of the aspirational things we see in many women, burning the candle at both ends, feeling like we have to be it all.

"Through doing that, we're risking burnout to our mental health and physical health.

"Women can talk more openly about their health they will feel more able to stay in their current roles and progress."



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/fulham-praised-for-hosting-safe-space-to-discuss-female-health-181008198.html