Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/24...

[WhiteJC]

London rivals eye move for £25m rated Chelsea star
Trevoh Chalobah is on Fulham's shortlist to replace Tosin Adarabioyo this summer but they will face competition from other clubs according to reports.

Chalobah has been brilliant for Chelsea since returning to the side in February after a long injury layoff which caused him to miss the first half of the season.

He's put in a series of impressive performances at both centre back and right back, with the Blues not losing a Premier League game he started this season.

Chalobah on Fulham's shortlist
Despite his form, and obvious love of the club his future has been clouded with uncertainty, with Chelsea believed to be open to offers for the 24-year-old.

Chalobah came through the ranks at Cobham and has established himself as a key member of the squad, but due to his homegrown status he would represent "pure profit" on the books, with the club believed to need to raise money in order to comply with Financial Fair Play.

The Cobham graduate is under contract until 2028, and playing some of the best football of his career, with Mauricio Pochettino believed to view him as one of Chelsea's best defenders.

However, it's possible Chalobah could have played his final game for the club against Bournemouth last weekend, which would be a huge mistake.

The Telegraph reported on Monday that Chelsea still value Chalobah at around £25m like they did last summer, with the defender actually turning down a move to Nottingham Forest.

It's an insulting valuation for a player who is in top form and has so much to offer, and will do very little to help the relationship between the fans and the ownership.

Until Chalobah's future is resolved rumours will continue to circulate and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported Chalobah is on Fulham's shortlist as they seek replacements for the departing Adarabioyo.



https://chelsea.news/2024/05/fulham-eye-move-for-chalobah/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham are 'going to push' to sign Chelsea player – Whites want to make transfer happen
Fulham are interested in signing Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah in the summer window.

That's according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to provide his original information on this case.

Tosin Adarabioyo will leave Fulham as a free agent when his deal expires in June, and Marco Silva's side have identified the Chelsea player as a concrete option to replace him.

Chalobah missed the first-half of the 2023/24 season due to a thigh injury and had to wait until February to make his first league appearance for Chelsea.

Since then, the defender has been a regular under Mauricio Pochettino, and finished the season with 17 appearances, scoring a goal in the process. His deal at Chelsea lasts until 2028, with an option for another year.

Fulham are keen on taking the centre-back, who can also operate as a right-back, away from the Blues. Tavolieri says it won't be easy because other clubs are also in the picture to sign him, but he hasn't provided the details of these teams.

Despite this, the journalist states Marco Silva's side are 'going to push' to sign Chalobah and 'make it [the deal] happen' in the next window.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/make-it-happen-fulham-are-going-to-push-for-signing-chelsea-man-concrete-target-for-silvas-side/

[WhiteJC]

Jedi & Bernd Nominated For Premier League Team Of The Season

Antonee Robinson and Bernd Leno have been nominated for the first ever Premier League Fan Team of the Season.

A new initiative from the league, fans will be able to vote for who they believe should be in the best XI from the season just gone.

Set up in a 4-4-2 formation, positions are broken into six groups – goalkeepers, centre-backs, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and strikers – with a shortlist of 10 players per position.

Voting is open from now until midday on Monday 27th May, with all voters entered into a prize draw to win a £100 club store voucher and 2024/25 shirt of their choice.

Use the link below to show your support for Jedi and Bernd!

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/21/leno-and-jedi-nominated-for-team-of-the-season/

[WhiteJC]

"No regrets" – Fulham's Alex Iwobi maintains preference for Nigeria's Super Eagles over England's Three Lions
Iwobi represented England at Youth level before making a switch to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, making his debut in 2015.

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed he has no regrets about his decision to play for Nigeria rather than England, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old versatile midfielder has been a mainstay in the Nigerian National team since making his debut in October 2015.

Iwobi was born in Nigeria but left the country at the age of four, moving to England following a brief stay in Turkey. He spent most of his childhood in the Arsenal Youth setup, making it to the senior team before moving to Everton in 2019.

Eligible to represent England or Nigeria, Iwobi started as a youth international for England, playing for the U-16, U-17 and U-18 sides, before switching his allegiance to the three-time AFCON winners in 2015.

Almost a decade after deciding to play for Nigeria, the former Arsenal man revealed he has no regrets about picking the Super Eagles.

"Even from the first time I came here, they made me feel welcome, so I wouldn't say I have any regrets. I'd like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to make them proud, but I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I'm at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I've grown up in a Nigerian culture so I'd say that I have no regrets about picking Nigeria over England," he said in an interview with Hotsports Nigeria.

The Fulham man is focused on enjoying his football in Nigeria and hopes to do so continuously as time goes on.

"I'm always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp, it's like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in. I'm enjoying my time and hopefully, there's more years to come as well," Iwobi added.

Iwobi was singled out for cyberbullying following Nigeria's AFCON 2023 final defeat to Ivory Coast, but he remains committed to the National team.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/05/no-regrets-fulhams-alex-iwobi-maintains-preference-for-nigerias-super-eagles-over-englands-three-lions.html

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: West Ham battling Fulham to seal €15m attacker transfer following talks
West Ham United and Fulham have both held talks with Corinthians over a potential transfer deal for highly-rated young Brazilian winger Wesley Gassova, CaughtOffside understands.

Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that West Ham are making Wesley, 19, one of their priorities for the summer in a potential €15million deal, while Fulham have also spoken to his club Corinthians to get information on the player.

Clubs in La Liga and Serie A are also understood to be interested in Wesley, but the suggestion is that the two Premier League clubs have gone furthest with their interest so far, even if some issues remain.

For the moment, Corinthians value Wesley at around €25-30m, whereas West Ham have indicated they don't want to pay more than €15m for the teenager.

This means we could still be some way before negotiations get anywhere concrete, so it will be interesting to see if his current club are prepared to lower their demands, or if the likes of West Ham and Fulham perhaps decide to look for alternatives elsewhere.

Wesley transfer: Where next for the talented young forward?
Wesley looks like he could have a big career ahead of him, but it remains to be seen where we'll see him for the next stage of his development.

One imagines a young player from South America might find it an easier transition to go to Spain or Italy first, but it also shouldn't be underestimated just how much he might want to try his luck in the Premier League.

West Ham and Fulham have both done well to give young players a chance down the years, with their star names then often earning bigger moves later, so Wesley could surely see these teams as decent stepping stone options for him.

Despite previous rumours about Liverpool, CaughtOffside understands the Reds have not made a move for Wesley as they are prioritising other attacking targets, including Leeds United's Crysencio Summerville.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/21/wesley-gassova-west-ham-fulham-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Man Of The Match Result: Luton
In a victory full of impressive performers, you voted for Harry Wilson as your Fulham Man of the Match from our 4-2 win at Luton Town.

It was a productive display from Wilson, who registered two assists and capped off his afternoon with a stunning strike in the 69th minute.

The Welshman's incisive, fizzed pass into the feet of Adama set up the first goal, before he picked out Raúl Jiménez just a few minutes later to double our lead.

Moments after being denied by the crossbar, the 27-year-old found the top corner with a vintage Harry Wilson goal, bending the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Speaking to FFCtv after the game, Wilson said: "It was really important to finish the season on a high. We spoke before the game about finishing with a good performance, a win and hopefully a few goals.

"Adama's set for my goal was perfect for me to run on to first time. It was just about controlling it. I had a big part of the goal to aim at and the defender's positioning was perfect for me to just bend the ball around him. I was delighted when it went in."

Raúl claimed 29.1% of the vote after he bagged a brace at Kenilworth Road, while Adama was also well represented with 9.15% of all voters opting for the man who opened the scoring in Bedfordshire.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/21/man-of-the-match-result-luton/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon decision and what comes next as Ange Postecoglou plots future plans
Ryan Sessegnon's time at Tottenham will come to an end this summer once his contract expires as Ange Postecoglou and the club plan for the years ahead

The summer of 2024 is going to be a key period in Ryan Sessegnon's football career. Signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 after excelling across the capital with Fulham, the left-sided player is now on the lookout for a new club as he attempts to get his career back on track.

As reported by football.london on Monday, Spurs have informed the 24-year-old that his contract will not be extended this summer. The Lilywhites had an option to increase Sessegnon's deal by a further year but have opted against it, thus meaning his Tottenham career will officially come to a close at the end of June.

Tipped for big things in north London after coming to the attention of a number of clubs after bursting onto the scene at Craven Cottage, multiple injury issues have proved costly and ultimately ravaged his Tottenham career. Across his five seasons at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sessegnon was restricted to 57 games in all competitions for Spurs.

One of his five seasons did see him head for Germany as he linked up with Hoffenheim on loan. The Roehampton-born player made 29 appearances in total for the Bundesliga club before returning to Spurs where Nuno Espirito Santo was now in the hotseat following Jose Mourinho's dismissal.

Sessegnon did get to feature more following Antonio Conte's appointment as manager, with his system that included the use of wing-backs tailormade for the former England Under-21 international. Facing a couple of spells on the sidelines through injury, Sessegnon sustained another troublesome hamstring injury in February 2023 that would keep him out of action for almost a year after undergoing surgery last summer.

Finally returning to the pitch at the beginning of January with a seven-minute cameo off the bench against Burnley, the player was once again dealt a hammer blow a month later after sustaining yet another hamstring injury in the first half of an appearance for the club's Under-21s.



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/players/tottenhams-ryan-sessegnon-decision-what-29213907

[WhiteJC]

Fulham can get player for as little as €4m – Need to move quickly to take advantage of clause
Fulham are one of the sides interested in Cologne defender Timo Hübers but need to move at the beginning of next month if they're to get him via his release clause.

That's according to Transfermarkt.de, who say Fulham and other suitors need to move quickly if they want to take advantage of a release clause in his current deal.

They explain that Hübers is one of the players Cologne are preparing themselves to lose this summer following relegation.

While the hope is that they can keep hold of him and other players, the reality is that several could depart, and he is likely to be among those at the top of the list.

That's because he has a release clause in his current deal worth €3-4m, depending on what league the buying club finds themselves in. A Premier League side like Fulham would presumably be forced to spend €4m, then.

However, a decision needs to be made quickly on any potential transfer, though, as that clause must be activated by June 8th. After that, the transfer fee would have to be negotiated with Cologne, and presumably for far more at that.

Fulham are one of the sides to have shown an interest and Hübers and he is aware of the interest, intending to deal with the inquiries in the coming days and then make a decision about his future from there.

Perhaps that will encourage Fulham and others to make their move before that deadline expires, which would certainly be a smart choice.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-can-get-player-little-e4m-need-move-quickly-take-advantage-clause/

[WhiteJC]

Palhinha Named In Portugal Euros Squad
João Palhinha has been named in Portugal's final squad for the upcoming European Championship.

Palhinha has 25 caps to his name so far, a number he'll no doubt add to in Germany this summer. Portugal – one of the favourites for the competition – are in Group F alongside Georgia, Czechia and Turkey.

Congratulations, João!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/21/palhinha-named-in-portugal-euros-squad/

[WhiteJC]

Gonçalo Santos on his way to join Fulham – 37-year-old told club about decision to move
Gonçalo Santos is now joining Marco Silva's staff at Fulham, according to reports from Portugal.

Last week, prior to the end of the Portuguese league, the manager couldn't give any certainty about his future, claiming he was discussing it with his club Casa Pia.

Now O Jogo reports that Santos has quit his job, meeting club chiefs and communicating that he took Fulham's invitation.

The 37-year-old is stepping down as a first team manager and taking a job as an assistant at the Premier League club.

Following Fulham's offer, O Jogo claims Casa Pia had already been 'prepared' for his exit and now have two options to replace him.

Santos will arrive at Craven Cottage to replace Luís Boa Morte, who's becoming Guinea-Bissau's manager this summer.

The job at Casa Pia had been his first, as he started there as an assistant and became their manager in February this year. His little time as a club boss was surely one of the reasons why he accepted this chance to get some Premier League experience at Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/goncalo-santos-way-join-fulham-37-year-old-told-club-decision-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Keen On Defender Who 'Wants To Listen' To Enquiries
1.FC Koln defender Timo Hubers is wanted by Premier League side Fulham and, with enquiries being made, he 'wants to listen' to them.

Hubers was a key man in Timo Schultz's team this season, however he was not able to help them avoid relegation into the second tier.

He now has a release clause in his contract which applies and his performances at Koln have ensured he is not short of options.

The clause in his deal is set at at an affordable €3.5m, depending upon the buyer.

Clubs are keen and Fulham are amongst the sides to hold an interest in Hubers, according to Sky Deutschland.

Wolfsburg are also interested, while there have been enquiries made about Hubers.

And it is suggested that he 'wants to listen to them' as he plots his next move.

Hubers could still stay on at Koln and help the club in their battle to bounce back up to the Bundesliga next season.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/05/21/fulham-keen-on-defender-who-wants-to-listen-to-enquiries/645587/

[filham]

Plelnty of rumours about possibly new signings, suggest they may be still circulating when the new seasons starts.