Friday Fulham Stuff - 14/06/24

[WhiteJC]

Brazil & USMNT Share Spoils
Andreas Pereira went head-to-head with Fulham teammates Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson on Wednesday night, as Brazil and the United States played out a 1-1 draw in their final Copa América warm-ups.

After a strong start by the States in Orlando, Brazil took the lead courtesy of Rodrygo, only for the hosts to equalise soon after through Christian Pulisic's free-kick.

There were opportunities at both ends thereafter, with Brazil edging the chances created, but the States defended resolutely to secure a confidence-boosting result going into Copa América, after a disappointing outing in their previous friendly against Colombia.

Ream and Robinson both played the full 90, while Andreas replaced Lucas Paqueta in the 65th minute to win a fifth cap for his country.

Depending on how the Group Stages go for the two nations, they could meet again as early as the Quarter-Finals at Copa América.

The United States' campaign commences against Bolivia on Sunday 23rd June, while Brazil kick off theirs a day later when they face Costa Rica.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/13/brazil-and-usmnt-share-spoils/

[WhiteJC]

"Not contemplating it" – Club not interested in signing Fulham player, completely dismissed
Mexican side Club América are not interested in a move for Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez this summer.

That's according to journalist Julio Ibáñez, who insists that América's current focus is elsewhere and not on the Fulham man.

Reports in the last few months indicated that Jiménez was open to the idea of a return to his former club this summer after falling down the pecking order at Fulham this season.

He started the campaign as first choice, but several injuries saw him out of contention and Rodrigo Muniz take advantage, establishing himself in Marco Silva's side and scoring the goals to keep Jiménez out.

That led to suggestions the Mexican could be ready to bring his time in Europe to an end and he recently fuelled the rumours about América by insisting they are the only Mexican side he would consider joining.

Ibáñez insists they're not interested in the Fulham striker at this point.

"(In America) If they want to fill the two foreign positions that they have in the squad, perhaps with a man from the national market to reinforce their options, then Raúl Jiménez is not one of them in this market," he said.

"Today he is not available to reach America, they are not contemplating it."

It may be a case of saying face, after Raúl Jiménez said earlier this week he has no intention of returning to Mexico and plans to see out his Fulham contract.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/not-contemplating-club-not-interested-signing-fulham-player-completely-dismissed/

[WhiteJC]

Joao Palhinha responds to Manchester United interest after rejected Bayern Munich bids
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha will reject any approach from Manchester United and is intent on joining Bayern Munich this summer, according to reports in Germany.

The 28-year-old came close to joining Bayern last summer but his €65 million (£55.6m) move collapsed in the closing stages of the transfer window as Fulham were unable to sign a replacement.

Palhinha signed a new contract with Fulham shortly after the transfer window closed but after another impressive season in the Premier League the midfielder is expected to be on the move this summer.

Bayern have retained their interest in the Portugal international, however, reports this week have claimed that two bids from the Bundesliga club, the highest of which being €45m (£38m), have been rejected by Fulham.

Manchester United and Barcelona have also registered their interest in Palhinha but according to Sky Germany, the midfielder has made it clear to Fulham that he only wants to move to Bayern.

The report claims that both Bayern and Palhinha's are confident an agreement can be reached before the end of the summer window.

Speaking after his failed move to Bayern last September, Palhinha said: 'Obviously, it affected me and my family a lot, but it's water under the bridge, I don't want to remember too much about it.

'It's a great pride, you know what happened. In my life everything that has been happening – it has been for a reason, I like to think that way. The future will tell me whether what really happened was what had to happen or not.

'But only the future will show me that. I want to continue walking the journey as I've been doing, no one has given me anything throughout my career, everything I've achieved is earned, for my work. I hope that continues to be the case. I'm 28 years old, but I know I can reach higher and it's with this ambition that I face the future.'

Thomas Tuchel, who was also supported Bayern's push to sign Palhinha for the start of the season, said: 'I was sad because I know what he would have added to our team.

'He was sad and disappointed. We'll speak again about what happened. Everyone did what they had to do, but it was too late in the end.'



https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/13/joao-palhinha-responds-man-utd-interest-rejected-bayern-munich-bids-21025725/?ito=newsnow-feed

[WhiteJC]

Fulham standing firm and 'negotiations proving difficult' – Club trying to pressure Whites down
When Bayern Munich showed up with a new attempt to sign João Palhinha from Fulham this summer, it seemed like they could be conducting a faster operation this time.

With the clubs still to find an agreement, that's not what is happening, and outlet Kicker now features an update on the whole situation.

Kicker start by making it clear that Palhinha wants the transfer, claiming it's the Fulham player who's making the 'second attempt' to join Bayern Munich.

However, the report highlights that 'negotiations are proving difficult' with the Craven Cottage side.

It's claimed that Bayern Munich are not keen on spending the same €60m that they were ready to pay in their last attempt. With Fulham being tough in the talks, it's said 'this poker game could drag on'.

The situation shows that the clubs never had some kind of pre-arrangement for a summer move, and the negotiations seem to have started from zero. The German media continues to use Palhinha's wish to move as a big factor, but that hasn't been enough to convince Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-standing-firm-negotiations-proving-difficult-club-trying-pressure-whites/

[WhiteJC]

The mighty £30m January transfer target Fulham should go all out to sign this summer
Fulham have been linked with a £30m replacement for João Palhinha - but is he the right man for the job?

The bad news for Fulham fans is that João Palhinha is almost certainly going to get his move this time around. After his deadline-day transfer to Bayern Munich collapsed at the eleventh hour in January, the German giants are back in the bidding and while the Cottagers are playing hardball over the price for now, they know the Portuguese midfielder will be leaving pretty soon – and that's why they've reportedly begun the process of signing his replacement.

André's name won't be new to Fulham fans. He's been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League – usually either to Fulham or Liverpool – for a year now, and the 22-year-old had a move blocked by his club Fluminense in January as they didn't feel ready to sell. Things have now changed, however, and it seems as though their stance has softened. André will be on the move soon, and according to The Times, Fulham have already launched a £30m bid for him. But can he really replace a player as good as Palhinha?

From a strictly economic standpoint, the move makes a lot of sense. Fulham are holding out for a fee in the region of £50m - if they get close to that then swapping him for André would see the club turn a healthy profit and end up with a player who is almost seven years younger. Palhinha turns 29 in July and may well only have a few years left at his peak, whereas André is still to enter his prime and has plenty of time ahead of him.

But from a playing point of view, the answer is a little more muddled. André is a talented midfielder but a very different type of player to Palhinha, and moving from one to the other may necessitate a change in style from manager Marco Silva.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/fulham/the-mighty-ps30m-january-transfer-target-fulham-should-go-all-out-to-sign-this-summer-4664093

[WhiteJC]

Fulham target Arsenal fan favourite set for exit
Fulham have set their sights on Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney as they prepare for the potential departure of Antonee Robinson.

The Cottagers face competition from other Premier League clubs.

Fulham are reportedly targeting Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney as a potential successor to Antonee Robinson, who is attracting significant interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. Sources have indicated to FootballTransfers that Fulham are open to selling Robinson if a suitable offer is made.

Tierney, currently representing Scotland at Euro 2024, was scouted by Fulham during his time at Celtic before he moved to Arsenal. The Cottagers were close to signing him then, and former Arsenal player Brian Talbot, who is still involved with Fulham, played a role in that scouting process.

Despite being under contract with Arsenal until 2026, Tierney has fallen out of favour at the Emirates and spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad. Although injury problems hampered his time in Spain, Tierney's versatility and Premier League experience make him an appealing option for Fulham.

Arsenal are asking for £15m but are reportedly willing to accept a fee of around £10 million for the 27-year-old, significantly less than the £25 million they paid Celtic in 2019. This reduced asking price could attract other suitors, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa also rumoured to be interested.

Tierney has expressed his desire to play regularly and is open to a permanent move away from Arsenal. While a return to Celtic has been suggested, it seems more likely that Tierney will seek a new challenge in the Premier League.

His performances at Euro 2024 could further increase interest in the talented left-back, who is still regarded as one of the best in his position. It remains to be seen whether Fulham will formalise their interest with a concrete offer.



https://dailycannon.com/2024/06/arsenal-tierney-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Player of the Season Result
Antonee Robinson has been named Fulham's Player of the Season for 2023/24.

A player who has improved with every year he's been at the Club, Jedi was a force to be reckoned with last term, providing invaluable contributions at both ends of the pitch.

He is the first full-back to win the award since Steve Finnan, 22 years ago.

The first round of voting had Robinson as the frontrunner for the trophy, a trend that continued in the second ballot, with 42.9 per cent of supporters selecting the United States international as our strongest performer last season.

The man next to him on the pitch – Calvin Bassey – caps a sterling debut campaign with the runner-up spot (20.5%), ahead of Rodrigo Muniz (16%).

"Thank you so much to those who voted me as your Player of the Season," Jedi said. "Coming off the back of a year where so many of the lads had such strong seasons and it could have been anyone, makes it that much more special for you to have picked me.

"I hope everyone has an amazing summer and, I just want to say again, thank you for all your support all year. It's been amazing, and I hope next year can be an even better season for myself and all of us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/13/player-of-the-season-result/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United Keen On Signing This Fulham Star: What Will He Bring?
Manchester United want to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer.

According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Manchester United are keen on acquiring the services of Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer. However, the former club are facing stiff competition from multiple European clubs.

Joao Palhinha is a quality player
After playing his early football and breaking into the top level, Joao Palhinha made to switch to Fulham in the summer of 2022. He immediately established himself as a reliable player and emerged as a quality player in the middle of the park.

Palhinha plays as a defensive midfielder and drives the game for his side. He positions himself well to find space between the lines and then distributes the ball. He is excellent at tackling and winning aerial duels. Not to forget, the player has natural leadership qualities.

The Portuguese did decently well in this term as well. He featured in 39 games and scored four times apart from providing an assist. He averaged 4.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.7 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).

Will Manchester United spend big on Joao Palhinha?
Manchester United's alleged interest in Joao Palhinha is understandable as the club are expected to part ways with Casemiro ahead of the next season. Hence, the club are planning to sign a new midfielder to fill the space.

The signing of Palhinha could be a good move as he is an experienced campaigner. His addition will add the much-needed experience in the United's midfielder. Moreover, the player has enough Premier League experience which would help him in settling well at the Old Trafford.

As the Red Devils are going through a transition period and hold many young players, they need more players who can guide well. The arrival of the 28-year-old will also help in that aspect as he proactively participates in guiding his teammates on the field.

Fulham reportedly want £60 million for the veteran midfielder. It will be interesting to see if United are willing to spend that much. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also tracking the player.



https://the4thofficial.net/2024/06/manchester-united-keen-on-signing-this-fulham-star-what-will-he-bring/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham names Antonee Robinson 2023-24 Player of the Season
Antonee Robinson is heading into the Copa América on the back of some significant praise.

The U.S. men's national team defender was on Thursday named Fulham's Player of the Season for the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

Robinson appeared in 37 of Fulham's 38 league matches this season, putting up a career-best seven assists. Robinson played the full 90 minutes in 18 of Fulham's final 19 games, playing 1,698 consecutive minutes before being substituted in the 78th minute of the Cottagers' final contest of the season.

Per WhoScored, Robinson lead all Premier League players with 80 interceptions (15 more than any other player), and was seventh in the entire division with 93 successful tackles this season.

Robinson's success has sparked some discussion as to whether he might be a transfer target for bigger clubs. For his part, Robinson — after being named to WhoScored's Team of the Year for 2023 — had a self-deprecating response to praise, posting a clown meme directed at himself to Instagram.

On Thursday, Fulham posted a video from Robinson thanking fans for voting for him.

"I just wanted to send a quick message to say thank you so much to those of you who voted me as your Player of the season," said Robinson. "Coming off the back of a year where so many of the lads had such strong seasons — it could have been anyone — it makes it that much more special for you to pick me."



https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2024/06/13/antonee-robinson-fulham-player-of-the-season-usmnt/

[WhiteJC]

Saša Relishing England Test
Sunday will be a proud day for Saša Lukić, as he walks out at the Arena AufSchalke as part of the first Serbia side ever to appear at a European Championship.

Their previous appearance came in 2000, as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, when Lukić was just three-years-old, and the significance of the achievement is not lost on our midfielder.

"This will be the first time for Serbia, and 24 years since the last appearance as Yugoslavia," he told fulhamfc.com. "It's wonderful for Serbian people and it's also great for football, because Serbia deserved to qualify for the tournament.

"We are really happy to represent our country at these Finals. Our objectives need to be high. We have a strong group, and we need to show how strong we are, and we have a big motivation to do well.

"Therefore, we need to raise our level to the maximum possible, with the objective to reach the latter stages of the tournament."

Serbia were drawn in Group C alongside England, Denmark and Slovenia, and begin their Euros campaign against the Three Lions in Gelsenkirchen this weekend.

Having played in the UK for some time now, Lukić has already come up against plenty of the England squad, and is relishing the opportunity to do so again on the biggest stage on Sunday evening.

"I can't wait for the first game versus England," he said. "I'm here in England and know more or less the way the players perform and what they offer.

"I've played against many of them in the Premier League, so it will certainly be a good contest, for me and for all of us, so it will be a wonderful experience and we hope to give a good account of ourselves.

"I've been here around 18 months, so it's funny that we've been paired with England in the same group, and it will be a great occasion and match.

"I've played many times in the Premier League and it will be a great experience to play against an England side with many players I've already come up against.

"Playing in England for some time, and against some of the players already, can help as it will allow me to impart knowledge to the rest of the players and the team.

"To have played here for a year-and-a-half will certainly help to give our maximum against England, who are a big and strong side."

The top two from each group will qualify automatically for the knockouts, but finishing below second does not extinguish all hope, with the four best third-placed sides also moving into the Round-of-16.

Lukić, though, does not want to leave anything to chance, and is targeting a top-two finish in Group C.

"That's true, there's a possibility that the third placed team can advance, however we will push hard to reach the first two positions in the group. England are favourites [though], not only in the group but for the tournament as a whole."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/14/sasa-relishing-england-test/

[WhiteJC]

Hull City eye Fulham striker after Birmingham City loan
Hull City are interested in Fulham striker Jay Stansfield after his loan spell at Birmingham City, as detailed in a report by HullLive.

Hull City are casting their eyes over the forward as they hunt for new signings at the top end of the pitch this summer under new manager Tim Walter. They have a few vacancies to fill up front following Liam Delap, Noah Ohio, Billy Sharp and Aaron Connolly's exits following the end of last season.

Stansfield, 21, spent last term with Birmingham City and was a hit with the Midlands outfit despite their relegation to League One along with Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town. He made 47 appearances for the Blues in all competitions and scored 13 goals, 12 of which came in the league.

In this latest update regarding his situation, HullLive claim the Tigers are keen on luring him back down to the Football League now the transfer window is open for business. However, he is expected to stay at Craven Cottage for the time being as the Whites weigh up his future.

Hull City want Fulham striker
Stansfield would be ideal for Hull City and would be an ideal replacement for Delap, who has now gone back to Manchester City.

The youngster joined Fulham in 2019 from Exeter City and ended up going back on loan to the Grecians in 2022.

He scored nine goals in 39 matches for the third tier side before linking up with Birmingham City.

The England youth international proved with the Blues last term that he can be a handful in the Championship.

Stansfield has played eight times for Fulham's first-team so far in his career, finding the net once, and they need to decide what to do with him next.

His chances of breaking into their starting XI in the Premier League are slim so another temporary exit would boost his development.

What next?
The window is open for business and Hull City will be patient with their recruit.

They are able to attract big-name players to the MKM Stadium these days and the next few months will be no different, despite Liam Rosenior's exit.

Stansfield would fit the bill for the Tigers but like they had to do with the likes of Jaden Philogene and Tyler Morton last year, they may have to wait as they look into the possibility of luring him to East Yorkshire.

As well as players such as Sharp and Ohio, Hull City have also cut ties with Greg Docherty, Adama Traore and Cyrus Christie to free up space and funds for reinforcements.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/06/14/hull-city-keen-on-fulham-jay-stansfield-after-birmingham-city-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Robinson wins player of the season award
Antonee Robinson has been voted Fulham's player of the season.

The American left-back garnered 42.9% of votes in the poll on the club's official website, with summer signing Calvin Bassey coming second on 20.5% and striker Rodrigo Muniz finishing third with 16%.

Robinson, the first full back to win the award since Steve Finnan in 2002, told the official website:

"Thank you so much to those who voted me as your player of the season. Coming off the back of a year where so many of the lads had such strong seasons and it could have been anyone, makes it that much more special for you to have picked me. I hope everyone has an amazing summer and, I just want to say again, thank you for all your support all year. It's been amazing, and I hope next year can be an even better season for myself and all of us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/06/robinson-wins-player-of-the-season-award/

[filham]

We could reach a stalemate with Palhinha. He wants to move to Bayern but their bid unacceptable to Fulham, what happens if Arsenal and Man.u. now put in acceptable bids.

[SuffolkWhite]

We could reach a stalemate with Palhinha. He wants to move to Bayern but their bid unacceptable to Fulham, what happens if Arsenal and Man.u. now put in acceptable bids.

We have to play hardball or any other player we sell will be going for a smaller price as clubs will think we are a soft touch. If Palhinha throws his toys out, so be it, we can't  be bullied

[Beamer]

We could reach a stalemate with Palhinha. He wants to move to Bayern but their bid unacceptable to Fulham, what happens if Arsenal and Man.u. now put in acceptable bids.

We have to play hardball or any other player we sell will be going for a smaller price as clubs will think we are a soft touch. If Palhinha throws his toys out, so be it, we can't  be bullied

Hopefully Man U or Arsenal come in with a bid which is in the area we want thus effectively setting the benchmark. It's up to Bayern then to either put up or shut up and if the rumours are true that Palhinha really wants to only go there he will find out how much they really want him.