Thursday Fulham Stuff - 23/10/25...

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 318
Date: 18th October 2025
Opposition: Arsenal
Score: 0-1
Weather: autumnal
Atmosphere: disappointed
MOTM: Despite the scoreline this was a very strong team performance. Alex's Iwobi's dynamism and creativity narrowly beat Raúl's relentless battling, and Cuenca's nerveless determination
Moment of the Match: Bernd Leno's point blank save in the first half had the Hammy End off our seats with our hearts in our mouths. We were in the game for a while longer....
Pre-match drinks: Riverside Studios
Post-match drinks: the Riverside
Dinner: the Blue Boat

Fulham fans learnt several things during the International Break. When Josh King is brought down in the box playing for England he wins a penalty; Antonee Robinson exacerbates an injury just by flying to America and back; and Marco Silva likes having banana on pizza (errrr.....)

Having gone into the break on the back of two matches we lost 3-1 having gone a goal ahead, we needed to stop the rot but facing high-flying Arsenal with literally (and this is not our customary hyperbole here) half the first team injured, Saturday's match felt like a mountain to climb.

However, when the going gets tough, the understudies get going. Fulham started the match in determined fashion and had the best of the early exchanges. Both Raúl (once) and Harry (twice) shot wide; Tom and Josh both had shots blocked and Josh had another which was just tipped over the bar. The signs were promising but fear began to niggle - Fulham fans know better than anyone that you have to make your chances count.

The forward play was smooth and pacy with the makeshift front line swapping passes and positions as they raced down the pitch. Meanwhile, the makeshift midfield was well-organised and attack-minded while the makeshift defence was solid enough to keep Arsenal's sharpshooters - offside wondershot aside - quiet.

But Arsenal (who had, confusingly, come dressed as Spurs) began to get a foothold in the game. Fulham's defensive line was pushed further and further back into a Very Low Block that almost converted into a Suicidal Block when they played out from the back. But Andersen's calm experience combined with Cuenca's energetic (and occasionally agricultural) clearances meant we just about survived. Raúl and Harry were back reinforcing the defence whilst Josh was a one-man-press well inside the halfway line.

Just before half-time, the back line lurched into full Plan B mode when Andersen limped off. But Issa Diop, sporting some natty 80s style shiny white leggings ran on, Cuenca, like a matador, scooped up the mantle of leadership and the team battled on.

Half-time brought relief to the fans as well as the players but we all knew that we had had to work a lot harder than our opponents to keep the score at 0-0, and that in the second half the full force of Arsenal's.....arsenal would be unleashed.

Ross McCormack received his Forever Fulham award at half-time and he deserves more than just a random musing. Ross was scoring goals at the Cottage when we were staring relegation to League 1 in the face not when we were worried about which part of the Premier League mid table we'll finish in. Gabor Kiraly was in goal and our back up right back wasn't a Belgian international, it was Elsad Zverotic. They were desperate times but Ross was our shining light, creating goals out of nowhere, hope out of nothing and memories that still resonate. It's no exaggeration to say that without him, we might not have been playing Arsenal on Saturday in front of our packed Riverside stand. Forever Fulham, indeed.

Arsenal started the second half as they meant to go on - with a series of corners, each more deadly than the last. No one was surprised when they eventually scored from one. They defended well too but the current Fulham players fought with some of McCormack's never-say-die spirit. Raúl, in the autumn of his career, was tireless, Iwobi got better and better as the game went on, Sess was sensational, Castagne and Berge both solid.

Having been forced to use a sub on Andersen, Marco had to be judicious with the other 4. But he.....wasn't. Of course taking off the limping Tom and bringing Kevin on were the right decisions but why sub Josh? Why not let Josh and ESR play together? Why bring off Harry who was still full of running? And, most of all, why hook the excellent Cuenca?

On a bright note, this was a good cameo from Kevin. He's toned down the tricks (but just can't help himself when it comes to stepovers) and amped up the physicality. His tackle for the absurd penalty shout was perfect and we saw another side to him as he wrestled on the ground to win the ball. On a less bright note, ESR regressed to his anonymous mode and the less said about Adama the better.

As the clock ran down Fulham lost all composure in front of goal as desperation set in. But at the other end Arsenal were time wasting like you could win a trophy for it and, deep in extra time, barricading the ball in the corner. And that's what we have to take away from this match: that Fulham's injury-ravaged, battle-weary side went toe to toe with the top of the league and didn't let themselves down.

Random musings:-

- It was nice to see Billy's long lost sister Bella (and how lovely was the video of the Fulham Badgers choosing her name?)

- It was also nice to see Kenny on the bench. One ticked off the injury list as another 2 join it...

- It was good to see Jonah too but he looked like a rabbit in the headlights warming up. If he can't cope with a Premier League crowd, Marco (who plays another 18 year old every week) might just be right that he can't cope with a Premier League match yet

- 41 Rice sounds like something from a Chinese takeaway menu

- The Arsenal fans literally only sang when they were winning

- How did it take so long to make the penalty decision when everyone in the Hammy End knew immediately that it wasn't one??

- 20 years since Johnny Haynes died. Bloody hell, where does the time go???

- Banana. Really????

Despite the positive performance there's nothing encouraging we can say about losing three matches in a row. We've been unlucky with injuries and VAR decisions but that's not much comfort as we watch Fulham slide down the table. Fans might feel we deserve more points but football doesn't work like that.

However, we can't complain about the team's work ethic, attitude, togetherness or resilience. Most injuries seem to be short term and there will be easier games ahead.

In the meantime, Marco and the squad need to remember: when you're going through hell KEEP GOING.



https://werdsmith.com/p/UQEKBxGYNnf3Wg

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United vs Fulham early injury news as 9 ruled out and 1 doubt
A look at the early injury news surrounding Fulham and Newcastle United as they prepare to face off.

Fulham are back in action on Saturday when they look to bounce back from a defeat to Arsenal. The Cottagers In fact, it's now three straight defeats for the Cottagers, who have not been helped by injury issues over recent weeks.

Although, the same can be said of Newcastle, who have two defeats in their last three league games, including a loss to Brighton last time out. Here we round up the early injury news surrounding both teams heading into this one.

Tino Livramento - Out
Livramento is out until late November. Howe has said: "Tino is out of the brace, and every time I speak to him, he seems positive about his return. There are no massive changes in the timescale he was given, but he is going about his recovery well."

Lewis Hall - Out
Hall is looking at returning in a couple of weeks. Howe has said: "His second scan was good news. We think he will be back during this period of games before the next Int' break. We don't know exactly when that will be, but we expect him to, if he doesn't suffer any ill effects from anything he is doing. So, good news!"

Yoane Wissa - Out
Wissa's knee injury is likely to keep him out for a couple of weeks. Howe has said: "I think his knee has reacted pretty well to that work so far. So, it will be a case of trying to step him up gradually. In terms of a timeline, similar to what I said last time."

Harrison Ashby - Out
Ashby has a longer term issue. Howe has said: "Unfortunately, at the moment Harrison is injured, and he has been injured for a period of time with a thigh injury, so we are waiting for him to be fit again."

Joachim Anderson - Out
Anderson pulled up with a muscular injury against Arsenal. Silva said after the game: "It is a muscle injury. Something in his hamstring. We need to see if it's something more serious now. We miss the backline completely. That is our reality right now."

Rodrigo Muniz - Out
Silva has said: "Rodrigo started running as well, but it's difficult to have a timescale."

Antonee Robinson - Out
Robinson now looks set for a longer spell on the sidelines. Silva has explained: "Right now, I'd like to give you a time scale, but it's difficult to say. It's the type of injury that we have to see day by day. How he's going to react to the treatments, [and] all the work that is going to be in the gym."

Sasa Lukic - Out
Silva confirmed over the weekend: "Lukic, probably more than one or two weeks. Let's see how he is going to react. He's on the [training] pitch but not working with the team. He's doing some rehabilitation, starting to do some first steps on the pitch."

Samu Chukwueze - Out
Silva has said: "Chukwueze came out of the last game for Nigeria, and today, he went for a scan. He felt something in the calf, it doesn't look really, really serious, but the reality is, he came out. Let's see how he's going to be." It looks as though the winger will be out for at least a couple of weeks.

Tom Cairney - Doubt
Silva said after Cairney pulled up against Arsenal: "Even Tom Cairney is feeling some problems in his back. It is coming one after the other. The international break didn't help. We don't have enough depth to deal with these moments." He will be a doubt for this one.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/newcastle-united-fulham-injury-news-5368797

[WhiteJC]

West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham in front row to sign 'hot prospect' in weeks
West Ham United, Aston Villa and Fulham are in the picture to sign Real Madrid's Gonzalo Garcia in the winter market.

That's at least what MilanLive.it are reporting, and they mention West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham when discussing AC Milan interest.

The 21-year-old graduated from Real Madrid's youth system and was promoted to the first team in 2023.

Gonzalo Garcia is currently part of Xabi Alonso's squad but hasn't been given regular game time. To put it in context, the striker has played 105 minutes from seven matches, managing an assist.

Massimiliano Allegri wants a new striker and Milan are already searching the market. Gonzalo Garcia, who could leave the La Liga club on loan in January, is in the Rossoneri's list.

The Serie A side believe the club's appeal could influence his decision to move to Italy. His former teammate Luka Modrić is at the San Siro. The Croatia midfielder could push to convince him to join Milan.

Gonzalo Garcia attracting attention
They aren't the only club pushing as several Premier League sides are keen on securing his services.

West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham are in the front row to sign Gozanlo Garcia. From Spain, Valencia and Villarreal will assess the feasibility of acquiring the player's signature.

MilanLive.it say he's 'truly a hot prospect' and if the youngster is keen on changing clubs, there'll be developments in the coming weeks.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/gonzalo-garcia-west-ham-aston-villa-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Everton and Fulham in wings as club approach free transfer gamble
Everton and Fulham have both been keen on Anthony Caci this year. The 28-year-old plays for Mainz and his contract expires at the end of the current season.

He can play at right back or further forward and was a regular for the Bundesliga club last season. Mainz wanted to extend his contract earlier this year, around the time of Everton and Fulham interest, report SportBild.

However, at that time, Caci refused all approaches from Mainz. It was made clear he didn't want to sign a new deal. The opportunity to take advantage of free agent status was obviously a tempting one.

Since then, Caci has picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to be out of action until the end of 2025. SportBild suggest Mainz could take advantage of the player's difficult situation to try again for a renewal.

That would be a gamble, indeed on the behalf of both parties. Caci was clearly tempted by a transfer but could renew if he believes the injury would reduce the chances of Everton, Fulham or another club pushing through for a free-agent deal.

Difficult decisions for both parties.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/everton-and-fulham-in-wings-as-club-approach-free-transfer-gamble/

[WhiteJC]

The case for Jorge Cuenca to start against Newcastle
Is it time we see a little more of our Spanish centre-back?

I have been meaning to write this article for a little while now, but Jorge Cuenca's performance against Arsenal has pushed me to finally do it.

The Spaniard has taken some time to settle in since his arrival last season and has faced stiff competition in the talented Calvin Bassey.

However, the pair's contrasting form, as well as strengths and weaknesses, have now forced Marco Silva to seriously consider if Cuenca should start when we head to Tyneside on Saturday.

Past and present performances
It's never easy to have your game time restricted to cup fixtures or be dropped into the occasional league match to fill in for an injury, both mentally and physically, but Cuenca has nearly always been reliable when called upon (bar a couple of perhaps understandable shaky cup performances last season).

Take his first league start - away to Anfield - against the eventual champions that season. He probably couldn't have faced a tougher challenge. Yet, despite us conceding two goals, which is nothing to be ashamed of given the challenge, Cuenca took like a duck to water.

Facing a front three of Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, he made 12 clearances and one interception that day, winning all his aerial duels and completing 87% of his passes.

Fast forward to this season, he perhaps unexpectedly started in our opening game away to Brighton, putting in yet another solid performance. He completed 89% of his passes, once again won all his aerial duels, made two clearances and a successful tackle. Not bad. While admittedly against lesser opposition, he also played the full 90 minutes in both of this season's Carabao cup games, which we secured clean sheets in.

On Saturday, against this season's expected champions, Cuenca made eight clearances and three interceptions, with a pass success rate of 85%.

Stats are not everything. Cuenca's clear aggression to his game, ability to win aerial duels, calmness on the ball and slight edge to Joachim Andersen's pace are what make him a more than adequate replacement for Bassey. The above stats just underline that.

Granted, Cuenca doesn't have Bassey's speed to make those extraordinary recovery tackles. Yet, as a certain Paolo Maldini once said, 'If I have to make a tackle, then I've already made a mistake.'

Cuenca is not Maldini – in case that needed clarifying – but herein lies the key advantages he has over Bassey: positional nous and winning aerial duels.

Back to basics, Bassey
Silva has consistently referred to these problems of Bassey's, underlining he must improve his concentration and aerial duels, but as mentioned, both are where Cuenca excels. In fact, the fee Fulham paid for Bassey's services raised a few Ajax eyebrows because of these known weaknesses, so these problems are not new.

The Ollie Watkins goal a few weeks ago is a good example of them. Andersen took the rap for that one for (very unusually) misjudging the header, but Bassey should have realised earlier it was too late to play the offside trap, dropped to cover Watkins' run and won the second ball. Sure, Watkins still had a lot to do, but Bassey should have been more alert to the danger.

In the Bournemouth game, which should be said was under wet conditions, he lost his only defensive duel and failed to make a single interception.

It's the combination of these stats, Silva's comments and the noticeable downward trend in recent performances which have exposed Bassey's weaknesses.

The football merry-go-round
It's clear Bassey is comfortable on the ball and possesses great technical skill, but his execution has let him down in the past and indeed this season. His reliance on pace to bail himself out of a mistake is reminiscent of Antonee Robinson's early years at Fulham. However, Jedi eventually cut this out of his game and has now become one of the top players in his position in the Premier League.

Bassey can do the same. He may have a higher ceiling than Cuenca due to physical advantages, but his recent performances do not stand up to his excellent debut season at Fulham. He has the ability to regain that form though, fix these weaknesses and become a top class player.

For now, Cuenca has proven if you do the basics well, consistently, your moment will come. As such, it's now Bassey's turn to make way.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/the-case-for-jorge-cuenca-to-start

[WhiteJC]

Fulham owner 'undoubtedly willing to pay hefty sum' to secure striker
Fulham showed interest in PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi last summer.

On August 8th, Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink had backed up Fulham wanting the striker. A few days later, he stated Marco Silva's side were willing to offer €30m while PSV were hoping to collect €50m.

Pepi is still at PSV and on Tuesday, he managed a goal and an assist in his side's 6-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League.

The American received praise on social networking platforms. Soccer News, after relaying some of the positive comments, focus on the Premier League side.

They point out Marco Silva's side had shown interest in the 22-year-old earlier this year.

The London club weren't successful last summer but that may not put them off. According to the report, they are more likely to return for the frontman in the future. Pepi has a contract until 2030 and Transfermarkt currently values him at €16m.

Soccer News seem confident of Fulham being able to afford Pepi, with it stated the club's owner Shahid Khan 'will undoubtedly be willing to pay a hefty sum' to secure him.

Whether the Dutch confidence of Fulham spending on Pepi is for January or next summer isn't made clear.

Pepi has three goals and an assist in 363 minutes from nine matches this season.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-owner-undoubtedly-willing-to-pay-hefty-sum-to-secure-striker/

[WhiteJC]

Meet Ben Kent – Fulham Supporters' Trust volunteer and Facebook Wizard



The FST's Facebook Group was snoozing quietly in a corner of the internet when Ben Kent got in touch. Ben is a Trust member living in Scotland and he knew he could wake things up, given the chance, which the Board were delighted to offer. Without missing a beat, Ben created a new and vibrant Facebook Page to replace the old moribund Group and he's working with us to create content that's up-to-date and relevant. As well as keeping things fresh, Ben wants to help grow our membership and there's already been a substantial increase in numbers – fantastic after just a few weeks. Ben has also taken the helm of our Instagram page as well.

We on the Trust Board really appreciate Ben's expertise, enthusiasm and good humour. It's so good when somebody steps up to offer their time and effort just because they want to help, and Ben is achieving results we hadn't imagined, but that we love. We're already enjoying this new lease of life for the FST's social media and hope you will too.

If you've got skills and/or ideas you'd like to share, please get in touch using this address: contact@fulhamsupporterstrust.com

And if that's not for you, then how about simply joining, or encouraging a friend to become a member? It doesn't matter where in the world you live – if you love Fulham FC and want to be part of the only truly independent and democratically elected Fulham Supporters' group, please follow this link.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2025/10/meet-ben-kent-fulham-supporters-trust-volunteer-and-facebook-wizard/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the weekend 25/10...
This weekend we get to make the long journey up to Tyneside to take on Newcastle for a 3 o'clock Saturday kick off

3 losses in a row isn't the best run of form, especially having taken the lead in 2 of the games, however, our record(s) against Villa, Bournemouth (at Bournemouth) and Arsenal has never been very good.
I think we, once again, gave Arsenal a good game, zero shots on target doesn't reflect the actual game, I don't think we did enough to win the game but if it had ended in a draw I don't think Arsenal would have had too much to complain about?

The injury list is getting longer, Muniz, Robinson, Lukic, Chukwueze, Anderson all out and Cairney is a doubt. Anderson will be a big miss, hopefully he won't be out too long.

Our record against Newcastle, for the previous 8 games, isn't so good with only 2 wins and 6 losses.

My team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest

Friday 24/10
Leeds v West Ham

Saturday 25/10
Bournemouth v Forest
Arsenal v Palace
Brentford v Liverpool
Newcastle v Fulham

Sunday 26/10
Arsenal v Palace
Wolves v Burnley
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3294

[WhiteJC]

Away day guide: Newcastle United (a)
Fulham will look to end a run of three consecutive defeats when they travel to St. James' Park to take on Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. Away tickets for this fixture have sold out – and supporters should be aware of significant disruption on the railway this weekend.

GETTING TO ST. JAMES' PARK

BY CAR
From the A1(M), continue on the A1 and follow the A184 towards Newcastle. Continue along the A184, veering left onto the A189. Go over the River Tyne on the Redheugh Bridge, from where the ground will be visible. Go straight up the dual carriageway (St James Boulevard), which will lead you to the Gallowgate End. There are a number of car parks in the vicinity and there are around 400 spaces at the Newcastle College Car Park, which is between 15 and 20 minutes away.

BY TRAIN
Fulham fans should be advised that there is a rail replacement bus service in operation from Doncaster to Darlington this week. Trips to Newcastle will require two changes and the quickest journey will take four hours and forty minutes.

BY BUS
Supporters can also take bus numbers 36, 36B, 71, 87 or 88 to the ground from Berwick Street, which is directly across the road from Newcastle Central Rail Station.

BY AIR
Newcastle Airport is about seven miles away from the City Centre. The airport has its own Metro station next to the passenger terminal and it takes 23 minutes to get to the City Centre (£2 single, £3 return – £3.80 during peak time or £3.50 for a 'day saver;). Supporters should change at Monument Metro Station for a metro to St James Park Station.

AWAY PUBS
As St. James' Park is in the city centre, there are a number of local pubs, bars and clubs to choose from. The pubs closest to the Newcastle Central Railway Station, such as 'A Head Of Steam' 'The Lounge' and 'O'Neills,' usually only admit fans if away colours are covered up and many have refused to allow children inside. The Union Rooms on Westgate Road, formerly a Wetherspoons, is a fixture in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and welcomes both away supporters and families enthusiastically.

Alternatively, alcohol is available inside St. James' Park including Carling (500ml bottle £4.50), Coors (330ml bottle £4.40), Kingstone Press Cider (500ml bottle £4.40), Kingstone Press Wild Berry Cider (500ml bottle £4.70), Wine (White, Red or Rose 187ml bottle £5), Gin and Tonic (Can £5.50) and Jack Daniels and Coke (Can £6).

SIR BOBBY ROBSON
On previous visits to St. James' Park, Fulham fans have made generous donations to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which raises funds for cancer research in memory of the legendary former Fulham and Newcastle United midfielder and manager. You can donate here if so inclined.




https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2025/10/away-day-guide-newcastle-united-a/

[WhiteJC]

Aston Villa, Fulham, West Ham United in transfer tussle to sign Gonzalo Garcia
Aston Villa, Fulham, and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia.

According to a report from Italian outlet Milan Live, 21-year-old Real Madrid attacking sensation Gonzalo Garcia is attracting interest from Premier League clubs. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid are prepared to sanction his departure.

The Spaniard has struggled for regular game time at the Spanish club, and he will look to play more often. The move to the Premier League could be ideal for him. He would get the opportunities and the exposure he needs right now.

Real Madrid should consider sending Gonzalo Garcia out on loan if they cannot provide him with ample opportunities. The 21-year-old is a promising young player with a bright future, and sitting on the bench at the Spanish club will be detrimental to his development. Going out on loan and playing regularly could help him improve further and return to the club as a better player next season.

Aston Villa, Fulham, and West Ham could use Garcia
Aston Villa need another striker who can support Ollie Watkins in the final third, and the 21-year-old could be ideal. The Villans have an ambitious project and a quality manager like Unai Emery, who could play a key role in the development of García.

Meanwhile, Fulham need attacking depth as well. They need someone to support Rodrigo Muniz. Garcia could get ample opportunities at the London club. Finally, West Ham have been in desperate need of a quality striker for several months. They have not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and the 21-year-old Real Madrid attacker would be a solid addition for them.

Gonzalo Garcia has the technical attributes to do well in the Premier League, and if he manages to impress with West Ham, it will help his chances of playing regularly for Real Madrid in the future. It seems unlikely that Real Madrid will allow a player like him to leave on a permanent basis right now, and a loan move might be more feasible.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/10/22/aston-villa-fulham-west-ham-united-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-gonzalo-garcia/

[WhiteJC]

The £4.5m bargain Fulham gem every FPL player should consider along with Sunderland and Brentford stars
The Holy Grail of a £4.5 midfielder could prove key to success on Fantasy Premier League

Ever since this season's Fantasy Premier League went live, managers in the game have been trying to look for bargain players that can give them a valuable edge on their rivals and help boost their team's overall chances of finishing as high as possible in their mini-leagues.

I am one of the 32.5% still sticking with Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, despite his uncharacteristically subdued start to the season. I've also managed to raise enough funds to have Manchester City goal-machine Erling Haaland wearing the captain's armband most weeks while still finding room for a few more in-form talents such as Jean Phillipe-Mateta and Antoine Semenyo.

To do this, I've had to be frugal with some areas of my squad including my midfield where I've opted to select a player valued at just £4.5m.

Why Josh King is a useful player to have in your FPL team
Priced at just £4.5m, Fulham's Josh King is among the cheapest players you can select in your team on FPL at this moment in time.

Often players in this price range are solely playing reserve football and have next to no chance of getting on the pitch unless there's any injury crisis. It typically features players like Newcastle United's Seung-Soo Park, Wolves' Tom Edozie and Man Utd's Sekou Kone - players which may have talent but as of yet haven't kicked a ball once in the Premier League during their professional careers.

However, King stands out like a sore thumb in this list as he has already accumulated a steady 14 points and has started all eight of Fulham's Premier League matches since the season started. For context this is more than the likes of Cole Palmer, who has had a nightmare with injuries, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Matheus Cunha among others.

King typically plays as a central attacking midfielder behind Raul Jimenez and has impressed since coming into Marco Silva's side. He's not currently got a goal or an assist to his name, but is in a position where he should get opportunities and in truth he's unfortunate not to have got off the mark.

He had a goal controversially ruled out against Chelsea in August where he showed wonderful pace to beat his marker before cutting inside and scoring a well placed goal from inside the penalty area. Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Howard Webb admitted that was a clear mistake from VAR, and conceded that, in retrospect, the goal should have been awarded.

As it stands, King has kept ex-Arsenal gem Emile Smith-Rowe off the Premier League teamsheet on all eight occasions this season, and that's been down to form as opposed to injuries, which suggests he's got a big role to play in Marco Silva's side.

While his numbers don't exactly leap off the page at present, he's clearly a good option to have on the bench due to his high potential to improve and the fact that he allows FPL managers an increased budget to get premium options into their teams.

Other bargain players to consider on FPL
Sunderland's Robin Roefs is the highest scoring goalkeeper at the moment with 48 points despite being valued at just £4.6m which makes him a real player to consider between the posts.

He's joined by the even cheaper former Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Since signing for Burnley he's picked up 29 points - the sixth highest in the league - while being valued at just £4m. He has the highest saves at 33 and has a strong chance of picking up vital bonus points even in the more trickier fixtures where he may not keep a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, when focusing on strikers one name that's beginning to increase in popularity whilst doing an excellent job in attack at just £6.1m is Brentford star Igor Thiago. Few knew what to expect from the Brazilian, who missed the majority of last season due to injury, but it's fair to say he's very much living up to the hype that surrounded him when he was initially signed to replace Ivan Toney.

The 24-year-old so far has five goals in eight games, regularly leads the line for an attacking-minded team and is currently the designated penalty taker as well. He's currently outscoring the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Victor Gyokeres in terms of points, despite being considerably cheaper.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/fulham/fpl-fulham-josh-king-brentford-igor-thiago-bargains-5370883

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ramping up efforts to sign Enzo Boyomo
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Cameroonian defender Enzo Boyomo from La Liga club Getafe.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Osasuna defender Enzo Boyomo will cost around €25 million, and Fulham are now ramping up their efforts to get the deal done.

The West London outfit could use more quality and depth in their defensive unit, and the young defender could prove to be a useful acquisition. The €25 million asking price is affordable for them, and Boyomo has shown his quality in the Spanish league. He has the quality to do well in the Premier League as well. He could develop into an important player for the London club.

Fulham have done reasonably well under Marco Silva, but they will look to establish themselves as a top-half team. They need to improve the squad for that to happen. The Cottagers will need to tighten up at the back, and signing a quality central defender would be ideal.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for Boyomo as well. It would be a huge opportunity to prove himself at the highest level, and he will look to test himself against world-class attackers in English football. The Cameroonian centre-back will hope that Fulham come forward with an offer to sign him in the coming months.

Can Fulham get the deal done?
The West Londoners have the resources to get the deal across the line, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. Fulham have looked defensively vulnerable at times, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. It is no surprise that they are looking at defenders like Enzo Boyomo right now.

Boyomo has impressed in La Liga, and he could develop into a quality Premier League defender with the right guidance. The move to Fulham could be the ideal next step for him. Competing against elite players in the Premier League could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.

If the 24-year-old Cameroonian centre-back manages to impress with Fulham in the coming seasons, he might be able to secure a bigger move in future. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/10/22/fulham-ramping-up-efforts-to-sign-enzo-boyomo/

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Fulham ready to pay big to sign Ricardo Pepi
Marco Silva's Fulham are ready to fork out a significant fee to sign PSV Eindhoven attacking sensation Ricardo Pepi.

PSV Eindhoven have just smashed Italian giants Napoli 6-2 in the Champions League, and American striker Ricardo Pepi was one of the stars on the night for the Dutch club. The 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength over the last two seasons, and he now finds himself on the radar of some of the top clubs.

According to a report from Soccernews, Fulham are one of the clubs keen on signing the young forward, and they are willing to break the bank to bring him to London.

Pepi joined Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, and he hasn't looked back since. He had a sensational start to the 2024/25 season, but a serious knee injury kept him on the sidelines for the entire second half.

While he is finally back fit, the 22-year-old has taken some time to get back to his best. He started on the bench against Napoli, but scored minutes after taking the field, and he even bagged an assist. With him finally back in the groove, European clubs are once again gearing up to sign him.

Fulham could go all-out for Pepi
Fulham are one of the clubs that is interested in the American international. The London club were linked with him during the summer, but they didn't go ahead with it as he was still nursing the injury at that point.

The Cottagers lack depth in the final third, and with Raul Jimenez already 34, they do need to bring in a younger alternative who can rival Rodrigo Muniz for a spot in the starting XI in the long run.

Silva considers Pepi an ideal fit for his system and the club's project. As a result, Fulham owner Shahid Khan is willing to fork out a big fee to land him in the near future. While he is currently worth around €16 million as per Transfermarkt, it might actually take close to €50 million to sign the PSV striker.

With his contract running until the summer of 2030, the Dutch club will certainly have the upper hand in negotiations. But with Fulham ready to break the bank, things could get interesting.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/10/23/fulham-ready-to-pay-big-to-sign-ricardo-pepi/