Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 11/03/26...

[WhiteJC]

How much blame does Silva deserve for Fulham's FA Cup exit?
There's been a lot of chat about it...

In the space of four days, Fulham's season has begun to unravel, with two dispiriting defeats at Craven Cottage denting hopes of a memorable campaign.

A 1-0 loss to West Ham United on Wednesday night dealt a significant blow to the Whites' push for European football. Victory would have moved them to within a point of Brentford in seventh; instead, they slipped to 10th and into a tightly packed chasing group with stronger recent form.

That result placed added importance on Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to Southampton. A win would not only have lifted morale but also secured a place in the quarter-finals, leaving Fulham just three matches from Wembley and a genuine shot at silverware.

A first major trophy — and the automatic Europa League qualification that comes with it — felt far from impossible. Just look at Crystal Palace last season.

Instead, the Championship side produced the first upset of the round. Ross Stewart's stoppage-time penalty sealed a deserved victory for Southampton and ended Fulham's cup run in deflating fashion.

The mood inside Craven Cottage was flat throughout, and the performance matched it. But much of the post-match scrutiny has centred on head coach Marco Silva, who made nine changes to his starting XI, with only Tom Cairney and Samuel Chukwueze retaining their places.

So, how much responsibility should fall on Silva for Fulham's sudden slump?

Silva defends changes
A downcast Silva trudged into the media room post-match, and after reflecting on a "very bad day" for "myself, the players, the club, and mainly for our fans," the elephant in the room was addressed.

"Do you have any regrets about the starting lineup?" a reporter asked.

"I understand the question," Silva started. "And of course, when you made nine changes – and was my decision – of course, I'm going to get it [criticism]. No worries about it."

He then pointed out that despite changing the back four entirely, the backline he fielded – Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca, Joachim Andersen and Timothy Castagne – have all played together this season when Fulham have beaten "top sides in the Premier League," as Silva put it.

He continued: "And the two wingers that played, Chukwueze and Oscar Bobb, if (you think they) are not enough to win a cup tie, we have to look in a different way.

"The only two players that are probably not playing enough football so far this season, is the goalkeeper [Benjamin Lecomte]; is a decision from us in the cups (to) play a different goalkeeper. And was Harrison Reed, who was probably was one of the most consistent players throughout the game this afternoon."

Silva didn't start Alex Iwobi – one of Fulham's most standout players this term – explaining that the Nigerian "is a starting XI player – always when he's ready, 100% sure. But he cannot be playing well every single minute, every single match in Premier League and in cups as well."

Does Silva have a point?
Yes and no.

Silva is absolutely correct that the team fielded was good enough to progress against Southampton – and comfortably at that.

The back four, as he pointed out, have played regularly this season. In attack, you wouldn't bat an eyelid if Bobb, Chukwueze and Emile Smith Rowe started in the league behind Rodrigo Muniz as the latter works his way back from a serious injury. The same goes for Cairney in midfield.

As Silva alluded to, Reed and Lecomte were the starkest inclusions, as the pair are clearly not key starters. But these were two of the better players on Sunday (from an incredibly low bar), possibly justifying that particular decision.

However, a criticism of the changes is what it says about Silva's approach to the game. Dropping the starting goalkeeper and best player in Iwobi (while Harry Wilson is out) does not scream a manager doing everything they possibly can to progress to the next round.

Silva justified rotation by mentioning that they'd played a three-game week, but with a full seven days to prepare for their next match against Nottingham Forest, while a few changes would be justified to preserve fitness, nine felt excessive and unnecessary.

The team's individual quality was undoubtedly enough to overcome Championship opposition, regardless of how good form Saints were in (now 10 unbeaten). But when over 80% of the side is rotated, this disrupts rhythm and cohesion, in contrast to the visitors, who made four changes.

But the biggest frustration is the hypocrisy of Silva. The Portuguese has consistently preached about the significance of cup competitions; the importance of progressing as far as possible, and his ambition to deliver silverware to SW6.

His team selection did not reflect that sentiment.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/how-much-blame-does-silva-deserve

[WhiteJC]

Fulham final agreement for signing is close – Transfer 'likely to happen'
PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi is keen on securing a move to Premier League side Fulham in the summer.

That's according to Eindhovens Dagblad, who cover the latest on Fulham's ongoing efforts to sign the striker.

Marco Silva's side have long been chasing the 23-year-old. They tried signing him last summer and even in the winter market, but PSV turned down their approaches.

Back in January, PSV general manager Marcel Brands said the London club offered €25m for the American.

Last month, PSV technical director Earnie Stewart said Fulham returned with an improved bid towards the end of the winter market. However, the Dutch club rejected it due to lack of sufficient time to find an adequate replacement.

Fulham not giving up on Pepi
The English club have no plans to end their pursuit of Pepi and will make a new attempt to sign him in the summer.

On February 13th, Sport Witness relayed news of Fulham making it clear they're willing to go big.

ED now pick up on that and cover the latest. According to the newspaper, Pepi is 'eager to join Fulham and the move is likely to happen', meaning the transfer would go through this time.

The Premier League side have been close to concluding an agreement with PSV for several weeks. However, the two clubs are yet to find the final amount for the player's transfer.

Pepi hasn't completed his medical tests with Fulham, and until then, ED warn the 'risk lies with PSV'. In other words, the Dutch club could risk missing out on a fee close to €40m if the American suffers a serious setback, which could prevent him from changing clubs.

Our take: Fulham acting quickly makes sense
Marco Silva now has Raúl Jiménez, Rodrigo Muniz and 18-year-old Jonah Kusi-Asare as the three strikers at his disposal.

Kusi-Asare and Muniz have played 103 and 666 minutes respectively this season. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries, restricting his minutes and impacting his form.

Jiménez, who will turn 35 years of age in May, is leading Fulham's attack but his contract expires in June.

Therefore, it makes sense for Fulham to continue working on the Pepi operation before the transfer window reopens.

The PSV player is represented by SXI agents, and is by far their most valuable client.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-final-agreement-for-signing-is-close-transfer-likely-to-happen/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham and Fulham line up for fullback rescue – Return to PL, suits Hammers most
Pervis Estupinan hasn't had a great time at AC Milan since his arrival from Brighton. West Ham and Fulham can now put an end to his misery in Serie A.

Sport Witness extensively covered the defender's switch to Italy, where the deal was met with a lot of positivity.

The left-back scored a huge goal for the Rossoneri against Inter Milan at the weekend. This is arguably the only positive of his time at Milan so far, with the Ecuadorian having fallen down the pecking order.

He seems like a shadow of himself at Milan, having also committed multiple defensive errors and faced the criticism which comes with that.

His big goal at the weekend is unlikely to change how his future could look. West Ham and Fulham are now 'at the forefront' for his signature.

Estupinan in line for Premier League return
MilanLive report that Estupinan's performance against Inter will help Milan establish a higher price tag for the South American.

There is interest from Bologna, Marseille and Atletico Madrid. However, the Premier League is the likeliest destination, with West Ham and Fulham in the race.

Milan currently want €20m to part ways with Estupinan, having paid an initial fee of €17m to land him.

The outlet warn that the situation is too early to predict but his exit is pretty certain. That would especially be true if Premier League clubs meet the player's valuation in the summer.

Our take on possible Premier League return
The full-back finds himself in an environment at Milan which hasn't suited him so far. Max Allegri's system relies a lot on defensive work and staying deeper but Estupinan has always thrived on bombing forward, as evident from the goal at the weekend.

He has never been a defensive heavy fullback and that is why a move to Fulham might suit him more than switch to West Ham.

Marco Silva's side are more on the front-foot than Nuno Espirito Santo's team. The Hammers' setup is largely similar to how Milan operate, in terms of their pragmatic approach.

Estupian is Premier League proven and at 28, he's got time to give it another go.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-and-fulham-line-up-for-fullback-rescue-return-to-pl-suits-hammers-most/

[WhiteJC]

Contact initiated to sign Tottenham or Fulham player – Offers on way, one or the other
Beşiktaş have Tottenham Hotspur's Kevin Danso and Fulham's Issa Diop on their target list for the summer.

Takvim share the Turkish club's plan for the Tottenham and Fulham defenders.

Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Turkey that Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı has identified Danso as a target.

The source reported talks have been held to try and bring the Tottenham player to Istanbul.

Fulham centre-back Diop now joins the 27-year-old Austria international on Beşiktaş' defensive target list.

Beşiktaş looking at Tottenham and Fulham
The Süper Lig side added Emmanuel Agbadou to their defence in the winter market, with him arriving from Wolves after lengthy and difficult negotiations.

Black Eagles manager Sergen Yalçın has asked his superiors for another defender of Agbadou's calibre. In order to please their coach, the club have again turned their focus to the Premier League.

This time, Beşiktaş have Danso and the 29-year-old Frenchman as their two targets for defence.

Offers on way in summer
Beşiktaş have made contact with the former RC Lens man and Diop. They are likely to make further advances to sign Danso or the Fulham player, and not both of them.

Takvim adds Beşiktaş will submit offers ahead of the summer window. There's no mention of the budget allocated for a centre-back or the fee needed to sign Danso or Diop.

The Austrian arrived at Spurs initially on loan from Lens in January 2025 and Tottenham made his stay permanent later that year.

He signed a contract until 2030 and Transfermarkt value him at €20m. Danso is yet to cement his place at the north London club as Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven are ahead of him, he's likely not first in line after those either.

Sport Witness recently covered claims from Argentina that Romero wants to leave Spurs in the summer. Radu Drăgușin's future also needs to be clarified. Taking this into account, Tottenham may not let Danso move elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Transfermarkt value Diop, who has a contract until 2027, at €10m. Without a renewal, the next window will be Fulham's last chance to cash in from his sale.

Therefore, Beşiktaş could find it easier and cheaper to sign former West Ham United man than Danso.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/contact-initiated-to-sign-tottenham-or-fulham-player-offers-on-way-one-or-the-other/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham, West Ham United eyeing Pervis Estupinan swoop
Fulham and West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing 28-year-old Ecuadorian international Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Italian outlet Milan Live, Fulham and West Ham United are interested in Pervis Estupinan. The two London clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a left-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 28-year-old AC Milan wide player has emerged as a target for them.

The latest report has revealed that a move away from San Siro may be on the cards for the South American full-back despite only arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion 12 months ago. The Serie A giants will demand around €20 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.

How has Pervis Estupinan fared at AC Milan?

Pervis Estupinan has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining AC Milan from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. The 28-year-old arrived at San Siro amid hype surrounding him after his exploits for the Seagulls. However, the player has been in and out of the starting lineup this term.

The Ecuadorian international has managed only 1,101 minutes of game time in 18 appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season, chipping in with one goal and one assist. However, Estupinan's stock remains high, with several well-known clubs interested in him. Fulham and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

Premier League return on the horizon?
Fulham's interest in Pervis Estupinan makes sense. While Marco Silva has two left-backs in his squad, Ryan Sessegnon's long-term future is uncertain, as he has entered the final six months of his contract. So, Estupinan is a viable target to replace the former Tottenham left-back.

As for West Ham, it is unclear why the Hammers are keen on signing a left-back after signing El Hadji Malick Diouf last summer. The Senegalese international has been one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season, while Oliver Scarles is a solid backup. So, it is unclear how Estupinan fits into the scheme of things at West Ham.

Meanwhile, AC Milan will be open to parting ways with the 28-year-old Ecuadorian international, and they are demanding around €20 million to sell him. The Serie A club's asking price makes him an appealing target for Fulham and West Ham, and it will be interesting to see if Estupinan returns to the Premier League anytime soon.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/03/10/fulham-west-ham-united-eyeing-pervis-estupinan-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Goal of the Month Result: February
Kevin's special strike at Old Trafford has been named Fulham's Goal of the Month.

A stunning stoppage time equaliser against Manchester United, it was truly a breathtaking way to open one's account in the Premier League.

63.3 per cent of fans gave the Brazilian their backing for February Goal of the Month, putting him ahead of Alex Iwobi's neat finish following a rapid counter attack in Sunderland (18.6%), and Raúl Jiménez's unstoppable penalty against United (10.2%).

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/march/10/goal-of-the-month-result-february/

[WhiteJC]

He's won four trophies: Fulham eyeing "unbelievable" Silva heir averaging nearly two points per game
Fulham are eyeing a move for an "unbelievable" manager, with Marco Silva, whose contract is up in the summer, yet to commit to an extension.

Silva faces criticism after FA Cup exit
Given that the Cottagers are already at the 40-point mark in the Premier League, there was a real opportunity to go all out in the FA Cup, but they exited the competition at the round of 16 stage, with Championship side Southampton securing a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Considering the west Londoners have never won a major trophy in their history, it was a strange decision to make nine changes to the starting XI against the Saints, and Chris Coleman was critical of Silva's decision.

That said, the 48-year-old has done a stellar job at Craven Cottage, with his side currently playing in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season, after he guided them to promotion in the 2021-22 campaign.

As such, replacing Silva this summer will be a difficult task, should he be unwilling to sign a contract extension, but Fulham have now identified Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou as a potential replacement.

That is according to a report from Sports Boom, which states the Cottagers have joined the packed race for Askou, who has also been attracting interest from Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Brighton, courtesy of the job he's done in his first season at Motherwell.

The Dane's stock is said to be 'sky high', with the Steelmen currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership, just ten points behind league leaders Hearts, and there is a belief he will land a 'top job' this summer.

"Unbelievable" Askou could be ready for Premier League move
East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy has been left impressed by the way in which the former FC Copenhagen manager has adapted to life in Scotland, saying: "Once you spend time in his company you quickly realise what an unbelievable talented coach/manager he is. Under pined by this is his characteristics as a person, he has an aura about him."

Motherwell have taken major strides this season, having been part of the relegation group in the previous campaign, with the 43-year-old averaging just shy of two points per game across all competitions.

Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell record

Games	38
Wins	21
Draws	11
Losses	6
Points per game	1.95

The Danish manager has caught the eye in some of his previous roles too, winning four trophies across spells with FC Copenhagen, HB Torshavn and AC Horsens.

Askou could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, but appointing him would be a gamble for Fulham, given that he has no experience in English football, and retaining Silva should be their number one priority.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-eyeing-jens-berthel-askou-manager-marco-silva-heir/