Saturday Fulham Stuff - 25/07/26...

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Pre-season update

The Club is now able to confirm our pre-season plans heading into the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

Saturday 25th July

Fulham v Norwich City – (BCD)

Group flies to the Algarve in Portugal

Tuesday 28th July

Al-Ahli v Fulham – Estadio Municipal Albufeira (Free to attend)

Saturday 1st August

Farense v Fulham – (BCD)

Group returns to London

Friday 7th August

Fulham v Crystal Palace – (BCD)

Saturday 15th August

Fulham v Stuttgart – Craven Cottage (Ticketed)

*Any amends or additions to the schedule will be communicated in due course



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/24/pre-season-update/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'explore' striker alternatives as Real Madrid outline Gonzalo Garcia transfer stance
Fulham have reportedly been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia.

The Cottagers are looking forward to their first season under Alvaro Arbeloa, who was named as Marco Silva's successor after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last term.

Arbeloa appears to be keen to use his Real Madrid connections, having been linked with several players he worked with during his time with the Spanish giants.

Garcia was among those identified as a target, but a reunion with Arbeloa appears to be off the cards.

Fulham dealt Garcia transfer blow
That is because BBC Sport are reporting that Garcia looks set to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu for the upcoming season.

Jose Mourinho admires Garcia's qualities as a striker and has seemingly made it clear that he does not want to lose him this summer.

On the face of it, Garcia is battling Endrick for the right to be the backup striker to Kylian Mbappe.

That said, Endrick can also play as a right winger, which could open the door for Garcia to get minutes off the bench and starting opportunities when Mbappe is not available or needs to be rested.

Cottagers look elsewhere in striker search
As a result of Real Madrid's stance, Fulham are said to be 'exploring' alternative options in their quest to sign a new centre-forward.

The report does not disclose any names that may be on Fulham's radar, but it is clear that a new striker is seen as a priority.

Raul Jimenez's departure has left the club with Rodrigo Muniz and Jonah Kusi-Asare as their two centre-forward options.

Jimenez scored nine goals in 36 Premier League appearances last term, one shy of the club's top scorer, Harry Wilson, who has also left the club this summer.

With 19 goals to replace, Fulham's recruitment team know they can ill afford to make an error in their search for a new first-choice striker.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-explore-striker-alternatives-after-garcia-transfer-blow_601762.html

[WhiteJC]

Six World Cup stars Fulham could target
The dusted has settled on the 2026 tournament - who were the gems we should look at?

There's the age-old adage that you should never buy a player off the back of a major tournament. But, I'm going to throw caution to the wind and explore some potential signings who shone at the World Cup and could realistically sign for the Whites.

1. Keito Nakamura – Reims
Nakamura was quietly one of Japan's most effective players, and crucial to their transitional style of play. His direct nature makes him difficult to track, and he has added a productivity to his game, quietly becoming one of the most effective forward in Ligue 1. He thrives in space, and loves attacking the back post – offering a serious some serious pace to a Fulham team that can be one-dimensional.

2. Nathan Saliba – Anderlecht
Fulham are starting to look shallow in midfield, particularly with players that can cover ground. Saliba does exactly that, but his ability to read and press proved pivotal once Canada were without Ismael Kone (someone else who could have featured in this article). He'd be an ideal understudy to Berge, and with TC and Harrison Reed disappearing into the sunset, could offer vital depth. More importantly, this feels like a project signing – something Fulham have been particularly good at over the last few seasons.

3. Alex Freeman – Villarreal
Freeman's father played in the NFL and the transfer of athleticism is there for all to see. At 6"3, Freeman offers both height and pace. He played a crucial role in the USMNT's run in the World Cup, scoring against Paraguay. His ability to slot in at either right-back or as a third centre-half makes him incredibly valuable. He gets forward well, wins duels and seems very well suited to the physicality of the Premier League. Although he recently moved to Villarreal, Fulham do need fresh blood out wide, and have a history with Americans...

4. Alistair Johnston – Celtic
Luc De Fougerolles won a lot of plaudits for his performances as Canada made a historic run to the knockout rounds, but his countryman Johnston was equally as impressive. His electric pace and consistent threat from wide areas often flipped the game on its head. When Canada were caught short, it was often Johnston clearing up the mess. Jesse Marsch relied on a highly transitional style of play, and Arbeloa will likely do the same – making him a great fit. Having spent time acclimatising to British football with Celtic, he could be ready for the step up to Premier League football.

5. Kaishu Sano - Mainz
Fulham have missed a true ball-winning midfield since Joao Palhinha departed, and Sano brings a lot of the same qualities. He is aggressive in the tackle, positionally excellent and composed in possession. Japan played a highly technical and transitional 3-4-3 at the World Cup, and he was a great progressor of the ball, helping to push Samurai Blue through the phases. At just 24, it feels like Sano is about to enter his prime and is showing signs of becoming an incredibly reliable defensive midfielder, like his compatriot Wataru Endo.

6. Nestory Irankunda – Watford
Irankunda left Bayern Munich for regular football, and found himself at Watford. Then he found himself scoring against Turkey in Vancouver to secure three points for Australia. Fast, direct and not afraid to try things, Irankunda is a work in progress but the ceiling looks to be very high. At just 20 years old, Irankunda is raw, but has the makings of an exciting winger and someone that could provide something imaginative to secure three points, or at the very least put defenders on the back foot.

Who stood out to you from the World Cup, that you'd like to see step out at Craven Cottage for the Whites?



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/six-world-cup-stars-fulham-could

[WhiteJC]

Club 'Continuously Revising' Demands To Stop Fulham Signing Star
Fulham 'will present an offer today' for Chibuke Nwaiwu, amid Trabzonspor 'continuously revising' their demands 'to prevent the player from being sold' this summer.

Trabzonspor signed Nwaiwu from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC in January, and the midfielder wasted little time cementing his place in the starting line-up.

The 22-year-old featured 16 times in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring three goals and providing one assist as Trabzonspor finished third in the table.

The midfielder's displays for the Black Sea Storm led to his Nigeria debut in March, with the 22-year-old already making three appearances for his national team.

Nwaiwu's performances in Turkey have attracted interest from Fulham, who recently renewed their pursuit of the centre-back, with personal terms understood to be in place as the Cottagers push to complete the deal.

It was recently claimed in Turkey that the Premier League side have 'reached a preliminary agreement' to sign the 22-year-old.

That though looks to be wide of the mark, with Trabzonspor in no mood to make the deal easy for the Cottagers.

According to Trabzonspor insider Serdar, Fulham 'will present an offer today' in the form of €30m plus €2m in bonuses to sign Nwaiwu.

However, it has been suggested that the Black Sea Storm are reluctant to let the player this summer and are continuously revising their demands for him.

Trabzonspor initially wanted the fee to be paid in three instalments, but have now reduced it to two while increasing their upfront demand from €10m to €15m for the defender.

The Nigerian's versatility, with the ability to operate in both defence and midfield, has increased his value in the transfer market.

He has also emerged as an alternative option for Crystal Palace, who are prepared to walk away from negotiations for Chrislain Matsima.

It remains to be seen whether Fulham are able to secure the signature of Nwaiwu amid Trabzonspor resisting.

Another defender the Cottagers have been linked with is Atalanta wing-back Raoul Bellanova, but they face Premier League competition from Nottingham Forest and Everton.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/07/24/club-continuously-revising-demands-to-stop-fulham-signing-star/721034/

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Álvaro's backroom staff

We are pleased to confirm the makeup of Álvaro Arbeloa's backroom staff at Fulham.

From left to right:

    Alex Salvador: Head of Strength & Conditioning
    Kevin Cardeiro: Head of Player Development
    Francis Sanchez: Head of Analysis
    Julián Carmona: Assistant Head Coach
    Ricardo da Silva: Head of Performance
    Álvaro Arbeloa: Head Coach
    Borja Fernandez Freiria: Lead Goalkeeping Coach

They join Ali Melloul (First Team Coach), Colin Omogbehin (First Team Development Coach), and Geoff Warne (Goalkeeping Coach), who were already in situ at the Club.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/24/alvaros-backroom-staff/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham increasingly optimistic of signing Franco Mastantuono, face one major obstacle
Fulham are confident about securing the services of Real Madrid attacking sensation Franco Mastantuono.

Fulham are pushing hard to land Franco Mastantuono on loan from Real Madrid this summer, but the Spanish club's refusal to include a buy option remains a significant hurdle. According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are prepared to sanction a temporary departure for the 18-year-old as they continue prioritising his long-term development.

However, Los Blancos will only sanction a straightforward loan and have no intention of including either a buy option or an obligation. The Cottagers' new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who worked with Mastantuono at Real Madrid, is driving the pursuit, a connection that may prove vital in reassuring the Spanish club of the player's development pathway in west London.

Mastantuono joined Real Madrid from River Plate in August 2025 as one of South America's brightest young talents and can operate both as a winger and attacking midfielder.

While he featured regularly during the opening months of his debut campaign, first-team opportunities became increasingly limited as the season progressed. He finished with 35 appearances across all competitions, accumulating 1,484 minutes and contributing four goals.

With Jose Mourinho now in charge, Real Madrid believe a loan spell is the ideal next step in his development. The Portuguese manager has reportedly approved the plan, with the club hoping Mastantuono can gain consistent senior football before returning to compete for a regular place at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Why are Fulham after Franco Mastantuono?
Fulham have emerged as the leading contender, largely because of Arbeloa, who knows Mastantuono well from his Real Madrid days. The West London club explored a loan with a buy option, but the Spanish giants refuse to entertain a permanent clause. Despite that setback, the Cottagers remain optimistic about their chances.

Fulham lack depth in the final third and believe a player with Mastantuono's ability could provide attacking depth they currently lack. He would rival Oscar Bobb for a place in the starting XI on the right flank, but the teenager could also start ahead of Emile Smith Rowe and Josh King in the number ten role.

The key hurdle is convincing Real Madrid that Mastantuono would receive regular first-team football in West London rather than spending significant time on the bench. The Spanish club want assurances that any loan move will genuinely aid his development.

River Plate have also expressed an interest in bringing the attacking midfielder back on loan, but the La Liga outfit would prefer him to continue developing in Europe against stronger opposition. Ultimately, Mastantuono's future will be decided jointly by the player, his representatives, Mourinho and the Real Madrid hierarchy.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/24/fulham-increasingly-optimistic-of-signing-franco-mastantuono-face-one-major-obstacle/

[WhiteJC]

Report Bobb targeted by Roma just 6 months after Fulham move
Roma are reportedly turning to another Norway international winger, asking Fulham for Oscar Bobb just six months after his €31m move from Manchester City.

It is no secret that the Giallorossi have been trying and failing to sign an attacking wide player for months, faltering in the race for Mason Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Alejandro Garnacho.

Their latest target is Antonio Nusa of Norway, but RB Leipzig are setting their asking price very high.

Bobb a cheaper alternative to Nusa
According to Retesport, Roma have now turned to his fellow countryman Bobb, who can play on the right, left, or in a deeper trequartista role and is left-footed.

Coming up through the Manchester City academy since 2019, he was sold to Fulham in January for €31.2m plus a 20 per cent cut of the future fee.

It was not a particularly fruitful move, failing to score or contribute goals in his 16 appearances.

Retesport point out that his agency has strong links with Roma, so starting intensive negotiations should not be an issue.



https://football-italia.net/report-bobb-targeted-by-roma-fulham-move/

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Chelsea tickets

Tickets for Fulham's opening Premier League fixture of the season against west London rivals, Chelsea, will go on sale from next week!

Secure your seat at Craven Cottage as we kick off the 2026/27 campaign with our SW6 derby against The Blues on Monday 24th August, 8pm.

Tickets for this fixture will go on sale to 2026/27 Members* from 9:30am on Tuesday 28th July. 2026/27 Season Ticket Holders will be able to purchase additional seats from 9:30am on Thursday 30th July, before going on sale to Supporters with a Previous Booking History** from 9:30am on Tuesday 4th August.

Tickets can be secured from Tuesday online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, from the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm) or by calling 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5pm).

All supporters will be able to secure up to two tickets per person for this fixture. More information regarding on sale dates and pricing can be found here.

BUY TICKETS FROM TUESDAY

Important Information

The 2026/27 season will see new Premier League requirements implemented for assigning tickets to supporters, with every seat sold being assigned to the individual who intends on attending the related match. Each attendee's name and contact details must be registered with the club.

This means if a supporter purchases four tickets for a fixture, each ticket will need to be assigned to a unique client reference number. In the instance of a Season Ticket Holder purchasing additional tickets during their priority window, each ticket that they are purchasing will need to be assigned to each individual who intends on attending the related match.

We therefore encourage all supporters planning on attending fixtures at Craven Cottage to update their friends and family network ahead of the start of the season to ensure they can easily assign tickets at the point of purchase. Supporters can follow our step-by-step guide on how to do this here.

*2026/27 Membership must have been purchased prior to 5pm on Friday 24th July in order to be eligible to purchase tickets during the Members' priority window.

**To qualify for Booking History status, supporters must have purchased a Fulham FC Men's First Team ticket in the past five years. Booking History status is not valid if supporters have only previously purchased tickets against the same opposition, in this case Chelsea.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/24/chelsea-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'hold the advantage' in transfer race – Excellent relations push them ahead
Fiorentina believe that Fulham have the advantage in the race for Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono thanks to their excellent relationship with the Spanish club.

La Repubblica, via Firenze Viola, report that the Italian side believe Fulham 'hold the advantage' for the 18-year-old winger.

Fulham advantage
The newspaper explains that Fiorentina are seeking a new winger this summer and have been targeting various names on the market. Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono is one of them being considered.

But the belief is that Fulham 'hold the advantage' on that particular front. that's because they have an 'excellent relationship' with the Spanish club, thanks to Alvaro Arbeloa.

is their former manager, at both senior and youth level, and that connection is something Arbeloa is hoping to use to his advantage at Craven Cottage.

That's something Sport Witness have covered in depth from Spain over the last few weeks. Those have picked up over this week alone.

For example, a report two days ago explained that Fulham had already opened talks with Real Madrid over a double deal for Mastantuono and Alvaro Garcia.

Mastantuono choice
A report yesterday then explained that Arbeloa is leading the charge for Mastantuono and others. He is now waiting on the word from his former players and whether they will join him at Craven Cottage.

The situation with Franco Mastantuono is particularly tricky. Reports in Spain have made it clear that Real Madrid are reluctant to see him depart permanently.

They would prefer to send the youngster out on loan to develop after a difficult first year at the Spanish giants. But there is a worry that players who leave Madrid on loan don't tend to return to the club and enjoy success.

Ultimately, it may depend on the youngster. If he pushes for the move, and a reunion with Arbeloa, the deal could be on. For now, other suitors certainly believe Fulham have the advantage.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-hold-the-advantage-in-transfer-race-excellent-relations-push-them-ahead/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham continue to push for Real Madrid youngster as their main target in attack
Real Madrid have an overcrowded first-team squad at Jose Mourinho's disposal, and this could see some talented players leave the Spanish capital this summer.

Premier League club Fulham are preparing a serious move for Gonzalo Garcia, with the Cottagers identifying the academy striker as their main attacking target this summer.

According to Matteo Moretto, Fulham are willing to invest a significant fee to sign Gonzalo.

However, Real Madrid would seek to retain a percentage of the player's future rights as part of any agreement, ensuring they maintain a stake in his long-term development.

Real Madrid want to protect Gonzalo's future
The inclusion of a sell-on clause or retained rights would reflect Madrid's continued belief in Gonzalo's potential, even if he leaves the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

It is a strategy the club have used successfully in the past with young players. Rather than closing the door completely, Madrid can generate immediate income while keeping the possibility of benefiting from the player's future growth.

In fact, Moretto has even mentioned that Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the 22-year-old Spaniard and wants to keep him, in line with what was reported yesterday.

Mourinho faces an important decision
If that remains the coach's position, Madrid now face a difficult decision.

They must balance the player's development with the financial opportunity presented by Fulham's willingness to spend heavily.

A permanent transfer with retained rights could become a compromise that satisfies both sporting and financial objectives.

Gonzalo would receive regular minutes in the Premier League, which might not be possible at Real Madrid.

Fulham, driven by Alvaro Arbeloa, are very determined to sign him this summer. Thus, it makes sense for Madrid to consider this interest seriously.

The next few weeks could be crucial in deciding his future, one way or the other. How Mourinho uses Gonzalo in pre-season should give a better idea.

With Mbappe and some of the World Cup stars away on holiday, that could give the Spaniard a chance to make an impression early on.

However, even if Jose wants to keep him, Madrid have to be realistic about the player's development, and it remains to be seen whether anything comes of Fulham's interest in Gonzalo.



https://madriduniversal.com/fulham-continue-to-push-for-real-madrid-youngster-as-their-main-target-in-attack/

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace eyeing Chibuike Nwaiwu as Maxence Lacroix replacement, Fulham lead race
Crystal Palace are interested in a move for Chibuike Nwaiwu as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, with Fulham seemingly ahead in the race.

Chibuike Nwaiwu has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix at Crystal Palace. The Trabzonspor defender is attracting considerable interest, with Florian Plettenberg stating that Fulham are leading the race for the 23-year-old star, while the Eagles may have set their sights on another target in the process.

A few movements have materialised in the background, particularly with Chelsea closing in on signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The Frenchman's departure will now push the Eagles to find a new target to replace him, with the club showing some interest in Trabzonspor star Chibuike Nwaiwu.

The 23-year-old defender only joined the Turkish giants in January this year from Austrian side Wolfsberger and has been a regular for the Turkish club, making 16 league appearances. His performances in the Super Lig have attracted significant interest from Premier League teams, including Palace and Fulham.

Crystal Palace to miss out on Chibuike Nwaiwu?
Palace reportedly hold an interest in the 23-year-old defender, as they view him as a potential replacement for Chelsea-bound Lacroix. Plettenberg insists that he is on the Selhurst Park club's list, although he is not considered the favourite, with the the South London club reportedly advanced in their pursuit of Chrislain Matsima as a replacement for the Frenchman.

The main reason Crystal Palace could miss out on the defender is Fulham's presence in the race, with the Cottagers reportedly having multiple bids rejected by Trabzonspor. Alvaro Arbeloa's side are eager to recruit at the back, particularly after the reported agreement for Issa Diop, who is close to joining Ipswich Town.

Despite the setbacks in the race, Fulham are reportedly ready to finalise a move for Nwaiwu, as they may be willing to come closer to Trabzonspor's asking price. Should he end up joining the Craven Cottage club, it would not be a major loss for Palace, who are clearly pursuing another target but may have kept the 23-year-old defender as a contingency option in case they could not sign their main targets.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/07/24/crystal-palace-eyeing-chibuike-nwaiwu-as-maxence-lacroix-replacement-fulham-lead-race/