Thursday Fulham Stuff - 13/08/26...

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Málaga 2-2 Fulham

Fulham were twice pegged back in our penultimate friendly match of the summer, with a penalty at the death denying us victory in a 2-2 draw with Málaga on Wednesday night.

Ryan Sessegnon had headed his side in front, only for the hosts to respond almost immediately, but Alex Iwobi restored our lead in the second half.

Rodrigo Muniz could have sewn things up but saw his powerful effort come back off the post, which gave Málaga the opportunity to claim an unlikely draw courtesy of Eneko Jauregi's 90th-minute spot-kick.

A couple of flashes of individual skill presented Fulham's first meaningful chance in the 18th minute. First, Sander Berge dropped a shoulder to buy some space in the middle of the park, before releasing Kevin down the left flank. He skipped beyond his man and looked to pick out Gonzalo García, but the cross was slightly too deep and the Spaniard could only help it on its way wide.

That proved the precursor for a more aggressive Fulham, and soon after Sessegnon has stabbed an effort into the side-netting, he headed his side in front.

Worked smartly out from Emile Smith Rowe in the middle to the overlapping Timothy Castagne, he delivered a peach of a delivery for his opposite full-back to ghost in at the far post and nod home the opener.

Unfortunately, the lead lasted just the length of a drinks break, as David Larrubia was able to squeeze a shot under Bernd Leno.

10 minutes before half-time, Castagne was given a sight of goal when he sprinted to get on the end of Kevin's ball across the face, but his first time effort cleared the target.

The home side had the first effort of the second half when Larrubia stung the palms of Leno, but it was Fulham who claimed the third goal of the night. Castagne was again the architect, this time spotting the run of Iwobi who had evaded the entire Malaga backline, allowing him to divert the Belgian's cross into an empty net.

Kevin had a couple of lively moments either side of the hour mark, with his quick feet creating a change for Berge's saved shot, before sending a 20-yarder of his own over the bar.

A brilliant Shea Charles ball then sprung fellow substitute Antonee Robinson deep down the left flank, but a defender was tight to Gonzalo in the middle to smuggle away the danger from Robinson's cross.

All the subs had looked lively, and two more combined to create another opening when Macaulay Zepa's positive attitude culminated in Muniz gaining a yard in the box, and he was unfortunate to see his powerful strike come back off the upright.

It had been a good second half for the Whites but we were denied the win in the 90th minute courtesy of Jauregi's penalty, after Calvin Bassey had been penalised for handball.
Fulham: Leno; Castagne (Tete 74'), Andersen (Cuenca 74'), Bassey, Sessegnon (Robinson 62'); Berge (Reed 74'), Iwobi (Charles 62'), Smith Rowe (King 62'); Bobb (Zepa 79'), Gonzalo (Muniz 74'), Kevin (Palacios 62')

Subs: Lecomte, Borto, Tete, Cuenca, Robinson, Reed, Charles, Palacios, King, Zepa, Muniz, Kusi-Asare



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/12/malaga-2-2-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

'He won't leave' - Ex-Trabzonspor assistant coach expects Nwaiwu to stay amid Fulham and Crystal Palace links
Former Trabzonspor assistant coach Hamdi Zıvalıoğlu expects Chibuike Nwaiwu to remain at the Turkish Cup winners amid speculation linking the defender with a move to the Premier League this summer.

The Super Eagles centre-back has been linked with a transfer to Fulham, while Crystal Palace have identified him as a potential reinforcement following Marc Guéhi's departure for Manchester City earlier this year and Maxence Lacroix's permanent move to Chelsea.

Amid speculation surrounding his future, Nwaiwu was not at his best during pre-season preparations, conceding three penalties while scoring an own goal across four matches.

Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan made it clear that the club do not intend to sell players before the close of the summer transfer window unless an astronomical offer is received.

Speaking about Nwaiwu's future, Zıvalıoğlu suggested that a move could become more realistic during the January transfer window.

"He won't leave now, he might leave in six months. If you can prepare his psychology and mentality, there is another transfer window in January," he told Haber61.

"I don't think he will leave at this point. Unless astronomical offers come in, he will stay with the team."

Signed from Wolfsberger AC during the January transfer window, Nwaiwu still has four years remaining on his contract with Trabzonspor.

The 23-year-old scored three headed goals in 16 Turkish Super Lig outings in the second half of last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/he-wont-leave-ex-trabzonspor-assistant-coach-expects-nwaiwu-to-stay-amid-fulham-and-crystal-palace-links

[WhiteJC]

Fulham hold talks to sign Hector Fort from Barcelona
Fulham will attempt to sign 20-year-old Spanish defender Hector Fort from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by MARCA via Sport Witness, Hector Fort is reluctant to leave Barcelona in the ongoing transfer window, having shown similar hesitance before joining Elche on loan last summer. However, the 20-year-old versatile defender has no future at the Catalan club, as they have told him and Marc Casado that they must find new clubs.

Barcelona's stance provides cause for optimism to Fulham, with the West London club holding talks with the Blaugrana and Fort over a possible deal. Per Nil Sola on Carrusel Deportivo, Fort has trained away from the group as the reigning La Liga champions attempt to engineer a summer exit.

Hector Fort and his situation
Hector Fort now faces a critical juncture after impressing since graduating from La Masia. The 20-year-old started his youth career at PB Anguera before joining Barcelona in 2013. He rose through La Masia over a decade before reaching the first team.

The Spanish defensive prospect broke into the first-team squad at Barcelona at the onset of the 2023/24 season, and he made 30 appearances while chipping in with three assists. Fort spent the 2025/26 season on loan with Elche and turned out 17 times while contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. After returning from the loan spell, a new adventure now beckons the homegrown full-back, as he has no future at FC Barcelona.

Premier League move on the horizon?
Fulham's interest in Hector Fort makes logical sense. The Cottagers need a right-back after Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne failed to deliver attacking width from the flank. Under newly-appointed head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Fulham aim to strengthen their attacking play from the right-back position.

Additionally, Fort's ability to play as a centre-back adds to his appeal, amid Fulham's search for a new central defender after selling Issa Diop to Ipswich Town. So, the Barcelona homegrown prospect is an appealing target for Fulham, and they will hope to come close to an agreement after holding talks with the Blaugrana and the Spaniard.

Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona will demand €10 million for the young Spanish defender, which adds to his appeal. But Fort has shown reluctance to depart Barcelona, complicating Fulham's pursuit.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/12/fulham-hold-talks-to-sign-hector-fort-from-barcelona/

[WhiteJC]

Regret over missed Fulham deal – Could now head to Saudi on the cheap
Selling at the right time is as important as buying at the right time when it comes to football. FC Basel are feeling that fully now. A year after failing to do a deal with Fulham, they're counting the cost.

Blick report on the Swiss club and how their failure to sell winger Philip Otele to Fulham a year ago has now come back to haunt them.

Fulham transfer failed
While coach Stephan Lichtsteiner would like to keep Philip Otele in his squad this summer, the club's management feel otherwise. They want to move the 27-year-old on 'as soon as possible.'.

This is not due to underwhelming performances, but rather his substantial salary. They agreed to that last summer to secure his signing on a permanent from Abu Dhabi after winning the double.

Him staying long-term was not part of the plan. Instead, they wanted to sell last summer. Fulham were one of the interested parties. A deal worth around 16 million francs was mooted. No agreement was ever reached with those in charge at Craven Cottage.

Now, after mixed start to last season and a six-month loan spell at Hamburger SV, Otele is at risk of becoming 'unsellable deadwood'. His market value has 'completely collapsed'.

Italian side Lecce enquired in July but that has fizzled out. Now there's an offer from Saudi Arabia. That bid stands at three million francs, exactly what Basel paid a year ago. They need at least four million to walk away with a 'marginal profit'. Even that is a fraction of what they could have got from Fulham.

Now they have a decision to make. Do they let him go for less and take the loss, or hold out for another party coming in? Either way, they're regretting not pushing Fulham's interest more last summer.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/regret-over-missed-fulham-deal-could-now-head-to-saudi-on-the-cheap/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea and Fulham pair wanted by EFL side
Wigan Athletic are interested in signing the Premier League duo as they gear up for the start of the new League One season.

Wigan Athletic are keen on signing Reggie Walsh and Luke Harris on loan from Chelsea and Fulham respectively, according to Darren Witcoop on X.
Wigan Athletic are being linked with the Premier League pair as they prepare for the start of the new League One season under the guidance of head coach Gary Caldwell. WAFC finished 16th in the table in the last campaign and will be aiming to finish higher up this time around.

Walsh, 17, has been on the books of Chelsea for his whole career to date and is highly-rated by the London giants. As for Harris, 21, he has been loaned out by Fulham on four separate occasions to date and may well head out the exit door again before the end of the transfer window on 1st September.

As per Witcoop on X, the top flight duo on both on the Latics' radar as they hunt for more reinforcements this summer. They have seen Hindolo Mustapha's deal from Crystal Palace cut short and could do with some more new faces over the coming weeks.

Wigan Athletic lost to Barnsley on penalties in the Carabao Cup last time out. They play Cambridge United away in the league this weekend.

Wigan Athletic looking to bolster squad before the transfer window shuts
Wigan Athletic could see Walsh as someone to bolster their midfield department. If he joined WAFC, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park.

He could battle it out with the likes of Max Power, Ryan Trevitt and Jensen Weir, among others, for a place in the Latics' starting. At the age of just 17, he has bags of potential and has a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Walsh has risen up through Chelsea's academy ranks. He has been a regular for the Blues at various different youth levels to date.

The England youth international has played four times for their first-team to date. He would benefit from a loan spell away in the Football League now though to boost his development.

The Verdict: Reggie Walsh and Luke Harris would be shrewd addition for Wigan Athletic
Walsh is a promising talent so is worth a punt by Wigan Athletic. Harris would also be a sensible acquisition by WAFC if they managed to get him in from Fulham.

The Jersey-born man operates in a more attacking midfield role and he has a nice left foot. His chances of breaking into the team at Craven Cottage are slim so another exit would do him good following spells at Exeter City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers.



https://the72.co.uk/2026/08/12/wigan-athletic-eye-reggie-walsh-luke-harris-chelsea-fulham/#goog_rewarded

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: the world's greatest Real Madrid tribute act?
We may not be the 'Real' deal, but there's no harm in emulating greatness, right?

Last year I was at the legendary Half Moon in Putney watching a Jimi Hendrix tribute act called Are You Experienced?.

'Jimi' was comfortably in his sixties, sporting a silk neckerchief, ruffled shirt, and a paisley headband, which may or may not have concealed tabs of acid.

For the grand finale, he coaxed a woman up from the front row who - and I mean no disrespect - had a real "Pauline from marketing" vibe about her. Fuelled by a bottle and a half of Sauvignon Blanc, Pauline began uninhibitedly gyrating against his amplifier during a rendition of Foxy Lady.

'Jimi' leaned into the microphone and, in a thick Brummie accent, purred: "Give it up for Pauline. You've made an old man forget his aches and pains". He then liberally doused his Fender Stratocaster in lighter fluid and set the whole thing ablaze.

Did that performance reach the hallucinogenic, mythic heights of Hendrix at Woodstock? No. Was I entertained? Unquestionably.

Which brings me neatly to Craven Cottage.

It appears our board's masterplan to finally end Fulham's major trophy drought is to simply become the world's premier Real Madrid tribute act. We've signed their former manager, snapped up two of their brightest prospects, and if you look back at last season's all-white home strip, it's clear the kit design was just a subtle soft-launch for the entire operation.

There is something beautifully simplistic about copying the homework of the world's most-successful club; it all feels a bit Only Fools and Horses. You can practically hear Del Boy leaning across the table at Nelson Mandela House, whispering to a bewildered Tony Khan: "In order to be elite, Tony my son, you've got to start acting elite."

In truth, Fulham are becoming the Madrí Excepcional of the Premier League. For the uninitiated, Madrí is that "authentic" Spanish lager brewed exclusively in Burton-upon-Trent. It is essentially just Carling rebranded as a premium continental drop: a bog-standard British staple wearing a dogtooth flatcap and pretending it just hopped off a flight from Madrid. That is us.

If this transformation continues at its current rate, expect to see some subtle operational shifts around the ground. Prepare for mountain-high piles of salted sunflower seed shells covering the floor of the Hammy End, expect white handkerchiefs to be waved furiously at referees after dodgy calls, and warm-up those vocal chords for renditions of Hala Fulham.

Will our budget-conscious Galácticos project reach the European-dominating heights of the Santiago Bernabéu? Obviously not. This season, we're the coifed bloke squeezing his paunch into a Rhinestone suit. David Fauxie. The Clone Roses.

As the now-retired chant goes "We're not Real Madrid...", but can we have fun pretending to be them? ¡Sin duda!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulham-the-worlds-greatest-real-madrid

[WhiteJC]

Joe Bryan retires from football

Joe Bryan announced his retirement from football on Wednesday morning.

Posting on Instagram, the left back said: "It's disappeared in the blink of an eye, but now feels like the right time to bring the curtain down on my playing career. Whilst not the perfect ending everyone hopes for, I am at peace with the decision to retire and move into a new phase of my life.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me through each failure, each success, each setback and each triumph. It has been a truly special journey."

Joe joined Fulham in the summer of 2018 after a distinguished spell at hometown club Bristol City.

He was a very popular player at Craven Cottage, not just for his contributions on the pitch – which yielded two promotions, five goals, 11 assists, and 117 appearances in his five years here – but off it he was a very down to earth individual, with a dry wit, who rightly earned praise for the candour with which he spoke about his mental health during his time at the Club.

His most famous moment in black and white, of course, came on Tuesday 4th August 2020.

As half-time in extra-time approached in the Championship Play-Off Final, Fulham were awarded a wide free-kick, miles from the Brentford goal. What happened next will forever live in Club folklore, as Bryan whipped in a wicked effort that left the scrambling David Raya stunned.

It was a goal worthy of securing promotion, but it was actually his second that proved the winner. Showing zero signs of fatigue in the 117th minute, Bryan burst forward and played a neat one-two with Aleksandar Mitrović before sliding a cool low finish under Raya with his right foot.

Cue scenes of bedlam in thousands of Fulham living rooms across the world.

Thank you for the memories, Joe, and all the very best in your retirement. We look forward to seeing you at the Cottage soon.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/12/joe-bryan-retires-from-football/

[WhiteJC]

Shea Charles makes record-breaking move to Premier League side Fulham
Shea Charles has officially become Northern Ireland's most expensive footballer after completing his move from Southampton to Premier League side Fulham for a fee believed to be in the region of £30 million.

The highly-rated 22-year-old midfielder has committed his long-term future to the Cottagers, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with Fulham holding an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months.

Speaking to FFCtv, Charles expressed his excitement about the move: "I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Fulham's Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Shea Charles to Fulham.

"Shea is an exciting young player, and he's quickly gained important experience both in domestic competitions and at international level as the youngest ever captain of the Northern Ireland team.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Shea to join Fulham and to continue his development under manager Álvaro Arbeloa's leadership."

The midfielder, who has already earned 35 senior international caps, came through the academy ranks at Manchester City. He made his lone Premier League appearance for Pep Guardiola's side as a 19-year-old against Brentford in May 2023.

Seeking regular first-team football, Charles moved to Southampton later that summer. He established himself as a key figure on the South Coast, netting six goals across 76 appearances for the Saints before Fulham triggered his high-profile return to the top flight. 



https://www.irishfa.com/news/2026/august/shea-charles-makes-record-breaking-move-to-premier-league-side-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Jonathan Esenga poised to join IF Elfsborg this summer
Jonathan Esenga is closing in on a move to Swedish side IF Elfsborg after deciding to leave Fulham in search of a new challenge.

According to Dom Smith, the 19-year-old defender is undergoing a medical ahead of completing the switch and is expected to sign a four-year contract with Elfsborg.

Esenga had attracted interest from elsewhere, with Leyton Orient and Burton Albion also understood to have wanted the England youth international. However, the youngster has chosen Elfsborg as the destination for the next stage of his career. Swedish outlet Expressen has also reported that Elfsborg have agreed a deal to bring the defender to Borås, with an official announcement expected provided there are no issues during his medical.

Elfsborg win the race for Fulham youngster
Esenga has developed through Fulham's academy system and signed his first professional contract with the London club in May 2024. Primarily a left-back, the youngster can also operate in central defence, giving Elfsborg additional versatility across their defensive line.

His ability in possession is considered one of his major strengths. Esenga has developed a reputation for his passing range and ability to contribute from set pieces, while his leadership and defensive work without the ball have also earned praise during his development at Fulham. Those qualities were particularly evident during an impressive campaign at Premier League 2 level.

Esenga registered three goals and 10 assists across 38 appearances for Fulham's youth side last season, demonstrating considerable attacking productivity for a player operating predominantly in defence. He has also represented England at Under-17 level.

Esenga chooses Sweden despite English interest
The decision to move to Sweden represents an interesting career choice given the interest Esenga attracted from clubs in England. Leyton Orient and Burton Albion were both reportedly interested in offering him a route into senior football, but Elfsborg have ultimately won the race for his signature.

The Swedish club are enjoying a strong campaign under Björn Hamberg and have been working to strengthen their squad before the country's transfer window closes on August 31. For Esenga, the priority at this stage of his career should be senior football, and Elfsborg could provide precisely that opportunity. His numbers for Fulham's development side demonstrate that he can offer considerably more than conventional defensive qualities, particularly going forward.

A four-year contract also suggests Elfsborg view Esenga as a long-term investment rather than simply an academy prospect. After progressing through Fulham's youth system, regular senior football in Sweden could now provide the platform he needs to take the next significant step in his career.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/12/jonathan-esenga-poised-to-join-if-elfsborg-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham midfielder Iwobi continues fine pre-season form with goal against Malaga
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi continued his impressive pre-season form, scoring as Fulham secured a 2-2 draw over Spanish side Malaga in a pre-season contest on Wednesday night.

The former Arsenal star found the net in the second half after Fulham and Malaga went into the break level at 1-1.

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring for the Premier League club in the 24th minute before Spanish striker Carlos Ruiz Rubio, popularly known as Chupete, restored parity for Malaga four minutes later.

Iwobi, however, restored Fulham's lead in the 57th minute, firing into an empty net after a fine team move, with Sessegnon providing the assist.

The Nigeria international was replaced a few minutes after the hour mark as Fulham looked to see out the contest and secure the victory.

However, Malaga restored parity late in the game, with Eneko Jauregi converting from the penalty spot deep into added time after the regulation 90 minutes had elapsed.

Iwobi has been a key figure for the Cottagers over the past few seasons under former manager Marco Silva, establishing himself as an important member of the squad.

Since joining Fulham, the Nigerian international has matured and developed greatly as a player, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists in 110 appearances across all competitions.

With the start of the new campaign around the corner, Iwobi will be keen to maintain his impressive form and help Fulham achieve their objectives during the 2026/2027 season.

Adeyemi Adewale



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/fulham-midfielder-iwobi-continues-fine-pre-season-form-with-goal-against-malaga

[WhiteJC]

Fulham players walk off pitch as Malaga score penalty into empty net
Fulham's pre-season match with Malaga descended into confusion after the final whistle


A Malaga player scores into an empty net following their pre-season friendly with Fulham.(Image: FFC TV)

Fulham players appeared to snub a penalty shootout and walk off the pitch following their pre-season clash with La Liga side Malaga.

A Malaga player was seen scoring into an empty net as his teammates rushed to celebrate around him after the goal, as Fulham players walked off the pitch.

The Cottagers pre-season friendly was a dramatic one, with new boss Alvaro Arbeloa shown a red card after the 90 minutes, with the game finishing 2-2.

The Fulham boss was seen remonstrating with the officials about something, clearly unhappy about the late awarding of a penalty, and was shown a straight red as the home fans jeered the decision.

His players shook hands with the opposition and applauded their travelling fans before walking off the pitch as Malaga stars watched on with confusion.

The Premier League side playing no part in a penalty shootout, as one Malaga star lined up a shot and scored into an empty net, to cheers from the home crowd.

However, Fulham have now released a statement explaining the confusion. It read: "Thank you for your excellent support in Malaga this evening!

"We can confirm that prior to the match, both teams agreed that there would not be a penalty shootout in the event of a draw."

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring for the Premier League side after 24 minutes, but their lead was short-lived.

Malaga's number nine Chupe equalised just four minutes later to ensure the two sides went into the break level.

However, the Cottagers restored their lead through Alex Iwobi just before the hour mark after some good play form Timothy Castagne.

It appeared as though Fulham were on course for their first win of pre-season, following on from a draw with Al Alhi and Crystal Palace, only for Eneko Jauregi to score a late penalty to draw in the dying embers of the game.

Instead of penalties deciding the game, Fulham stars made their way back to the dressing room as Malaga players stayed on the pitch infront of a confused crowd.

Malaga would be crowned Costa del Sol Trophy winners, despite the game ending in a draw.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-malaga-pre-season-statement-37545750