Monday Fulham Stuff - 11/09/23...

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Sources: Harrison Reed stance on agreeing Fulham deal revealed after Wolves offer
Fulham are very keen to keep Harrison Reed at the club after blocking a late-window move to Wolves, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (8 September) that the Midlands club submitted an offer of around £3million to Fulham for the 28-year-old's services.

That bid was rejected, and the ex-Southampton midfielder remains a Cottagers player.

However, Reed is only under contract at the west London outfit until June 2024 – meaning he can discuss a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January.

Fulham have the option to extend his stay a further 12 months, but it is believed talks over a new deal are in the works with the club keen to tie him down for a longer period.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the combative star would be "happy to extend his stay if a suitable offer arrives".

Reed's current contract nets him a reported wage of £30,000-a-week.

He has started four of a possible five games for Fulham so far this season – and has played 344 minutes in total.

Reed joined the Cottagers from Southampton in 2020 and was a key part of their promotion from the Championship in the 2021-22 campaign.

The ex-Norwich and Blackburn loanee has gone on to make 150 appearances across all competitions for Fulham, notching three goals and 11 assists.

The Londoners also managed to stave off summer interest in star man Joao Palhinha, who was close to joining Bayern Munich late in the window.

Fulham have picked up four points from their opening four games so far this season.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-harrison-reed-stance-on-agreeing-fulham-deal-revealed-after-wolves-offer/

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Sources: Joao Palhinha tells Fulham he wants Bayern move in January after failed summer switch
Joao Palhinha has made it clear that he wants to leave Fulham and join Bayern Munich in January, TEAMtalk understands.

The Portuguese midfielder was close to joining the Bundesliga champions in the summer transfer window, but the deal collapsed because Fulham were unable to find a replacement for him.

Bayern have told Palhinha that they will make another attempt to sign him in January. The Bavarian club are still in the market for a defensive midfielder and the two parties already agreed terms in the final few days of the window.

Fulham made it clear they would have allowed him to leave on the final day of the window if they could sign a replacement and they let him fly to Munich and undergo a medical.

Now, Palhinha has emphasised to Fulham that he expects them to greenlight his departure in the New Year.

We have been told by sources close to the player that he will continue to play for Fulham and do his best, but they fully expect him to push for his switch to Bayern.

To make sure Bayern return for him he knows he will have to perform to the standard he did last season following his move from Sporting Lisbon.

Earlier this month, Palhinha's brother, who acts as his agent, implied his transfer to Bayern has been 'postponed' and not 'killed'.

"They didn't kill the dream, they just postponed it," Goncalo Palhinha said. "Very proud of my brother and the player I represent.

"Words of appreciation, recognition and thanks to the entire Bayern structure. The affection for the club in our family will remain forever even though my brother didn't sign."

Palhinha is under contract with Fulham until 2027 and has made 43 appearances for the club at the time of writing.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/exclusive-joao-palhinha-tells-fulham-wants-bayern-move-january-failed-summer-switch

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Fan Engagement Plan
The Fulham Supporters' Trust welcomes publication of the Government's Football Governance White Paper and Fulham Football Club's Fan Engagement Plan.

The Trust, formed from our successful Back to the Cottage campaign in 2003, has consistently campaigned for a greater voice for fans and made the case for an independent regulator for football as long ago as in our submission to the 2011 review of the game's governance carried out by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. We are pleased that Government's White Paper, entitled A Sustainable Future – Reforming Club Football Governance, emphasises the need for independent regulation of our game and that engagement with fans will be overseen by the regulator.

Elected Trust representatives have held a monthly meeting with senior figures at Fulham Football Club, including Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh, since 2014 and our dialogue on behalf of Fulham fans was enshrined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties in 2017.

Fulham's Fan Engagement Plan sets out a roadmap towards the establishment of a Fan Advisory Board as mandated by the Premier League. The Trust's representatives are eager to participate in further discussions ahead of the agreement of the Fan Advisory Board's terms of reference and composition, but we have been clear in our discussions with the Club that we would not support any dilution of our existing dialogue.

We look forward to working in partnership with Fulham Football Club and the Fulham Disabled Supporters' Association alongside the football authorities and the Football Supporters' Association to further the interests of Fulham fans both at Craven Cottage and across the British game.

Simon Duke
Chair



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/09/fan-engagement-plan/

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Jiménez inspires Mexico comeback
Raúl Jiménez's second-half spot-kick sparked a Mexico comeback as Australia squandered a 2-0 lead in their friendly against El Tri in Texas last night.

The Socceroos, who handed former Fulham academy graduate Cameron Burgess an international debut, established a strong position through Harry Souttar's thumping header from a corner and a penalty from Martin Boyle, after Santiago Gimenez had spurned a great chance to equalise for the Mexicans – smashing his own spot-kick into the woodwork.

Jiménez made no mistake from the spot, beating Mat Ryan from twelve yards after Burgess had brought down Uriel Autana in the area. The Fulham striker's 33rd senior international goal came nine minutes after he was introduced as a substitute by new manager Jaime Lozano, who recalled the former Wolves forward having been appointed national team boss earlier this summer. Debutant Cesta Huerta curled home an equaliser with seven minutes to play – and Mexico might easily have grabbed a winner in a frantic finale.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/jimenez-inspires-mexico-comeback/

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PL star tells club he wants January transfer, Man United boss Erik ten Hag is a big fan
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has reportedly told his club that he wants to leave as soon as the opportunity arises again in the January transfer window.

The Portugal international has impressed in the Premier League and it makes sense that he has attracted a lot of interest in recent times, with The Athletic recently reporting that Man Utd showed an interest in signing him before moving for Sofyan Amrabat instead, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag a big fan of the player.

According to a report from Team Talk, it seems Palhinha remains eager to leave Craven Cottage, with Bayern Munich his preferred destination despite the previous links with United.

One imagines MUFC won't make another signing in that area of the pitch after the deal for Amrabat, while Ten Hag also has the likes of Casemiro and Scott McTominay to choose from in that department.

A move to Bayern could make sense, however, as Palhinha could be a fine signing to replace Ryan Gravenberch, who moved to Liverpool late on in the summer.

This is a blow for Fulham, who will surely have been hoping to keep their star player after only narrowly avoiding losing him in the summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/09/10/joao-palhinha-tells-fulham-he-wants-bayern-transfer/

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Nigeria announce starting XI: PL stars Aina, Bassey, Awoniyi start; Ndidi in midfield; Onyemaechi debuts
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has announced his starting lineup for the national team's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sao Tome and Príncipe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Omonia Nicosia glovesman Francis Uzoho has returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the matchday five fixture against Serra Leone due to accumulated bookings.

Semi Ajayi is partnered in the centre of defence by Fulham's Calvin Bassey, meaning Jordan Torunarigha starts on the bench.

Boavista left-back Bruno Onyemaechi finally gets to make his international debut after he was an unused substitute in three previous matches, while Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina gets the nod at right-back over Tyronne Ebuehi.

In the absence of Alex Iwobi, who hasn't been called up due to injury, Wilfred Ndidi is joined in midfield by Frank Onyeka

Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman and in-form Nottingham Forest player Taiwo Awoniyi will operate further up the pitch, while Victor Osimhen is preferred over Bayer Leverkusen new star Victor Boniface to lead the attack.

Nigeria's starting lineup: Uzoho; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iheanacho, Lookman; Awoniyi, Osimhen.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=48767

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'Awful deal': Arsenal told selling 31-year-old a 'nightmare' as he outperforms World Cup winner
Charles Watts says Mikel Arteta's Arsenal selling Bernd Leno to Fulham has proven to be an 'awful deal'.

Arsenal sold the 31-year-old to Fulham last summer and Watts also feels that Bernd Leno has outperformed Aston Villa goalkeeper and Argentina World Cup winner, Emiliano Martinez, in between the sticks, as he told Inside Arsenal.

Of course, both players were at Arsenal, but after realising they could no longer be number one, they moved onto a new chapter of their careers.

For Emiliano Martinez, he stepped in for Leno when he got injured, but then realised upon the German's return, he wasn't going to get back into the XI and moved to Villa.

Whilst Leno himself was pushed out by Aaron Ramsdale, who ironically enough, could now get a taste of his own medicine with summer loan signing, David Raya.

Nonetheless, this is what Arsenal-based journalist Watts had to say about Leno's performances since he headed for the Emirates exit door.

Leno v Martinez
"I think that's harsh on Leno," said Watts. "I think Leno, last season, had a better season than Martinez. Obviously, Martinez won the World Cup, which was very, very good and he was great in that tournament.

"But, in the Premier League last season, I don't think there was a better goalkeeper than Leno. He was brilliant for Fulham. It just (proved) that Arsenal (selling him) to Fulham was a nightmare. An awful deal for Arsenal. And he has been great for Fulham, Leno. I don't think Martinez has been great for Aston Villa, by any means."

Leno and Arsenal made the right call
Yes, Leno has been outstanding for Arsenal, but that doesn't mean that Mikel Arteta should have kept him on board last summer.

This was a move that suited all parties. Aaron Ramsdale has taken Arsenal's game up a level, whilst Leno has improved ten-fold at Craven Cottage.

In truth, if it wasn't for the eight-game suspension of Aleksandar Mitrovic, then they might have even finished in Europe.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/09/10/awful-deal-arsenal-told-selling-31-year-old-a-nightmare-as-he-outperforms-world-cup-winner/

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'It will happen' – Tottenham guaranteed to make vital addition Postecoglou is desperate for in January
Tottenham Hotspur journalist Alisdair Gold has claimed that Tottenham will definitely sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou has brought in Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg this summer and has already nailed down a consistent spot in Spurs' starting XI.

Van de Ven has put in some solid performances so far this season, with Tottenham winning three and drawing one of their four Premier League matches so far.

Given Davinson Sanchez's recent £12.8m move to Galatasaray, however, and the growing uncertainty surrounding Eric Dier, Tottenham could certainly do with signing a new centre-back.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly is one potential option, although Newcastle and Liverpool are also in the race for him.

Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo has also been discussed by the Tottenham hierarchy.

The defender's contract at Craven Cottage is set to expire at the end of the season and he has no intention of signing an extension. He would therefore be a cheaper addition than Kelly.

Tottenham tipped to secure new centre-back
Gold has now asserted that Tottenham have no choice but to prioritise the signing of a centre-back in the January transfer window.

Speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast, he said: "With Sanchez's departure, they have that £12.8m to go towards a new January recruit.

"Let's be honest, in January they are signing a new centre-back, they are, it's something Postecoglou wanted this summer, it didn't happen, it will happen in January, it kind of has to."

Lloyd Kelly is valued at around £20m by Bournemouth, so he may prove to be too expensive for Tottenham if they are only willing to spend £12.8m on a new centre-back, as suggested by Gold.

Adarabioyo, as mentioned, would be cheaper, and Spurs have had the Fulham defender on their radar for some time.

Postecoglou was very interested in a move for the 25-year-old centre-back throughout the summer window, especially after a proposed switch to French side Monaco fell through.

A late exit from Craven Cottage failed to materialise, however, and Adarabioyo is now out in the cold under Marco Silva.

Adarabioyo joined Fulham from Manchester City's academy back in 2020 and the club activated an extension in January this year, keeping him at Craven Cottage until next summer.

Since his arrival, the 6ft5 defender has made 108 appearances for Fulham across all competitions, netting three goals and laying on two assists.

He could provide quality competition for the likes of Van de Ven and Cristian Romero at Tottenham, so it will be interesting to see if they make a concrete bid for the Fulham man when the transfer window re-opens.



https://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/spurs-guaranteed-to-make-vital-addition-postecoglou-tottenham-desperate-for

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Captain America! Tim Ream reacts to 'special' USMNT moment after taking armband for home-town game in St. Louis
Tim Ream admits it was "special" to take the USMNT captain's armband for a home-town outing against Uzbekistan in St. Louis.

    Fulham defender skippered his country
    Did so when returning to his roots
    Kept clean sheet in a 3-0 victory

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Missouri native was asked to lead his country out at CITYPARK on Saturday. The likes of Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic were also included in the United States' starting XI, but it was Ream that was asked to skipper the side.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
The veteran Fulham defender played the full 90 minutes as the U.S. ran out 3-0 winners on the day, with a clean sheet secured in a friendly contest that saw Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Pulisic among the goals.

WHAT THEY SAID
Ream told the USMNT's official media at the end of a memorable occasion for him: "It's special. Saw a lot of faces I knew – friends, family, ex team-mates. A lot of people that helped me on the way to get here. To be able to lead the team out, it's always an honour. It's always an honour to represent your country and represent soccer in the U.S. To be able to do it in your home town makes it that much more special."

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Ream, who is now 35 years of age and made his senior international debut back in 2010, is up to 52 appearances for his country. He will be hoping to figure again in a meeting with Oman on Tuesday, but Gregg Berhalter may ring the changes for that contest as he looks to give everybody game time.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/captain-america-tim-ream-reacts-special-usmnt-moment-armband-home-town-st-louis/blt5d9be6a5b1447872#csc46c9f0b0ac0c09a

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Buchele and Foreman seal late Fulham FC Women win
Late strikes from substitutes Ede Buchele and Tia Foreman secured a second successive win for Fulham FC Women in a six-goal thriller against Ebbsfleet United Women on a scorching afternoon at Motspur Park.

The hosts showed character to come back from conceding an early goal when they failed to deal with an Ebbsfleet corner allowing Amelia Woodgate to score her fourth goal of the season in the fifteenth minute. Sasha Adamson went close to equalising for the Whites within three minutes when she headed over a devilish delivery from Georgia Heasman, but Steve Jaye's side did level midway through the first half following a flowing move. Adamson found the bottom corner with a fine finish to score her second goal in as many games.

The equaliser appeared to give the hosts real confidence and Sophie Manzi showed all of her predatory instincts to put Fulham ahead six minutes before the break when she punished a defensive mistake and slotted home impressively, keeping her cool as the recovering Ebbsfleet defenders sought to crowd her out. But the visitors scored a second of their own just before the break when Amy Russ fired home after an error from Becky Stormer.

United initially looked in control after the resumption, hitting the post as they sought to regain the lead. But the introduction of teenage striker Buchele from the bench tilted the match in Fulham's favour. After Betty Barron-Clark had drilled wide from distance, Buchele found a finish from close range with five minutes remaining after an almighty melee in the Ebbsfleet box.

The visitors went all out to find an equaliser and Fulham were indebted to Stormer who made a goal-saving intervention in her own penalty area. Foreman put the game between Ebbsfleet at the other end – emphatically heading home an excellent cross from Buchele to make sure of all three points.

The Whites will look to make it three wins in a row against second-placed Saltdean United, who have won all three of their fixtures so far, at Hill Park next Sunday.

FULHAM FC WOMEN (3-4-3): Parker; Tagliavini, Stormer, Dale; Parsonon, Mendes, Hill, Barron-Clark; Adamson, Heasman, Manzi. Subs: Southgate, Foreman, Panting, Lambird, Buchele.

GOALS: Adamson (26), Manzi (39), Buchele (85), Foreman (89).

EBBSFLEET UNITED WOMEN: Roberts; Iron, Waud, Porter, O'Shea, Clifford, A. Woodgate, M. Woodgate, Russ, Hewitt, Carlton. Subs: O'Neill, Simmons, Fulgence, Jestin, Reynolds.

GOALS: A. Woodgate (15), Russ (44).

REFEREE: Lucy Clarke

ATTENDANCE: 143



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/buchele-and-foreman-seal-late-fulham-fc-women-win/

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Ream revels in 'special' St. Louis homecoming
Fulham centre back Tim Ream enjoyed an emotional homecoming overnight – captaining his country in his home town of St. Louis as the United States beat Uzbekistan 3-0 in an international friendly.

The 35 year-old defender, who returned to the USA set-up and played every minute of their World Cup campaign last winter having performed peerlessly in Fulham's first campaign back in the Premier League, wore the captain's armband at CITYPARK on Saturday night as goals from Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi and Christian Pulisic secured a straightforward win for the States.

Speaking to the USMNT website after the final whistle, Ream said:

"It's special. I saw a lot of faces I knew – friends, family, ex team-mates. A lot of people that helped me on the way to get here. To be able to lead the team out, it's always an honour. It's always an honour to represent your country and represent soccer in the U.S. To be able to do it in your home town makes it that much more special."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/ream-revels-in-special-st-louis-homecoming/

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Scott McTominay Could Move to Fulham as Palhinha Replacement in January
When the summer transfer window began, Scott McTominay was far from being being designated a first choice defensive midfielder at Manchester United. Then the club opened the window by signing Mason Mount from Chelsea. They closed the window by signing Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina.

This sent a strong message to the incumbent holding midfielders, including McTominay. The window closed, and he's still here, but maybe not for long.

McTominay was supposed to be the replacement for Fulham midfielder João Palhinha this summer, who had a move to Bayern Munich in the final stages, before it collapsed.

The Bundesliga dominating club had a deal agreed for the 28-year-old, and he even had his medical completed. He really thought his dream move was going to happen, but it collapsed at the very end.

Poor guy!

That's because the Cottagers pulled out in the 11th hour, due to their inability to find a replacement, creating what was truly one of the most bizarre transfer sagas in recent memory.

That replacement was supposed to be McTominay, a player that seems to perform much much better for country, with Scotland, than he does for club.

(This international period has really conveyed that).

However, when the January transfer window opens, both moves could be back on, according to TeamTalk. And honestly, this would make sense for all involved.



https://www.thesportsbank.net/football/manchester-united/mctominay-fulham-palhinha/

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Luton – Played For Both Revisited – Fulham
This Saturday, the Hatters make the short trip to West London to take on Fulham, at Craven Cottage.

The travelling support, plus thousands unable to get a ticket for the game, will be hoping that their side can get their first points of the season, a win would be great but a draw would also be a result.

Last time the Hatters ventured to this particular spot, in West London, they were on the end of a 7-0 rout, a very bleak night for all who travelled.

Back in December 2021, I ran an article – they-played-for-both-fulham – where I concocted and XI (plus substitute), of players who had played for both teams, with the XI (plus substitute) looking as thus:

Goalkeeper – David Button

Defender – Alex Lawless
Defender – Alan Nielson
Defender – Stacey North
Defender – Richard Money

Midfield – Alan Slough
Midfield – Mark Pembridge
Midfield – John Ryan

Striker – Malcolm MacDonald
Striker – Vivian Busby
Striker – Vic Halom

Substitute – Tony Thorpe

Manager – Alec Stock

As can be seen I also included a manager, with the legend that is Alec Stock having managed both clubs.

Also, as is the norm, I invited the readership to send in, via our comment facility, any other players they could muster that fitted the qualifying criteria.

Three players names were submitted:

• Cauley Woodrow
• Robert Wilson
• Elijah Adebayo

But my big question to you, is whether any of the above trio would force their way into the original XI (plus substitute) I compiled?

My thoughts, after much deliberation, is thet they would not.

Is that a view you concur with or would you beg to differ?

Please feel free to air your views in the comment facility beneath this article.

COYH



https://luton.vitalfootball.co.uk/luton-played-for-both-revisited-fulham/

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Fulham: Positive update on future of midfield star
The midfielder was linked with a move away in the summer...

Fulham didn't have the easiest of summer transfer windows, having lost Aleksandar Mitrovic late on to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, and eventually winning their battle to keep hold of Joao Palhinha after his move to Bayern Munich reportedly collapsed.

On the pitch, meanwhile, they haven't been at their best, winning just once in their opening four games, and conceding 10 goals in the process. Marco Silva will hope that the Cottagers settle down after the international break, and pick up a comfortable victory up against Luton Town.

Now that the transfer window is shut, they can at least focus on results, and ensuring that key players put pen to paper on new deals. And that's exactly what one particular player would be willing to do, despite being linked with a move away in the summer transfer window.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?
Those around Craven Cottage would have breathed a sigh of relief when the news of Palhinha's stay filtered around the club. The midfielder will be a Fulham player until January at the very least, when they will likely have a battle on their hands once more.

Another midfielder who was linked with a move away in the summer was Harrison Reed. According to Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a £3m bid for Reed late on in the window, only to see that offer turned down.

Now, as per Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Reed would be 'happy to extend' his Fulham contract 'if a suitable offer arrives'. As things stand, of course, the former Southampton midfielder's contract comes to an end next summer, meaning that he'll be free to negotiate an exit ahead of next season from January.

With Palhinha's future uncertain, the last thing that Fulham need is another midfielder bidding farewell, arguably making a new contract for Reed imperative in the coming months.

How has Harrison Reed performed this season?
So far this season, whilst he is yet to reach the heights of last season, much like the rest of his Fulham teammates, Reed has still impressed at times, as the stats show.

According to FBref, the midfielder has made 1.67 progressive passes per 90, as well as maintaining a pass completion rate of 85.7% in four games played so far this season. He has also won one tackle per game so far, in what has been a season of showing glimpses as things are going.

With plenty of the season left to come, however, both Reed and Fulham have plenty of time to get up to speed, possibly returning to last season's form in the process.

Silva is certainly a fan of his player, too, saying via The Athletic, after Reed scored against Swansea City a couple of years ago:

"I congratulated him straight away, because he had a very good game. I think it was his first 90 minutes this season. I congratulated him on the way he played 90 minutes.

"He's playing in a different position and he is adapting really well. I know he can be very good in the No 6 position, but he can play a little bit higher up the pitch with his mobility as well."



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-news-harrison-reed-fulham-marco-silva-premier-league/

[Jims Dentist]

Forgot Harry Bales in playing for both clubs.