Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 05/06/24...

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Fulham can sign player for around €8m – Had been prepared to more than double that in January
On April 23rd, Sky Deutschland reported Fulham are still keen on Silas Katompa Mvumpa, after VfB Stuttgart rejected their offer in the winter market.

The Premier League side continue to be named as a contender for the winger in the summer window.

Bild now state Fulham and four other clubs are interested in the 25-year-old, and his future is likely to be away from the Bundesliga side.

The DR Congo international saw his game time limited in the recently concluded season. He clocked in less than 1,000 minutes from 30 games, scoring seven goals and registering six assists in the process.

That hasn't stopped Fulham, Villarreal, Auxerre and RC Lens from looking at the player for the next window. As well as these four clubs, Leeds United wanted to sign him at all costs, but that no longer seem to be the case after their play-off final loss.

According to Bild, Silas doesn't fit into Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß's system, and he no longer wants to spend time on the bench. Therefore, the German club would be ready to sanction his sale.

Bild say Stuttgart invested around €8m to buy Silas in 2019, and they are looking for a similar fee to part ways with him.

This should be reasonable for Marco Silva's side, who were reportedly prepared to offer around €20m for the player in January.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-still-keen-player-failed-attempt-january-silvas-side-can-secure-signing-lower-price/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Transfer expert hints PL club are "exploring" potential raid on Arsenal this summer
Fulham are exploring options to sign a new striker this summer amid transfer rumours linking them with a possible move for Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano explained that there's nothing advanced or concrete happening with Fulham and Nketiah at the moment, though it seems a replacement for Armando Broja is something Marco Silva's side are looking into.

Nketiah could be a decent option for someone like Fulham to consider, even if he hasn't played regularly for Arsenal for some time now, with an exit from the Emirates Stadium seeming highly likely for this summer.

Nketiah would likely get more playing time at Fulham, and could be more at his level for a mid-table Premier League side, with Arsenal surely now needing to aim for higher standards now that Mikel Arteta has them challenging for the Premier League title and competing in the Champions League again.

Nketiah transfer: Could Arsenal striker be on the move to Fulham?
"After seeing Emile Smith Rowe linked with Fulham, and I told you here that he's been discussed internally, there is now also talk of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah being another target for Fulham this summer," Romano said.

"For now my information is that Fulham are considering to bring in several players this summer, including a new centre-back, a quality midfield player like Smith-Rowe and potentially new striker with Armando Broja leaving after his loan from Chelsea."

He added: "With Nketiah, it's not something advanced so far but Fulham are exploring the market."

Arsenal fans will surely wish Nketiah well, but at the same time one imagines most of them will feel it's the right time for the 25-year-old to be moved on so the club can have the very highest quality and reliable squad depth in each position.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/06/04/nketiah-transfer-fulham-exploring-striker-option/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham exploring Sessegnon return
Fulham are interested in bringing Ryan Sessegnon back to Craven Cottage this summer, according to the Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

Sessegnon, who broke into Fulham's first team as a sixteen year-old and scored 25 goals in 120 games, will leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the month after an injury-plagued four years since his £25m move following Fulham's relegation in 2019. The 24 year-old made only one appearance for Spurs last season and, while both the player and Marco Silva are keen to explore a potential deal, there are concerns about the fact that Sessegnon has only played 86 games since leaving the Cottage. His most successful was on loan at Hoffenheim in 2020-2021, where he scored twice in 29 games.

Sessegnon, who starred as a left winger in Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion winning side in 2018, struggled to establish himself at left back with Spurs but would offer valuable depth in two positions. Fulham are eager to add a younger left-wing option with Willian weighing up his future and 31 year-old Bobby De Cordova-Reid in talks to extend his current contract. The Whites will also need cover at left back for Antonee Robinson with Fode Ballo-Toure having returned to AC Milan.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/06/fulham-exploring-sessegnon-return/

[WhiteJC]

Insistence joining Fulham this summer isn't a 'step backwards' – Marco Silva a big factor
Portuguese newspaper Record today features a two-page interview with Gonçalo Santos, who'll be joining Fulham this summer.

The coach used to be an assistant at Casa Pia, and in the past few months he was given the opportunity to be an interim manager for 13 games.

That's when Marco Silva called him to join him at Fulham. Since Luis Boa Morte is leaving to take charge of Guinea-Bissau, there's an open spot in the coaching team.

Santos has now explained his reasons for accepting the invitation, claiming that even though he had just become a first team manager, he needed to take this job now and that it isn't a 'step backwards'.

"No. I finished my playing career three years ago and came to the 1st League after two years as a coach, but I also realise that I haven't finished my training, I don't have UEFA Pro level and that's a handicap, not being able to sit on the bench. So I'm going to finish my training and the decision was very much influenced by that."

The coach also talked about Marco Silva's call, explaining it will be a pleasure to work with him at Fulham.

"Yes, of course. Marco Silva is someone I respect and admire a lot. After everything we've been through together at Estoril, the club's most beautiful history, he's someone I've followed throughout my career and with whom I identify as a coach. This invitation will give me the chance to work with one of Portugal's best coaches. Apart from José Mourinho, who opened the doors to the world for us, I think Marco is perhaps the best Portuguese coach at the moment, on a par with Rúben Amorim.

"He's the only one who's been at four different Premier League clubs, stabilised and very well regarded in England. He's going to give me the chance to grow and learn and I'm going to the best league in the world, because after the Premier League there's nothing else."

Santos even admitted he considered staying at Casa Pia, who finished the Portuguese League in 9th, with him having a record of five wins, three draws and five defeats. He says he rejected other offers before, but ended up accepting Fulham's.

"Yes, because you feel things are going well. When public opinion and the feedback from everyone who works with you is very positive, you feel the urge to lead a process. I had that opportunity during my time at Casa Pia, but it was my decision."

The interview didn't have many direct questions about Fulham, which is probably something that was agreed in advance.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/insistence-joining-fulham-summer-isnt-step-backwards-marco-silva-big-factor/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in pole position to sign Eddie Nketiah
Fulham are leading the race for the signature of Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah amidst interest from Everton and Crystal Palace.

According to a report from The Sun, Fulham are front-runners for the services of Eddie Nketiah. The Arsenal academy graduate is expected to be on the move in the summer in search of regular first-team action and there is no shortage of interest in him from clubs in the English top flight.

Nketiah joined the Arsenal youth ranks from Chelsea back in 2015. In the winter of 2019, he got promoted to their first team before being sent on a short loan to Leeds for the first half of the 2019/20 season. While he has been a part of their first team for years now, the English forward has only had limited game time.

The 25-year-old was involved in 37 matches during the 2023/24 season but he was on the pitch for just over 1,300 minutes and still ended up contributing towards nine goals (6 goals, 3 assists). While Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of their academy graduate and wants him at the club next season as well, the player is pushing for a move away from the club.

The English striker is aware of the fact that they want to bring in a new number nine which could see him go further down the pecking order, as a result, he wants to secure a move away from the club before the start of next season.

English club's keen on Nketiah's services
There is interest in his signature from Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham. The Eagles have a lot of quality on the flanks but they need more firepower up top and want a number nine who can add goals. Nketiah has shown great promise over the years and he could be a great fit for them.

While Everton did manage to survive in the English top flight, they had the second-worst attack last time out. As a result, reinforcing the attack is a priority for them and the Arsenal academy graduate is a part of their wishlist. The Toffees are looking to sign him on a season-long loan deal, something which could appeal to the Gunners because they are reluctant to let Nketiah leave.

But, with Arsenal pushing hard for Benjamin Sesko's services, they could look to raise funds by sanctioning the permanent departure of the 25-year-old. While Everton and Crystal Palace are in the thick of things, they are behind Fulham in the race for his signature.

The Cottagers who parted ways with Aleksandar Mitrovic last summer haven't been able to replace him. They desperately looking for a new number nine ahead of next season and feel Nketiah could be an ideal fit for them. Fulham are currently in pole position to land him at the club and are willing to pay up to £30 million for him.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/06/04/fulham-in-pole-position-to-sign-eddie-nketiah/

[WhiteJC]

Rodak ready to leave Fulham
Marek Rodak is likely to leave Fulham this summer in search of first-team football, according to the Athletic.

The Whites have offered a contract to the Slovakian international goalkeeper as his contract deal expires this summer, but the 27 year-old is set to move on after making just two league appearances in the past two seasons. Rodak, who moved to Motspur Park from Kosice at the age of sixteen, twice helped Fulham win promotion from the Championship only to be overlooked in the top flight.

He started the 2022/23 campaign in goal but was dropped for Bernd Leno having kept a clean sheet at Wolverhampton Wanderers – and has had to settle for cup football since then. Rodak, who has won 21 senior caps for his country, has made 102 first-team appearances for Fulham but his last first-team outing came as Marco Silva's side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Newcastle United in January.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/06/rodak-ready-to-leave-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham and Chelsea make contact over signing Fulham star – Journalist
Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt for a new striker this summer, and Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz could be their latest target. However, they will face competition from Chelsea for the Brazilian.

With Spurs failing to replace Harry Kane last summer, it was down to Heung-min Son and Richarlison to lead the line for the 2023/24 campaign.

The pair contributed 28 league goals between them, but it's clear Ange Postecoglou needs reinforcements in that area to supplement his attacking style of football.

A number of names have been mentioned already ahead of the summer transfer window, and it remains unclear who Spurs will actually sign. But, it is thought a striker is a high priority for the club this year.

Spurs and Chelsea fighting over Fulham man
A new name has now entered the fray, as GOAL Brazil reporter, Thiago Fernandes, has claimed Spurs are interested in Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz.

Fernandes tweeted: "Former Flamengo, Rodrigo Muniz gains value at Fulham and attracts the attention of greats in England. Chelsea and Tottenham made contact for the centre forward."

The 23-year-old had a great season with Fulham, registering ten goals and one assist in 33 games across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Muniz signed for Fulham in 2021, before spending the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Middlesbrough in the Championship. His breakthrough season with the Cottagers could now end up being his last, as other clubs begin to sniff around him.

Muniz was named Premier League Player of the Month for March, after scoring four goals in four games.

Spurs Web Opinion
Muniz did well for Fulham last season, but I don't think he is the answer to our needs up top. He's young, and could well continue to improve, but I would want to see at least another season of success from him before we think about signing him.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/tottenham-and-chelsea-make-contact-over-signing-fulham-star-journalist/

[WhiteJC]

Charlotte make Ream move
Charlotte FC are close to completing an audacious move to sign Fulham veteran Tim Ream, according to reports from America.

The North Carolina-based MLS outfit are seeking to bolster their playing squad after a strong start to the 2024 campaign under former Brentford and Aston Villa manager Dean Smith. Charlotte are fifth in the Eastern Conference and have opened talks with Ream, who is receptive to possibility of returning to his homeland after nine years at Craven Cottage. The 36 year-old signed a contract extension with the Whites last Christmas to extend his stay in SW6 until next summer.

The popular defender has made 312 appearances for Fulham since signing from Bolton Wanderers in September 2015. Ream's longevity makes him the 24th highest appearance maker in Fulham's 145-year history. He convinced Slavisa Jokanovic to retain his services after being told he had no future under the Serbian in 2016 and became a pivotal part of three Championship promotion-winning sides. Most astonishingly of all, Ream became a key figure as Marco Silva's side finished in the top half of the Premier League in 2023 and started twelve of the first thirteen league games last season, captaining the side in the absence of Tom Cairney.

Ream, who has won 56 caps for his country and played every minute as the United States reached the second round of the World Cup in 2022, aspires to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the States, Canada and Mexico. He found his first-team opportunities diminished by the impressive form of Calvin Bassey and is likely to get more frequent game time with Charlotte.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/06/charlotte-make-ream-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham consider re-signing Ryan Sessegnon
Fulham are considering bringing their academy graduate Ryan Sessegnon back to the club ahead of next season.

According to a report from The Athletic, Fulham are interested in bringing Ryan Sessegnon back to the club. Their former academy graduate will soon be a free agent with his contract at Tottenham running out and the Cottagers have discussed the possibility of re-signing him.

Sessegnon made the move to the North London club in the summer of 2019 after coming up the ranks at Fulham and making a name for himself while playing for their first team.

The move to Spurs hasn't worked out as planned for the former English youth international as he has been subject to multiple injuries during his time in North London. He has never really been available for an entire and has only featured in 57 matches for the club over the years.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the 24-year-old has been on the pitch for just seven minutes thanks to his struggle with injuries. He penned down a five-year with an option for another 12 months when he joined Spurs. That contract is running out in a month and Tottenham have decided against the option of extending his stay.

Fulham are considering bringing Sessegnon back
They are ready to part ways with the left-midfielder in the summer. With the 24-year-old available for free, his former club Fulham are considering making a move for him. The Cottagers are looking for opportunities to bolster their squad further ahead of next season.

They do not have much depth on the left flank and Marco Silva is keen on adding the needed depth in the summer. Sessegnon could be a great addition to their squad as he can feature both in the defensive side of things as well as a left winger if needed.

The Cottagers have internally discussed the idea of signing him but these are only preliminary talks, there is nothing concrete about them. While he is available for free, the fact that he is injury-prone is something that could go against the 24-year-old



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/06/05/fulham-consider-re-signing-ryan-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

Charlotte FC and Fulham in advanced talks for USMNT defender - report

    Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC is reportedly in advanced talks for Tim Ream
    The USMNT defender has 312 career appearances for Fulham
    Ream's contract expires in 2025, though a deal is not yet done.

Major League Soccer team Charlotte FC is in advanced talks with Premier League club Fulham to sign USMNT defender Tim Ream, TopBin90 first reported.

According to The Athletic's Tom Bogert, a deal is not yet done for the defender. Ream has made 312 appearances for Fulham since signing with the club in 2015. Ream appeared in 13 of Fulham's first 15 games of the 2023/24 Premier League Season before suffering a calf injury. After returning, he only played in five of the club's last 18 games.

Ream was named to Gregg Berhalter's Copa America training camp roster with friendlies against Colombia and Brazil scheduled. He joins club teammate Antonee Robinson on the roster. Ream has 56 caps for the United States, playing in all four of the USMNT's games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson

Marco Silva preferred Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey as Fulham's backline duo for the last half of the season. Adarabioyo is leaving Fulham on a free transfer this summer, so Ream leaving would mark a major change in Fulham's defensive continuity and options.

Charlotte FC, under former Aston Villa and Norwich City manager Dean Smith, are off to a strong start in MLS losing just one of its last seven games. Charlotte is currently fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference. Adding Ream would strengthen a defense that's conceded the fourth-least amount of goals in the East so far this season. Ream not only brings a ton of experience, but also leadership as he was Fulham's captain in the club's first 12 of 13 games.

Charlotte has also been linked with a potential move for former Borussia Dortmund player Marco Reus, though LA Galaxy reportedly reached an agreement with the club for Reus' discovery rights.



https://www.90min.com/posts/charlotte-fc-and-fulham-in-advanced-talks-for-usmnt-defender-report

[WhiteJC]

Tim Ream to MLS? Charlotte FC closing in on signing USMNT star from Premier League side Fulham
Fulham's USMNT defender Tim Ream is closing in on a move to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC this summer.

    Charlotte in talks with Ream
    Defender interested in a move
    Under contract at Fulham until 2025

WHAT HAPPENED?

Charlotte FC have opened transfer talks with Ream and the defender is said to be open to a move back to the United States from the Premier League side, a source told TopBin90. The MLS club are keen to strengthen this summer and a transfer for Ream is said to be a "good possibility."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ream joined Fulham in 2015 and signed a new contract at the club in December that runs until 2025. The 36-year-old has been an important player for the Cottagers and started 17 Premier League games last season, despite missing a chunk of the campaign through injury. However, it now seems he may be about to call time on his career with the London club and head for a fresh challenge back in the States.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ream has made 312 appearances for Fulham since joining the club from Bolton in 2015. Back in September 2023 he became the first Cottagers player to make 300 outings for the club in more than 26 years.

WHAT NEXT

A move to Charlotte FC would see Ream bring experience and authority to a team currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference table after an impressive start. Ream is currently with the USMNT squad after being called up for friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/tim-ream-mls-charlotte-fc-closing-signing-usmnt-star-premier-league-side-fulham/blt4484a490bac2d25c#cs4078461d99993e12