Friday Fulham Stuff - 05/07/24...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'lead race' for Newcastle United and West Ham 'target' with Man Utd set for major transfer call
Fulham are currently the frontrunners to sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer.

McTominay is wanted by a quartet of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, with the midfielder set to leave Old Trafford this summer. McTominay has been a long-term target for the Magpies as they look to bolster their midfield options, however, it has been reported by Manchester World that Fulham currently lead the way for his signature.

They report that the Red Devils 'expect' a bid from the Cottagers this summer for the Scotland international and that Manchester United would be 'willing' to sell McTominay this summer should they receive an acceptable offer for his services. McTominay made 37 appearances in all competitions last season for Erik ten Hag's side but may be sold this summer in order to fund further transfers.

West Ham and newly-promoted Southampton have also been linked with a move for the 27-year-old this summer.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/fulham-lead-race-for-newcastle-united-and-west-ham-target-with-man-utd-set-for-major-transfer-call-4690016

[WhiteJC]

Premier League club leading the race to sign Man United star Scott McTominay
Joao Palhinha is still pressing for a move to Bayern Munich and because of that Fulham have intensified their interest in the pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

A number of Premier League teams, including Fulham, are interested in signing Man United's McTominay during the summer transfer window.

Should Palhinha leave the club to join the German giants, the Cottagers may find themselves in need of signing a defensive midfield player as soon as possible this summer.

According to Manchester World, McTominay is now the favourite to sign for Fulham, as manager Marco Silva is eager to get him to Craven Cottage.

McTominay would reunite with former Man Untied teammate Andreas Pereira at the London club, but other suitors, including Newcastle, West Ham Southampton are also considering the 27-year-old.

McTominay had a decent season in spite of United's difficulties in 2023–24, scoring a career-high ten goals in all competitions.

Under Erik ten Hag, the 27-year-old has been crucial to the team. Last season, his goals enabled United to win significant points.

However, he was not a regular starter at the club and with a new midfielder expected to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, McTominay will remain on the bench if he stays at the club next season.

McTominay should consider Man United exit
A move away from Old Trafford is good for all the parties as Man United would be getting the funds they need for new signings and the player will become a first team starter away from Old Trafford.

McTominay's contract at the club expires next summer and it would be the right time to cash in on the player and get maximum transfer fee out of Fulham.

His dependability makes him a great player to bring off the bench when situation calls for it.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/04/man-united-mctominay-leave/

[WhiteJC]

Sunderland should push for Fulham U-turn involving Jay Stansfield: View

    Sunderland needs a proven goalscorer; Jay Stansfield could be the answer.
    Stansfield has impressive stats and experience from loan spells at Birmingham City and Exeter City.
    Sunderland must convince Fulham and manager Marco Silva to loan Stansfield for the upcoming season.

Sunderland's disappointing campaign was rather summed up by their strikers as their young forwards managed just three goals between them all season.

New head coach Regis Le Bris will understand then that he cannot be overly reliant on the likes of Luis Semedo and Nazariy Rusyn next season with both struggling to hit the target. For these players, a loan away from the Stadium of Light or an understudy role in the team makes sense with both still needing to learn their trade.

underland's strikers' record last season (Transfermarkt)

Player	P	G	A
Luiś Semedo	23	0	0
Nas Ruzyn	21	2	1

For Le Bris and the Black Cats hierarchy, they will need to answer these questions and turning to a young but well-versed forward in Jay Stansfield could be the answer.

 The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and impressed in a struggling team where he notched 13 goals in all competitions. This contribution would be useful for Sunderland and the experience he gained last season could see him build on it further.

Jay Stansfield could answer Sunderland's issues
 A proven goalscorer is what Sunderland need and Stansfield would be a quality addition to fix these woes.

At youth level, he has been a prolific, netting 38 times in 47 appearances for Fulham's age-related sides and has somewhat been able to display this across two senior loan spells.

In the 2022-23 season, he managed to provide 17 goal contributions at his father's former stomping ground, Exeter City, in his first real taste of men's football.

This spell must have done him wonders, and he only built on it last year with a brilliant spell at the Blues, amassing over 3000 minutes of Championship football. His good performances were duly rewarded by completing a clean sweep of all five men's categories at Birmingham City's end-of-season awards night.

Jay Stansfield Output 2023-24 & Where he features in the percentile of forwards, as per FotMob

Appearances	43	N/A
Goals	12	90.6%
Shots	97	96.5%
Successful Dribbles	38	95.3%
Chances Created	39	96.5%
Touches in opposition box	196	97.6%

 With the striker persistently building on his previous season's work, who is to say that he won't go on and score even more if provided with the chance?

Having chased Stansfield "pretty hard" this time last year, Le Bris should urge the Black Cats hierarchy to return for the striker and offer Fulham a loan deal which can't be refused.

Sunderland will require Fulham, Marco Silva U-turn
 Even if Sunderland prioritise a loan move for Stansfield, then Fulham's manager Marco Silva may stand in their way.

Speaking to The Standard about the striker, Silva said: "He's going to be back with us.

 "He played the season before in League One [with Exeter City], and to be able to give a step forward in the Championship and be an important piece in the attack-line and score important goals [was pleasing]. Jay achieved all the important things.

"Now is the moment for him to come back and be one of the players in our attacking line for next season."

In football, words can always be taken with a pinch of salt and Sunderland will be hoping that Silva is not true to what he has said.

At Fulham, Stansfield will have a lot of competition to earn minutes as the form of Rodrigo Muniz and the experience of Raul Jimenez will surely see him third in the pecking order.

For the 21-year-old, he still has a long career ahead of him, so gaining more minutes in the division below is still probably the best option.

Sunderland must try and emphasise this to Silva and, if signed, he would ease several of Le Bris' worries.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sunderland-should-push-for-fulham-u-turn-involving-jay-stansfield/

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham City finalise acquisition of ex-Tottenham and Fulham man
Chris Davies' new-look Birmingham City setup is taking shape.

Birmingham City have confirmed the appointment of Nathan Gardiner as assistant coach in another addition to new manager Chris Davies' backroom staff.

The 47-year-old, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Charlton Athletic, is the second appointment to Davies' coaching team. Ex-Aston Villa and Leicester City coach Ben Petty, the new assistant manager, was the first.

Blues manager Davies, in response to Gardiner's appointment, said: "Nathan has extensive experience in fitness and conditioning, having worked at the top level of English football for the last 18 years, 14 of which were at Spurs where I worked with him.

"As well as a deep knowledge of loading and periodisation, Nathan is an excellent communicator amongst both players and staff. He is a hardworking and reliable individual, who has made a positive contribution in every club he has been at."

Gardiner will assist the Performance Department to ensure players achieve optimal fitness and conditioning, whilst working closely with the club's medical department with a focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

His expertise will also aid in the monitoring of player loading and the planning and delivery of pre-game preparation.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city/birmingham-city-complete-acquisition-former-tottenham-hotspur-fulham-nathan-gardiner-4690298

[WhiteJC]

AS Roma rival Fulham in Kalvin Phillips chase
Serie A giants AS Roma will reportedly compete with Fulham in the race to sign 28-year-old Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Kalvin Phillips is the subject of interest from AS Roma. The Serie A giants are scouring the market for a midfielder in the summer transfer window. The 28-year-old Manchester City outcast is also a target for Fulham.

Kalvin Phillips and his Manchester City travails
Kalvin Phillips has seen his progress come to a grinding halt since joining Manchester City from Leeds United in July 2022. The Englishman has barely featured for the Premier League giants and was a peripheral figure for the first 18 months of his stint at the Etihad.

The 28-year-old Manchester City outcast would have hoped to resurrect his dwindling fortunes when he joined West Ham United on loan in January. However, Phillips's struggles continued, as he managed only 320 minutes of game time across ten appearances for the East London club.

So, it is hardly surprising that the English international has no future at Manchester City, with the Premier League champions ready to cash in on him in the summer transfer window. Phillips does not have a shortage of suitors pursuing him, with Fulham and AS Roma among his prospective suitors heading into the summer transfer window.

Where next?
Fulham's interest in Kalvin Phillips is understandable. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. With Joao Palhinha on the verge of joining Bayern Munich, the necessity has accentuated, making the Manchester City outcast a viable target.

As for AS Roma, they might part ways with Leandro Paredes in the summer transfer window. Daniele de Rossi will embark on his first summer transfer window as the AS Roma manager. So, the 28-year-old is an option worth considering, with Serie A being the ideal destination for him to resurrect his fortunes.

With AS Roma emerging as a potential destination for Phillips, it will be interesting to see if Fulham can tempt the 28-year-old English international without offering any European football in the 2024/25 season.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/04/as-roma-rival-fulham-in-kalvin-phillips-chase/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham Star Rejects Contract Offer as Move Abroad Looks Likely

Willian's Departure: A Strategic Shift or a Missed Opportunity for Fulham?
Unpacking Willian's Decision
The world of football is abuzz with the news that Brazilian winger Willian has declined a contract offer from Fulham, as reported by The Daily Mail. At 35, Willian is at a pivotal moment in his career, eyeing potentially more lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This decision underscores a crucial phase in his professional journey, reflecting not just his personal ambitions but also the dynamics of modern football where financial incentives often tip the scales.

Willian's Impact at Fulham
During his tenure at Craven Cottage, Willian has been a linchpin in the squad, making 67 appearances over two seasons. Under the guidance of Marco Silva, he has been instrumental in helping the club maintain its Premier League status. His rejection of Fulham's offer suggests a broader narrative of career planning and market value, especially for players in their twilight years. The Daily Mail quotes, "Willian has turned down an initial contract offer from Fulham amid major interested from Saudi Arabia," highlighting the global interest in his services.

The Global Chase and Competitive Offers
The allure of Saudi Arabia and Turkey, known for their competitive financial packages to international stars, poses a significant temptation. The Daily Mail adds, "teams would be willing to offer the veteran a lucrative pay offer." This aspect of international football economics plays a critical role in influencing player decisions, often overshadowing loyalty to clubs and leagues. Furthermore, Juventus' interest in Willian, although curtailed by regulations on non-EU players, signifies his enduring appeal in Europe's top football echelons.

Strategic Implications for Fulham
Fulham's inability to secure Willian's stay could be viewed as a strategic misstep or a calculated release, depending on the club's long-term vision and financial strategy. Losing a player of Willian's calibre might impact the team's performance, but it also frees up resources for potential new signings. The situation with Andreas Pereira, another key player linked with a move to Juventus, compounds the challenge for Fulham. The club must navigate these waters carefully, balancing between maintaining a competitive squad and managing its payroll efficiently.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
As Willian weighs his options, the broader implications for Fulham and the shifting sands of global football markets will continue to be subjects of intense scrutiny. The decisions made during this period will not only define Willian's career trajectory but also shape Fulham's strategy in the competitive landscape of the Premier League. As clubs increasingly compete not just on the pitch but in financial boardrooms across continents, the saga of players like Willian offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of loyalty, finance, and ambition in modern football.

With Willian's future hanging in the balance, the coming weeks are set to be a telling period for him and for Fulham. Whatever his decision, the impact will resonate through the upcoming season, influencing team dynamics and strategic decisions at Craven Cottage.



https://eplindex.com/114385/report-fulham-star-rejects-contract-offer-as-move-abroad-looks-likely.html?utm_content=cmp-true

[WhiteJC]

4th Of July: Top 5 Americans To Play In The English Football League – Opinion
Since its inception, the EFL has been blessed with a myriad of foreign imports from a range of nations.

One of those is the USA. Although football (or soccer as they call it!) is not the main sport across the pond, there's been many an American who has made an impact on these shores.

To celebrate Independence Day this 4th July, here are the five best Americans to grace the EFL.

5) Josh Sargent
Sargent gets into this list both based on quality and recency as one of only two players on the list still playing in the EFL. Despite injuries, the former Werder Bremen striker is a key man for Norwich City and has shone despite their longer than usual stay in the second tier.

The 24-year-old has an impressive record in his short time in the division, having scored 29 in 60 games, including 16 in an injury-curtailed 2023-24 campaign.

He has been linked with moves both abroad and in the Premier League but remains in Norfolk for the time being. It would be hard to argue against the striker being one of the best players in the league, and therefore one of the best Americans in the division's history.

4) Antonee Robinson
Liverpool-born Robinson only spent four years in the EFL at the start of his career, making 100 appearances, but gets in this list based on what he has achieved in his career.

The full-back came through Everton's academy before being sent out on loan to Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, joining the latter for a season permanently in 2019. He spent just a year with the Latics before getting a Premier League move to Fulham, but spent the 2021-22 season back in the second tier after the Cottagers were relegated.

It's Robinson's international success that stands out, though. He's earnt 46 caps for the USMNT and was their first choice left-back at the Qatar World Cup, making him one of the highest achieving EFL graduates. Not bad for someone playing in a relegated Wigan side four years ago.

3) Tim Ream
Another player who has found himself in the top-flight with Fulham, for years Ream was considered one of the Championship's best defenders. Playing nearly 300 games in the division for Bolton and Fulham, Ream has won promotion from the division no less than three times as Fulham established themselves as an elite yo-yo club.

While he has at times looked suspect in the top division, Ream was a class above in the Championship, and has been part of the reason why the league has become so attractive to players from the US.

54 of Ream's 61 international caps have come while playing in England, again highlighting the Championship's worth as a springboard for both British and foreign players.

2) Lynden Gooch
One of the longest-serving players in the Championship, Gooch gets the number two spot on a mix of longevity, consistency and quality.

The California-born midfielder has spent most of his career at Sunderland, staying with the team through their years in League One. All but 18 of his league appearances have been in the EFL for the Black Cats and current club Stoke City, as well as Doncaster Rovers on loan. Gooch may not have been a star player at any point but he's consistently played at a high level in the EFL, and is one of the system's most experienced players.

Still only 28, Gooch has nearly 250 EFL appearances, and he's likely to gain even more in the coming years.

1)  Marcus Hahnemann
Who else could be given the title of the best ever American in the EFL apart from the goalkeeper of statistically the best ever Championship team?

Hahnemann was the man between the sticks as Reading stormed to the Championship title in 2005-06 with a whopping 106 points. The Seattle-born stopper played all but one game of the season as the Royals conceded just 32 goals across 46 games and accumulated the division's highest ever points total.

In his eight year spell in Berkshire, Hahnemann played five seasons in the second tier and one in the third tier, making 198 appearances in blue and white. Before his time at the Madejski Stadium, he had short spells in the EFL at Fulham and Rochdale, but it was at Reading where Hahnemann really cemented himself as the Football League's most successful American.



https://therealefl.co.uk/2024/07/04/5-of-the-best-americans-to-play-in-the-efl/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'lead race' for £40m West Ham and Newcastle United target
The Cottagers could replace an outgoing midfielder with a Premier League talent.

Fulham are said to be 'leading in the chase' to sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer with a host of Premier League clubs interested in the Scotland international.

The Cottagers are likely to be in the market for a defensive midfielder this summer with Joao Palhinha expected to finally complete his switch to Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants were on the verge of signing the Portugal international last summer before a deal fell through last minute with Fulham unable to find a replacement.

However, the London club now appears to have concrete interest in McTominay. ManchesterWorld reports that Marco Silva's side are preparing a bid for the player and are currently frontrunners to complete a deal.

Newcastle United, West Ham and Southampton are also named as interested parties in the 27-year-old, who appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. McTominay has been with the Red Devils since 2002 and any sale would represent a healthy profit for the club.

West Ham were on the verge of completing a reported £40 million move for McTominay last summer but ended up moving for Edson Alvarez in that position. The player's current deal is set to expire next summer but the club does hold the option for another year.

McTominay was involved in Euro 2024 action with Scotland but is now set to join Manchester United for pre-season training camp in the USA having exited the competition in the group stage. The midfielder made 43 appearances in all competitions for his club last season, scoring 10 goals and picking up three assists in a confident campaign.

Speaking about the failed West Ham deal last summer, David Moyes recently told BBC Sport: "Lots of managers have hard luck stories about players that get away and McTominay is one of those for me because I tried to sign him for West Ham last summer.

"It was always going to be hard to replace Declan Rice with any one player when he joined Arsenal, and we were not planning to do that - we wanted to bring in a couple of midfielders instead. He is a good all-round midfielder, but to me his best attributes are arriving in the area, or the edges of it, at the right time to score or make some chances.

"McTominay was a player who I felt I needed at the time, but we didn't quite get it over the line and he went on to score a lot of big goals for Manchester United last season instead."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-lead-race-for-ps40m-west-ham-and-newcastle-united-target-4690938

[WhiteJC]

Fulham to play Benfica in pre-season friendly
Benfica have announced that they will be playing Fulham in a pre-season friendly at the Estadio Algarve on Friday 2 August.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-to-play-benfica-in-pre-season-friendly/