Friday Fulham Stuff - 16/01/26...

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Away day guide: Leeds United
Leeds United v Fulham
Saturday 17 January, 3pm

Fulham travel to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon seeking to extend their six-match unbeaten run.

TICKETING INFORMATION

At the time of writing, there are a handful of tickets remaining. All tickets for this fixture are issued as digital tickets and have been sent to those who have a purchased a ticket. If you have not received your ticket, please check all spam or junk folders for an email from [email protected] and if you have not received an email, contact the Fulham FC Ticket Office without delay.

GETTING TO ELLAND ROAD

By Car

Come off the M1 at Junction 43 and head for Leeds City Centre on the M621. You will drive past Elland Road on your left before leaving at Junction 1 – whereupon you will need to take a left onto the A6110. The next left will bring onto Elland Road and there a couple of large car parks under the railway bridge, operated by Leeds City Council.

The car parking charge is currently £12 per car and payment is by cash only. Car Parks A & B are located adjacent to McDonalds. Fullerton Car Park is located off Elland Road behind the West Stand. The Elland Road Park & Ride site is located off Elland Road (enter via Bobby Collins Way opposite the police station; the site is situated adjacent to the stadium on the A643, just off junction 2 of the M621 motorway).

By train

Leeds station is more than half an hour's walk from Elland Road. There is a shuttle bus service – £2.50 for a return – that departs from Sovereign Street (opposite the Hilton Hotel on Neville Street), which is a couple of minutes' on foot from the station. Fulham fans taking the bus are advised to exit the station via the main entrance, cross the road and head downstairs to the street immediately below that level. Head right, then cross over the road and the double decker buses should be visible. You will be dropped off at Lowfields Road, at the corner of the East and South stands. Alternatively, a taxi from the station should cost in the region of £10.

By coach

The Club's matchday coaches will depart from Motspur Park and Craven Cottage at 7.30am.

AWAY PUBS

The away fan zone is located just adjacent from the away turnstiles in the West Stand car park and is cordoned off for away supporters to access. A selection of food and drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is available. The away fan zone is open from two hours before kick-off.

There are a number of pubs that will admit away fans within the city centre, but most will insist that colours are covered up and may refuse entry even then. The Wetherspoons on the north concourse of Leeds Railway Station is a good option for Fulham fans wanting a quick drink and or a bite to eat before travelling to Elland Road.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2026/01/away-day-guide-leeds-united-2/

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Tom Cairney drops 'weird' claim on Fulham future as Ipswich Town plot transfer
Tom Cairney has responded to speculation linking him with a move from Fulham to Ipswich Town.

It was reported earlier this month that the Tractor Boys are keen on signing the 34-year-old this month in a bid to improve their chances at promotion to the Premier League.

The Scot has been with the Cottagers since the summer of 2015, signing from Blackburn Rovers, and he has been a key figure at the club in that time.

Cairney has been a part of three successful promotion campaigns, and has made 146 appearances in the Premier League across six-and-a-half seasons so far.

However, his contract is set to expire in June, leading to some uncertainty over his future at Craven Cottage.

Tom Cairney's Fulham future
 Cairney has claimed that he cannot see himself in any other kit than the Fulham one amid this uncertainty over his future, indicating a move is unlikely this month.

The midfielder has left the door open for a potential exit, suggesting anything can happen, but that his priority is to finish the season playing consistently for the Premier League side.

"I can't really see myself wearing any other kit," said Cairney, via Sky Sports (09.00).

"When I picture myself in another kit it just feels weird.

"I know that sounds weird to say, but it just does.

"But, listen, football is chopping and changing all the time, anything can happen.

"I want to play up to the season, I want to keep on playing, my contract does end at the season, so we'll have to see what follows."

When asked if talks are underway on a new deal, he responded: "I wouldn't really say underway, I'd say 'ish'."

Cairney has made 13 appearances so far this Premier League season, although he has only started on three occasions.

 Cairney has claimed that he cannot see himself in any other kit than the Fulham one amid this uncertainty over his future, indicating a move is unlikely this month.

The midfielder has left the door open for a potential exit, suggesting anything can happen, but that his priority is to finish the season playing consistently for the Premier League side.

"I can't really see myself wearing any other kit," said Cairney, via Sky Sports (09.00).

"When I picture myself in another kit it just feels weird.

"I know that sounds weird to say, but it just does.

"But, listen, football is chopping and changing all the time, anything can happen.

"I want to play up to the season, I want to keep on playing, my contract does end at the season, so we'll have to see what follows."

When asked if talks are underway on a new deal, he responded: "I wouldn't really say underway, I'd say 'ish'."

Cairney has made 13 appearances so far this Premier League season, although he has only started on three occasions.

Next up for Kieran McKenna's side is a home clash against Blackburn Rovers on 17 January in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Tom Cairney signing was always a long shot for Ipswich
Cairney has become a bit of a club legend at Fulham, so it was always going to be tough to convince him to sign this month for Ipswich.

The last few weeks have shown how useful he still is to Silva's side, even if his game time is limited these days.

If he is unable to sign a new deal, then perhaps being able to offer Premier League football in the summer could convince him to join as a free agent.

But a January move now seems very unlikely, and the Suffolk outfit should probably turn their attention to alternative targets for the time being.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tom-cairney-responds-to-ipswich-town-transfer-speculation/

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The FFC Rumour Mill: Is Tom Cairney set to leave Fulham?
Jack Stroudley looks at the latest rumours circling SW6.

We're approaching the halfway point of the January transfer window and in true Fulham style, the Khans appear to be sitting there twiddling their thumbs.

Fulham are in the midst of a brilliant spell at the moment all while dealing with injuries and three key players away at AFCON. While Chukwueze, Bassey and Iwobi will be back soon, I think Silva will have an actual breakdown if we don't sign anyone, especially given we have propelled ourselves back into the European conversation. Here's what has happened this week in SW6 on the transfer front.

Incomings
Fulham's interest in PSV forward Ricardo Pepi has seemingly been squashed, with the American international breaking his arm during PSV's first Eredivisie's game back from the winter break.

Fulham had a €30m bid rejected for the 23 year old earlier this month, with The Athletic reporting that a new bid was to be expected. However, thanks to this news you'd imagine that Fulham will be looking elsewhere for attacking options and because of the reports of an improved Pepi bid, we know that the money is there to spend. Let's wait and see.

The only other piece of incoming news came from Ben Jacobs on Tuesday with Fulham alongside Everton holding an interest in Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri, whose gametime has been limited this season following the signing of Ebere Eze. This is a signing I would be all over - and given our relationship in the past with Arsenal, it's one you could see happening on loan until the end of the season.

Outgoings
Sky Sports has reported that Ipswich Town have approached Fulham over the signing of club captain Tom Cairney. TC has six months left on his deal and will once again be starting to think about his own future.

You'd imagine this is one that would go into the summer rather than January given our thin squad as it is, but the fans and Cairney got their last hurrah of a new deal last summer and if this is to be it then hopefully we can give him a proper send-off.

Sky Sports Germany has reported that Jonah Kusi-Asare's loan from FC Bayern Munich will not be cut short due to the fact that JKA will be unable to be sent to another club having already being registered for two clubs this season (ourselves and Bayern Munich.) Marco Silva has also reportedly promised the 18 year old more game time during the second half of the season.

Finally, youngster Chibby Nwoko has secured a loan move to National League side Forest Green Rovers until the end of the season. Following a good first half of the year in the PL2, Nwoko will be keen to impress for a side pushing for promotion back to League Two.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/the-ffc-rumour-mill-is-tom-cairney

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Exclusive: Walsall agree to sign Fulham starlet Aaron Loupalo-Bi
Walsall have won the race to sign Fulham striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

Several EFL clubs have shown interest in the young striker, but League Two promotion hopefuls Walsall have agreed a deal with Fulham to bring him in until the end of the season.

Mat Sadler's side recently shelled out an undisclosed fee to sign Alex Pattison from Bradford City, and Loupalo-Bi is now set to become their second addition of the winter window imminently.

The 20-year-old has been playing for Fulham's U21 side so far this season, and has notched 14 goals and three assists for them in all competitions.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi's experience in senior football
The promotion race is heating up in League Two once again, and Walsall find themselves firmly in the mix in the middle of the January window.

The Saddlers currently occupy the third automatic promotion spot on goal difference, and the race for promotion is finely poised, with just four points separating them and eighth-placed Notts County at the moment.

The League Two outfit have now moved to add more firepower to their group in the form of Fulham hitman Loupalo-Bi.

He spent time on loan in the National League with Dagenham and Redbridge last season, and managed one goal and one assist in 20 games in what was his first ever loan spell.

Loupalo-Bi has also been playing against senior opposition this season, as he has four goals from seven games for Fulham's youth side, across both the Vertu Torphy and the National League Cup.

Walsall will be hoping that his prior experience of the men's game can see him hit the ground running at the Bescot Stadium.

Walsall's promotion rivals add firepower of their own
Football Insider revealed last week that Salford City had agreed a fee for Ryan Graydon, and his move from Fleetwood Town has now been confirmed.

The Ammies splashed an initial fee of £400,000 on the striker, which will then rise to £600,000 over the course of his long-term deal at the Peninsula Stadium.

Graydon has been a standout performer for Fleetwood since his move from Derry City in 2023, and his arrival provides a significant boost to Salford's promotion aspirations.

Karl Robinson's side are level on points with Walsall at the moment, who have now acted to bolster their own attacking ranks.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-walsall-agree-to-sign-fulham-starlet-aaron-loupalo-bi/

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Preview: Leeds United vs Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham can enhance their European credentials further when they head to Elland Road for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Leeds United.

The Cottagers and the Whites both triumphed in the FA Cup third round over the weekend, the former besting Middlesbrough 3-1 and the latter seeing off Derby County by the same scoreline.

Match preview

In seventh heaven after a hard-earned 1-1 draw with Manchester United - which extended their unbeaten run in the top flight to seven matches - Leeds' stellar streak finally came to an end in a seven-goal St James' Park spectacular.

Daniel Farke's men could not have suffered a more gut-wrenching defeat to Newcastle United, having fallen victim to the latest winning goal in the Premier League on record - a Harvey Barnes strike timed at 101 minutes and 48 seconds.

In spite of that 4-3 reverse, the 16th-placed hosts hold an eight-point buffer over 18th-placed West Ham United in the relegation zone and are firmly on course for a second straight season of top-flight football, which their recent league and knockout exploits would suggest they deserve.

The Whites fought back from a goal down to confidently dispatch Derby in the FA Cup over the weekend, thus earning their first victory in five games and making it back-to-back away matches with three goals scored.

Leeds now return to a venue where they have suffered just two losses all season long, and the hosts have since strung together a four-match unbeaten run at Elland Road, where both teams have scored in the last eight games played at the ground.

Also entertaining the neutrals in recent weeks - and coming from behind to secure a 3-1 knockout success - Fulham have scored and conceded in each of their last four matches after Saturday's FA Cup success over Middlesbrough.

Few were surprised to see the in-form Harry Wilson prolong his hot streak with a goal and assist against the Riverside outfit, shortly after striking the winner against managerless Chelsea in a Premier League West London derby - his seventh top-flight goal of the campaign.

Taking 14 points from the last 18 on offer in the Premier League, Marco Silva's European hopefuls - who occupy ninth spot in the standings - are only two points off fifth-placed Brentford and four back from fourth-placed Liverpool with 17 games to go.

A first continental adventure since the 2011-12 Europa League is very much achievable for the trigger-happy Cottagers, who have now scored in 12 straight games in all competitions, including each of their last 10 in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Fulham have prevailed in each of their last five top-flight games against newly-promoted clubs and edged out Leeds 1-0 at Craven Cottage in September - their fourth straight win over the Whites in all tournaments.

Leeds United Premier League form:

    D    W    D    D    D    L

Leeds United form (all competitions):

    W    D    D    D    L    W

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    W    W    D    D    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    D    D    W    W

Team News

Leeds playmaker Brenden Aaronson recovered from a knock sustained at St James' Park to feature off the bench against Derby, while Sam Byram was also able to come on as a substitute in the cup after a back concern.

Joe Rodon (fatigue), Jayden Bogle (calf) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (hip) should also shake off their concerns to make the cut, leaving Daniel James (thigh) as the solitary injury victim in the infirmary.

Given the afternoon off at Pride Park, hotshot Calvert-Lewin is now just one strike away from reaching 10 goals in the Premier League season; not since scoring 16 for Everton in 2020-21 has he reached double figures in the top flight.

The Whites also announced the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday, but it would be a surprise to see him start straight away.

As for Fulham, Nigeria's Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze lost to Morocco in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, but the trio will not return just yet owing to Saturday's third-placed playoff with Egypt.

Rodrigo Muniz and Kenny Tete are other guaranteed absentees as they work their way back from thigh problems, but Joshua King (knee) has a small chance of returning.

After demoting several regulars from the XI against Middlesbrough, Silva should reinstate the likes of Wilson, Raul Jimenez, Sander Berge and Joachim Andersen to his starting lineup at Elland Road.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Perri; Struijk, Rodon, Bijol; Justin, Gruev, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Berge, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

We say: Leeds United 2-2 Fulham

The sheets are never clean when Leeds and Fulham are involved, so it would be typical of the footballing gods to cast down a dull goalless draw in Saturday's Elland Road encounter.

A 0-0 should undoubtedly be off the cards, but the points may still be split in an absorbing four-goal stalemate, as both sides will welcome back some well-rested game-changers to their starting XIs.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/relegation-battle/preview/leeds-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_589877.html

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Fulham lineup vs. Leeds: Predicted XI for Premier League clash after AFCON eliminations
Fulham will have to wait a little longer to welcome back their Africa Cup of Nations representatives following Nigeria's elimination from the competition.

The Cottagers travel to Elland Road for Saturday's Premier League clash with Leeds United, but Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will not be at Marco Silva's disposal just yet, as Nigeria face Egypt in the third-placed playoff on January 17.

The Fulham boss must also cope without Rodrigo Muniz and Kenny Tete and their injured thighs, while Joshua King (knee) will need a once-over closer to the time.

However, the visitors have no fresh concerns from their league win over Chelsea or FA Cup success over Middlesbrough; the latter game saw Fulham line up with a four-man defence after a previous stint with three at the back.

Silva started in a 3-4-3 shape against Chelsea but swapped out Jorge Cuenca for Kevin at half time, suggesting that a 4-2-3-1 could once again be the way forward for the West London outfit.

If so, Emile Smith Rowe, Kevin and the in-form Harry Wilson should provide support to Raul Jimenez, while Tom Cairney is primed to join Sander Berge in the engine room.

Joachim Andersen and Issa Diop should pair up at the back if Silva does opt for a 4-2-3-1, while Antonee Robinson and Timothy Castagne are expected to complete Bernd Leno's backline.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Berge, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/afcon-wait-smith-rowe-starts-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-leeds_589841.html

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No VAR error over Wirtz 'offside' goal, panel says
The video assistant referee did not make a mistake by awarding Florian Wirtz's goal for Liverpool at Fulham, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.

Liverpool were 1-0 down at Craven Cottage in the 57th minute when Wirtz latched on to a touch from Conor Bradley to score. The assistant referee immediate raised his flag for offside against the Germany international.

The VAR, Andy Madley, stepped in to give the goal after applying the semi-automated offside technology (SAOT).

Wirtz was aided by the five centimetres of tolerance, more commonly referred to as thicker lines, which exists in the Premier League's version of SAOT.

If the goal had been scored in Germany, Italy or Spain, it would have been ruled out. These leagues do not apply any tolerance level.

It was a controversial decision because images shown on television gave the impression that Wirtz was ahead of the last defender by a clear margin.

But the KMI Panel unanimously backed Madley, saying: "The VAR intervention to award the goal was supported as correct, given the tight margin of the offside call and thicker offside lines used for these incredibly tight calls."

The game went on to finish 2-2 with Fulham boss Marco Silva describing Wirtz's goal as "a clear offside" and calling for clarification.

Silva said the club had contacted Professional Game Match Officials to raise a complaint.

BBC Sport understands that the discrepancy lies in the choice of frame by the broadcaster.

The VAR selected the frame when Bradley first made contact with the ball, not when it left his foot.

The broadcaster froze the picture one frame later which gave the impression Wirtz was more obviously offside.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0kezxl4z40o

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Walsall sign Lopata and Loupalo-Bi on loan
Walsall have signed Barnsley defender Kacper Lopata and Fulham forward Aaron Loupalo-Bi on loan deals for the rest of the season.

Polish centre-back Lopata, 24, arrives having spent the first half of the season with the Saddlers' fellow League Two side Bristol Rovers, where he made 14 league appearances.

Loupalo-Bi, 20, has not played for the Cottagers' first team but has scored two goals in nine appearances for their under-21 side in the EFL Trophy, including three this season.

He spent the second half of last season on loan in the National League with Dagenham & Redbridge, where he scored once in 20 matches.

"I'm excited and ready to go," Loupalo-Bi said., external

"The team are going well and pushing for promotion so it's a new challenge for me in that aspect and one that I'm ready to tackle and step up to."

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler said he was "pleased" to have Loupalo-Bi at the club and that Fulham "have trusted us to look after him".

Sadler added: "He's had a fantastic first half of the season, top scorer in Premier League 2 and he's a physical, hard-working centre-forward who likes to stretch but can also link up and bring others into play.

Lopata, who has played for Poland at youth level, began his career with Brighton and has gone on to have other spells with Sheffield United, Port Vale and in the Scottish Premiership with Ross County.

"He's a big, strong, aggressive and mobile defender who has experience in League One with Barnsley and Port Vale as well as League Two," Sadler said.

"He's someone who takes pride in his defending, he's eager to succeed and he brings another layer to our defensive options."

Lopata and Loupalo-Bi bringt Walsall's number of signings in the transfer window to three following the permanent move of attacking midfielder Alex Pattison from Bradford City on 7 January.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g4z8zx4yyo

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Facundo Buonanotte signs: Can he make Leeds United debut vs Fulham?
Leeds United have made their first new signing of the winter window, with Facundo Buonanotte arriving from Brighton.

Buonanotte snubbed a move to Leeds in this season's summer window, but the Elland Road faithful will forgive him as he's now joined Daniel Farke's side on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Argentinian international instead penned a loan deal with Chelsea on summer deadline day, but has only been able to make one Premier League appearance for the Blues this term.

Leeds had been tipped to rekindle their interest in Buonanotte before the January transfer window opened, and after travelling up to West Yorkshire on Thursday, he is now finally in a Whites shirt.

Leeds fans could see first glimpse of Facundo Buonanotte against Fulham
Just days before sanctioning his Leeds move, new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior told Buonanotte that he trusted him, after he started the midfielder in his first game against Charlton in the FA Cup last Saturday.

However, Buonanotte is understood to have pushed for the move to Leeds, having failed to crack Chelsea's starting XI under Enzo Maresca.

He joins a Whites team that has found new life under Farke since his tactical tweak to a back three, and despite sitting 16th in the Premier League, are looking very capable of staying up.

Leeds are back in Premier League action on Saturday, as they welcome in-form Fulham to Elland Road in a 3 pm kick-off, but will Buonanotte have the chance to play his first minutes as a Whites player?

The answer to that question is yes, as confirmed by The Athletic's Leeds writer Beren Cross via X following the announcement of his transfer.

Buonanotte should follow Brenden Aaronson's lead in Farke's system
Being an attacking midfielder who likes to drift in from the right, Buonanotte's fit in Farke's 3-5-2 approach isn't immediately obvious.

However, neither was that of Brenden Aaronson's after this formation rejig, but the American has evolved from an attacking midfielder into more of a second striker in recent weeks, and he's been playing some of his best football at Elland Road.

    Buonanotte made eight total appearances for Chelsea
    He scored one goal and provided two assists
    He's made 50 appearances for Brighton and played 35 times for Leicester last season

Therefore, with Joel Piroe destined for the exit door and with Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor struggling for consistency, Buonanotte could follow Aaronson's lead and help spearhead Leeds' attack.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/facundo-buonanotte-signs-can-he-make-leeds-united-debut-vs-fulham/

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Team News: King in contention, update on Nigeria trio
Marco Silva gave a positive update on team news in his pre-Leeds United press conference.

Josh King is the only recent absentee who is in contention for a return for the trip to Elland Road, but Rodrigo Muniz has been back out on the grass at Motspur Park this week as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

"Josh King could be back in contention for the game, he's with the team, working well," said Silva. "We will take a decision. It's too soon for Kenny (Tete) and Rodrigo.

"The middle of February could be a date for Rodrigo. It's nice to see him outside on the grass working on the pitch, with the medical staff inside, and let's hope everything continues well with him. He's getting better and better."

Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to complete a full week of training ahead of next Saturday's clash with Brighton.

The three Nigeria boys were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations in heartbreaking circumstances on Wednesday evening, losing on penalties to hosts Morocco.

"This is the last game where they're going to be away from the preparation," said Silva. "We'll have to assess them when they are back, but if nothing happens different to what we expect, then they will be working with the team the whole (of next) week.

"They are going to be important like they were before, simple as that. The more competition there is throughout the week is very important. We are talking right now about six players who are out who are very important for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/15/team-news--king-in-contention--update-on-nigeria-trio/

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Pre-Leeds Press Conference
Marco Silva has only ever managed at Elland Road once before – but he's fully aware of the task that faces his side at Leeds United this weekend.

Having won 3-2 in Yorkshire back in October 2022, Silva is one from one when it comes to his record at Elland Road, but it's a ground that Leeds haven't lost at since being narrowly defeated by Aston Villa in November.

"It is never easy to play there," said Silva. "They have been very strong at home, achieving results away from home as well. They have the quality, the organisation, the manager, and the individual players.

"To play at Elland Road, we all know what it means. The home support is unbelievable and they make it hard for the opposition.

"We played against them earlier this season (1-0 win at Craven Cottage) and it was a difficult game for us.
Daniel Farke thanks the Leeds United fans

"It was a moment in the season where they changed their formation as well, and they started to get more solid and get results. I don't just go in that direction, because even before that I was feeling that the performances were there, and when you perform at a certain level, you're going to get results."

Leeds' recent form has seen them steer eight points clear of the drop zone. It's been a run which has been inspired by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has nine goal contributions in his last eight starts.

Silva will know all about the threat the striker poses. Calvert-Lewin played 54 times under Silva at Everton – with Carlo Ancelotti the only Manager he's played for more in his career.

"It's not the first time he's performed at this level," said Silva.

"When you talk about performing, he's a striker who can score in many different ways. When you look through his career, when he's playing, the numbers are there. Game by game, he's getting better and showing he's a proven Premier League striker."




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/15/pre-leeds-press-conference/

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Leeds United handed clear transfer message as manager gives update
Leeds United have been handed a clear Harry Wilson January transfer update from Fulham head coach Marco Silva

Fulham boss Marco Silva has ruled out Leeds United transfer target Harry Wilson leaving the club in January. The Wales international has entered the final few months of his current contract at Craven Cottage with Leeds on the verge of signing him last summer only for the deal to fall through on deadline day.

Since then, Wilson has been in sensational form with eight goals and five assists from 24 appearances this season. Having become Fulham's talisman, it is clear Silva does not want to sell him mid-season despite the possibility of losing him on a free transfer this summer.

Speaking about his future on Thursday, Silva said: "We spoke about Harry Wilson and I said the fans should enjoy, we are taking the best from him and we speak with his representatives as well.

"But zero chance he leaves the club in January, to clarify, we have to enjoy him for one month, two months or two years if we can renew with him.

"But completely zero [chance for him to leave this month] not because we haven't had any offer, as I know there's been some noise about the possibility for him to leave in this window, but no chance, zero chance."

The Whites are on the hunt for reinforcements in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The chances of that scenario playing out have increased significantly in recent weeks with 11 points picked up from their last eight games.

Keeping key players fit and adding depth will be key to results continuing that way with the latter aim completed as Leeds are set to welcome Facundo Buonanotte to Elland Road.

The Argentine spent the first half of the season on loan at Chelsea from Brighton, but has struggled to make an impact with just seven appearances made.

He was in talks to join Leeds before the Blues swept in, but he now has the chance to make an impact for the club as they currently sit eight points above the relegation zone.

Speaking on the winter market, Daniel Farke said: "There is no need to be afraid of quality players. Every one that could help us is important for us. We are a bit thin in creative offensive players, like a winger number 10 position.

"It's just important to make the right decisions. And you know what is healthy and good, good for the group. So I'm never afraid of quality, and also numbers of quality. You need competition."

Farke added: "On the other hand, you have to make sure that group is not too big. We won't extend the group. I don't expect a big turnaround. The core bones are good and the direction is good.

"I don't expect that six new players will come in and six players will go out. There is always space for one, two, perhaps three positions. But I would also rule out that we do more."

In terms of exits, Harry Gray has joined League One club Rotherham United on loan the remainder of the season while Jack Harrison looks set for a temporary switch to Fiorentina, though the details of the transfer are still being finalised.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-transfers-harry-wilson-33240805

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West Ham United revive talks to sign Adama Traore
West Ham United are expected to revive Adama Traore talks, with Fulham expected to soften their previously held stance on the winger.

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United are expected to revive talks in the background for Adama Traore. Fulham are likely to soften their previously held stance on offloading the 29-year-old Fulham speedster owing to their key attackers participating in the AFCON.

West Ham United are stepping up their efforts in the transfer market to secure key reinforcements this month in an attempt to avoid relegation. The Hammers currently sit in 18th place, seven points adrift of safety, and they are hoping to bring in players that would allow them to overtake Nottingham Forest to secure survival.

While the East London outfit have brought in attacking signings like Taty Castellanos and Pablo this month, Nuno Espirito Santo wants to bring a winger too. West Ham were linked with Adama Traore before the window opened, as the Portuguese coach wants to reunite with his former Wolves star and bring in a player with plenty of Premier League experience.

At one stage, the Hammers looked close to signing Adama Traore as there was plenty of hope in the background. However, the departures of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze for the AFCON led to Marco Silva taking a firm stance on the Spanish winger and at the moment, Fulham are reluctant to sell.

West Ham are expecting Fulham to soften their stance once the AFCON stars arrive back at the club. Considering Traore is not a key part of Silva's plans, should the likes of Iwobi and Chukwueze return unscathed, there's a big chance that Fulham might sell the 29-year-old.

West Ham to sign Adama Traore?
Traore would be eager to play regular minutes, and West Ham are in a position to offer that. The Hammers are now expected to revive talks with Fulham in the background, although they are also keeping close tabs on alternative solutions in the market amid links to Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, among others.

Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling was also linked earlier, and there is a big possibility the Hammers could revive their interest in the experienced forward should a move for Traore fall through. For now, the Spaniard remains a part of Fulham's plans, as a decision could be made soon over his future, with West Ham considered as the front runners in the chase.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/15/west-ham-united-revive-talks-to-sign-adama-traore/

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'Zero chance' Fulham will sell Wilson
Marco Silva has reiterated that Harry Wilson will not leave Fulham during this month's transfer window, declaring that there is "zero chance" the club will sell him.

Wilson's contract at Craven Cottage expires this summer and he has so-far not agreed a new deal.

Whites boss Silva recently suggested the club would risk losing him for no fee at the end of the season rather than sell Wilson before then.

And on Thursday, Silva said: "Zero chance for him to leave the club – completely zero.

"I know it's starting to come with some noise about the possibility for him to leave in this window. No chance. Zero chance."

There has been uncertainty too over the future of club captain Tom Cairney, who is also in the final months of his contract.

Ipswich are keen to sign the veteran playmaker, but Silva believes Cairney could complete his career at Fulham.

Silva said: "The best scenario for Tom, if it's going to be possible, is for him to end his career at Fulham, in one year, two years, three years' time, I don't know when. it's going to be special for him, and it's going to be special for the fans as well.

"I know that he loves football, he's in a good condition to keep playing, and of course if he can prolong his career in a Fulham shirt and if Fulham can allow him to do it, I think it's going to be a great feeling for him and his family."

Cairney, meanwhile, told Sky Sports: "I can't really see myself wearing any other kit.

"If I picture myself in another kit it just feels weird. It's football, things chop and change all the time. I want to play after this season."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/zero-chance-fulham-will-sell-wilson

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PREVIEW: Leeds United aim to continue excellent form as they welcome Fulham to Elland Road
Daniel Farke's side have been in an immense vein of form as of late and will look to continue that when they welcome Marco Silva's Fulham to Elland Road.

Leeds United will hope their reversal of fortunes in the Premier League continues when they welcome fellow in-form side Fulham to Elland Road on Saturday.

It seemed inevitable that Daniel Farke would part ways with the Lilywhites – who had discussed sacking him last May – but his side have lost once in their last eight since a valiant 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in November.

Fulham's hosts are now eight points clear of the drop, yet Marco Silva's side head to West Yorkshire sitting ninth and with two defeats in eight and are closing in on Europe.

Leeds' immense run has been coupled with Dominic Calvert-Lewin – brought from Everton on a free transfer – netting seven times in his last eight matches.

The 28-year-old's strikes helped Leeds achieve famous victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, as well as draws against Man United and Liverpool.

But his team have made for great viewing in part due to their leaky defence, and will need to shake off their results with five goals or more if they are to cement themselves as survivors this season.

Unlucky in defeats to Manchester City and Palace, Fulham have once again proven their strengths under Marco Silva, much like Harry Wilson – bagging eight goals and assists in his last eight games for the Cottagers.

But Fulham have also struggled defensively this season, keeping only two clean sheets in their last ten games.

Their 30 goals conceded this season is the most outside the bottom five teams bar Man United, but they have conceded seven less than Leeds.

Leeds are facing a race to get several first team regulars fit for Saturday's fixture, with Joe Rodon's minutes being managed and Sam Byram facing a late fitness test to see if he can make the matchday squad.

If not, those two will join winger Dan James who is ou with a thigh injury, Sebastian Bornauw – absent due a groin issue – and key full-back Jayden Bogle, who has injured his calf. in the treatment room.

Fulham are still without first team stalwarts Calvin Bassey, Sam Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi who are still away representing Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations.

Elsewhere, Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz is still battling a thigh injury and will be out for at least another month, with young Englishman Josh King and Kenny Tete both doubts.

Predicted Line-Ups
LEE: Perri; Strujk, Bijol, Rodon; Gudmundsson, Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin; Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin

FUL: Leno; Diop, Anderson, Cuenca; Castagne, Berge, Cairney, Robinson; Wilson, Smith-Rowe; Jimenez



https://fromthespot.co.uk/25066/preview-leeds-united-aim-to-continue-excellent-form-as-they-welcome-fulham-to-elland-road/