Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 20/01/26...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Monday 19/01
Brighton	1-1	Bournemouth

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's miserable Saturday needs to be forgotten quickly
Negative tactics and a negative result rears old problems to the fore.

Well, the unbeaten run was fun while it lasted. Saturday's last-gasp defeat at Leeds United felt like a bit of 'normal service resumed' after the euphoria of the past month.

Lukas Nmecha's stoppage-time winner for Leeds was fully deserved and it re-raised some of the problems around the club which had been swept under the carpet over the positive Christmas period.

There's not one saving grace from Saturday. You can't even point to a missed chance that might have changed the game or even an individual performance that deserved credit. We were flat, stagnant rabbits in headlights - seemingly unable to deal with both Daniel Farke's system and the intense Elland Road atmosphere.

The only thing that saves Marco Silva in my opinion is the credit in the bank he's built up over the last month. Since the start of the AFCON, Marco has produced miracle after miracle, picking up points from games that none of us expected. Saturday's performance and result was what I expected from the last month without our three key Nigerians; it's a bit weird that it only surfaced right at the very end of that period.

Naturally there is frustration whenever you lose a game to a newly-promoted club. Any team wanting to push up the table shouldn't be losing to teams that were in the Championship last season. However, Leeds have proved that they're a force to be reckoned with at Elland Road and I don't think this result will blot the copy book too much when the season is done.

Of course, I think the biggest frustration was the fact that Marco Silva clearly was playing for a point. Much has been made of the Issa Diop for Harry Wilson substitution, which was the tactical equivalent of waving a white flag from the touchline. Fair enough if we were leading, but to protect a 0-0 draw? I thought Marco was a bit braver than that.

Of course, he would argue that all draws away from home in the Premier League are good draws, and sometimes you just need to cash your chips when the cards are against you. The attacking depth is so limited, and I'm sure if he had Chukwueze and Iwobi available, he'd have made different choices.

As fans though, I think we'd have all understood if we lost 1-0 trying to win the game. We're not in danger of going down, so why not go for all three points? If we were scrapping for our lives, I'd have understood the decision more, but it was a bit out of character for Marco to be so reserved in the heat of the battle.

However, I do think we can put Saturday behind us pretty quickly. One defeat shouldn't be allowed to spiral out of control, we will have the AFCON boys back for Saturday's home match against Brighton, and I reckon it'll feel like a very different occasion. Three points and I don't see why Saturday can't just be regarded as a small bump in the road.

If you're in the market for more analysis on Saturday's defeat, then Fulhamish has you covered - although I'd understand if you would like to bury your head in the sand about it all. Owen McDonald's regular column paints a similar picture to mine, whereby Fulham have an opportunity to consign the grimness of Saturday to the record books if we can use the return of the AFCON players as a springboard.

George Rossiter was pretty scathing of the team in his player ratings, in particular Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon who had particularly poor games. There was a bit of positivity however, with Jorge Cuenca picking up (limited) praise for what was another assured performance at centre-back. Surely Calvin Bassey will have to spend some time on the bench given how the Spaniard has been performing.

Finally, there's the Quick Take with Elizabeth and Yasmin who were both at the game in Leeds. As you can imagine, the comments are awash with smug Leeds fans who were very happy at getting a big result against the mighty Fulham.

More reaction on the podcast later today and then hopefully we can put this one to bed. A nice Saturday 3pm fixture at the Cottage and three points is the antidote we need next weekend. You Whites.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulhams-miserable-saturday-needs

[WhiteJC]

Fulham now join Man Utd & Spurs in race to sign "fantastic" £30m midfielder
Fulham have now joined the race to sign a "fantastic" £30m midfielder, who recently scored at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva keen to strengthen this month
Marco Silva has made it clear he wants to bring in some reinforcements, although it could be more difficult to get new players through the door this month than in the summer transfer window.

Silva said: "Everything we try and do this January, we are relying on it. We [himself and Fulham Football Club] are completely aligned. For me, it's tougher than the summer. If you sign players, they have to make an impact. Not just short term, for the long term. January is more complicated."

Regardless, Silva's side are sitting comfortably in mid-table, and they also secured progression to the fourth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage earlier this month.

Hayden Hackney was Boro's only goalscorer that day, and according to a report from Caught Offside, Fulham have now joined the race to sign the midfielder, who is also being targeted by the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Everton.

The Cottagers have been closely monitoring Hackney's performances in the Championship, but they may have to shell out a relatively large fee if they choose to step up their interest, with Middlesbrough only willing to sanction a sale for £30m this month.

With Kim Hellberg's side in the Championship promotion race, cashing-in for a lower fee would make little sense, especially considering the central midfielder has been one of their most important players this season...

Hackey could be ready for Premier League move
The 23-year-old has been a crucial player for Boro this season, taking the captain's armband in the last ten Championship matches, and he has weighed in with four goals and six assists in 29 matches in all competitions.

Middlesbrough boss Hellberg has made it clear he is a big admirer of the Englishman too, praising his versatility: "Hayden is a fantastic player. He's good at everything. He could play in every position there is on the pitch and do it brilliantly."

The Redcar-born midfielder is a forward-thinking player, averaging 3.14 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the top 1% of midfielders, while an average of 8.77 progressive carries over the same time period places him in the 96th percentile.

As such, Hackney is clearly ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and he could be an exciting long-term signing for Fulham, so it may be worth forking out the £30m asking price.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-now-join-man-utd-spurs-hayden-hackney-transfer-race/

[WhiteJC]

Ex-PGMOL boss: Fulham star deserved red card after 'blatant' incident vs Leeds United
Marco Silva was fortunate not to see his Fulham side go down to 10 men against Leeds United on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Chris Kavanagh missed a "blatant" moment of dissent at Elland Road on 17 January.

Hackett has heavily criticised Kavanagh during the 2025-26 campaign, raising concerns over his refereeing decisions and why Howard Webb continues to use him in the Premier League.

Most recently, Nico O'Reilly avoided a red card against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, and, of course, it was Kavanagh who was in charge at St James' Park.

Sasa Lukic walks a tightrope vs Leeds United
In the first 45 minutes, Timothy Castagne, Sasa Lukic, and Ethan Ampadu had all gone into the referee's notebook, with Silva also earning a caution for his antics on the sidelines.

On the half-hour mark, Lukic could have been cautioned again, which would have meant a red card for the Serbian international, but Kavanagh appeared to turn a blind eye to the incident.

The 29-year-old kicked the ball away in frustration, with Ampadu being punished for something similar later in the half, but the referee chose not to give a second yellow out to the Cottagers' star.

It would have been one of the easier decisions of the Premier League weekend, and while Lukas Nmecha's winning goal rendered it unimportant, it remains a huge talking point for the referee.

Chris Kavanagh bottles red card decision at Elland Road
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: "In law, he has to give a second yellow. This was a blatant act of dissent, which should have been punished with a second yellow and then a red card."

Lukic is no stranger to a yellow card, having picked up his sixth of the league season at Elland Road, with another 12 to his name during the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

This is something that Silva needs to address, not just with the midfielder, but also the rest of his team, to avoid any stupid suspensions for acts of dissent in the top tier of English football.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-pgmol-boss-fulham-star-deserved-red-card-after-blatant-incident-vs-leeds-united/

[WhiteJC]

Everton, Fulham in transfer tussle to sign Patrick Wimmer
Everton and Fulham are reportedly keen on signing 24-year-old Austrian international Patrick Wimmer from Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg this year.

According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Everton and Fulham are interested in Patrick Wimmer. The two Premier League clubs are eager to bolster their offensive units by signing a wide attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old VfL Wolfsburg winger has emerged as a target for the two mid-table outfits.

Everton and Fulham have already submitted enquiries to discuss a move for Tulln native. However, they will face stiff competition for his signature, as two other Premier League clubs are also keen on signing the player from Wolfsburg. Additionally, Bologna, Fiorentina, and Lazio are tracking Wimmer's progress at the Bundesliga club.

Who is Patrick Wimmer?
Patrick Wimmer has established himself as one of the most dependable wingers in the Bundesliga since joining VfL Wolfsburg from Arminia Bielefeld in July 2022. The 24-year-old spent his formative years in Austria and graduated from the youth division at SC Sitzenberg. However, the youngster rose in prominence after moving to Germany a few years ago.

The Austrian winger has a decent record of three goals and six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this term. Meanwhile, Wimmer's progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Everton and Fulham are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

London calling?
Patrick Wimmer has been on Fulham's radar for a long time. The continued interest in the VfL Wolfsburg forward is understandable, as Adama Traore's long-term future at the West London club is uncertain amid his links with West Ham United. Several candidates have thus emerged on Fulham's wishlist, with Wimmer also a viable target.

As for Everton, Jack Grealish's long-term future is uncertain, and recent reports have linked him with several well-known clubs, including AS Roma. Additionally, Tyler Dibling has yet to make his mark since joining Everton from Southampton last summer. So, Wimmer is a viable target for the Merseyside outfit.

The latest report has revealed that Everton and Fulham have already submitted enquiries to discuss a move for the 24-year-old Austrian winger. However, they will face stiff competition for his signature, as two other Premier League clubs are also keen on signing the player from Wolfsburg. Additionally, Bologna, Fiorentina, and Lazio are tracking Wimmer's progress at the Bundesliga club. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/19/everton-fulham-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-patrick-wimmer/

[WhiteJC]

Blues swoop for Fulham youngster
Wycombe Wanderers have captured the signing of Fulham midfielder Luke Harris on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Wales under-21 international won the League One title with Birmingham City last season and spent the first half of the current campaign in the Championship with Oxford United, making 17 appearances in all competitions.

Born in Jersey, Luke was a prolific scorer for Fulham's academy sides before making his senior debut in 2022, and switched to Exeter City on loan in January 2024, scoring four times in 21 games.

He netted his first of four goals for Birmingham at Adams Park in August 2024, playing 36 times overall for the champions, and featured regularly for Oxford this term, scoring once in a draw with Middlesbrough.

"Luke can play in different shapes and systems, and that versatility is a big plus for us."

Tom Stockwell, the club's Director of Football Strategy and Data Intelligence, said: "Luke is an excellent player, and we are very happy to have him here until the end of the season.

"He has already got so much experience at League One for such as young player and played a key role in Birmingham's successes last season.

"Luke can play in different shapes and systems, and that versatility is a big plus for us. He will run in behind and has a track record of scoring and creating goals.

"The added energy and running power from a central area is something we wanted to add in this window and Luke offers that.

"As we enter a key part of the season to add a player of such quality is a big statement for us and gives the whole group a lift.

"We look forward to seeing Luke in a Wycombe shirt very soon."

Luke's move remains subject to EFL and FA approval, and he'll wear squad number 28 during his time with the Blues.

Our new man could make his debut in the Community Day fixture at Adams Park on Saturday, where tickets are just £10 for adults and £5 for kids. Book below!



https://www.wwfc.com/news/2026/january/19/blues-swoop-for-fulham-youngster/

[WhiteJC]

Next Up: Brighton
Don't miss this weekend's Premier League clash on Saturday 24th January at Craven Cottage against Brighton & Hove Albion, kick-off 3pm.

Marco Silva's side will be looking to continue their strong home run at Craven Cottage, unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.

Tickets are on General Sale and supporters can secure up to four tickets per person.

Further matchday information can be found here.

BUY TICKETS



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/19/next-up-brighton/

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Premier League interest in USMNT star Ricardo Pepi remains despite injury after PSV reject Fulham's $35m bid
Fulham have made a $35 million (€30 million) offer for U.S. men's national team star Ricardo Pepi, GOAL can confirm, and, despite seeing that bid rejected, several English clubs remain interested in the forward. The offer comes despite Pepi's recent arm injury, which hasn't prevented Premier League clubs from making a push to sign the striker this January.

The situation
GOAL can confirm that Fulham are among the teams looking to sign Pepi this January. The Premier League club is among several sides in England interested in Pepi, who commanded similar interest last summer before suffering a knee injury.

This January, the American striker is dealing with a broken arm suffered in a recent match for his current club, PSV. The injury occurred as Pepi slid to fire home a goal in a 5-1 win over Excelsior. PSV has since confirmed that Pepi has undergone surgery and that he is expected to miss two months of matches.

Prior to the injury, Premier League clubs were already monitoring Pepi closely during the January window, and that interest has continued despite the expectation that he would not be available until March. Fabrizio Romano first reported that clubs remain interested despite the setback, while The Athletic previously reported that PSV rejected an initial $35 million bid from Fulham.

Another busy January
The Premier League interest comes after Pepi was the subject of similar discussions last January after a breakout at PSV. Sources confirmed to GOAL last year that Pepi was the subject of a $20.7M (€20M) bid from a Premier League club, although his knee injury and PSV's reluctance to sell ended any possibility of a move. Sources also confirmed that PSV rejected a loan-to-buy offer from West Ham last year.

Pepi's season so far
After initially earning his Eredivisie stripes during a 13-goal loan spell at Groningen, Pepi joined PSV in 2023 in a $9.8 million transfer. He largely came off the bench for his first season-and-a-half, scoring nine goals during his first campaign with the club. However, he broke into the XI in the final months of 2024 by scoring 17 goals in all competitions before a knee injury sidelined him in January.

After building fitness to start this season, Pepi has once again earned his place in the XI and has 11 goals in 22 appearances this season. That includes eight goals in just 716 Eredivisie minutes as well as goals against Napoli, Olympiacos, and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, all off the bench.

What comes next?
With Pepi out of action, PSV will look to maintain the club's stranglehold on the Eredivisie, which they currently lead by 16 points. Pepi, meanwhile, will face a race to recover in time for the next USMNT camp, which comes in March.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sources-premier-league-interest-in-usmnt-star-ricardo-pepi-remains-despite-injury-after-psv-reject-f/blt195b4a5a377ff21f?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Wycombe sign Fulham midfielder Harris on loan
Wycombe Wanderers have signed Wales Under-21 midfielder Luke Harris on loan from Fulham until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old spent the first half of the season with Oxford United in the Championship, but was recalled by the Premier League side earlier in January.

Harris now drops back into League One, a division he helped Birmingham City win promotion from while on loan last season.

"As we enter a key part of the season to add a player of such quality is a big statement for us and gives the whole group a lift," Wycombe's director of football strategy and data intelligence, Tom Stockwell, told the club website.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cwyw12l48lpo

[WhiteJC]

Everton and Fulham 'monitor' Bundesliga gem who 'dreams' of Premier League move
Everton continue to be linked with players as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad

Everton rose back into the top half of the Premier League with a well-fought 1-0 victory away at high-flying Aston Villa on Sunday, as David Moyes' side showed their credentials to match the best in the division at Villa Park.

The last time the Toffees competed in Europe was back in 2017/18, when Wayne Rooney had returned for his second spell as a player and Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce both had a spell as manager. It would be a massive achievement if Moyes was to inspire a return to European competition this term, but his side are just four points off the top four and anything is possible at this stage.

Injury and suspension issues have meant that his squad depth has been tested in recent weeks, though, with five players currently on the side-lines while captain Seamus Coleman returned to the bench after a long lay-off at Villa Park. Toffees duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye will return to Merseyside in the coming days as AFCON champions with Senegal.

Everton remain linked with January incomings with just under a fortnight of the transfer window remaining.

Everton 'monitoring' Bundesliga winger
According to reports by TEAMtalk transfer journalist Rudy Galetti, Everton are amongst a host of Premier League clubs thought to be 'monitoring' Wolfsburg and Austria winger Patrick Wimmer.

Four English sides are said to have 'asked for information' regarding the player, with Everton and Fulham cited as among the 'most active' sides in proceedings. Though advanced negotiations are yet to take place, 'regular contact' is being kept with interested clubs and talks are expected to advance 'in the coming days'.

Serie A giants Lazio, Bologna and Fiorentina are also said to hold an interest in the 24-year-old, who has registered three goals and three assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season. Wolfsburg are 'aware' of growing interest and a January transfer is 'not ruled out' if a convincing proposal arrives for the player, who is under contract until 2027. Wimmer is said to have drawn interest due to his direct style, speed and ability to play on both flanks, making him an 'attractive option'.

The 28-cap Austria international has 'long dreamed' of playing in England according to previous reports by Sport Witness during the summer transfer window, when a switch to West Ham United was proposed but did not materialise.

Moyes praises his Everton players and confirms transfer plans
Everton boss Moyes told BBC Match of the Day following his side's victory at Villa Park: "Incredibly satisfying. It's more to do with what we've not got at the moment and that's no discrediting the boys who played today. We've been working out all week on how we can get a result against them. It took a bit of luck in moments. We could have been in front after 10 seconds. We didn't shut up shop, we created opportunities when we could.

"I thought Jimmy Garner was immense. It was a big game for Harrison [Armstrong]. He stepped up today and he's doing well for such a young player. Merlin [Rohl] too. The Everton supporters will have seen more from him today.

"I've got centre halves who do their best to defend the goal and I've got a great goalkeeper. We try to be solid. I don't know any good teams that aren't good defensively. We can't score loads and loads of goals so we have to make sure we're solid."

Moyes added on Everton's prospects in the transfer market: "We're trying, but whether we get anything at the end of the line, I don't know. The club would like to add players but it's a difficult market right now."



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/everton-fulham-monitor-bundesliga-gem-dreams-premier-league-move-wimmer-wolfsburg-5481179

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United and Sunderland 'ready to battle' for 'incredible' Fulham bagsman
Marco Silva has heaped praise on the winger's 'magic' run of form for Fulham in recent weeks.

Fulham are bracing themselves for a battle to keep hold of in-form winger Harry Wilson this summer with several Premier League rivals prepared to swoop in for the 28-year-old.

Wilson has been at Craven Cottage since 2021 but had been in and out of the starting XI over the first years of his stay. This season, the Welsh international has been in fine form and become the star man under Marco Silva.

Wilson has seven goals and four assists in the Premier League with five of those goals and all the assists coming since the end of November. The forward netted against both Liverpool and Chelsea this month and was the linchpin as the Cottagers put together a six match unbeaten run.

Leeds United and Sunderland monitor Harry Wilson transfer swoop
The Fulham star is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to sign a new deal at Craven Cottage. That would allow the player to leave as a free agent this summer with a pick of clubs interested in his services.

TeamTalk carry the latest on Wilson's future and name Leeds United and Sunderland as two clubs ready to 'battle' for the player, should he be available for free. Everton and Nottingham Forest are also said to be in the race.

Wilson has 141 Premier League appearances to his name with 26 goals and 18 assists. He had been heavily linked with a move to Leeds United last summer and the outlet claims that the Whites, who beat Fulham 1-0 on Saturday, retain a 'strong interest'.

Marco Silva praises 'magic' Wilson and addresses future
Silva has lavished praise on Wilson during his purple patch this season. Following the 2-1 win over Chelsea, in which Wilson struck the winner, Silva said: "He's been incredible. Right now everything he touches becomes something magic, something that will have an impact. You just have to try to take the best from him.

"It's the best moment of his career definitely. He's enjoying and he's worked very hard. His numbers are top, incredible. Very humble, a hard worker always."

Wilson had been linked with a January exit from Fulham, given that it could present the last chance for the Premier League side to cash in on his services. However, the TeamTalk report suggests a summer move may be more likely.

When asked about the player's future in December, Silva had said: "I don't have any doubt right now if you ask me that Harry Wilson is going to be with us until the end of the season, at least, let's hope for more.

"Harry Wilson is very focused in his season, not just in our football club. With his country as well, the way he's performing there, the way he's performing with us. A top professional is not going to disrupt at all his season.

"Of course, we want (the contract) to be sorted in a different way and quicker. Sometimes it's not so easy. I would prefer myself as a manager. That's what it is. Or like Harry Wilson would prefer as a football player."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/leeds-united-sunderland-wilson-fulham-transfer-5481274

[WhiteJC]

Sunderland Are In The Race For This Fulham Playmaker: What Will He Add To Le Bris' Side?
In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Sunderland are in the race for Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson. It has been stated that the Black Cats would face competition in the form of Everton, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest in pursuit of the Welsh talent next year.

Wilson's Impressive Numbers In English Football
Wilson is having an impressive campaign at the London club as he has put in a series of eye-catching displays for them in the final third. The 28-year-old has registered eight goals and earned five assists in 25 matches for Fulham this season across all competitions.

The Welsh talent has proven his worth in the opponent's half by averaging 2.67 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has kept 34% of his attempts on target. However, Wilson needs to improve his ball distribution after completing 73.8% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Craven Cottage will run out at the end of this campaign. Hence, it makes sense for Sunderland to try and sign him on a cut-price deal before the end of this January transfer window.

What Will Wilson Add To Sunderland Boss Regis Le Bris' Side?
Wilson is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the vision to engineer some inviting chances for his teammates in the final third. He can shoot the ball with power and precision from long range and has chipped in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team this season.

The Welsh talent is primarily a right-winger but can also function as a left-sided wide player or as an attacking midfielder if told to do so by his manager. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won't take much time to adjust to life at the Wearside club.

Wilson would no doubt add a lot of quality to Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris' attack. He is good enough to compete for a regular first-team spot at the Stadium of Light.

At 28, Wilson is playing in his prime, which makes him a worthy target for the Black Cats to pursue this January or at the end of this campaign.



https://the4thofficial.net/2026/01/sunderland-are-in-the-race-for-this-fulham-playmaker-what-will-he-add-to-le-bris-side/