Saturday Fulham Stuff - 23/05/26...

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Fulham enter Valentin Castellanos chase, player stance revealed
Fulham will look to sign 27-year-old Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos from West Ham United in the summer transfer window, and a summer deal is understood to be possible.

According to an update by Italian journalist Marco Mampreso, Valentin Castellanos is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on bolstering their offensive unit by signing a striker ahead of the 2026/27 season and have set their sights on the 27-year-old West Ham United attacker.

The West London club will not be alone in the battle for the South American attacker's signature, as he is also a target for Flamengo. However, Mampreso's update has brought good news for Fulham, as Castellanos wants to stay in the Premier League. Meanwhile, West Ham will aim to recoup "as much as possible" if they are forced to sell the player, setting the valuation in the range of €20-30 million.

How has Valentin Castellanos fared since his West Ham United transfer?
Valentin Castellanos has not taken long to establish a foothold at West Ham United after arriving from Lazio in a deal worth €30 million earlier this year. While the 27-year-old would have hoped to score more goals, his output of six goals in 21 appearances for the East London club is decent, as he has found the back of the net every 270 minutes.

However, the Argentine striker's long-term future at the London Stadium is uncertain amid West Ham's relegation battle. If the Hammers fail to retain their Premier League status, a mass exodus will be inevitable. The situation has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, including Fulham.

Will Castellanos leave West Ham after only six months?
Fulham's interest in Valentin Castellanos makes sense. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a striker, as they are in a spot of bother over Raul Jimenez's long-term future. The Mexican striker has entered the final two months of his contract, compelling the West London outfit to seek talks over a new deal.

However, Jimenez's contract situation and the delays in reaching an agreement for a new deal also forces Fulham to seek a solution from the market, as Rodrigo Muniz has struggled with fitness issues this season. Several candidates, including Pape Moussa Fall, have thus emerged on their wishlist, with Castellanos also a viable target.

However, West Ham will aim to recoup the €30 million they invested in the 27-year-old Argentine striker if they remain in the Premier League. If they cannot avoid relegation, the Hammers will demand at least €20 million to sanction his departure. Nevertheless, Castellanos remains an appealing target, as he is already well-settled in the top flight.




https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/05/22/fulham-enter-valentin-castellanos-chase-player-stance-revealed/

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Fulham vs. Newcastle: Head-to-head record and past meetings
Both out of European contention and only fighting for a top-half finish on the final day of the Premier League season, Fulham and Newcastle United lock horns at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

The showdown pits together two teams who boast identical records for the 2025-26 campaign, having each collected 49 points courtesy of 14 wins, seven draws and 16 losses from their 37 matches so far.

Coincidentally, both the Magpies and the Cottagers have earned 10 of their 14 top-flight successes on home soil this season, which spells good news for a Fulham side led by Marco Silva, who has reportedly agreed to take over from Jose Mourinho at Benfica at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, his opposite number Eddie Howe is understood to be safe at St James' Park, despite Newcastle's underwhelming 2025-26 campaign, although the visitors at least come into the final day with a praiseworthy seven points to show from their final three matches.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head records and past meetings between Fulham and Newcastle.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 84

Newcastle wins: 36

Draws: 15

Fulham wins: 33

Newcastle United and Fulham have faced each other a total of 84 times across all competitions, with the Magpies just edging the head-to-head record having posted 36 wins to the Cottagers' 33, while there have also been 15 draws between these two teams.

Their very first meeting took place back in March 1908 when Newcastle thrashed Fulham 6-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals, almost two years before beating them by a 4-0 scoreline in the second round.

Between 1934 and 1984, Newcastle and Fulham regularly butted heads in Divisions One and Two, with the Cottagers claiming 15 wins compared to the Magpies' 13 across 38 league encounters. Newcastle did come out on top in three of their five domestic cup ties during this period, though.

In the Premier League era (since 1992-93), Newcastle have faced Fulham on 35 occasions in the top flight and have won 16 times compared to the Cottagers' 14 triumphs, while the spoils have been shared just four times.

Fulham initially got the better of Newcastle, winning 12 times between 2001 and 2014, while the Cottagers also won both home and away against the Magpies when they locked horns in the Championship in the 2016-17 campaign, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

However, since then, Newcastle have accumulated 20 points across their last 10 Premier League meetings with Fulham, winning six of those including 4-0 and 4-1 away successes in May 2019 and October 2022 respectively.

Fulham's nine-game winless run against Newcastle was ended when Marco Silva's side secured a 3-1 home victory in the Premier League in September 2024, and they completed the double over the Magpies courtesy of a 2-1 comeback victory at St James' Park almost five months later.

Newcastle had their revenge in October 2025, though, coming up trumps via the same scoreline thanks to a last-gasp Bruno Guimaraes winner.

The last meeting between the two sides came in the EFL Cup in December 2025, with Newcastle recording a 2-1 win in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Last 20 meetings
Dec 17, 2025: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham (EFL Cup)

Oct 25, 2025: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 01, 2025: Newcastle 1-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Sep 21, 2024: Fulham 3-1 Newcastle (Premier League)

Apr 06, 2024: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle (Premier League)

Jan 27, 2024: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle (FA Cup Fourth Round)

Dec 16, 2023: Newcastle 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 15, 2023: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Oct 01, 2022: Fulham 1-4 Newcastle (Premier League)

May 23, 2021: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle (Premier League)

Dec 19, 2020: Newcastle 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

May 12, 2019: Fulham 0-4 Newcastle (Premier League)

Dec 22, 2018: Newcastle 0-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Mar 11, 2017: Newcastle 1-3 Fulham (Championship)

Aug 05, 2016: Fulham 1-0 Newcastle (Championship)

Mar 15, 2014: Fulham 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)

Aug 31, 2013: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Apr 07, 2013: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 10, 2012: Fulham 2-1 Newcastle (Premier League)

Jan 21, 2012: Fulham 5-2 Newcastle (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings
Oct 25, 2025: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 01, 2025: Newcastle 1-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Sep 21, 2024: Fulham 3-1 Newcastle (Premier League)

Apr 06, 2024: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle (Premier League)

Dec 16, 2023: Newcastle 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 15, 2023: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Oct 01, 2022: Fulham 1-4 Newcastle (Premier League)

May 23, 2021: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle (Premier League)

Dec 19, 2020: Newcastle 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

May 12, 2019: Fulham 0-4 Newcastle (Premier League



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/newcastle-united/head-to-head/newcastle-vs-fulham-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_564397.html

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King to join senior England prep camp
Josh King has been selected by Thomas Tuchel to join up with the England senior squad for their upcoming preparation camp ahead of the World Cup.

The Fulham midfielder will join the group as a training player in Florida, where the Three Lions will face New Zealand and Costa Rica ahead of the summer tournament.

King will be joined by Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha of Bournemouth and Liverpool, respectively, as well as a fourth currently unconfirmed player.

Speaking in his squad announcement press conference, England boss Tuchel said: "We will take some young players out who will train with us and keep the squad and the size that we need."

Congratulations Josh on a fabulous opportunity!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/may/22/king-to-join-senior-england-prep-camp/

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Pre-Newcastle Press Conference
Sunday's meeting with Newcastle United may not hold the gravitas that we hoped it might, but Marco Silva remains thoroughly motivated to end the season on a high.

One point from our previous three fixtures means European football will not be gracing SW6 next season, but victory against the Magpies could still bring with it a top-10 finish.

"It is very important," Silva replied when asked about ending 2025/26 positively. "It's always the reason why we work, it's always the reason why we want to be there at the Cottage.

"We want to play in front of our fans, that is the reason always behind it, to win games and to make them proud.

"About the feelings or the mood, as you expected after the Bournemouth game that we lost, and the last game against Wolves where we drew the game, of course, the mood is being completely different.

"As an ambitious group of players and staff, myself always in front of them, the frustration is there, the disappointing moment was there from us, but we have to look for all the picture. I'm the first one to make them to understand all the picture as well.

"And about the last game, let's try to end on a high, let's try to end with a good performance, let's try to make our fans proud.

"Most of the times they should be proud of where the Club came from, and where we are right now, with this mix of feelings that we have after another positive season, and the mix of feelings that we have to not be playing European competitions next season.

"We are talking about probably the difference of two or three points, because with three more points right now, the next game is going to be a final for us at the Cottage, with all the emotions there.

"To talk about the difference of two or three points, it isn't fair to talk about a great, great season or a bad season. I don't go in that direction at all.

"Very positive again, where the Club came from until now, and I really prefer, definitely, to have this mix of feelings, and this frustration, or disappointment of not being in European competitions. It shows the ambition, shows we care where we came from."

Victory over Newcastle on Sunday would guarantee we finish above them in the table, and would be necessary to give us any hope whatsoever of securing a top-half berth.

"We still have targets, and that was the way we started the week," Silva explained. "Of course, we analysed the game against Wolves, we analysed the chance we lost, to make this game a final for us to be in the European places. But straightaway we move on for the next one, and we still have targets.

"Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. First one is to try to finish above them. If we win the game, we are going to be above them.

"We don't control the other results, but it's a chance for us to finish in the top half of the table. It's always a target for us, another motivation for us, and should be a motivation, because it's not something that the Club gets often. We did it in the first Premier League season, but it's not something that is usual and the Club gets often.

"Let's go to fight for it, and of course all the other things – another three points, many things are there, players to show pride, it's the last game but we have to put our maximum there.

"If we can perform in the way most of the games we performed at home, even better, because the fans deserve it. Give something back to them.

"Many things still there, even if that cherry on the top of the cake about European competitions, they are not going to be there no more. Many things still there for us to fight for."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/may/22/pre-newcastle-press-conference/

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From Portugal: Marco Silva – "White smoke at any time" as Fulham and Benfica wait on answers
Fulham are still trying to keep Marco Silva, but the Portuguese press now presents Benfica's pursuit as the most advanced it has been so far.

Across reports from Record, Correio da Manhã and A Bola this Friday, the picture is clearer. Silva has not given Fulham his final answer yet. However, Benfica see him as their chosen target if José Mourinho leaves for Real Madrid.

Record go furthest on that point. They say Silva already knows he is the man wanted at the Estádio da Luz. The newspaper adds that, even without direct contact between Benfica and the Fulham manager, the Lisbon club believe the situation is under control.

That is partly because both Mourinho and Silva share the same agency link through Jorge Mendes. Record claim Benfica have mainly been controlling the situation through that route.

Fulham waiting for final answer
Marco Silva is still focused on Fulham's final Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Only after that match is he expected to sit down with Fulham officials and make his decision clear. Record state the London club have offered him another four years.

That fits with the recent line from Portugal that Fulham are making a major effort to convince him to stay, as we have previously covered. A Bola add that Silva could respond to the renewal offer by Sunday.

Correio da Manhã put Silva's current salary at around €7m (£5.9m) net per year in London. Benfica, meanwhile, are prepared to go to around €5m (£4.2m), with the possibility of a signing bonus.

So the financial gap is clear. Benfica cannot match Fulham directly. Their hope is to sell Silva a different type of project.

Benfica sense opening
Marco Silva has already shown some openness to a return to Portugal. Correio da Manhã quote him as saying: "I won't close the door on anything."

The same outlet now claims Silva has already informed Fulham he wants another challenge. They also stress there is still no full agreement with Benfica, despite reports elsewhere suggesting a deal was close.

A Bola are more optimistic about Benfica's position. They say negotiations with Silva have been well advanced after contacts over several weeks, and only the green light is missing for the decisive phase.

That final phase would include a contract of at least two years.

A Bola also state that Silva feels ready for a new challenge. The newspaper adds that he sees his Fulham cycle, which started in 2021, as coming towards an end.

There is another key detail from A Bola. Silva's main concern is not simply money. He wants guarantees that Fulham are ready to make a strong investment in signings to raise the competitive level of the squad.

According to the newspaper, that did not happen last season, and Silva complained about it.

A Bola even frame the situation as one where "white smoke" could arrive at any moment, with Silva's answer to Fulham and Benfica's own next step now expected very soon.

Mourinho domino still holding everything
For Benfica, everything remains tied to Mourinho. Record say Rui Costa wants to resolve Mourinho's future first. Only then will he move more concretely for Silva.

The same newspaper says the two dossiers are directly linked. Mourinho's exit to Real Madrid must unlock the next step.

There is some disagreement in Portugal over the financial mechanism involved. Record refer to around €7m (£5.9m) as the figure needed to activate Mourinho's exit clause, with Tuesday, May 26th as the deadline.

A Bola, meanwhile, put the clause at €3m (£2.5m), with Benfica needing to make a regulatory disclosure in Portugal before formally advancing for a new manager.

That difference should be noted carefully. What matters for Fulham is the wider picture: Benfica are preparing, but still waiting.

Record also bring another complication. With Enrique Riquelme entering the Real Madrid election race against Florentino Pérez, Mourinho's official move to Madrid may not be announced quickly.

A Bola, however, say Benfica still expect movement by Sunday.

The alternatives to Silva
Correio da Manhã also mention Paulo Fonseca as another name admired by Benfica. Still, that route is difficult because he has a contract with Lyon until 2027 and has recently indicated he wants to stay there.

ESPN Brazil also mentioned that Brazilian manager and former left-back Filipe Luís was offered to Benfica, only to be rejected as he does not have the 'playing profile' Rui Costa is looking for. He was also linked to Fulham recently.

For Fulham, the next few days look decisive. They have offered money, security and a four-year deal. Benfica are offering status, pressure, a return home and the chance to rebuild one of Portugal's biggest clubs.

Silva now has to decide which challenge matters more.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/from-portugal-marco-silva-white-smoke-at-any-time-as-fulham-and-benfica-wait-on-answers/

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Josh & Marco react to King's England call
Following the news that Josh King is going to be joining up with England as a training player in Florida ahead of the World Cup, the man himself, and his Head Coach Marco Silva, give their reactions to the call-up.

Josh King
Josh, some unbelievably positive news coming out of the England press conference this morning. Congratulations, first of all! How are you feeling?

I'm buzzing. I don't have words to describe it, to be honest. It's an incredible opportunity and should be a really good experience, and I'm just really excited. I can't wait really.

What's the family's reaction been?

They were really pleased. It's something which you work towards and dream of as a kid, so even just to be training with the first team is like, wow. Yeah, it's incredible. I think you can tell just by my smile that it's a good one! I'm really looking forward to it.

Did the Fulham boys know going into training, or did they find out when they came off?

No, they found out afterwards, to be fair, and I had a nice reception in the changing room and they all said congratulations and stuff, so they're for buzzing for me as well.

You've obviously represented England up to 21s level already. What does it mean to you to wear the Three Lions?

I feel like it's one of the biggest achievements you can do in your country. And even though I'm not going to be playing any games, the fact that I can do something to support and help the country to hopefully win and bring back a trophy for England would be incredible. Hopefully I can just do my bit and then the lads can go and really kick on in the World Cup.

It must be so promising for you that you're clearly on Tuchel's radar here?

It's a really big thing for me. It's nice to see that my hard work's paying off and that it's been noticed by someone as such a good coach as Tuchel, and hopefully I can just go and try and impress in training and stuff, and just get to know people, and hopefully then sort of work my way up in the future.

Has it scuppered any summer holiday plans at all..?

I was actually meant to be in Miami for a conference with my Mum on her PhD, so it kind of works quite well actually! So a bit of a coincidence there, but yeah, I'm really, really happy.

Marco Silva
One real positive has been Josh King this season, and now he's been called up to be involved with England's preparations for the World Cup. That must be extremely pleasing for you to see him get that recognition, and obviously for him?

I know that he's delighted, and I'm very pleased. A young lad, that since I saw him when he was 16 years old, I didn't have any doubt about the talent that we had in that moment in our hands. And, after two years, we are speaking here about a player that broke through the path for the first team, is being involved in almost all the games that we play this season – starting XI, coming from the bench, but he's being involved almost in all the games this season.

A very young, top talent. Big room to improve still there, and of course to have this chance – of course, he's not going to be called for the World Cup – called for the training camp, to help the big, big players of this country, the national team of England, and for them to be ready for the World Cup, I think it's going to be a great experience for him. Let's hope it's another step – a player that is being called always for the young national team in any level, Under-15, Under-16, Under-18. When he was Under-16, he was playing for Under-18s as well. Under-21s as well he already got great experience, now he's going to have another one. For sure it will make him to grow, for sure he's pleased with his progress so far, and next season is going to be even better from him.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/may/22/josh-and-marco-react-to-kings-england-call/

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Preview: Fulham vs Newcastle United - prediction, team news, lineups
Simply scrapping for a top-half finish on the final day of the Premier League season, 49-pointers Fulham and Newcastle United lock horns at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

While both sides are only three points off eighth-placed Chelsea, the Blues face 10th-placed Sunderland on the final day, meaning that the Cottagers and the Magpies' European chances have already gone up in smoke.

Match preview

A name that has perhaps flown under the radar during the chaotic managerial merry-go-round, Marco Silva is expected to take charge of his final Fulham match in Premier League gameweek 38 - if reports are to be believed.

The Portuguese has continuously swerved questions about his future as his contract winds down, but he has reportedly agreed to take over from Jose Mourinho at Benfica, thus ending a five-year and 229-match stint at Craven Cottage.

Silva has been unable to fulfil Fulham's European ambitions during his time in the capital, thanks partly to an underwhelming end to the 2025-26 Premier League season, in which the Cottagers have won just one of their last six games and have taken one point from the last nine on offer.

The Cottagers' attacking deficiencies were on full display once again in their 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Antonee Robinson's penalty marked just their second goal from their last six matches and left Fulham 13th in the Premier League table, two points off the top half.

Home has been where the heart is for Silva in 2025-26, though, as 10 of Fulham's 14 Premier League wins this season have been achieved at Craven Cottage; only Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa have prevailed more times in front of their own fans.

Boasting an identical record to that of their hosts - 14 wins, seven draws and an unsightly 16 defeats in Premier League matches this season - Newcastle sit two places better off by virtue of their superior goal difference.

However, Europe is also no longer a possibility for Eddie Howe's men, despite their best efforts during an end-of-season revival, which has seen them take seven points from their last three games after a four-match losing sequence.

The Magpies all but condemned West Ham United to their Championship fate in last weekend's 3-1 victory over the Irons, although Taty Castellanos's astonishing consolation means that Howe's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games.

Furthermore, only four of Newcastle's 18 Premier League away matches this season have seen the Magpies emerge victorious, although their two such triumphs in 2026 came against London clubs in Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Howe also masterminded 2-1 wins over Fulham in the league and EFL Cup earlier this season - two of Newcastle's eight victories from their last 10 matches with the home side - but this exact battle in 2024 ended in a 3-1 success for Benfica-bound Silva.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    D    W    L    L    D

Newcastle United Premier League form:

    L    L    L    W    D    W

Team News

Newcastle lynchpin Sandro Tonali had seemingly played his last game of the season when he came off with a hamstring problem against West Ham, but Howe has not ruled the Italy international out of the trip to Craven Cottage.

Joe Willock is on hand to step in for Tonali if required though, while none of Joelinton (thigh), Tino Livramento (groin), Fabian Schar (foot), Emil Krafth (knee) or Lewis Miley (calf) will be involved.

An unused substitute for the third game running last weekend, Anthony Gordon is not expected to force his way into the XI for what will likely be his final game, despite Howe exclaiming that the wantaway winger has been "great" since his return from injury.

Speaking of wide man coming back from fitness problems, Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon is back in training following a muscular concern and has a chance of being involved, albeit most likely as a substitute.

Integral defender Joachim Andersen is still serving his suspension, though, while 18-year-old striker Jonah Kusi-Asare has a knee injury but would not have forced his way into the XI anyway.

Ten-goal winger Harry Wilson was dropped to the bench at Molineux following five straight Premier League games without a goal or assist, but the Welshman should be restored for what is looking likely to be his final Fulham appearance.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Iwobi, Lukic; Wilson, King, Kevin; Jimenez

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Willock; Barnes, Woltemade, Ramsey; Osula

We say: Fulham 1-2 Newcastle United

Craven Cottage has often brought out the best in Fulham this season, but the Cottagers' attacking output has decreased significantly as the season has worn on, whereas Newcastle are finally firing again.

We expect Howe's men to potentially sneak into the top 10 spots with a final triumph of the term, therefore marking a bitter end to Silva's Fulham journey.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/fulham-vs-newcastle-prediction-team-news-lineups_597973.html

[WhiteJC]

Sandro Tonali assessed ahead of Fulham clash as Newcastle United sweat on Italy call-up in June
Sandro Tonali's summer may not yet be over with Italy facing two matches in June

Newcastle United must weigh up Sandro Tonali's fitness concerns ahead of the final day encounter with Fulham.

The Italy international went off with a hamstring injury against West Ham during Sunday's 3-1 win at St James' Park. That prompted injury worries in the Toon camp with many wondering if he would be sent home for the summer early this week.

But Tonali's campaign still won't be over if he plays at Fulham, and while head coach Eddie Howe played down fitness concerns, he will be wanted by the Italian FA for summer friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece in early June. And while those fixtures are definitely looked at as meaningless by most fans, they were fixed up before Italy blew it in the World Cup play-offs on penalties against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Italy have hinted that they will name a young squad for the two games and it remains to be seen whether Tonali is involved. Italy's delegation chief for the Under-21s will take charge of the games but warned: "It won't be the U21 team that takes to the pitch, but a young and strong Italy side. Lots of talented players will play, some who are already permanent parts of the national team squad, and other guys that Silvio Baldini (head coach) knows very well having coached them with great results with the U21s over the last nine months."

When asked about Tonali's fitness levels ahead of Fulham, he said: "Sandro, potentially, will be available. We will look at him again today. We don't think it is anything serious."

Tonali will be free to enjoy a longer break after June 7 when he will have more than a month before pre-season begins at The KNOX, which is what Benton will soon be referred to after an £18m sponsor deal.

The news that Lewis Hall won't go to the World Cup also means an extra break for the star left-back. Hall, Tonali, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Sven Botman and William Osula will all get the benefit of a tournament-free summer.

When asked for details on pre-season plans, Howe said: "It will be different with the World Cup. We plan to come back around the 13th of July so probably a week longer than normal because of the World Cup.

"We are going to Spain and La Manga for around 10 days, so no huge long flight for the players.

"We have to make sure the players are in the best physical condition. The World Cup players will get around three weeks off, depending on their condition."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sandro-tonali-assessed-ahead-fulham-33996755

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Preview: Newcastle
🆚 Newcastle United
🏟 Craven Cottage
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 24th May
⏰ 4pm

The opposition

Newcastle United's campaign has mirrored Fulham's in many ways, with the sides level on 49 points heading into the season finale at Craven Cottage. The Magpies have spent much of the year below us in the standings, but have the advantage going into Sunday having taken seven points from their previous three fixtures, meaning a Fulham win is the only way of leapfrogging our opponents.

Team news

🤍 Ryan Sessegnon is back in training but Marco Silva may not risk him for the final game. Jonah Kusi-Asare is likel ruled out by a knee injury, and Joachim Andersen is suspended.

⚫️ Tino Livramento, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley are all out, but Sandro Tonali is expected to be fit.

Tickets

The Ticket Exchange is open until 2pm on Sunday.

Kits

Newcastle will be in their change strip for this fixture.

Weather

☀️ A sweltering 32 degrees is anticipated come 4pm on Sunday!

Lime/Forest bikes

If you use a hire bike to get to the stadium, we kindly request that it is left at a new designated zone which can be found at the junction of Woodlawn Road and Langthorne Street.

Arrive early

Until 3pm, all pints of beer, cider & cans of wine will be priced at just £5, with soft drinks available for just £2, as part of our early bird drinks offers.

Legacy cap

At half-time, George Cohen will be honoured with the presentation of his England legacy cap to members of his family.

Lap of appreciation

The squad management and players will return to the pitch after full-time to show their appreciation for your support this season.

Bag drop

Fans are reminded of our bag drop policy that is in place.

Whatever Will Be, Will Be

Felix White will be in the Stadium Store from 1-2pm, signing copies of his new book Whatever Will Be, Will Be, which is also available to purchase.

Increased entry searches

Fans are advised that there will be increased searches taking place upon entry into the ground.

Fulham Flutter

The Fulham Flutter allows fans from across the UK to go into the running to win some unique Fulham prizes. Fans can purchase a season ticket to be automatically entered into every home draw or buy tickets on a match-by-match basis, with the winner of our top prize announced on the big screen at half-time of the match.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.

26/27 Season Tickets

Current Season Ticket Holders can renew their seat in person on the day. To renew for the 2026/27 campaign, supporters should visit Window 1 at the Ticket Office on Stevenage Road, which will be dedicated to renewals.

Please note that this service will be available from 10:30am until half-time, and will reopen post-match until 6.30pm. Additionally, fans can renew online anytime before 5pm on Friday 5th June.

Programme

For long periods of this season, Fulham looked genuine contenders for European qualification.

While there's understandable disappointment within the ranks at missing out, Kevin insists the squad remain upbeat.

"We always think positively," he tells the official matchday programme for the visit of Newcastle United. "The Premier League is very difficult and very competitive. We know we could have done some things better, but we also know we've had a good season in many ways.

"It's not a wasted opportunity because the league has been competitive right until the end. We have to learn from this season, improve where we can and come back stronger next year."

Elsewhere in the 110-page publication, Marco Silva, Tom Cairney and Robert Wilson pen their regular columns, while Moritz Volz is the next interview in our Cult Heroes series.

The programme will be on sale around the ground on Sunday, priced £4, or available to purchase online.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/may/22/matchday-preview-newcastle/

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Fulham face fight to keep Marco Silva as Benfica signal interest
Fulham manager Marco Silva is poised to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to talkSPORT.

The Portuguese manager has yet to commit his future to Fulham, sparking plenty of speculation about where he could end up this summer.

He isn't short of options, with clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on his situation at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are desperate to retain Silva's services. They have repeatedly made it clear that they want the 48-year-old tactician to remain in London.

However, the Cottagers are losing the battle to keep him at the club, as contract talks between the two parties have yet to yield any positive results.

While Fulham haven't started preparing for the possibility of losing Silva, the Portuguese manager may already have another job lined up.

Silva is a key target for Portuguese giants Benfica, who are looking to replace Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho this summer.

He would jump at the chance to return to his homeland. Benfica's sporting project could also attract him, as they are set to play in the Europa League next season.

Benfica initially wanted to bring Ruben Amorim back to the Portuguese top flight. But he was reluctant to join his former rivals, given the success he enjoyed with Sporting CP.

Amorim's reluctance has opened the door for Silva, whose work in the Premier League has continued to attract attention across Europe.

The timing could be difficult for Fulham. They have attempted to secure Silva's future with a lucrative new deal worth around £8 million per year, but negotiations have yet to be finalised.

The delay has naturally increased speculation over whether a return home could tempt the Portuguese manager.

Silva was under serious consideration for the previously vacant Chelsea job alongside outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.

However, the Blues ultimately appointed Xabi Alonso.



https://sportsview.co.uk/2026/05/fulham-face-fight-to-keep-marco-silva-as-benfica-signal-interest

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Boss Silva will decide Fulham future next week
Fulham boss Marco Silva has promised he will make make a decision on his future next week.

The 48-year-old Portuguese's contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of June and the club are keen to keep him, offering a new three-year deal.

Silva, who was appointed in 2021, was linked with the Chelsea job before former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was appointed.

Benfica have also been mentioned as possible suitors for Silva as they eye a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho.

Fulham's final Premier League match of the season is against Newcastle on Sunday.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference on Friday, Silva said he did not see the uncertainty surrounding him "as an issue".

"I understand why you call it as an issue, I see it as a situation that we are at the end of a contract, we have been talking to the football club and the football club is talking with us," he said.

"And I'm going to take a decision, as are the football club, next week.

"I just have one offer on the table for me to think about. I understand my agent is speaking with the club, but I have an offer from a long, long time that we are talking about and that is Fulham Football Club."

Silva took charge of Fulham when they were in the Championship five years ago and steered the club to promotion in his first season.

Since then he has established them in the Premier League, guiding the Cottagers to 10th, 13th and 11th placed finishes.

They currently sit 13th with the match at home to Newcastle left, but Fulham have failed to win in their past three games, seriously denting their chances of qualifying for Europe next season.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn0perd9523o

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Silva: Decision on future will come next week
Marco Silva says a decision on his future will be revealed next week.

The Fulham boss' contract expires this summer and he has so far not agreed a new deal.

There has been speculation over his future for some time – and he was considered for the Chelsea manager's job prior to the appointment of Xabi Alonso.

Silva has also been linked a return to his native Portugal, with Benfica.

But on Friday he again insisted that he has not been made an offer by Benfica and remains in discussions with Fulham.

He said: "I just have one offer on the table for me to think about. I have one offer from a long time ago that we have been talking about."

"I don't see it as an issue. I see it as a situation that we are in the end of contract and talking with the football club and the football club is talking with us.

"I'm going to take a decision as the football club (will) next week. We are going to meet again next week and a decision will come."

Fulham will end their season with a home match against Newcastle on Sunday.

Silva admitted to "frustration" and "disappointment" that the Whites have not sustained a challenge for a European place but insisted it has been "another positive season" for the club."

He added: "We still have targets. Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. If we win the game, we are going to be above them."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-decision-on-future-will-come-next-week

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Silva wishes supporters to be 'proud' of Fulham
Fulham boss Marco Silva wants his side to end the Premier League season proudly at Craven Cottage against Newcastle United.

Marco Silva spoke about ending the season on a high with Fulham this campaign.

A 1-1 draw against Wolves would end their hopes of continental competition for another year, and the future of the head coach, as well as Harry Wilson, will need to be resolved sooner rather than later.

'We have to look for all the picture'

However, Silva still wants to focus on the fixture left to play in the calendar. A last gasp 2-1 win for Newcastle United was one of many tight encounters in the first third of the season where the side could have taken away more, and they will want to set the record straight at Craven Cottage.

"It is very important [to end the season positively.] It's always the reason why we work, it's always the reason why we want to be there at the Cottage. We want to play in front of our fans, that is the reason always behind it, to win games and to make them proud.

"About the feelings or the mood, as you expected after the Bournemouth game that we lost, and the last game against Wolves where we drew the game, of course, the mood is being completely different.

"As an ambitious group of players and staff, myself always in front of them, the frustration is there, the disappointing moment was there from us, but we have to look for all the picture. I'm the first one to make them to understand all the picture as well. And about the last game, let's try to end on a high, let's try to end with a good performance, let's try to make our fans proud.
Pride in Fulham's progress

"Most of the times they should be proud of where the Club came from, and where we are right now, with this mix of feelings that we have after another positive season, and the mix of feelings that we have to not be playing

European competitions next season.

"We are talking about probably the difference of two or three points, because with three more points right now, the next game is going to be a final for us at the Cottage, with all the emotions there.

"To talk about the difference of two or three points, it isn't fair to talk about a great, great season or a bad season. I don't go in that direction at all.

"Very positive again, where the Club came from until now, and I really prefer, definitely, to have this mix of feelings, and this frustration, or disappointment of not being in European competitions. It shows the ambition, shows we care where we came from.

Targeting a top-half finish

"We still have targets, and that was the way we started the week. We analysed the game against Wolves, we analysed the chance we lost, to make this game a final for us to be in the European places.

"But straightaway we move on for the next one, and we still have targets. Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. First one is to try to finish above them. If we win the game, we are going to be above them.

"We don't control the other results, but it's a chance for us to finish in the top half of the table. It's always a target for us, another motivation for us, and should be a motivation.

"It's not something that the Club gets often. We did it in the first Premier League season, but it's not something that is usual and the Club gets often. Let's go to fight for it, and all the other things – another three points, many things are there, players to show pride, it's the last game but we have to put our maximum there.

"If we can perform in the way most of the games we performed at home, even better, because the fans deserve it. Give something back to them. Many things still there, even if that cherry on the top of the cake about European competitions, they are not going to be there no more. Many things still there."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/05/22/fulham/1261548-silva-wishes-supporters-to-be-proud-of-fulham.html

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Fulham boss Marco Silva reveals timeline for future decision amid Benfica links
Fulham manager Marco Silva has revealed he will decide his future next week amid links with the head coach position at Benfica.

Silva has spent the last five years in the Craven Cottage dugout, leading the club to promotion in his first season before establishing them in the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach had hoped to lead his side into Europe this season, but those dreams have disappeared with a three-game winless run.

There may be a feeling that the uncertainty surrounding Silva's future has contributed to the recent poor run of form.

As it stands, the 48-year-old will bid farewell to Craven Cottage when his contract expires this summer.

Silva delivers update on Fulham future
While Fulham are keen to retain his services, Silva has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Benfica job, with Jose Mourinho set to leave the Portuguese giants for a second spell at Real Madrid.

Silva has now revealed that he plans to make a relatively quick decision over his future after Fulham's final Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United on Sunday.

"I understand why you call it as an issue, I see it as a situation that we are at the end of a contract, we have been talking to the football club and the football club is talking with us," Silva told reporters on Friday.

"And I'm going to take a decision, as are the football club, next week. I just have one offer on the table for me to think about.

"I understand my agent is speaking with the club, but I have an offer from a long, long time that we are talking about and that is Fulham Football Club."

Silva targeting top-half finish
Having collected 49 points from 37 games, the Cottagers enter the final day of the season in 13th spot in the Premier League table, level on points with the two teams in front of them, including Newcastle, and two points adrift of 10th-placed Sunderland.

While European qualification is out of reach, Silva is hoping his side can secure a top-half finish for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign.

"We still have targets, and that was the way we started the week," Silva said.

"Of course, we analysed the game against Wolves, we analysed the chance we lost, to make this game a final for us to be in the European places. But straightaway we move on for the next one, and we still have targets.

"Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. The first one is to try to finish above them. If we win the game, we are going to be above them.

"We don't control the other results, but it's a chance for us to finish in the top half of the table. It's always a target for us, another motivation for us, and should be a motivation, because it's not something that the club gets often.

"We did it in the first Premier League season, but it's not something that is usual and the club gets often."

Silva will be unable to call upon the suspended Joachim Andersen and the injured Jonah Kusi-Asare for the home game against Newcastle.

Ryan Sessegnon has returned to training following a three-game injury absence, but it remains to be seen whether he will be risked on Sunday.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/silva-reveals-timeline-for-fulham-future-decision-amid-benfica-links_598040.html