Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 26/05/26...

[WhiteJC]

Silva set for decisive talks over Fulham future
Fulham manager Marco Silva says his future at Craven Cottage will be decided this week following a meeting with the club's board.

Speculation has intensified over the Portuguese coach's position ahead of the summer, despite guiding the Whites to a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season.

Silva insisted that no definitive choice has been made yet but confirmed that a resolution will be reached within the coming days after he sits down with the hierarchy.

"If I have made my decision, I didn't have any problems to say, to be honest with people that I love, to be honest with people that I know love me," Silva said, as reported by West London Sport.

"If I haven't announced anything and the club haven't announced anything, it's because I haven't decided.

"It's going to be [decided], of course – not going to be longer than next week. It's a moment for us to sit again and for me to decide.

"I put always this football club above everything in many different aspects of our journey."

The former Everton and Watford boss has been heavily linked with a move away from west London, with reports suggesting interest from several European clubs, including Benfica.

However, Silva maintained that his primary focus has remained entirely on the team's performances right up until the conclusion of the campaign, rather than sorting out his individual plans.

He added: "We finished the season, we did our job, and now it is the time to sit and evaluate everything together. I have always shown full commitment to this project and that will never change."




https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/silva-set-for-decisive-talks-over-fulham-future/

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace and Fulham circle Ligue 1 manager-of-the-season
Crystal Palace and Fulham are both keeping tabs on Racing Club de Lens head coach Pierre Sage, according to reports, with the Frenchman having overseen one of the most remarkable seasons in recent Ligue 1 history.

Sage led Lens to second place in the French top flight, Champions League qualification and the club's first-ever Coupe de France title — a three-to-one victory over OGC Nice in the final — all without a squad stacked with big names.

Sage plays down exit talk — but does not rule it out
Speaking immediately after the Coupe de France triumph, Sage was asked to clarify his future and gave a carefully measured response.

"There is no reason for things to change, but I must admit there are a lot of contacts," he said. "I am under contract and I will try to honour it. I am very happy at this club. This is not the moment to talk about that."

The 47-year-old's words can be read in two ways. Optimists will note he expressed happiness at Lens and has a contract running until June 2028. More cautious observers will point out he stopped short of offering a cast-iron guarantee over his future, particularly significant given the level of outside interest he has now publicly acknowledged.

Crystal Palace and Fulham in the running
According to Sports Boom, Crystal Palace and Fulham are both monitoring Sage's situation. The two clubs are currently 15th and 13th respectively in the Premier League table going into the final round of fixtures, and both are expected to have sufficient financial resources to buy out the remaining years of his Lens contract should he choose to leave.

The most likely outcome, based on his post-final comments, is that Sage remains at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the 2026-27 season, and a first taste of Champions League football. Both English clubs will be watching closely, however, should the situation evolve.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/crystal-palace/transfer-talk/news/crystal-palace-and-fulham-circle-ligue-1-manager-of-the-season_598159.html

[WhiteJC]

Player Ratings: Fulham 2-0 Newcastle United
All the individual rankings after the curtain fell on the 2025/26 campaign.

That's a wrap folks! Fulham saw out the season in style with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United that put some gloss on what's been a limp finish to the campaign.

I will never quite get over the fact that had we scored one more goal against Wolves, we'd have been in the Europa League. Not too much point sweating it now, but it's painful how close we were to achieving something incredibly special.

Once again, for these Player Ratings, we're also giving you the scores voted by Fulham Fanalyists on the excellent Fanalysis app.

Download the Fanalysis app for free here: https://onelink.to/hjvnj8

Bernd Leno

Not sure if he actually had to make any saves in this game, which obviously isn't his fault. Claimed crosses from corners well and distributed solidly enough. Not that much to say really.

Fulhamish Rating: 6/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 71/100

Timothy Castagne

I thought that Timmy's end-of-season flourish continued again in this game. He had some excellent moments, particularly the goal-saving clearance off the line to deny Lewis Hall in the first half. Timmy has really got me thinking about whether we mis-judged him earlier in the campaign. I still have my doubts but with the performances Timmy has put in at the end of the season, you do have to wonder if maybe he was just lacking some confidence that he's now re-found.

Fulhamish Rating: 7.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 77/100

Issa Diop

A brilliant game from Issa, who was solid as a rock at the back today and he topped off a good performance with a really well-taken goal that had strikers' instinct in the way he was first to react to Kevin's brilliant free kick hitting the bar (Rodrigo Muniz, please take note!)

I've said it all season that I think we are a better team with Issa Diop at right centre-back, but I just don't see a world in which he is playing for Fulham next year. He will rightly believe he deserves first-team football, so unless Marco leaves and a new manager puts his faith in him, it's totally understandable that he would want to leave Craven Cottage next season.

If it is Issa's final game, what a way to bow out.

Fulhamish Rating: 8/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 75/100

Calvin Bassey

Another good performance from Calvin, who dealt well with the threat of Woltemarde. In the second half he did a fantastic jinking run through the heart of the Newcastle midfield and I thought as an end-of-season treat he might just go all the way but he smartly/boringly decided to pass it out to Alex Iwobi.

Been a joy to watch at times and although he won't win Player of the Season again, he certainly deserves to be in the top three or four. In many games where we've been underwhelming, he's been the bright spot in the team.

Fulhamish Rating: 7.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 75/100

Antonee Robinson

I still don't think it was the Jedi of old but I thought Antonee showed glimpses of his former self yesterday. From his own personal point of view it's good that he's found a little bit more fitness and some semblance of form before the World Cup.

He still stupidly overhit a cross in the second half to leave us with a wonderful lasting memory before the summer

Fulhamish Rating: 6/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 68/100

Sander Berge

I thought this was a good display from Sander in the middle. Composed, strong on the ball, and got us moving. I thought in the second half there was a moment where it briefly opened up for him to potentially have a shot. I guess we'll have to wait until next season before the ultimate dream becomes a reality.

Fulhamish Rating: 7/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 73/100

Alex Iwobi

Good to see Alex back in the middle. I felt like in the first half he was the main one trying to make things happen, but they just didn't come off. There was a particularly infuriating moment when he got into a fantastic position on the edge of the box - he probably should have gone for goal himself, but he tried to pass it to Oscar Bobb on the outside and he got the pass completely wrong and it rolled out for a goal kick. Alex has all the skills, just sometimes it's that final action like that that lets him down.

I do like Alex in the number 8 position, however I don't think though it is something we should be relying on during the full course of the season. It's a good option to have, but it shouldn't be our only way of putting some attacking impetus into the midfield. Almost certainly there are going to be some new faces in that department next season.

Fulhamish Rating: 6.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 78/100

Oscar Bobb

Another really exciting performance from the Norwegian. Some of his touches are out of this world. He does need to follow that up though with a bit more end product after generating the space. It feels like at the moment he's showing flashes of brilliance, but if he is to be our starting right winger next season, he does have to start contributing in goals and assists.

Fulhamish Rating: 7/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 70/100

Emile Smith Rowe

I thought our whole team yesterday was pretty decent so I'm not going to score Emile too harshly, but I don't think he did an awful lot. You know what you're going to get with Emile: tidy touches, some industry in the attacking part of the pitch, but ultimately slightly forgettable performances.

Will be fascinating to see what lies in store for him next year as Josh King's stock continues to rise.

Fulhamish Rating: 6/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 64/100

Kevin

Oh boy, I can't wait for August. This match felt like a real glimpse from the future with Kevin and Bobb on either wing. I thought our young Brazilian was electric yesterday, a performance coupled with the sunshine that wouldn't have looked out of place on a sunny patch of turf in Sao Paulo.

The free kick that led to the goal was obviously mesmerising and it's a shame that he'll only claim an assist for such a wonderful effort. The boy has skill oozing through him and the little flick that he did that made Jacob Murphy look stupid yesterday in the second half was absolutely sublime. He is still a work in progress, but next season really is his time to shine in this Fulham team.

Fulhamish Rating: 7.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 74/100

Rodrigo Muniz

I've been a big Rodrigo believer for a long time, but even my faith is starting to wane. I thought he was okay yesterday and certainly better than previous weeks, but I just have zero faith that he is actually going to score or even fashion out a decent scoring opportunity.

I know this has been a season blighted by injuries, but the fact his only goal of the season came on the opening day is not a good look. I imagine there won't be another £40m offer coming in this summer, so Rodrigo will probably be here next season.

However, I think his performances in this campaign means that he might be playing a lot more as a substitute rather than our starting striker.

Fulhamish Rating: 5.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 64/100

Subs and Manager

Tom Cairney

Oh Captain, My Captain! What a goal from the skipper to round off the season. The location, the trajectory, and the celebration felt like a complete carbon copy of that memorable Leeds equaliser from the championship years.

He radiated class when he came on and I think put in a performance that demonstrates perfectly why he is more than worthy of one more year at Craven Cottage. Was actually unlucky not to get another goal shortly after coming on.

Fulhamish Rating: 8.5/10 (MOTM)
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 84/100

Josh King

Josh looked bright as per usual. The thing that I like about Josh is whenever he has the ball you always feel like he's going to make the correct decision and execute it with minimal fuss. He was unlucky not to score late on in the game after excellently carrying the ball through the midfield, I would like to see him develop his shooting as sometimes his efforts are a bit tame to trouble top level goalkeepers.

I really hope the experience of going to the World Cup Training Camp with England benefits his development.

Fulhamish Rating: 7/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 70/100

Raul Jimenez

My main memory of Raul was just him getting a little bit frustrated at everyone else for constantly shooting and not trying to find him in the box. He then took matters into his own hands towards the end with a wild shot from distance that he never felt likely to score from.

I am really torn whether to vote for him or for Harry Wilson as player of the season. Despite Wilson's incredible virtuoso moments I do think that Raul has been far more consistent and probably far more important to our campaign.

Fulhamish Rating: 6/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 64/100

Harry Wilson

There was no fairytale farewell goal for Harry, although I felt like he was desperate to produce it. Definitely the correct call to drop him for Oscar Bobb, given that it's almost certain he's leaving, but it was nice for him to have one final cameo in front of the Hammersmith End.

A fond goodbye to a player who, on his day, is irresistibly talented and has been there for some very memorable days.

Fulhamish Rating: 6.5/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 67/100

Jorge Cuenca came on too late to fairly judge.

Marco Silva

It's really tough to give an honest appraisal of Marco when so much hangs in the balance. Looking at this game in isolation, he got the line-up right and the substitutes saw the game home so job done from that sense. With all the context of what's going on though, it's highly frustrating that Fulham are able to put in a performance like that but then not when it mattered away at Wolves.

We demonstrated on Sunday that we can be absolutely sensational on our day but what's been so annoying about the last few months is how so many times we've played below the ability that we know is there. Given how tight it all was in the end, I don't think it's an outlandish thing to say that had Silva's future been sorted earlier this season, I think we would be playing in Europe next year, which is tough to take.

Contract negotiations take two to tango and whilst we can be annoyed at Marco for not signing on the dotted line, we also must be annoyed with the club for putting him in a position where he doesn't feel like he's able to sign a contract. I have said for a number of weeks that I think he is going to stay but in all honesty it is anyone's guess as to whether he will be at Craven Cottage next season.

If he does go I am pleased that that performance is our parting memory.

Fulhamish Rating: 7/10
Fulham fans on Fanalysis: 80/100



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-fulham-2-0-newcastle

[WhiteJC]

Cairney's goal 'the best way' to end Fulham's season
A stunning goal by Tom Cairney was the perfect way to end Fulham's season, Marco Silva says.

The Whites signed off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Newcastle at Craven Cottage, where Cairney scored with a superb, trademark left-footed strike.

"What a great goal from him," said Silva.

"He is capable of doing these types of magic things with his left foot. To do it in front of the Hammy End and in the way he did it, it was probably the best way to end the season."

Cairney signed a one-year contract extension in January, which is set to take him into a 12th season at Fulham, where he is one goal away from his 50th for the club.

Silva added: "Fulham fans are more used to it than myself, even if I have some great memories with this type of goal from him.

"We've been able to use him in the best way possible. He knows how we can use him."

Attention now turns to Silva's future, which is expected to be resolved this week.

The head coach's contract expires this summer and he has so-far not agreed a new deal.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/cairneys-goal-the-best-way-to-end-fulhams-season

[WhiteJC]

Pascal Struijk's Leeds United future 'uncertain' after Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Fulham links
Further doubt cast upon the future of Pascal Struijk at Leeds United

Pascal Struijk's future is reportedly uncertain following the completion of his eighth full season at Leeds United.

The 26-year-old arrived at Elland Road from Ajax's academy midway through the 2017/18 campaign, penning a deal in West Yorkshire after impressing on trial.

Nearly a decade later, Struijk has amassed 196 appearances in Leeds colours and lifted the Championship trophy twice.

However, in recent months, there has been regular talk of interest from Premier League rivals in the cultured centre-back.

Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all been linked with the former Netherlands youth international, as have Fulham and AFC Bournemouth.

Pascal Struijk latest
According to The Athletic, Struijk's future in West Yorkshire is uncertain as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

It has been claimed the club are keen to retain him, but that Struijk holds the cards with his deal nearing expiry.

Leeds are said to have knocked back at least one bid for Struijk last summer and further interest in the defender is expected over the coming months.

Pascal Struijk sale 'risk'
The sale of Struijk would look good on the balance sheets at Elland Road given he was a cheap youth recruit back in 2018. However, Leeds would be losing a player who has developed considerably since the club's last spell in the Premier League.

He has been one of Daniel Farke's most trusted lieutenants in recent months, lining up in a central back three alongside Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.

Last month, Leeds were warned of the risk of selling Struijk by ex-Whites winger Jermaine Pennant. He told The Yorkshire Post: "He came from the academy, so there's a lot of profit you would get to sell him. I don't think you'd be selling him on the cheap.

"If there is a replacement who is just as good, who is a little bit cheaper, then I think that could be a good plan for business for the club. But in saying that, it's a risk.

"Players come to the Premier League who are not Premier League proven. We know that Struijk is now. We've seen it week-in, week-out, he's a very instrumental person in this Leeds team.

"He's like a captain-esque figure in that team. If you don't need to [sell], then in my eyes, you've got to keep him. But if you're struggling for PSR (profit and sustainability), then it's not a bad idea."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-pascal-struijk-tottenham-hotspur-aston-villa-fulham-8639496

[WhiteJC]

Legend of the Match Result: Newcastle
Tom Cairney's influential cameo against Newcastle United has seen him rewarded with the Royal Caribbean Legend of the Match accolade.

The skipper only played the final half an hour after Kevin had to go off injured, but he took the game by the scruff of its neck, ensuring Fulham controlled proceedings even more than we were previously.

On another day, he might have scored a hat-trick, having previously gone close twice before lashing in a stunning 80th minute strike. The technique, location and celebration – with Cairney leaping onto the Hammy End hoardings – gave flashbacks to one of his most famous ever goals.

"That's what my brother said, he said It reminded him of Leeds so much!" TC told FFCtv. "Standing on the hoardings, at the Hammy End, it's the best end to score in by a mile.

"It's an amazing feeling, I just wish it could have meant more for the Club, maybe to get into Europe, but it's still an amazing thing and I'll never take those moments that we have here for granted."

Cairney was a comfortable winner of Legend of the Match, claiming 42.5 per cent of the vote, putting him ahead of fellow goal scorer Issa Diop (16.2%) and Alex Iwobi (11.8%).

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/may/25/legend-of-the-match-result-newcastle/

[Marcus]

Agree player of the season is close between Raul and 'H' whose drop off has been annoying as suitors gather.