Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 10/06/26...

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Aston Villa ahead of Everton, Leeds United in Harry Wilson race
Aston Villa have leapfrogged Everton and Leeds United in the race to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in a Bosman move this summer.

TEAMtalk reports that Harry Wilson could join Aston Villa on a free transfer this summer, with Unai Emery's side leading Everton and Leeds United in the race for the Fulham winger's signature. Wilson's contract expires at the end of June, and the Welsh international is attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

The 29-year-old has been with Fulham since arriving from Liverpool for £12 million in 2021, and enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign. While Fulham did not finish in the top half, Wilson delivered 10 goals and seven assists in 36 Premier League outings.

The player's performances came primarily on the right flank, though he proved equally effective as a number ten. He impressed with his finishing, creativity and ability to stretch the opposition defence, qualities that could appeal to rivals seeking a versatile attacking option.

Fulham want to extend Wilson's stay, but the 29-year-old is keen to explore options elsewhere; a number of top clubs are ready to sign him as a free agent. Aston Villa have emerged as the strongest contenders for his signature.

Why do Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds United want Wilson?
With Jadon Sancho unlikely to continue at the club amid his reported links with Turkish clubs and Harvey Elliott returning to his parent club, Emery is seeking a quality replacement on the right flank. Wilson's ability to play both as a wide option and centrally could help fill those gaps. Villa are likely to hold fresh talks with Wilson's camp this week as they look to strike a deal, and Emery has already approved the move.

Meanwhile, Leeds United consider Wilson a smart, high-value option to add depth to their flanks and have held preliminary talks with his camp. However, signing him will be difficult given their need to compete with clubs that can offer European football.

Everton have also made moves for him, in particular amid uncertainty around Iliman Ndiaye's future due to his emerging links with Manchester City. Even if the Toffees retain Ndiaye's services, they could still pursue the Welsh international as a free agent of his quality is too good an opportunity to miss out on.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/06/09/aston-villa-ahead-of-everton-leeds-united-in-harry-wilson-race/

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Mexico's World Cup-bound striker Raul Jimenez leaves Fulham on free transfer but could be set for immediate move to another English club
Experienced Mexico striker Raul Jimenez has officially departed Fulham on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage. The veteran forward, who is currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup, is already locked in advanced negotiations regarding an immediate return to another English side.

Fulham release veteran marksman
The West London club have officially confirmed the departure of the 35-year-old centre-forward following the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage. According to a report from the Daily Mail, Wolves have already dispatched a dedicated delegation to Mexico in an ambitious bid to convince their former star to return to Molineux. Despite separate interest from rival Premier League sides and boyhood side Club America, the clinical striker is now locked in advanced talks over a dramatic return to the West Midlands.

Edwards demands elite standards
Wolves are determined to convince their former talisman to spearhead their upcoming campaign as they target an immediate return to the top flight. Head coach Rob Edwards wants Jimenez to bring top-tier leadership to Molineux, working alongside fellow veteran Kieran Trippier to guide a developing squad. The former England full-back completed his transfer on Monday, with Edwards viewing both seasoned figures as essential components to build promotion contenders.

Molineux legacy awaits revival
Jimenez previously enjoyed a five-year spell in the West Midlands after initially arriving on loan from Benfica in 2018. Before his £5 million switch to Fulham in 2023, he established himself as a club legend with 57 goals in 166 appearances. Crucially, his tally of 40 top-flight strikes firmly cements his status as Wolves' all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League era, making his potential homecoming an incredibly popular prospect.

World Cup opener beckons
The forward's immediate focus shifts to international duties as co-hosts Mexico launch their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Thursday. Named alongside Santiago Gimenez, Armando Gonzalez, Julian Quinones, and Guillermo Martinez as one of five out-and-out strikers in Javier Aguirre's squad, Jimenez will look to build sharp momentum before demanding Group A fixtures against South Korea and the Czech Republic.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/premier-league-transfer-news-raul-jimenez-leaves-fulham-wolves-talks/blt120f5af5a68731cc?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Musah and Bennacer the latest issues on Milan's list, Fulham undecided on Chukwueze
Milan are facing widespread uncertainty across the club without a senior leadership team in place, and adding to the growing list of issues for the Rossoneri to resolve are the likes of Yunus Musah, Ismael Bennacer and Warren Bondo, who are all expected to return from unsuccessful loan spells.

Milan are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director nor CEO following the departures of Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end.

With no Champions League football on offer next season, Milan could also part ways with a number of their current first-team stars, including the likes of Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.

It is difficult to predict who will stay, who will go and who will come in for Milan until a new coach and a new set of directors are appointed, but what is becoming clear is that the Rossoneri will have to welcome back a number of unwanted first-team loanees.

Eight 'unwanted' loanees expected to return to Milan this summer
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the most difficult of those players for Milan to shift will be Bennacer, who has been on the club's books for the last seven years but has spent the last season-and-a-half out on loan following a serious knee injury at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Bennacer remains under contract with Milan for another season, until the summer of 2027. His most recent club, Dinamo Zagreb, had an option to make their loan deal permanent for a fee of €10m, a clause they will not activate.

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the most likely scenario now is for Milan to seek a termination of Bennacer's contract, which might save them a small amount of the €4m they will otherwise have to pay the Algeria international on the final year of his deal. 

Elsewhere, Musah is also likely to return to Milanello over the summer after spending the 2025-26 season on loan with Atalanta. The American midfielder did not earn consistent playing time in Bergamo and La Dea are not expected to exercise their €24m option to buy.

In a blow for the 23-year-old, he will not have an opportunity to put himself in the shop window during the 2026 World Cup, either, as he was not included in Mauricio Pochettino's USA squad for their home tournament.

It remains to be seen where Musah will be playing his club football next season, but there is a chance he stays on with Milan ahead of their Europa League campaign in 2025-26.

Elsewhere, Bondo is also expected to return to Milan this summer after a relatively underwhelming loan spell with Cremonese in 2025-26.

It remains to be seen what will happen with Samu Chukwueze, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan with Fulham. The West London outfit have an option to buy the Nigeria international permanently for a fee of €26m, but they are hoping to negotiate a slightly lower fee with Milan according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Chukwueze's future remains uncertain, as there is a chance that he could be a useful option to have in the squad under a new head coach, who may prefer a system that depends on wingers, unlike the 3-5-2 that Milan played under Massimiliano Allegri this season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Milan are likely to activate their €4m buy-back clause to bring Francesco Camarda home from Lecce and that fellow youngsters Kevin Zeroli, Christian Comotto and Alphadjo Cisse will return from their respective loan spells.



https://football-italia.net/musah-and-bennacer-the-latest-milan-issues/

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From Portugal: €15m payment holding up announcement of Marco Silva from Fulham
Fulham's long-running Marco Silva saga appears to have entered its final administrative phase. Now, Portuguese newspapers are focusing on when Benfica can officially unveil the manager.

The latest reports suggest the agreement itself is no longer an issue.

Instead, attention has shifted towards the €15m (£12.7m) payment linked to José Mourinho's departure. Also, the sequence of events Benfica want to follow before announcing Silva as their new coach is in focus.

Benfica waiting for green light
According to O Jogo, Benfica are now waiting for confirmation that Real Madrid have triggered the €15m (£12.7m) clause. This clause is required to release Mourinho from the final year of his contract.

The newspaper reports that Florentino Pérez is expected to authorise the payment, allowing the process to be completed and both managerial changes to be formally communicated.

But Correio da Manhã provided further detail on Benfica's thinking. The newspaper claims Rui Costa wants Mourinho's move to Real Madrid fully completed before making any announcement regarding Silva. This could happen before the end of the week.

More interestingly, Benfica are also said to want Mourinho to speak publicly as Real Madrid manager. This is expected to happen before unveiling his successor.

According to the report, Rui Costa would prefer to hear Mourinho's first comments about the process. This would be before Benfica formally present Silva.

Of course, if Mourinho criticises Benfica or the handling of his departure, Rui Costa wants the opportunity to respond before shifting attention to the new era.

That adds an unexpected political dimension to what initially appeared to be a straightforward managerial transition.

Gala presentation being prepared
One of the more eye-catching details from Portugal concerns Benfica's plans for Silva's unveiling.

Correio da Manhã report the club are already preparing a major presentation for the former Fulham manager. The newspaper says Benfica want to give Silva far more prominence than recent managerial arrivals.

Several formats are reportedly being considered. One possibility is a presentation at the Estádio da Luz, including a press conference and museum visit. Another would be an open-air event at the Seixal training complex. This would be similar to the way Jorge Jesus was reintroduced in 2020.

Either way, the intention appears clear. After weeks of uncertainty, Benfica want Silva's arrival to feel like the start of a significant new cycle.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/from-portugal-e15m-payment-holding-up-announcement-of-marco-silva-from-fulham/

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Fulham identify Northern Irishman as 'top target' with Premier League club ready to trigger £8million release clause
Fermanagh's Kieran McKenna is reportedly Fulham's "top target" as the Premier League club look to fill their managerial vacancy.

McKenna, who has successfully guided Ipswich Town back to England's top-flight after sealing promotion last term, is a highly-rated young coach having previously held roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

The 40-year-old was promoted to United's senior coaching staff by José Mourinho in 2018 and also worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford.

McKenna took on his first managerial position after joining Ipswich in 2021, guiding the Tractor Boys to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Ipswich suffered top-fight relegation in their first season back, ultimately finishing 16 points adrift of safety during the 2024/25 campaign, but will ply their trade in the Premier League once again next term after coming second behind Coventry City in the Championship last term.

However, talkSPORT have reported McKenna is "increasingly likely to leave" Ipswich this summer with Fulham identifying the former Northern Ireland U21 international as their preferred candidate.

It's understood McKenna has an £8million release clause in his contract and Fulham are now weighing up a move for a manager who was also considered by Crystal Palace before their pursuit of Pierre Sage.

The Cottagers have been without a boss since it was confirmed that Marco Silva, who is set to take over from Real Madrid-bound Mourinho at Benfica, is leaving his role earlier this month.

Speaking about McKenna's potential departure, former Ipswich striker Darren Bent believes the Northern Irishman would be a perfect fit for Fulham.

"I don't think it's a risk," said Bent on talkSPORT. "It's a manager who's got Premier League experience.

"I know it maybe didn't go the way that he would have liked for Kieran (in 2024/25), but he spent a bit of time at Manchester United as well, then went to Ipswich.

"He's done wonderful things for Ipswich in terms of promotion and getting them back to the Premier League. And it feels like a good fit."



https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/international-football/fulham-identify-northern-irishman-as-top-target-with-premier-league-club-ready-to-trigger-ps8million-release-clause-8665985

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Fulham defender identified as priority target – Deal could be done for around €10m
Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca is emerging as a much more serious Benfica target. Portuguese reports now suggest the two clubs are edging closer to finding common ground on a deal.

The Spanish centre-back was already linked with Benfica last week, largely because of Marco Silva's expected arrival in Lisbon. However, fresh reporting from A Bola indicates the situation has moved beyond simple admiration.

According to the newspaper, Benfica view Cuenca as one of their priority defensive targets this summer. Negotiations could be completed for a fee slightly above €10m (£8.5m).

Another report from journalist Pablo Oliveira adds that the clubs are only separated by a few million euros in their valuation of the player.

Benfica's defensive rebuild taking shape
Benfica's need for defenders has become increasingly urgent following Nicolás Otamendi's departure and the sale of Gonçalo Oliveira to Rennes.

A Bola report the Portuguese side want to sign two centre-backs this summer. One would be an experienced leader capable of replacing Otamendi's presence. The other would be a younger player who fits a longer-term strategy.

Cuenca appears to fit firmly into the second category.

The newspaper explains that Benfica are accelerating plans for defensive reinforcements ahead of pre-season. Marco Silva is expected to have a major influence on recruitment once his appointment is formally completed.

While the manager's presence is part of the attraction, the latest reports suggest Benfica's interest extends beyond simply reuniting coach and player.

Fulham defender viewed as key option
A significant detail emerging from Portugal is the claim that Cuenca is seen as a key option for the left side of Benfica's central defensive pairing.

His left-footed profile remains highly valued, and Benfica reportedly believe he possesses the qualities needed to help build play from the back.

That is particularly important given the alternatives currently being considered.

Former Inter defender Stefan de Vrij had been discussed internally, especially while José Mourinho was expected to remain in charge.

However, A Bola state that option has now lost momentum due to concerns over the Dutchman's physical condition and the managerial change. So Cuenca's standing appears to have improved.

Next steps
What happens next could depend on whether Fulham are willing to move closer to Benfica's valuation.

Earlier reports suggested the London club were reluctant to make decisions before resolving their own managerial situation.

Now, with Portuguese outlets reporting only a small gap remains between the clubs, the transfer speculation surrounding Cuenca looks considerably more advanced than it did a week ago.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-defender-identified-as-priority-target-deal-could-be-done-for-around-e10m/

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Wolves re-sign striker Jimenez from Fulham
Wolves have agreed a two-year deal to re-sign striker Raul Jimenez on a free transfer from Fulham.

The 35-year-old has completed a medical and has an option for a further year at Molineux as relegated Wolves prepare for a Championship campaign next season.

He will team up with former England full-back Kieran Trippier, also 35, and becomes the club's second free signing of the summer.

Trippier has also committed to a two-year deal after leaving Newcastle.

Jimenez was listed by Fulham on Monday among a group of players set to leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of June.

His return to Wolves means he can add to his previous 57 goals and 166 games for the club between 2018 and 2023, which followed a move from Benfica.

The deal agreement comes while Jimenez is on international duty with World Cup co-hosts Mexico, who will begin the tournament against South Africa on Thursday.

Wolves are looking to rebuild after finishing bottom of the Premier League last season, meaning they will compete in the second tier for the first time since 2017-18.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpwer870894o

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Nottingham Forest and Fulham now going head-to-head in race for £25m star
Nottingham Forest and Fulham could now be set to battle it out for a "tremendous" player, and his current club may be prepared to cash-in.

Forest eyeing midfielder with Anderson's future in doubt
Elliot Anderson will be fully focussed on having a successful World Cup with England, where he is expected to partner Declan Rice in central midfield, but the speculation surrounding his Forest future continues to rumble on in the background.

The two Manchester clubs remain keen on signing the 23-year-old, with reporter Alex Crook revealing City could be set to make a new bid soon.

With Anderson's future seemingly in major doubt, the Tricky Trees are continuing to scour the market for a new midfielder, and talks have been held regarding a deal for FC Barcelona star Marc Casado.

Fulham, on the other hand, are keen on bolstering their midfield with the signing of Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, although their first priority may be appointing a new manager, following Marco Silva's departure to Benfica.

Forest and Fulham vying to sign "tremendous" midfielder
According to a report from Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are both in the race to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, with Anderson's potential departure exacerbating the need for Vitor Pereira to improve his options in the middle of the park.

The Tricky Trees had a £25m bid for Engels knocked back during the January transfer window, but they remain keen on securing his signature, and there is a feeling Celtic owner Dermot Desmond is now prepared to sanction a move so a deal is more possible this time around.

Sunderland have also set their sights on the 22-year-old, who has been lauded by Callum McGregor, with his teammate saying: "Maybe people unfairly judge him based on the price tag, but I think he's a tremendous player who plays with a big heart and big energy and will always get better because he has the right attitude.

 The four-cap Belgium international has now spent two full seasons at Celtic, where he has regularly displayed his ability on the front foot, registering 17 goals and 21 assists in 98 appearances.

Journalist Josh Bunting has also heaped praise on the player: "Arne Engels had a very good season at Celtic last term. A key point in them winning the double. Think he is due a Premier League move and Nottingham Forest wanted him in January. Would fit (Regis) Le Bris style of play and what he wants to do. Smart both offensively and defensively."

As such, the Celtic star is evidently a well-rounded midfielder, who could be a solid replacement for Anderson.



https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-and-fulham-racing-arne-engels-transfer/

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Has Fulham star done enough to start at the World Cup?
Oscar Bobb is regarded as one of the finest players in the Norway national team setup, yet the current tactical system has seen the Norwegians favour a front three consisting of Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth. As a result, Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup have often found themselves waiting on the bench for opportunities to contribute.

This approach has proved effective, with Norway securing qualification for the World Cup and building momentum ahead of the tournament. Nevertheless, Bobb concluded the season as a starter at Fulham, a development that strengthened his case for inclusion in the national team squad and highlighted the progress he has made at club level.

Competition for Places in Norway's Attack
Bobb has featured in Norway's warm-up matches and has delivered encouraging performances whenever called upon. His displays have demonstrated his quality and readiness to contribute, whether as a starter or from the bench during the competition.

However, according to VG, the attacker currently has only a slim chance of securing a place in the starting line-up for World Cup matches. The report claims that he is not presently viewed as one of the first-choice options and is more likely to begin games among the substitutes.

Remaining Ready for Opportunities
Bobb will therefore need to remain patient as he waits for his opportunity to make an impact during the tournament. There is a possibility that he could be handed a starting role if injuries occur or if tactical adjustments are required involving the attacking players currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Competition for places at international level is always intense, particularly within squads preparing for a major tournament. Despite the challenges he faces, Bobb will be expected to maintain his focus and continue working hard in training.

He may also embrace the responsibility of being an effective impact player from the bench, understanding that decisive contributions can come at any stage of a match. If given the opportunity, he will aim to demonstrate why many consider him one of Norway's brightest attacking talents.



https://www.footballnorge.com/posts/has-fulham-star-done-enough-to-start-at-the-world-cup/

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Ipswich Town - Tony Khan on Fulham vacancy amid Kieran McKenna links
Tony Khan has urged Fulham fans not to 'believe everything you hear' regarding names linked to the Craven Cottage managerial vacancy amid rumours surrounding Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.

It comes amid reports from TalkSPORT that the Cottagers are keen on the Northern Irishman, who is also interested in taking over in West London. Further claims have been made that they will pay the £8m release clause in his contract, while odds have been slashed to 1/5 for the bookies' frontrunner.

However, director of football Khan highlighted that nobody knew about Fulham's move to appoint Marco Silva in 2021, which shows that odds lists and reports in the press can be wide of the mark when it comes to bringing in a new boss.

 "In that year, he wasn't the person that the pundits or the odds-makers, or anybody really, had on our radar, but he was the one person I was always locked in on," he told Fulham journalist Jack Kelly.

"That probably tells you how much it devalues when they report the rumours, saying 'this person is close to the job, this person is close to the job'.

"There was nobody linking Marco to our job, and no odds-makers putting odds on Marco. He was the one person I always locked in on.

 "Now, when you see all those people connected, take a grain of salt when you see someone is 'connected' this way or is 'very close'.

"We've been having good conversations. It's a huge change, a massive change.

"We've been having these conversations and meetings now, and in the past week. I've seen a lot of people linked that we have talked to and some that we have, and everything in between.

"I would say don't believe everything you hear and don't believe everything you see in these cases. We are having the meetings and talking about the future of the club to look for a new leader."

Silva's exit came at a time that Fulham didn't really expect, despite his contract coming to an end. Khan revealed that a late change of heart saw him depart, set to join Benfica to replace Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho.

 However, it has been confirmed that talks have been going on since his exit was confirmed, although there's no timeframe on when an appointment will be made.

"I can't say with certainty how long it'll take, but we are working on it and we have been every day for the past week," Khan explained.

"I've had a lot of meetings internally, also talking to candidates, and we're going to continue with this process. It is frankly a wider net than five years ago."



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/26180667.ipswich-town---tony-khan-fulham-vacancy-amid-kieran-mckenna-links/