Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 12/08/26...

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Charles joins Fulham

The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

A versatile player, the 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, tying him to Craven Cottage until June 2031, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months.

He will wear the number 19 shirt.

Speaking to FFCtv, Charles said: "I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The Club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the Manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Shea Charles to Fulham! Shea is an exciting young player, and he's quickly gained important experience both in domestic competitions and at international level as the youngest ever captain of the Northern Ireland team.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Shea to join Fulham and to continue his development under Álvaro's leadership! Come on Fulham!"

An athletic presence who reads the game well, Charles primarily operates as a central midfield player, but has played a number of games as a centre-back or right-back, too.

A graduate of the famed Manchester City academy – where he was a teammate of Oscar Bobb – Charles helped the club to back-to-back PL2 titles, the latter one in 2022/23 as captain.

That form caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, who handed him a Premier League debut in May 2023.

A permanent move to Southampton arose that summer, with the youngster playing 38 times across all competitions as the club won promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs.

2024/25 was spent on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, and it proved to be a very successful one for the player. In addition to helping them achieve a top-half finish, featuring in all 46 of their league fixtures, Charles was also voted as the Owls' Player of the Season, and was nominated for EFL Championship Young Player of the Season.

Back at St Mary's for the campaign just gone, Charles established himself as a key player for Saints, registering eight goal involvements (6G, 2A) in his 38 matches in all competitions, as they reached the FA Cup Semi-Finals and Play-Off Final (prior to their expulsion from the latter).

He came up with vital goals in those campaigns, too, including a stunner against Oxford United that was nominated for EFL Goal of the Season, and winners against Arsenal and Middlesbrough in the FA Cup Quarter-Final and Play-Off Semi-Final, respectively.

Despite his young age, Charles is already a seasoned international player, with 35 Northern Ireland caps to his name – whom he qualifies to represent through his mother – leading the side out as captain in four of those fixtures.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/11/charles-joins-fulham/

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Fulham confirm signing of Charles from Southampton
Fulham have confirmed the signing of midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton.

The Whites recently agreed a deal to buy Charles for an initial £26m, with the fee potentially rising to £30m in add-ons, and he has signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional year.

Leeds are among a number of other clubs to have chased the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, whose younger brother Pierce, a goalkeeper, recently joined QPR on loan from Manchester City.

Charles told FFCTV: "I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

New Whites boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been keen to bolster the club's midfield options and the arrival of the highly-rated Charles is a significant capture.

He has impressed hugely since being signed from Manchester City in 2023.

Charles spent most of the season before last on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and last term he was a key player for Southampton, who reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and missed out on promotion back to the Premier League when they were kicked out of the play-offs because of the Spygate scandal.

Charles' arrival follows the departure of fellow midfielder Sasa Lukic, who completed a move to Ipswich on Saturday.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-charles-siging-complete-update

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Dons drawn against Premier League opposition in Carabao Cup
AFC Wimbledon will travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Wimbledon were in the hat for round two thanks to a victory over Newport County on Saturday, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

 It was a Callum Maycock equaliser in the 98th minute that rescued the game for Wimbledon after Newport County opened the scoring with a fantastic strike from outside of the box, halfway through the second half.

The Dons scored all five of their penalties in the shootout, while goalkeeper Nathan Bishop saved one from the visitors to book their place in the next round.

Speaking to club media after the game, manager Johnnie Jackson spoke of his desire to face a high-profile opponent, saying, "To be honest, you want a Premier League team away. That would be my preference".

"I think that would be nice for the supporters as well. They get the opportunity to go to grounds that they don't go to regularly or haven't done for years".

Jackson's wish was granted tonight when Wimbledon were drawn against Premier League Fulham, with the game set to be played at Craven Cottage on the week beginning 24th August.

Fulham entered the competition at round two along with nine other Premier League teams that do not have European football this season, including the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

 It will be the first competitive meeting between the south west London sides in over 25 years, and the first time they have met in the League Cup.



https://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/dropthedons/26452534.dons-drawn-premier-league-opposition-carabao-cup/

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Wimbledon date confirmed
Fulham's Carabao Cup fixture against AFC Wimbledon will take place on Thursday 27th August.

The Second Round tie at Craven Cottage will kick-off at 8pm.

Ticket information will follow in due course.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/11/wimbledon-date-confirmed/

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Fulham have announced the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton on a five-year contract, running until 2031, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

The £30 million fee for the midfielder makes him the most expensive Northern Irish footballer of all time.

Charles started his career at Manchester City before moving to Southampton, but now will be playing in west London for Fulham.

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really," he told Fulham's official website.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Shea Charles to Fulham. Shea is an exciting young player, and he's quickly gained important experience both in domestic competitions and at international level as the youngest-ever captain of the Northern Ireland team.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Shea to join Fulham and to continue his development under Álvaro's leadership."

Last season Charles scored a late winner in the FA Cup against Arsenal as well as the winning goal against Middlesbrough in the Play-Off semi-final. He has also represented his nation, Northern Ireland, 35 times despite his young age.



https://hayters.com/to-be-here-is-a-massive-privilege-charles-buzzing-to-sign-for-fulham/

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Southampton FC confirm Shea Charles departure for Fulham
SHEA Charles has completed his move to Premier League side Fulham from Saints.

 It is understood that the deal is worth £30million, made up of £26million plus £4million in add-ons.

There is also a significant sell-on clause included, believed to be 20 per cent.

 Charles has been heavily linked with a move away from St Mary's all summer with the Cottagers, as well as Leeds United, fighting for his signature.

The midfielder has signed a five-year deal in West London, with the option of a further year.

He said to Fulham TV: "I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

 "I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

The 22 year old joined Saints for £15million from Manchester City in 2023.

Last season was where Charles really grew into a key player on the south coast after spending the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

The midfielder scored winning goals against the likes of Leicester City, Arsenal and Middlesbrough while also netting against Liverpool at Anfield and producing a screamer against Oxford United.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26451742.southampton-fc-confirm-shea-charles-departure-fulham/

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Fulham: Shea Charles hails Alvaro Arbeloa pull as £30m transfer confirmed
Cottagers seal fourth summer deal as exciting Championship talent joins up

Shea Charles has praised Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa's vision after signing from Southampton in a deal worth up to £30million.

Charles has signed a five-year contract, with a club option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, making him Fulham's fourth signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old joins former Real Madrid pair Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios as well as Swedish forward Jonah Kusi Asare, who signed on a permanent deal after spending last season on loan at the west London club from Bayern Munich.

Charles enjoyed an excellent season at Southampton as they reached the Championship play-offs before they were expelled from the final following the Spygate scandal.

The former Manchester City academy graduate, who will wear the No19 shirt, bolsters Fulham's midfield as Arbeloa's plans begin to take shape ahead of the new season.

Fulham are set to embark on a new era following the departure of longstanding manager Marco Silva, and there is a fair amount of uncertainty around the club given Arbeloa's relative lack of managerial experience.

Charles, though, says it was Arbeloa's vision which helped convince him to turn down interest from elsewhere to sign for Fulham.

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really," Charles told Fulham's in-house media.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/charles-fulham-fc-transfer-confirmed-arbeloa-b1293016.html

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Fulham Confirm Signing Of Southampton Midfielder
It's been on the cards for a few days now, but Fulham have now confirmed that they have completed the signing of Shea Charles from Saints, a shame to see him go, but the hefty fee will help a lot in the last weeks of the transfer window.

Southampton have also confirmed that Shea Charles has now left the club and joined Fulham.

They have not confirmed the fee but sources in West London are saying that it is £26 million plus add ons that will push up the fee to £30 million if conditions are met.

Charles has signed a 5 year deal with the option of an extra year.

He will be a loss to the club, injury restricted him to just 21 starts plus another 10 sub appearances in the regular Championship season, scoring 3 goals plus 2 assists.

In the play offs he came onas a sub at Middlesbrough and at St Mary's played the full 120 minutes scoring what turned out to be the winner in the game, but not the goal that took us to Wembley.

I liked Shea Charles as a player from the first game I saw him in, but I always thought he was under appreciated by a succession of managers and also some sections of our support.

Two years ago when he was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday for the season there were few who lamented his departure and even last season, although he started every game under Will Still before being injured up at Blackburn, when he returned to the squad in January under Tonda Eckert, he struggled for game time.

Obviously Saints had a strong centre of midfield and perhaps rotation was necessary, I always felt that he wasn't used as much as he could have been until the final run in.

You can only judge whether a player was a good signing when he leaves the club, so on judging Charles, we have to evaluate his 2 playing seasons at the club.

In the first under Russell Martin he was an inexperienced 19 year old, he started 15 games plus another 17 as sub, but near the end of the season he seemed to fall out of favour with Russell Martin and sat on the bench a lot without getting off it.

Indeed in the 3 play off games he would play just 1 minute, running down the clock in the 3-1 home win in the semi against West Brom.

But that should not detract from the part he played earlier in the season.

Last season he played a big part in what would surely have been a promotion season and perhaps if we had gone up he would be staying at the club.

That however did not happen and with Charles being in big demand it was clear from the start of pre season that he would not be here by the end of the transfer window.

From the club's perspective it is good that we have got the business done early and it is good business.

Signed for around £9 million, Saints have now made around £17 million profit, although it is likely that we will have to pay around £2.5 million to Manchester City due to a sell on clause.

That is good business and the hope is that we still have a strong midfield even if we dont make another signing in that position.

So good luck Shea Charles for the future.




https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/66575/

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Fulham sign Shea Charles from Southampton on five-year contract
Fulham have announced the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton as Alvaro Arbeloa continues to strengthen his squad.

Sources have told ESPN that Northern Ireland international Charles, 22, is moving to Craven Cottage in a deal worth £27 million, plus £6m in add-ons.

The midfielder will become the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer in history after signing a five-year contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for a further 12 months by the club.

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line," he told the club's website. "The Club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision -- the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Charles made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in 2023 for a season, before making the move to Southampton where he spent three seasons. He was previously on loan at Sheffield Wednesday for the 2024-25 campaign.

During the summer transfer window, Leeds United were also showing interest in him.

Manager Arbeloa, who was appointed at the start of July, has also signed two Real Madrid players -- Gonzalo García and midfielder César Palacios.

Arbeloa had a spell in Europe as interim Real Madrid boss during the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Fulham are set to play Stuttgart in Spain on Aug. 15, before hosting Chelsea in their Premier League season-opener on Aug. 24.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/49580789/fulham-sign-shea-charles-southampton-five-year-contract-premier-league

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Shea Charles looking to 'really kickstart my Premier League career' after record-breaking Fulham transfer
Shea Charles "hopes to really kickstart my Premier League career" after becoming Northern Ireland's most expensive player of all-time following his £30million move to Fulham.

The 22-year-old played once for Manchester City in England's top-flight before joining Southampton in 2023, but has now signed a five-year deal to seal his Premier League return.

Charles' transfer has set a new record fee for a Northern Irish star, trumping the £15million paid by Newcastle United to Norwich City for Jamal Lewis in 2020.

The midfielder has developed into one of Michael O'Neill's most important players, bringing his cap tally to 35 after playing in June's friendlies against Guinea and France, and has also been entrusted with captaincy duties.

Charles played 31 times in the Championship last season as the Saints reached the play-offs – he scored the winner in their semi-final triumph over Middlesbrough prior to Southampton being thrown out due to 'Spygate'.

However, Charles has now sealed his spot in the Premier League and is determined to establish himself at the highest level.

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line," Charles told the club's website. "The Club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision – the Manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Charles has previously impressed against Premier League clubs, scoring in Southampton's FA Cup win over Arsenal last season.

Fulham owner Tony Khan believes his club represents the perfect opportunity to progress under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Shea Charles to Fulham!" he said. "Shea is an exciting young player, and he's quickly gained important experience both in domestic competitions and at international level as the youngest ever captain of the Northern Ireland team.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Shea to join Fulham and to continue his development under Álvaro's leadership! Come on Fulham!"

Charles' move continues a big summer for Northern Ireland's top talent following Ethan Galbraith's eight-figure switch to Stoke City while Shea's younger brother Pierce joined Manchester City before being sent on loan to Queens Park Rangers.



https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/football/northern-ireland/shea-charles-looking-to-really-kickstart-my-premier-league-career-after-record-breaking-fulham-transfer-8879098

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'So grateful' - Charles pens Southampton FC farewell message
DEPARTED midfielder Shea Charles has taken to social media to write a farewell message to Saints after completing his £30million move to Premier League side Fulham.

 Charles signed for Saints from Manchester City in 2023, making 76 appearances for the club.

The 22 year old was a star player for Tonda Eckert's side last term, scoring winning goals against Leicester City, Arsenal and Middlesbrough, as well as a screamer against Oxford United.

 Taking to Instagram, Charles wrote: "Thank you Saints for the last three years.

"To my teammates, coaches, and managers who helped me, I will always be thankful.

"We shared some special moments together.

"And for the fans who supported us through the ups and downs, I am so grateful.

 "All the best for the future Saints."

Charles has signed a five-year deal at Craven Cottage, with the option of a further year.

It is understood that the deal is worth £30million, made up of £26million plus £4million in add-ons.

Saints have also included a significant sell-on clause, believed to be 20 per cent.

There is also a 15 per cent clause due to Manchester City from the deal that sent him to St Mary's in 2023.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26453458.so-grateful---charles-pens-southampton-fc-farewell-message/

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Fulham hold talks with club and agent – Player pulled from training
Fulham are battling for Barcelona's Héctor Fort and have to convince him to secure his services.

The 20-year-old came up through the ranks of the Catalan club's youth system and made his first team debut in 2023. He failed to cement a place in their starting lineup.

Last summer, Barca sent him on loan at Elche CF and prior to that, West Ham United had reportedly explored the possibility of signing the right-back.

Fort made 17 appearances for Elche and has already returned to the Camp Nou. Fulham are willing to open their door for him this summer.

Fulham make contact
That's according to Tuesday's print edition of Marca, which states the fullback's future at Barcelona remains uncertain.

Several clubs from La Liga, Bundesliga and the Premier League are keen on signing him, and Marca only mentions Fulham.

The London club have expressed interest in recent days and have held talks with both the La Liga winners and Héctor Fort's representatives.

Fort has already received several offers but is reluctant to leave. The newspaper points it out that he wasn't keen on leaving last summer before joining Elche on loan.

Encouragement for Fulham and his suitors
Cadena Ser's Carrusel Deportivo bring an update from journalist Nil Solà.

According to Solà, Hansi Flick's side have informed the fullback and Marc Casadó that 'they must leave'.

Therefore, Fort and Casadó trained away from the group to avoid setbacks. Barca are taking precautions after Roony Bardghji, another candidate to leave, suffered a serious injury in training on Monday.

Barca's decision is encouragement for Fulham and Fort's other suitors.

The Spain U20 international has a contract until 2029 and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €12m.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-hold-talks-with-club-and-agent-for-signing-player-asked-to-leave-not-training-with-squad/

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Charles' rise to NI's most expensive footballer
"Shea has been so, so impressive during my time working with him. I have never seen anyone better on the ball than this kid."

It was in 2021 that the Northern Ireland youth coach Gerard Lyttle said he had never seen a youngster as comfortable on the ball as Shea Charles.

Back then, the teenager was still playing at centre-back and had yet to make a senior appearance for club or country, but he was standing out to his coaches.

Five years later, midfielder Charles has become the most expensive Northern Ireland player in history after he completed a £30m transfer from Southampton to Premier League side Fulham.

From coming through at Manchester City, to becoming one of Michael O'Neill's most important players on the international scene, the 22-year-old has taken the long way round to a top-flight return.

Unexpected chance and learning from Rodri
From when he joined Manchester City's academy as a seven-year-old, Charles' potential was clear and he quickly progressed through the ranks.

His breakout year came in the 2021-22 season, when he helped City win the Premier League 2 title as an 18-year-old playing alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Nico O'Reilly.

He was handed a first Northern Ireland call-up for June's Nations League window in 2022, and he made his international debut as a late substitute against Greece before he had even made a senior appearance at club level.

It was somewhat unexpected given his lack of experience, but it showcased the belief that then manager Ian Baraclough showed in Charles.

"I hope I can just push on from here and get more caps. It was a great feeling to make my debut," Charles said at the time.

"I didn't expect to be playing in this game, but I will take every chance as it comes."

Charles has certainly done that, establishing himself as a key player for Michael O'Neill, who returned as manager later in 2022 to replace Baraclough.

In fact, Charles has only missed three matches since then. One was for a suspension following a red card against Slovenia, while his absence with a hamstring injury was notable in the closing World Cup qualifiers with Slovakia and Luxembourg in November last year.



For Lyttle, having worked with Charles at age-group level with Northern Ireland, there was never any doubting his potential.

"Honestly, he is so calm, I actually haven't seen him get out of second gear yet and that is no joke - there is even more in him," Lyttle added in his 2021 interview with BBC Sport.

"He plays with such a calmness, sees a pass, breaks lines, is technically very good, can hit long and short and can compete physically. He is just a proper ball-playing centre-back and a real good kid as well.

"As he goes up the levels he needs to keep progressing, but from what I've seen of young Shea he definitely has all the attributes."

It helped that Charles was learning from some of the best in the world. At Manchester City he had been training with the likes of Rodri and Fernandinho and was finally handed a Premier League chance in May 2023, by which stage he had six international caps under his belt.

Pep Guardiola's side had already wrapped up the Premier League title, and Charles made his City debut as a second-half substitute against Brentford on the final day of the season.

"When we train with the first team the standard is so high and we are always learning, every day," Charles said in 2022.

"With the likes of Rodri and Fernandinho, it is tough but enjoyable."

'I back myself against anyone'
While learning from the best players in the world was beneficial, it did not offer a natural path of progression to the first team at Etihad Stadium.

So, a month after making his City debut, Charles signed a four-year contract with Southampton and subsequently made 32 appearances as Saints won promotion back to the Premier League.

Instead of contributing in his club's top-flight return, his development continued with a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, where he became a fan favourite and drew links to Arsenal.

"He's a young, high-potential player – the pity is that he is not our player," said Wednesday's manager at the time, Danny Rohl, about his loan star during his early days at Hillsborough.

Midway through his season with the Owls, Charles was handed the Northern Ireland armband by O'Neill just 10 days after his 21st birthday, the youngest player to captain the country since Terry Neill in 1963.

"Shea has got the attributes to play at the highest level of the game, and the temperament to do so, and that is what you look for as a captain," O'Neill said at the time.

"Whether he has the armband or not, he is going to be a leader on the pitch."

With Southampton back in the Championship after their relegation, Charles returned to St Mary's last season.

He contributed some big moments and chipped in with his biggest return in front of goal with six strikes in the campaign.

Moments such as his winner against eventual Premier League champions Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals, or a goal against Liverpool at Anfield in the EFL Cup, will live long in the memory on the south coast.

He also netted in the Championship play-off semi-final win over Middlesbrough with a goal that would have taken the Saints to Wembley, only for the club to be denied at shot at the top flight after the Spygate drama.

While Southampton missed out on the Premier League, O'Neill was adamant that Charles has what it takes to play in the top flight. It was a matter of when, not if.

"Shea can play in the Premier League, there's no doubt about that," said Charles' international boss before June's friendlies with Guinea and France.

It was in the France game that Charles showed he belonged among the elite players, not looking out of place against a side who went on to be World Cup semi-finalists.

It was the same against Italy in March's World Cup play-off, where he was arguably the best player on the pitch against Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella despite the 2-0 defeat which ended NI's dreams of reaching the finals.

"I back myself against anyone," was the player's own assessment after that game.

Charles was strongly linked with a move to Leeds United, but instead Fulham will be his destination as he looks to take the next step in his career under former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, now head coach of the London side.

With 35 international caps under his belt and a host of clutch moments to his name at the age of 22, Charles could be one of the surprises of the season as he aims to have a breakout Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn5n3rl0p0ko

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Fulham preparing improved bid to sign Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
Fulham will look to sign 20-year-old Moroccan youth international Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal from Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais this summer.

According to an update from French journalist Hanif Ben Berkane, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their sights set on the 20-year-old Stade Rennais defensive sensation.

While the Marrakech native is keen on moving to the Premier League, the Ligue 1 outfit would prefer not to cash in on him in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, after Rennes rejecting the opening bid, Fulham are ready to return with an improved offer to secure the player's services.

Who is Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal?
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1 since breaking into the first-team squad at Stade Rennais. The 20-year-old began his youth career in Morocco, passing through the academies at KAC Marrakech and Académie Mohammed VI before moving to France in July 2024. After a loan stint with Amiens SC, he enjoyed his breakthrough at Stade Rennais last season.

The Moroccan centre-back has made 21 appearances for Stade Rennais thus far while chipping in with two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, Boudlal's progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Fulham among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

London calling?
Fulham's interest in Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is understandable. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a centre-back, as Issa Diop has joined Ipswich Town this summer. Additionally, Jorge Cuenca reportedly faces an uncertain future at the West London club amid his links with Benfica.

Several centre-backs, including Raphael Le Guen, have thus emerged on Fulham's wishlist, with Ait Boudlal also a viable target. The Stade Rennais centre-back is young and physically equipped to develop into a top-tier Premier League centre-back.

However, with the Ligue 1 club reluctant to sell the Moroccan centre-back, Fulham will face a tall order to secure his services. They must balance Rennes' reluctance to sell with Ait Boudlal's desire to move to the Premier League. The improved bid will test whether the two clubs can find common ground before the summer window closes.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/11/fulham-preparing-improved-bid-to-sign-abdelhamid-ait-boudlal/

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Fulham target Nwaiwu faces scrutiny in Turkiye after conceding three penalties and scoring OG in pre-season
Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has come under criticism following a difficult run of form in Trabzonspor's four pre-season matches amid reported interest from Premier League club Fulham, according to Takagazete.

Nwaiwu joined the Turkish club during the winter transfer window and attracted attention from the Cottagers following his impressive performances during the second half of last season.

Fulham have reportedly expressed interest in signing the Nigerian defender, although negotiations have been complicated by Trabzonspor's valuation of the player.

Trabzonspor reportedly value the Super Eagles defender at around €30 million, a valuation Fulham are understood to be reluctant to meet.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, the Nigerian international has come under scrutiny following a series of underwhelming performances during pre-season.

Nwaiwu has struggled to produce his best form in Trabzonspor's last four friendly matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, Al-Sadd, Udinese and Göztepe.

The young defender has conceded three penalties and scored one own goal in his last four friendly appearances, leading to questions about his form and concentration ahead of the new campaign.

However, Nwaiwu will now have the opportunity to respond on the pitch when Trabzonspor begin their league campaign against Kasımpaşa.

The Super Eagles defender will be hoping to rediscover his best form, silence the criticism and demonstrate his importance to Trabzonspor despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Adeyemi Adewale



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/fulham-target-nwaiwu-faces-scrutiny-in-turkiye-after-conceding-three-penalties-and-scoring-og-in-pre-season

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'Say no more' - Iwobi reveals Fulham coach's penalty instruction in Portugal
Alex Iwobi has revealed that he was asked to take a penalty by manager Álvaro Arbeloa during Fulham's 2-1 victory over Farense in the club's final pre-season fixture of their training camp in Portugal.

Fulham fell behind in the first half but Iwobi restored parity in the second half after Emile Smith Rowe was brought down inside the penalty area.

The former Arsenal midfielder calmly stepped up and dispatched the resulting spot kick into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Arbeloa has to appoint a new designated penalty taker ahead of the forthcoming season, following the return of Raúl Jiménez to Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

The Mexico legend holds the Premier League record for most penalties taken without missing, scoring all 14 of his spot kicks for Wolves and Fulham.

Iwobi has admitted that taking penalties has not traditionally been one of his responsibilities.

"Summer was good. I have already been on pre-season with Fulham in Portugal, and that was good. We got one win and one draw," Iwobi said on the Alexander Yaa Digg podcast.

"I was able to get one assist and one goal. I have never really been a penalty taker, but I'd like to say my conversion rate with penalties has improved.

"The gaffer said, 'Alex, Alex, take the pen' and I was like, 'Say no more',  and slotted it in."

Iwobi has never scored a penalty goal in his Premier League career, with his 35 strikes coming from open play.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/say-no-more-iwobi-reveals-fulham-coachs-penalty-instruction-in-portugal

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Fulham player close to exit with deal agreed – Should be presented this week
Swedish side IF Elfsborg are close to finalising a deal for Fulham youngster Jonathan Esenga, with a deal in the final stages.

Expressen report that Elfsborg are set to make a 'truly unexpected' signing from England and secure the 19-year-old's signature.

Fulham deal advancing
The outlet reports that, according to their sources, the Swedish side have complete the signing of Jonathan Esenga from Fulham. The left-back is set to join soon will in Borås in the near future.

They state that a medical has now been planned. If Esenga passes this as expected, Elfsborg will present Esenga as their latest summer arrival. There is no mention of the nature of the deal as yet, but it is presented as a permanent signing.

Esenga is a product of Fulham's youth set up, playing in their Youth, U18 and U21 sides over the last few years. He is yet to play in the first team at Craven Cottage.

Interesting profile
Elfsborg have been attracted by the fact he can play as both a left-back and a centre-back. They state that the youngster stands out for his 'precise passing foot' and ability to contribute from set pieces. Indeed, he is described as a 'set-piece specialist' by the outlet.

They also single out his strong leadership skills and good ability to defender without the ball. He's already represented England at U17 level and signed his first professional contract in 2024.

Now he's set for a big move away from Fulham to Sweden. Journalist Anel Avdić reports that the various parties have already agreed to the transfer.

In fact, according to him, unless something unexpected happens, he will be presented by his new club this week. He also fails to provide details for the transfer.

But there is a confidence in Sweden that it is done and – pending a medical – will be finalised in the coming days.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-close-to-exit-with-deal-agreed-should-be-presented-this-week/

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Thiago Pitarch Pinar set for Real Madrid stay after Fulham links
Fulham are unlikely to make a move for Real Madrid midfield sensation Thiago Pitarch Pinar after having signed Shea Charles.

Real Madrid are not planning to offload Thiago Pitarch Pinar this summer, with the 19-year-old midfielder remaining part of Jose Mourinho's plans for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Fulham's decision to sign Sheffield United midfielder Shea Charles has also changed the London club's recruitment plans, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The move for Charles means the Cottagers are no longer in the race to sign the Madrid youth product. Pitarch's breakthrough during the second half of last season, 16 appearances across all competitions, including La Liga and UEFA Champions League fixtures, has convinced Madrid that he is ready for another step forward under Mourinho rather than another loan or a permanent departure.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a significant rise under former Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa last season. After making his senior debut, Pitarch quickly became a regular presence around the first team, starting some important fixtures during the campaign.

Pitarch will continue at the Santiago Bernabeu
Fulham had emerged as a potential destination for the youngster, particularly with Alvaro Arbeloa having taken charge at Craven Cottage and already looking towards his former club for reinforcements. They have already added Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from the Spanish giants upon the request of their new manager.

However, the London side have now moved to strengthen their midfield with Charles. The Northern Ireland international provides Fulham depth and physicality in the centre of the pitch, removing the immediate need to pursue another young midfielder such as Pitarch.

For Pitarch, the decision to stay at Madrid represents a major opportunity. Rather than moving to England in search of regular first-team football, he will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and attempt to convince Mourinho that he deserves a role in the senior squad.

The teenager still faces significant competition for minutes, but the technical quality he demonstrated last season suggests he can operate at the highest level.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/11/thiago-pitarch-pinar-set-for-real-madrid-stay-after-fulham-links/

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Wigan Athletic Eye Fulham Midfielder Following Hindolo Mustapha Decision
Wigan Athletic are reportedly pursuing a move to sign Fulham youngster Luke Harris as they look to find new options after Hindolo Mustapha's shock exit.

The 20-year-old was sent to Lancashire last month from Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal but that agreement was terminated in order to facilitate a move to the Latics' League One rivals in Notts County.

Harris Enters Frame
Prior to the news that Mustapha would leave Gary Caldwell's squad, it was reported that a deal to sign 17-year-old Chelsea prospect Reggie Walsh was in the pipeline.

Now, according to Darren Witcoop, Wigan are now working on a separate deal to sign Fulham's Luke Harris, who has prior third-tier experience after a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers.

The Wales international has been handed a string of spells away from Craven Cottage over the past few seasons, also appearing for Exeter City, Birmingham City and Oxford United since 2024.

He featured 19 times at Adams Park after his January switch to Wycombe, scoring twice and providing as many assists as Michael Duff's side coasted to a mid-table finish.

Harris has prior experience with Wigan boss Gary Caldwell, having played under him at Exeter for a half-season loan, being handed 21 appearances by the 44-year-old in Devon.

Harris Adds New Dimension
Following the shock departure of Hindolo Mustapha, Wigan Athletic have moved promptly to fill the gap left by the Sierra Leonean following his move to Notts County.

Reggie Walsh's move was already in motion prior to the announcement, and with a deal set to be completed this week, that should fill the hole left behind by the Crystal Palace man ahead of the new season.

However, a new option has emerged which could give Gary Caldwell a whole load of options in games in the form of Luke Harris, who will be keen to nail down a regular place at the Latics.

Able to play centrally or the left-hand side, the Welshman has been unable to truly make himself a star at his previous loan clubs, and may face similar issues with plenty of competition to contend with in attacking areas.

Nevertheless, in terms of adding options to their ranks, a deal for Harris could work wonders for Wigan, and makes them adaptable if width is needed to break down opponents.



https://footballlowdown.com/wigan-athletic-eye-fulham-midfielder-following-hindolo-mustapha-decision/