Monday Fulham Stuff - 17/08/26...

[WhiteJC]

Hull City have offered close to €5m for defender – Extra push needed, Fulham also in race
Fulham have previously been linked with a move for Torino's Marcus Pedersen, who has also attracted interest from Hull City.

The right-back arrived at the Italian club from Feyenoord in 2025. He's become a regular for Il Toro, featuring 62 times in all competitions and cementing the right-back spot.

This has also coincided with his rise in prominence with the Norway national team. This summer he made four appearances for his country.

Sport Witness recently covered how Fulham have made an initial approach, with the player keen on a move to England. Hull City are also now in the race for the Norwegian.

Player attracting offers
ToroZone journalist Giacomo Morandin has given as update on the 26-year-old's situation, clarifying that Pedersen is attracting interest from both England and Germany.

Hull City are the latest club to make a move, offering close to €5m.

This was quickly rejected, with Torino currently demanding a figure between €8m to €10m.

There is still a chance that the player's valuation could rise. Fenerbahce could also join the race, especially if the Turkish side lose Nelson Semedo this summer.

Fulham are also offering competition, with the player actively seeking a new adventure away from Turin.

Our take: Deal could be straightforward
The Turin club paid in the region of €4m to sign Pedersen in 2025. That is exactly why their valuation of the full-back isn't high and this comes as an advantage for both Fulham and Hull City.

But that is also the reason for the increasing interest in Pedersen. Torino are a classic selling club and will want to create an auction for their player.

Before that happens, Hull City and Fulham need to act, as they could sign a very reliable player at a very affordable fee.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/hull-city-have-offered-close-to-e5m-for-defender-extra-push-needed-fulham-also-in-race/

[WhiteJC]

Report – Atalanta Snub Fulham Bid for Italian Wingback
Fulham reportedly made a formal offer for Atalanta wingback Raoul Bellanova, but La Dea have no interest
in selling the Italian star. According to Fabrizio Romano, Maurizio Sarri's men have rejected the Cottagers' €20 million bid for the 26-year-old.

Everton tried to sign Bellanova at the start of the summer, but their approach fell on Sarri's deaf ears. Indeed, the former Lazio head coach has deemed the highly rated defender indispensable, urging Atalanta to take him off the market.

Bellanova was on the fringes of Raffaele Palladino's project last season, making just 24 appearances in Serie A. However, Sarri is more appreciative of the Italian's qualities and is looking to make him central to his system next season.

Therefore, Atalanta are reluctant to let Bellanova leave this summer.

Atalanta Keen to Keep Bellanova Amid Premier League Interest
Formerly linked with Milan and Inter, Bellanova remains one of the right-backs in Serie A. After letting Marco Palestra join Chelsea, Atalanta can ill afford to lose another player in the same position. As such, Sarri has convinced the club to turn down Fulham's offer.

Davide Zappacosta was Atalanta's starting right-back last term, but he is already 34 and cannot be expected to shoulder the workload indefinitely. Bellanova's age, versatility and attacking qualities make him a natural long-term successor, giving Sarri another reason to resist Premier League interest.

There's a feeling that Sarri's arrival could turn around Bellanova's fortunes in Bergamo.




https://cultofcalcio.com/atalanta-snub-fulham-bid-for-raoul-bellanova/

[WhiteJC]

Bellanova 'not for sale' as Atalanta rebuff Fulham's €20m offer
Atalanta have rebuffed Fulham's interest in Raoul Bellanova, making clear the Italy wing-back is not for sale.

According to FirenzeViola, the Premier League club have moved concretely for the full-back, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Fulham submitted a written offer, understood to be worth around €20m including bonuses.

Atalanta, however, have turned it down, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Bergamo side consider the defender off of the market.

Sarri keen to keep Bellanova at Atalanta despite Fulham interest
The reasoning is straightforward. Bellanova has featured heavily in pre-season under Maurizio Sarri, who regards him as an integral part of his plans, and Atalanta have no desire to lose a first-choice option so close to the start of the campaign. Barring an offer they deem impossible to refuse, the intention is to keep him.

Fulham are searching for a new right-back and see Bellanova as an ideal fit.

But with Atalanta holding firm, and other clubs, in Italy and abroad, also monitoring the situation, the London side may have to significantly improve their proposal, or turn their attention elsewhere.



https://football-italia.net/bellanova-not-for-sale-atalanta-rebuff-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1 Pompey Women 0
A stoppage-time goal condemned Pompey Women to defeat against Fulham on the opening day of the National League campaign.

Substitute Ellie Olds' close-range header just before the final whistle ensured heartache for the Blues at Motspur Park.

Jay Sadler handed debuts to five of his summer signings, with Hermione Cull, Arabella Suttie, Alisha Ware, Sofia Mallon and Zoe Barratt all starting.

The home side had three former Pompey players in their line-up and one of them, keeper Jess Gray, was soon called into action to deny Barratt.

A corner delivered into the box by Ware was then fumbled by Gray, but the Cottagers were able to clear the danger.

It was another former Blues player who was first to threaten for Fulham, with Charlie Estcourt driving forward and lashing a shot against the post.

The third was Leeta Rutherford, whose powerful strike from the edge of the box on 36 minutes was kept out by the diving Cull.

Pompey then had a chance of their own just before the break, as Barratt whipped in a teasing corner that was just over the head of Jemima Dahou.

Half Time: Fulham 0 Pompey 0

Both sides kept battling away once the action resumed, although clear-cut chances were proving a premium at both ends.

There was an opportunity for the visitors when another corner was swung into the mixer, but nobody could get a crucial touch to force the ball over the line.

Ava Rowbotham then saw her strike blocked just past the hour mark, as the Blues started to take control of proceedings.

Pompey were trying to make their dominance count, with Kerry Beattie and Summer Hughes coming on for their debuts.

The breakthrough almost came when substitute Georgie Freeland's free-kick was diverted back into the centre, but a sliding Barratt could not quite make a connection.

And the visitors were made to pay for not taking any of their chances when they conceded in the fourth minute of added time.

A looping cross into the area from wide on the left was not properly dealt with and ball was sent back in for a stooping Olds to nod home from a few yards out.



https://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/2026/august/16/fulham-1-pompey-women-0/

[WhiteJC]

Fabrizio Romano: Fulham in talks to sign Serie A star after Nottingham Forest enquiry
Fulham have now opened talks to sign Atalanta defender Raoul Bellanova as they search for a new right-back, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Bellanova was the subject of an enquiry from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer, at which point he was valued at around £13m - £17m by the Italian side, off the back of a Serie A campaign in which he made 24 appearances.

However, perhaps the 26-year-old's best season was 2024-25, picking up ten assists in 34 matches for Atalanta, while also registering his first goal in the Champions League.

Clearly, the Italian, who previously made 22 appearances for Inter Milan, is impressive going forward, and journalist Luca Bianchin described him as "one of the best right-backs in Italy" back in 2024.

At the moment, Alvaro Arbeloa is relatively well-stocked at right-back, with Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne to choose from, but the latter's contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

As such, the Cottagers have been looking to bring in a new option in that area of the pitch, with FC Barcelona's Hector Fort also under consideration, but there are plenty of signs the Atalanta star could be a more appropriate addition to the squad.

Why Fulham should sign Raoul Bellanova instead of Hector Fort

More experienced	Bellanova has amassed 146 appearances in the Serie A, while also collecting six caps for national side Italy. Fort, on the other hand, is just 20-years-old, and he has made just 47 senior appearances, with 30 of those coming at Barcelona, while 17 were collected on loan at Elche last season.
Similar asking price	Despite the Atalanta star being much more experienced, a deal could set Fulham back just £17m, which is around the price Barca are demanding for Fort.
Top clubs in for Hector Fort	The Cottagers may also have a clearer path when it comes to signing the Serie A star, as there have been widespread reports that Borussia Dortmund are now leading the race for the Barcelona defender, with Everton and Liverpool also keen.

Fulham open talks to sign Raoul Bellanova
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have now opened talks to sign Bellanova, as they are keen on bringing in a new right-back this summer.

However, there could be competition for the Italian defender's signature, with unnamed clubs from Italy and further afield said to be keen.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal's stance on joining Fulham
Fulham remain keen on improving their options in the middle of defence too, and they've had an opening offer of £20m for Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal knocked back by Rennes.

It remains to be seen whether the Cottagers return with an improved bid, but Ait Boudlal is keen on a move to west London, with Arbeloa personally pushing for more additions before the start of the Premier League season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-open-transfer-talks-raoul-bellanova-nottingham-forest/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham begin negotiations to sign Raoul Bellanova
Fulham have opened talks with Atalanta over a move for Raoul Bellanova as they look to strengthen the right side of their defence before the summer transfer window closes.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Cottagers have begun discussions with the Serie A club and are now exploring the conditions of a potential deal for the 26-year-old. Bellanova is understood to be one of several right-back options under consideration at Craven Cottage, although Fulham have now taken a concrete step by initiating negotiations.

There is also interest in the Italy international from clubs both in Serie A and elsewhere in Europe, meaning Fulham could face competition if they decide to accelerate their pursuit.

Fulham make Bellanova approach
Reports in Italy suggest Fulham have gone beyond simple exploratory contact and submitted a written proposal to Atalanta. The Serie A side are now expected to assess the offer alongside any other approaches that arrive before the deadline.

Bellanova's pace, athleticism and ability to operate as either a conventional right-back or wing-back make him an attractive option for Fulham, particularly if they want more attacking thrust from the flank. The 26-year-old has established himself as a reliable performer in Serie A and would arrive with experience at a high tactical level.

Atalanta's decision is now key
Atalanta have not yet made a final decision on Bellanova's future but the Serie A club are aware of growing interest and will weigh up whether the financial package on offer is strong enough to justify a sale. For Fulham, the next step will be determining whether Bellanova is the preferred option among the right-backs on their shortlist.

Bellanova looks like a strong fit for Fulham because he offers both athleticism and tactical flexibility. The key question is price. If Atalanta are willing to negotiate at a reasonable level, Fulham could secure an experienced Serie A player still in his prime.

With other clubs also interested, though, Marco Silva's side may need to move quickly if they want to turn their opening talks into a completed deal. Other Premier League outfits, including Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, have also shown interest in Bellanova, and the battle for his signature should be intense in the coming weeks.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/16/fulham-begin-negotiations-to-sign-raoul-bellanova/

[WhiteJC]

Atalanta reject Fulham bid for Raoul Bellanova, want to keep him
Atalanta have turned down Fulham's offer for Raoul Bellanova; the Serie A outfit do not intend to negotiate his departure anytime soon.

Atalanta have rejected a €20 million proposal from Fulham for Raoul Bellanova, with the Serie A club making it clear that they currently have no intention of allowing the versatile defender to leave in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

According to an update from reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Fulham's offer has been turned down because Bellanova is not considered part of Atalanta's list of players available for transfer. La Dea remain hopeful of keeping the 25-year-old for the upcoming season, leaving Fulham facing an uphill battle if they decide to return with another proposal.

Why does Alvaro Arbeloa want Bellanova?
Primarily a right wing-back, Bellanova possesses the tactical appeal that draws Fulham's interest. The Italian international can play as a conventional full-back and has experience operating on the opposite flank.

His attacking prowess appeals directly to Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who is seeking a right-sided defender capable of contributing further up the pitch. Bellanova is an upgrade on Fulham's current options at right-back, Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne, who are both now 30.

His ability to push forward provides Arbeloa tactical flexibility throughout the campaign. The need for attacking options on the right has intensified following summer departures. Samuel Chukwueze, who Fulham considered signing permanently, has returned to AC Milan after his loan spell, while Harry Wilson has completed a move to Leeds United.

The Italian wide player's latest campaign was disrupted by a hamstring problem, but he still managed 36 appearances across competitions. He accumulated just over 2,000 minutes and contributed two assists despite his fitness issues.

Atalanta's decision to reject €20 million suggests they consider Bellanova an important part of their plans. That could force Fulham to either significantly improve their proposal or explore alternative targets.

For now, Atalanta's stance is straightforward: Bellanova is not for sale. The Cottagers have already demonstrated their willingness to invest heavily in the position, but their offer has not been enough to change the Italian club's position. Unless Atalanta's demands or plans change, Arbeloa may have to look elsewhere for the attacking-minded right-back he wants.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/16/atalanta-reject-fulham-bid-for-raoul-bellanova-want-to-keep-him/

[susiescw]

I'd vote for Luc De Fougerolls as our new Right Back he was great in the world cup and looks like he's grown physically as well