Thursday Fulham Stuff - 10/09/26...

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César: We have a strong desire to win

Álvaro Arbeloa hailed César Palacios as a player who can score goals – and it took the midfielder just three Premier League games to prove him right, opening his Fulham account against Crystal Palace.

The result was a disappointing one – the Whites eventually falling to a 3-2 defeat at Craven Cottage – but the goal marked a proud moment for the former Real Madrid midfielder.

"Obviously, I'm very happy to have scored my first goal in the Premier League, but not with the result," the youngster said. "It's something I've dreamed about since I was little – any kid who wants to play football dreams of scoring a goal in the Premier League.

"Ever since I signed for this great club, I wanted to score my first goal in front of the fans at Craven Cottage, and I think it was a feeling I'll never forget.

"It's been incredible playing at the Cottage. From day one, I noticed the affection and encouragement from the fans. I think they give us that extra boost of energy that the team needs, and I think we also need to give them that confidence so that it becomes a very strong connection, so that we are very strong at home."

The 21-year-old Spaniard swapped Madrid for London just over a month ago – his first stop was a trip to the Club shop.

"When I signed for this great club, my whole family supported me immensely. Everyone wanted to have my shirt, so I went to the store.

"I went to the shop to buy shirts for my family, and I ended up taking home a lot of items, like keyrings, the Craven Cottage Lego set that I've been building these past few days, and I also picked up something for my hobby, golf.

"I've adjusted really well to living in London – it's a very big city which has people from all over the world, and lots of activities and spots that I hope to discover over time. I'm really enjoying the experience here.

"The big difference between Madrid and London might be the weather, but honestly, I really like this weather too, especially for playing our sport!"

Palacios' introduction from Arbeloa – the manager he previously worked with at Los Blancos – was glowing, describing him as "the type of player that you buy a ticket to watch."

"I think it's a privilege that someone like Álvaro would say that about me, with the successful career he's had and all the players he's been able to see and share a dressing room with.

"I think he's referring to the fact that I'm a player who likes to take risks with my touch, with my passing. I think I have a great vision, and that final pass or touch that can be decisive. Hopefully, I can show much more of that to the Fulham fans.

"This club is super welcoming. From day one, that's what I noticed – everyone, from the offices to all the staff at the training ground, the teammates, the coaching staff, the medical team.

"Everyone made me feel very comfortable from day one. They were super affectionate with me, always caring about all of us, and I think that makes it much easier to be part of this great club."

Arbeloa wasn't the only familiar face to Palacios – his former teammate Gonzalo García signed alongside him, and fellow Real Madrid Castilla alumnus Manuel Ángel was brought in on deadline day.

"I know Mami (Manuel Ángel) very well. I think he's a fantastic player with tremendous quality. I think this opportunity has come for him, just like for me, to be able to show people in the Premier League that quality.

"I think he's going to have a great season, he's going to help us a lot, and above all, although he's a good player, as a person I think he's even better. He's a fantastic guy."

Fulham haven't had to rely solely on the La Liga giants for young talent, however. Josh King has made a fine start to the season, with several starring performances alongside Palacios.

"As young as he is, he's been showing the player he is for several years in the first team and in the Premier League. He's very young and I think a huge, super-successful career awaits him.

"He's an incredible player and I think it's much easier for the rest of us, for people like me, to connect with him both on and off the pitch."

Despite showing plenty of positives, Fulham will travel to Liverpool at the weekend looking for their first Premier League points of the season.

"I think above all we have to work and improve on the details we're currently lacking. We haven't got that first win yet, and that means there are things we need to correct, but I think the team are working very hard.

"I think we've shown that we can compete against any opponent. We've had great moments during the matches, we've had periods of dominance, moments where we created quite a few chances. But it's clear that the details matter and there are things to improve.

"I believe this group has a lot of confidence. We have a strong desire for that first win to come, especially to give it to the Fulham fans, who I think deserve it for all the support they're giving us.

"We need to have that bit of calm, that bit of patience, and stay united – both the fans and the team. For the fans to give us that extra support, calm, and patience, we need to give them reasons for it, so starting this weekend, we'll try to give them those reasons and give everything so that first win arrives, along with many more points after it."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/09/cesar-we-have-a-strong-desire-to-win/

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Transfer: Super Eagles star caught between Inter Milan and Fulham
Fulham are considering a new contract for Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey as they look to keep him at the club despite interest from Inter Milan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old has become an important player for the Premier League side since joining from Ajax three years ago in a deal that made him the most expensive Super Eagles defender in history.

Bassey, one of Nigeria's best on EA Sports FC 27, has made 105 appearances for Fulham in all competitions. He has scored four goals and provided one assist during his time at Craven Cottage. His performances have also earned him recognition from the club. Bassey was named Fulham's Player of the Season for the 2024-25 campaign.

Last term, Bassey made 30 Premier League appearances and was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that claimed bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the departure of Marco Silva, the former Rangers defender has continued to play an important role under new Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa handed Bassey the captain's armband in each of their first three league games this season.

Super Eagles' Bassey: Between Fulham and Inter Milan
Bassey's form in England has attracted attention from several clubs in Europe, with Italian giants Inter Milan among those reportedly interested in signing him, according to Livescore.

Bassey's contract situation has added to the interest. His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2027. However, Fulham are not under immediate pressure to sell. The club have an option to extend his contract by another year.

They are also considering a new deal that would better reflect his importance to the team and reward him for his performances over the past few seasons.

Bassey is understood to be happy in west London and is open to staying at Fulham beyond his current contract. That could give the club confidence as they try to reach an agreement with the Nigeria international.

The versatile Super Eagles centre-back, who can also play at left-back, is reportedly one of the highest-paid players at Craven Cottage. Bassey has a gross weekly take-home of £45,000, which adds up to £2.34million annual salary before bonuses and allowances, per Capology.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/09/super-eagles-inter-milan-fulham-bassey.html

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Alex Iwobi deserves more than to be jeered
It was unfair to cheer the substitution of the man who just joined the Fulham Centurions.

Before I start, I want to acknowledge that on the pod this week I said I wasn't about to tell anyone whether they should boo or not when they're at the football. We all pay our money, we can do what we want.

But I can't stop thinking about the reaction to Alex Iwobi's substitution on 82 minutes against Palace. The ironic cheers and jeers that went up as he trudged off, dejected, made me - frankly - quite sad.

It's been pointed out by smarter people than I that, in fact, on a purely footballing level this season, Iwobi has been putting in the hard yards - the second highest amount, in fact. So, on effort alone, the reaction was unjust.

But more than that, Alex has always been such an important part of this squad - on and off the pitch - ever since he arrived from Everton in 2023.

A Marco Silva pick, the Nigerian was reunited with his gaffer, having played for him in blue on Merseyside. He quickly cemented himself as the social glue of the changing room. Alongside Calvin Bassey, he brought the vibes, be that through his Snap videos, antics on the team coach, and anything in between.

Put simply, he just seems like a really good bloke.

But this isn't the first time he's found himself as a scape goat. Following the Super Eagles' loss in the 2023 AFCON on home soil, Iwobi took the brunt of his countrymen's ire, enduring unfounded and unacceptable abuse on social media. He blanked out his Instagram then, too, as a way of giving the trolls fewer avenues through which to send abuse.

Perhaps his latest social media cleanse this weekend is simply muscle memory from that miserable winter.

I think it's fair to say that the anger towards him is misplaced, and rather than say "don't boo one of our own", what I will say is: have a think about who or what you're really angry about.

And vibes aside, let's not forget just how good Iwobi's been for us. He's been one of our most consistent creative outlets. Goals against Brentford, against Spurs - and who can forget that Old Trafford winner?

He's not being used to his full potential in this system, that much is evident. But as we've discussed all week: nothing in this system is set in stone yet. The whole side - including Alex - could be due a renaissance with the right tweaks.

Dust yourself off, Alex, and go again - we need you. COYW.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/alex-iwobi-deserves-more-than-to

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Iwobi's deleted Instagram posts: What Super Eagles & Fulham fans need to know after Palace defeat
Alex Iwobi has become the centre of a social-media story at Fulham after appearing to remove Fulham-related posts from his Instagram account, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international's main Instagram page, which boasts over 1.5bmillion followers, now contains only a small number of pictures and no visible Fulham-related posts.

Fulham team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has also appeared to clear club content from his account. The changes were noticed just days after Fulham lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, a game where Iwobi made Premier League history.

The discovery has attracted attention because it came during a difficult start to Álvaro Arbeloa's first Premier League season as Fulham manager.

Fulham have lost all three of their league matches. They were beaten 2-3 by Chelsea on matchday one, lost 0-1 at Sunderland six days later and then suffered the 3-2 home defeat by Crystal Palace on September 5. They have conceded seven goals across those three games.

However, there is no confirmed evidence that Iwobi deleted the posts because of a disagreement with Arbeloa or problems inside the dressing room.

The Sun reported that it was unclear when Iwobi and Smith Rowe made the Instagram changes. That means the social-media activity cannot, by itself, prove that either player is unhappy with the manager or the club.

Why the social-media activity has caused concern
he speculation has grown because Iwobi and Smith Rowe's Instagram changes came alongside another unusual social-media post from Fulham midfielder Kevin.

The Brazilian, who has been on the bench for all three Premier League matches, posted an image on September 5 with the message, "No speak, no hear, no see". He was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace. Supporters quickly wondered whether the post was connected to his lack of playing time, although there is no confirmation that it was aimed at Arbeloa.

The bigger issue is Fulham's poor results. Against Palace, Fulham took the lead twice through Josh King and César Palacios. Palace fought back through Tyrick Mitchell before Ben Chilwell scored the late winner. Fulham had 25 shots in the match, which suggests the attack was capable of creating chances. Their defensive mistakes proved more costly.

Iwobi, one of Nigeria's top earners in the Premier League, has started all three league games. He played 90 minutes against Chelsea and Sunderland before completing 82 minutes against Palace. He has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this season.

Arbeloa has acknowledged Fulham's defensive problems and said his players are working hard to improve. The manager now faces difficult league fixtures, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the opponents ahead.

What it means for Iwobi and the Super Eagles
Nigeria supporters have another reason to follow Iwobi's situation closely. The midfielder is entering an important international period with the Super Eagles preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Nigeria are in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. CAF has confirmed that Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Iwobi is an established member of Eric Chelle's squad. He was part of the Nigeria team selected for the June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, and he reached 100 appearances for the Super Eagles against Portugal in Leiria. That milestone put him alongside Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa as one of Nigeria's century-makers.

His club form will therefore matter as Nigeria prepare for competitive football. The numbers from Fulham's opening three league games are modest. Iwobi has played 262 Premier League minutes, with three starts, two shots and no goal or assist. He has also been used in a deeper midfield role rather than as a regular attacking midfielder.

Nigeria need the experienced midfielder to provide control and creativity as Chelle's side begin a new AFCON qualifying campaign. A difficult spell at Fulham does not automatically mean Iwobi will struggle with the Super Eagles, but regular club football and confidence can help him arrive in camp in a stronger position.

With AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau approaching, Iwobi has a chance to answer the speculation on the pitch.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/09/iwobi-instagram-super-eagle-fulham-palace.html

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Brighton and Fulham sign ex-Bracknell youngsters, former Swindon Town stopper retires
A round up of Football League news concerning Berkshire footballers including Femi Azeez's move to Brighton & Hove Albion and Slough Town's signing of a Brentford forward

It's been a busy few weeks for Berkshire footballers in the Football League with Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham making moves.

Former Reading FC star Femi Azeez – who had a spell on loan at Bracknell Town – was snapped up on Transfer Deadline Day by Brighton from Millwall for £12.5million.

Azeez made two appearances for the Robins in February 2020, prior to the first COVID lockdown, starting the Velocity Trophy quarter-final against Maldon & Tiptree and coming off the bench in the 7-1 win over Staines Town.

Meanwhile Jose Sani, a product of Bracknell and Sandhurst Town's 'pathway' has been picked up by Premier League Fulham's under 21 side.

Cardiff-born Sani began his senior career with Bracknell Town having moved to Berkshire aged 14. He spent time on loan at Sandhurst Town before moving up the non-league football pyramid with Knaphill, Marlow and Hayes & Yeading United.

Elsewhere Slough Town have signed 21-year-old Kyrie Pierre on a free transfer from Brentford B, who he joined from Aston Villa. He features regularly for Villa's under 21 side and played in the UEFA Youth League.

Finally, 35-year-old former Swindon Town goalkeeper Mark Scott has announced his retirement from football on medical grounds. He came through the youth ranks at the Robins and signed professional forms in 2008 before playing for Swindon Supermarine, Bracknell Town, Slough Town and Ascot United among others.



https://footballinberkshire.co.uk/news/transfer-news/94604/brighton-and-fulham-sign-ex-bracknell-youngsters-former-swindon-town-stopper-retires/

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Next Fulham boss candidates ranked as Alvaro Arbeloa faces first Premier League sack of the season
Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham career looks like it's hanging on by a thread after three defeats in three and the dreaded loss of the dressing room.

One of the summer's riskier appointments has turned out pretty predictable: Arbeloa, whose previous managerial experience was being the scapegoat at Real Madrid, has failed to adapt to the Premier League, and he could already be for the chop.

But who could take over in the rather mild Fulham hot seat? Here are six possible candidates.

6. Arne Slot
This one seems unlikely if not impossible.

Slot has already turned down the Netherlands gig as he was set to stay in club football but going from a Premier League champion to a midtable side is a step down he may not be willing to make.

There are also questions over how tactically versatile Slot is as well with criticism of the lack of a Plan B whilst he was at Liverpool. That versatility is the kind of thing you need at Fulham, who can go from being favourites to underdogs week by week.

5. Sean Dyche
Dyche has succeeded Big Sam as the Premier League's Mr. White, the man you call when it's gone to s**t.

Depending on how long Fulham stick with Arbeloa will be exactly adjacent to the likelihood that Dyche gets the call but does the now TikToker still have what it takes to win games in the Premier League?

He won 10 of his 15 matches at Forest which is not bad considering the mess he inherited but did lose more games with Everton than he won.

He's not the sexiest appointment and does not exactly fit with the cheeseboard and hot tub vibes at Craven Cottage, but you can't wait around for when you are staring at the financial abyss that is relegation.

4. Julian Nagelsmann
The young German coach has a reputation to rebuild after poor stints at both Bayern and the national team and where better to do that than the pleasant surroundings of Fulham.

It would be a step down from the previous two jobs he's had in terms of stature but the kind of project he has previously done well in.

His experience at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig showed him as a manager able to develop talent and it was only when he was given the huge budget of Bayern that he struggled with the expectation.

He plays a high-pressing style of football which would go down well with a club that sees football as entertainment as much as it does about winning.

3. Eddie Howe
The next job for Howe will be an interesting one for he did not exactly prove to the top clubs that he was ready for that role while at the same time, he showed he was capable of managing above midtable.

In terms of Fulham, it would make a lot of sense with Howe proving at Bournemouth and Newcastle that he can see out a project, it's just whether the manager himself would want to do that again or would prefer to join a ready-made winning team.

Stylistically, Howe is similar to Silva in getting teams to punch above their weight and if Fulham's current problems are anything to go by, they need the kind of man-manager Howe is.

Fulham should be going all out to get Howe if they do sack Arbeloa; it's just whether they can convince him to join or not.

2. Kieran McKenna
When Fulham were searching for a Premier League manager, Ipswich's McKenna was heavily linked with the role.

It was not the first time the promising Northern Irish coach was linked with a Premier League job considering the work he did in Suffolk, but an £8m release clause proved a sticking point.

In the end, McKenna stepped down from his Portman Road job to spend more time with his family, but that £8m figure remained in place until a year after his departure.

Experimenting with a young coach with still a relatively small amount of experience in the Premier League was something a club should do in the summer, not when they are in the thick of it and McKenna may be firm in sticking to his sabbatical.

1. Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank to Fulham makes a lot of sense.

Sure, the Spurs debacle has harmed his previously impressive reputation but considering how his successors have fared, Fulham would likely look at his success at Brentford more than his failure in north London.

Fulham feel like a Brentford but a few years further back in the project. Marco Silva got them up but they have stagnated around the midtable mark.

The same accusation could be levelled at Frank who finished a high of ninth with Brentford before his successor took them into Europe but who is to say Frank would not have achieved similar if he had a fit Igor Thiago?

Frank would be a steady and smart choice for Fulham and one that makes much more sense than appointing Arbeloa ever did.



https://www.planetfootball.com/premier-league/next-fulham-boss-ranked-alvaro-arbeloa-premier-league-sack

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FPL Scout: Kingy, the in-form differential
Fulham have teamed up with Fantasy Football Scout to help bring you hints, tips and advice during the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season.

Scout will be using their expertise to provide advice and gameweek tips which should prove useful in ensuring you win your mini-leagues.

Fulham in focus

Despite falling to a narrow defeat against Crystal Palace, there are plenty of positive Fantasy takeaways for Fulham players ahead of Gameweek 4 and a trip to Anfield.

Josh King (£5.5m) was once again the star for Álvaro Arbeloa's side, scoring his second goal of the season and claiming maximum bonus points to record a 10-point haul. Among Fulham players, the Englishman ranks first for shots on target (3) and penalty box touches (25). Owned by just 1% of Fantasy managers, King is an in-form differential who is definitely worth considering for your teams.



César Palacios (£5.5m) notched his first attacking return since signing for the Club from Real Madrid, his first-half goal; one of a match-high five shots on goal, enough to earn the Spaniard a share of the bonus points. Oscar Bobb (£5.5m) also put in a lively display and registered strong underlying data with four shots and three chances created.

Another midfielder that caught the eye was Shea Charles (£5.0m). The summer signing from Southampton was making his first league start of the season and notched 11 defensive contributions, just one away from the threshold for DefCon points. Had he not been substituted on 79 minutes, the Northern Irish international would surely have claimed two additional points.

In defence, Timothy Castagne (£4.5m) put in a typically offensive display against the Eagles. He recorded three shots (including one big chance) and two chances created on his way to an impressive expected goal involvement tally (xGI) of 0.77, the third highest in the match.

Gameweek 4 opponents

Liverpool, the opponents for Fulham's away trip on Saturday, won for the first time this season in Gameweek 3, beating Ipswich Town 2-0.

Key attacker Alexander Isak (£9.0m) scored a brace and claimed maximum bonus points, while Cody Gakpo (£7.2m) picked up two assists and has returned in every game so far.

Popular FPL players in Gameweek 4

Ahead of a home fixture against Hull City, Chelsea's Cole Palmer (£9.6m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) are proving popular additions. Both players have been transferred-in by over 300,000 Fantasy managers ahead of Saturday's deadline. The latter has risen in price already this week after notching a goal and two assists so far this season. Palmer meanwhile has scored twice already, including one double-digit haul, and will likely be a popular captaincy selection with penalties adding to his appeal.

Maxim De Cupyer (£4.7m) is once again the most bought defender of the Gameweek, with more than 260,000 managers playing the out-of-position Brighton defender. The Belgium international continues to start on the left-wing and faces Coventry on Sunday. Arsenal's cut-price defender Ezri Konsa (£4.4m) isn't far behind having started his first game of the season last time out. The Englishman provides unbelievable value with Cristhian Mosquera (£5.4m) sidelined through injury.

Finally, Yoanne Wissa (£6.1m) is attracting attention with Newcastle's upcoming run of favourable fixtures. The DR Congo international scored and picked up bonus points in Gameweek 2. The Magpies don't play any of the so-called 'big-six' clubs between now and Gameweek 11.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/09/fpl-scout-josh-king-the-in-form-differential/

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Manchester United sold out: Ticket Exchange open
Tickets for our Premier League clash against Manchester United have now sold out, thank you for your incredible support!

We look forward to welcoming supporters to Craven Cottage on Sunday 20th September for our huge fixture against The Red Devils.

As this match has sold out, the Official Fulham FC Ticket Exchange is now available.

Any 2026/27 Season Ticket Holder that cannot attend the fixture can list their ticket on the Club's official resale platform for other supporters to purchase. Only supporters who meet the current selling criteria for this fixture will be eligible to purchase tickets on the Ticket Exchange (2026/27 Members*, Season Ticket Holders & Supporters with Previous Booking History).

Should your ticket be sold, you will receive credit added to your ticketing account which can be used on future purchases. Listing your ticket for resale if you cannot attend helps to ensure that the stadium will be at maximum capacity.

Season Ticket Holders must be logged into their OneFulham account to be able to list a seat for resale.

The Ticket Exchange deadline for Fulham FC v Manchester United is 1:30pm on Sunday 20th September. Any tickets that have been listed but are unsold by this time will be returned back to their original owners so we encourage Season Ticket Holders list their seat early for the best chance of selling your seat!

FIND OUT MORE

LIST YOUR SEASON TICKET

BUY MANCHESTER UNITED TICKETS

*2026/27 Membership must have been purchased prior to 12pm on Friday 28th August in order to be eligible to purchase tickets.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/08/manchester-united-sold-out-ticket-exchange-open/

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Fulham pushing to agree new contract with Calvin Bassey
Fulham will attempt to tie 26-year-old Nigerian international Calvin Bassey to a new long-term contract in the coming weeks.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Calvin Bassey has compelled Fulham to tie him to a new long-term contract with his performances since arriving from Ajax a few years ago. While the Cottagers do not have a sense of urgency around the 26-year-old defender's future, they want to get the renewal out of the way.

Per TEAMtalk, the West London outfit want to "reward a defender who has become a fixture in the side". The report adds that talks over a new contract will begin "soon" and that the player is "understood to be happy in West London and settled in the dressing room" under Alvaro Arbeloa.

Calvin Bassey and his time at Fulham so far
Calvin Bassey has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League since joining Fulham from Ajax in a deal worth €21 million in July 2023. The 26-year-old hit the ground running at the West London club, and he has been a mainstay at the back since then.

The Nigerian international has been so influential that he won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2024/25 season. Bassey has made over 100 appearances for the West London club thus far while chipping in with four goals and one assist. However, his future has recently come under a shroud of uncertainty after entering the final 12 months of his contract.

What next?
While Calvin Bassey has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Fulham, the Cottagers have the option to extend the deal by another year. However, they want to preserve their asset by tying him to fresh terms.

Fulham's desire to keep Bassey at Craven Cottage for the long haul is understandable, as the Nigerian international has forged a solid central defensive partnership alongside Joachim Andersen. Additionally, the player's ability to play as a left-back makes him a utility player for the West Londoners.

While David Affengruber has arrived from Elche this past summer, Bassey remains the most dependable defender in Alvaro Arbeloa's squad. With the 26-year-old happy and settled at Fulham, an extended stay at Craven Cottage appears to be on the cards.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/09/fulham-pushing-to-agree-new-contract-with-calvin-bassey/

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Inside the deal to take Jose Sani from non-league to Premier League
Exclusive: Fulham took a gamble which is already paying off

From stacking shelves in Tesco to signing professional terms with Fulham, Jose Sani has enjoyed a whirlwind six weeks that could yet change his and his family's life.

From the 10th tier of the English football pyramid to a first professional contract at 21, Sani is proof that age is just a number in an industry where dreams are often snuffed out before a player has a chance to reach adulthood.

Starting out at Bracknell and then Sandhurst Town, where average attendances rarely climb beyond 60 spectators, Sani has earned a reputation as one of the most lethal attacking talents in non-league.

After 40 goals across two seasons for Sandhurst and then Knaphill, Sani moved up a division to Hartley Wintney in 2025. The goals, though, did not dry up, and after 17 goal contributions, he moved again, rising to the Southern League Premier Division South with Berkhamstead.

Still in the relative wilderness at this point, four promotions away from the football league, let alone the rarefied air of the Premier League, Sani was beginning to attract attention on social media.

Personal highlight reels are often denigrated as footballers just indulging their ego. But for many plying their trade in front of modest crowds in rural locations where many scouts won't venture, they act as a CV and a chance to showcase their talent to a global audience.

Sani's clips - a collection of weaving runs and crisp right-footed strikes - did exactly that, quickly gaining traction on Instagram before he was contacted about pursuing a move into the professional game.

Sani, though, was still raw and untested, and Standard Sport understands it took a great deal of trust to earn the Welsh-born winger, who is now represented by Unique Sports Group, an opportunity.

While other clubs were dissuaded from offering the university graduate a trial due to his age, Fulham took a risk and were the only team to give Sani a chance to prove his credentials.

During a six-week unpaid trial across July and August, Fulham's decision paid off, as Sani scored in every game he played for Fulham's Under-21s.

Sani has been described as a player with electric pace, athleticism and an eye for goal. While Standard Sport has also been told that the forward's attitude and inquisitive personality impressed many behind the scenes at Fulham, from players and coaches, and also staff at the club's Motspur Park training ground.

Eligible to play for Wales, England, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau, Sani is already attracting attention from the Welsh FA, who are considering an Under-21s call-up.

Standard Sport understands Sani has already been involved with first-team training at Fulham, but will initially play for the club's U21s. Fulham are then likely to make a decision in January whether to send him on loan to the EFL.

Having handed in his notice at Tesco, a journey that started five years ago at semi-professional Bracknell, now has Sani on the cusp of the Premier League.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-exclusive-jose-sani-b1296201.html

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"We Want To Be A Really Offensive Team": Fulham's Manager Alvaro Arbeloa
Alvaro Arbeloa has had a tough start to his life as Fulham head coach, with the club still searching for their first points in the Premier League 2026-27 season

Alvaro Arbeloa has had a tough start to his life as Fulham head coach, with the club still searching for their first points in the Premier League 2026-27 season, but he remains focused on building an ambitious and attacking side. Arbeloa opened up about the club's summer recruitment, his attacking philosophy and the mentality he expects from his players as he looks to turn around a difficult start to the campaign. Speaking on JioHotstar, Fulham Head Coach Alvaro Arbeloa opened about the club's transfer strategy and ambition ahead of the new season:

"If we want to be ambitious, we need to sign players that can improve the squad. We lost some good players from last season, so we had to replace them. We showed that ambition by bringing in quality players who fit our ideas and the way we want to play. The sooner they settle in, the better and the focus is on building chemistry and getting the best out of this group as we move forward. It's about creating a strong unit, understanding each other's movements, and making sure everyone is on the same page. The hard work starts now."

On the clear attacking identity, he wants his Fulham team to have:

"I want a team with a clear identity. I want to see a team that plays with courage and with personality. We want to be a really offensive team, really brave with the ball, and aggressive when we lose it, and ready to attack. I think we need to show that passion, that ambition every game and give everything that we have."

On instilling his 'No retreat, no surrender, that is Spartan law' philosophy into his squad:

"I always believe that while results matter, attitude is what really counts. How you respond to every situation, no matter the circumstances, defines you as a team. You have to keep fighting until the final whistle. That mentality is non-negotiable. It's what I expect from my players in every single game. Whether we're winning, losing, or facing setbacks, the approach must stay the same. We can't control everything that happens on the pitch, but we can control our effort and our mindset. That's what will carry us through the season."



https://sports.ndtv.com/football/we-want-to-be-a-really-offensive-team-fulhams-manager-alvaro-arbeloa-12024903

[WhiteJC]

Carabao Cup: One week until West Ham (A)
There's only one week remaining until Fulham's Carabao Cup Third Round tie against West Ham United at London Stadium on Tuesday 15th September, kick-off 7:45pm.
 
Tickets for this fixture are priced at just £10 for adults & £1 for juniors!
 
This Cup tie is on sale to supporters with a previous Booking History, who can secure up to two tickets per person, subject to availability.
 
Don't miss your opportunity to experience Cup action this September and secure your seat today at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5pm) or in person from the Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm).

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/08/carabao-cup-one-week-until-West-Ham-a-/