Monday Fulham Stuff (21/08/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Player joining Fulham after Cardiff City deal collapsed

The Portuguese press doesn't have any doubts: Rafa Soares is indeed moving from Porto to Fulham.

The left-back is expected to have his medical and be announced by the Championship side still this weekend. A Bola insist the player had options other than Fulham, such as staying in the Portuguese league and being loaned to Chaves.

But Soares wasn't Fulham's first choice, with A Bola saying they only picked the player after failing to sign Joe Bennett from Cardiff City.

Championship leaders Cardiff were obviously loathe to lose a player to a promotion rival, and kept Bennett under the orders of Neil Warnock.

A Bola claims Porto will make 'some euros' by loaning the player, but the newspaper doesn't seem to know the exact amount paid by Fulham. The London club will also be responsible for the 22-year-old's full salary during the period.

The only thing the Portuguese papers disagree about is the buying option.

Most of them say Fulham will have the chance to land the player for €15m, yet Jornal de Notícias say the amount is around €20m.

Rafa Soares will have the season to prove he was a good enough second choice for Fulham after Cardiff's Joe Bennett.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-joining-fulham-cardiff-city-deal-collapsed/

[WhiteJC]

Why Fulham fans shouldn't start panicking
by Dan on August 20, 2017

One of the things that annoy me the most about modern football is impatience. In today's 'I want it all right now society,' the football fan quickly loses all sense of perspective. Take the hysterical reactions that followed Fulham's first defeat of the season yesterday. Within minutes of the final whistle at Craven Cottage, the online forums and social media platform were filling up with comments assailing everyone from Slavisa Jokanovic to Shahid and Tony Khan, targeting particular players for opprobrium and opining that Fulham were totally useless.

Nobody wants their team to lose but, if anyone should be used to being beaten, it's a Fulham fan. The last twenty years are so clearly the best period in the club's history and that might lead the newest generation of supporters to be somewhat spoilt, but even I – as someone who started watching the Whites as we prepared to bid farewell to the 1980s – have seen my fair share of setbacks. Being beaten by a well-drilled and professional Sheffield Wednesday side, as agonising as it became in the final 20 minutes, wouldn't even make my top 50 of infuriating defeats.

The early league table now has Fulham just a single point above the Championship relegation zone and some of the contributors to the online discussion quickly identified the problem. Several identified Ryan Sessegnon as being poor – which we've discussed already this year as being laughable – whilst captain Tom Cairney was described as woeful for the egregious sin of wanting to pull on the white shirt once again. I'd never boo a Fulham player (even Mark Cooper escaped the bird) but there were far poorer performers yesterday than those two. Four games into the campaign is no time to be drawing conclusions about Fulham's final finishing position – as some, who seem to have written off any hope of repeating last season's top six finish, seem to have done.

For a start, the fixture list has hardly been kind to Jokanovic and his team. They've faced Norwich, Leeds, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday – who should all feature in the promotion shake-up come May – and every single one of those opponents had a variation on the same tactic: be patient, physical to point of crude in order to disrupt Fulham's rhythm and look to be clinical in the final third. Wednesday, who have endured a worse start to the season than the Whites, came for a point, packing the midfield, and got all three. That was the reason why Kieren Westwood indulged in his rather bizarre game of charades with both the Hammersmith End and the Riverside Stand after the game – although the goalkeeper and Wednesday's goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes should have had more class and headed straight to the Putney End to celebrate with the travelling supporters whose loud backing for their side was impressive once again.

Jokanovic is refusing to panic and you can see why. The team that finished yesterday's encounter contained both a number of new faces still getting used to the peculiar demands of English football and several more feeling their way back from injury. There were enough promising signs from Rui Fonte after a single training session to suggest that he might be the sort of number nine Fulham have been sorely lacking for several seasons. It is an added bonus that the Portuguese forward can deliver a set play that consistently beat the first man but there was an intelligence about his running and desire to play on the shoulder of the Wednesday defence that bodes well for the future. Neither he nor Aboubakar Kamara, who played the final quarter of an hour, received enough service to test the Owls centre backs regularly – and it was instructive to see Jokanovic turn away with his arms outstretched after Denis Odoi had tried to beat George Boyd for a second time rather than deliver a cross with both in the box.

Cairney looked some way short of his best in central midfield but getting ninety minutes in his legs after finally shaking off the knee problem that has disrupted his start to the season will help his sharpness for when Fulham travel to Portman Road to face one of the early pacesetters in Ipswich Town on Saturday. Getting Jokanovic's three midfield musketeers all firing at the same time is crucial to the success of this side, even if Ollie Norwood increasing looks like a useful option in any of those midfield roles. Wednesday's winning goal was eminently avoidable and came with the Whites reorganising after Stefan Johansen had collapsed in a heap following a robust challenge on the edge of the visitors box and been withdrawn movements earlier. That sort of thing will annoy both Stuart Gray and Jokanovic and will already have been the subject of painstaking video analysis.

Even if you might not agree with the strength of some reactions last night, there are clearly things for Fulham to work on. Jokanovic, who believes in possession-based philosophy almost to the exclusion of having any sort of Plan B, has to come up with another way of responding to sides who are going to try and shut his team down – especially as they endure a tougher second season after the revelation of the way the Whites finished last term. That may mean being a little more uncomplicated in the final third, which could suit the pacier players that the Serbian now has at his disposal.

I also suspect that Sone Aluko's place in the side might come up for debate sooner rather than later. He was hauled off just after the hour mark after blowing far colder than hot – and it is certainly possible that all the media mutterings about whether he'll get the new contract he desires might have muddled the Nigerian forward's mind. He seemed strangely reluctant to commit the full back on either flank yesterday and there was an alarming lack of understanding between him and Ryan Fredericks, who seemed to resort to desperation far too early in the piece as well. With the likes of Kebano and Sheyi Ojo ready to challenge for a starting place (and Floyd Ayite when he returns from injury), it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that Jokanovic looks for other options in the wing positions.

The best part about the season's frantic early schedule is there's an opportunity to put things right almost immediately. That arrives in the shape of a visit by Bristol Rovers on Tuesday in the League Cup. Jokanovic will rotate for the Barry Hayles derby, opting to trust a number of the younger players who performed so impressively both at Wycombe and during pre-season. There will be more Motspur Park drills to get the side purring more pleasingly before the trip to Portman Road and I firmly believe we should be judging Fulham's promotion credentials after ten games that before both the first international break and the end of the summer transfer window.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/why-fulham-fans-shouldnt-start-panicking/

[WhiteJC]

 
To the rescue – Player to have Fulham medical today, flew in on Saturday

Rafa Soares flew to England on Saturday ahead of signing for Fulham, report O Jogo in their Sunday edition.

Assuming he didn't fly straight back out again after watching Fulham beaten 1-0 at home by Sheffield Wednesday, the Portuguese newspaper claims Soares will today have his medical and move a step closer to joining the London club.

Soares is arriving at Fulham from FC Porto, and as long the medical throws up no unexpected problems for the transfer, 22 year old Soares will then complete his loan move and take part in the next Fulham training session.

O Jogo present Soares arriving, not long after Rui Fonte joined from SC Braga, as something of a Portuguese rescue act for Fulham.

With the club currently down in 19th place, they certainly need a Championship boost and to actually get a win on the board.

The Portuguese newspaper believe their compatriots are going to be important additions to help Fulham turn a corner.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/rescue-player-fulham-medical-today-flew-saturday/

[WhiteJC]

 
Talk of Shahid Khan selling Fulham is rubbish

American owner is not looking to sell Whites, despite national newspaper's claims

Get West London understands that suggestions Shahid Khan is considering selling Fulham are rubbish.

A story in the Times yesterday reported that the Whites owner was 'seriously considering' selling the west London outfit.

Khan bought the Cottagers from Mohamed Al-Fayed in 2013 and his son Tony was made vice-chairman and director of football operations just last year.

We understand that any talk of a sale is false, however, with the Khan family keen to take Fulham back into the Premier League.

The Fulham Supporters' Trust, who enjoy a good working relationship with the club, released a statement saying they believed the story was "without foundation".

It read: "The Fulham Supporters' Trust were surprised to read a story in yesterday's Times by the paper's deputy football correspondent, Matt Hughes, stating that Shahid Khan was interested in selling Fulham Football Club.

"The Trust has worked hard since Mr Khan's purchase of Fulham in 2013 to build a constructive working relationship that has allowed us to communicate the views of Fulham fans to the Club's ownership and decision makers.

"We are heartened by Mr Khan and Fulham Football Club's desire to retain their key players, such as captain Tom Cairney, and Ryan and Steven Sessegnon, as well the continued investment in Motspur Park and Craven Cottage. We believe the story that was published in the Times to be totally without foundation."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/talk-shahid-khan-selling-fulham-13502925

[WhiteJC]

 
Portuguese 27-year-old can make the difference for Fulham

It was confirmed on Thursday that Fulham have secured the services of 27-year-old prolific forward Rui Fonte, from Liga NOS outfit Braga.

The brother of West Ham United defender Jose, Fonte arrives in the same city as his older sibling with the task of adding goals to an attractive Fulham side, as they look to better than last season's sixth placed finish in the Championship.

It has long since been apparent what the Cottagers' main issue is – they are a wonderful team from front to back, but lack a cutting edge in the penalty box, a reliable goalscorer who will turn the oodles of chances created in West London into goals and points.

Fonte already has two goals to his name this season, including one in the early rounds of the Europa League qualification system, which shows the calibre of player that Fulham have brought into the second tier.

Fonte made 38 Braga appearances in all competitions last season, scoring a total of 15 goals – laying on three assists for his team mates also – finishing top scorer as well as captaining his side to fifth place in the Portuguese top flight.

That is a seriously impressive standard of footballer to bring into the second tier and a very clear attempt to rectify Fulham's Achilles heel – if he adapts well to English football, and there is nothing to suggest that he will not be able to do so, this signing could transform Fulham into serious top-two contenders.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/portuguese-27-year-old-can-make-the-difference-for-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Player pictured at airport ahead of signing for Fulham, talks about transfer

Earlier on Sunday, Sport Witness covered a report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo which claimed Rafa Soares flew to London on Saturday ahead of signing for Fulham on loan.

The FC Porto fullback was all due to have his Fulham medical on Sunday, and the Portuguese press are certain a deal is just those medical checks and an announcement away.

To further confirm things, another Portuguese newspaper has got in on the act. Record have actually spoken to Soares about his Fulham transfer, and they picture the Porto player at the airport on Saturday as he was set to travel to England.

Soares still has a Porto return in his sights, but if Fulham get to the promised land of the Premier League, things may be different. The 22 year old told Record: "Any player who wants to go far has England in his goals, and I don't hide that I would like to reach the Premier League.

"Whoever is in the Championship always wants to reach the Premier League, because it's a step up. This experience captivates me a lot, because there have been many Portuguese who have left for the Championship. I'm very happy to go there.

"My expectations are to accumulate the maximum number of minutes, gain experience, become even more mature as a player and, above all, open doors in one of the most important countries in football."

So that's Rafa Soares, confirming his impending loan move to Fulham, whilst being pictured at the airport ahead of flying to London.

It will be quite strange if this one doesn't happen.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-pictured-airport-ahead-signing-fulham-premier-league-dreams/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to sign former Liverpool target on loan from Porto

Rafa Soares will become Whites latest loan signing

Get West London understands that a deal for Fulham to sign Porto left-back Rafa Soares on loan is all but done.

The young Portuguese emerged as a rumoured Whites target earlier this week and it appears that a season-long loan deal has been completed between the two parties.

Soares is understood to have arrived in London to have put the finishing touches to the move to the capital today, although we are not yet sure whether a medical has been completed.

The 22-year-old has been with the Portuguese giants since youth level and has spent the majority of time in the B side, while also having loan spells with Academica and Rio Ave.

He has played for all of Portugal's age groups from U16 right through to U21 level. He was linked with Liverpool earlier in the summer, but a move never materialised and now Slavisa Jokanovic will benefit from his qualities.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-sign-former-liverpool-target-13504592

[WhiteJC]

 
Is The Signing Of This Former Arsenal Man And Portuguese International A Good Move By Fulham?

Maybe Or Maybe Not? – Why Rui Fonte Could Fit In At Fulham Very Well

Fulham have moved to sign former Arsenal striker Rui Fonte from Braga for an undisclosed fee. After seven years at Portuguese giants Sporting brought him to the attention of English Premier League side Arsenal, he landed a gig there in 2006 though he never managed a first team appearance at the Emirates. He was given 10 first team games by Crystal Palace while on loan, where he didn't score a goal.

Having returned to Portugal with Sporting, he was sent out on loan once again, this time to Vitoria Setubal but once more, he did not score, and failed to truly establish himself. He had more success in Spain with Espanyol's B team, netting 8 times in 22 games but could not replicate that in their first team as he yet again drew a blank in an 11-game spell in 2010/11.

Two years spent at the Catalan club resulted in just one goal in the league, before a free transfer back to Portugal beckoned, with Fonte signing for Benfica this time and joining up with their B team.

Although still a slow-burner, things are going much better now and Fonte finally planted his flag last term playing for Braga, scoring 14 goals in 31 domestic games for the club and saw his transfer value suddenly sky rocket. No Premier League teams showed an interest but given their major need for a proper centre-forward, it's easy to see why Fulham were watching.

Fonte is a striker but typically of the type of player admired by Slavisa Jokanovic, he can play just as comfortably as a second striker. But now that he has found his goal touch, it would be no surprise to see him want to play as a centre-forward more often.

A decent finisher, Fonte has now matured and does not need so many chances to score a goal, though Fulham's open and attacking style would suit him down to the ground now, especially with the addition of Sheyi Ojo to the squad.

This is exactly what is required by Fulham and in fact has been, ever since Ross McCormack left for Aston Villa last summer. He had a dreadful time there and Fulham were in dire need of a centre-forward – you wonder what they would have achieved with the Scot in the squad.

One last reservation about Fonte is why certain other clubs didn't go for him. Although this is an incredibly simplistic question I would have to ask; as a Portuguese player with apparent talent, why didn't Wolves want to buy him?

The answer is unknown, but I have a feeling Fulham might have got their hands on a player who could sparkle under Slavisa Jovanovic.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/21/is-the-signing-of-this-xm-portuguese-international-a-good-move-by-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham join Celtic, West Brom, Fulham, Burnley and Brighton in race for Ligue 1 striker

West Ham transfer news includes links to Lorient striker Abdul Majeed Waris

West Ham are one of six British clubs believed to be in the race for Lorient forward Abdul Majeed Waris, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim that the Hammers, as well as West Brom and Burnley, have made enquiries over the past week for the 25-year-old.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Celtic are the other three clubs who are also interested in a move for the Ghana international.

Slaven Bilic has already strengthened upfront in the summer with the club signing Javier Hernandez, yet Waris' versatility could be one of the reason why the Hammers are looking at the player.

Waris, who suffered relegation from Ligue 1 with Lorient last season, is capable of playing as a striker or on either wing.

The attacker has scored 21 goals in 58 games during his time in France with Lorient, while he has netted four times in 22 appearances for his country.

Having previously had trials with Manchester City after studying at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, Waris was part of Ghana's World Cup squad in 2014.


Abdul Majeed Waris has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs (Image: Getty Images)

Waris would be expected to cost around £12million if the Hammers could strike a deal with Lorient before the transfer window closes.



http://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-join-celtic-west-13504712