Friday Fulham Stuff (06/07/18)...

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Why Fulham fans should not fret despite a lack of signings

The Cottagers are yet to make a signing this summer.

At times this summer, Fulham supporters have been left wondering whether their honeymoon period has already disappeared.

Look at clubs around them: fellow promoted sides Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have already made a plethora of signings, while the Whites are yet to open their account this summer.

Yet there is no cause for concern for the Fulham faithful, as a lack of early signings is par for the course for the Cottagers. Fulham infamously like to get their business done late and extract the best possible deal; love it or loathe it, it's how the club runs.

One only needs to look at this year's January transfer window as a template. Up until the closing stages of the month, Fulham had signed no players and Slavisa Jokanovic had publicly expressed his frustration.

Then came the loan signing of Matt Targett on 22 January. And in the final hour of the final night, two bombshells: the arrivals of Cyrus Christie and Aleksandar Mitrovic. All three played their part in Fulham's promotion and proved to be astute signings.



As past years have shown, leaving business late is often risky and nerve-wracking. But Fulham's lack of early summer signings is nothing out of the ordinary– it's simply how the club runs.

Add into the mix the ongoing World Cup, it is no surprise many deals have yet to go through. Clubs often prefer to wait until the end of tournaments before choosing what players to target and which to sell.

Chairman Shahid Khan has spoken publicly following promotion about his desire to strengthen Fulham's squad significantly in anticipation of the upcoming top-flight season, and will be certain to invest in the team in the coming months.

Seeing Fulham's fellow promoted clubs spend freely is undoubtedly frustrating, but there is still no need to worry for the Cottagers supporters.

Cardiff have mainly signed Championship-calibre players while Wolves have unsustainably splurged on Jorge Mendes' clients; Fulham's more measured approach will hopefully yield the best results next season.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-lack-of-signings/

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Fulham transfer gossip: Whites linked with moves for Boyata, Musacchio & Plattenhardt

Three new names have been linked with Fulham - we've taken a look at the rumours

Another day in the transfer window, another host of names linked with Fulham.

The Whites have been linked with three new names as they get their pre-season schedule underway ahead of the Premier League, with Crawley Town the first opponents of the new season in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Motspur Park on Saturday.

So far it's been a quiet window for Fulham - there have been no incomings and the only outgoing has been Ryan Fredericks, who left to join West Ham at the end of his contract at Craven Cottage.

However, there has been no shortage of names linked with the side, with enough players being touted for moves for Fulham to field four different teams in the top flight next season.

We've taken a look at the latest rumours to circulate around Fulham, with three names being linked with moves to London.

Mateo Musacchio - AC Milan

Fulham have been linked with the AC Milan defender by Gianluca Di Marzio in Italy, with the report stating that the Italian outfit are looking to offload players and have received a bid from Fulham for the 27-year-old.

The Argentine plays as a centre half and that is a position that Fulham are looking to strengthen in ahead of the season, with only Tim Ream, Denis Odoi and Marcelo Djalo currently on the books that play there, while Slavisa Jokanovic has wanted the club's recruitment department to sign a centre back in nearly all the time he's been at the club.

The report states that Milan are currently mulling over the bid and have yet to make a decision.


Mateo Musacchio of AC Milan (Image: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Dedryck Boyata - Celtic

The Belgian defender started all three of their World Cup group stage games as they won their group in Russia, and the Scottish Sun claim Fulham are ready to make a move for him on the back of his campaign.

He's got a year left on his contract at Celtic but Brendan Rodgers is allegedly keen for him to renew his deal in Scotland, although he's put talks on hold while he's out in Russia at the World Cup.

It's another centre back that has been linked with Fulham and another 27-year-old, like Musacchio, and the Scottish Sun claim Fulham could offer a big money move.


Dedryck Boyata tangles with Marcus Rashford. (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

However, the last player that was bought off the back of a competition was Ragnar Sigurdsson after his impressive displays in Iceland's Euro 2016 campaign, and Fulham's recruitment team are keen not to sign a player on the back of tournaments again, instead implementing their recruitment model.

Marvin Plattenhardt - Hertha Berlin

The 26-year-old has been linked with Fulham by German paper Bild, who claim there are a whole range of Premier League clubs after the German defender.

Plattenhardt plays at left back, which is a key area of concern for Fulham as they prepare for the top flight and is one where they are looking for recruits, having seen a £10million bid for Matt Targett of Southampton rejected.

Targett is with the Saints on their pre-season tour of China, and while it wouldn't be a surprise to see Fulham return with a higher bid, Bild has linked them with a move for Plattenhardt instead.


Marvin Plattenhardt of Germany in action against Mexico at Russia 2018 (Image: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

They say it will take a fee of around £22million to prize him away from Berlin - which would be Fulham's club record fee for a signing and more than the reported fee for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Everton, AFC Bournemouth, Watford and Huddersfield have also been linked with a move for the 26-year-old.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-transfer-gossip-whites-linked-14868373

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Fulham linked with €12m World Cup defender, presented as ahead of West Ham interest

Russian website Championat claim Fulham are interested in signing Spartak Moscow defender Ilya Kutepov.

utepov has previously been linked with a move to West Ham in the Italian press, but Championat say the player is more a target for Fulham, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Monchengladbach.

On Wednesday, West Ham interest was backed up by a second source in Italy.

But Championat explain that whilst foreign media have mentioned other clubs, their information on the Russia side of a deal has Fulham, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Monchengladbach as the likelier.

The 24 year old has impressed with his performances in the World Cup this summer, which has brought him to the attention of other clubs. The host nation has made into the quarter finals of the competition and he's played in all four games.

With Fulham's promotion to the Premier League last season the West London club will be looking to bring in reinforcements this summer and it seems the Russia international is an option.

Championat say one European team have already offered €12m to Spartak Moscow but they haven't disclosed which club this was.

Kutepov made 18 appearances for Spartak last season and is under contract with the Russian club until 2021.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-linked-e12m-world-cup-defender-presented-ahead-west-ham-interest/

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Fulham make audacious move for AC Milan defender

Fulham have made an offer to AC Milan for the services of centre-back Mateo Musacchio, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.

The newly promoted Premier League side want to bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming campaign and are targeting an audacious move for Musacchio.

Milan are currently in the process of overhauling their defensive options after selling Gustavo Gomez to Boca Juniors and now Musacchio could be next to leave.

The Serie A giants are under financial pressure and a number of key players have been linked with summer moves away from the club. 

Tottenham were interested in signing Musacchio during his time at Villarreal before he joined Milan 12 months ago.

The 27-year-old, who has struggled with serious knee injuries in the past, failed to make a serious impression at Milan last season, only starting 12 league matches.

Musacchio unsurprisingly missed out on a spot in Argentina's squad for the 2018 World Cup and Milan are now mulling Fulham's offer.

Milan had a better win ratio in Serie A last season when Musacchio did not start (50%) compared to when he did feature from the off (41.7%).



https://www.whoscored.com/News/UaTs4DK12kuhZoXVhctAaQ/Show/Fulham-make-audacious-move-for-AC-Milan-defender

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Away Days: Part Two

Three Fulham fans look ahead to our away days in the upcoming Premier League campaign. Next to be assessed are trips to Everton, Cardiff, Huddersfield and Liverpool.

Dean Jones: Everton v Fulham (Goodison Park) – Saturday 29th September

Some of my worst away day memories come from trips to Goodison — the lowest moment being a miserable day back in 2007 when we barely had a shot on goal and lost 3-0. It felt very lonely in the visiting section. Generally it can make a good weekend away, though. Take the train, have a night out in Liverpool, and enjoy one of the few Premier League grounds that still holds a sense of history and tradition.

Billy Murphy: Cardiff City v Fulham (Cardiff City Stadium) – Saturday 20th October

Our nemesis for second place from the 17/18 season returns in the Premier League, and we'll hope to do at least as well as we did against them next time around, having picked up four points against them on our eventual route to third. A short way out from the city centre, Cardiff City Stadium is as you'd expect from most modern stadiums, and the home crowd make for an at times hostile atmosphere. With Fulham fans situated by one of the corner flags you're guaranteed a good view of the action from wherever you are, and with a big screen behind you, you can see the away goals in all their glory. With pubs close to the stadium home fans only, your best bet is to grab a drink in the city centre where there is a wide selection of venues to pick from, before the mile odd stroll to the match or grabbing a taxi from Cardiff Central station.

Ian McCulloch: Huddersfield Town v Fulham (John Smith's Stadium) – Saturday 3rd November

I've only made the trip up to Huddersfield once, but what a day it was – witnessing the 2-1 victory that earned Fulham promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, so I have nothing but happy memories of the place. The celebrations after Luis Boa Morte's winning goal were wild and unconfined, but the strange thing was that the 3,000 of us there that day knew implicitly that we were going to win, such was the commanding football we were playing under the maestro Jean Tigana. My recollections of after the game are slightly hazy, but I'm pretty sure that was the day the coach ran out of petrol on the way back home. The driver refused our suggestion of a whip-round to buy some more, so we all had to wait patiently at the M1 services while somebody drove up from London with the company credit card. Not the best way to celebrate such an historic achievement.

Ian McCulloch: Liverpool v Fulham (Anfield) – Saturday 10th November

One of those grounds you really have to visit to experience an atmosphere and a spectacle hard to find anywhere else. Anfield might not have the ferocity and intensity that it had when standing was still allowed and the imposing Kop End dominated the stadium, but it can still leave you breathless and in awe at the sheer raw emotion that the fans bring to the game. My first experience there was the 5-0 defeat in the League Cup back in 1993. We'd already lost the First Leg 3-1, and a couple of early goals for Liverpool killed the match stone dead. But the away contingent sang their heads off all game, much to the bewilderment of the Anfield faithful. At least it was an improvement on the 10-0 thrashing seven years earlier.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/05/away-days-part-two

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Reported Aleksandar Mitrovic signing would be a massive boost for Fulham

The Serbian looks set to sign for a reported £20 million.



Reports in the Telegraph this week claimed Fulham and Newcastle have agreed a deal in principle for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the fee in the region of £20 million.

The anticipated transfer would be a massive boost for Fulham, achieving one of their biggest transfer goals with plenty of time to spare in the window.

The Serbian international was the star of Fulham's second half of the season revival and provided Slavisa Jokanovic's side with the lethal finishing they needed to cap off the plethora of chances created each match.

The team was begging for a forward like Mitrovic to give the Whites a deadly cutting edge, and the Newcastle loanee delivered emphatically.

Mitrovic joined in the most remarkable of circumstances after a hopeful WhatsApp message from Jokanovic propelled the deal at the last minute, but he quickly hit the ground running during Fulham's scintillating unbeaten run.

It took until the final day of the season until Mitrovic lost a game in a Fulham shirt, a testament to how valuable the striker was to Fulham's success.

He provided a critical focal point at the centre of attack, with strong hold-up play that created space for the Whites' other attackers and drew the attention of opposition centre-backs.



Fulham fans will fondly remember his knack for strong, swashbuckling performances against some of the league's supposedly tougher centre-backs.

Mitrovic's swaggering, muscle-pumping celebration after destroying Sheffield United's Richard Stearman perfectly encapsulates his time at Craven Cottage.

In a 3-0 win, the Serb scored his first with an authoritative smashing in of a low cross; his second came from an audacious first-time flicked volley.

12 goals in 17 appearances: the stats don't lie, Mitrovic scored goals for fun at Craven Cottage. And, what's more, he finally seemed to find a true home.

Gone were the childish antics, fights of rage, and ill-discipline that plagued his time at Newcastle. Thanks to his compatriot, Jokanovic, Mitrovic was well-supported and appreciated at Fulham.

Fulham fans knew Mitro was a special one when, in a fit of unadulterated emotion, he kissed the club badge after scoring the late winner against Sunderland in April.

With a motivated Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line for Fulham in the Premier League with a point to prove, the outlook on the Cottagers' return to the top flight suddenly gets a lot brighter.



https://tbrfootball.com/aleksandar-mitrovic-boost-fulham/

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Report: Fulham battling five Premier League clubs for £22m Marvin Plattenhardt

Hertha Berlin's Marvin Plattenhardt could move to the Premier League from the Bundesliga with Fulham reportedly interested.

Almost a third of the clubs in the Premier League have been lined with Hertha Berlin left-back Marvin Plattenhardt in recent weeks.

It has been reported that Everton, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, Watford and Bournemouth are chasing the 26-year-old and now Bild have added another club into the mix – newly promoted Fulham.

The Cottagers may need to strengthen at left-back this summer with a deal to sign Southampton's Matt Targett, who impressed on loan at Craven Cottage from January until May, understood to have hit the buffers. Plattenhardt, however, could be an upgrade.

The free-kick specialist has been one of the Bundesliga's finest left-backs in recent seasons and has forced his way into Germany's squad as a result.

Plattenhardt was part of Joachim Low's 'B team' that won the Confederations Cup last summer and also travelled to the World Cup, although the Germans were far less impressive and suffered a stunning group-stage exit.

Bild adds that Hertha Berlin would be willing to listen to offers for Plattenhardt as they have 21-year-old Maxi Mittelstadt waiting in the wings as a ready-made replacement.

But it is understood that it could cost around £22 million to lure Plattenhardt from Hertha; a fee that would require Fulham to smash their transfer record and perhaps pay even more than they would have to spend on Aleksandar Mitrovic.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/05/do-report-fulham-battling-five-premier-league-clubs-for-22m-marv/

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Fulham linked with move for Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata

Fulham are reportedly interested in Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata, who is still on international duty with Belgium....

The 27-year-old, who started all three of Belgium's group games in Russia, is entering the final year of his Hoops contract and said prior to the World Cup that he would look to sort out his future after the tournament.


Dedryck Boyata is in demand after his World Cup performances. Picture: SNS Group

The former Manchester City starlet said: "Right now, I am concentrating on the World Cup. I am not thinking about my future.

"I still have a year on my contract and we'll see after the summer if I continue with Celtic."

Boyata was reportedly scouted by Serie A side Lazio, while English Premier League new boys Fulham are said to be keen on the centre back as they plan for life in the top flight.

Teams in France and Turkey are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on Boyata's situation, according to The Sun. Despite the interest from elsewhere, Celtic are still thought to be hopeful of extending Boyata's contract.



Read more at: https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/fulham-linked-with-move-for-celtic-defender-dedryck-boyata-1-4764524

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Academy Barnet Friendly

The Club can announce that the Under-23s will travel to the Hive Stadium on 14th July for a 3pm friendly against a Barnet FC XI.

This fixture adds to the Whites' busy pre-season schedule which include fixtures against Southend United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, as well as two international trips.

John Still returns to Barnet as manager after last season's relegation to the National League.

The Bees are looking to bounce straight back to the EFL and have a good history in the National League, they are looking for a record breaking fourth National League title.

For information about tickets to this fixture, please look on Barnet FC's website.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/05/academy-barnet-friendly

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Brighton set to sign Button
by Dan on July 5, 2018

Brighton and Hove Albion are closing in on the signing of Fulham goalkeeper David Button, according to reports this afternoon.

The two clubs have agreed a fee for the 29 year-old keeper, who would act as cover for Albion's first-choice goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Although Brighton have already procured Jason Steele from Sunderland this summer, Button is believed to be attracted to a move to the south coast and eager to test himself in the Premier League. The former Brentford goalkeeper had also been linked with a possible switch to Championship Bristol City this summer.

Button joined Fulham in July 2016 and became Slavisa Jokanovic's number one almost immediately, making 61 appearances for the club, but he was dropped after making a costly error in the west London derby defeat by his former club at Griffin Park in December. He lost his place to Marcus Bettinelli and had to watch from the sidelines as Fulham put together an unbeaten 23-match league run in the second half of the season, eventually securing promotion to the Premier League by beating Aston Villa at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.

Button has recently entered the final year of his current contract at Craven Cottage and Fulham would be happier to receive a fee rather than allow their number two goalkeeper to leave on a free transfer next summer. Press reports last month suggested Brighton boss Chris Hughton was preparing a £4m move for Button, but there has been no subsequent discussion of the rumoured fee.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/brighton-set-to-sign-button/

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Fulham chase out-of-favour Milan defender

Mateo Musacchio could find himself leaving Milan a lot sooner than was expected.

The Argentine defender is, according to SportMediaset, being linked to a move to Fulham in England.

The newly-promoted club needs strong defenders with a proven track record in first division football.
Moreover, Slavisa Jokanovic wants to play a certain way, leading him to search for defenders who play the ball on the deck.

Enter Musacchio, an extremely exciting signing for Milan last season... until they went and nabbed Leonardo Bonucci at the end of the transfer window. 

Though the former Juventus man was seen as an absolute steal at the time, he has struggled to live up to the hype, but still reduced Musacchio to 23 starts.

Milan aren't excluding a sale at the moment. The 27-year-old was signed for €18 million last season by the Rossoneri.

Could he be a key addition for the Cottagers, one that will help them add some sophistication (but also an injury risk) to their back line?



https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/fulham-chase-out-of-favour-milan-defender-77322

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Brighton set to sign goalkeeper David Button from Fulham



David Button is close to completing a move to Brighton from Fulham, according to Sky sources.

The 29-year-old fell behind Marcus Bettinelli as the Whites' second choice last season and did not make an appearance after January 6's FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

Button is understood to want a new challenge and is set to sign for the Seagulls to compete with Matthew Ryan and new signing Jason Steele.

Button made 60 Championship appearances for Fulham after signing from local rivals Brentford following their promotion to the second tier in 2015.

The former Tottenham trainee established himself as first-choice during the Bees promotion campaign under Mark Warburton that season, moving on after 141 appearances for the club.

Button previously had loan spells at Grays, Rochdale, Bournemouth, Luton, Dagenham & Redbridge, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Plymouth Leyton Orient, Doncaster, Barnsley and Charlton.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11741/11427116/brighton-set-to-sign-goalkeeper-david-button-from-fulham

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Club's talks with Brighton and Fulham heading 'in right direction', midfielder could have choice to make

About a week ago, France Football claimed both Everton and Tottenham were after Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma, which dated to multiple claims in May, seemingly started by Sky Sports.

Either way, those two clubs are now out of the picture entirely, according to Foot Mercato, and have been replaced by another Premier League pair.

Debunking the story that Lille had an agreement with Porto for the player's transfer, the French website report Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham are the interested parties.

The Portuguese club are still in the picture, but if it came down to the 21-year-old, his preferred destination would be England as he 'dreams' of playing in the Premier League next season.

Recently promoted from the Championship, the Cottagers have been touted to make a number of big moves this summer, as they try to bolster their squad for a tough season in the top-tier.

Managing to keep hold of Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham are also in the process of making Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan from Newcastle permanent alongside being their hunt for a new centre-back.

With just Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen in midfield, another man in the role certainly wouldn't hurt.

As for Brighton, we can only assume Chris Hughton sees Bissouma as the ideal man to help with the rotation of  Davy Propper and Dale Stephens next season, who both started at least 35 Premier League games in 2017-18.

There's no information about the price in Foot Mercato's article, but the French website state negotiations between Lille and the two clubs are heading in the right direction.

This means Bissouma might end up having to choose between Brighton and Fulham if they both meet the Ligue 1 side's demands.

May the best club win.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/clubs-talks-brighton-fulham-heading-right-direction-midfielder-choice-make/

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Lyon Travel

The Club is pleased to confirm that we will be putting on free coach travel from Evian to Bourgoin-Jallieu for our friendly match against Lyon.

Fulham's time in France concludes with a meeting with the seven-time Ligue 1 champions at the Stade Pierre Rajon on Saturday 21st July, kicking-off at 9pm local time.

We are aware that some fans have already made arrangements in Evian and would therefore find it difficult to get to the game, and so we invite those to register their interest in the free coach service using the below form.

Please be advised that the coach has space for 54 passengers, and so places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/05/lyon-travel

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Report: Fulham chasing Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata

According to reports from The Sun, Fulham are set to join the race to land Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata.

The report claims that the Cottagers, who are promoted to the Premier League, are eyeing a big-money move for the Belgian defender.

The 27-year-old joined Celtic from Manchester City in 2015 and has been ever present for Brendan Rodgers' side. He is participating in the World Cup, and has produced some impressive displays.

He has 12 months left on his present deal and Rodgers is hopeful that he will sign an extension on his present deal.

The defender's impressive performances during the World Cup have led to interest from several European clubs. Along with Fulham, Turkish and French clubs are monitoring his situation.

At this moment, Celtic do not want to sell him, but the report claims that the Bhoys could be tempted to cash in on him if he doesn't agree to a new deal.

He has put contract talks on hold during the World Cup and Celtic now face a battle to keep him.



http://sportslens.com/report-fulham-chasing-celtic-defender-dedryck-boyata/237557/

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Fulham must avoid a Ragnar Sigurdsson-esque mistake this summer

The Cottagers must be careful how they approach the post-World Cup transfer market.

One of the joys of international tournaments is the unearthing of unheralded talents, yet many have a propensity to over-exaggerate players' abilities and idolise unproven footballers who happen to have a good month.

Fulham must be wary of falling into this transfer hype yet again, as evidenced by their misguided signing of Euro 2016 star Ragnar Sigurdsson.

The purchase of the Icelandic centre-half is the perfect example of buying a player on the back of an impressive international tournament, only to see the signing flounder when he joined his new club.

Back in the summer of 2016, Sigurdsson drew plaudits for his outstanding defensive performances at the heart of the heroic Icelandic backline.

Most notably, Sigurdsson grabbed a goal in his country's famous knockout victory over England, truly announcing himself to the British public.

A month and a half later, he arrived at Motspur Park and signed a three year deal with Fulham. Surely, common reasoning went, a player who excelled against Europe's elite would be at least an effective player for the Whites in the Championship.

Yet, far from marshalling the Fulham defence with authority, Sigurdsson looked woefully off the pace at Craven Cottage and his performances were filled with lethargy, uncertainty, and costly mistakes.

In his only full season with Fulham, Sigurdsson made just 17 league appearances that resulted in three clean sheets.

Although there were some occasional bright moments, such as a Boxing Day goal away at Ipswich, Sigurdsson largely flattered to deceive at Craven Cottage and failed to establish himself as a convincing presence at the back.

The most embarrassing moment of his Fulham career came during a seemingly innocuous July 2017 friendly against Chelsea.

Sigurdsson marshalled a backline that was on the receiving end of an 8-2 thrashing by Fulham's west London neighbours – a fitting end to the Iceland international's forgettable time in SW6.

Behind the likes of Tomas Kalas, Tim Ream, and Denis Odoi in the centre of defence, Sigurdsson was shipped out on loan to Rostov at the start of the 2017/18 season, a move he made permanent in January.

Ragnar Sigurdsson remains a cautionary tale for eager Fulham fans yearning for the signing of a breakout World Cup star, as such a purchase can often be a risk not worth taking.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-avoid-sigurdsson-esque-mistake/

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Fulham reportedly target Russia's World Cup star Ilya Kutepov

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Spartak Moscow's Ilya Kutepov and it is understood that Fulham are also in the race.

Ilya Kutepov has been one of the unsung heroes in Russia's run to the quarter-finals of their own World Cup.

The Spartak Moscow centre-back has started all four games in the tournament and impressed particularly in the stunning penalty shoot-out victory against Spain, in which he kept the likes of Diego Costa, David Silva and Isco on the periphery over 120 minutes.

And it is these performances which have seen Kutepov linked with a number of clubs across Europe.

Tuttomercatoweb claimed that West Ham United are interested in bringing the 24-year-old to the Premier League, while RB Leipzig and Fiorentina are also keeping a close eye.

And latest reports from Russian outlet Championat claim that newly promoted Premier League side Fulham have also expressed an interest.

The Cottagers are understood to be in the market for a new centre-back as Slavisa Jokanovic's side prepare for life in the Premier League next season. Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata is on their radar too, according to the Sun, with Fulham set to make a big bid for the former Manchester City man.

But Kutepov, who Championat believe could cost around £10.5 million, would perhaps be better value considering just how impressive he has been in Russia over the last few weeks.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/05/do-fulham-reportedly-target-russias-world-cup-star-ilya-kutepov/

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Fulham ready to join Kutepov race
by Dan on July 5, 2018

Fulham are the latest English side interesting in signing Russian World Cup star Ilya Kutepov, according to reports from his homeland.

The Spartak Moscow defender has starred during Russia's run to the quarter finals of the tournament – starting all four games and producing an excellent display as the hosts knocked Spain out on penalties in the second round. Kutepov's performances have interested a number of clubs right across Europe including Fiorentina, RB Leipzig and West Ham.

Russian sports website Championat claims that Fulham are the latest club to register their interest in signing the 24 year-old centre half. Kutepov has spent eight years with Spartak Moscow helping them win the Russian title in 2017. The commanding centre back has made 64 appearances for the capital-based club, scoring two goals, and has experience of playing in both the Champions League and the Europa League. Reports from Russia suggest that Spartak would not be averse to striking a deal for one of their World Cup stars – but that they would be looking for a fee of around £10m.

Fulham have been linked with a host of defenders as Slavisa Jokanovic seeks to add experience and pedigree to his squad as they prepare for their return to the Premier League next month. The Whites have been rumoured to hold an interest in Celtic's Dedryck Boyata and the AC Milan defender Mateo Musacchio in recent days and would face stiff competition in the race to sign Kutepov. Fulham will be wary of signing an unheralded defender off the back of a major tournament, however, given their disappointment following the purchase of Icelandic defender Ragnar Sigurdsson, who endured an underwhelming spell at Craven Cottage after shining for his country at Euro 2016.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-ready-to-join-kutepov-race/

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Five Year Deal For Cairney

We are delighted to announce that Tom Cairney has agreed a new five-year contract with Fulham Football Club.

Our Captain has today signed a deal that keeps him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2023, with an option for a further year.

Since joining from Blackburn Rovers three years ago, Cairney has made 130 appearances for Fulham and scored 27 goals.

In that time he won EFL Player of the Year, has twice been named in the PFA Team of the Season, while he also won the Club's Player of the Season award for 2016/17, and our Goal of the Season accolade most recently.

Following a difficult start to the 2017/18 campaign, Cairney's return to the First Team coincided with a remarkable upturn in form, with the skipper playing a key role in the 23-match unbeaten run which culminated in a third place finish in the Championship.

Having successfully overcome Derby County across two legs, Cairney's finest moment in a Fulham shirt aptly arrived at Wembley. After leading his team out in front of 38,000 Whites fans, he needed less than 23 minutes to score the goal that ensured our return to the Premier League.

After put pen to paper, Cairney told fulhamfc.com: "I'm obviously delighted to extend my contract, it's all I've wanted to do, and I'm just buzzing to get the season under way.

"Premier League football is back at the Cottage, and it's great to be part of the squad that got us there again."

Tony Khan added: "We are very excited that we've signed a contract extension for Fulham Football Club's Captain Tom Cairney.

"Based on our achievements in Tom's time as our skipper, and his contributions to our great success last season, it's an honour and a pleasure to announce that Tom will remain with us at Craven Cottage for what will be a bright future.

"Come on Fulham! #COYW."

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/05/five-year-deal-for-tom-cairney

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Fulham preparing third bid for Cavaleiro
by Dan on July 5, 2018

Fulham are preparing a third bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Ivan Cavaleiro and are growing increasing confident of landing their man, according to reports this afternoon.

The Whites have seen two previous offers for the Portuguese international rejected by Wolves but believe an offer starting at around £16m would test the Championship winners' desire to keep hold of the 24 year-old. Cavaleiro, who has also been linked with a summer move to Huddersfield Town, became a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo's Championship winning side last season – scoring eight goals and making twelve more in 35 appearances as Wolves surged to the title.

The rapid winger established himself as a firm favourite with the Molineux fans following a £7m move from Monaco in August 2014. He forced his way into Nuno's starting line-up last season despite Wolves' wealth of attacking options and won the PFA's November player of the month award. Cavaleiro won the Portuguese treble with Benfica in 2014 and also reached the Europa League final with the Eagles.

Fulham have been undeterred by seeing their first two bids – believed to be worth £12m and £14m respectively – rejected and are stepping up their pursuit with another offer expected in the coming days. Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to bring in further options on the right side of his fluid 4-3-3 formation, although Cavaleiro's versatility means he could play in any of the forward positions.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-preparing-third-bid-for-cavaleiro/