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Saturday Fulham Stuff (21/07/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, July 21, 2018, 07:04:06 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Four ins and outs Fulham could complete in the next week

The Cottagers look set for an active end to the transfer window.


Photo: Getty Images

As Fulham's preseason tour of France continues, the squad is preparing to battle some of Europe's finest clubs.

Yet, there is substantial action going on off the pitch as well, with the Whites being linked with a host of top-quality talents.

Here are a number of possible arrivals and departures that could occur in the coming days.

Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle United
Mitrovic has seemed to be on the brink of completing a £20 million move from St. James' Park to Craven Cottage for weeks now, but the following days could finally see the Serbian sign for Fulham.

According to the Standard, the Whites are closing in on a deal that makes sense for both parties. Rafa Benitez has no interest in keeping the striker, and Mitrovic loved his time at Fulham and found the form of his career last season.

Fabri from Besiktas
ESPN has reported Besiktas' Spanish goalkeeper Fabri is the subject of an offer from Fulham, who are looking to strengthen the goalkeeping position after the departure of David Button.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an excellent two seasons in Turkey, steering Besiktas to the Super Lig championship in 2016/17 and leading them to the Champions League knockout stage the following season.

An experienced goalkeeper with impressive Champions League success, Fabri would be a strong competitor with Marcus Bettinelli for the number one spot.


(Photo by Franck Fife/Getty Images)

Wilmar Barrios from Boca Juniors
After an impressive World Cup with Colombia, the combative defensive midfielder was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

However, reports from Argentina, as well as Argentinian football expert Peter Coates, indicate that Fulham have tabled an offer for Barrios.

It would be a spectacular coup to beat some big Premier League clubs to his signature, but Fulham have done just that with Jean-Michael Seri a week ago.

Cauley Woodrow
Woodrow once looked set to be the next star striker at Craven Cottage, yet has lost his way in past years and most recently endured a tough loan spell at Bristol City where he scored just two goals.

The 23-year-old Englishman has been conspicuously absent from Fulham's pre-season friendlies, missing from the starting XI and the bench in the three matches against Crawley Town, Reading, and Fenerbahce.

Although there have been no rumours linking him with an exit, it seems likely he will depart the club this summer as he is not part of Jokanovic's first team plans.



https://tbrfootball.com/four-ins-outs-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Chen Yansheng to make decision if Fulham raise offer to €30m

Catalan claims over Fulham and David Lopez are really building.

On Thursday morning, we covered a story from Mundo Deportivo's newspaper which claimed the Premier League club had made an offer but had it rejected by Espanyol.

Then the same newspaper published a new claim stating Fulham's first offer had been €15m, which was immediately rejected, and they'd returned with a €20m offer, which was also rejected.

Espanyol's stance was said to be the defender, who can also play in midfield, would only leave for his €40m release, a figure Fulham are unwilling to match.

Friday's edition of Sport, another Catalan newspaper, backs up Fulham having made a €20m offer. Espanyol's coaches are said to be keen to keep Lopez but are unsure whether that will actually happen.

Chen Yansheng, Espanyol's owner, will make the decision personally if Fulham return with a €30m offer.

The decision would possibly be yes, regardless of what Espanyol have been pushing to their local media. But €30m for David Lopez, who turns 29 years of age in October, seems an awful lot for Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/chen-yansheng-make-decision-fulham-raise-offer-e30m/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham set to surge ahead of Fenerbahce in race to sign Newcastle United star striker with £20m offer

Fenerbahce have found themselves on the back-foot in the race to sign Newcastle United star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic following a big-money offer from Fulham.

The Yellow Canaries have been closely linked with the Serbia international over recent weeks. We recently reported that Fenerbahce director of football Damien Comolli has held talks with the Magpies for Mitrovic.

However, Fulham look set to surge ahead in the race to sign the 23-year-old striker.

According to the Evening Standards, Fulham are closing in on a deal with Newcastle worth close to £20 million for Mitrovic.

Mitrovic spent the majority of last season on loan with Fulham and helped the London based club achieve promotion.

The Serbia international scored a total of 12 goals in 20 games under Fulham boss Jokanovic.

Fulham have already signed Jean-Michael Seri from OGC Nice.

Mitrovic also featured at this summers 2018 World Cup with the Serbia national team.

Fenerbahce are keen to bolster their attacking options over the summer after parting company with both Vincent Jannsen and Fernandao earlier this summer.



https://turkish-football.com/fulham-set-to-surge-ahead-of-fenerbahce-in-race-to-sign-newcastle-united-star-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-with-20m-offer/


WhiteJC

 
Report: Fulham willing to pay £20m for David Lopez; Espanyol reject bids

Premier League newcomers Fulham are reportedly eyeing another big-money deal with Espanyol's La Liga captain David Lopez.

According to AS, Espanyol will not sell their influential captain for a penny less than his £37.5 million release clause. And this could scupper David Lopez's chances of a move to the Premier League this summer.

AS adds that newly promoted Fulham are interested in signing the 28-year-old Spaniard; a holding midfielder who has been redesigned as a centre-back to great effect in La Liga.

And the Sun (20 June, page 55) claims that Fulham have now seen two bids for the one-time Napoli man rejected, having offered £13.5 million and £17.5 million.

It is understood that the Cottagers could stretch themselves to £20 million but, with his price-tag through the roof as it stands, Slavisa Jokanovic is starting to look at other options.

If Lopez wants to get his chance to impress in English football, he will need the Catalan club to lower their demands.

Fulham have shown real ambition in the transfer market this summer, landing the coveted Jean Michel Seri alongside his former Nice teammate Maxime Le Marchand.

The Cottagers have also been linked with big-money moves for Bordeaux winger Malcom and last season's loan star Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is expected to arrive from Newcastle for £20 million according to the Standard.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/20/do-report-fulham-willing-to-pay-20m-for-david-lopez-espanyol-rej/

WhiteJC

 
oh boy Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata wanted by Lyon with Fulham and Lazio showing interest

Former Manchester City star is in the final year of his contract with Brendan Rodgers' side

Celtic star Dedryck Boyata is a top target for Ligue 1 side Lyon.

The defender, who starred at the World Cup for Belgium, has also been linked to Fulham and Lazio.

Fulham chief Slavisa Jovanovic is reshaping his squad after his side were promoted to the Premier League.

According to SunSport, the French side are lining up a bid for the 27-year-old.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio is keen to bolster his defence after offloading Mouctar Diakhaby to Spanish side Valencia.

The defender is entering the final stages of his contract after he penned a four-year deal in 2015.

But Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is not looking to offload the 27-year-old this summer.

He said: "I've always said that once he got into the team, he done very, very well.

"He's an experienced player and now his experience at the World Cup will only benefit him.

"He's got a year left, he's a player we'd love to keep, he knows that, but naturally, he's now on holiday, he'll be relaxing and we'll pick that up when he's back."



https://talksport.com/football/401872/celtic-dedryck-boyata-lyon-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Player 'has learned' he's travelling to complete Fulham transfer, several claims on move

Bein Sports Turkey report Fabri 'has learned' he's soon going to travel to England to complete his move to Fulham.

The Turkish source, a major sport outlet in the country, says these are 'hot hours' in the potential transfer, after repeated claims from various sources in recent days.

On Thursday, HaberTurk reported Fulham and Besiktas had agreed a transfer at a fee of €6m. That was after A Spor claimed on Wednesday that Besiktas looked set to accept a €6m offer from the London club.

Fulham were previously said to have offered €3.5m and then €4.5m for the Spaniard.

On Thursday evening, prominent Turkish journalist Fırat Günayer reported that Besiktas were trying to get Fulham up to €7m, with bonuses included, and that a deal was looking likely.

Today it's again stated Fulham have agreed to the €6m.

Fulham will continue to hold talks with Fabri's agent and it's claimed they're trying to agree his commission on the deal.

Fabri only has a year left on his Besiktas contract and the Turkish club's board will certainly be thinking that it's a wise move to sell the 31 year old goalkeeper in this window, especially considering they signed him on a free transfer two years ago.

The former Deportivo La Coruna player has been the first choice keeper for the Istanbul club in the past two seasons.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-learned-hes-travelling-complete-fulham-transfer-several-claims-move/


WhiteJC

 
West Ham, Fulham & Wolves: Can big summer deals translate into big prospects?
While all three clubs have attracted big-name signings, have they struck gold or fallen into a honey trap

Rui Patricio, Jean Michael Seri, Felipe Anderson.

At the end of last season, all three players could easily be envisioned at one of Europe's elite clubs, though all now are signed up to play for either a club that finished outside of the Premier League's top ten or just earned promotion.

With Colombia midfielder Jefferson Lerma being repeatedly linked to Bournemouth along with Uruguay defender Diego Laxalt, Everton rumoured to be closing in on a deal for Malcolm – a player himself heavily linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United only six months ago – and Yerry Mina often finding his name in the headlines, there seems plenty more big deals could be made outside of the Premier League's top six.

But is this an indication of increased ambition from the league's clubs, decreased ambition on the part of high-profile players or something else entirely?

The art of the deal
Amongst all the high-profile players pouring into the Premier League for next season, Brighton are staking a reputation as the kings of shrewdness. The signing of Yves Bissouma from Lille and Bernardo Silva from RB Leipzig are the pick of their six signings so far this summer.

Like the criminally under-rated Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper who joined last season, each player cost less than £15m. Indeed, Pascal Gross was signed by Chris Hughton for a mere £3m fee.

But while it's every chairman's dream to unearth and pluck up these players, sometimes parting with significant amounts of money is unavoidable in securing their targets.

More money than sense?
Rewind the calendar 12 months and Merseyside was awash with excitement and anticipation.

Everton concluded their summer transfers with the £10m signature of promising 19-year-old Nikola Vlasic. This pushed their outlay through the £150m barrier, making them the Premier League's fourth-highest spenders last summer.

Most people were in agreement that it was money well spent. In the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson (£44m), Michael Keane (£30m), Davy Klaassen (£24m) and Wayne Rooney (free) they had high-profile players capable of improving upon their seventh-placed finish.

As you may have heard, things didn't quite work out that way though.

History repeating itself
This season, West Ham are hoping improvements can be bought. With over £90m already blown, seven new faces on the wage bill and a promise from David Sullivan of more to follow, only time will tell if they've spent wisely.

So far this window, only Liverpool have made a greater outlay than the Hammers. Whether this speaks loudest of ambition or foolishness probably depends on your opinion of whether "value" has been achieved with these deals.

Felipe Anderson for £35m – an exciting winger set to enter the peak years of his career or a 25-year-old who stumbled in his progression last year and represents a huge gamble? And do these seven signings really address the major problem in East London, the defensive deficiencies which saw them concede the joint-highest number of goals last season?

New challenges
West Ham are far from the only club striving for betterment. In the case of the three newly promoted sides, they arguably have the biggest jump to make in terms of squad quality.

Cardiff have spent a modest £27m across their four signings with "one or two more" still expected by Neil Warnock over the coming three weeks. But while the Bluebirds have been recruiting from the lower leagues of English football, their rivals have been showing more adventure with their dealings.

Jean Michael Seri, Maxime Le Marchand and, most probably, Aleksandar Mitrovic will be joining Fulham's ranks for a total somewhere near £50m.

Wolves, too, have spent a similar amount, £40m plus an as-yet-to-be confirmed amount for Rui Patricio, which is likely to be anywhere between free and £48.5m. These spends are relatively in-keeping with the amounts invested by Brighton (£43m) and Huddersfield (£48m) last summer.

The bright lights of England
What has changed is the perceived calibre of player being attracted to the Premier League's newcomers.

    I chose the club because they showed a big interest in me and my goal has always been to play in the Premier League because it's the biggest league in the world – Bernardo on his move to Brighton

The above quote highlights the regard that many foreign plays hold for the Premier League. The league firmly established itself around the world as the self-proclaimed "best league" in the two seasons between 1994-96, reinforced throughout the 2000s and something that today's young footballers were exposed to as they grew up dreaming of turning professional.

A clean slate
Bernardo may not have the reputation of Diego Laxalt, but few fans of West Ham, Bournemouth or any other club he's been linked with, would have been as excited about Laxalt's signature before this summer's World Cup.

While players like Anderson have built up their reputation over a longer period of time, buying high-profile players was not a fruitful policy for Stoke City. West Ham found last season that Joao Mario failed to live up to his price tag, a £35m signing for Inter Milan in 2016.

Regarding how new signings will adapt during the coming season, one thing is for sure. When the Premier League does restart in three weeks time, reputations will count for little.



https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/west-ham-fulham-wolves-can-big-summer-deals-translate-into-big-prospects/

WhiteJC

 
"It's a lack of respect": Club chief slams Fulham for tabling lower bids for defender

On Thursday, we carried two reports from Mundo Deportivo talking about Fulham's interest in Espanyol's David Lopez.

The first report mentioned the Spanish club had rejected the Cottagers' first bid for Lopez. The second report claimed the Cottagers had raised their offer to €20m after seeing their initial bid of €15m turned down.

Lopez has a release clause of €40m in his contract at Espanyol, and the La Liga outfit's CEO, Roger Guasch has expressed his unhappiness towards lower bids made by Fulham for the 28-year-old.

Guasch also informed the Premier League side and other potential suitors that they will have to pay €40m or a fee closer to Lopez's release clause to allow the player leave the RCDE Stadium this summer.

"If someone is interested, they should come with the clause or around it. But, if the offer is €8 million, they do not take us seriously. It's a lack of respect to the club," Gausch told Catalunya Ràdio, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Thursday's report from the Catalan newspaper mentioned Fulham will not pay Lopez's release clause. It should be seen if the Cottagers would be willing to increase their bid to something that can satisfy both clubs.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/lack-respect-club-chief-slams-fulham-tabling-lower-bids-defender/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham close in on Besiktas 'keeper Fabri and want Espanyol's David Lopez
Reports claim Fulham have offered £18m for Lopez

Fulham are close to agreeing a deal with Besiktas to sign goalkeeper Fabricio Ramirez, Sky Sports News understands.

Known as Fabri, the former Spain U20 is wanted to provide competition for Marcus Bettinelli following David Button's switch to Brighton.

Fabri kept 12 clean sheets last season, as Besiktas finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig.

He began his senior career at Deportivo La Coruna before spells with Valladolid and Real Betis and a return to Deportivo. He signed for Besiktas in 2016.

Meanwhile, Fulham are also interested in signing Espanyol defender David Lopez but the Catalan club are holding out for his £35.8million release clause.

Reports in Spain claim Fulham have offered £18million for the 28-year-old.

Lopez scored once in 43 appearances for Espanyol last season, and four in 81 in all competitions since joining from Napoli in 2016.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11443441/fulham-close-in-on-besiktas-keeper-fabri-and-want-espanyols-david-lopez


WhiteJC

 
West Ham must sign Newcastle forward Mitrovic


West Ham must sign Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic if Manuel Pellegrini wants to wrap up his summer transfer business in style.

The Hammers have been splashing the cash left, right and centre to bolster all areas of their squad except their centre-forward options.

Many fans would believe that Pellegrini is now just one quality striker signing away from completing his stunning summer overhaul, and Newcastle's Mitrovic would fit the bill perfectly.

According to the Telegraph, Fulham are expecting to sign the 23-year-old powerhouse within the coming weeks after he dropped well down the pecking order at St James' Park.

It is understood that the Magpies are set to pocket £20million in selling the Serbia international, who failed to make a single Premier League start last season before he was sent to Fulham on loan in the Championship.

At Craven Cottage, Mitrovic was in brilliant form as he scored 12 goals to help fire Fulham to promotion to the Premier League.

He was clearly playing below his level in the Championship and with a manager who can trust him and will play him every week, he will no doubt continue that deadly form in the top-flight.

CalcioMercato has previously reported that the £60,000-a-week (Spotrac) forward has already attracted interest from West Ham thanks to his form on loan at Fulham earlier this year, and Pellegrini should look to follow up that interest by hijacking their London rivals' attempt to sign him.

With attacking midfielders and wingers like Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko signed up, Mitrovic is the kind of target man who can not only help bring those players into play, but also feed off their crosses and balls into the box to find the back of the net himself.

Signing the Serbian striker should be one of Pellegrini's top priorities between now and the transfer window closing, and if he manages to pull it off there's a good chance that West Ham could be in contention to quality for Europe.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/07/blogs/west-ham-must-sign-newcastle-forward-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

 
Exclusive: Newcastle hours away from sealing £20m player exit, deal could be done today

Fulham are confident of finalising a move for Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic over the weekend and it could even be wrapped up today (Friday), Football Insider sources understands.

Mitrovic has been Fulham's number one target all summer following his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Fulham and Newcastle have made a breakthrough in their negotiations for Mitrovic with Fulham ready to pay up to £20million to land the striker to seal the deal in the coming hours.

Newcastle are now ready to cash-in on Mitrovic now as they know they need to raise money to fund their own transfer plans with Mitrovic not figuring in Rafa Benitez's plans at St James' Park.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been determined to bring Mitrovic back to West London and the player himself has snubbed other offers as he wants to return to Fulham.

The Serbian striker scored 12 goals in 20 games for Fulham to help fire them to promotion to the Premier League.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-newcastle-hours-away-from-finalising-20m-sale/

WhiteJC

 
Exclusive Report – Mitrovic To Move To Fulham For £20M In The Coming Hours

Aleksandar Mitrovic wants his career sorted out by next Wednesday when he is supposed to report back for preseason training at Newcastle.

There is a  report from Football Insider in what they are calling an exclusive and they think the deal to take Mitro to Fulham could be completed this weekend – or even earlier.

It would not be a surprise if this happened because both clubs want the deal to go through and the only question was whether Fulham were willing to pay the £20M transfer fee for the Serbian International striker.

But Fulham, backed by an ambitious owner, have already been paying out some big money (£35M) for two players this summer and Mitro is their number one target.

The 23-year-old had a fantastic loan spell at Craven Cottage earlier this year when he scored 12 goals in 20 games for them.

That ended with Fulham getting promoted when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

Here is a piece from the Football Insider report:

    "Mitrovic has been Fulham's number one target all summer following his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season."

    "A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Fulham and Newcastle have made a breakthrough in their negotiations for Mitrovic."

    "Fulham are ready to pay up to £20M to land the striker to seal the deal in the coming hours."


Well – we hope it happens and the report is accurate – and the sooner the better for both parties concerned.



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/07/20/exclusive-report-mitrovic-to-move-to-fulham-for-20m-imminently/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham set for £40m spend on two key targets

Fulham are preparing for life in the Premier League in big style, as they close in on two targets to bolster their playing squad.

The Cottagers have already set tongues wagging over their transfer coup for Ivory Coast international Jean-Michael Seri. The Ivorian midfielder was subject to interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, but opted for Fulham.

The two key targets Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is closing on include former Spain U20 international Fabricio Ramirez, known as 'Fabri'. The goalkeeper is currently contracted to Besiktas, and his £5m transfer to Craven Cottage is said open up the way for the Turkish side to continue their pursuit of Arsenal stopper Ospina.

The second target is 28-year-old David Lopez, who currently plays in the heart of defence for La Liga side Espanyol. The Catalan was previously at Napoli and has a release clause of £35.8 million. As of yet Fulham are unwilling to meet the clause, but have tabled an £18 million offer.

Fulham's transfer activity is a real statement of intent, and Jokanovic will be hoping the Lilywhites can avoid a relegation battle and settle comfortably in mid-table.



https://90maat.com/2018/07/20/fulham-set-for-40-million-spend-on-two-key-targets/

WhiteJC

 
Play-Off Final Trophy Instore

Have Your Photo Taken With The Play-Off Final Trophy

Head to the Stadium Store from Monday 23rd July where the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final trophy will be on display.

Fans are invited to visit the Store at Craven Cottage where there will be opportunities to have your photo taken free of charge, alongside the trophy famously lifted by the Whites at Wembley Stadium in May.

The trophy will be instore until Friday 3rd August and will be available for photos from 9:30am and 5pm on Monday to Saturday and between 11am and 4pm on Sunday.

Don't miss out on your chance to have your photo taken with a piece of Fulham history!

Relive the 2017/18 Season

Relive that magical day at Wembley with the 2017/18 Play-Off Final DVD. Watch the whole game once again, along with all the celebrations on the pitch and in the dressing room afterwards, plus the instant reactions of those that led Fulham right back to the big time!

Priced at just £15, the DVD is available to buy online and in-store today.

Supporters can also pre-order an exclusive Commemorative Promotion Book or the 2017/18 Season Review DVD online today.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/20/championship-trophy-instore

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Podcast: Fulham Silly Season Special
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode of Cottage Talk, co-hosting was Max Cohen from The Boot Room. We started the show by discussing a few articles Max had written lately, and among the topics were his thoughts on David Button, Jean Michael Seri, and Scott Parker.

The second half of the show, we talked about several players Fulham have been linked to, so we shared our views on how likely Fulham could get a deal done with each of them. The players discussed in this part of the show were Fabri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, Kevin Mbabu, David Lopez, and Wilmar Barrios. The Silly Season is in high gear, and we had a great discussion on the Summer Transfer Window.

follow the link to listen to the podcast ...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/7/20/17595762/cottage-talk-podcast-fulham-silly-season-special


WhiteJC

 
Fonte: Common Goal

Rui Fonte believes that the variety of teams Fulham are facing this summer will stand us in good stead going into the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.

Friendly matches against top flight sides from Spain, Italy, France and Turkey represent stern challenges in their own right, and Fonte says testing yourself against the best is ideal preparation.


He told fulhamfc.com: "Playing against different kinds of football is good for us because it gets us used to the various types of team we will face.

"To have that in pre-season is important because we will know more or less what to expect in the Premier League.

"Of course it is the best league, it has the best clubs, best players, so if we get a taste of it in pre-season then that's good for us."

Fonte signed for the Club four matches into 2017/18, and so is currently enjoying his first tour with the Whites.

"It's different you know, every manager has his own ways and ideas," he explained. "It's been good but tough, as a pre-season should be.

"I think we're working well, we're giving everything we have ahead of the new season. There will be more players to come, changes to be made, but the ones who are here are working hard and getting ready."

Upon arrival in SW6, Fonte outlined his ambitions to reach the Premier League with Fulham – something he managed at the first time of asking.

"As I said at the beginning it was a difficult decision for me [to leave Braga] because I was happy where I was," he said.

"But of course, the ambition Fulham had to go up, their great conditions, and that history of so many years in the Premier League, made my decision easier.

"But to achieve that in the first season was the perfect scenario, and in the end it was the perfect choice."


Things couldn't have begun much better for the Portuguese, quickly settling into life with a marvellous goal on his second appearance at Ipswich Town.

However, a knock picked up in that fixture curtailed his progress, while the arrival and subsequent form of Aleksandar Mitrović further restricted his game time.

"I started well, then my performances dropped a little bit," Fonte admitted. "The time I was out gave me the opportunity to go to the gym, assess what I had to do, and I think towards the end I got used – or I adapted better – to the football.

"Mitro was doing really well, but the times I came on I tried to help, and I think I did that.

"Towards the end I believe I had adapted more, and I think this year will be even better because it's a different league, it's not as physical as the Championship, so I think that will suit my abilities."

Players can react one of two ways when out of the side; sulk, or knuckle down and get behind their teammates.

Any Fulham fan could tell which option Fonte took. His sprint half the length of the pitch to celebrate Mitrović's opener at Deepdale a case in point.


"Football, I think, is becoming a selfish game," he said thoughtfully. "A lot of people are thinking of themselves.

"But at Fulham, everyone had a common goal which was to go up, and it got to a point where it didn't matter who played, we just wanted to get promoted. And thankfully we did that at the end.

"I think that should be the aim for everyone; the team goal. Everyone gets the best outcome at the end if your team did well, because if they didn't then nobody will notice anyone. In the end, you have to be a team player, and that's what I am."

There was no doubting the spirit in the Fulham camp last term, and when it was suggested to him that we may not have gone up without it, Fonte agreed.

"I don't think so," he stated. "The guys starting need people to support them. The guys who didn't play – and the team didn't change much towards the end of the season – we did our best in training.

"The lads who came on in the games helped as well, sometimes lifting the team with intensity or goals or assists. I think we all did well at the end because everyone helped each other."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/july/20/rui-fonte-common-goal

WhiteJC

 
Fabri Confirms Fulham Deal, Bids Farewell To Besiktas

Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri has confirmed reaching an agreement with Fulham.

Fabri bid farewell to Besiktas following the 3-1 friendly victory over Krasnador on Friday.

"As you know the Premier League is a major league and one I am interested in joining. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing but there is a verbal agreement with Fulham. I want to thank Beşiktaş for my time here," Fabri said.

Turkish-Football have been informed that a verbal agreement in place between Fabri and Fulham but he has not officially put pen to paper.

Fulham will pay Besiktas €6m once the transfer goes ahead.

The 30-year-old had just 12 months remaining on his contract heading into the 2018-19 season.

Besiktas club president Fikret Orman confirmed offers for Fabri on Thursday.

"There are offers for Fabri, he is training now but I don't know where he will end up," Orman said speaking from the Austria camp.

Black Eagles boss Senol Gunes meanwhile hinted that the Spanish keeper could be on the move this summer.

"If Fabri leaves we are going to have to sign someone else with the money," Orman said also speaking at the Austria camp.

"But if we receive a good offer and he wants to leave well there is nothing I can do.

"Every player has a price."


Fabri joined Besiktas in 2016 and went onto lift the Super Lig title at the Istanbul based outfit.

The keeper was also in goal for the Black Eagles in last seasons Champions League campaign which saw his side finish the group stage as undefeated leaders.

Fabri will be joining his former goalkeeper coach at Deportivo and Besiktas, Jose Sambade once the Fulham transfer goes ahead.



https://turkish-football.com/fabri-confirms-fulham-deal-bids-farewell-besiktas/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham expected to scout Spanish club in England friendlies, two players suggested as targets

As Spanish side Girona are having their preseason preparations in Manchester, the club are reportedly afraid that some English sides could be interested in taking their players this summer.

The story is written by AS today, with the newspaper claiming that the easy access to Girona's friendlies could give the scouts an easier job to watch the targets.

The La Liga side are playing Bolton Wanderers and Oldham in the next few days, and English clubs are expected to be keeping an eye on two players: central defender Juanpe and midfielder Portu.

But despite all this noise about the interest, AS only names one club who would be keen on these guys. That's Fulham FC.

AS doesn't really say how much would Girona demand for these players, but considering the way they write it, it sounds like Premier League sides, including Fulham, would have no problem in affording them.

Last month, newspaper Sport claimed that Everton would also be interested in Juanpe.  So maybe they're in the race with the Cottagers for the 27-year-old.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-expected-scout-spanish-club-england-friendlies-two-players-suggested-targets/


WhiteJC

 
Fees agreed as Fabri closes in on Fulham move


Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri.

Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri fully expects to join Fulham after revealing the clubs have agreed a transfer fee.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has been lined up to compete with incumbent Marcus Bettinelli on the London club's return to the Premier League.

Fulham paved the way for Fabri's arrival by selling back-up goalkeeper David Button to Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this week.

And it now appears a mere formality until the former Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruna gloveman is confirmed as Slavisa Jokanovic's third signing of the off-season.

"I have been very interested in the Premier League for a long time now," Fabri told Turkish broadcaster A Spor.

"Fulham and Besiktas have an agreement in principle, only signatures are missing. I think it is time for me to go for another adventure.

"I want to thank Besiktas for everything. I am happy to have been here and to have done my best."

Should the switch be completed as expected, Fabri will join Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand as new additions at Craven Cottage.

Besiktas, meanwhile, have reportedly identified Arsenal's David Ospina as the ideal replacement for their outgoing number one.



https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/fees-agreed-as-fabri-closes-in-on-fulham-move?key=newsnow

WhiteJC

 
Go for it Jokanovic – Fulham should follow up on their £5m interest in this Premier League ace

Why signing Matt Targett will be a right move for Fulham

Fulham are interested in signing Southampton left-back Matt Targett on a permanent deal to bolster their defensive line-up. The Cottagers placed a bid of £5m, which was rejected by the Saints, and a follow-up hasn't been done by them.

Southampton are probably keen to keep the player after an impressive season on loan at Craven Cottage in the Championship. Manager Mark Hughes may be more than just intrigued to stop the move and give first-team opportunities to the Englishman.

However, Fulham should do everything in their armoury to get this deal done, as the player possesses the quality to be a success in the Premier League as well.


Matt Targett

Here's everything you need to know about the player along with his stats from last season.

Player Analysis – Matt Targett
Age – 22
Main Position – left-midfielder, left-back


Targett is quite an adventurous left-back who moves forward with the ball but also has the defensive awareness to track back when needed. His pace allows him to cover the ground quickly on both fronts.

The 22-year-old's passing is very good, with a success rate of 79.5% and also has the propensity to pick out incisive through balls, at an average of 1.7 per game. He has a tremendous left-foot using which he can devilishly cross the ball into the box for strikers to feed on. His successful crossing rate of 1.4 is as good as it gets.

Furthermore, Targett is diligent enough to make tackles and interceptions to break up the opposition build-up, at 1.9 and 1 per game. It is true that the player lacks physicality but that can improve as he gets more experience playing in the Premier League.

Verdict

Southampton already have a very good left-back in Ryan Bertrand, who is sure to take the first-choice role at St. Mary's. This means Targett will be a back-up to the Englishman and might not get too many opportunities to showcase his talent.

Hence, it is the right time for Fulham to jump in with slightly more money and get their man. They already have a bright star in Ryan Sessegnon and signing Targett will reinforce their left-hand side.

Stats Courtesy –  Whoscored.com



https://soccersouls.com/2018/07/21/go-for-it-jokanovic-fulham-should-follow-up-on-their-5m-interest-in-this-premier-league-ace/