Sunday Fulham Stuff (27/01/19)...

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West Brom hopeful of signing Stefan Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara in double deal

According to Bleacher Report Football Insider Dean Jones on his Twitter account, West Brom are hopeful of securing a double deal for Fulham pair Stefan Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara, who both look surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage following the Londoners' huge summer spending spree.

What's the word, then?

Well, Dean Jones of Bleacher Report states that the promotion-chasing Baggies are keen to wrap up a deal for Norwegian international midfielder Johansen, who played a huge role in helping Fulham win promotion via the play-offs last season.

The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt, as Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham impressed in the second tier last year, with Johansen a huge player in the engine room of the now-departed manager's team.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/west-bromwich-albion/west-brom-hopeful-of-signing-stefan-johansen-and-aboubakar-kamara-in-double-deal

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Disappointment Is The Word As Another Of Fulham's Promotion Winning Side Is Linked With A Move Away From Craven Cottage

One of my biggest gripes since Slavisa Jokanovic led Fulham back to the Premier League, is the manner in which the squad that achieved promotion has been, basically, disregarded when it comes to playing in the top-flight of English football.

A typical example is that of Stefan Johansen.

Down in the Championship, Johansen, Tom Cairney and Kevin MacDonald were key players when it came to our goal of promotion being achieved.

But, all three have not been given the game-time, in the Premier League, they've deserved.

As a result, it doesn't come as too much of a surprise to find that Johansen is being linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.

It appears, according to the tabloid publication, the Mirror, that Johansen is one of two Fulham players West Bromwich Albion are looking to sign before the January transfer window slams shut, next Thursday evening, the other being bad-boy Aboudakar Kamara.

To me, losing Johansen would be indicative of everything that's gone wrong since promotion was attained, is that a view you concur with?



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/disappointment-is-the-word-as-another-of-fulhams-promotion-winning-side-is-linked-with-a-move-away-from-craven-cottage/

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Juventus defender Medhi Benatia rejects Arsenal and Fulham move in favour of Qatar

Juventus defenfer Medhi Benatia is set to turn down interest from the Premier League and move to Qatar instead this January.

The 31-year-old has fallen out of favour at Juve and has been linked with a move to Arsenal and, surprisingly, Fulham during the transfer window.

However, it now appears that the Morocco international has chosen a switch to Qatari side Al Duhail instead of a move to London, reports Marca.

Benatia has only made five Serie A appearances for the Italian champions this season, but nevertheless they plan to replace the outgoing defender.

Martin Caceres, who played for Juventus from 2012-16 but now turns out for Lazio, is the most likely candidate to be brought in to replace Benatia.

The centre-back's move to Qatar is a blow for the Gunners who are suffering something of an injury crisis in defence.

Unai Emery was already without Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin before Friday night's FA Cup clash with Manchester United, then he lost two more defenders during the contest.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos was substituted in the first half with an ankle problem, then Laurent Koscielny went off in the second period with a suspected broken jaw.

The Gunners have been linked with Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi to help ease their worries at the back as they head into a busy February which sees the return of Europa League action.

Arsenal's next Premier League match is at home to Cardiff on Tuesday 29 January.



Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/26/juventus-defender-medhi-benatia-rejects-arsenal-fulham-move-favour-qatar-8394306/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

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Ryan Babel has uncovered the reasoning behind his failures at Liverpool

Ryan Babel is one of many 'what if' stories that occur in football when a player with unbridled potential fails to meet expectations due to a variety of reasons.

The Dutchman joined Liverpool in 2007 and appeared to have it all - pace, strength, trickery - but for the most part seemed intimidated by the size of the club he had signed for.

Since his departure in 2011, Babel has had a career that fits the term 'journeyman' perfectly, moving from England to countries such as Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Now 32, Babel has wiser and more mature head on his shoulders and appears to be using his experience from the plethora of clubs he has played for to try and strike second-time lucky in the Premier League with Fulham.

The winger impressed on his debut for the Cottagers in there 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, so much so that many Liverpool fans' began talking about Babel once again.

Babel did have some memorable moments in a Liverpool shirt, most notably his winning goal in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea, but believes that his chances were limited due to something that form on the pitch could simply not prevent.

"There were situations in my career where I played much better than another player in my position, but that player had a better name in terms of commercial appeal," Babel said, per the Liverpool Echo.

"At that time, I didn't really take it seriously, I thought it was just about who was training better, and the manager told me 'We have to play him, because of this reason'."

It's quite an obscure explanation to say the least, although it's obvious that for Liverpool a player like Jamie Carragher will be more of a success commercially due to his ties with the club  or a player like Fernando Torres due to his global appeal, or even Steven Gerrard for both reasons.

But to say that Liverpool put commercial appeal over player performance is some claim indeed.

"That was a big slap in the face to understand and think you need to be a little more lucky to survive in football. I guess it is what it is, but if you know that up front, you can make better decisions by knowing not to join certain teams," Babel added.

The Dutchman also pointed to the thing that every person struggles with when they move away from their family for the first time, and that is having to deal with independence and fending for yourself.

"There are things I would have done differently. I remember my parents asking me if they needed to join me and I said I could handle it - maybe that would have made a major difference, to have them around and give you a transition into living by yourself.



https://www.givemesport.com/1447307-ryan-babel-has-uncovered-the-reasoning-behind-his-failures-at-liverpool?autoplay=on

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Aston Villa must sign Fulham outcast Floyd Ayite

Aston Villa could play a blinder by signing Fulham forward Floyd Ayite after it was reported that the West Midlands club has been in talks over a potential January deal.

The Mirror reported via their live transfer blog on Saturday that Ayite, 30, is among a number of players that Fulham have told they are free to leave Craven Cottage this month, and Villa appear to have already made their interest known.

An issue for the Villains is that West Brom, Leeds United and Middlesbrough have also spoken to the Premier League club, and all of them are better placed for a push for promotion this season, as it stands.

However although Villa are lower in the Championship standings, they would surely be in pole position to sign Ayite as Yannick Bolasie's departure earlier this week opened up a potential space in Dean Smith's side for the Togo international.

Ayite is an extremely versatile forward player, who can play up front or on both wings.

During Fulham's promotion-winning campaign last year, in which they beat Villa in the play-off final at Wembley, Ayite made 29 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals in the process.

While he is not prolific in front of goal, the pacey ex-Bordeaux attacker played in multiple positions for the Cottagers and Slavisa Jokanovic clearly relied up on his versatility as his side won promotion.

Ayite could be a game-changing signing for Aston Villa if they are able to sign the Togolese ace before deadline day next week.

Bolasie may not have been a star for the Villains, but his absence will be felt if Smith fails to fill the void he has left – and Ayite will fill it perfectly.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/01/blogs/aston-villa-must-sign-fulham-outcast-floyd-ayite/

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Fulham would be extremely clever to re-sign this rising Serie A star – could save them from the drop

Why Tiago Casasola can help Fulham stay in the Premier League

Calciomercato has revealed that Fulham have seen a £1.1million bid rejected for Serie B star Tiago Casasola as the Cottagers look for players to help them stay in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old former Boca Juniors star was once on the books at Fulham for a year between 2014 and 2015 before they let him go to AS Roma as a free transfer. However, things never worked out for Casasola and he spent most of his time on loan spells.

Now, his performances for Salernitana have seen him hit the market once again, with Fulham back and ready to make a move. The Argentine has been key for the Serie B side and as the Craven Cottage side look for affordable players, the versatile star tops their list. Serie A side Lazio and a few others were in the race for Casasola in the summer but no move every materialised.

But it's no surprise that Fulham and Claudio Ranieri are back for the 23-year-old, especially given how much Tiago Casasola has improved since his time at the club.

His versatility has remained the same, with him capable of playing anywhere across the back-line very effectively. Whether as a right-back, left-back, as a midfielder, as a center-back or even as a winger, Casasola has the skill and the talent to do well for his side.


Tiago Casasola (R) vies for the ball

This will be very valuable for Fulham, given their current injury issues, with main center-back Alfie Mawson out for a considerable amount of time. However, what does add to his value is the fact that Tiago Casasola is willing to play even off the bench if required and his 6'2" frame has helped Salernitana on more than one occasion.

Casasola has managed to produce 6 goals in 18 appearances this season, thanks to his technical abilities and the surprising agility for a player as tall as the 23-year-old is. For Fulham, the deal needs to be made and it needs to be done before the January window closes.

At around £1.1 million, Tiago Casasola is worth the money and will eventually prove to be a bargain in the near future. But there is nothing anybody can say if Claudio Ranieri and company don't get the paperwork done before the deadline.



https://soccersouls.com/2019/01/27/fulham-would-be-extremely-clever-to-re-sign-this-rising-serie-a-star-could-save-them-from-the-drop/

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Fulham get tough with club over transfer deal, talks to continue

Sabah report Fulham are demanding a transfer fee from Fenerbahce for Stefan Johansen but the Turkish giants are only looking to sign him on a free before next week's deadline.

In recent weeks the Norwegian midfielder has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce but Sabah claim there's been no agreement yet between the two clubs.

It's reported Fulham have the option to extend Johansen's contract for one more season and therefore the London club are demanding a transfer fee from the Yellow Canaries.

According to Sabah, talks between the two sides are set to continue until the end of the transfer window in the hope a deal can be sealed.

The Turkish newspaper states if Fenerbahce agree to pay a transfer fee then there's a good chance Johansen will join the Turkish club.

Johansen has played 12 Premier League games for the Craven Cottage club this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-get-tough-club-transfer-deal-talks-continue/

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Fulham have submitted €8m offer for player 'in the past few hours'

Another day, another name for Fulham as the club look to bring in players to help them pull off a relegation escape.

Claudio Ranieri has made it clear on more than occasion that he's keen to bring in help during the winter market, but so far the Italian has been largely frustrated.

Endless players have been linked with a move to the Cottagers, but either their clubs aren't keen on selling or loaning, or the players don't fancy the prospect of a relegation fight.

The latest name is Andre Almeida, and it's claimed an offer has been made.

Saturday's edition of O Jogo goes with a big story saying Fulham have submitted an €8m offer to Benfica 'in the past few hours'.

Almeida is a 28 year old fullback who can play on both sides and also in midfield. He has a contract with the Lisbon club lasting until June 2021 and is a regular starter for the club.

Benfica would like more money and would also need to get a replacement in, but the transfer isn't ruled out.

O Jogo explain that for Almeida it would be the opportunity for a 'big contract', having played all his career in Portugal.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-submitted-e8m-offer-player-past-hours/

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Why Newcastle beating Fulham to sign this 25-year-old La Liga sensation is an absolute no-brainer

Why Newcastle should beat Fulham to the signature of Ibrahim Amadou

According to a report in Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Premier League's struggling duo Newcastle United and Fulham are interested in signing Sevilla midfielder Ibrahim Amadou. The 25-year-old arrived in Seville last summer from French side Lille.

However, he has failed to make a real impression for Pablo Machin's side, partly due to the injuries that have restricted him to just two starts in La Liga so far this season.

But he reminded everyone of his qualities in a fantastic performance in Sevilla's Copa Del Rey quarter-final first-leg against Barcelona. The French U19 international played at the base of the midfield and did a fantastic job.

As per the report, this performance further justified the interest shown by Fulham and Newcastle in the midfielder. Here's why the Magpies should beat the Cottagers to the signature of the 25-year-old:


Ibrahim Amadou (R)

Newcastle badly need a midfielder

It is fair to say that midfielders from both Newcastle and Fulham have struggled to be consistent enough throughout the course of this season. However, in terms of the quality, the former are a bit short than the latter.

Injuries to Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey haven't helped the cause, while Ki-Sung Yeung's mid-season trip to UAE to represent his nation isn't aiding the matter. Hence, we saw Rafa Benitez field his second-choice midfield pairing of Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, the latter being promoted to first-team from the youth ranks.

Hence, it is pretty clear that the Magpies could do with a quality addition to their midfield this month. It would massively help them to be more consistent in the upcoming games and improve their chances of pulling away from the relegation fight.

Getting Ibrahim Amadou across the line at St. James' Park would be an incredible move for the club. The French U19 international is a versatile player who can play in central and defensive midfield, and also ply his trade as a centre-back if required.

He possesses the physicality to dominate the central areas of the field and control the game for his team. If the player's performance against Barcelona was any indication of what we could see in the future, it is certainly bright.

Hence, Newcastle should do everything to get the 25-year-old. His arrival would boost their survival hopes in England's top-flight league.



https://soccersouls.com/2019/01/27/why-newcastle-beating-fulham-to-sign-this-25-year-old-la-liga-sensation-is-an-absolute-no-brainer/

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West Brom offer Aboubakar Kamara an escape route from Fulham nightmare after he was banned from club's training base for clashing with security

    Fulham outcast Aboubakar Kamara is considering a move to West Brom
    The 23-year-old was told to stay away from Fulham's training ground on Monday
    He clashed with security after attempting to discuss his future with club chiefs

Banned Fulham forward Aboubakar Kamara is considering a move to West Bromwich Albion.

The 23-year-old was told to stay away from Fulham's training ground after he clashed with a security guard on Monday after attempting to discuss his future with chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh.

The forward had found himself marginalised after incidents involving Aleksandr Mitrovic and was told to train with the club's Under 23s.

Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor had hoped to secure him on loan this week but now Championship promotion chasers West Brom have stepped in and hope to convince him to team up with manager Darren Moore.

Albion have also spoken to Fulham about Stefan Johansen but that deal seems unlikely at this stage.

Moore also wants Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings and Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy after allowing Bakary Sako to leave this week.

Crystal Palace have signed Sako on a short-term contract until the end of the season.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6636159/West-Brom-offer-Aboubakar-Kamara-escape-route-Fulham.html

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Antonio Valencia 'free to leave Manchester United' with Newcastle and Fulham set to compete for veteran full back's signature

    Antonio Valencia is reported to have been told he can leave Manchester United
    Newcastle and Fulham are both interesting in taking the winger turned full-back
    Valencia is set to become a free agent in the summer when his deal expires
    The Ecuador international has just five Premier League appearances this season

Antonio Valencia is reported to have been told he can seal a January transfer switch away from Manchester United, with Premier League duo Newcastle and Fulham interested in his services.

Valencia, 33, has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and is set to become a free agent in the summer once his current contract expires.

The former winger turned full-back has just five Premier League appearances to his name this season, and will look to move before the end of the mid-season window if the opportunity arises.


Antonio Valencia could leave Manchester United this month, with Newcastle interested

Newcastle United are hopeful of signing the player if United will pay up the remainder of his contract early, as report the Sun.

A more cost-effective option for United however may be a mid-season loan, with some clubs keen to take the player and his wages of around £100,000 for the rest of the term.


After joining United in 2009 from Wigan, Valencia has gone on to make 338 appearances

This would enable United to get the veteran star off the wage bill early, before his permanent departure at the end of the campaign.

Valencia featured often under former manager Jose Mourinho, before a disagreement between the pair saw his playing time become severely limited.

Valencia joined the club in 2009 from Wigan and became an instant fan favourite at Old Trafford, with his tireless work rate and physical approach to the game.

The two-time Premier League winner has racked up 338 games for the Red Devils, with 25 goals to his name.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6636373/Antonio-Valencia-free-leave-Manchester-United-Newcastle-Fulham-interested.html

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Leeds United transfer news: Marcelo Bielsa provides update on potential January signings
LEEDS UNITED boss Marcelo Bielsa has spoken about the Whites' chances of bringing in players during the January transfer window - as they target three Fulham players.

The 63-year-old saw his side come back from a goal down to beat Rotherham 2-1 on Saturday, with two second-half goals from midfielder Mateusz Klich.

Leeds, who now hold a three-point lead over second-placed Norwich City, are top of the Championship after 29 games.

Bielsa has overseen a transformation at the club, as he bids to return Leeds to the Premier League in his debut season.

However, Bielsa admitted he was unsure about what business Leeds would do ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

"I don't have any certainty about new players coming in," Bielsa said.

"If we can welcome players better than our players it would be good.

"As long as they are better."

It's a sentiment Bielsa has expressed before.

The Elland Road side have been linked with THREE players from Fulham and also Swansea City winger Daniel James.

The Cottagers are said to be happy to move on Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano, reports the Birmingham Mail.

January has been an eventual month at Elland Road and these last few days could see even more action.

In their five games this month, Leeds have lost three, won two, were knocked out of the FA Cup and became embroiled in a spying scandal - with the latter still yet to be resolved.

After the final whistle at the New York Stadium in South Yorkshire, Bielsa reacted with an emotional celebration, to the enjoyment of Leeds fans.

The former manager of Argentina and Chile was seen embracing his assistant at the end of the game.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1078362/Leeds-United-transfer-news-Marcelo-Bielsa-Fulham

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West Brom 'unlikely' to land Johansen

West Brom are reportedly facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen.

The Daily Mail claims that the Baggies are 'unlikely' to tie up a deal for the Norwegian international, who has found regular first-team football hard to come by at Craven Cottage this season.

Fulham are well stocked in midfield following their dealings in the summer transfer window, leaving Johansen to settle for a limited role under both Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri respectively.

Darren Moore's side had reportedly enquired over a double deal for the 28-year-old and his controversial teammate Aboubakar Kamara in recent times.

However, as per the Daily Mail's report, a deal for the forward is more likely, with West Brom's apparent interest in Johansen unlikely to lead to a January switch for the player.

The former Celtic star has made only 12 appearances in the Premier League this term, with just four of these coming as starts.



https://readwestbrom.com/2019/01/27/west-brom-unlikely-to-land-johansen/