Monday Fulham Stuff (25/03/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Rangers face battle to keep star as Fulham plot swoop for key Steven Gerrard man

RANGERS face a transfer battle for loan star Ryan Kent this summer as Fulham line up a bid for the Liverpool man.

Rangers have Kent on a season-long deal and he's impressed north of the border.

Manager Steven Gerrard has been impressed by the winger's displays and is understood to be keen on a repeat arrangement next term.

But Fulham are ready to throw a spanner in the works by hijacking a transfer in the close season.

They've sent scout Brian Talbot to Glasgow to check out the Liverpool ace, and the chance to prove himself in the Championship may appeal to the 22-year-old.

The Sun on Sunday report that along with scouting Kent, Talbot was checking out Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke, who is on Fulham's shortlist in their hunt for a new manager.

The Cottagers are heading down this season and thoughts have already turned to getting into shape for a promotion challenge next term, and after Clarke's impressive job at Killie he's become a top contender for the role.


Rangers loan star Ryan Kent is liked by Fulham (Pic: GETTY)

Like Fulham, Rangers have the weekend off due to the international break.

Gers are busy preparing for a crunch Old Firm derby clash against bitter rivals Celtic next weekend.

Rangers midfielder Daniel Candeias is confident his side will come out on top again.

"This time to recover will help us to be fresh for next week," Candeias said.

"The last game against them was our best performance.

"It has been a long season and it is good to rest the body.

"This break is important to recover the players who have injuries as they are important for the team."

The Celtic vs Rangers clash kicks off at 12pm next Sunday.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/767458/Rangers-news-Ryan-Kent-transfer-Steven-Gerrard-Fulham-Liverpool-latest?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-football+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Football+Feed%29

[WhiteJC]

 
EURO 2020 qualifying action for Johansen



Stefan Johansen was in EURO 2020 qualifying action on Saturday night.

The midfielder captained Norway who fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Spain at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium.

Johansen completed 77 minutes before being replaced by Ola Kamara.

The 2010 world champions took the lead early on through Rodrigo but Josh King equalised from the spot midway through the second half.

However, Johansen's side were unable to hold on to what would've been an excellent point in their opening qualifier. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos dinked home a penalty 19 minutes from time to give the hosts all three points.

Next up for Stefan and Norway is a clash with Sweden in Oslo on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2019/march/euro-2020-qualifying-action-for-johansen/

[WhiteJC]

 
"They'll probably go down" – Agent makes it clear player likely leaving Fulham

It's the time of year when players at clubs likely to be relegation doomed start to pack their bags and look for a lifeboat to save them from the sinking ship.

Over the past week several Huddersfield Town players have come out and made it clear they don't think Championship football is for them, whilst similar has been happening, although not to the same degree, for Fulham.

Ryan Babel's will be free to move wherever he wants when his Fulham period expires in the summer, and it's been reported that Luciano Vietto could be off to Sporting.

The Atletico Madrid player was loaned to Fulham for the current campaign but has once again struggled to show the talent he has. Atletico owe Sporting money for the transfer of Gelson Martins, who rescinded his contract after trouble at the Lisbon club, and the suggestion is that Vietto moving could be part of a deal.

Record have spoken to the player's agent Sergio Mandrini, and he explained: "Vietto is loaned to Fulham. They will probably go down and he will return to his club at the end of the season. Maybe the clubs want to work something for Gelson Martins, but nobody has spoken with us yet."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/theyll-probably-go-agent-makes-clear-player-likely-leaving-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Timothy Fosu-Mensah must forget about his terrible time at Craven Cottage

Being loaned out as a youngster has become a rite of passage for Premier League players who are at the start of their careers.

With first-team football at the biggest of clubs hard to come by for the majority of teenage talents, they can find themselves being sent out to varying levels of England's footballing pyramid depending on their abilities.

Whereas some players thrive in their new, albeit temporary surroundings, others can see their career dissipate due to a scarring spell away from their parents clubs if they let it affect them.

Unfortunately in the case of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, the latter could be applicable to his situation since joining Fulham on loan from Manchester United last summer.

The Dutch defender has experienced a torrid time at Craven Cottage this season and has been part of an outfit that has conceded a remarkable total of 70 goals in just 31 league games. His development as a player will have surely been hampered by the fact that he has played under three different managers who have all tried to implement different systems and formations.

Yet despite the fact that his footballing CV is about to include an ugly relegation from the Premier League with the Cottagers, Fosu-Mensah should not let it define him as a player as the problems he has experienced this season are relatively abnormal compared to a usual season.

The United academy graduate's performances for Crystal Palace during the 2017/18 campaign outlined a great deal of promise for the 21-year-old and there is no reason why he cannot reach these levels again either with the Red Devils or elsewhere.

If there is one player that Fosu-Mensah could take inspiration from in the Premier League it would have to be Harry Kane. Before becoming arguably one of the world's best strikers, the England forward experienced several difficult loan spells at the likes of Leyton Orient, Leicester City and Millwall. Yet through years of hard-work and dedication, Kane finally began to make his mark for Tottenham Hotspur and has developed into an exceptional marksman.

A single-disastrous campaign therefore for the Netherlands international should not shape what still could be a highly successful career for the defender.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-timothy-fosu-mensah-must-forget-about-his-terrible-time-at-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

 
Forget Fulham – This skilled 27-year-old midfielder would be better off joining any of these 3 top PL clubs instead

Fulham Opinion: Three Premier League clubs for Jean Michel Seri

Football London has reported that Fulham star Jean Michel Seri has made his intentions clear about next season, with the 27-year-old unwilling to play in the Championship.

Linked with moves (h/t Football London) to Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Tottenham last summer, the Frenchman instead became Fulham's marquee man.

Since then, he's struggled, scoring just one goal and producing three more assists since his mega £20million move (Telegraph). It's a massive surprise, given just how good the Ivory Coast star is.

A brilliant player on his day, Seri has the ability and the talent to play for a top-level club but inconsistency has been his biggest issue.

Or maybe it's the fact that Fulham have majorly underperformed this season, despite spending massively over the summer. Either way, the 27-year-old should consider moving to these three Premier League sides instead.

Manchester United
Ander Herrera might not be leaving the club but Manchester United could do with a player like Jean Michel Seri. Despite being talented, creative and a hard-working player, Seri might not be a first-team star there.

However, what he could do is play second fiddle to Paul Pogba, who is easily among the best midfielders in the world at the moment.

That isn't an optimal situation for the Ivory Coast star but it will provide him with a chance to prove himself at a bigger club. The Red Devils have been previously linked with a move and should try for one in the summer (Manchester Evening News).

Tottenham Hotspur
Losing Mousa Dembele without adding a replacement could go down as Mauricio Pochettino's greatest mistake as Tottenham's manager. It effectively saw their season crumble and knock Tottenham out of the title race, leaving it to just Liverpool and Manchester City.

While adding Seri won't be a permanent solution, it is an answer to some sorts to their issues in the summer window. Furthermore, with Fulham as good as relegated, Seri's price won't be too much and more importantly affordable enough for Tottenham.

It will allow them to splurge elsewhere, and like Manchester United, they have been previously linked with a move (Express).

Arsenal
Arsenal are losing Aaron Ramsey in the summer and for free, with Juventus scooping the 28-year-old for free (Guardian). His contract is expiring and it is a move that the club will come to regret in the near future, especially when they look towards replacing him.

While Seri won't be a replacement, the 27-year-old is certainly an option that the Gunners should consider going forward. A talented midfielder, the Ivory Coast star has flourished in a system similar to the one that Unai Emery uses at Arsenal.

It's what Lucien Favre used back when Seri was at Nice and it does make a move rather interesting. Not to mention, like all the clubs on this list, Arsenal were previously linked with a move (Daily Star).



https://soccersouls.com/forget-fulham-this-skilled-27-year-old-midfielder-would-be-better-off-joining-any-of-these-3-top-pl-clubs-instead/

[Two Ton Ted]

Forget Fulham – This skilled 27-year-old midfielder would be better off joining any of these 3 top PL clubs instead

Fulham Opinion: Three Premier League clubs for Jean Michel Seri

Football London has reported that Fulham star Jean Michel Seri has made his intentions clear about next season, with the 27-year-old unwilling to play in the Championship.

Linked with moves (h/t Football London) to Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Tottenham last summer, the Frenchman instead became Fulham's marquee man.

Since then, he's struggled, scoring just one goal and producing three more assists since his mega £20million move (Telegraph). It's a massive surprise, given just how good the Ivory Coast star is.

A brilliant player on his day, Seri has the ability and the talent to play for a top-level club but inconsistency has been his biggest issue.

Or maybe it's the fact that Fulham have majorly underperformed this season, despite spending massively over the summer. Either way, the 27-year-old should consider moving to these three Premier League sides instead.

Manchester United
Ander Herrera might not be leaving the club but Manchester United could do with a player like Jean Michel Seri. Despite being talented, creative and a hard-working player, Seri might not be a first-team star there.

However, what he could do is play second fiddle to Paul Pogba, who is easily among the best midfielders in the world at the moment.

That isn't an optimal situation for the Ivory Coast star but it will provide him with a chance to prove himself at a bigger club. The Red Devils have been previously linked with a move and should try for one in the summer (Manchester Evening News).

Tottenham Hotspur
Losing Mousa Dembele without adding a replacement could go down as Mauricio Pochettino's greatest mistake as Tottenham's manager. It effectively saw their season crumble and knock Tottenham out of the title race, leaving it to just Liverpool and Manchester City.

While adding Seri won't be a permanent solution, it is an answer to some sorts to their issues in the summer window. Furthermore, with Fulham as good as relegated, Seri's price won't be too much and more importantly affordable enough for Tottenham.

It will allow them to splurge elsewhere, and like Manchester United, they have been previously linked with a move (Express).

Arsenal
Arsenal are losing Aaron Ramsey in the summer and for free, with Juventus scooping the 28-year-old for free (Guardian). His contract is expiring and it is a move that the club will come to regret in the near future, especially when they look towards replacing him.

While Seri won't be a replacement, the 27-year-old is certainly an option that the Gunners should consider going forward. A talented midfielder, the Ivory Coast star has flourished in a system similar to the one that Unai Emery uses at Arsenal.

It's what Lucien Favre used back when Seri was at Nice and it does make a move rather interesting. Not to mention, like all the clubs on this list, Arsenal were previously linked with a move (Daily Star).



https://soccersouls.com/forget-fulham-this-skilled-27-year-old-midfielder-would-be-better-off-joining-any-of-these-3-top-pl-clubs-instead/

This is hilarious - like any of those three clubs would have been impressed by his performances this season.

[Bill2]

Forget Fulham – This skilled 27-year-old midfielder would be better off joining any of these 3 top PL clubs instead

Fulham Opinion: Three Premier League clubs for Jean Michel Seri

Football London has reported that Fulham star Jean Michel Seri has made his intentions clear about next season, with the 27-year-old unwilling to play in the Championship.

Linked with moves (h/t Football London) to Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Tottenham last summer, the Frenchman instead became Fulham's marquee man.

Since then, he's struggled, scoring just one goal and producing three more assists since his mega £20million move (Telegraph). It's a massive surprise, given just how good the Ivory Coast star is.

A brilliant player on his day, Seri has the ability and the talent to play for a top-level club but inconsistency has been his biggest issue.

Or maybe it's the fact that Fulham have majorly underperformed this season, despite spending massively over the summer. Either way, the 27-year-old should consider moving to these three Premier League sides instead.

Manchester United
Ander Herrera might not be leaving the club but Manchester United could do with a player like Jean Michel Seri. Despite being talented, creative and a hard-working player, Seri might not be a first-team star there.

However, what he could do is play second fiddle to Paul Pogba, who is easily among the best midfielders in the world at the moment.

That isn't an optimal situation for the Ivory Coast star but it will provide him with a chance to prove himself at a bigger club. The Red Devils have been previously linked with a move and should try for one in the summer (Manchester Evening News).

Tottenham Hotspur
Losing Mousa Dembele without adding a replacement could go down as Mauricio Pochettino's greatest mistake as Tottenham's manager. It effectively saw their season crumble and knock Tottenham out of the title race, leaving it to just Liverpool and Manchester City.

While adding Seri won't be a permanent solution, it is an answer to some sorts to their issues in the summer window. Furthermore, with Fulham as good as relegated, Seri's price won't be too much and more importantly affordable enough for Tottenham.

It will allow them to splurge elsewhere, and like Manchester United, they have been previously linked with a move (Express).

Arsenal
Arsenal are losing Aaron Ramsey in the summer and for free, with Juventus scooping the 28-year-old for free (Guardian). His contract is expiring and it is a move that the club will come to regret in the near future, especially when they look towards replacing him.

While Seri won't be a replacement, the 27-year-old is certainly an option that the Gunners should consider going forward. A talented midfielder, the Ivory Coast star has flourished in a system similar to the one that Unai Emery uses at Arsenal.

It's what Lucien Favre used back when Seri was at Nice and it does make a move rather interesting. Not to mention, like all the clubs on this list, Arsenal were previously linked with a move (Daily Star).



https://soccersouls.com/forget-fulham-this-skilled-27-year-old-midfielder-would-be-better-off-joining-any-of-these-3-top-pl-clubs-instead/

This is hilarious - like any of those three clubs would have been impressed by his performances this season.

Written by his agent no doubt. I am sure all the top club notice his distribution, like the pass he made to Mane in the Man City game.

[Twig]

Well the Seri thing is total nonsense and if Vietto wants out I'm not fussed. Shame to lose Babel but I get that.

[YankeeJim]

It would Fulamish for Seri to move on and become a star. Mitroglu anyone?

[Penfold]

It would Fulamish for Seri to move on and become a star. Mitroglu anyone?

I think Mitroglu success since leaving is relative. Not much strength in depth in Greek or Portuguese top divisions. Admittedly had an OK spell (if short) with Marseille.

[Nero]

It would Fulamish for Seri to move on and become a star. Mitroglu anyone?

I think Mitroglu success since leaving is relative. Not much strength in depth in Greek or Portuguese top divisions. Admittedly had an OK spell (if short) with Marseille.

it also helps when youre not injured

[Penfold]

It would Fulamish for Seri to move on and become a star. Mitroglu anyone?

I think Mitroglu success since leaving is relative. Not much strength in depth in Greek or Portuguese top divisions. Admittedly had an OK spell (if short) with Marseille.

it also helps when youre not injured

But so much easier in average leagues