Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 05/06/19...

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2019/20 Sky Bet Championship Guide: Fulham

Relegated from the Premier League in 2018/19, local rivals Fulham are next up in our team-by-team guide

Fulham 2018/19

League Position: 19th (Relegated from the Premier League)

Average league attendance: 24,371

Top league goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrović, 11

It certainly wasn't the season Fulham had hoped for after winning the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and spending big in the summer.

Aleksandar Mitrović shone up front - scoring 11 and assisting three – but a leaky defence was exposed badly against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero.

Now led by former player Scott Parker following the dismissal of Claudio Ranieri, the Whites will be hoping to rediscover the fluid brand of football that served them so well during the 2017/18 campaign.

The Ground
Craven Cottage

Miles from Brentford: 5.6

Capacity: 25,700

Address: Stevenage Rd, Fulham, London SW6 6HH

How to get there

Head Coach
Scott Parker

Fulham Chairman Shahid Khan named Scott Parker Caretaker Manager in February 2019, and Parker impressed sufficiently in the role to be named permanent Head Coach prior to the final game of the Premier League season.

After replacing Claudio Ranieri in what was initially an interim capacity, Parker oversaw an upturn in form which included three consecutive clean sheets and wins in April, which saw him nominated for Manager of the Month.

Speaking after appointing Parker permanently, Khan said: "Scott was brave to accept a very difficult challenge in February when appointed as our Caretaker Manager. Since that time, day by day, whether in training or on matchday, we've undeniably become a better football club. Scott will now have another challenge to face, and that is to return Fulham to the Premier League. I fully believe Scott is more than up to the task

Key Man
Aleksandar Mitrović

On 30 July 2018, Fulham confirmed Aleksandar Mitrović's return on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee from Newcastle United.

The popular striker signed a five-year deal, keeping him at Craven Cottage until at least the summer of 2023.

Mitrović originally joined the Whites on loan at the 11th hour on deadline day in January 2018, and went on to have a hugely significant impact in the club's promotion to the Premier League.

The striker proved to be the perfect fit for Fulham, scoring 12 times in just 17 starts to help the team reach Wembley.

Mitrović began his career in his homeland with Serbian giants FK Partizan, making his professional debut with their affiliate club FK Teleoptik.

Despite his tender age, Mitrović was top scorer for Partizan's first team in 2012/13 as they claimed the title, and his form soon attracted the attention of Belgian outfit Anderlecht, who broke their transfer record to sign him in the summer of 2013.

His debut season in Belgium was a prolific one, as he netted 16 times to help his new employers win the domestic title.

Mitrović was in even better form the following term as he scored 23 goals, prompting Newcastle to bring him over to the Premier League.

As is the case at Fulham, he quickly endeared himself to the St James' Park faithful with his wholehearted displays, and ended his first season on Tyneside with nine Premier League goals to his name in the Magpies' ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation.

He did, however, help the club make an immediate return to the top flight, and he departed Newcastle having netted 17 times.

In the summer of 2013 he was awarded his first cap for Serbia, and he now boasts an impressive goal ratio for his country, who he represented at the 2018 World Cup, where he scored in the controversial 2-1 defeat by Switzerland.

Head to Head
Brentford wins: 19

Draws: 16

Fulham wins: 20



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/201920-sky-bet-championship-guide-fulham/

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The 3-point plan Parker must make happen at Fulham to ensure 19/20 success

Having finished a whopping 10 points from safety in the Premier League last month, Fulham are in need of some changes if they are to be successful in the Championship next season.

Tasked with transforming the club's fortunes, Scott Parker will be looking to build on what was a relatively positive end to the year for the Cottagers.

In what will be his first full campaign in charge of the London-based outfit, the 38-year-old should be following this 3-point plan in order to give his side the best chance of returning to the top-flight in 2020.

Sell Anguissa and Seri
When Jean Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa arrived at Craven Cottage last summer, Fulham's supporters had every right to be excited as the duo were highly-sought after by clubs from across Europe.

Yet unfortunately, neither player failed to live up to expectations as they struggled to adapt to the pace and power that the top-flight is famed for.

With the Cottagers now facing a drop down in level, they must cut ties with Seri and Anguissa and use the funds gained from selling them to bring in players who have a track record of thriving in the Championship.

Keep Mitrovic at the club
Although he struggled at times for consistency in the Premier League last season, Aleksandar Mitrovic's previous escapades in the second-tier should deter Parker from even considering the prospect of letting him go this summer.

During an incredible four-month spell in 2018, the Serbian international fired in 12 goals in 20 appearances as he almost single-handedly secured promotion for Fulham via the play-offs.

Arguably an even better marksman now, it would not be at all surprising if Mitrovic helps the Cottagers replicate this feat next year.

Sign a new central defender
With Calum Chambers returning to Arsenal last month following a season-long loan spell in West London, it is imperative that Parker uses the funds available to him to bring in a sufficient replacement for the 24-year-old.

Whereas Fulham shouldn't have too many issues with scoring goals in the Championship, any hopes of success will depend solely on their ability to improve at the back as they cannot afford to be as poor as they were last year.

Having suffered from a lack of leadership in defence over the past 10 months, the Cottagers should be targeting an individual who can inspire others to give their all for the club next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-3-point-plan-parker-must-make-happen-at-fulham-to-ensure-19-20-success/

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2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Fulham defender Marcelo Djalo included in Guinea-Bissau's provisional squad

Fulham defender Marcelo Djalo has been named in Guinea-Bissau's provisional 29-man squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The former Real Madrid youth player, who joined Fulham in July 2017, was first called up in March for the Nations Cup qualifier against Mozambique but did not make his debut.

Moreto Cassamá, who plays for French outfit Reims, has also been included in the squad that was unveiled over the weekend in Bissau.

Star player and captain Jose 'Zezinho' Lopes headlines the list after guiding the small West African nation to their second successive tournament following their historic debut qualification in 2017.

Midfielder Francisco Santos Junior has not been picked after being overlooked for the last two qualifiers against Namibia and Mozambique.

Baciro Cande and his charges will be hoping to reach the knockout phase after they failed to make it out of their group in their last participation.

Guinea-Bissau's build-up to Egypt 2019 will continue in Porto where they will play one warm-up match against Angola on 8 June.

They will take on defending champions Cameroon in their opening Group F match on 25 June before facing Benin four days later and Ghana on 2 July.

Guinea-Bissau provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Jonas Mendy (AC Viseu, Portugal), Rui Camara Dabo (Favbril, Portugal), Gregory Gomis (Al Arabi SC, Qatar), Edimar Viera Ca 'Ivanov' (UDIB)

Defenders: Rudinilson Silva (FK Kaunas Zal, Lithuania), Marcelo Djalo (Fulham FC, England), Edgerson Gomis Almeida (Henan Jiany, China), Juary Soares (CD Mafra, Portugal), Mahammad Youssuf Cande (Santa Clara, Portugal), Bacar Balde (FC Gadzasae, Armenia), Tomas Dabo (FC Riete, Italy), Eulanio Gomes (Maritimo, Portugal), Eliseu Nadjac Soares (Rio Ave, Portugal)

Midfielders: Soriano Mane (Cova de Piedade, Portugal), Judilson Gomis (Monaco, France), Jose 'Zezinho' Lopes (FC Senica, Slovakia), Jorge Nogueira (Desportivo Das Aves, Portugal), Joao Jaquite (Tondela, Portugal), Ladislau Alves (Sintrense, Portugal), Moretto Cassama (Stade de Reims, France)

Forwards: Jorginho Barbosa (CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria), Piqueti Djassi (Al Shoulla FC, Saudi Arabia), Toni Silva (Attihad, Egypt), Carlos Embalo (FC Cosenza, Italy), Joao Mario (AC Viseu, Portugal), Mama Balde (Des Das Aves, Portugal), Romario Balde (AC Coimbra, Portugal), Frederic Mendy (Setubal, Portugal), Joseph Mendy (Ajaccio, France)

Source: BBC



https://footballghana.com/2019-africa-cup-of-nations-fulham-defender-marcelo-djalo-included-in-guinea-bissaus-provisional-squad

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Fulham star can be the key to promotion if he recaptures 2017/18 form: Opinion

After a bitterly disappointing campaign in the Premier League, Fulham will be looking to lick their wounds and look to make an immediate return to the top-flight this term.

Big things were expected of the London club last season, especially after Slavisa Jokanovic spent around £100million on rebuilding his squad, in an attempt to help them cement their place in the top-flight.

But their huge summer spending quickly backfired, and now, Scott Parker will be looking to get rid of the deadwood and start from square one this season.

Nevertheless, Fulham still have some very, very talented players on their books, who can more than do a job in the Championship. The likes of Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic all remain at Craven Cottage, and even if they leave in the summer, they will bring in some serious funds to say the least.

One player who has perhaps gone under the radar since their promotion from the Championship is midfielder Stefan Johansen, who ultimately failed to set the world alight whilst on loan with West Brom in the season just gone.

If the 28-year-old can recapture his form from the 2017/18 campaign, though, then Parker could have one of the best players in the division on his hands.

Looking back at that Fulham team under Slavisa Jokanovic, the likes of Cairney, Sessegnon and Mitrovic all stole the headlines week in, week out, and rightfully so.

But Johansen certainly went under the radar, and was definitely the unsung hero whilst thriving in Jokanovic's attractive style of play.

The attacking midfielder scored eight goals and produced nine assists for the Cottagers, scoring 11 goals and adding eight assists the year before that.

It's clear that, when he's on the top of his game, Johansen is a very creative, dangerous player at Championship level, and his class in the middle of the park would really help the likes of Mitrovic, or whoever replaces him in the summer up top.

There is likely to be plenty of incomings and outgoings at Craven Cottage this summer, but on a much lesser scale to what Jokanovic oversaw last term – keeping Johansen would be a very smart move by Parker and Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-star-can-be-the-key-to-promotion-if-he-recaptures-2017-18-form-opinion/

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Fulham revive interest in Southampton's Matt Targett


Matt Targett (left) made 16 Premier League appearances last season

Fulham have revived their interest in Southampton's Matt Targett, Sky Sports News understands.

The 23-year-old left-back was instrumental on loan at the Whites when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2018 - and they wanted to sign him permanently last summer.

Fulham had an initial £5m bid rejected but Targett stayed at St Mary's to make 16 Premier League appearances and five more in the cups.

Southampton still see a future for Targett at their club and it is understood only a significant offer would convince them to enter discussions.

Targett - a product of Southamtpon's academy - is set to compete with Ryan Bertrand for the left-back position again next season.

The Eastleigh-born defender has made a total of 63 senior appearances for the Saints, scoring once and setting up a further six goals.

He joinedFulham on loan in January 2018 and impressed across 21 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists, as Slavisa Jokanovic's side went up via the Championship play-offs.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/11734621/fulham-revive-interest-in-southamptons-matt-targett

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Fulham line up summer reunion with promotion winner

Fulham are keen on doing a deal for former loanee Matt Targett, although it would require a big fee to prise him from Southampton.

That's according to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (12:08), who claim that Scott Parker wants to bring the 23-year-old back to Craven Cottage.

Targett enjoyed a very productive loan spell with the Londoners back in January 2018, with his arrival mid-season crucial in helping Slavisa Jokanovic's side winning promotion to the Premier League.

However, a deal to bring him to the club on a permanent basis couldn't be reached and the left-back returned to Southampton for the previous campaign.

He managed 16 games for the Saints, although he is clearly behind Ryan Bertrand in the pecking order under Ralph Hasenhüttl.

Despite that, the report states that only a 'significant' offer would encourage the top-flight side to enter discussions with the Cottagers.

Whether that can be done remains to be seen, with Fulham surely going to need to sell several first-team players before they can make their own moves in the market.

The Verdict

Bringing in Targett would be a huge coup for Fulham as he would be a top, top Championship player – as he proved in his previous spell for the club.

Whether it's financially possible at this time remains to be seen as you would imagine the Cottagers immediate priority is to shift players from what is a bloated squad.

From the players' perspective, he should try and push for a move as he needs to be playing regularly and that's not going to happen whilst Bertrand remains at Southampton.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-line-up-summer-reunion-with-promotion-winner/

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https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-line-up-summer-reunion-with-promotion-winner/

Fulham are hoping to sign Neil Etheridge from Cardiff City, although they face a battle to convince the keeper to come to Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old was an outstanding performer for the Bluebirds last season as Neil Warnock's men were relegated from the Premier League.

And, according to Wales Online, he has attracted a bid in the region of £10m from Scott Parker's side. However, newly-promoted Aston Villa are also interested.

They have had an £8m offer rejected for the keeper and are expected to return with a higher offer for Etheridge.

The report also states that the keeper man would perhaps understandably prefer a move back to the top-flight and that he wouldn't be too keen on returning to Fulham. The Londoners released Etheridge back in 2014.

Another reason why Villa may be in the driving seat for the player is that Smith has worked with the Philippines international at Walsall before, along with goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.

Fulham are on the lookout for a new man between the sticks after loan pair Fabri and Sergio Rico left following relegation.

The Verdict

This would be an ambitious move from Fulham and you can't imagine Cardiff would want to sell to a side you'd think would be a promotion rival.

But, Etheridge's stance seems pretty clear and if he does leave the Welsh club then he will want to return to the top-flight and that's fair enough.

He proved himself in the Premier League last season and deserves a chance to go back.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-to-rival-aston-villa-as-they-seek-ambitious-move-for-29-year-old/

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Southampton fans want to offload defender Matt Targett amid reported Fulham interest

Southampton defender Matt Targett is reportedly on the radar of Fulham this summer – and some of the club's supporters on Twitter have suggested he might be a good idea to show him the exit doors at St Mary's.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham want to to try take him to Craven Cottage as they prepare for a season back in the Championship next year.

The left-back precisely had a spell on loan with the London club and it's understood they wanted to sign him permanently last summer.

But the report details a £5million bid was turned down by Southampton for the full-back and it would take a "significant offer" in this window to prize him away.

Targett is a product of the Southampton academy and has made 63 senior appearances since breaking through the ranks.

He played 21 times for the first team in the most recent season, scoring one goal and supplying three assists.

A selection of Southampton supporters on social media don't believe that Targett has a long-term future at the club and that it may make sense to accept any approach from Fulham.

He' an all-action left-back that can be a real threat going forward, but he's not quite featured regularly in the plans of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and an exit for all parties may make sense.



https://tbrfootball.com/southampton-fans-want-to-offload-defender-matt-targett-amid-reported-fulham-interest/

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'Perfect antidote' – Fulham target former player to solve last season's major problem: Opinion

Fulham have had one bid rejected for former player Neil Etheridge, but they could move back in for the goalkeeper.

Fulham are reportedly interested in bringing Neil Etheridge back to South-West London, according to Wales Online.

It is suggested that Fulham approached the Bluebirds with a bid approaching £10 million last week, but was rejected.

Aston Villa are also eyeing the shot-stopper, but WalesOnline add that their £8m was also rejected.

Etheridge spent eight years at Fulham in total from 2016-2014. He came through the academy but failed to make an appearance, and instead was loaned out four times.

He is valued at £3.6m by transfermarkt, but the fact that he has two years remaining on his contract means that Cardiff are not in a position where they have to sell.

The Philippines international received high praises for many of his performances last season, which included three penalty saves.

Here, our writers evaluate whether this would be a good signing for Fulham:

Jacob Potter

"This would be a brilliant signing.

"Etheridge is a player that could arguably be playing in the Premier League, and this would be a real coup for Fulham if they pulled it off.

"He was a rare bright-spark in a disappointing season for Cardiff last season, and I would be surprised to see him sign for Parker's side."

Toby Wilding

"This would be a good signing for Fulham.

"While Sergi Rico can produce spectacular saves at times, he can also be partial to the odd blunder, something that has cost Fulham on occasions this season.

"Etheridge is an all-round more reliable 'keeper, and would be a step up from Fulham's number one choice, although their relegation to the Championship suggests this could be a difficult deal for them to pull off."

Kealan Hughes

"This would be a sharp move from Fulham.

"Last season their 'keepers struggled for form at different parts of the season, whilst Etheridge put in performance after performance consistently for Cardiff.

"If he doesn't cost too much, he would be the perfect antidote for a defence which was shambolic last season. Getting a composed goalkeeper in should remedy that right away.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/perfect-antidote-fulham-target-former-player-to-solve-last-seasons-major-problem-opinion/

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West Ham Identify This Serbian Forward As One Of Their Top Targets: A Smart Choice By Pellegrini

According to Daily Star, West Ham United have identified Aleksandar Mitrovic as a top target this summer. The Hammers are preparing for life without Marko Arnautovic next season, and the Fulham forward is believed to be one of the leading candidates to replace the Austrian.

The report further claims that West Ham are also interested in Salomon Rondon and Maxi Gomez. But, Mitrovic might be available on a cut-price after being relegated with Fulham during the 2018/19 campaign.

Mitrovic's season at Fulham

Mitrovic did relatively well to live up to this €20 million price in the recently concluded Premier League campaign. The Serbian international plundered 11 goals and was an ever-present figure in the Fulham attack, featuring in 37 of their 38 games in the league.

However, lack of productive output from fellow attacker made sure the Cottagers were relegated with just 26 points on the board. In fact, Fulham as a whole scored only 34 goals in 38 matches, 11 of which were scored by Mitrovic. That means the ex-Newcastle United striker was involved in almost one-third of Fulham's goals throughout the entirety of the campaign.

What can Mitrovic bring to the table?

Mitrovic is advertised as an aggressive centre-forward, who heavily relies on his physicality. Indeed, the 24-year-old has an imposing figure and is often difficult to be shrugged off the ball. And this makes him a tailor-made fit for the physically astute nature of the Premier League.

But, Mitrovic's overall game is not only restricted to his physical prowess. The Fulham attacker has a tall frame of 1.88m, which makes a scourge for the defenders in the air. This is rather evident given the fact that six of eleven goals this past season have come from headers. He also won a whopping 239 headed duels during the 2018-19 campaign – more than anyone else in the league.

Should West Ham make a move for Mitrovic?

Mitrovic would be an excellent replacement for Arnautovic. Although the Serbian may not be able to offer much mobility in the final third, his physical and aerial prowess means that Manuel Pellegrini will be able to utilise him as a target man.

And that could prove to be highly useful given the quality of West Ham's wingers as well as overlapping fullbacks. But most importantly, he will also be the easiest target to land for West Ham, especially with Gomez looking seemingly intent on remaining in Spain and with Rondon also being targeted by both Newcastle and Wolves.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored



https://the4thofficial.net/2019/06/west-ham-identify-this-serbian-forward-as-one-of-their-top-targets-a-smart-choice-by-pellegrini/

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'A year ago I'd have said £50m' – As Tottenham circle, how much should Fulham demand? Opinion

Fulham manager Scott Parker will be preparing for life in the Championship and cutting his cloth to suit, following the Cottagers' relegation from the Premier League last season.

One player that Parker may have to prepare for life without, is full-back Ryan Sessegnon who could become part of a re-shaped Tottenham Hotspur next season, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

So how much should Fulham be demanding for Ryan Sessegnon amidst interest from Spurs?

We discuss........

Kealan Hughes

"As much as possible. A lot depends on the player's willingness to stay, if he pushes for a move away it restricts Fulham's ability to negotiate, as they won't want an unhappy player on their book

"If that isn't a problem Fulham could request a sum in the region of £30-40 million. He is a great player with huge potential, and despite not having a great season he could be a star in the future.

"Spurs have spending power and are long-term admirers of Sessegnon, both of which work in Fulham's favour and mean they can squeeze as much money out of Spurs as they can."

Ben Lang

"There's no reason why Fulham shouldn't ask for more than £20million.

"Sessegnon is very young and would be a big player for Fulham in the Championship, so he is worth a lot to the West Londoners.

"However, he didn't make a huge impact in the Premier League so it will be interesting to see if Spurs are willing to spend that kind of money on him."

Louie Chandler

"They will probably be regretting not selling him last season now.

"You suspect they could have got £20million+ this time last year but after an underwhelming season in the Premier League I think they should take around £15million.

"Obviously, he is still extremely talented but they might find it hard to justify a larger fee and that money could be very useful this summer."

Toby Wilding

"£15million seems about fair to me.

"Sessegnon excelled last time he was at this level, but he didn't exactly take the Premier League by storm as expected this season, and that could make Spurs more wary about this potential transfer.

"With Sessegnon out of contract at the end of next year, Fulham will likely want to make sure they get something for him, although they must be careful not to price sides out of a move and wind up losing him on a free in 12 months time."

Gary Hutchinson

"A year ago I'd have said £50m.

"Sessegnon left this division a hero in the making with a stunning season behind him.

"Now? £25m maybe. He didn't impose himself on the top flight and that's perhaps a bit of a worry.

"He's still young though and this move would be perfect for him. Now he's been in the PL he has to stay there."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-year-ago-id-have-said-50m-as-tottenham-circle-how-much-should-fulham-demand-opinion/

[WhiteJC]

3 players we expect to leave Fulham before the new Championship season starts

After experiencing an utterly dismal Premier League campaign which resulted in them finishing 10 points adrift of safety, Fulham are in need of a major rebuild this summer.

Whereas it is fair to say that the Cottagers must overhaul their squad between now and August, it is imperative that they re-invest any money recuperated from selling their stars as a failure to do so could result in a season of struggle in the Championship.

Although Fulham did show signs of improvement in the closing stages of the season under Scott Parker, they may end up being powerless to prevent a whole host of their players from leaving during the transfer window.

With this in mind, let's have a look at three who we definitely expect to move on to pastures new over the coming months...

Jean Michael Seri
Having garnered considerable interest from Barcelona in 2017 (via the Independent), it was a major shock to the footballing world when Fulham announced that they had completed a move for the midfielder last year.

Absolutely superb throughout his time at OGC Nice, the 27-year-old was expected to take the Premier League by storm.

Yet despite making 32 top-flight appearances, Seri failed to make a positive impression for the Cottagers and therefore it would not be at all surprising if he leaves the club this summer.

According to France Football, AS Monaco are reportedly interested in signing the Ivory Coast international with Leonardo Jardim looking to add to his midfield options.

If this is indeed true, Fulham may consider it a relief to see Seri make a return to Ligue 1 as he is clearly not suited for Championship football.

Aleksandar Mitrovic
One of Fulham's most impressive players during the 2018/19 campaign, Aleksandar Mitrovic fired in 11 goals in the Premier League and provided a constant threat for his side.

Yet given just how dangerous the 24-year-old can be at the highest level, it could be argued that he is already far too good to be playing in the Championship and so he could part ways with the Cottagers for the sake of his career.

According to the Sun, Southampton are reportedly readying a £30m bid for Mitrovic with Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United all monitoring the forward's situation.

If the Saints do come in with an official bid for the Serbian, Fulham may have to bite the bullet and cash in as they could use the money to make some valuable additions to their squad.

Ryan Sessegnon
After playing a prominent role in helping the Cottagers secure promotion via the play-offs in 2018, it was expected by many that Ryan Sessegnon would thrive in the Premier League.

However, this unfortunately wasn't the case as he was only able to showcase his talent on a sporadic basis for Fulham.

Yet despite this setback, when you consider the Sessegnon clearly has the potential to become a top-player, it would be astonishing if he commits to playing Championship football next season.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the teenager in a double deal that will also see his twin brother make the switch to North London.

With Spurs offering the prospect of Champions League football, Sessegnon may find it hard to turn down a move despite his loyalties to Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-players-we-expect-to-leave-fulham-before-the-new-championship-season-starts/