Friday Fulham Stuff - 28/06/19...

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham are right to hold out for a lower fee on Sessegnon transfer

Tottenham are the lead horse in the pursuit of Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon, but the two clubs remain about £20 million apart in their valuation of the teenager.

Fulham remain resolute on the matter, requesting about £45 million for their wunderkind. In all fairness, that's what Sessegnon would have sold for at the close of the 2017-18 season, when he almost singlehandedly propelled the West London side into the Premier League.

While he's still only 19 years old, Sessegnon endured a somewhat underwhelming first Premier League campaign, which few fault the teenager for. He was part of a Championship-calibre side, inferior in almost every area on the pitch. While he wasn't culpable for Fulham's eventual Premier League demise, the youngster didn't quite live up to his current £45 million billing.

Daniel Levy is right to stick to his guns on this one, as Fulham are mad if they think they're going to elicit a £45 million fee for the 19-year-old. The teenager has boundless potential, but potential alone doesn't constitute such a swollen transfer fee. Fulham had no intention of selling their marquee player when they were promoted to the Premier League, and for good reason. But, by holding out, they lost some of their financial leverage, as Sessegnon's market value decreased over the course of the 2018-19 season, despite his tender age.

Levy is justified on holding out on this one, as the impetus to sell Sessegnon is squarely on Fulham's shoulders. Sessegnon has made it clear that his future does not belong at Fulham, so the club would be wise to cut their losses and sell him now. Otherwise they'll have a disgruntled teenager in the midst, one who will do everything in his power to leave Craven Cottage. Forcing him to stay would be even more detrimental to the club's well being. Fulham would be well served to cash in now.

That leaves Levy in a strong bargaining position.

Sure, other clubs are interested in Sessegnon too, but what club is willing to shell out £45 million on him? If another club is willing to pay £45 million, they would have already done so. Holding out for a lower transfer fee is Levy's speciality, which leaves Tottenham in good stead on this particular negotiation.

You can rest assured that if Spurs do land Sessegnon, it won't be for more than £30 – £35 million, an amount most Spurs supporters would be willing to part ways with for such a promising talent.



https://hotspurhq.com/2019/06/27/tottenham-are-right-to-hold-out-for-a-lower-fee-on-sessegnon-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham told to pay £45m for top target but confident deal will be done for less

Tottenham are reportedly continuing to target Ryan Sessegnon this summer but Fulham are said to be demanding £45m for their star man.

The 19-year-old gained his first taste of Premier League experience last season, scoring two goals and providing six assists in 35 league appearances.

However, it wasn't enough to help prevent the Cottagers from suffering an immediate relegation back to the Championship, and so they now seemingly face a real fight to keep hold of their top players this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham are said to be confident of signing the talented youngster for £25m, and that's despite the suggestion that Fulham want £45m.

That's a pretty significant gap to be bridged by the two clubs in truth, and so it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached to secure an agreement.

As noted by talkSPORT, Danny Rose has been linked with an exit from north London, and so if that were to materialise, then signing Sessegnon could perhaps become a priority to battle with Ben Davies for a spot in the starting line-up.

Nevertheless, what is clear this summer is that Tottenham must now strengthen the squad and give Pochettino reinforcements to build on last season.

The Argentine tactician led the club to another top-four finish in the Premier League, while they reached the final of the Champions League in a memorable run to Madrid.

In order to not only sustain that but also build on it and become perennial contenders, new signings to help them improve are a must, and based on the Mail's report above, it certainly sounds as though that could be the case this summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/06/27/tottenham-told-to-pay-45m-for-top-target-but-confident-deal-will-be-done-for-less/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set their sights on 27-year-old arrival

Fulham have reportedly submitted an offer for Levante's Chema, according to Spanish outlet El Desmarque.

The central defender has a year left on his current contract which means the La Liga club could be open to selling him, or else risk losing him on a free next summer.

Since signing for the club three years ago, the 27-year-old has had a very successful time, helping Levante to win promotion in his first year before consolidating in La Liga with two successive 15th-placed finishes.

Fulham are in need of a defender after Calum Chambers' loan came to an end, and Chema could be the ideal replacement.

He has experience of promotion, and he is the type of no-nonsense defender which Fulham need. On average he made 4.3 clearances per game last season and whilst his passing success rate needs improvement, he could provide the perfect partner to Alfie Mawson, who is more technical.

The Verdict
This is an interesting move from Fulham, and particularly Scott Parker, although it is an indication as to the type of player he is after.

Following last season's abysmal defensive record, it was clear that it is an area which urgently requires improvement. A big problem last season was the focus of the Fulham defence, their full-backs were too eager to attack and the likes of Chambers and Mawson seemed to have been brought in due to their passing ability rather than defensive ability.

A player like Chema will bring experience and organisation to the back four. He should help to improve the current set of defenders and be a calming figure for Marcus Bettinelli or another goalkeeper.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-their-sights-on-27-year-old-arrival/

[WhiteJC]

3 reasons why Fulham must back down in Spurs transfer battle

Following relegation to the Championship, Fulham know they face a battle to keep hold of several of their better players.

And, one man who is in-demand is talented winger Ryan Sessegnon, with Tottenham known to be very keen on the 19-year-old left-sider.

However, the latest reports suggest that the Champions League finalists are unwilling to meet the £45m that the Cottagers want for the teenager and only want to pay £25m instead.

Whilst that's a significant drop from Fulham's demands, it's still a lot of money for a second-tier side and it's an offer they will surely have to consider.

Here we look at THREE reasons why they simply have to back down to reach an agreement with Spurs for Sessegnon...

It is a fair fee for the player
Even though the England U21 international is clearly very talented, the reality is that he struggled last season in the top-flight.

Two goals from 35 games was not what everyone expected from him, so most buying clubs will still be looking at the player based on his one excellent season in the Championship.

Therefore, £25m is a more than fair price for the player and Fulham are naïve if they think another club will come in with a bid almost double that for someone who remains unproven at the highest level.

That money can be reinvested in the team elsewhere
Clearly, a major rebuild is needed at Craven Cottage and Scott Parker will be excited at the challenge ahead.

Yet, the financial implications of relegation means that sales will be needed if he is to fund his own new signings. That means £25m would be very welcome for the new boss and will allow him to make his own mark on the side.

They could risk losing him for a tiny fee next summer
Another factor that has to be considered is that Sessegnon is approaching the final year of his contract and could speak to foreign clubs about a move in January.

Inter Milan have already been suggested as a potential option and if the player did head abroad the Cottagers would get a minimal fee in return.

So, they could ensure they don't miss out by sanctioning a summer move to Spurs.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-reasons-why-fulham-must-back-down-in-spurs-transfer-battle/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham submit offer for Levante's Chema Rodriguez

La Liga ace Chema Rodriguez could solve Fulham's shaky defence with Scott Parker looking to fire the club to Championship promotion.

Fulham have now made an official offer to sign Levante defender Chema Rodriguez, according to Spanish publication El Desmarque.

The Cottagers will be playing Championship football again next season after making a real mess of their Premier League return, finishing second bottom after spending over £100 million on new, and rather ill-fitting, talent.

Fulham's biggest problem was at the back, conceding a league-high 81 goals in 2018/19. So new manager Scott Parker will be under no illusions that vast improvements have to be made if the Londoners are to push for a play-off place at the very least.

So this perhaps explains why Fulham see Chema as the ideal man to aid them in their promotion challenge, according to El Desmarque.

A committed and uncompromising centre-back, the 27-year-old is an old-fashioned defender who is more than happy to throw his body on the line in search of a clean sheet. That is exactly what Fulham, who have already made him an offer, are crying out for.

El Desmarque reported recently when the links first emerged that Chema was interested in a move to Craven Cottage. So this one seems like a case of 'when' rather than 'if'.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/06/27/report-fulham-submit-offer-for-levantes-chema-rodriguez/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham table Chema offer

Fulham have made an offer to bring Levante centre back Chema Rodriguez to Craven Cottage, according to reports in Spain.

The physical 27 year-old defender, who can also play at right back, has apparently already admitted his interest in a potential move to England and has been a long-term target of Fulham's director of football operations, Tony Khan. Chema, who came through the Elche youth system, spent a couple of seasons with Atletico Madrid's second string and has impressed during three years with Levante.

The 6ft 2in defender helped The Frogs return to the Spanish top flight at the first time of asking, scoring three goals in 33 appearances, as Levante won the league title with 84 points. He has continued to shine in La Liga as his side comfortably avoided relegation over the past two seasons, scoring three goals in his 45 top flight appearances.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/06/fulham-table-chema-offer/

[WhiteJC]

Jean Michael Seri brushes off criticism of Ivory Coast form

Jean Michael Seri has brushed off criticism of his performances for Ivory Coast ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations clash with Morocco.

Ivory Coast began their bid to regain the title they won in 2015, when Morocco coach Herve Renard was in charge of the Elephants, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa.

But Fulham midfielder Seri came in for some criticism, with the Ivorian media complaining that the former Nice man does not produce the same consistency for his country as he does at club level.

"I am not (on) social networks," Seri said at a pre-match press conference reported by sports.abidjan.net. "So the critics, I do not see them.

"But at the same time, I know that when you criticise a player, you expect a lot from him. I am a man before being a player.

"Critics... it's normal. I take them positively."

Seri, who has been linked with a move this summer following Fulham's relegation from the Premier League, admitted that the first game "was not easy" for him.

Morocco's Karim El Ahmadi is hoping for a memorable international swansong.

The 63-times capped former Aston Villa midfielder was introduced as a second-half substitute in the opening 1-0 win over Namibia.

The 34-year-old, who is now playing in Saudi Arabia, will retire from international football after the tournament.

"These are my last games with the Morocco team," El Ahmadi told Fox Sports ahead of the Cairo clash on Friday.

"We hope to go right to the end."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/ivory-coast/africa-cup-of-nations/news/jean-michael-seri-brushes-off-criticism-of-ivory-coast-form_363140.html

[WhiteJC]

Fixtures In Focus: Part Five

We run the rule over Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Preston, sides that we took 16 points from last time we were in the Championship.

Millwall

Last season Millwall struggled to replicate the fantastic form that saw them threaten to gatecrash the Play-Offs in 2017/18, with relegation a very real possibility until safety was secured a week before the end of the campaign.

Last season: 21st

Top scorer: Lee Gregory (13)

Dafabet promotion odds: 20/1

2019/20 fixtures: Craven Cottage 21/08/19, The Den 12/02/20

Last five meetings:

Millwall (Gregory) 1-3 Fulham (Bryan, de la Torre, Christie) – 25/09/18

Millwall 0-3 Fulham (Sessegnon, McDonald, Mitrović) – 20/04/18

Fulham (Norwood pen) 1-0 Millwall – 25/11/17

Millwall 0-0 Fulham – 21/02/15

Fulham 0-1 Millwall (Woolford) – 16/08/14

Nottingham Forest

Former Forest favourite Martin O'Neill will be hoping to improve on a ninth place finish now he has had a season to bed in. A side who did look like they might make a late surge for a Play-Off spot until they suffered four losses in a row in April, including defeat at soon-to-be relegated Rotherham United, and at home to Blackburn Rovers.

Last season: 9th

Top scorer: Lewis Grabban (17)

Dafabet promotion odds: 5/1

2019/20 fixtures: Craven Cottage 24/08/19, City Ground 10/04/20

Last five meetings:

Fulham (Piazon, Johansen) 2-0 Nottingham Forest – 03/02/18

Nottingham Forest (Murphy) 1-3 Fulham (Kamara, Johansen, Kebano) – 26/09/17

Fulham (Cairney, Piazon, Hobbs og) 3-2 Nottingham Forest (Kasami, Brereton) – 14/02/17

Nottingham Forest (Bendtner) 1-1 Fulham (Cairney) – 27/09/16

Fulham (Smith) 1-3 Nottingham Forest (Tesche, Lansbury pen, Lansbury) – 23/04/16

Preston North End

Preston are another side who failed to build on a brilliant 2017/18, but they were steady enough last season without pulling up trees. With a small budget to work with, Alex Neil led them to a respectable mid-table finish, something they'll be looking to repeat as a minimum this time around.

Last season: 14th

Top scorer: Callum Robinson (13)

Dafabet promotion odds: 17/2

2019/20 fixtures: Deepdale 10/12/19, Craven Cottage 29/02/20

Last five meetings:

Preston (Maguire) 1-2 Fulham (Mitrović 2) – 10/03/18

Fulham (Norwood pen, Odoi) 2-2 Preston (Hugill, Maguire) – 14/10/17

Fulham (Aluko, Martin, Kebano) 3-1 Preston (Barkhuizen) – 04/03/17

Preston (Robinson) 1-2 Fulham (Aluko, Smith) – 13/08/16

Preston (Vermijl) 1-2 Fulham (McCormack, Dembélé) – 05/04/16



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/june/28/fixtures-in-focus-part-five

[WhiteJC]

West Ham could struggle to sign £30million striker after defiant comments – report

West Ham have been assessing Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as a potential transfer option this summer, though the Cottagers' vice-charman Tony Khan said he will do all he can to keep the Serbian while on the Fulhamish podcast.

The Evening Standard have previously reported that the Hammers want Mitrovic alongside the likes of Maxi Gómez, while the Express claim Fulham's main man could cost any potential buyer £30million.

Mitrovic was the main shining light in what was a torrid season for Fulham, as they finished bottom of the Premier League, with his personal goal tally coming to 11 in the league.

He also showed his exploits in front of goal for his country in the first-ever UEFA Nations League campaign, getting an impressive six goals in six games.

With Andy Carroll having been released, Lucas Pérez sold and Javier Hernandez likely to be leaving the club, as was said by the man himself on Naked Humans, the Hammers need options in attack.

While West Ham's preferred scenario is to bring in Maxi Gómez and Salomón Rondón, according to ExWHUEmployee, it is important to have back up options in case one or both of the deals fall through.

Mitrovic was said to be one of those options, but getting him may be more difficult than first expected.



https://westham.vitalfootball.co.uk/west-ham-could-struggle-to-sign-30million-striker-after-defiant-comments-report/

[chrisburt13]

West Ham could struggle to sign £30million striker after defiant comments – report

West Ham have been assessing Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as a potential transfer option this summer, though the Cottagers' vice-charman Tony Khan said he will do all he can to keep the Serbian while on the Fulhamish podcast.

The Evening Standard have previously reported that the Hammers want Mitrovic alongside the likes of Maxi Gómez, while the Express claim Fulham's main man could cost any potential buyer £30million.

Mitrovic was the main shining light in what was a torrid season for Fulham, as they finished bottom of the Premier League, with his personal goal tally coming to 11 in the league.

He also showed his exploits in front of goal for his country in the first-ever UEFA Nations League campaign, getting an impressive six goals in six games.

With Andy Carroll having been released, Lucas Pérez sold and Javier Hernandez likely to be leaving the club, as was said by the man himself on Naked Humans, the Hammers need options in attack.

While West Ham's preferred scenario is to bring in Maxi Gómez and Salomón Rondón, according to ExWHUEmployee, it is important to have back up options in case one or both of the deals fall through.

Mitrovic was said to be one of those options, but getting him may be more difficult than first expected.



https://westham.vitalfootball.co.uk/west-ham-could-struggle-to-sign-30million-striker-after-defiant-comments-report/

Finished bottom of the Premier League - i'd never believe articles that can't even get their facts right - lazy journalism in my opinion.