Thursday Fulham Stuff - 09/01/20...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham announce significant transfer update about attacking ace

Fulham have confirmed the permanent signing of winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolverhampton Wanderers on an undisclosed fee, with the 26-year-old signing a four-and-a-half-year deal at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese attacker initially made the switch to West London in the summer on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Fulham, however, have decided to take up the clause sooner than expected after Cavaleiro's impressive performances for the Cottagers so far this season.

Cavaleiro has scored five goals so far for the club this term, also contributing with six assists.

In a statement on the club website, Fulham confirmed there is also an option to extend the deal by a further year.

"I know Ivan has a big part to play in the journey ahead to get us back to where we want to be, in the Premier League," Fulham Vice-Chairman Tony Khan said.

Cavaleiro is Fulham's second January signing, with Michael Hector joining up with the squad last week following his move from Chelsea.

It brings an end to Cavaleiro's four year association with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Verdict

This is a good piece of business for Fulham, even if it is unexpected. It will give Cavaleiro the chance to kick on for the remainder of the season and focus on his football.

The Portuguese winger is considered as one of the better players in the division, and the club will be pleased that Cavaleiro is now tied down to a long-term contract.

Tony Khan now faces the task of keeping a hold of both Harrison Reid and Bobby Decordova-Reid at Craven Cottage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-announce-significant-transfer-update-about-attacking-ace/

[WhiteJC]

How Hull City can move into the Championship's play-off places after Saturday's match with Fulham

The Tigers play their first home match of 2020 on Saturday

Hull City can move into the Championship's play-off places with a win over Fulham at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers currently sit ninth in the league standings, two points shy of the top six heading into this weekend's round of matches.

Grant McCann's side will be hoping for a fourth consecutive win at the weekend when they host the Cottagers. Fulham are currently fifth in the standings and head into Saturday's match off the back of knocking Premier League side Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last weekend

As City hope move into the play-off places for the first time since August 2017, we look at every possible scenario in this weekend's match and what it will mean for the Championship table.

If Hull City beat Fulham:

A win this weekend would not guarantee that McCann's side will move into the top six, but a win over Fulham by two or more goals would see them overtake Scott Parker's side in the table and move up to eighth.

If they beat Fulham by a solitary goal, they will have to hope that Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Swansea City all fail to win this weekend, as well as hoping that Preston North End do not beat Blackburn by four or more goals in order to move into the play-offs.

A win by two or more would mean that City would only need two of Wednesday, Millwall or Swansea to drop points to climb into the top six, as well as Preston not winning by three more goals than the Tigers do.

Victory for City, combined with other results going their way could see them rise to as high as fifth in the table.

They could also move to within a point of fourth-placed Nottingham Forest if they lose to in-form Reading.

If Hull City draw against Fulham:

In the best case scenario, City could earn a point at home and climb up to seventh, if Millwall and Wednesday lost away at Stoke City and league leaders Leeds United respectively.

A draw in East Yorkshire would also see them move to within a point of the play-offs if Swansea lost to south Wales rivals Cardiff City on Sunday, as well as the previously mentioned circumstances taking place.

Failure to earn more than a draw could see the Tigers drop to as low as 12, if Wednesday earn a point, Preston and Bristol City both win and if Cardiff beat Swansea by four or more goals.

If McCann's side draw and Swansea beat Cardiff, the Tigers will be four points off the play-offs.

If Hull City lose to Fulham:

Losing on Saturday would mean that City will only remain two points behind the play-offs if Swansea lose and Wednesday, Preston and Millwall all fail to win.

A first defeat in four could see City drop to as low as 13. However, they are likely to only go as low as 12, with Lancashire rivals Preston (10) and Blackburn (13) facing one another.

Preston would need just a point to overtake City if they lose, whilst Bristol City and Cardiff would both need wins over Wigan Athletic and Swansea respectively. Bristol City could also climb above the Tigers if McCann's side lose by seven or more goals and Lee Johnson's side's clash with Wigan ends in a score draw of 2-2 or higher.

Three points for Swansea and a defeat for Hull City would see them slip to five points off the play-offs.

The only way that City will fall to 13 is if they fall to a defeat three or more goals heavier than what Blackburn were to beat Preston by.



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-play-offs-fulham-3714648

[WhiteJC]

Road Closure

Supporters planning on travelling to the game against Hull City by car should be aware that Walton Street remains closed at the junction with Longden Street.

The closure is due to a structural collapse underneath the road surface and will remain in place until further notice.

Despite the road closure, the Walton Street car park will remain open for supporters, with access available from Spring Bank West.

A signed diversion route is in operation but it is advised that car users consider alternative means of getting to the Stadium. Alternative car parking options include the Stagecoach Park & Ride service from Priory Park, which operates a direct service to and from the stadium, and city centre parking. The streets surrounding the KCOM Stadium are resident permit parking only. Please visit hull.gov.uk/parking-and-transport for further travel information.

Pedestrian routes remain unaffected.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/08/road-closure

[WhiteJC]

'A major coup' – Fulham secure permanent deal for attacker: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham have made their deal for Wolves winger Ivan Cavaleiro permanent, signing him for a reported fee of around £15 million.

The 26-year-old joined on loan in the summer and has been impressive so far–scoring five times and providing six assists in 26 appearances.

Fulham have confirmed that they have exercised their option to buy the winger, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the club.

Vice-chairman Tony Khan told the club website: "He has the ability to make a difference in a game so I am excited that he's a Fulham player until at least 2024."

But is it a good move from Fulham and should Wolves have held onto him?

We discuss...

Dean Cooke

"Wolves seem to have moved onto bigger and better things and it wasn't necessarily a case that they had to sell the winger but more the fact that he didn't fit the current system that they were playing.

"The same thing happened to Helder Costa and now they both find themselves playing in the Championship despite both having some real quality on offer.

"For Fulham, it's a really good move for this level, and if they can get more consistency from the winger then they have a very good player on their hands and one that can hurt any full-back in the Championship on his day.

"It's a good move, yes the price tag is seen as steep, but this is the modern era and for a player of that quality you will always be asked to pay at the very least £10 to £15 million. Cavaleiro can now become settled at the club, and hopefully get back to playing Premier League football, this time with Fulham."

Ned Holmes

"This is a move that makes a lot of sense for both parties.

"With a reported fee of around £15 million it is certainly high risk for Fulham, particularly given FFP, but he has shown his quality during the first part of the season.

"Cavaleiro looks settled at Craven Cottage and, importantly, his form appears to show he is really enjoying his football.

"If the London club are going to get promoted this term, you feel the 26-year-old is likely going to play an important role.

"Wolves are thriving in the Premier League and have a strong group of players already, so it is unlikely they would've used Cavaleiro moving forward, making this a sensible decision on their part."

Ben Lang

"This is a good piece of business from Fulham given that Cavaleiro has settled in nicely at Craven Cottage but the London club will now be hoping the attacker can start showing his brilliance more regularly.

"Cavaleiro played a key role in Wolves' promotion to the Premier League back in 2018 but there is obviously a reason why the Midlands club have decided to let him go now.

"They clearly feel that Cavaleiro does not quite possess the quality to help take them to the next level in the Premier League and the fact they were able to make an £8million profit from him would have also been appealing.

"However, this should definitely also be considered as a major coup for Fulham. Cavaleiro is definitely one of the most naturally talented players at the club and he is a player who will be important for Fulham in both the Championship and potentially the top-flight."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/a-major-coup-fulham-secure-permanent-deal-for-attacker-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Club make offer for Fulham player – Claim agreement has been found

According to Sabah, Lyon have made an offer for Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri, who's currently on loan at Galatasaray.

The Ivorian midfielder hasn't had the best of spells with Galatasaray this season and there were recent reports in the Turkish press that he could leave the Super Lig club in this transfer window.

Sabah report Lyon have reached an agreement with Fulham over a permanent transfer for Seri, however, Galatasaray would need to agree to this. There no is indication what the Ligue 1 side have offered for the central midfielder.

The Turkish club's manager Fatih Terim reportedly wants to give the 28 year old another chance as he believes he could become an important player once they complete all their transfers in this window.

Seri joined Fulham during the 2108 summer window, but signed for Gala on loan a few months ago after the west London side were relegated to the Championship.

He has made 15 appearances for Istanbul club in all competitions this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-make-offer-fulham-player-claim-agreement-made/

[WhiteJC]

Darren Bent backs Leeds United to sign 'perfect' reported target

Leeds United are on the lookout for a new striker this month following the departure of Eddie Nkeitah.

Darren Bent has backed Leeds United to sign the 'fantastic' Cauley Woodrow as he claimed that he would be the 'perfect fit' for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The TalkSport pundit shared that he saw at first hand what Woodrow was capable of during their time at Fulham as he thinks the striker wants to 'get better' and that he has the qualities to make the step up to Leeds.

The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 61, January 5, 2020) previously claimed that Leeds are keen to sign Woodrow from their Yorkshire rivals Barnsley this month.

Speaking to Drive on TalkSport (06/01/2020 at 4:55 pm), Bent, who played alongside Woodrow when he was a youngster at Fulham, shared why it can work out for the hitman at Elland Road.

"Cauley Woodrow linked with Leeds, I think he would be a perfect fit," Bent told TalkSport. "Nketiah has left there now, he wasn't getting enough game time, but I think Cauley, he offers something a little different.

"He can play number 10. He works extremely hard. I had him at Fulham, he was only a young kid then. He wants to get better and he wants to learn. And I think he's good enough to make the step up.

"I saw him only in flashes at Fulham when he came in for certain games but it was hard for him because we were struggling at the time. But I am a big fan of Cauley and I think if he went to Leeds then that would be a fantastic signing for Leeds."

Leeds are in need of adding another striker to their squad following the departure of Eddie Nkeitah, and if Leeds can get their way then Woodrow would be able to provide more in the attacking third than the Arsenal man.

Whilst Nketiah is perhaps a better penalty box striker than Woodrow, the Barnsley man has a much stronger build, can work the opposition backline a lot more and is more versatile.

Under Bielsa, Woodrow can take his game to the next level and if he were to join then it would ease the burden on someone like Patrick Bamford who is the number one striker at the club.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/01/08/darren-bent-backs-leeds-united-to-sign-perfect-reported-target/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham and QPR want £11m speedster but he has other plans

Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly loan Jack Clarke back to the Championship after his ill-fated return to Leeds United.

London rivals Fulham and Queens Park Rangers are doing battle over Tottenham Hotspur's Jack Clarke, according to the Mail, though reports suggest the £11 million winger would prefer a move up north instead.

Football is a fickle mistress and, 12 months after Clarke had the whole of Elland Road cheering his name, the England youth star has endured a season to forget.

The teenager sealed a big-money move to Spurs over the summer but managed just 19 minutes of football since returning to Leeds on loan, spending much of the last few months stuck in the reserves in West Yorkshire.

Tottenham have already signalled their intention to loan Clarke out again for the second half of the campaign after cutting short his second spell under Marcelo Bielsa, and the list of interested suitors appears to be growing by the day.

The Mail have thrown Fulham and QPR into the mix, although the Sun (8 January, page 51) suggests he may have reservations about joining either side and would prefer a move back up north.

That will no doubt be music to the ears of Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesbrough, who are allegedly keen to add Clarke to an exciting crop of youngsters at the Riverside.

If Clarke can overcome any pangs of homesickness, however, it must be said that Fulham or QPR could be the ideal destination for a fleet-footed winger who took the Championship by storm during a stunning debut season at Leeds.

QPR coach Mark Warburton has worked wonders with the likes of Ebere Eze, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ilias Chair this season at Loftus Road. Fulham, meanwhile, play some of the most attractive football in England on their day and their attacking, possession-based style should suit Clarke down to the ground.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/01/08/do-report-fulham-and-qpr-want-11m-speedster-but-he-has-other-pla/

[WhiteJC]

82.3% pass accuracy: Fulham must do all they can to keep key asset amid transfer rumours

For Fulham, it has been a season of ups and downs as we head into the first transfer window of 2020 and the second half of the Championship campaign.

As early pre-season favourites for automatic promotion, the Cottagers were expected to be comfortably in the top two this term, but that prediction has not come to fruition.

It has not been a nightmare season by any stretch of the imagination, but Fulham will be disappointed to be sitting in 5th place in the table, especially with the squad the Cottagers have at their disposal.

The January transfer window may be a way of improving their fortunes over the second half of the season, but the club will also have to do everything to keep key players at Craven Cottage.

Over the last month, it has emerged that Aston Villa were interested in Fulham's talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic, and with the season ending injury to Wesley, the Villans will now be actively in the market for a replacement forward.

Here, we analyse Mitrovic's season in depth, and discuss if there is any truth in the rumours linking the 25-year-old with a move ton Villa Park or elsewhere...

The Serbian has established himself as one of the top players in the division and has been consistent for Fulham right the way through the season with his eye for goal.

Mitrovic tops the Championship goalscoring charts with 18 for the Cottagers, finding the net in fourteen of Fulham's 26 league games.

He has also contributed to 45% of Fulham's goals in the Championship.

It is clear that the 25-year-old is a poacher. But, if you dig deeper into his statistics this season, it makes it more of a priority for Fulham to do all they can to keep him at the club, as Mitrovic also works very hard for the team, and has a strong aerial presence.

He has a passing accuracy percentage of 82.3%, and has won over 40% of his 241 aerial duels. The latter has resulted in five headed goals for Fulham.

Aston Villa's interest has not come to fruition just yet, but Mitrovic has shown that he is more than capable of playing at a higher level than the Championship.

However, the Serbian agreed a new five-year contract at the club in the summer, meaning Fulham will demand a substantial fee if any other club shows significant interest.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/82-3-pass-accuracy-fulham-must-do-all-they-can-to-keep-key-asset-amid-transfer-rumours/

[WhiteJC]

Joe Bryan: Watford scouting Fulham defender as injury crisis takes hold

Fulham defender Joe Bryan is a target for Watford

Watford are considering a bid for Fulham left-back Joe Bryan as they deal with an injury crisis across their entire defence.

Adding a player to the left side of his defence is the priority for Nigel Pearson in January and the Hornets have scouted Bryan on a number of occasions over the last two months.

The former Bristol City defender, a £6m signing only 18 months ago, has made 27 appearances for the Cottagers this season and scored his first league goal for Fulham against Wigan in September.

Watford have a long list of defensive injuries including long-term absentees Sebastian Prodl (shin) and Daryl Janmaat (ankle).

Kiko Femenia (hamstring) and Jose Holebas (ankle) have also been missing, while Craig Cathcart suffered a knee injury against Wolves and Christian Kabasele has been out through suspension.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11686/11903811/joe-bryan-watford-scouting-fulham-defender-as-injury-crisis-takes-hold

[WhiteJC]

Watford are considering a move for Fulham's Joe Bryan

Watford are considering a move for Fulham left-back Joe Bryan, The Watford Observer understands.

The Hornets have scouted the 26-year-old on a number of occasions over the last two months and see him as someone who could be an answer to their defensive injury problems.

With a number of issues hampering Watford's defence throughout the current season, Bryan is a defender who could add depth to the squad, but could command a high price with his contract at Craven Cottage not set to expire until summer 2022.

The former Bristol City man joined the Cottagers for £6million in 2018.



https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/18146245.watford-reportedly-interested-fulhams-joe-bryan/

[WhiteJC]

Back The Boys Against Fulham This Saturday!

Tickets for Hull City's first home game of 2020 against Fulham remain on general sale.

The Tigers welcome Scott Parker's side to the KCOM Stadium on Saturday 11th January (KO 3pm) looking to register a fourth successive win in all competitions following league victories over Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday along with last weekend's Emirates FA Cup triumph at Rotherham United.

And you can be there to cheer on the lads as they go in search of all three points in HU3, with tickets available to purchase now!

How To Buy
Tickets are available online, by calling 01482 358418 and in person from Tiger Leisure as well as ticket kiosks at the KCOM Stadium. Ticket in all stands (West, East & South) are priced as follows:

£33 Adult
£24 Senior (65+)
£18 Young Adult (16-22)
£12 Junior (11-15)
£9 Junior (2-10)

Fans with Match Cards will be able to purchase tickets at the following prices.

£27 Adult
£21 Senior (65+)
£15 Young Adult (16-22)
£10.50 Junior (11-15)
£7.50 Junior (2-10)



https://www.hullcitytigers.com/back-the-boys-against-fulham-this-saturday/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 11/01
Back to the league this weekend with an away trip to Hull City

So after an enjoyable cup game we're back to the Championship and an away trip to Hull, Jimmy Bullard thinks they are a bigger club than Fulham, not that I'm still bitter.
Hull also had a win, they beat Rotherham 2-3.

Mitro will defiantly start after his weekend off, I think that Arter's substitute appearance and wonder-goal will get him a start, I also think we'll see AK at some point. I've an idea that we'll see Hector get his first "league" start, it will be interesting to see if Mawson or Ream makes way.

We've not had much success against Hull with 7 losses, including a 6-0 thumping and also 0-3 last time at our place!, 3 wins and 2 draws, time to start changing those stats in our favour.

COYW's

Games for the Weekend...
Saturday 11th
Brentford v QPR
Charlton v West Brom
Hull v Fulham
Leeds v Sheff Wed
Reading v Nottm Forest
Stoke v Millwall

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1051

[WhiteJC]

Watford interested in Fulham's £10m-rated left-back Joe Bryan as Nigel Pearson looks to strengthen defence

    Watford are interested in signing Fulham full back Joe Bryan this month
    Nigel Pearson wants to strengthen his defence and is targeting Bryan
    The 26-year-old has been a key part of Fulham's promotion push this season

Watford are keen on signing Fulham left-back Joe Bryan this month.

Manager Nigel Pearson wants to strengthen his defence in the January transfer window as they bid to beat the drop and has targeted the 26-year-old.

Bryan has been a stalwart in Fulham's defence this season and is understood to be valued in the region of £10million.


Watford want to try and sign Fulham's £10m-rated defender Joe Bryan this month

Fulham currently sit in fifth position in the Championship table and may be reluctant to part with such a key player at this stage of the season.

Bryan has played in all but one of their league games, scoring once and setting up a further three assists.

Wolves, meanwhile, are close to completing the signing of Dutch teenager Nigel Lonwijk from PSV for around £180,000.

However, Patrick Cutrone may now remain at the club after his move to Fiorentina stalled over terms.


Nigel Pearson is keen to bolster his defence as his team bids to stave off relegation



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7866829/Watford-interested-Fulhams-10m-rated-left-Joe-Bryan.html