Sunday Fulham Stuff - 16/08/20...

[WhiteJC]

Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Summer 2020 – Part 2

So, the unbearable weather's subsided, just about, but the heat is still very much on in the summer transfer window and we have a packed second supplement for you to ingest like a 2 litre bottle of lukewarm Volvic, cradled in the passenger side foot well.

The rumours are coming thick and fast as the start of the 2020-2021 Premier League campaign approaches and though Fulham promise to keep the promotion-clinching band together, they'll require a few additions if they're to prosper. With too many names to mention, it's time to discover who's supposedly on our radar and, vitally, if they capture imaginations and get the blood pumping.

Ethan Ampadu – Chelsea
Our close neighbours certainly like a serial loan shipment and it seems that Wales international Ethan Ampadu – according to The Athletic – is set to wave farewell to the dog track once again, with Fulham circling to capture his youthful expertise on a temporary basis.

Ampadu, 19, spent the 2019-20 on loan at Red Bull Leipzig although he only made a handful of appearances for the franchise monopolisers. Frank Lampard's intends to issue him further first-team game time, away from his plans, of course, and other than Norwich City, the Whites are basically free to snap him up. For such a young professional, he definitely has what it takes to compete and a stint by the river could kick-start his career – not that the Blues would take any notice whatsoever.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Arsenal
Now, this is a link from The Sun, but West Ham and Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly ready to do battle for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who's core position is still yet to be discovered.

Is he a right-back? A wing-back? Central defensive midfielder? Wenger didn't know and neither did Unai Emery and, as Mikel Arteta has innovative plans of his own, the versatile jack of all trades could be available for £20m, even if the Gunners are wanting £30m tops. Personally, I think the 22-year-old's a terrific Swiss army knife of an option, but not at that asking price.

Terence Kongolo – Huddersfield Town
A piece published by Yorkshire Live proposes that Fulham are aiming to bring 26-year-old Huddersfield Town defender Terence Kongolo back to SW6 in the summer transfer window on another loan deal.

Kongolo travelled southerly to link up with Parker's camp in January but, just nine minutes into his league debut for the Whites, he was hauled off with a broken foot. Damn and blast. Dutch side AZ Alkmaar are also said to be an interested party, although his weighty wages may prove to be a stumbling block where that's concerned. We didn't see enough of him, really, so why not give him a second shot of life with Fulham in the big time?

Marco Bizot – AZ Alkmaar
A three-way tussle is set to ensue, if Sky Sports is to be believed, between Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and the Whites for AZ Alkmaar (sounds familiar) 'keeper Marco Bizot, a stopper that's regarded as one of the Eredivisie's very best.

The 29-year-old racked up 41 appearances for Arne Slot's side and, get this, recorded 27 clean sheets in the process. That's some return, although the Whites face stiff competition if they're genuine contenders, but what an assured understudy Marek Rodak would have in him, eh?

Rob Dickie – Oxford United
Oxford United's Rob Dickie – subject to a Sunday Mirror report – is allegedly an item on a number of esteemed top-flight wish-lists, with Leeds United, Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham all reputedly eyeing the 24-year-old centre-back.

Valued at £3m by the Us, Karl Robinson isn't going to let one of his prize possessions depart without a relatively lumpy charge by League One's standards, although the robust defender could be swayed by a potential switch to the Premier League, and who would blame him.

Haris Seferovic – SL Benfica
There's not much floating around, at all, regarding this revelation but BenficaUSA revealed on Twitter that SL Benfica's powerful striker Haris Seferovic could be on the move fairly shortly and Fulham, West Brom and Besiktas JK are all allegedly tracking the situation closely.

It's thought Jorge Jesus will not include the Switzerland international in his plans at the Estadio da Luz next season and if he is to depart, the Liga NOS giants will look to gain £10m in return. Of course, the credibility of the source is questionable, but there's never any smoke without fire. Perhaps the 28-year-old's too similar to Aleksandar Mitrovic, though, so I'm not overly keen on this particular link, as tenuous as it may be anyway.

Calum Chambers – Arsenal
The Daily Mail believes that Fulham are considering a £12m bid for the one, the only, Calum Chambers. Yes, Arsenal could allow the injury-prone defender/anchorman to head for pastures new and the Whites could be in a prime position to lure him away from the Emirates.

Having spent the 2018-19 on loan at Craven Cottage, Chambers, 25, started shakily at the heart of our defence but redeemed himself at the base of our midfield. Wayward passing aside, he was a credit to the squad, which faltered heavily in the Premier League last time round. He hasn't played since December, thanks to a nasty knee injury, but this is a link I'm pretty intrigued by. Basically, I'd take him in one shake of a lamb's tail, honestly, because he knows the club and, to be honest, he was downright excellent once he warmed to the futile challenge.

Enis Bardhi – Levante UD
Bit of an obscure one, but football Twitter (Sqenf Foot) is under the impression that Fulham have tabled £11m for Levante UD's Macedonian wizard Enis Bardhi, and I wish there were more solid sources out there regarding this gem of a maybe.

The 25-year-old's been heavily linked with Arsenal recently and whilst 7 goals with 4 assists in 32 La Liga outings doesn't necessarily raise eyebrows, he's an extremely inventive instigator indeed. Really hope this snippet of gossip picks up speed somehow, some way, just now.

Ivan Toney – Peterborough United
Channelled by Football Insider, West Brom and Fulham are said to be tailing Peterborough United's trigger happy striker Ivan Toney, a striker that's teetered on greater heights for what feels like years and years since his Newcastle days.

A profoundly proficient attacker for the Posh, Toney, 24, bagged 26 goals last term and at a suspected cost of £3m, he's an absolute steal. To think, Brentford were odds on favourites to land him before they were put in their place at Wembley. What a cruel world we inhabit. Plausible back-up for Mitro' right there and I'll say nothing more of it other than bun your Ollie Watkins.

Matty Cash – Nottingham Forest
This is getting me far too excited. Football Insider recognises that West Ham and Fulham are tracking Nottingham Forest's £15m-rated Matthew "Matty" Cash, reborn under Sabri Lamouchi's experimental supervision. Cash converter, ha.

Once a winger, now an expansive wing-back, Cash was Forest's main outlet moving forward last term but his astute perception of the game enables him to deputise is a range of roles and in a defensive berth, he's more or less the ideal successor the void Ryan Fredericks left all those many moons ago. Pay. The. Money. For. Cash.

Antonee Robinson – Wigan Athletic
There's a'ways a race when Sky Sports are concerned and in terms of the saga surrounding Wigan Athletic's Antonee Robinson, it's fleet-footed. This is because Sheffield United, Everton and Fulham are grappling for the searing American speedster and I'm all for it.

For £2m or a figure around that mark, we'd be stupid not o have a flutter on the direct American left-back, who made 39 appearances for the Latics last term. He was literally on the verge of putting pen to paper with Serie A giants AC Milan in January, but it fell through at the last moment and from what we saw of him in the Championship, he's a willing participant wherever he's required. Less haste, more attack from the back, good buddy.

Weston McKennie – FC Schalke 04
We have another yank on the cards and he resides in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Another corker from Twitter's footballing never region, FC Schalke 04's Weston McKennie is, apparently, a transfer target of Fulham and Bundesliga mainstays Hertha Berlin.

Dynamic, intense, deceptively artistic, the 21-year-old offers a beneficial drive and intent in the middle of the park and I'm personally a big fanboy of his. The cited twitter account suggests that he'll set wanting suitors back $22M and that is out of the Whites' spending bracket, supposedly or whatever. Of all the careless whispers, this is the one I'll want to hear again and again in a softer, slower tone. Moving on!

Jean-Paul Boetius – 1. FSV Mainz 05
Reliable German publication Bild recently divulged that Fulham and Leeds have lodged bids for 1. FSV Mainz 05 winger Jean-Paul Boetius who, by all accounts, is brimming with top-flight, inspirational quality.

Capable of playing across the front three, the 26-year-old Dutchman promises invention, being a novelty of the modern game. He scored 4 goals and supplied 5 assists last season for Die Nullfünfer and, though he's a plausible option, he's not the Dutch winger we truly wish to see by the river, once again. Taking guesses for who that may be.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-08-15-transfer-rumour-round-up-part-2-2/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea Youngster Tipped For Fulham Loan Move

At 19-years-of-age, the Chelsea youngster, Ethan Ampadu, is still learning his trade.

Ampadu joined Chelsea, back in 2017, when he was just 16-years-of-age having come through the ranks at Exeter City.

A bright future is predicted for the player who can play in defence or as a defensive midfielder.

Already a Welsh international, with 13 caps to his name, Ethan is one of a rare breed of players who has more international caps for his country than he has made appearances for his parent club.

Last year, Ethan was sent out on a season-long loan with the Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig.

Unfortunately, with the plan being to get the emerging youngster some regular first-team football, something he wasn't sure of at Stamford Bridge, Ethan spent more time on the bench than on the field of play.

This season, 2020 / 2021, Ethan is expected to be loaned out again but The Daily Mail is implying that his destination could be a lot closer to home with Fulham the likely destination.

It is a move that should benefit all the parties concerned, Ethan should get some regular Premier League action while Chelsea will be able to monitor his progress from a far more respectable distance.

But I get the feeling, if Ethan is to make the breakthrough at Chelsea then this coming season is the most crucial of his career so far.



https://chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/chelsea-youngster-tipped-for-fulham-loan-move/

[WhiteJC]

Preston reportedly planning bid for Derby County target Macauley Bonne

Derby County and Fulham are reportedly facing competition from Preston North End for Charlton Athletic striker Macauley Bonne.

According to The Sun (print edition, Goals pull-out page 17, July 27, 2020), Derby, Fulham and Burnley all are interested in signing Bonne from Charlton in the summer transfer window.

The Addicks will play in League One next season after getting relegated from the Championship, and they could have to sell players.

However, it seems that Derby and Fulham are now facing stiff competition from Preston for the 24-year-old forward.

According to The Sun, Preston are planning to make an opening bid of £500,000 plus add-ons for the Zimbabwe international next week.

Charlton Athletic spell

Bonne joined Charlton in the summer of 2019 after leaving Leyton Orient.

The 24-year-old did well in the second tier of English football for the Addicks, as he made 26 starts and seven substitute appearances in the league last season, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.

Leaving Charlton Athletic

Given how well Bonne did for a team who eventually got relegated to League One, it is hard to see the forward not move to a club in the second tier of English football, especially with the likes of Derby and Preston reportedly interested in him.



https://sportslens.com/preston-reportedly-planning-bid-for-derby-county-target-macauley-bonne/308192/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from August meeting with FFC

On Monday 10th August at 13:00, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer)
    Ally Spicer (Head of Ticketing Operations – maternity cover)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)

The FST was represented by board members:

    Tom Greatrex (Chair)
    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair)
    Jerry Cope (Membership Secretary)
    Derek Brewer (Board Member)

HOW IT WORKS

The meeting focused largely on the many issues relating to any readmission of spectators to home matches for the 2020-21 season, drawing on feedback from FST Members and informal polling carried out on social media. A few other topics were discussed towards the end of the meeting.

If any member has raised a question that it was not possible to discuss in the time available, then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting.
TOPICS DISCUSSED

Before moving onto the heart of the meeting the Trust congratulated the Club, its players and staff, on the tremendous achievement of securing promotion to the Premier League under the difficult circumstances of behind closed doors football.

The following topics were raised and discussed:

    Readmission of spectators for the new season
        Operations
        Ticket allocations
        Ticket pricing
    New kit and main sponsor
    Retained players
    Riverside stand
    FSA 'Sustain the Game' initiative
    AOB
        FFCtv and match streaming
        Single Sign On

READMISSION OF SPECTATORS FOR THE NEW SEASON
Operations

The Trust asked the Club for an update on planning to allow fans back into Craven Cottage, given the indication from the Premier League (PL) and Government that some spectators could, if all went well, be admitted to grounds from mid-October, with test events between the start of the new season on 12 September and October. The Club explained that there is no firm news about a return and that October could well be very optimistic in terms of timescale.

The Club said they are therefore still in the midst of considering options and the only certainty is that everything remains uncertain. Early conclusions and observations include:

    Ground capacity could be very small, because of the unique nature of Craven Cottage, and possibly smaller than most if not all other PL grounds in percentage terms. The Johnny Haynes stand is particularly problematic in terms of queuing, concourses, and toilets.

    For comparison, the Trust understands from the Millwall Supporters' Club that Millwall, with a newer 20,000 seat stadium, much better 360 degree access and more concourse space are still able to only accommodate under 6,000 fans.

    The Trust recommends that interested supporters may wish to look at the Sports Grounds Safety Authority document 'Planning for social distancing at sports grounds' which breaks down the assessment of socially distanced capacities into the component parts of seating, concourses, entry, exit and external factors.
     
    The Club is also still waiting for PL minimum requirements for stadiums, including the so-called sterile 'red zone'; again Fulham is disadvantaged because of the lack of space, including parking, to build away team dressing rooms and allow safe access for the away team and indeed our own players.
     
    The key will be to come to a sensible management plan and then talk this through with the local authority Safety Advisory Group (SAG), with whom the Club has a strong, pragmatic relationship.
     
    The Club is currently putting together a few potential operational models within the obvious constraints.
     
    Because of the uncertainty, it is highly unlikely that the Club will sell season tickets in advance, unlike some other clubs, and is considering other ticketing options (see below).

The Trust was able to give the Club feedback from its recent initial consultations with supporters that:

    A significant majority would like to see as many matches as possible.
     
    Although a number of different options were supported, the majority favoured balloting of all current season ticket holders on a match by match basis.
     
    There was a strong wish to be able to sit with friends.
     
    Pricing should be more related to average season ticket prices than one-off matches.

The Trust, through Derek Brewer, were also able to cross reference some of the issues arising in cricket, where further pilots have been postponed at the request of Government. Demand from the early pilots had been very strong.

Note that since the meeting, the Government has announced that the piloting of a small number of sporting events to test the safe return of spectators will resume, starting with the final of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield this weekend.

back to topic list
Ticket allocations

Asked about possible models for allocating tickets when fans are allowed back into a limited capacity ground, the Club explained that although nothing was yet decided, they were moving towards the following, with the general principal of looking after 2019-20 season ticket holders to the greatest extent possible:

    Ballots, largely just amongst 2019-20 Season Ticket Holders, on an individual match basis in a way that by the end of the season everyone would have had an equal opportunity to attend the same limited number of matches.
     
    Applications would be allowed in social bubbles, but only based on government criteria, namely a maximum of two households containing up to six people in a bubble.
     
    There would be consideration for spectators with accessibility needs.
     
    There might be a few tickets available for a ballot amongst committed supporters who for genuine reasons were unable to buy a Season Ticket last year; there could also be a one-off membership scheme for this season although with limited benefits.
     
    Tickets would be largely electronic, issued on a one per person basis to help maintain track-and-trace lists if needed; options for how these might work are still however being discussed with suppliers.
     
    Season ticket holders who did not participate in ballots would be in no worse a position in terms of their priority to return to their seats when things returned to normal, say for the 2021-22 season. The overall approach was to safeguard existing season ticket holders' rights as much as practical.
     
    Loyalty points would probably not be accumulated during the season so that supporters unable to attend would not be disadvantaged in future seasons.

The Club noted that other allocation methods, such as via loyalty points, were also being looked at, but the above is considered to be the fairest in a difficult overall situation. The Trust broadly welcomed this approach and stressed the importance particularly of the penultimate point, namely continuation of season ticket holders' priority in future seasons regardless of decisions made in 2020-21.

The Trust offered to help further with input as the huge amount of necessary detail was worked up. We acknowledged the large amount of work that had been done to complete last season and the significant challenges ahead in the preparation for this season.

back to topic list
Ticket pricing

The Club stressed the significant hit on revenue being experienced by the lack of spectators, which would put inevitable pressure on pricing. Options that were being explored included differential pricing by match and by area of ground, with ballot applicants being allowed a likely choice of two price brackets in entering a ballot.

The Trust said that it understood the pressure on revenues but hoped that a sensible balance could be struck, particularly given the Club will, in all likelihood, soon have 29,000 seats to sell and also the impact of the current economic situation on a number of supporters and what they will be able to afford even for limited opportunities to attend.

back to topic list
NEW KIT AND MAIN SPONSOR

Responding to a question from the Trust the Club said they had not yet agreed a shirt sponsor for next season but were hoping to launch a home shirt on 11 September with the away shirt following. The existing away shirt will become the third choice kit, and the new away kit cannot therefore be red. In response to a question from the Trust, the Club also said the new away kit was unlikely to be blue.

back to topic list
RETAINED PLAYERS

Lists of retained players have been complicated by the extension of contracts to cover the prolonged season, but it is hoped to publish something soon, with more information on the website and through social media on both incoming and outgoing transfers and loans in due course.

back to topic list
RIVERSIDE STAND

This remains on track, albeit there has been some resequencing of activity such that, for example, the main steel structure will now be erected in the autumn. The priority in terms of sequencing remains the facilities for fans. The Covid situation may have more of an impact when it comes to the fit-out stage of the project because this requires closer working indoors.

back to topic list
FSA 'SUSTAIN THE GAME' INITIATIVE

The Trust informed the Club that the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) would be writing soon with details of a set of principles that has been under discussion with football authorities, supporters groups and others, including financial sustainability and protection of the English football pyramid, which Clubs would be asked to sign up to ahead of the government's promised review of football governance; many of these echoed elements of the Chairman's well-received recent statement to Fulham supporters.

back to topic list
AOB
FFCtv and match streaming

The Trust asked on behalf of many members whether a domestic streaming service covering all games would be available on FFCtv in the PL in 2020-21 along the lines of that offered at the end of last season for behind closed doors games. The Club said that this would not be available in 2020-21, because of the PL's contractual relationship with media organisations.

back to topic list
Single Sign On

The Club explained that it will shortly be undertaking an exercise to unify all logins to Club services into a 'One Fulham' Single Sign On (SSO). This will give a single point of access to ticketing, merchandising and FFCtv. Further details will be made available shortly to all supporters.

The meeting closed at 14:15.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/08/notes-from-august-meeting-with-ffc-2/

[WhiteJC]

Christie: 'Brentford did a lot of talking. That gave us an extra edge'

Fulham full back Cyrus Christie confirmed that Brentford's trash talking in the build up to the play-off final served as extra motivation for the Whites at Wembley.

The Republic of Ireland international came off the bench as Scott Parker's side beat their local rivals 2-1 earlier this month to clinch an instant return to the top flight and Christie contrasted Brentford's confidence with his side's more measured approach ahead of the game. Speaking to the On The Ball podcast earlier this week, the 27 year-old gave credit to his manager, both for setting the tone ahead of the big game and for devising a game plan that outwitted Thomas Frank after Brentford had won both league clashes during the regular season.

Christie revealed that his team-mates took inspiration from the Netflix documentary The Last Dance, which chronicled Michael Jordan's career with the Chicago Bulls, with a behind the scenes look at the basketball legend's final season with the franchise.

Building up a lot of us were watching The Last Dance and playing clips, and for our manager that was something he could relate to in terms of the psychological aspect. We were quiet, we were humble, and I believe Brentford did a lot of talking in the press leading up to the game. I think that kind of gave us the extra edge as well, we used that as added motivation, not that we actually needed any.

The suggestion from Brentford midfielder Emiliano Marcondes that Fulham might 'fear' his side having lost the two local derbies that had taken place during the regular season was eagerly seized upon by the Fulham squad.

For us it was added motivation, we picked up on it straight away and other people were telling us about it. They obviously said that we would fear them because they had won the two previous games. We were confident and knew we had prepared properly and done the job right, and we knew the occasion was there for us. We've got big players that love big occasions, and we rose to that.

Christie also heaped praise on double goalscoring hero Joe Bryan:

Joe Bryan was the main man and the hero for that game which was fantastic for him, because he's a wonderful player and he's a fantastic guy. He's properly come under a bit of criticism, a bit of stick, for probably no reason really at all. For him to take that moment, it was fantastic to see.

Anything can happen when it comes to the play-offs in a one-off game. They did a lot of talking, and it was added motivation for us. But at the end of the day we knew the biggest prize was on the line, and we knew we could go down in the history books at Fulham with another promotion.

The clock's ticking by, and you're thinking, when is this going to end? I believe we were the strongest team throughout in that game and I believe we played the best game, and I wouldn't say they had many clear-cut chances really.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/christie-brentford-did-a-lot-of-talking-that-gave-us-an-extra-edge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christie-brentford-did-a-lot-of-talking-that-gave-us-an-extra-edge

[WhiteJC]

Charlton Athletic chief reveals stance on Derby County and Fulham 'target'

Bonne could be on the move after just a year at The Valley

Derby County have been linked with two Charlton Athletic players this summer.

Striker Macauley Bonne and goalkeeper Dillon Phillips have each been linked following Charlton's relegation back to League One.

Bonne - who scored 11 times in the Championship last season - is also reportedly being eyed by Fulham and Preston with talk of the latter submitting an opening bid of £500,000 next week.

But according to Charlton's director of football Steve Gallen, there has been no contact from any of those clubs just yet.

"I've not had one club ring me about Macauley," Gallen told London News Online. "He might think that sounds negative – but I'm not being negative.

"I don't want Macauley to go – no chance. I think he can go and score 15-20 goals in this division. He had a great return last season – 11 goals in the Championship having come from non-league.

"I don't want Macauley to go and neither does Lee Bowyer. We're really pleased no-one has made an offer."

Bonne has only been with Charlton for a year after joining from Leyton Orient last season.

The Zimbabwe international has two years remaining on his current deal.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/charlton-athletic-chief-reveals-stance-4429007

[WhiteJC]

'Scott's got what it takes, I knew it straight away!': Former Fulham star Ryan Babel backs Parker to become a top Premier League manager

    Ryan Babel said he always believed Scott Parker would become a manager
    The forward scored five goals in 15 games during his short spell at Fulham
    Parker helped the club secure promotion back to the Premier League
    Babel said that he has still been supporting the London club from afar

It did not take long for Scott Parker to prove he had what it takes. Just one season in management and there he was, the man in the suit with the perfect hair, celebrating Fulham's return to the Premier League. No wonder a new contract is on its way.

He made his impression well before he was flung behind the manager's desk at Craven Cottage. It was as the club's assistant coach under Slavisa Jokanovic and then Claudio Ranieri, even as their relegation from the top flight became ever more certain, that he made his mark on the players.

As far as Ryan Babel, the enigmatic forward who joined Fulham on a six-month deal in January of 2019, is concerned it was immediate.


Scott Parker (C) led Fulham to promotion back to the Premier League via the play-off final


Former Fulham star Ryan Babel said he always thought Parker would go on to be manager

'He would do a lot of training sessions and already then I could tell, with the way he coached the players, that he would become a manager,' says Babel, 33. 'Of course, at that point I didn't know the manager role was going to come so quick for him, but you can always tell if an assistant coach or manager understands football in the way you hope he does.

'I felt like he gave the older players, including me, the responsibility to speak to the younger players and help them out. That also gives the older players confidence because it makes you feel like he sees you as a grown-up.'

Following Ranieri's sacking, Parker was bumped up to the top job in March last year with 10 games remaining and a 10-point gap they were ultimately unable to make up. Five defeats in his first five games was hardly the best start to managerial life. Seventeen months and one season later, his team are back in the big time.


Babel said Parker took a lot of coaching sessions before being appointed as first-team coach


Joe Bryan scored both goals in play-off final against Brentford to send Fulham back to big time

'He has been able to put his influence on the team,' says Babel. 'They were unable to show it in the Premier League but he finally had time to make sure the team understood how he wanted to play. This is the reward for him.'

While Babel did not stay beyond his short stint, signing a three-year contract at Turkish club Galatasaray and having just finished a six-month loan spell at Ajax, he continued to support Fulham from afar.

'I fell in love with Fulham the first week I was there,' he says. 'Not only because they were great people but the way the whole club bonded with each other. For me it was pretty new to see, at the training ground, that you have lunch with also the people who work in the office. Everyone taking food from the same buffet, having conversations with each other. Normally with teams, I feel like they always try to separate the first team from the rest.

'I built great relationships there. If I couldn't watch the games [last season], I had it on LiveScore. To see the final game, how they won it, gave me a satisfying feeling to see them come up again.'


Babel came up against Parker on several occasions as a player during his time at Liverpool

Babel scored five goals in 16 games during his time at Fulham, including the club's goal of the season for his strike against Cardiff. Those strong bonds off the field did not carry on to it for Fulham's fight for survival. Twelve summer signings, at a cost of about £100million, failed to gel and the club paid the price.

'What I noticed was you had a lot of different types of players from different nationalities,' says Babel. 'If you have two centre-backs who cannot communicate with each other because they do not speak the same language then you know there is going to be miscommunication. I could sense the bonding was not on point to a level where we could show we could do it as a team.'

Now, under Parker's leadership, they have. Holding on to Aleksandar Mitrovic was vital, as were the additions of Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert. The close bond he forged with his players was the key.

For Babel, the responsibility to look after the younger players is one that the former Liverpool winger carries with him. He is trying to encourage them to invest money for their futures, specifically in real estate.

Babel began buying property in 2011, shortly after he left Liverpool, the club that signed him for £11.5m and he now has a portfolio of nearly 50 properties worth over £27m, through which he wants to provide affordable housing for families.

'I recognise the kind of behaviour that a typical footballer is doing, spending a lot of money on cars, fancy stuff, clothing and I try to get them to open their eyes to what they should do with their football earnings, because their football career is very short. God forbid someone gets injured and they don't have the career they hope they can have,' he says.

Such a sensible sense of forethought is, perhaps, not what you may expect to hear from a player with his reputation. Think Babel, you think social media. You think of Howard Webb mocked up in a Manchester United shirt, a post for which Babel was fined £10,000. Think Babel, think music too and him rapping on YouTube. Turning up at Fulham with red hair played more into that stereotype than of a man in his thirties ready for a relegation battle.

For Babel, it is about perception. The gulf between what people see, what they want to think and the truth. During the interview, he is engaging, open and honest on all topics. You realise there is more to the man than the caricature. 'I remember when I was 18, 19, I was involved with musicians in Holland,' he said.

'I did some fun stuff in my summer holiday. After that, I didn't do so much with music, but because that was still on YouTube people thought I was focused on music and not on football. That affected me also in my time in Liverpool. I was, in people's eyes, not the professional I thought I was.


Babel has previously spoken about how he felt marginalised by Rafa Benitez at Liverpool

Of course, it affected me. I was 20 and there were so many new things for me. I was living abroad for the first time. I was living by myself for the first time. If you saw how I was behind the scenes, I was really not that crazy or unprofessional as people thought.'

Babel has spoken before about how he felt marginalised by Rafa Benitez and, while he does not name the former Liverpool boss, it is clear there is lingering pain from his time at Anfield.

'I have always said that some players need the right guidance. If managers feel that, they can always get the best out of people. Not every manager is built to invest time in young players. I feel like I didn't get the help I needed to excel and be the player I could have been at that time.'

He is older now, wiser too. And he feels he has plenty more to give, not just on the pitch but also to the younger generation, to give them guidance he feels he never had.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8631217/Former-Fulham-star-Ryan-Babel-backs-Scott-Parker-Premier-League-coach.html

[WhiteJC]

Newly promoted PL duo offered the chance to sign £20m Man United star

Fulham, Newcastle offered chance to sign Chris Smalling

According to a report from Chronicle Live, Manchester United star Chris Smalling has been offered to Fulham and Newcastle United, as AS Roma struggle to meet his £20m asking price.

Smalling has been with Manchester United for ten years now, having signed from Fulham back in 2010. A regular for most of his tenure at the club, the England international fell down the pecking order following the arrival of Harry Maguire last summer.

As a result, Smalling left the club for Serie A giants AS Roma on loan. The Englishman enjoyed a fine 2019/20 campaign in Italy, emerging as one of the best defenders in Serie A.

Having been left impressed by him, Roma want to sign him on a permanent deal. Smalling, too, is keen on securing a permanent move to the Italian capital club. However, they are dithering on meeting United's £20m valuation. (h/t Chronicle Live)

This has presented other clubs an opportunity to sign Smalling this summer.

As per the aforementioned report, Newcastle United have been offered a chance to sign him in the ongoing transfer window. The Magpies had considered signing Smalling last summer and may well look to make a move for him in the current window.

Along with the Magpies, Smalling's former club, Fulham, who earned promotion to the Premier League are also keen on landing the 30-year-old. (h/t Chronicle Live)

However, finances of the clubs have been hit hard. So, it remains to be seen if either clubs are in a position to meet United's demand for Smalling. The report does add that this may lead to a possibility of an initial loan deal with view to a permanent transfer next year.



https://weallfollowunited.com/2020/08/16/newly-promoted-pl-duo-offered-the-chance-to-sign-20m-man-united-star/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make huge offer to tempt Robinson

Fulham are reportedly prepared to offer Wigan left back Antonee Robinson a weekly wage of around £50,000 a week to beat several suitors to his signature.

The Sun reports that the Whites are willing to give the American left back around ten times what he currently earns at the DW Stadium in order to see off competition from the likes of West Brom, Sheffield United, Newcastle and former club Everton. All these top flight clubs are ready to activate Robinson's relegation release clause – believed to be in the region of £1.5m – and offer the attacking full-back a Premier League opportunity.

Robinson's performances with the financially-stricken Latics come close to earning him a sensational move to AC Milan in January, with the proposed deal collapsing as he landed in Italy to finalise personal terms. The defender, who came through the Everton academy but never made a senior appearance for the Goodison Park side, starred under Paul Cook last season having joined Wigan on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell. He has made 62 appearances for the Latics, scoring a single goal, and has spoken about his desire to test himself at the highest possible lvel following the heartbreak of Wigan's demotion to League One.

Robinson would likely be competing with Fulham's first choice left back Joe Bryan, who scored a brace to beat Brentford at Wembley and secure an immediate return to the big time for Scott Parker's side, but the Sun suggests he is up for the challenge of proving himself worthy of a starting spot. The Milton Keynes-born defender, who has won seven caps for the United States having qualified courtesy of his father who was born in New York, also enjoyed a Championship loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in 2017/2018.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-make-huge-offer-to-tempt-robinson/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-make-huge-offer-to-tempt-robinson

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join Leeds in race to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis with boss Scott Parker keen to boost midfield options for top flight return

    Scouts have identified the 20-year-old, who is available for a £2.5m loan fee
    Benfica also want £40m at the end of the season to make the deal permanent
    Leeds and AC Milan have also asked about the Portugal U20 international

Fulham will rival Leeds United for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

Scott Parker is keen to strengthen his midfield options ahead of their return to the top flight, particularly with Villarreal pushing to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Club scouts have identified 20-year-old Florentino who is available for a £2.5m loan fee though Benfica want £40m at the end of the season to make the deal permanent.


Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis (above) is available for a £2.5m loan fee this season

Leeds have also asked about the Portugal U20 international, who can play as a holding player or box to box, as have AC Milan. Florentino has been scouted by Manchester City and United but was in and out of Benfica's side after niggling injuries prior to making a comeback at the end of the season.

Fulham have also discussed Wigan's Antonee Robinson and Nottingham Forest's £15m-rated full-back Matty Cash but face competition from Sheffield United and Southampton.

Forest signed former Reading defender Tyler Blackett on Saturday and completed a deal for free agent striker Lyle Taylor.

Meanwhile, Leeds United full-back Barry Douglas, 30, is attracting interest from Celtic.


Fulham have also discussed making a move for Wigan defender Antonee Robinson



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8631717/Fulham-join-Leeds-race-sign-Benfica-midfielder-Florentino-Luis.html

[WhiteJC]

Report: Leeds target Florentino Luis could cost £40m next summer; Fulham in race

Leeds United may have to agree to sign Florentino Luis for £40 million next summer if they want to take the Benfica starlet on loan during this window, while the Daily Mail has suggested that Fulham have joined the race.

The 20-year-old is attracting plenty of attention after breaking through with the Portuguese giants. The Daily Mail notes that both Manchester City and Manchester United have looked at the midfielder in the past.

However, it appears that it may be one of the newly-promoted sides who bring Florentino to England if he is going to move to the Premier League this summer.

The Daily Mail suggests that Fulham have joined Leeds in the battle to sign the starlet. But Benfica have some hefty demands.

According to the Mail, any club hoping to sign Florentino on loan will need to pay £2.5 million, and commit to paying £40 million to make the deal permanent next summer.

TBR View: Difficult to see Leeds agreeing to Benfica's terms

Florentino looks to have the potential to justify a future £40 million fee. However, it is difficult to see Leeds being willing to meet Benfica's demands.

Marcelo Bielsa's side will surely be wary of committing to such a significant outlay while they look to re-establish themselves at the highest level.

Perhaps Leeds may hold out some hope of reaching a compromise. But if Benfica dig their heels in, it would surely be little surprise if the Whites decided to look elsewhere.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-leeds-target-florentino-luis-could-cost-40m-next-summer-fulham-in-race/