Monday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/20...

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Transfer gossip: Sun on Sunday claim Villa are ready to pay Watkins £70k a week

The Sun on Sunday claim Aston Villa are willing to pay Ollie Watkins £70,000 a week.

West London Sport have previously revealed interest in Brentford forward Watkins from Villa, Crystal Palace, West Brom and, more recently, Fulham.

Villa's former Brentford boss Dean Smith would like to snap up Watkins this summer.

And The Sun on Sunday claim the Villa hierarchy have told him they are prepared to offer Watkins a huge wage in order to see off rival clubs.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/football-aston-villa-fulham-crystal-palace-watkins-301220-palace-west-brom-wat

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Building for the Premier League. Part 4: Attackers
Frankie Taylor ponders who could bolster our attacking options, as he wraps up his series.

If you missed the earlier parts, here's the links for his lowdown of Fulham's goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders.

It's onto the attack now, where we've grouped the wide players and striker positions. We've already discussed goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders. And below is a reminder of the squad we're building everything on top of this summer:

    Goalkeepers: Marek Rodak, Marcus Bettinelli, Jordan Archer
    Defenders: Denis Odoi, Cyrus Christie, Steven Sessegnon, Michael Hector, Alfie Mawson, Tim Ream, Maxime Le Marchand, Joe Bryan
    Midfielders: Harrison Reed, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Josh Onomah, Tom Cairney, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
    Attackers: Anthony Knockaert, Aboubakar Kamara, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Ivan Cavaleiro, Neeskens Kebano
    Strikers: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Our current arsenal
In attack, things get much more interesting. Anthony Knockaert has disappointed all year, but his loan was made permanent and we'll see him next season. Ivan Cavaleiro has been virtually invisible in 2020 after a strong opening, aided by several worldies. Bobby Decordova-Reid has been similarly quiet in 2020 with just two goals, but of late it seems Scott Parker has placed him in a number 10 role rather than out wide or as part of a traditional midfield trio.

Aboubakar Kamara was just getting cooking prior to lockdown and had forced his way back into the starting eleven against Bristol City,but injury saw him play just eight minutes of the regular season post-lockdwon, though Scott Parker has managed to get his best goal contribution since his first season at the club (where without Mitro – he and Rui Fonte shared the centre forward spot) and Kamara was fit and ready to go when it mattered most. In terms of numbers, one more would be ideal if you're confident in Sylvester Jasper being your sixth option in case of a bad injury period. I'll name a few options, but I'm undecided whether one or two would be best practice in our case.

Invest in potential?
We've been linked with both Bright Osayi-Samuel and Alfie Doughty who, though different in style, both have lightning pace. An important critique of Fulham at times is the inability or lack of desire to break quickly and turn defence to attack, but the presence of an old school winger would be welcome, especially in tighter matches. Doughty is more a traditional winger focusing in going down the line and delivering, and has the versatility to drop into left-back, whereas Osayi-Samuel is a stunning dribbler and contributed more goals (five goals and eight assists), which would place him level with Ivan Cavaleiro at Fulham.

Both players are projects that would require some development and greater consistency, but would offer something different and another dimension. Whether both could immediately contribute in the Premier League is doubtful.

Squad players or shining stars?
Ricardo Horta of Braga would fit what the club generally tries to do. Adept on the left and floating in on his stronger right foot, Horta fits the mould of a new age wide player: essentially fitting in another attacking midfielder, much like Bernardo Silva. Horta scored against Porto as recently as July and also bagged in the reverse fixture. Of his total 12 goals and five assists in the league this season, he's also scored against Sporting Lisbon and Rio Ave, while Braga's Europa League exploits saw him notch against Wolves and Besiktas, and bag three across two matches against Spartak Moscow.

Though after the Rui Fonte and Rafa Soares experiments, there might be scepticism about the Portuguese markets, so let's look a little closer to home. Fulham allegedly attempted to move for Jota in January. With Villa remaining in the Premier League, they will look to strengthen to establish themselves for more than just two seasons leaving Jota – already a fringe player – as a good target, though we may be looking for more quality than just the same level to create depth.

Ryan Fraser is a free agent. He's somewhat controversial for how he left Bournemouth; he refused to extend his contract to cover the longer Premier League period with the club facing relegation, but that was his right. Fraser is an electric player, so exciting he gets you off your seat and capable of winning a game with a quality run with the ball and excellent delivery.

He is stylistically what we wished Kerim Frei would've become. It was only 18/19 when Ryan Fraser directly contributed to 21 goals (seven goals, 14 assists) in 35 starts and at 26, the Scotsman is entering his prime years. Crystal Palace currently lead the race, having offered him a contract. But that isn't as scary a negotiation battle as it once looked now we're up. Scotland agents Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Jordan Archer, alongside former Bournemouth player Harry Arter, need to get on the blower and convince him to come to the other side of the river.

Uncover a diamond
I initially wrote a large chunk of these pieces prior to the play off final – now the confirmation of a bigger potential budget makes this much more fun. Mounir Chouiar is the kind of fun target you can have when money means less. The 21-year-old Frenchman from Dijon is proper mustard. Though many will be wary of an unknown player arriving from France, it takes one look at Chouiar's direct dribbling to get excited. While not as explosive as Newcastle Allan Saint-Maximin, Chouiar has a similar playing style and was set to have a stunning end to the season before coronavirus saw Ligue 1 completely called off. We already have a strong French contingent, all probably playing their best stuff at the club under Scott Parker which should benefit Mounir Chouiar if he was to arrive.

The Mitro issue
Up top is of course Aleksandar Mitrovic. This is where the business of attackers gets interestin. Should we add another winger or two, you do get the freedom to more openly place Aboubakar Kamara as your number two striker, which changes the 'depth chart', but having another out-and-out forward is vital, especially seeing as we found goals from elsewhere hard to come by last year (Mitrovic's goals accounted for 38% of our total – the Championship's highest).

Should we have stayed in the Championship, I would have proposed a striker more 'happy' to be the number 2 (names that came to mind would be Borja Baston and Ante Budimir) but in the Premier League, it would be valuable to have a second reliable forward who can give you the flexibility to go two up top or rotate with Mitrovic either as a sub or in a whoever is playing best starts situation. Fulham with Mitro are in somewhat of a Tottenham and Harry Kane situation, the striker you bring in knows it's going to be tough to start but most strikers will want to play games, get opportunities and score goals.

Michy Batshuayi could be an intriguing option, though it feels like a lifetime since he scored seven in a nine-game loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, let alone his 17-goal season for Marseille. Chelsea will be open to a deal to help fund further transfer business to support Frank Lampard, but the Blues are allegedly offering a 'cut price' deal at £20m. That's a no from me at that price, but circa £15m, I think it'd be worthwhile.

It gives Fulham the joy of a good striker, hungry to play games and score goals while Scott Parker gets an alternative option to have some tactical flexibility and change the way we play if need be. The Belgian forward is a pretty well rounded, modern-day forward. He has the athleticism to challenge defences in behind, and enough strength and back-to-goal play to hold up the ball and get involved in build-up play. There's much room for improvement, but the gaps in his game will be less noticeable in any situation he was to partner Mitrovic up top (I say as if it's a done deal). He also ticks both boxes in terms of scoring with his head and either foot.

We're reported to have cast our eyes towards Mitrovic's Golden Boot rival from this past season, Ollie Watkins. Rumours that an £18m release clause is active with Brentford missing out on promotion makes this particularly interesting. The young Englishman playing his first full season after being converted from the flank was in excellent form alongside Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbuemo, but Watkins's experience playing wide saw him capable of picking up positions covering the entire width of the pitch as well as becoming a clinical finisher.

We've been linked with Karlan Grant of Huddersfield this season, who has split his time this season between wide left and down the middle so to get as many as 19 goals is impressive through six of which were from the spot. Staying in the lower leagues, Peterborough's Ivan Toney could tempt, the former Newcastle forward scored 24 in League One in just 32 matches and chipped in an extra five assists. Peterborough aren't fun to do business with and I'm sure they'll quote a price eye-watering for a player yet to really play above League One.

Looking a little further afield, Josh Maja, who left Fulham for Sunderland as a youngster is now at Bordeaux. The London-born Nigerian has goals against St Etienne, Reims and Montpellier, plus a hat-trick against Nimes in an impressive first full season in France. Maja may relish the opportunity to return to familiar turf in a Fulham team that is looking for an extended stay in the Premier League. A longer term project, sure, but Josh Maja is a natural goal scorer at least capable of chipping in here and there.

Well that's it for the attackers. A lot of time and hours of my personal time went into this, so I hope you enjoyed it. I wonder if any will come off in real life!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-08-30-building-for-the-premier-league-part-4-attackers/

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Aston Villa 'ready to offer Ollie Watkins a £70,000-per-week contract to beat Premier League rivals and land the Brentford forward'

    Brentford striker Ollie Watkins is one of Aston Villa's top targets this summer
    The Bees man scored 26 goals in all competitions as a striker last season
    Watkins has attracted interest from a host of other Premier League clubs
    The Midlands outfit are ready to offer him £70-per-week to convince him to join

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to offer Ollie Watkins a £70,000-per-week contract to secure a move for the Brentford forward.

Watkins is Villa's top target in attack after scoring 26 goals in all competitions last season, with former Bees boss Dean Smith keen on a reunion.

The 24-year-old is believed to be valued at around £25million by Brentford after moving to a more central role last season, and has attracted 


Aston Villa will offer Ollie Watkins £70,000-per-week to convince him to join from Brentford

Villa's hierarchy will back Smith and hope to stave off the competition with a contract that will make him one of the highest earners at the club, according to the Sun.

Villa were understood to have made an opening bid of £18m for the former Exeter man, but Brentford are holding out for £25m.

Villa's billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will back Smith again in the market after committing more than £140million to transfers in the 2019-20 campaign, when Villa avoided relegation on the final day of the season with a 1-1 draw at West Ham.

The report also indicates the Midlands outfit are also keen on Watkins' team-mate Said Benrahma, with Brentford braced for departures from their highly-rated side following their Play-off Final defeat.

As well as in attack, Smith is seeking reinforcements in goal, at full-back, in central midfield and wide.


Watkins' team-mate Said Benrahma is another player on the club's radar this summer

Sportsmail reported yesterday that Villa had made an improved £12m offer for Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash.

Villa have also been linked with a £30m move for Celtic striker Oddsone Edouard, while Manchester United are still showing interest in £70m-rated star man Jack Grealish.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8678489/Aston-Villa-ready-offer-Ollie-Watkins-70-000-week-contract-land-Brentford-striker.html

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Aston Villa readying bumper contract offer for wantaway Championship ace

Aston Villa are prepared to offer a bumper £70,000-a-week deal to Brentford forward Ollie Watkins as they look to beat off competition from Fulham for his signature, according to The Sun.

Watkins is a player who is in high demand this transfer window after a very impressive campaign with the Bees in the Championship last term, which saw him finish as the league's top goal scorer with 26 goals.

After missing out on promotion Brentford could be forced to cash in on the 24-year-old. Thomas Frank's side are being heavily linked with a move for Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney, which would see them find an adequate replacement for Watkins.

That could see them be willing to allow the forward to leave the club after what has been a very impressive spell with the Bees.

It is thought that Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is keen to ensure that he is reunited with his former attacker, and that Watkins is keen to secure a move away from Brentford with Villa now ready to offer him a bumper deal to beat of interest from fellow Premier League side Fulham.

The verdict

Watkins' departure from Brentford has felt like it was going to happen since the Bees missed out on promotion to the Premier League by losing the play-off final to Fulham, and it now seems that the race for his signature is beginning to really step up as the new season grows ever nearer.

The fact that Brentford look like they are going to get Toney from Peterborough it seems like they have already prepared for life without Watkins, and Frank's side would be able to potentially use the rest of the money received for the forward to add other options to their squad.

Losing Watkins from their forward line would of course be a blow for Brentford, but they have a proven track record of being able to replace key players who secure moves away from the club – and you would back them to find another payer capable of filling the forward's shoes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/aston-villa-readying-bumper-contract-offer-for-wantaway-championship-ace/

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Promoted teams in profile: Fulham

Our look at the three clubs promoted to the Premier League concludes with last season's Championship play-off winners, Fulham.

For the second time in three seasons, Fulham celebrated promotion to the top flight by winning the richest game in football, once again coming through the play-off route unscathed.

This time it was at the expense of west London rivals Brentford, who were beaten 2-1 after extra time inside an eerily empty Wembley.

During the regular season, it was a different story. The Bees scored more goals, conceded fewer and did the double over their neighbours, but Fulham's extra knowhow and big match experience came to the fore when it mattered most.

Joe Bryan was the unlikely hero under the arch, as the left-back struck twice in extra time, including an ingenious 40-yard free-kick to break the deadlock.

The boss
Appointed with the club at a low ebb, Scott Parker has done remarkably well to lift spirits at Craven Cottage and bring back the winning habit so soon after a punishing top-flight campaign.

A wholehearted, committed player with the ability to break from midfield and score goals, Parker made 368 Premier League appearances in an excellent career, winning Player of the Year honours with Charlton, Tottenham and West Ham, where he picked up the award three seasons running.

He joined Fulham as a player shortly after earning the last of his 18 England caps in 2013, later returning to the club as first team coach in 2018.

He took caretaker charge following Claudio Ranieri's departure in February 2019, with Fulham 10 points clear of safety with 10 games to go.

Though he was unable to mastermind a great escape, Parker did go on a three-match winning run that persuaded the Board to give him the job full time.

Credited with making Fulham more solid and harder to beat, his team kept 17 clean sheets last season, whilst Aleksandar Mitrović was the Championship's top scorer with 26 goals, and will be crucial to their survival hopes.

Connections
-Saints Academy graduate Harrison Reed was a key member of Fulham's promotion-winning squad, making 28 appearances on loan last season, including every minute of the triumphant play-off campaign.

-Reed followed in the footsteps of Matt Targett, who also tasted Wembley glory in Fulham colours as a Saints loanee, doing so in 2017/18.

-Chris Baird, the youngest member of Saints' starting line-up in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal, left for Fulham four years later, where he played in the Europa League final in 2010.

-Three other Saints who also featured in that final, Antti Niemi, Wayne Bridge and Fabrice Fernandes, also had spells at Craven Cottage.

-Stuart Armstrong scored his first Saints goals at Fulham in 2018/19, whilst Oriol Romeu has not found the net since breaking the deadlock against them at St Mary's in the reverse fixture that season.

Head-to-head record
Played 67
Saints 27
Draws 21
Fulham 19

Last three meetings
Aug 2019: Fulham 0-1 Saints (Carabao Cup)
Feb 2019: Saints 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Nov 2018: Fulham 3-2 Saints (Premier League)



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-08-30/promoted-teams-in-profile-fulham-souuthampton-football-club-202021

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Fulham signing this £10m-rated Southampton star on loan would be a smart move by Parker

Why Mario Lemina would be a good signing for Fulham
According to the Evening Standard, Fulham are interested in securing the services of Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina on a season-long loan deal.

The 26-year-old spent the previous campaign out on loan at Galatasaray alongside Fulham's Jean Michael Seri. And the Saints are willing to cash in on their out-of-favour star permanently. (h/t Evening Standard)

As per the report, potential suitors for Lemina have been put off by Southampton's £10m asking price for the midfielder. However, it is understood that any loan deal taking the Gabonese international to Craven Cottage would include an obligation to buy if Fulham manage to preserve their PL status.

Profile
Mario Lemina rose through the youth ranks of French club Lorient. He subsequently featured for Marseille in Ligue 1 before earning a move to Juventus back in the summer of 2015.

The 26-year-old played a bit-part role for the Italian giants, winning the domestic double in each of his two seasons with the Bianconeri before departing for Southampton in 2017.

Lemina featured 52 times for the Saints across all competitions over the course of the next two seasons before being loaned out to Galatasaray last summer. The Gabonese ace clocked up 28 appearances for the Turkish giants last term, establishing himself as a regular starter.

Do Fulham need him?
A mere glance at Fulham's squad is enough to suggest that the Cottagers are pretty well stocked in the midfield department, despite last season's loanee Harry Arter returning to Bournemouth.

The likes of Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen, Kevin McDonald, and Harrison Reed were all a part of manager Scott Parker's plans in the Championship last term. It has been reported that Fulham are in talks to sign Reed on a permanent deal from Southampton, although a final decision on that is yet to be made.

Fulham will also need to make a decision on the futures of Jean Micheal Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, two big-money recruits from the summer of 2018 who spent the previous campaign out on loan elsewhere.

With that in mind, however, it's imperative to say that the likes of McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Seri and Anguissa all played in the 2018-19 PL campaign and just didn't do enough to keep the Cottagers in the top-flight.

Hence, it might not be a bad idea for Parker to reshuffle his options in the middle of the park with some fresh faces. Mario Lemina already has a fair bit of PL and Champions League experience under his belt that should definitely appeal to any promoted club.

The 26-year-old hasn't been a raging success at Southampton. But his performances have been promising enough to warrant him an escape route to prolong his stay in the Premier League.

Verdict
Mario Lemina hasn't quite delivered on his potential at Southampton. But he remains a quality box-to-box midfielder with decent experience at the highest level. Considering that he still has time to improve at 26, Fulham completing a loan deal for the Gabonese star this summer would well be a risk worth taking.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/08/30/fulham-signing-this-10m-rated-southampton-star-on-loan-would-be-a-smart-move-by-parker/

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Fulham holding talks with Benfica over Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis

    Fulham have held further talks with Benfica over a deal for Florentino Luis
    The Cottagers are offering around £2m for a loan fee with the option to buy
    They remain in discussion with for Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed

Fulham have held further talks with Benfica over a deal for Florentino Luis.

The Cottagers are offering around £2m for a loan fee with the option to buy the midfielder for £25m.

They remain in discussion with Southampton for Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed also.


Fulham have held further talks with Benfica over a deal for midfielder Florentino Luis

The Premier League new boys have activated their £8m option to sign anchorman Reed from the south coast club following their promotion to the top flight.

And Lemina is set to move to Craven Cottage on loan for an initial £2m fee, with an obligation for Fulham to buy him if they stay up.

Midfielder Reed has spent the season on loan at play-off final winners Fulham from Southampton.

Fulham, who beat neighbours Brentford in extra time at Wembley to secure promotion, had an option in the deal to buy Reed for £8m if they clinched promotion and a lower fee if they failed to go up.


Fulham are a;so set to sign Harrison Reed for £8million following his successful loan spell



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8679531/Fulham-holding-talks-Benfica-Portuguese-midfielder-Florentino-Luis.html

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Lemina joins Fulham on loan

Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina has completed a season-long loan move to Fulham.

The 26-year-old has joined Scott Parker's side ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, as they return to the Premier League having won promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Lemina, who joined Saints from Juventus in 2017, also spent last season on loan with Turkish club Galatasaray, but now returns to England.

The club wishes Mario well for the season ahead.



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-08-30/southampton-football-club-loan-transfer-announcement-fulham-mario-lemina

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Lemina Arrives On Loan

The Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Mario Lemina.

The 26-year-old arrives on a season-long deal from Southampton, with an option to make the move permanent.

Speaking after completing his loan switch, Lemina said: "Now I'm with Fulham, I'm really happy and I'm glad to be part of the project. I spoke with the Manager and he's got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Tony Khan added: "Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I'm very excited to announce his arrival at Fulham Football Club on loan.

"I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he's been highly rated by our scouting team and our Head Coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

"I believe he will thrive for our Club under Scott's coaching and leadership. Come on Fulham!"

A combative, athletic central midfielder, Lemina spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasary.

He began his career in France with Lorient, for whom he made 18 appearances as a teenager after graduating from their youth academy.

His potential was quickly spotted by Marseille, who signed him after just one Ligue 1 season. He spent two years in the south of France and played 50 times, including his first taste of Champions League football.

In the summer of 2015, Juventus came calling, and Lemina went on to enjoy a trophy-laden two years in Turin, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia twice each. He also played in the 2017 Champions League Final.

His performances in Italy then prompted Southampton to make him their record signing that summer, and he helped the Saints reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals in his maiden campaign.

After being capped by France at Under-21 level, Lemina now represents Gabon, his country of birth, on the international stage, and has 15 caps to his name.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/30/mario-lemina-arrives-on-loan

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Fulham confirm Lemina loan deal

Fulham have tonight confirmed the capture of Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina on a season-long loan.

The Gabonese international, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, had been told by Ralph Hassenhuttl that he had no prospect of breaking into the Southampton first team and the deal includes an option to make the transfer a permanent one. Lemina, who came through the ranks at Lorient before moving on to Marseilles, has also starred for Juventus, whom he helped win back-to-back Serie A titles and reach the Champions' League final in 2017.

He told Fulham's official website:

Now I'm with Fulham, I'm really happy and I'm glad to be part of the project. I spoke with the manager and he's got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I'm happy to be a part of it.

The 26 year-old becomes Scott Parker's second summer signing after Antonee Robinson joined from Wigan last week for £2m.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/fulham-confirm-lemina-loan-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fulham-confirm-lemina-loan-deal

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Mario Lemina: Midfielder joins Fulham on season-long loan with option to buy

Midfielder Mario Lemina has joined Fulham on a season-long loan from Southampton, with an option to make the move permanent.

Lemina, who joined Southampton for £15.4m from Juventus in August, 2017, spent last season on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.

The 26-year-old becomes the third signing of the summer for newly-promoted Fulham, who have also brought in winger Anthony Knockaert from Brighton for £10m and left-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic for £2m.

Speaking after completing his loan switch, Lemina said: "Now I'm with Fulham, I'm really happy and I'm glad to be part of the project.

"I spoke with the manager and he's got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I'm happy to be a part of it."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12060033/mario-lemina-midfielder-joins-fulham-on-season-long-loan-with-option-to-buy

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Reed completes Fulham move

Southampton Football Club can confirm that midfielder Harrison Reed has completed a permanent move to Fulham.

Reed, 25, has made the switch to Craven Cottage ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, having also spent last season on loan with the club.

Academy graduate Reed played 28 times for Fulham during 2019/20 and was a key member of the side that won promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs.

He follows Mario Lemina in completing a switch to Scott Parker's side tonight, with Reed's fellow Saints midfielder having joined on a season-long loan.

Reed, who made his first-team debut for Saints seven years ago after an impressive career in the youth ranks, leaves St Mary's having made 30 appearances in total at senior level.

The club would like to thank him for all his hard work and dedication throughout his time both as an Academy and first-team player and we wish him all the best for the future.



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-08-30/southampton-football-club-transfer-announcement-harrison-reed-fulham

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Reed Joins Permanently

The Club is absolutely delighted to announce Harrison Reed's return to Fulham on a permanent basis.

The midfielder excelled on loan at Craven Cottage as we won promotion last season, and he has now signed from Southampton for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the summer of 2024, with a Club option to extend by a further year.

Having sealed his return, Reed told FFCtv: "I'm absolutely buzzing to finally get it done and to be here as a permanent player, I'm absolutely over the moon.

"It's going to be an exciting season, it's a big challenge this year, but I can't wait to get going, to get back training, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I'm absolutely delighted to be here and commit my future to the Club."

After bringing Reed back, Tony Khan said: "Harrison Reed played a massive role in our promotion to the Premier League, and I'm thrilled to announce that he's now signed for Fulham as a permanent member of our Club!

"I first pursued Harrison over a year ago because our scouting team and our Head Coach Scott Parker and our statistical research team had all highly rated his abilities in our recruitment meetings.

"When Harrison first joined us on loan last August, we'd secured an option in the agreement for a permanent transfer, and now I'm so glad we came to that agreement, and so glad that now Harrison is in our Premier League squad! Come on Fulham!"

Fans will need no background information on Reed, as the 25-year-old became an immediate crowd favourite last term with his feisty displays in the middle of the park.

Fierce in the tackle, brave in the block and with an eye for a pass, Reed was a key component of Scott Parker's promotion winning side and was superb in our three Play-Off matches, playing every single minute.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/30/harrison-reed-joins-permanently

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Reed makes permanent Fulham move

Fulham have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Harrison Reed from Southampton for a fee believed to be £8m.

The tigerish midfielder enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Craven Cottage, making 27 appearances as the Whites sealed a return to the top flight at the first time of asking via the Championship play-offs. Despite initially struggling with injuries, the 25 year-old firmly established himself as a key figure in Scott Parker's midfield – and Fulham were keen to activate the option triggering his return on a permanent basis.

Reed, who has signed an initial two-year contract with Fulham retaining an option to extend the deal for another year, told Fulham FCTV:

"I'm absolutely buzzing to finally get it done and to be here as a permanent player, I'm absolutely over the moon. It's going to be an exciting season, it's a big challenge this year, but I can't wait to get going, to get back training, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I'm absolutely delighted to be here and commit my future to the club."

Reed becomes Fulham's third summer signing following in the footsteps of Antonee Robinson and his former Southampton team-mate Mario Lemina.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/reed-makes-permanent-fulham-move/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reed-makes-permanent-fulham-move

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Mario Lemina: Fulham sign Southampton midfielder on season-long loan

Lemina, who has played for France U21s, has 18 caps for Gabon

Fulham have signed Southampton's Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina on a season-long loan deal.

Lemina joined Saints from Juventus in an £18m deal in 2017, but his last appearance for the Premier League club was back in May 2019.

The 26-year-old spent most of last season on loan in Turkey at Galatasaray.

The deal contains an option for a permanent move at the end of the loan agreement.

Director of football operations Tony Khan said Fulham's management team have tracked Lemina for some time.

"I'm very excited to announce his arrival on loan," said Khan.

"I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he's been highly rated by our scouting team and our head coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

"I believe he will thrive for our club under Scott's coaching and leadership."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53968793

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Fulham sign Lemina on loan from Southampton

Fulham have signed Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

The newly promoted Premier League outfit are looking to add greater Premier League experience to their squad and have turned to Lemina to bolster their midfield options.

Lemina spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray after being deemed surplus to requirements by Southampton 12 months ago.

The 26-year-old was once linked with moves to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United after a great run of form for Southampton.

However, the former Juventus midfielder has lost his way in the last two seasons and will now hope to kickstart his career at Craven Cottage.

Lemina made 20 league appearances for Galatasaray in 2019/20, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions pg.

Moreover, the Gabon international boasted the second best dribble success rate (30+ attempted) in the Turkish Super Lig (82.6%).



https://www.whoscored.com/News/8kMj3uk9M0yn-WMloXcxqw/Show/Fulham-sign-Lemina-on-loan-from-Southampton

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done deal Fulham complete loan deal for Mario Lemina and will sign Southampton midfielder permanently if they avoid relegation

Fulham have completed the season-long loan signing of Southampton outcast Mario Lemina and landed Harrison Reed from the Saints on a permanent deal.

Lemina, 26, spent last season on loan at Galatasaray but now heads back to the Premier League with the newly-promoted Cottagers.

talkSPORT understands Fulham have agreed to pay a £2million deal to take Lemina on loan for the season and will pay a further £6m to sign the midfielder permanently if they avoid relegation.

Director of football operations Tony Khan revealed Fulham's management team have tracked Lemina for some time.

"Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I'm very excited to announce his arrival on loan," said Khan.

"I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he's been highly rated by our scouting team and our head coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

"I believe he will thrive for our club under Scott's coaching and leadership."

Lemina joined Southampton from Juventus in an £18million deal in 2017, but his last Saints appearance was back in May 2019.

The former France Under-21 star is relishing the chance to work with boss Parker at Fulham.

"Now I'm with Fulham, I'm really happy and I'm glad to be part of the project," said Lemina.

"I spoke with the manager and he's got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Later on Sunday, the two clubs confirmed Reed's permanent move to Craven Cottage.

The midfielder, a Saints academy product, spent last season on loan with Fulham and made 28 appearances in the Championship.

Fulham tweeted that Reed was "back for good" while Southampton posted several pictures of him in action for them, accompanied by the message: "Wishing you all the best for the future, @HarrisonReed"



https://talksport.com/football/752912/fulham-loan-signing-mario-lemina-southampton/

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Reed makes permanent move to Fulham

25-year-old midfielder agrees four-year deal with club after successful loan spell from Southampton as Mario Lemina also joins on loan

Fulham have completed their third transfer of the summer with the permanent signing of Harrison Reed.

The 25-year-old midfielder has agreed a four-year deal with an option for a further year and moves for an undisclosed fee from Southampton, after a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

Reed played 24 times in the Championship, helping Fulham win promotion back to the Premier League, and he is the second player to move to the west London club from Saints on the same day, following Mario Lemina's loan switch.

He made 17 Premier League appearances for Southampton, but has not featured in the competition since 2016/17.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to finally get it done and to be here as a permanent player," Reed told the club's official website. "I'm absolutely over the moon.

"It's going to be an exciting season, it's a big challenge this year, but I can't wait to get going, to get back training, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I'm absolutely delighted to be here and commit my future to the club."

Reed spent the last three seasons on loan at Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham.

He will hope to make his Premier League debut for the promoted side when they host Arsenal on Saturday 12 September.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1796268

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 Fulham bolster midfield by signing Harrison Reed and bringing in Mario Lemina on loan
Cottagers understood to be listening to loan offers for Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen


Mario Lemina spent last season on loan with Galatasaray

Fulham have bolstered their midfield by signing two players from Southampton, with Mario Lemina joining on a season-long loan, while Harrison Reed has joined on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Lemina, who joined Southampton for £15.4m from Juventus in August, 2017, spent last season on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.

Fulham have an option to make Lemina's loan move permanent if he impresses at Craven Cottage.

Speaking after completing his loan switch, Lemina said: "Now I'm with Fulham, I'm really happy and I'm glad to be part of the project.

"I spoke with the manager and he's got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Fulham's vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan, revealed head coach Scott Parker, as well as the club's scouting and statistical analysis teams, were all keen to bring Lemina to Craven Cottage.

"Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I'm very excited to announce his arrival at Fulham Football Club on loan," Khan said.

"I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he's been highly rated by our scouting team and our head coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

"I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he's been highly rated by our scouting team and our head coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team."

Fulham's vice-chairman Tony Khan

"I believe he will thrive for our club under Scott's coaching and leadership. Come on Fulham!"

Reed joins Fulham for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the summer of 2024, with a club option to extend by a further year.


Harrison Reed spent last season on loan with Fulham

The 25-year-old established himself as an important contributor under Parker last season, making 24 Championship appearances as Fulham won promotion by beating Brentford in the play-off final.

Having sealed his return, Reed told FFCtv: "I'm absolutely buzzing to finally get it done and to be here as a permanent player, I'm absolutely over the moon.

"It's going to be an exciting season, it's a big challenge this year, but I can't wait to get going, to get back training, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I'm absolutely delighted to be here and commit my future to the club."

Lemina and Reed become the third and fourth signings of the summer for newly-promoted Fulham, who have also brought in winger Anthony Knockaert from Brighton for £10m and left-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic for £2m.

Following the arrivals of Lemina and Reed, Fulham are understood to be listening to loan offers for Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen.


Ollie Watkins is being linked with a move away from Brentford this summer

Fulham are also interested in signing striker Ollie Watkins from Brentford and have held talks with their west London rivals about the 24-year-old.

Fulham face competition from Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and fellow promoted side West Brom to sign Watkins, who Brentford value in excess of £25m.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, who is likely to secure a return to the Premier League following the Cherries' relegation from the top flight, is another player Fulham are interested in signing.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12060033/fulham-bolster-midfield-by-signing-harrison-reed-and-bringing-in-mario-lemina-on-loan

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Fulham complete deals for Reed and Lemina

Fulham have completed deals to sign Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina from Southampton.

Reed (pictured) impressed while on loan from the Saints last season, helping Fulham win promotion back to the Premier League.

The club have taken up an option to buy Reed, 25, for £8m.

He has signed a four-year contract and been joined at Craven Cottage by fellow midfielder Lemina.

Gabon international Lemina, 26, has been out of favour at Southampton for some time and was on loan at Galatasaray last season.

Lemina has joined Fulham on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-deals-for-reed-and-lemina