Sunday Fulham Stuff - 04/10/20...

WhiteJC · September 30, 2020, 10:21:50 AM

Results

Saturday
Chelsea	4-0	Palace
Everton	4-2	Brighton
Leeds	1-1	Man City
Newcastle	3-1	West Brom

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:28:52 PM

Fulham are stuck with Tony Khan, whether the fans like it or not

In football, some stories boil under the surface for years before erupting into the mainstream press.

At Fulham, Tony Khan has been something of a ticking timebomb for a number of years, with the Whites' Director of Football having all the characteristics you'd want from a tabloid football villain.

He's outspoken, he's arrogant and if we're being brutally honest, he's an easy target, being supremely underqualified for his role at Fulham and the privileged son of a billionaire who has benefitted from an obscene amount of nepotism.

This week we've seen things boil over, a number of papers reported on Scott Parker's scathing comments on him, fans on Twitter have called for his resignation, and Jamie Carragher labelled him a "clown" live on Sky Sports (via The Sun).

However, despite so many supporters calling for him to resign, and the American quite simply making a mess of the club's last two Premier League campaigns, he's still in a job, and he will be for the foreseeable future.

You have lost all credibility in the uk for your role as director of football

Resign
— Fulham Fanatic (@FanaticFulham) October 1, 2020

Hopefully within 24 hours, @TonyKhan will do the right thing and resign from his post as DoF. Then, and only then we may have a chance of getting more than 10 points this season.
— Alan Drewett Jnr (@alandrewettjnr) September 28, 2020

I should + will apologize repeatedly for that performance. I’m sorry everybody. We all need to do a better job. Everyone at the club for the past year worked really hard to get the team up, & now we need to work significantly harder to stay up. I promise better efforts than today
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 28, 2020

Resign. Totally out of your depth. It’s a full time job for someone who has football experience. Get someone in who knows the game and let them get on with it
— Gary Wallis (@Peter_Le_Fleur) September 28, 2020

The reality is that Khan shouldn't hold such a position, he has no fewer than four jobs listed in his Twitter bio, and if he's juggling the running of a wrestling promotion, an NFL team and an analytics company all while trying to be a competent Director of Football, he's going to struggle.

There quite simply aren't enough hours in a week to do each of those roles justice, and over the past few months, it seems as though Fulham have been losing the battle for his attention.

The fact of the matter is that he is basically the de-facto owner of the club, with actual chairman Shahid Khan rarely getting involved these days, and if he is going to be ousted from his role, he's going to have to sack himself, and that doesn't seem at all likely.

In all of his wisdom, Khan told a fan to 'go to hell' last year when he was told to leave the club, while also making it clear that he won't be leaving, claiming that he plans to die at the club, and while that isn't the best way to handle your PR, it is also a sign of just how stubborn he is.

Khan won't give this job up anytime soon, he's the one who decides on these matters and it certainly doesn't look like he's going to follow Glenn Tamplin's example and sack himself anytime soon.

It's hard for Fulham fans to not get involved in this, and the crusade to oust Khan from his role at the club is happening for a reason, but these vocal supporters are fighting a losing battle. Khan is here to stay, whether they like it or not.

https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/tony-khan-fulham-parker-transfers

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:30:32 PM

Fulham boss convinced he can 'nurture' Lookman through second Premier League chance

Ademola Lookman was often regarded as a 'nearly man' during his time at Everton.

This time in the Premier League, Fulham believe they will unlock the winger's undoubted talents.

After an initial flurry of success at Goodison Park following his £11m transfer from Charlton in 2017, Lookman went on to make a mere 48 appearances in two years, scoring four goals, with two assists.

He held out for a loan move to RB Leipzig in January 2018, and scored the winner in his first match for the Bundesliga side. But like at Everton, his career then hit the buffers after an exciting start.

He is still only 22, and Scott Parker has got a player he first coveted as a precocious teenager with Charlton.

The aim is to rescue Lookman and Fulham from the doldrums.

The manager said: "I remember when Ade first came on the scene at Charlton – he was very exciting.

"He's not had a consistent run of games. I think games is key for Ade, that he feels he has the opportunity to play football matches.

"I'd like to think I can nurture him along; help him on the training pitch, and be there for him.

"I hope he's got 30 games for us by the end (of his loan), and we see a real top-quality player".

Lookman will get appearance number two at Wolves on Sunday after being one of the few positives in the 3-0 defeat at Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

"He'll be involved at some time, whether that's a start or on the bench," said Parker.

"He showed his quality (against Brentford) especially in one-v-ones, although he's not had a lot of game time".

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-convinced-he-can-nurture-lookman-through-second-premier-league-chance

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:31:33 PM

Watford man on radar of Burnley, West Ham United and Fulham

Watford defender Craig Dawson has been linked with West Ham United over recent days, whilst Fulham and Burnley are 'options' for him, as per The Athletic journalist Adam Leventhal on Twitter (see tweet below).

#WatfordFC transfer update

Re Dawson: sources close to potential move say nothing official from WH yet. But purchase of Troost-Ekong & Sierralta & Wilmot return make clear exit on agenda. Fulham & Burnley (closer to family home) options.
@TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/2lpp395lq6
— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) October 2, 2020

The centre-back could be a thrown a Premier League lifeline before the end of the transfer window.

West Ham, Fulham and Burnley are all in need of defensive reinforcements and have until 16th October to sign Dawson if they want to.

Dawson, who is 30 years old, only moved to Watford last summer but couldn't prevent the Hertfordshire side getting relegated to the Championship.

The experienced defender started out in non-league with Radcliffe Borough before he was snapped up by Rochdale in 2009. After an impressive campaign with them in League Two, West Brom signed him in August 2010.

He had a brief loan stint at Bolton Wanderers in 2013 before establishing himself as a key player at the Hawthorns. Dawson spent nine years in the Midlands, making 225 appearances and chipping in with 15 goals.

Watford came calling last year after he spent the year before in the Championship but he finds himself back in the second tier again now.

However, he could be on his way back to the top flight over the coming weeks.

https://the72.co.uk/195176/watford-man-on-radar-of-burnley-west-ham-united-and-fulham/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:32:29 PM

Scott Parker: Fulham situation not as drastic as is being made out

Scott Parker believes the reaction to Fulham's poor start to the season has been "drastic".

The Cottagers have lost their opening three Premier League games following promotion from the Championship, conceding 10 goals, while the mood was not helped by a 3-0 loss to Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Owner Tony Khan caused a fuss following Monday's 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa when he apologised for the performance on Twitter, something that irked Parker.

As a result a lot of attention has been on the Craven Cottage club and Parker reckons it is over the top.

"At this moment in time my focus is on the team," he said. "What has happened has happened, I sense a narrative around us, I sense a story around us.

"We need to stay focused, what we can control is us. We need to be rational in this situation. I understand the world we live in now where this is a story and where the story is it will be pushed a little bit more.

"But at times there have been elements of our performances that I have been very impressed by. I don't think it is as drastic as everyone makes out at this moment in time.

"I need to stay rational and the team will. I understand the challenges and if we stick together, which I know we will, and we keep working hard on a daily basis I have no doubt we will be OK.

"I am looking forward to the weekend and the rest of the season. There is a challenge here that we need to go and meet it head on."

Nevertheless Parker is acutely aware that the sooner they get their season up and running the better, with Sunday's visit to Wolves their next chance to do so.

"It is vitally important to try and win some games and get some points on the board," he said. "I understand that. We are continuously working hard to try and improve things and try and get better as a team.

"This is a team in transition from the Championship to now come into this league, the players are adjusting to that and learning very quickly on the job what this league and the quality it brings really.

"I have a good group here who are working hard on the training field to get it right."

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-fulham-situation-not-as-drastic-as-is-being-made-out-1601713914000

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:33:51 PM

Transfer News: Fulham lodge €18 million bid for Jean-Claire Todibo

Jean-Claire Todibo's exit from Barcelona has reportedly edged closer as Fulham are ready to table an €18 million offer for the Frenchman.

According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Fulham are closing in on the signing of Jean-Claire Todibo from Barcelona, for a fee reported to be around €18 million.

Todibo joined Barcelona from Toulouse in the winter transfer window of 2019 for a bargain fee of just €1 million despite being one of the best defensive prospects to come out of France. He made his debut against SD Huesca in a 0-0 draw as part of a weakened team fielded by Ernesto Valverde before the UEFA Champions League quarter-final away leg against Manchester United.

Todibo only managed to get only to get a grand total of 150 minutes post that before being loaned out to FC Schalke 04. He was, however, part of the Barcelona starting XI that beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League. Todibo was awarded the man of the match for his exploits in defence that day.

Life has managed to come fast for Todibo since his loan move to Germany. A long-term injury halted his progress due to which he was sidelined for nearly two months, post which a transfer to Everton fell out, and the player tested positive for the Coronavirus after his return to Barcelona training.

While Todibo insists on fighting for minutes, there is little chance for him to feature for Barcelona. The Frenchman failed to even cut into the squad list for the first two games of the season against Villarreal and Celta Vigo, respectively, with Ronald Koeman preferring Barcelona B players Ronald Araujo and Santiago Ramos Mingo ahead of him.

Fulham's approach could be the breakthrough Todibo needs. The London outfit has limited options for the centre-half role and a player with a high ceiling such as Todibo could reignite their already crashing season. He has the strength and pace to cut it in the Premier League which could allow Scott Parker to permanently shift to a three-man backline, consequently adding more defensive depth.

On a personal level, however, this might be too big a leap in the wrong direction for the 20-year-old. There is a good chance that Fulham will not survive in the Premier League this season, which will only spell more trouble for the Barcelona outcast.

On the flipside, Todibo could get his chances this season if Barcelona fail to complete the signing of Eric Garcia from Manchester City, although with three days left for the transfer window to end, he will have to take his chances.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2020/10/03/transfer-news-fulham-lodge-e18-million-bid-for-jean-claire-todibo/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:34:48 PM

Jean-Clair Todibo: Fulham make £16m offer for Barcelona centre-back

Fulham are yet to agree terms with 20-year-old defender, who was recently a target for Everton

Fulham have submitted an €18m (£16.3m) offer for Barcelona centre-back Jean-Clair Tobido as the club rush to reinforce their defence before the transfer window closes on 5 October.

Everton had initially led the race to sign Todibo and submitted a loan offer for the defender, who spent last season on loan at Schalke. However, Barcelona insisted that any deal had to be permanent in order to raise funds for their pursuit of Manchester City's Eric Garcia.

The Toffees were reluctant to commit to signing Todibo outright, though, and instead turned to Norwich's Ben Godfrey, with the highly rated England youth international now set to join Carlo Ancelotti's side for an initial fee of around £25m.

Todibo has not yet come to any agreement with Fulham on personal terms, but the Cottagers are still hoping to persuade the 20-year-old over a move to south-west London before Monday's deadline.

Scott Parker is desperately hoping to strengthen his squad after a miserable start to the Premier League season, with Sampdoria's Omar Colley another centre-back of interest.

After Fulham suffered a dreadful 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa, co-owner and vice-chairman Tony Khan tweeted: "I apologize to @FulhamFC supporters for our performance tonight. We've looked to add centre-backs since Wembley, I'm sorry we haven't yet as 2 got COVID + we lost a Free we thought was close + had another issue with a 4th CB. I promise players in + better efforts from this squad."

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/jean-clair-todibo-transfer-fulham-barcelona-everton-latest-epl-b754600.html

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:36:00 PM

5 things to know | Wolves vs Fulham

Wolves will look to bounce back from consecutive defeats when Fulham arrive in town on Sunday, and with plenty of talking points circulating the fixture, here are five things to know.

1. Meeting Premier League newcomers

Sunday's clash with the Cottagers will be Wolves' first taste of fresh blood in the Premier League this season, after Scott Parker's side were promoted via the Play-Offs back in August. Their 2-1 victory over Brentford at Wembley saw the West London club join Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in the top flight and this weekend they head to Molineux.

Last season, Wolves enjoyed faultless success against two of the three sides most recently in the Championship and will look to continue their record during 2020/21. Both Norwich City and Aston Villa were new to the Premier League last term, and Nuno's side showed no mercy, claiming six points from six against both. Things weren't so straightforward against Sheffield United, the third newly-promoted side, with Wolves picking up just the draw, but overall, 13 points from 18 available is a healthy total and Nuno will want similar success, if not more, this term, starting against Fulham.

2. Stopping the rot

Under Nuno, Wolves have had a tendency to not let losing runs continue for too long, and that ability will be needed more than ever on Sunday. Following back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and West Ham United, Wolves are looking to avoid losing for a third league game running for only the second time under Nuno. Only in the autumn of 2018, when Wolves suffered a rare blip in the top fight with defeats to Watford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, have they lost three on the spin under Nuno.

Fulham themselves have endured a disappointing start to life back in the top flight. From three games, Parker's men have conceded ten goals and scored just three (in one outing at Leeds United), so are unsurprisingly rooted to the foot of the table with no points. They'll be looking to improve, and sharpish, but will take heart from their previous away outing in West Yorkshire, where they lost by the odd goal in a 4-3 classic.

3. Injuries in both camps

In what is a rarity under Nuno, Wolves go into Sunday's game with question marks over the fitness of two potential starting players. Both Marcal and Daniel Podence missed the defeat at the London Stadium on Sunday and Nuno remained coy on their chances of being fit this weekend, describing "some issues", with Saturday's training session due to provide the final call.

Parker was without a trio of options for Thursday's Carabao Cup tie at Brentford and his issues are likely to stretch to Sunday. New signing Kenny Tete suffered a calf injury against Aston Villa on Monday and will not return until after the international break, alongside Mario Lemina. There was better news from a Fulham perspective on Harrison Reed, who is "touch and go" to feature, according to Parker, who is also expected to hand a debut to new signing Ademola Lookman.

4. Molineux bows await

Sunday could be a special day for Nelson Semedo and Ki-Jana Hoever, who are in line to enjoy their first taste of Molineux. Of course, it's a bitter-sweet emotion, as an empty Molineux is a shadow of the packed and lively venue when full, but it's a milestone all the same for the pair of new signings. Both featured at West Ham United last weekend, Semedo from the start, and Hoever off the bench to replace the Portuguese.

One will expect to start against Fulham, while the other will hope to feature. Hoever's versatility is likely to increase his opportunities as the season progresses, with the youngster able to play in the right of a back three, as well as wing-back.

5. Signings off the international weekend

International call ups have preceded Sunday's game and Wolves know this is their last opportunity to gain points before the players go their separates ways for the best part of two weeks. Just a handful of Nuno's squad will remain at Compton Park next week, so there's going to be an underlying determination to sign off on a positive note.

Nuno is proud of the upcoming call-ups and will hope his players avoid injury against Fulham and while away with their nations. He said: "We're going to have 95 per cent of our team involved in national teams. That says a lot, and it's huge in the development of a player. When our players return, let's hope they are healthy, but also that they have come back better players."

https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/first-team/20201002-5-things-to-know-wolves-vs-fulham/#

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:37:01 PM

Agent confirms Fulham's interest in signing – Positive signs for move

Fulham's long search for a new centre-back hasn't yielded in any results and with less than three days left for the window to close, they need to step up their efforts.

On October 2nd, TuttoMercatoWeb reported Sampdoria have said 'no' to the Cottagers first offer for Omar Colley, and the negotiations between with two sides are expected to continue.

Blucerchiati.net interviewed the defender's agent, Cheikh Fall, and he confirmed the English club's interest in his client.

"Yes, they [Fulham] are interested. but I still don't think [there are] offers," Fall said.

The representative, however, said his client "will leave" Claudio Ranieri's side before the window closes and is likely to end up in the Premier League.

SampNews24 also contacted Colley's agent and Fall confirmed the centre-back will move to England.

The website explained Fulham are ahead of other suitors in the race to sign the Sampdoria defender.

This will come as an encouragement for Fulham, and they will receive a further boost after Sampdoria chairman Massimo Ferrero told TuttoMercatoWeb that the Gambia international will leave the club.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/agent-reveals-fulhams-interest-in-transfer-joins-chief-to-confirm-player-will-leave-club/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:39:21 PM

Fulham 'make £16.3m bid for Barcelona centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo as Scott Parker rushes to reinforce leaky defence before transfer window closes'

Fulham have submitted a £16.3m bid for Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo
The Cottagers are in need of a defender, having shipped 10 league goals already
Personal terms are yet to be agreed but there is hope a deal can be done
Tony Khan revealed last week the club were trying to sign a defender

Fulham have made a £16.3m bid for Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Scott Parker frantically looks to shore up his leaky defence with the transfer deadline fast approaching.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a Barcelona exit this summer, with the LaLiga club looking to raise funds in their pursuit of Manchester City centre half Eric Garcia.

Everton had been in the race to sign the Frenchman, but were reportedly reluctant to take the player permanently, with a loan deal preferred for the Toffees.

Fulham have submitted a £16.3million bid for Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo

Scott Parker is in desperate need for new defenders before the transfer window shuts

Carlo Ancelotti's side have since swooped for Norwich defender Ben Godfrey, leaving the door open for Premier League newcomers Fulham to make a move for the defender.

And according to The Independent, the Cottagers have submitted an offer for Todibo, who spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Bundesliga side Schalke.

The report adds that personal terms are yet to be agreed between Fulham and Todibo, with the club hopeful they can convince the young defender to move to Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers have shipped ten goals in the league since making their return to the top flight

Barcelona are looking to offload Todibo to raise funds for Man City defender Eric Garcia

Parker has been desperate for defensive additions to his side, with many already writing the west London club off following their poor start to the season.

Fulham are winless in their first three top flight games, shipping 10 goals already. They were also drubbed 3-0 by Brentford in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Todibo is not the only target on Fulham's radar, with Sampdoria's Omar Colley another defender they are interested in.

Following the club's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, Fulham chief Tony Khan tweeted: 'I apologize to @FulhamFC supporters for our performance tonight.

'We've looked to add centre-backs since Wembley, I'm sorry we haven't yet as 2 got COVID + we lost a Free we thought was close + had another issue with a 4th CB. I promise players in + better efforts from this squad.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8801049/Fulham-make-16-3m-bid-Barcelona-centre-Jean-Clair-Todibo.html

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:40:12 PM

Report: Leeds United want Arsenal's William Saliba on loan

Leeds United and Fulham are interested in signing William Saliba from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Le10 Sport.

It has been reported by the French news outlet that Arsenal are open to sending the 19-year-old defender out on loan before the window closes this month.

Fulham and Leeds, both of whom won promotion from the Championship at the end of last season, are interested in securing the services of the France Under-20 international on loan, according to the report.

Arsenal spell
Arsenal signed Saliba from French club Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019 for a transfer fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £27 million.

As part of the deal, the 19-year-old spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Saint-Etienne.

According to WhoScored, the France Under-20 international made 11 starts and one substitute appearance in Ligue 1 last season.

The teenager also played twice in the Europa League last season, while in 2018-19, he made 13 starts and three substitute appearances in the league, according to WhoScored.

Saliba is a very good and promising young defender, and he would make Leeds or Fulham better in central defence.

Arsenal do have a lot of centre-backs in their squad, and manager Mikel Arteta can afford to let Saliba leave on loan.

https://sportslens.com/report-leeds-united-want-arsenals-william-saliba-on-loan/317008/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:41:16 PM

Second source backs Fulham agreement with club for signing – Player studying offer, Mendes involved

Fulham are one of the English clubs credited with an interest in Barcelona's Jean-Clair Todibo.

Mundo Deportivo reported on Friday the two clubs have reached an agreement for the centre-back's transfer, but the deal wasn't closed because he isn't in favour of joining the Cottagers.

The La Liga side need to trim their squad before the window closes on Monday, and Saturday's edition of Sport explains Todibo, Samuel Umitti and Rafinha are the three players expected to leave in the coming days.

With regards to Todibo, the newspaper states Fulham would be willing to pay €18m to acquire his services.

Online, Sport now backs Mundo's claims from Friday and states the two clubs have 'reached an agreement in principle' for €18m plus bonuses.

Jorge Mendes is acting as an intermediary, and the super-agent, along with Todibo's representatives, are working on the deal.

It's claimed there's been a new development and Todibo has now changed his mind.

As per the report, the Frenchman is studying offers from Fulham and also one from Everton, with the latter being a questionable claim.

Fulham hope to 'close the operation' to sign Todibo. Should they fail, they will immediately shift their focus to Sampdoria's Omar Colley.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/second-source-backs-fulham-has-agreement-with-club-for-signing-player-studying-offer-mendes-involved/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:41:44 PM

Claim club have reached agreement with Fulham player over personal terms

Hurriyet reporter Ali Naci Kucuk claims Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri is keen to join Galatasaray, but the Turkish side and Fulham have yet to agree on a deal.

It's been widely reported Seri wants a return to Galatasaray after spending the last season on loan with them, and Ali Naci Kucuk reports they've reached an agreement with the player. He will reportedly receive €2.5m a season, a figure likely to be after tax.

However, Fulham want to insert a mandatory redemption clause which is said to be set at €8m, along with a €2m loan fee. The Hurriyet journalist believes the deal is unlikely to happen at this stage as these terms don't suit Galatasaray.

Given there's still time left in this transfer window, Gala could still complete a loan deal for the Ivorian and their manager Fatih Terim has publicly stated that he wants to see the 29-year-old in his team this season.

Seri made 37 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray last season, scoring 2 goals. His contract at Craven Cottage will expire at the end of June 2022.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/claim-club-reached-agreement-fulham-player-personal-terms/

WhiteJC · October 03, 2020, 04:42:52 PM

Sources: Sheffield United leapfrog Fulham in race to sign player who cost £18m in 2018

Sheffield United have leapfrogged Fulham in the race to sign Huddersfield Town defender Terence Kongolo, Football Insider understands.

The Holland international, 26, was omitted from the Terriers matchday squad for their Championship clash against Rotherham today.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Chris Wilder's side are now the marginal favourites to secure the signature of Kongolo by Monday night's cut-off.

Huddersfield claimed Kongolo's absence is due to a foot injury but manager Carlos Corberan revealed at his pre-match media conference yesterday (Friday) that he was not going to be involved anyway due to doubts over his future at the John Smith's Stadium.

United have set their sights on a new centre-back after losing Jack O'Connell to an injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Fulham's need is possibly even greater as they make increasingly desperate attempts to secure multiple centre-back targets in the final days of the window.

Kongolo is keen to return to the Premier League after making 45 appearances in the competition.

This site broke the news in the middle of last month that Fulham had opened talks over signing the giant centre-back, who cost the Yorkshire club £18million when they signed him in 2018.

Kongolo spent the second half of last season at the west London club but only played two matches due to a foot injury.

He missed the rest of the campaign after breaking down in February just nine minutes into his Championship debut for Fulham.

Nevertheless, Fulham have seen enough of the four-times Holland international to work on a permanent deal.

https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-sheffield-united-leapfrog-fulham-in-race-to-sign-player-who-cost-18m-in-2018/

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:51:02 AM

Scott Parker: 'We must be rational amid poor start to season'

Scott Parker believes the reaction to Fulham's poor start to the season has been "drastic".

The Cottagers have lost their opening three Premier League games following promotion from the Championship, conceding 10 goals, while the mood was not helped by a 3-0 loss to Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Owner Tony Khan caused a fuss following Monday's 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa when he apologised for the performance on Twitter, something that irked Parker.

As a result a lot of attention has been on the Craven Cottage club and Parker reckons it is over the top.

"At this moment in time my focus is on the team," he said. "What has happened has happened, I sense a narrative around us, I sense a story around us.

"We need to stay focused, what we can control is us. We need to be rational in this situation. I understand the world we live in now where this is a story and where the story is it will be pushed a little bit more.

"But at times there have been elements of our performances that I have been very impressed by. I don't think it is as drastic as everyone makes out at this moment in time.

"I need to stay rational and the team will. I understand the challenges and if we stick together, which I know we will, and we keep working hard on a daily basis I have no doubt we will be OK.

"I am looking forward to the weekend and the rest of the season. There is a challenge here that we need to go and meet it head on."

Nevertheless Parker is acutely aware that the sooner they get their season up and running the better, with Sunday's visit to Wolves their next chance to do so.

"It is vitally important to try and win some games and get some points on the board," he said. "I understand that. We are continuously working hard to try and improve things and try and get better as a team.

"This is a team in transition from the Championship to now come into this league, the players are adjusting to that and learning very quickly on the job what this league and the quality it brings really.

"I have a good group here who are working hard on the training field to get it right."

https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-we-must-be-rational-amid-poor-start-to-season_417004.html

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:52:33 AM

Fulham make 'first draft' of offer for defender – €19m deal, €2.5m-a-year contract offered

Fulham are absolutely desperate to sign a centre back before the end of the window, are you aware of that? You should be.

Scott Parker and company's leaky start to life in the Premier League has caused a panicked rush at the end of the transfer window, and they've subsequently been linked to pretty much every available central defender in Europe.

Between Omar Colley, Timo Baumgartl and Marlon, there's barely a centre back they haven't made a bid for. We can now add Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti to the list, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

They report that Fulham has 'targeted' the centre back and made a 'first draft' of an offer, tabling a bid worth €19m in total.

They've also offered the 27-year-old a deal worth €2.5m per season, although the length of the contract isn't mentioned.

Nor is the Italian side's response to the supposed bid but TMW say that there are 'warm hours' incoming for the defender just 48 hours before the end of the window.

That would suggest Fulham have a chance of getting their man and he could be the answer to the Cottagers' frantic last-minute trolley dash.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-berat-djimsiti-atalanta-transfer-19m/

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Fulham signing this proven 26-year-old Championship star would ease Parker's defensive woes

Why Fulham re-signing Terence Kongolo would bolster their defence

According to Yorkshire Live, Fulham co-owner Tony Khan has assured the fans that the Cottagers are trying their best to bring in a new centre-back, with Huddersfield Town's Terence Kongolo mentioned as a potential target.

Khan took to his official Twitter account to issue a public apology to the fans in the wake of Fulham's humiliating 3-0 loss at home against Aston Villa on Monday night. The Cottagers were ripped apart at the back by the visitors and the owner acknowledged the need for some significant improvement moving forward if the club are to stay up in the top-flight.

Kongolo spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Craven Cottage but a foot injury restricted the Dutchman to just a single league appearance as Scott Parker's side secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.

Profile
Born in Freiburg, Germany, to parents of Congolese descent, Terence Kongolo migrated to the Netherlands at a young age and started his career with Feyenoord. He went on to make 138 appearances for Feyenoord in all competitions, establishing himself as one of the best young talents in the Eredivisie, while also catching the eye in the Europa League.

The 26-year-old joined Monaco in 2017 but made only 6 appearances for the French outlet before completing a move to Huddersfield Town in January 2018. Kongolo made 13 appearances for Huddersfield in the Premier League during the second half of the 2017-18 campaign and was instrumental in guiding the Terriers to safety.

Kongolo once again featured as a regular starter for Huddersfield in the following campaign but he couldn't save the Yorkshire club from relegation at the end of the 2018-19 season. The Dutchman only played a bit-part role for the Terriers in the Championship last term, starting just 10 league games before joining Fulham on loan in January.

Kongolo could be the answer to Fulham's crisis
If signing a new central defender wasn't already top of Fulham's transfer agenda, then it should certainly be the case after the team's disastrous start to their PL campaign.

Having conceded seven goals in their first two PL games against Arsenal and Leeds United, Scott Parker switched to a back-three system against Aston Villa in a bid to stem the inflow of goals. That tactical tweak, however, didn't really change Fulham's fortunes as the Cottagers continued their torrid start to life back in the top-flight with a third straight defeat.

The central defensive triumvirate of Tim Ream, Dennis Odoi and Michael Hector was all over the place and literally non-existent at times. The wing-backs didn't do an awful lot either. Truth be told, none of the existing centre-backs in the squad has inspired any sort of confidence in the top-flight so far.

Suffice to say, the Cottagers are in dire need of some upgrades at the back, and taking a punt on Terence Kongolo might be a smart idea. The 26-year-old struggled with injuries during his brief loan stint at Craven Cottage last season but he ticks the box as a quality defender with plenty of top-flight experience in his CV.

The Dutchman proved himself as a relegation specialist during Huddersfield's successful bid for survival in the top-flight during the 2017-18 campaign. He failed to repeat those heroics in the following season as the Terriers eventually suffered the drop. But Kongolo showed that he is more than capable of going shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the Premier League.

Verdict
Fulham could well be set for a repeat of their ignominy from the 2018-19 season if they don't take immediate measures to stop the defensive rut. They conceded 81 goals back then and finished bottom of the table that season.

Terence Kongolo still has his best years ahead of him at 26 while his previous survival heroics with Huddersfield in the top-flight makes the Dutchman a lucrative option for the Cottagers.

https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/10/04/fulham-signing-this-proven-26-year-old-championship-star-would-ease-parkers-defensive-woes/

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:56:43 AM

Fulham submit bid for Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti

Fulham are desperate to sign a quality defender before the transfer window closes and they have submitted an offer for Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the bid from Fulham is worth around €19 million (£17.2m).

Furthermore, the 27-year-old defender has been offered wages of around €2.5 million per season (£44,000-a-week) and it will be interesting to see if the Italian outfit are willing to accept the offer from the Londoners.

Fulham have been vulnerable at the back since the start of the season and they need to solve their defensive issues if they want to stay up this season.

Berat Djimsiti is a quality defender and he could improve Fulham immensely.

Convincing the player should not be too difficult for the London club but Atalanta might not be keen on selling the 27-year-old this late in the window.

Even if they are getting good money for Berat Djimsiti, they will struggle to find a quality replacement with so little time left.

It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds in the coming hours and whether Scott Parker is able to get his man with just two days remaining in the window.

https://sportslens.com/fulham-submit-bid-for-atalantas-berat-djimsiti/317184/

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:57:27 AM

NEW FOF'cast 🎧 🎙 YoYo?? No No!!

On this episode of FOF'cast, we are joined once again by our regular guests Owen Smith and Gerry Pimm as we discuss the following FFC topics:

Fulham's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
The Twitter aftermath following Tony Khan 's Tweet.
Jammie Carragher's Sky Sports rant over Fulham's transfers.
Still no Centre Backs.
The Carabao Cup Battering by Brentford.
Lookman's debut for Fulham.
What's up with Michael Hector??
The Scott Parker situation
Sense of frustration growing between Fulham fans.
On to Wolves this Sunday
Wolves predictions.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to listen to our Podcast, show is around 1 hour and 25 minutes long, your feedback is always appreciated to improve future episodes.

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1434

WhiteJC · October 04, 2020, 07:58:23 AM

Fulham contact Arsenal over the loan signing of William Saliba

Fulham seem desperate to sign a centre back before the window closes and William Saliba is reportedly on their radar.

The London club have been linked with several other defenders this summer and it will be interesting to see if they can add some quality and depth to their defence soon.

Scott Parker's side have been vulnerable at the back so far and they have conceded 10 goals in their three league games.

Signing a quality defender could be the difference between relegation and survival for the Londoners this season.

According to GFFN, they have already contacted Arsenal regarding a potential loan deal for Saliba. The young defender needs to play regularly in order to continue his development and a move to Fulham wouldn't be a bad option for Arsenal and the player.

Fulham are likely to be able to give him regular first-team action this season.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal are willing to send the player out on loan. They have Sokratis, Luiz, Mari, Holding and Gabriel at their disposal and therefore Saliba is unlikely to be a key option for Arteta anytime soon.

The 19-year-old is immensely talented and Arsenal should look to loan him out for his own good.

https://sportslens.com/fulham-contact-arsenal-over-the-loan-signing-of-william-saliba/317234/