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Friday Fulham Stuff - 16/07/21...

Started by WhiteJC, July 16, 2021, 07:49:27 AM

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WhiteJC

Grimes Latest – Bournemouth and Fulham join the pursuit?

Matt Grimes has already been linked with Newcastle United and Southampton this summer and now, if reports are to be believed, he is also a target for our Championship rivals in Bournemouth and Fulham both of whom are said to be pursuing the captain.

Earlier this summer it was reported that Grimes was a target for the Premier League duo but reports yesterday added two more names to the pursuit with at least one media source claiming that it was the contract position of the Swans skipper that interested them with reports of him being on the last year of his contract.

That being the case clubs are being placed on alert that the player could be available at less than his market value with the Swans not being willing to risk losing him for a free transfer in 12 months time.

Losing Grimes for the Swans would clearly be a blow although the recent capture of Liam Walsh could be seen as the natural replacement to Grimes.   Losing him though to a Championship rival would be a real kick in the teeth for the Swans and certainly give some level of boost to two of the sides we would see as promotion candidates in the new season.

It is still reported that the Swans have had no firm interest (or bids) for their captain but we should also remember that the transfer window is young.



https://planetswans.co.uk/2021/07/15/grimes-latest-bournemouth-and-fulham-join-the-pursuit/

WhiteJC

Kenny Tete's crucial role in the Championship
Jack Stroudley looks at the significant role Kenny Tete could play in our upcoming campaign.


As the new season draws closer, a new dawn approaches for Fulham. We begin to dissect the squad for potential departures, incomings and those who could have a pivotal role in our quest for promotion back to the big time.

The obvious names that come to mind are Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tom Cairney and even Harrison Reed. But I think one man who could shine brightest is Kenny Tete.

The story so far
Kenny arrived last summer from Lyon for roughly £3 million, having played a part in their run to the Champions League semi final the season before. The Dutch international made 80 appearances for the French club across his three-season tenure, and was previously at Ajax, where he played at both youth and senior level.

Kenny's arrival was soon met with joy when fans realised his ability to bring the ball forward and deliver a clinical cross. We saw this early on in the season, with him and Mitro partnering up twice in a week to create goals against Ipswich Town and Leeds United. Sadly, he picked up an injury against Aston Villa, which saw him out of action until the new year. When he returned we saw glimpses of his attacking threat while continuing to demonstrate his ability during one on one defending and tackling.

Slight concerns
It would be naive of me to think clubs abroad wouldn't be interested in Kenny Tete. He's a talented right back at the age of 25, who has shown his ability for both club and country. A lucrative offer may be able to sway the Khans who could see a significant profit margin on Kenny. I for one hope they see past any potential offers and keep hold of what I believe to be a Premier League-level right back.

The Silva system
After appointing Marco Silva, I quickly went to YouTube to find lots of insightful videos in regards to his tactical style. Marco likes to play a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, with impetus on getting full backs forward and essentially 'outscoring' opponents. This brand of expansive, fluid, attacking football could be exactly what Kenny needs. The slow, turgid style of Parker clearly nullified his strengths in terms of attacking output.

That, combined with Mitrovic potentially gaining an extra yard or two of freedom in the championship, could provide something special. Another thing to note is due to Marco's 'gung-ho' style we'll sometimes find ourselves exposed to counter attacks. Kenny's pace and tackling ability is something that can be utilised by Marco to try and limit opposition attacks from creating key chances.

Our flying Dutchman?
To summarise, I think that Kenny Tete's ability in both the defensive and attacking phases should leave us all excited. Kenny is a man who completed as many successful crosses as the highly-rated Kieran Tierney last season, despite playing fewer games – that is a stat we should relish. With Mitrovic and Tete both having the ability to gain that extra yard or two in the second division, could he be a key cog in the Silva system?



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-07-15-kenny-tetes-crucial-role-in-the-championship/

WhiteJC

Fulham dealt blow in Ike Ugbo pursuit

Fulham have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Ike Ugbo to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed in a post on Twitter that the centre-forward is set to leave Chelsea this summer, with Belgian side Genk appearing confident of completing a deal for the 22-year-old.

Romano goes on to state that Besiktas, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven are also interested in a deal for the centre-forward in the summer transfer window, while earlier reports have also claimed Fulham are keen on the former England U20 international.

Silva surely gutted

Considering just how much potential Ugbo appears to possess, the fact that Fulham look set to miss out on the signing of the striker this summer is sure to have left Marco Silva feeling gutted.

Indeed, over his 32 Jupiler Pro League appearances while on loan at Cercle Brugge last season, the £4.05m-rated man bagged a whopping 16 goals, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £38k-per-week forward earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as the club's eighth-best performer in the top tier of Belgian football.

The 22-year-old also returned impressive numbers during a loan spell at Roda JC Kerkrade in the season prior, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists over 28 appearances in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

As such, the addition of the man the Belgian media dubbed a "decisive" player to Silva's attacking arsenal at Craven Cottage this summer would have certainly provided the club with a boost to their chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

However, with it now appearing as if Genk will be the centre-forward's next destination, the Portuguese Fulham boss will likely have to turn his focus in the transfer market elsewhere, something that will undoubtedly frustrate the 44-year-old.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-ike-ugbo-chelsea-fabrizio-romano-genk-the-championship


WhiteJC

Huddersfield Town's August opponents assessed including latest on Derby County and Fulham

With just a couple of weeks till the Terriers' season kicks off, it's time to look at their opponents and where they are to date, what does Town's August look like?

Football is inevitable. It may not have come home (sobs) but the new season is a mere two and a bit weeks away.

With that in mind it's worth doing a quick health check on each of Town's August opponents to see what they can expect as things stand. Carlos Corberan's men are raring to go, is everyone else?

Sheffield Wednesday (A - EFL Cup) – August 1st

Town open the season against old foes Sheffield Wednesday, the team that finished rock bottom of last season's Championship, in an EFL Cup tie at Hillsborough.

After their financial woes and general uncertainty, it would be fair to say the Wednesday squad could look very different by the time this game comes around. Having released 10 first-team players this summer the recruitment drive is on, and manager Darren Moore has several obvious gaps that need filling as soon as possible.

One new face could line up against Town for his full debut, left-back Jaden Brown, who signed for the Sheffield club yesterday.

Other than Brown Wednesday have added winger Mide Shodipo on loan from QPR and midfielder Dennis Adeniran who made 22 appearances in the Championship last season for Wycombe.

This game should be interesting, Town's record in cup ties is frankly horrific, but this is a real chance to start the year on the front foot.

Derby County (A) – August 7th

Oh dear. It couldn't really be going worse for Derby as is. They may have avoided the ultimate sanction of relegation but somehow their current position could be worse?

With a first-team squad currently made up of a few older heads like Colin Kazim-Richards mixed with youth players and a transfer embargo in place meaning they can only sign free agents and loan players, the club are yet to make a meaningful signing this summer.

There have been reports that everyone from Richard Stearman to Ravel Morrison has been training with the club to try to earn a contract. What does their first eleven look like when the season kicks off on August 7th? We literally have no idea to be honest.

If the chaos continues the Terriers will never have a better chance to beat them away from home for the first time in 64 years.

Fulham (H) - August 14th

Town's first home fixture of the season is likely to be a huge test. Fulham may have lost their manager but they moved quickly to replace him with Marco Silva.

Silva's record in England is questionable but the squad at his disposal isn't. So far they've yet to complete a significant transfer other than a couple of mandated loans turned into permanent deals.

Dauntingly though they have retained nearly all of the squad that had a very decent go at Premier League survival last season barring some loans.

Town, and most of the Championship in truth, are likely to need to be at their very best to get something out of this game, and they have in fact only beaten Fulham once since 1994.

Early in the season might be the time to play them though as they try to learn what their new manager demands of them.

Preston North End (H) – August 17th

Three days after that Fulham game Town have their second home fixture against Preston North End.

Manager Frankie McAvoy now has a full pre-season with the squad and has already started to evolve from Alex Neil's more robust style. Former Town loanee Izzy Brown has already signed, Liam Lindsay joined from Stoke, Matthew Olosunde (who your writer here really rates) arrived from Rotherham, and Liverpool's Sepp can den Berg has come on loan for the season.

Preston is always a tough fixture and last season one of the lowest points of Town's season was an insipid performance at Deepdale in February. They will be beatable but again the Terriers need to be on it from the off.

Like Town their recruitment is likely not finished either, this is a game to target for a win but with caution. Preston could be one of the stronger sides in that division next season with a couple of clever signings on top of what they already have.

Sheffield United – (A) August 21st

Like Fulham this is a game on paper that Town are going to have to be at their best to get anything from but the way United's Premier League season imploded could well give them a longer hangover than Fulham and West Brom.

The club is yet to make a major signing and there could well be a couple of significant outs too, but there will still be plenty of quality in the first eleven and a trip to Bramall Lane with fans allowed back is likely to be a lively one.

Town shouldn't fear this game, like Fulham they may well be playing them at the right time, could be the early season acca buster for many this one.

Reading (H) August 28th

Town finish August with another home game against the Championship's over performers last season.

I know the minute I mention sexy things like xG or xGA a lot of people immediately switch off, and fair enough, it can get very heavy very quickly, but Reading outperformed so many indicators for so much of last season that it was inevitable they would run out of steam come the run in. But fair enough, they were good for so long no one should have been too upset.

This season they may well come unstuck on a couple of levels, particularly as like Derby they are currently under a transfer embargo so can't significantly improve on their squad. On top of that they've already lost the outstanding Michael Olise to Crystal Palace and vultures are circling over some of the more talented members of their squad.

This is definitely a game to target, and if Town do get a decent run going early we would fancy them to win this one already.



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-opponents-derby-county-21058940

WhiteJC

Celtic pull off transfer coup by beating Chelsea, Norwich, Fulham to sign Lawal

Glasgow Celtic are on the verge of announcing the signing of Irish-Nigerian midfielder Bosun Lawal.

The Scottish Premiership giants have reportedly pulled off a transfer coup by luring the former Watford wonderkid to the club.

According to The Herald, Celtic sealed the signing of Lawal ahead of Norwich City, Fulham and Chelsea who were all interested in his signature.

The European champions made an attempt to snatch the 18-year-old from under Celtic's noses but the player did not want to go back on his word to the Scottish club.

Lawal has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at The Bhoys and only an official announcement confirming the deal is left.

He arrives at Celtic with a reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in England, winning Watford's Academy Player of the Season award for 2020-2021.

Lawal will become the second player of Nigerian descent to join Celtic as a free agent this summer, following in the footsteps of ex-Nigeria U23 invitee Osaze Urhoghide.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=40466

WhiteJC

Decordova-Reid screamer launches Jamaica's Gold Cup in style

A sensational strike from Fulham's Bobby Decordova-Reid launched Jamaica's Gold Cup campaign in real style as the Reggae Boyz beat tournament debutantes Suriname 2-0 in Orlando.

After Shamar Nicholson had opened the scoring from the edge of the box in this Group C encounter, Decordova-Reid struck a magnificent dipping volley past the Suriname goalkeeper Warner Hahn after a defensive header fell invitingly at his feet 22 yards out. Fulham's Michael Hector also started the game in a central midfield role – before being replaced after 72 minutes.

The Jamaicans are next in action against Guadeloupe on Friday night.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/decordova-reid-screamer-launches-jamaicas-gold-cup-in-style/


WhiteJC

Crystal Palace look to sign £16m man Hodgson called 'exceptional'

Crystal Palace are looking to sign RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman who was on loan at Premier League rivals Fulham last season, as reported by The Athletic.

With just six weeks of the transfer window remaining, Steve Parish, Dougie Freedman and Patrick Vieira will barely have a spare minute between them until the end of August.

After losing 11 first-team players on free transfers, Crystal Palace's training ground looks more like a kindergarten these days, with Vieira overseeing a squad made up largely of baby-faced youngsters as pre-season training got under way earlier this month.

The Eagles were even forced to cancel a friendly clash with Portsmouth this week, allegedly because they were struggling to put a squad together (The News).

New signings are required then – and fast.

Fortunately, RB Leipzig are unlikely to stand in Lookman's way if Crystal Palace come calling.

Is Lookman heading back to the Premier League and Crystal Palace?

The former England U21 international has started just one Bundesliga game since joining the taurine-powered German giants from Everton for £16.2 million in 2019, and spent the whole of last season on loan at Fulham.

Lookman was one of the bright sparks in a difficult season for Scott Parker's side – that panenka penalty aside, of course – and boasts that rare ability to produce something out of nothing, even if he currently lacks the consistency to back up his talent and potential.

A sustained spell in the Premier League – potentially at Crystal Palace – could be exactly what Lookman needs, however, with Vieira's impressive record for developing youth suggesting Selhurst Park could be the ideal destination for a player who would get pulses racing in south London.

"(Lookman) has been in exceptional form and has really been Fulham's most dangerous player in several games recently when they've been doing so well," Vieira's predecessor Roy Hodgson told London News Online in May.

The Sun, meanwhile, believes Leipzig would sell Lookman for £15 million.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/15/crystal-palace-lookman/

WhiteJC

Fulham interested in Matt Grimes

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Matt Grimes to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that both Marco Silva's side and Scott Parker's AFC Bournemouth are keeping a close eye on the situation of the Swansea City midfielder ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Fulham are interested in the 25-year-old as a replacement for Mario Lemina, while Bournemouth could also be in need of a more defensively-minded midfielder this summer, with Jefferson Lerma thought to be a target of LaLiga side Valencia.

Southampton and Newcastle United are also mentioned as potential suitors for the former England U21 international, who has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Fulham fans would love him

With the Daily Mail dubbing Grimes as "one of the most consistent performers" in the Championship, it is easy to see why Marco Silva is interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to the club this summer.

Indeed, over his 45 Championship appearances for Steve Cooper's side last season, the £6.3m-rated man scored two goals, registered three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £10k-per-week central midfielder also impressed in more typical metrics for his position, making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per league fixture, as well as touching the ball an average of 70.3 times and completing 43.9 passes per match.

These returns saw the man Cooper dubbed an "excellent" player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as the Swans' fifth-best performer in the second tier of English football, playing a key role in his side reaching the Championship play-off final.

As such, with Lemina having returned to Southampton following his loan at Fulham last season, the argument could easily be made that Grimes would actually be an upgrade on the Gabon international, as well as certainly being a player Fulham fans would love to have in their side.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-matt-grimes-swansea-city-marco-silva-scott-parker-the-championship