Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 27/07/21...

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26-year-old set to follow Harry Wilson and Gazzaniga to Fulham as Marco Silva era continues

Fulham are closing in on a deal that would see Swansea City captain Matt Grimes arrive at Craven Cottage, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after players in English football this summer, and the fact that he has just one year left on his Swans contract is attracting several clubs.

Fulham have been battling it out with Championship counterparts Bournemouth for his signature, but they have also faced competition from the Premier League, as Newcastle and Southampton were accredited with interest in the former Exeter City man.

The expected sale of the midfielder has also had knock-on effects at the club and it was reported that it had played a major role in Steve Cooper's departure.

There are now just under two weeks before the Championship kicks off once again and a lot needs to be sorted out before the first ball is kicked on August 7.

The verdict

Grimes is a vital component to everything that Swansea do, and his departure would leave a glaring void in the middle of the park.

The midfielder is a classy operator who possesses a wand of a left foot. His vision and range of passing allows him to create chances from a deeper position and he also has the work rate to match – reasons why he has been so successful in the second-tier in recent years.

For Fulham, Grimes would be an excellent addition. He is an immediate option and he has the ability to progress to the Premier League with the club – the ultimate ambition for the London club.

It is turning out to be quite a difficult time for Swansea with the return of their excellent loan players and the loss of Andre Ayew. Losing Grimes would be equally as detrimental.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/26-year-old-set-to-follow-harry-wilson-and-gazzaniga-to-fulham-as-marco-silva-era-continues/

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Fulham comment: Silva signing is a 'slap in the face' to 24-year-old – player needs to push for a move

Fulham completed the signing of Paulo Gazzaniga on Sunday and for a certain Marek Rodak, that move might leave him wondering where his future lies.

Marco Silva has brought in former Spurs stopper Gazzaniga ahead of his inaugural 2021/22 season in charge of the west London club.

The Argentinian international becomes Silva's first signing alongside the £12million Harry Wilson and they're definitely two signings of quality. Though Gazzaniga's arrival will undoubtedly ensure that Rodak plays second fiddle once again next season.

Rodak broke into the Fulham starting line-up shortly into the start of their 2019/20 season. The Slovakian international, 24, would go on to feature 36 times in the Championship that season and proved a huge fan favourite but last time round in the Premier League, he featured just twice.

A product of the Fulham youth academy, Rodak was very patient in getting his initial chance under Scott Parker having spent plenty of time out on loan with the likes of Rotherham United for two successive seasons prior to the 2019/20 campaign.

Now though he looks set to warm a spot on the bench next season and at 24-years-old, Rodak must surely be wondering where Gazzaniga's arrival leaves him.

Silva has two quality goalkeepers in his ranks now but expect the much more experienced Gazzaniga to be his no.1 from the get-go. Rodak is far too good a goalkeeper to fester on Fulham's bench next season and so Silva could (or at least he definitely should) look to seal a loan move for him in the coming weeks.

There's plenty of teams in the Championship who could do with a goalkeeper of his quality going into the new season, or even in League One should there be no Championship offers. But the likelihood of Silva and Fulham loaning out Rodak when they're gearing up for a promotion charge, with Fabricio as the third-choice goalkeeper remains to be seen.

Either way, Rodak has through no fault of his own found himself in limbo at Craven Cottage.



https://the72.co.uk/?p=243175

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Fulham flex muscles to land £12m Liverpool star as financial reality hits Cardiff City and Swansea City like a slap in the face

Both Cardiff and Swansea were said to have registered an interest in signing Harry Wilson next season, but did not have a sniff when Fulham came knocking

One big takeaway as we hopefully edge away from this crippling pandemic — in footballing terms at least — is just how hard the finances will hit in the divisions below the Premier League.

The mega-rich top tier has been affected, of course, just like almost every other industry in the world, but the trickle-down effect is so much more impactful on the Championship and below due to its greatly reduced broadcast and sponsorship income.

Spending in the Championship is at a real low this summer so far. Of course, we usually see greater spending towards the end of the window, when Premier League clubs begin to make plays for big-money Championship purchases, then that money gets pumped around the league that way.

But even by regular early-window standards, it has been cagey. That is because of the simple fact there is no money to spend.

There has been an almighty scramble for clubs to secure early loans and free transfers, percentage plays in the market and far more prudent strategies have been implemented following what has been a simply horrendous 18 months or so.

Football clubs are on their knees, especially below the Premier League, and the impact will not be felt just this season, but in the years to come as loans and creditors are paid off.

There has been no footfall in stadiums for more than a year. No pies, pints or coffees bought inside Cardiff City Stadium or the Liberty Stadium since the beginning of March 2020.

There has long been a school of thought which suggests parachute payments from the Premier League create too much disparity. Those who subscribe to that notion will no doubt have their sense of persecution heightened this year.

The three teams coming down from the Premier League are supercharged more than any other year in comparison to other teams.

The Harry Wilson to Fulham move this weekend is evidence of that.

The 24-year-old will no doubt be one of the best players in the division next season and it would be extremely unwise to bet against him being a success in a top Fulham side.

The Wales international is a top-quality operator at Championship level. He showed that in his breakthrough season with Derby County, hammering in 18 goals, before impressing with Bournemouth in the Premier League.

He even shone in Cardiff City colours last year, despite playing in a system which was not conducive to any of his strengths, netting seven goals and contributing 12 assists.

Cardiff were keen to have him back next season, but there was no way in a million years they could fork out £12million for him from Liverpool. A loan, at best, was all that could be offered.

Swansea, too, were in a similar boat. They wanted Wilson last year and this year, but they were blown out of the water by financial demands.

That appears to be the new normal for the foreseeable future. Some might believe it to be a good thing, wanting football to hit the reset button to sort out its messy finances. On whichever side of the fence you sit, it cannot be denied that the gulf is vast now.

Parachute payments work like this: Relegated teams receive 55 per cent of the pot distributed to every Premier League club their first season back in the EFL. In year two, that number decreases to 45 per cent. If the relegated club had been in the top flight more than one season, it qualifies for a third year at 20 per cent.

For a representative figure, in 2018-19 it equated to £43m, £35m and £16m respectively.

So, Fulham dropped down from the Premier League and their first year of parachute payments from the top flight will see them net upwards of £40m. The same goes for West Brom and Sheffield United.

While this has been the case for some years, it feels different now. Championship owners have been forced to firefight to keep their clubs afloat during this pandemic, while the cash from international broadcast deals and eye-watering corporate partnerships continued to flow in the Premier League.

Vincent Tan has been making regular £3m payments from his own pocket to help the Bluebirds prop up their accounts, while Swansea have had to sell a big asset in Joe Rodon, for whom Spurs could end up paying up to £15m, and allow high-earner and best player Andre Ayew depart for free.

Matt Grimes could also be sold off, with Fulham once again thought to be keen on capturing the midfielder, while Connor Roberts, though currently injured, has also caught the eye of a number of teams in recent months.

It would be seemingly unthinkable that any of the other 19 clubs not boosted by parachute payments could fork out anywhere near £12m for a player in this climate.

West Brom and Sheffield United are yet to make big plays, just adding a few free transfers and loans, but there is no doubt they will be ramping up their efforts soon, as Baggies boss Valerien Ismail said rather ominously.

"For sure we will show what we can do in the transfer market but at the minute there is no rush," he said at the weekend.

"We are working behind the scenes to prepare."

Slavisa Jokanovic at Sheffield United is also linked with a few pricey moves, including Liverpool centre back Ben Davies.

By contrast, Cardiff have made three free signings in James Collins, Mark McGuinness and Ryan Wintle, while Ryan Giles has signed on loan from Wolves this year. To emphasise the point, in McGuinness' case Arsenal even cancelled his contract to allow him to leave on a free, instead opting to place a sell-on clause in his contract to recoup some reward if he is a success with the Bluebirds.

One gets the sense that even if Kieffer Moore is sold for a princely sum, not all of that would be reinvested in the squad and who could begrudge the club, and owner, that? These times are crippling and the landscape has shifted drastically.

Swansea have brought in Kyle Joseph and Liam Walsh on free transfers after the expiration of their contracts, while they did splash £1m on PSV Eindhoven forward Joel Piroe - perhaps a morsel of that Rodon money was put to use after all.

More investment is certainly needed down in SA1, that's for sure, but whether any money gained from potential departures is pumped back into the squad remains to be seen.

What is for certain, though is that both clubs are fortunate they can lean on their academies.

Swansea have produced so many good young footballers in recent years it has literally saved their club millions of pounds and we are likely to see more youngsters given a chance this season, providing the man who assumes control following Steve Cooper's departure has that mindset.

Cardiff has been a much slower burn in recent years, but under Mick McCarthy we are seeing the emergence of some talented academy products, many of whom will certainly feature in this upcoming campaign.

The days of £12m transfers in the Championship are over unless they are boosted by the injection of parachute payments.

Both Swansea and Cardiff will have to trust their recruitment departments, youth systems and managers to eke out every last inch of talent in hope of landing somewhere near the top of the table and give themselves a puncher's chance of Premier League millions. Swansea, of course, will have to find their man first after John Eustace's shock U-turn this weekend.

Either way, the signal of intent shown by Fulham landing Harry Wilson will likely be the first of many for the relegated three, while Cardiff, Swansea and the rest have to scrap tooth and nail to ensure they are prepared as best as humanly possible with a fraction of the budget.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-flex-muscles-land-12m-21142908

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3 qualities that Matt Grimes brings to Fulham should the club seal Swansea City agreement

Swansea City captain Matt Grimes is near to completing a move to Fulham, according to the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old, who progressed through the ranks at his hometown club Exeter City, joined The Swans in 2015 and has gone on to make 140 appearances since his debut in January of the same year.

Grimes embarked on three different loan spells during his Swansea City career and has also featured for England at youth level, representing both the u20s and U21s.

Grimes has been a consistent performer over the last few years for The Swans and his expected sale has reportedly played a big part in Steve Cooper's decision to leave the club last week.

With Grimes seemingly closing in on a move to the recently relegated Championship club, we take a look at three qualities that the 26-year-old would bring to Marco Silva's Fulham...

Leadership

Grimes has proved over the years that he is a reliable and organised operator in the middle of the park. He is an excellent communicator and is always seen instructing and guiding players around him.

Despite just turning 26, Grimes has been Swansea captain for two years, leading the club to the play-off positions in both seasons.

Swansea's midfield dominance over the last couple of years has stemmed from Grimes' organisational and communication skills, as well as the subsequent ability they possess in those positions.

Relentless pressing

The midfielder is also excellent without the ball at his feet, and whilst his grit and determination is also commendable, his energy and knowledge of when to press is excellent.

Under Cooper, Swansea tended to play with the ball at their feet. This is not just a reflection of the ability of their players in possession, it is also shows how hard they work off it.

Grimes is a player who will like to force mistakes and stop his opposite number from playing forwards – a brilliant attribute to have at Championship level

Vision

Grimes may operate from a deeper position, but he has the vision and creativity to start attacks and get his teammates in behind opposing defences.

The quality of his end-product is undoubted, but his ability to see things that nobody else can is equally impressive.

When playing with smart forwards Grimes particularly thrives. He understands exactly where to place the ball and the timing of his passes is typically perfect.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-qualities-that-matt-grimes-brings-to-fulham-should-the-club-seal-swansea-city-agreement/

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Report: Fulham could miss out on Silva's top target; talks to sign £9m man collapse

Marco Silva's Fulham have seen their loan-to-buy bid rejected by Flamengo for striker Rodrigo Muniz as the Brazilian giants want that £9 million fee to be paid up front, as reported by O Dia.

Oh dear indeed.

The Marco Silva reign is now very much underway at Craven Cottage with Harry Wilson and Paolo Gazzaniga arriving from Premier League giants Liverpool and Spurs over the weekend.

The club's pursuit of a new centre-forward is still very much ongoing, however, just days before the club's Championship opener against Middlesbrough on August 8.

The West London outfit have set their sights on Muniz, with Silva seeing shades of Richarlison in Flamengo's fresh-faced number nine.

It was reported last week that the new Fulham boss had held talks with Muniz's representatives.

The striker had received offers from Genk, Al-Nassr, Middlesbrough and even Atletico Madrid. But it was Fulham he wanted, blown away by the determination Silva's desire to bring him to Craven Cottage. 

Will Marco Silva's Fulham miss out on Rodrigo Muniz?

Fulham have offered a £9 million loan-to-buy deal.

Their approach will require some recalibration, however, with Flamengo making it clear that they would only accept cash up front for a man who has scored three goals in nine Brazilian league matches so far this term.

But is it too late already?

As it stands, Flamengo appear to have called off negotiations; the deal collapsing like a house of cards on a bouncy castle.

Missing out on Muniz would be a major blow for Silva just weeks into his new job. The former Everton and Watford manager had made the 20-year-old his number one transfer target, believing that Muniz could make an impact at Fulham similar to the one Richarlison made during that fabulous debut season at Vicarage Road in 2017/18.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/26/report-fulham-could-miss-out-on-silvas-top-target-talks-to-sign-9m-man-collapse/

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Three Turkish Clubs Chasing Fulham Midfielder

Galatasaray are amongst three Turkish clubs who are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Jean-Michael Seri in the ongoing transfer window.

Seri has been on loan at Galatasaray and Bordeaux in recent years and has not been a major part of Fulham's plans going forward.

He has a year left on his contract with the Cottagers but both the player and the club are tipped to want to part ways for good in the ongoing transfer window.

Several clubs are believed to be interested in getting their hands on the former Nice midfielder this summer.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, newly promoted Super Lig club Adana Demirspor have been pushing to take Seri to Turkey.

And it has been claimed that two more Turkish clubs in Trabzonspor and Galatasaray have also been keeping tabs on the midfielder this summer.

Fulham want to sort out his future soon with the player considering the offers on his table ahead of the last month of the transfer window.

Seri also has suitors in France in Lille, who want to sign him as the replacement for Boubakary Soumare, who joined Leicester this summer.



https://insidefutbol.com/2021/07/26/three-turkish-clubs-chasing-fulham-midfielder/519811/

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Fulham eager to swoop for Swansea City's Matt Grimes amid reports of impending medical

The Swansea City captain's future has been the source of speculation this summer, and Fulham are seemingly ready to make a move

Fulham are interested in making Swansea City star Matt Grimes their latest summer signing, after completing a big money move for Liverpool winger Harry Wilson.

While much of the Championship is facing up to some harsh financial realities, Marco Silva's side completed a move worth £12m for Wilson over the weekend - and it seems they're not done yet.

It's understood the Cottagers have held an interest in Grimes for some time, but reports suggest they have now firmed up their admiration with a concrete approach.

According to the Daily Mail, Grimes is closing in on a move to west London and could even be due for a medical soon, although the details around the potential transfer are not yet clear.

The same report claims that the impending sale of Grimes, who's attracted interest from Southampton and Newcastle United this summer, was also a key factor in Steve Cooper's decision to leave the Liberty Stadium.

Sources in SA1 have long been pessimistic over the club's chances of keeping the skipper, who has one year left on his remaining deal at the club.

And with the club no longer receiving parachute payments following their relegation from the Premier League, Grimes is seen as an asset that can be potentially cashed in on.

His departure would be another bitter blow for Swans fans, with the club's American owners already back in the firing line on the back of a disastrous summer.

Having already lost key players like Andre Ayew, Marc Guehi, Freddie Woodman and Conor Hourihane, the club are also without a manager, with the season less than a fortnight away.

John Eustace was set to be installed as the new boss, but performed a dramatic U-turn over the weekend - a decision that is understood to be due to personal reasons.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-eager-swoop-swansea-citys-21145171

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Ex-Fulham defender Briggs joins Gosport Borough

Gosport Borough have signed former Fulham defender Matthew Briggs.

Briggs made history as the Premier League's youngest player when he made his debut against Middlesbrough in May 2007, aged 16 years and 65 days.

The former England Under-21 international has since gone on to play for clubs including Millwall, Colchester United and Chesterfield.

A Guyana international, Briggs joins Gosport after a second spell in Danish football, with Vejle.



https://nonleaguedaily.com/ex-fulham-defender-briggs-joins-gosport-borough/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ex-fulham-defender-briggs-joins-gosport-borough

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Three Turkish sides in Seri chase

Three Turkish sides are competing to sign Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri on a permanent basis, according to reports this morning.

The Ivorian midfielder, who is not in Marco Silva's first team plans at Craven Cottage, is expected to leave Fulham this summer after spells on loan with Galatasaray and Bordeaux in recent seasons. The Turkish giants are keen to welcome him back to Istanbul and have already entered into negotiations to sign the 30 year-old earlier this summer.

Reports from France this morning identify newly promoted side Adana Demirspor as another potential destination, with Trabzonspor also holding an interest in signing Seri as he enters the final year of his Fulham contract. A return to France is also not of the question as Lile consider the playmaker a potential replacement for Boubakary Soumare.

Fulham are keen to get Seri's significant pay packet off their wage bill before the start of the new Championship season next month. He has made just 36 appearances for the club – scoring a single goal – since signing from Nice in a deal reportedly worth £27m in July 2018.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/three-turkish-sides-in-seri-chase/

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Conflicting reports regarding Liverpool man's £12m move to Fulham

Conflicting reports have emerged in relation to Fulham's signing of Harry Wilson from Liverpool, as it now appears to be a loan deal.

Wilson came through the ranks with Liverpool and he made his senior debut for them in the FA Cup in 2016/17.

The 24-year-old has spent the last few seasons away on loan. He enjoyed a brilliant spell with Derby County in 2018/19, where he got 16 goals and four assists from his 43 outings.

In the last couple of years, Wilson has gone onto have successful campaigns with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and most recently with Cardiff City in the Championship.

Last Friday, it was revealed that Fulham were close to signing the midfielder.

Then at the weekend, it was announced that Fulham had completed signing of Wilson.

The statement via the club's official website said: "Wilson signs from Liverpool on a deal that could see the player remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2026."

The indication here is that Wilson has joined them on a permanent deal. But The Sun have reported that his move to Fulham is an initial loan deal.

They report that Wilson signs for them on loan with an obligation to buy next summer for an initial fee of £9m. This fee could rise to £12m with add-ons which include Fulham earning promotion back to the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed that he "didn't feel loved" at Liverpool:

"There was a moment when I didn't feel loved and appreciated.

"Not my team-mates, not the people at Melwood [Liverpool's training ground]. From them, I know, I can say they all love me and I love them. It was not from that side, more the other side.

"I have to say also there was social media.

"When it went bad, I was the player who they blamed – that I wanted to leave.

"Every day in training and in the games, I gave everything I had to bring it to a good end because, during the years, Liverpool meant so much to me and because of the way the fans in the stadium were treating me.

"My feeling was that the fans in the stadium and the fans on social media were two different kinds.

"The fans in the stadium always supported me. Even when they came back [when fans could attend games], already knowing that I was going to leave, they still supported me and, in the end, they gave me a great farewell.

"On social media, if we lost, I was the one who got the blame."



https://www.football365.com/news/conflicting-reports-regarding-liverpool-mans-12m-move-to-fulham

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Fulham midfielder nearing exit after imminent Grimes arrival – Four clubs linked

Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri is attracting attention from three Turkish clubs and French side Lille this summer, according to Inside Futbol.

Fulham allowed the £25 million record signing to go out on loan last season. He joined Bordeaux on a short-term deal and is likely to depart again this summer.

He is certainly seen as surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage. Seri is likely to be even further down the pecking order with the imminent arrival of Swansea City captain Matt Grimes. He is set to have his medical as early as next week ahead of a permanent move.

Three clubs in Turkey are interested in taking on the 30-time Ivory Coast international. His former loan club Galatasaray are one of those, with Trabzonspor and Super Lig new boys Adana Demirspor also keen.

Since signing for Fulham back in 2018 after their promotion to the Premier League, Seri has played just 32 times for the Cottagers, all of which came in the top flight. Following their relegation at the end of the 2018/19 campaign he joined Galatasaray, and then onto Bordeaux a year later.

The report states that Seri is not in the plans of manager Marco Silva. Therefore they will be hoping to cash in on the player if possible. However, another loan deal may be on the cards instead.

As well as Galtasaray, Trabzonpor and Adana Demirspor, French Ligue 1 side Lille are also keen. They are looking to replace Boubakary Soumare who left to join Leicester City earlier in the window.



https://the72.co.uk/243226/fulham-midfielder-nearing-exit-after-imminent-grimes-arrival-four-clubs-linked/

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Boa Morte back at Motspur Park

Former Fulham winger Luis Boa Morte has started work at Motspur Park as Marco Silva's assistant.

The Craven Cottage cult hero was pictured on the club's official Twitter account passing on instructions during this morning's first team training session. Boa Morte, who was Silva's number two during his time in charge of Everton, made 203 appearances – scoring 33 goals – during a six year playing career with the Whites.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/boa-morte-back-at-motspur-park/

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Where should Fulham strengthen further

Fulham's summer transfer window roared into life on Saturday night with the club announcing the capture of Harry Wilson and Paulo Gazzaniga. Marco Silva made clear in his interview with the official website on Sunday that was eager for the club to press ahead with further signings to strengthen the squad before the start of the new season and I've spent some time pondering whether the first team squad could do with improving before the big kick off.

You might be surprised that my first choice is another winger – given Wilson's recent arrival. I've opted for the Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson. It might seem strange in the first instance as Silva as a surfeit of wide options to pick from at present but another devastating deliverer from the flanks would help Fulham play to the strengths of Aleksandar Mitrovic, which we singularly failed to do last season. Both Nelson, a talented prospect likely to available on loan this summer, and Wilson are excellent crosses of a ball and could provide the sort of service that our Serbian talisman will thrive upon. The pair are also strong set piece takers, possess serious pace and plenty of skills. You can just imagine Matt Grimes, another rumoured impending arrival, spreading the play for Nelson and the England under-21 international feeding Wilson. If Nelson isn't available, the club could consider looking into the likes of Marcus Edwards or Max Meyer.

There still may well be a gap in Silva's squad for another creative midfielder and the Midtjylland man Evander may fit the bill. His technical quality, ability to influence game and a versatility that sees him able to fill a number of different midfield roles makes him a very attractive acquisition. The Brazilian has a work ethic that will see him track back effectively, cover team-mates and embark on recovery runs during transitions. His desire to win the ball back could be particularly handy in the Championship. Another skilled set piece threat, Evander is also just 23 – with plenty of time to improve under Silva's guidance. Another midfield option would be useful and I'm sure that is under consideration currently. Other options might include Jean-Paul Boëtius, a personal favourite and longstanding Fulham target, the Euro 2020 Joe Morrell, Dutch craftsman Dani de Wit, Manchester City's Ivan Ilic and the versatile Daniel Armartey, who could also cover centre back and right back.

Striking reinforcements are essential. Fulham certainly don't want to heading into another season without senior back-up for Mitrovic, even if the Serbian is certain to Silva's first choice up front. The identify of my number one choice might provoke howls of derision but I'd look into luring Wesley to London. His big-money move to Aston Villa might not have worked out, but Fulham have a good track record into reviving careers. At 24, he has time on his side and will be hungry to prove a point in England. He has excellent technical ability, can be an asset if a more direct approach is called for and is also an adept dribbler. Alternatives could include Ajax's Danilo, Sirki Dembele – who has long been a favourite of Tony Khan – and the Hertha Berlin forward Davie Selke.

My selections are clearly quite controversial, but designed to spark a bit of debate as we look forward to the new season. Which positions would you prioritise in the coming weeks and who would you like Fulham to bring in?



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/where-should-fulham-strengthen-further/

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Kamara's Aris move collapses

Negotiations between Fulham and Aris over the potential sale of forward Aboubakar Kamara have ended without agreement, according to the Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

The Greek Super League side were interested in signing the Mauritius international on a permanent basis – and Marco Silva had agreed to allow Kamara to leave Craven Cottage for a fee of around £4m – but the deal appears to have collapsed. The 26 year-old has an eventful four years at Fulham, having missed a penalty against Huddersfield after refusing to hand over the spot kick to Aleksandar Mitrovic, being involved in a training ground scuffle with the Serbian and being arrested after assaulting a Motspur Park security guard.

Kamara, a £5m capture from Amiens, has scored seventeen goals in 91 first-team appearances for Fulham and helped the Whites win promotion to the Premier League twice via the Championship play-offs. It remains to be seen if his move to Greece can be resurrected.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/kamaras-aris-move-collapses/

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Aboubakar Kamara's move from Fulham to Aris Salonica has 'broken down' – Peter Rutzler

Fulham's Aboubakar Kamara's proposed move to Greek outfit Aris Salonica have 'broken down', according to The Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

Kamara, 26, spent the second half of last season on loan with French side Dijon. He managed 10 Ligue 1 appearances and scored one goal after featuring 11 times in the Premier League for Fulham.

Now though, The Athletic reporter Rutzler reports that Kamara's proposed £4million move to Greek Super League side Aris Salonica have 'broken down':

It's understood that talks regarding a £4m transfer for Fulham's Aboubakar Kamara to Greek Super League side Aris Salonica have broken down. #FFC

— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) July 26, 2021

Kamara, who represents the Mauritania national side, has recently been on international duty.

He's back with Fulham now but his future at Craven Cottage remains up in the air. The attacker has proved a loyal servant to the club through some tough times since his 2017 arrival, having featured 91 times in all competitions and scoring 17 goals.

But with each passing season he looks to be falling further and further down the pecking order and with a new manager in place in Marco Silva, Kamara's future becomes all the more unclear.

A £4million move to Greece would've been good business from Fulham's point of view and it might have been an exciting opportunity for Kamara.

But at 26-years-old he might still fancy his chances at Fulham, if not then in England. A loan move might be on the cards again but time will tell with this particular transfer scenario.



https://the72.co.uk/243238/aboubakar-kamaras-move-from-fulham-to-aris-salonica-has-broken-down-peter-rutzler/

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Craven Cottage Tours Are Back

We are delighted to announce that Craven Cottage Tours are back!

Go behind the scenes and experience London's Original Football Club like never before.

The tour, which commences outside the Johnny Haynes Statue on Stevenage Road, takes you to all the key locations around the ground including the home and away dressing rooms, the press room, the historic Cottage itself and much more!

Tours take place Monday-Friday starting every hour between 11am-3pm, and are priced at just £20 for adults, £15 for ages 5-15 with under 5's going free!

More information can be found on our dedicated Craven Cottage Tours page here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/july/Craven-Cottage-Tours-Are-Back/

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Fulham have bid for striker turned down – Player was keen on the move

Fulham have had their bid for Flamengo striker Rodrigo Muniz rejected by the Brazilian club, the local media says

According to O Dia, the Rio de Janeiro side 'didn't take long' to analyse the offer and turn it down.

It's said director Bruno Spindel had a conversation with the intermediates who brought the official bid and claimed that the formula offered by Fulham isn't what they want.

Flamengo's intention is to sell the striker on a permanent move, while the Whites' intention was to sign him on a loan deal with an option to buy.

O Dia claims that Fulham offered €1m for a one-year spell plus a buying option of €9m. They even tried to negotiate by raising the amount for the loan and decreasing the price for the buying clause, but Flamengo didn't want to carry on with the talks.

The report points out that Rodrig Muniz was keen on the move, as he liked the salary and the project offered by the Craven Cottage side. It's once again claimed that Marco Silva spoke to his agents and explained his wish to guide him the same way he did with Richarlison at Watford.

Flamengo continue to negotiate the striker's sale, and while in talks with Al Nasr, they demand €8m. So that's probably how much Fulham would need to pay to sign him this summer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-bid-striker-turned-player-keen-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U23's Premier League 2 fixtures released

Fulham under 23's Premier League 2 fixtures for the forthcoming 2021/22 season have been confirmed this afternoon.

The Division Two campaign will commence with a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Monday 16 August, with a 7pm kick off. Fulham's first home fixture will be played at Motspur Park on Friday 20 August with West Bromwich Albion the opposition. The season will conclude with a home game against Burnley at Motspur Park on Friday 29 April.

With two new clubs being awarded coveted Category One status over the close season, two new sides have been added to the Premier League 2 set-up. Both Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest will face Fulham in the second division.

Fulham are still believed to be in the process of recruiting a new under 23 head coach to succeed Mark Pembridge after Colin Omogbehin's promotion to first team development coach following the club's summer reorganisation of the academy. Fulham's full league fixtures are as follows:

Monday 16 August, 7pm: Sunderland v Fulham (Stadium of Light)

Friday 20 August, 7pm: Fulham v West Bromwich Albion (Motspur Park)

Friday 27 August, 7pm: Aston Villa v Fulham (Bodymoor Heath)

Friday 10 September, 7pm: Fulham v Southampton (Craven Cottage)

Monday 20 September, 7pm: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham (Molineux)

Friday 24 September, 7pm: Fulham v Newcastle United (Motspur Park)

Friday 7 October, 7pm: Norwich City v Fulham (The Walks Stadium)

Friday 15 October, 7pm: Fulham v Reading (Motspur Park)

Friday 22 October, 7pm: Fulham v Nottingham Forest (Motspur Park)

Monday 1 November, 7pm: Fulham v Middlesbrough (Motspur Park)

Monday 8 November, 7pm: Burnley v Fulham (Leyland County Ground)

Friday 19 November, 7pm: Fulham v Stoke City (Motspur Park)

Monday 29 November, 7pm: Birmingham City v Fulham (St. Andrew's)

Friday 3 December, 7pm: Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Motspur Park)

Monday 20 December, 7pm: West Bromwich Albion v Fulham (New Bucks Head, Telford)

Monday 10 January, 7pm: Nottingham Forest v Fulham (The Impact Arena, Alfreton)

Sunday 16 January, 2pm: Southampton v Fulham (The Snows Stadium, Totton)

Monday 24 January, 7pm: Stoke City v Fulham (Lyme Valley Stadium)

Friday 4 February, 7pm: Fulham v Sunderland (Motspur Park)

Monday 21 February, 7pm: Newcastle United v Fulham (Northumberland FA)

Friday 25 February, 7pm: Fulham v Norwich City (Craven Cottage)

Friday 18 March, 7pm: Middlesbrough v Fulham (Heritage Park)

Friday 1 April, 7pm: Fulham v Birmingham City (Craven Cottage)

Monday 25 April, 7pm: Reading v Fulham (Select Car Leasing Stadium)

Friday 29 April, 7pm: Fulham v Burnley (Motspur Park).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/fulham-u23s-premier-league-2-fixtures-released/

[WhiteJC]

Shahid Khan converts £151m of loans into Fulham shares

According to documents filed with Companies House at the end of last month, Fulham chairman Shahid Khan has written off £151m of loans from his Cougar HoldCo by converting them into shares. This continues a pattern from the start of Khan's ownership of the football club back in the summer of 2013.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/shahid-khan-converts-151m-of-loans-into-fulham-shares/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham kits to be released this week

Fulham will unveil their 2021/2022 kits ahead of this weekend's final pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic, the club have confirmed this afternoon.

The details came in an announcement of a deal that sees financial trading and sports betting company Spreadex become Fulham's principal partner for two seasons.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/07/fulham-kits-to-be-released-this-week/