Friday Fulham Stuff - 03/09/21...

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Pulling in the same direction

Fulham love a late transfer window. True to form, this week was no difference. Marco Silva might have persuaded the club to carry out early transfer business soon after his appointment but the Whites were active until the very end as well. More than an hour after the window had slammed shut came the confirmation that Watford duo Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina joined the Whites. You feel that Chalobah, once capped by Gareth Southgate at senior international level, might well be a bargain – especially as the Athletic this morning has reported he was a free transfer – whilst Quina, an exciting attacking option, provides cover for the injured Tom Cairney and the promising Fabio Carvalho.

What is most impressive about the window as a whole is it feels as though the manager not only has a significant say in Fulham's recruitment, but he is also getting what he wants. Having been used to the likes of Slavisa Jokanovic and Scott Parker disavowing themselves of responsibility for the club's transfer strategy, this makes for a refreshing change. The precise nature of who ticks what box when it comes to a new signing remains unclear but if the club hierarchy are all pulling in the same direction that can only be a good thing. It certainly gives Silva the resources he requires to continue Fulham's fantastic start to the Championship season.

It was no secret that Silva sought reinforcements in the middle of the park, even before Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa finalised his loan move to Napoli. Even that deal had a surprise within it – the activation of the option to extend the Cameroonian international's contract served to give the club more headroom under financial fair play, a key consideration given the tightness of that particular position, as well as preserving the possibility of another Premier League return. More depth at right back was also an objective, although this didn't come off. The head coach sought a stand-in for Kenny Tete, but Davide Santon rejected a loan move to SW6 and Emile Krafth wasn't enamoured with the idea of dropping out of the top flight. It has emerged that Fulham were very close to capturing Reggie Cannon right at the end of the window, but that particular deal run out of time.

It is hard to disagree with the prevailing view that this was an excellent window for Fulham. Silva held sway throughout – making clear what targets were towards the top of his list and the Khans and Alistair Mackintosh secured most of them. Perhaps the most striking example of this was Rodrigo Muniz, a young Brazilian forward that Silva has watched for sometime. The deal with Flamengo was drawn out and appeared dead on a number of occasions, but Fulham preserved and got their man. A tantalising if raw prospect now offers something different to Aleksandar Mitrovic up front – and where the Whites were now light on striking alternatives, they now have Jay Stansfield – scoring of a stunning first senior goal earlier this month – and Muniz as options off the bench. If the Brazilian turns out to be half the player that Richarlison became under Silva, it will prove a remarkable deal.

It seems odd now to remember just how dark the shadow was looming over the club earlier this summer. The expectation was that Mitrovic would be one of a number of senior first-team players searching for pastures new had Parker remained in charge. The Fulham hierarchy held firm in their discussions with their now former manager, insisting that a wholesale revamp of the squad was not necessary and that Mitrovic – who clearly had a difference of opinion with Parker last season – could prove vital in the Championship. Parker's own protracted departure allowed Fulham to start afresh and Shad Khan acted decisively to bring in Silva, whose hunger to prove he can manage in England worked in Fulham's favour. We'll never know what assurances the new boss was given prior to taking over at Craven Cottage but the current harmony between all the key players behind the scenes is a refreshing change.

Managers are ultimately judged by results over anything else and Silva has enjoyed a serene start. Only the Middlesbrough draw was a disappointment but since then Fulham have soon a ruthlessness that had been sorely lacking over the past two seasons. The fact that Whites are now playing with serious style and starting matches on the front foot only adds to the impression that there has been a sea change in SW6 over the summer. You get the sense there's plenty to come as well.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/pulling-in-the-same-direction/

[WhiteJC]

Reporter reveals Fulham's asking price for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa just days before Napoli deal was struck

Championship side Fulham were demanding €20m for Cameroonian midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa just a matter of days before allowing him to join Napoli on loan with a £9m option to buy.

This is according to journalist Ciro Venerato who spoke to Naples-based station Radio Kiss Kiss on the 26-year-old's move to the Serie A side, with a move away from Craven Cottage looking like happening for weeks.

The central midfielder handed in a transfer request in early August, prior to the Cottagers' opening league game of the season against Middlesbrough.

As per The Athletic, Anguissa stated his desire not to play in the Championship following Marco Silva's side's relegation from the top flight last season, finishing 18th but a whopping 11 points adrift of Burnley in 17th.

The 26-year-old was dropped for their opening game against Neil Warnock's side – but returned to the first-team fold and was on the bench last weekend for their game against Stoke City.

He was an unused substitute in that game after being overtaken by the likes of Harrison Reed, Josh Onomah and Jean Michael Seri in the pecking order, potentially foreshadowing yesterday's loan exit from the club.

Speaking about the transfer negotiations between the midfielder's parent club Fulham and new team Napoli, Ciro Venerato said to Radio Kiss Kiss (quotes via areanapoli.it): "It was a great coup by (Cristiano) Giuntoli, because his home team, Fulham, until a few days ago was asking for twenty million euros to sell the strong Cameroon midfielder.

"But then no offers arrived and the boy's agent called Giuntoli and opened the solution proposed by the Neapolitan club (Napoli)."

The Cameroonian signed a one-year contract extension before heading out to Italy, enabling the Cottagers to maximise their profit on their wantaway midfielder if Napoli decide against taking up the permanent option in his loan agreement.

The Verdict:

To be able to negotiate a deal for a reported £9m instead of €20m (£17.2m) is some achievement – but it seems like Anguissa was continuing to push for a move away in the final days of the window – putting Fulham in a more difficult position at the negotiating table.

If the 26-year-old was committed to the cause at Craven Cottage, they would have easily been able to ask for a substantial eight-figure fee with two years (now three) left on his deal in west London.

And considering how Marco Silva has been willing to work with Jean Michael Seri, it wouldn't even have been any surprise to see the Cottagers retain their star man in the middle of the park, even after agreeing a £12m deal for Liverpool's Harry Wilson.

His departure is inevitably a blow for a club looking to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking – but they have managed to bring in a very capable replacement with Nathaniel Chalobah arriving on a permanent deal from Watford yesterday.

If this moves out and the likes of Onomah, Reed and Seri all wish to stay, Anguissa could potentially be deemed surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage on his return next summer.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reporter-reveals-fulhams-asking-price-for-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-just-days-before-napoli-deal-was-struck/

[WhiteJC]

Reed in: Fulham's strongest XI now the transfer window is shut – Do you agree?

Fulham have had a tremendous start to life back in the Sky Bet Championship this season and currently look like the team to beat after their opening to the campaign.

The Whites are playing some fine stuff under Marco Silva and have real depth across the squad, with players most sides could only dream about having at second-tier level.

That all said, it's clear they are one of the favourites to win promotion this season and, now the transfer market has closed, full focus will be on matters on the pitch.

That said, we've had a stab at what the Whites' strongest XI could well look like on paper, with no injuries or issues like that, though there's certainly plenty of room for debate with it:

Marek Rodak will want to push to get the number 1 spot this season, whilst the club has a number of good defenders. We've got Kenny Tete in here, too, as he'll eventually return from injury – though Denis Odoi did well against Stoke at the weekend.

Their midfield is full of quality with Nathaniel Chalobah arriving on Deadline Day, whilst the likes of Tom Cairney are still to return and Josh Onohmah will feel he has a part to play too.

Up front, Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid shone at the weekend alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic and they are probably the best three going forwards though, again, you've got players like Neeskens Kebano and Ivan Cavaleiro capable of pushing for a spot.

The depth Fulham have is incredible, and they'll hope that leads them to promotion.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reed-in-fulhams-strongest-xi-now-the-transfer-window-is-shut-do-you-agree/

[WhiteJC]

Nathaniel Chalobah sends Fulham fans message following summer move from Watford

Nathaniel Chalobah joined Fulham on a permanent deal on deadline day, agreeing to a two-year deal at Craven Cottage.

The 26-year-old was not the only Watford player to swap Hertfordshire for West London on the last day of August, with Domingos Quina also making the short trip.

Chalobah made 38 appearances for the promotion-winning Hornets last time out, starting 32 of those games.

The holding midfielder scored three times and provided an assist during the 2020/21 campaign, a year where he also captained the side in March and early April.

After being unable to pave a way into the first-team set up at Chelsea, Chalobah signed for The Hornets in 2017, proceeding to play over 100 games at Vicarage Road.

However, it appears that Watford's midfield recruitment this summer has left the England international down the pecking order, much to Fulham's advantage.

Chalobah has now taken to Instagram to express how delighted he is to get started with the team who currently occupy top spot in the division: "Good morning @fulhamfc . 👋🏽 Excited to be part of the project. Looking forward to seeing you all."

The verdict

Bringing Chalobah back to the Championship is an excellent bit of business from Marco Silva, who was the manager who brought the 26-year-old to Watford on a permanent basis back in 2017.

Chalobah's technical ability, coupled with his physical presence, make him an extremely tough to play against, and dependable figure in the middle of the park.

The departure of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will come as a loss for the club, but replacing him with the talented 26-year-old will soften that blow, as he has all the attributes required to help the club back to the Premier League.

Fulham still possess excellent midfield options, and it is expected that he will be made to work his way into the side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/nathaniel-chalobah-sends-fulham-fans-message-following-summer-move-from-watford/

[WhiteJC]

Report sheds light on Fulham's Matt Grimes pursuit

Fulham were extremely close to securing a deal to bring Matt Grimes to Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by The Swansea Independent, who claim that Swansea City were looking for a fee of around £4m in order to sanction the sale of the central midfielder, comprised of a £3m down payment with the remainder paid in add-ons.

The report went on to state that Fulham's highest offer for the 26-year-old totalled £3m including add-ons, with the Welsh side rejecting this proposal and standing firm on their valuation of the former England U21 international.

Big mistake

While Fulham did manage to replace the outgoing Andre-Frank Anguissa with Nathaniel Chalobah in the final few hours of the summer transfer window, considering the sheer amount of talent Grimes appears to possess, in addition to the fact the Cottagers were a matter of a few hundred thousand pounds away from securing a deal for the midfielder, the argument that Marco Silva could well have made a big mistake in not landing the Swansea City captain is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 45 Championship appearances for the Swans last season, the £6.3m-rated man bagged 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 player Steve Cooper dubbed an "excellent" midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per league fixture.

These returns saw the £10k-per-week 26-year-old earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as his club's fifth-best player in the second tier – playing a key role in Swansea's run to the play-off final.

As such, when taking into account these impressive displays, coupled with the fact that Silva could have landed the midfielder for a great deal less than his current Transfermarkt valuation, the 44-year-old Fulham boss could very easily come to regret not sanctioning a swoop for the Swansea City star on Tuesday.



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

[WhiteJC]

Report: Top-flight club claim Fulham and Nottingham Forest did not bid for £1.5m man

Boavista insist they have no knowledge of any Championship interest in Reggie Cannon after Nottingham Forest and Fulham were linked with the USA international, as reported by Record.

As we enter the first international break of the season, Fulham and Forest will have very different feelings about how the new campaign has begun.

Marco Silva's side have taken the league by storm so far, winning four out of their first five games while scoring more goals (13) than anyone else in the division.

Compare that to Nottingham Forest; bottom of the table, just one point to their name, and four defeats in a row.

At least Chris Hughton can point to an impressive to to the transfer window as the two-time European champions look to claw their way out of the drop zone and into the comfort of mid-table.

Mohamed Drager, Max Lowe, Xande Silva and Braian Ojeda, a member of Paraguay's 2021 Copa America squad, all arrived before the deadline while Middlesbrough loanee Djed Spence should provide some vital competition at right-back.

Spence only joined, however, after Forest had missed out on another right-sided defender; the ambitious, athletic £1.5 million USA international Cannon.

Reggie Cannon will US-stay in Portugal

According to Roger Gonzalez, a reporter from CBSS Sports, Cannon came within touching distance of joining Fulham too. The deal collapsed, however, due to the fact the requisite paperwork was not submitted before Tuesday's 11pm deadline.

Primeira Liga outfit Boavista have been reluctant to give much away though, A Bola claiming that the Axadrezados have distanced themselves from reports suggesting Cannon was close to joining Fulham or Forest. 

With four years left on the contract of a man who put pen to paper with Boavista just 12 months ago following his £1.5 million move from FC Dallas, the five-time Taca de Portugal champions are under no pressure to cash in.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/09/02/report-top-flight-club-claim-fulham-and-nottingham-forest-did-not-bid-for-1-5m-man/

[WhiteJC]

In Profile: Domingos Quina
Dan Cooke takes a look at our other deadline day signing and looks at what we can expect from the Portuguese youth international.

After a typically Fulham deadline day, we finally announced the signing of Domingos Quina on loan from Watford, at half-past midnight. The late night was worth it as Domingos signed with fellow Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah, who Ben Jarman has written a profile on.

Who is he?
Born in Guinea-Bissau, Quina moved to Portugal as a child and entered the youth setup at Benfica, at a similar time to a certain Fabio Carvalho. A year before Fabio, Domingos touched down in London and he joined the Chelsea academy in 2012. A move to West Ham preceded a rumoured seven-figure move to Watford where he has spent the past three years, including a six-month loan spell at Granada in La Liga.

A nifty number 10, who has also shown the ability to play a little bit deeper as an eight, Domingos is exciting to watch. He constantly wants to be on the ball, and drifts about the attacking third searching for opportunities. His low centre of gravity, turn of pace and agility means that he is perfectly suited to play in behind Mitrović in this Fulham team.

Expect to see Domingos dancing down at The Cottage this season and when you add in his propensity for a long-range screamer, we have a tantalising 10 on our hands.

However, his passing range and willingness to get battle for possession, does also provide Marco Silva with the option of playing him a little bit deeper, so don't be surprised if you see him take up the role of an eight in this adventurous Silva side.

Portuguese prizes
Despite only having 34 senior league appearances to his name, Quina is a player who has been highly regarded throughout his career, particularly by the Portuguese national setup. He has played for each age group from the Under-17s through to the Under-21s.

He played in every game as the Portugal U17s won the 2016 U17 European Championships and then started every game for the U19s as they won the U19 Euros in 2018. This was in an U19s squad that included the likes of Florentino Luis, Francisco Trincão and Thierry Correia – good company to be in.

In that U19s side, he played in a midfield three that had Florentino Luis at the base, with Quina playing as the most advanced of the three. It was a very similar dynamic to that of our midfield this season; a playmaker at the base and two, more adventurous, midfielders playing in front.

His performances in those Euros saw him named in the squad of the tournament, after also being named in the team of the tournament when they won the U17s Championships two years earlier.

Time in England
This is a player that clearly comes with a certain pedigree and whose ceiling is high. Despite this, he's never quite made the breakthrough into the first team at his two senior clubs in England.

I spoke to Mike from The Voices of The Vic, and he like many Watford fans only had good words for the Portuguese midfielder. He describes him as "A player with so much promise" and after what started as a successful loan spell in La Liga, he featured and scored for Watford in pre-season. There is certainly disappointment within their fanbase at the fact that Fulham can make this a permanent deal and Mike finished by saying that, with enough game time, we have a player who "will flourish in your side without a shadow of a doubt".

Disappointment from opposition fans when losing one of their players is always a good sign and certainly bodes well for our Bissau-born baller.

Illustrious company
However, I know the question that you're all really asking is, who else have we had from Guinea-Bissau down at The Cottage? Well, it's a list of two, and if Domingos starts against Blackpool, he will most likely acquire more minutes of league football than our two previous Bissau-Guineans combined.

He is following in the footsteps of man-mountain Marcelo Djaló, who has just signed for Boavista in Portugal, and Buomesca Tué Na Bangna, affectionately known simply as Mesca, who now plies his trade in the top tier in Cyprus. Mesca, like Domingos, appeared for the Portuguese youth national teams, but never quite managed to make it in SW6. Between them, they managed 30 minutes of league football for the Whites, so not a huge amount of pressure on our latest acquisition.

Verdict
Get excited. This is a player who will get bums off seats, and in full flow, he is very difficult to stop. His two goals in Spain were both rockets and were courtesy of his right and then left foot. His one Premier League goal was a delightful, curled effort with his right from the edge of the box, and his sole league cup goal was an absolute missile from range with his left.

A flair player, joining up with a manager who has unleashed his creative talents and allowed them the freedom to roam, means that we can expect to have some fun watching Domingos dazzle Championship defenders.

Quina is said to mean "wise" in Portuguese, and while Nathaniel Chalobah may be the signing that gets more attention, after a full Championship season in this Fulham team, an option of £5 million at the end of the loan spell may feel like a wise bit of business indeed.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-09-02-in-profile-domingos-quina/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Barcelona contact Fulham over situation of midfield star

La Liga giants FC Barcelona have been in contact with Sky Bet Championship side Fulham over the situation around Fabio Carvalho, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

Carvalho has had an excellent start to this campaign and looks set to play a key part in Fulham's challenge to win promotion this season and return to the Premier League straight away.

Indeed, the Whites will be eager to see him put pen to paper on a new deal after initially turning down an offer, especially with some of Europe's biggest clubs taking a closer look at him.

That said, Football League World can reveal that, whilst Carvalho is currently still on course to eventually sign a new contract, Catalan club Barcelona have been in touch just to ask about his situation, with it clear his talents and performances have caught the eye further afield than the Championship.

As things stand, especially just after the summer window has closed, the men from Camp Nou are not looking to lodge a formal bid, but have been in touch to ask what the latest is with Carvalho and his contract discussions.

Fulham remain confident that fresh terms will be inked, however, and they'll just be hoping that happens sooner rather than later.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-barcelona-contact-fulham-over-situation-of-midfield-star/

[WhiteJC]

Carabao Cup: Date confirmed for Round Three fixture

Leeds take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Leeds United have been drawn against Fulham in Round Three of the Carabao Cup and the fixture will take place on Tuesday 21st September, KO 7.45pm.

The tie will be played at Craven Cottage, and once the away ticket allocation has been confirmed further details around ticket sales arrangements will be released for the game.

The Whites last faced Fulham in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, running out 2-1 winners away from home, with goals scored by Patrick Bamford and Raphinha.

If you have any queries prior to the ticket announcement, please do not hesitate to contact the Leeds United Ticket Office on 0371 334 1992.



https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/28662/carabao-cup-date-confirmed-for-round-three-fixture

[WhiteJC]

EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona, Leeds set for disappointment as Fulham close on new deal for starlet

Fulham are set to tie up starlet Fabio Carvalho on a new long-term deal, despite new interest in his services from some of Europe's top clubs, including Barcelona, TEAMtalk can reveal.

The 19-year-old made his Cottagers debut at the end of last season and has now come into the first-team under new boss Marco Silva and he has performed brilliantly.

Talks have been ongoing over Carvalho, whose current deal is due to expire at the end of the season. The teenager had rejected their initial offer earlier in the summer, but now confidence is high they are set to secure his services for the long-term.

TEAMtalk understands that Barcelona have recently been scouting Carvalho, who at one time was being looked at by West Ham and Norwich.

As well as Barca, Lyon, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund have also been checking on him, as well as sides from his country of birth Portugal Porto, Sporting Libson and Benfica.

The Sun and Daily Mail also named Leeds as potential suitors for Carvalho.

Leeds managed to view Carvalho at close quarters last season. He played for the Fulham Under-23s against the Whites youngsters both home and away.

Although Fulham were thrashed 7-1 at Thorp Arch in December, Carvalho scored a superb goal. And he also netted when the sides met in London.

Carvalho's progression

Leeds have been signing up young talent in recent years . Kristoffer Klaesson, Leo Hjelde, Sean McGurk and Lewis Bate have all arrived this summer.

Carvalho made six first-team appearances under Scott Parker last season. And Fulham are desperate to keep the starlet after his brilliant start to this season.

Three goals and an assist in his five Championship games to date has shown of his great potential.

Carvalho was actually at Benfica as a youngster before his family moved to London in 2013 when he was just 10.

He progressed through the Cottagers youth system and shone for the Under-23s last term. He netted 11 goals from 13 appearances in Premier League 2.

Carvalho has since gone on to play for England and is an Under-18 international. However, we also understand Portugal's FA are also still very much keeping tabs on him.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-confident-of-new-contract-for-fabio-carvalho-teamtalk-exclusive

[WhiteJC]

Fabio Carvalho set to sign new Fulham contract amid West Ham interest

West Ham are likely to be disappointed in their pursuit of teenager Fabio Carvalho with the attacker set to sign a new Fulham contract, according to TEAMtalk.

The online news outlet claims the Cottagers are confident of the 19-year-old penning fresh terms on a long-term contract at the Championship club.

His current contract expires at the end of the 2021/22 campaign and the Portuguese-born forward rejected Fulham's initial contract offer earlier in the summer.

But he looks set to stay despite heavy interest from elsewhere, with West Ham namechecked by TEAMtalk as having looked at the England youth international.

The Daily Mail also reported Irons interest early last month and Carvalho's star has continued to shine after a scintillating start to the season with Fulham, scoring three goals in four Championship outings thus far.

Can't win them all

It always looked like a tough prospect for West Ham to convince Carvalho to make the move to the London Stadium given there was interest from the likes of Barcelona and Porto as well.

To that point, it's perhaps slightly surprising that he has seemingly opted to remain where he is.

But, given the game time afforded to him this season under Marco Silva, it looks like the right decision to develop at Craven Cottage and help spearhead Fulham's promotion bid.

If successful, he will likely start the Premier League season in the starting XI, something that would be unlikely at West Ham.

The Irons have had a successful season in terms of youth recruitment with the signings of Thierry Nevers and Armstrong Okoflex.

While Carvalho is more highly-rated at this point in time, West Ham can't win every transfer battle, and they will focus their attention onto scouting prodigious young talents elsewhere now.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/fabio-carvalho-set-to-sign-new-fulham-contract-amid-west-ham-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Barcelona monitoring Carvalho's progress

Various reports this afternoon suggest that Barcelona have been watching the progress of Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho this season.

The Spanish giants join a clutch of clubs who have been impressed with Carvalho's emergence into the Fulham starting eleven, first after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League under Scott Parker and then this term when the nineteen year-old has scored three times in his first five league outings in the Championship.

Barcelona, Leeds, Norwich City and Porto have all been credited with an interest in Carvalho, who has a year to run on his current contract at Craven Cottage. Fulham remain confident that the teenager will soon commit his future to the club, following in the footsteps of Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic – who signed a new five-year deal last week.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/barcelona-monitoring-carvalhos-progress/

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Leeds United set for transfer disappointment with London outfit closing in on key agreement - LeedsAllOver

Leeds United look set to miss out in their reported interest of Fulham sensation Fabio Carvalho, with reports that he is set to pen a new deal.

Dan James on Bielsa and joining Leeds United

Check out what Dan James had to say after joining Leeds United from Manchester United in August 2021.

Leeds' keen eye on youth investment in the past few seasons has set them up very well for the future under Marcelo Bielsa.

Key signings have been made for the under-23s to improve the overall standard of the youth system and allow for more players to push towards a first-team role.

Despite four impressive arrivals for Mark Jackson's side this summer, there was another player on the radar.

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham's Fabio Carvalho was hitting an impasse in talks over a new contract at Craven Cottage as Leeds, West Ham, and Norwich monitored his situation.

The Portugal-born teenager signed a pro deal back in May 2020 prior to the Cottagers' promotion alongside Leeds, with that deal due to expire at the end of this season.

However, Leeds and the others are set to be disappointed in their tracking of the creative attacker, following reports from TEAMtalk that Fulham are confident of securing a new contract for the youngster.

The report details that Fulham had an initial offer turned down by the 19-year-old, but are now looking very likely to tie him down on fresh terms as he shines in the Championship.

A 19-year-old with three goals and an assist already in the Championship this season is a brilliant start and it's no shock they're moving quick to secure this deal.

He featured heavily at the back end of last season as Fulham battled to stay in the Premier League, and he's already shown his potential for the future under two different managers.

I'm expecting big things from him, but that will be at Craven Cottage rather than anywhere else any time soon.

If big money comes in for him then Fulham might be tempted to cash in, but he's clearly an integral part of Marco Silva's current plans.



https://www.leedsallover.com/leeds-united-set-for-transfer-disappointment-with-london-outfit-closing-in-on-key-agreement/

[WhiteJC]

'We had talks': Agent says £11.5m man never wanted to join West Brom or Fulham

M'Bala Nzola was never interested in a move to West Brom or Fulham with the striker's agent telling Sky Italia that Italy or Turkey were his preferred destinations, via Tuttomercatoweb.

After picking up four wins and a draw from their opening five Championship games, even a disappointing end to a frantic transfer window has not dimmed the optimism growing at West Bromwich Albion.

But can Valerien Ismael's side last the course with the out-of-form Karlan Grant and the unconvincing Jordan Hugill as their striking options? 

Purported deals for Mateo Cassierra and Daryl Dike did not come to fruition while Nzola, a physical, old-school number nine the mould of Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku, never gave a second thought to swapping Serie A for England's second tier.

Is M'bala Nzola now heading to Istanbul?

"Nzola was on the market. It is normal that there were negotiations," agent Doug Pingisi explains of a man who scored 11 Serie A goals last season, including a famous winner away at Napoli. 

"The player's will was to stay in Serie A. The only team to have made a concrete offer was Genoa. We also had talks with English and Turkish clubs, but the will of M'bala has always been to stay in Italy.

"Genoa was his first choice, then the Rossoblù did not find an agreement with Spezia and the exchange failed."

Marco Silva's Fulham are long-time admirers of Nzola, having failed with an £11.5 million bid during the January transfer window.

With the ink still drying on Aleksandar Mitrovic's new contract and with Rodrigo Muniz waiting in the wings, however, the Cottagers won't be shedding too many tears if Nzola ends up in Turkey instead. 

"We are talking to İstanbul Basaksehir," Pingisi adds. "The player would like this destination. The Istanbul team has always been the boy's favourite destination, after Serie A."

The Turkish transfer window will shut on September 8th.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/09/02/we-had-talks-agent-says-11-5m-man-never-wanted-to-join-west-brom-or-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Muniz 'very happy' to be at Fulham

New Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz says he is 'very happy' to have joined the Championship club after completing his first training session at Motspur Park today.

The young Brazilian striker, who was the subject of a summer tug-of-war between Fulham and Middlesbrough, had to quarantine in Spain before finally being able to train with his new team-mates today after his £6m move to Craven Cottage.

Muniz told FFC TV:

"I am very happy being here meeting my new team-mates. I want to thank the whole team, the staff and everyone involved in making this deal happen. I thank God I am here and I am very happy. When I stepped in today, I said 'Thank you God this happened'. I am a Fulham player and very happy."

The former Flamengo forward said he enjoyed his first training session and underlined his delight at working with Marco Silva.

It was very good. I received a warm welcome. I am very happy to be at a winning club that is first in the league. I came here to add to the team and help the team.

Marco and the rest of the staff gave me a very warm welcome and we had a very good conversation. We spoke a lot and we are both very happy. I am happy to work with him and I will do my best to help the team.

He shared his delight at making the move to Europe and wants to help Fulham maintain their outstanding start to the new Championship campaign.

"Every young player dreams of playing in Europe. Thank God, being 20 now, I will seize this opportunity with both hands. I am a team player, I help my team-mates. I look to score goals, when I cannot, I look to help by giving my all, by scoring and helping my team-mates, perfecting whatever I need to."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/muniz-very-happy-to-be-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Report: London club set to strike new agreement with teenage wonderkid, Leeds and West Ham keen

Team Talk claim Fulham are set to secure the future of Fabio Carvalho – despite interest from Leeds, West Ham and some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Carvalho, 19, has been in stunning form for recently-relegated Fulham – who are now under the guidance of Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

Having made his debut and scored in the Premier League under Scott Parker last term, he has started all five of Fulham's league games this term.

His form has been stunning, scoring three goals and laying on an assist. Fulham sit top of the Championship, and Carvalho is crucial to that.

However, his current contract ends in June 2022 – The Sun on Sunday (8/8; page 66) said his future was attracting interest from West Ham and Leeds.

Carvalho contract: Fulham set to shut door on Leeds and West Ham

The new report from Team Talk says Leeds and West Ham have taken a look. They also name Barcelona as a club that have been scouting him.

Six other European giants considering Carvalho include Lyon, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund as well as Portuguese trio Lisbon, Benfica and Porto.

But all those that are interested are set to be frustrated in their approach. That is because Fulham are set to strike an agreement with the teen talent.

The report states that a new deal is in the offing, a long-term contract. Leeds, West Ham, Barcelona and others will have to look elsewhere.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-london-club-set-to-strike-new-agreement-with-teenage-wonderkid-leeds-and-west-ham-keen/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Ten Year Anniversary Show

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

On our Ten Year Anniverasary Show, many co-hosts joined to talk about their time on Cottage Talk and all the memories they have from these ten years of talking about Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/9/2/22654764/cottage-talk-ten-year-anniversary-show

[filham]

Of course top priority next week is preparation for our next match at Blackpool, another three points in the bag would be great.
However next on the priority list has to be the agreement on a new long term contract with Carvalho. In recent years we have seen a few young talents snatched away from us by bigger clubs, lets make sure we enjoy watching this one at the Cottage for a few seasons.