Sunday Fulham Stuff - 22/05/22...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham table 2 billion naira offer for Super Eagles star

The Premier League newbies are looking to put together a formidable defensive unit ahead of the top-flight campaign

Fulham have firmed up their interest in Nigeria international defender Calvin Bassey and have made an initial €4 million offer for the Glasgow Rangers defender, according to Hommedumatch.

Fulham spent the 2021-22 season in the English Championship but secured their automatic promotion to the English Premier League after another near-flawless campaign.

But more is needed in the English top-flight, and the Cottagers are keen on improving a defence that shipped only 43 goals in 46 league games.

Adding one of the most improved defenders in Europe to their payroll would be a fine step in the right direction.

Bassey catapulted himself into the top half of every major club's shopping list after an exceptional season with Scottish giants Rangers.

The 22-year-old was an unknown quantity when he left Leicester City's academy for the Ibrox Stadium in 2020.

However, his stock has risen above the ceiling after helping the Light Blues finish second in the Scottish Premiership and reach the final of both the Europa League and the Scottish Cup.

Arguably Bassey's best game this season came in the Europa League final, in which Rangers lost on penalties to German Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Super Eagles defender was the only Nigerian named in the Europa League Team of the Season following his exploits in the competition.



https://soccernet.ng/2022/05/fulham-table-2-billion-naira-offer-for-super-eagles-defender.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham launch €4m bid for 22-year-old

Promoted outfit Fulham have submitted a €4m bid for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey ahead of the summer window, according to a report from French outlet Homme du Match.

The 22-year-old was a regular starter for the Scottish Premiership side during the 2021/22 campaign, making 49 appearances in all competitions and recording six assists in the process, testing himself on the highest stage recently in the Europa League final.

Able to ply his trade both as a full-back and a central defender, he has been an integral asset to Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side's cause, establishing himself as a real bright spark despite the Gers being unable to retain their league title.

He could depart Ibrox in the coming months though with several sides thought to be interested in his services, including Midlands rivals Aston Villa and Leicester City.

With his contract not expiring until 2024 though, any side interested in luring him away from Glasgow may need to fork out a considerable fee for his services, with his performances in the Europa League catching the eye.

And it has now been reported that the Cottagers, who need to address their centre-back situation in the summer in their quest to remain afloat in the Premier League, have launched a €4m offer as they look to complete some of their transfer business early on in the upcoming window.

They were also thought to be closing in on Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon, though it's currently unclear how close they are to beating the likes of Villa and the Foxes to Bassey's signature at this stage.

The Verdict:

If they are to utilise him as a left-back, they would surely need to cash in on one of Joe Bryan or Antonee Robinson, with the former potentially the most likely player to move on out of the duo.

Perhaps a move for a left-sided player makes sense – because some supporters weren't exactly impressed with some of Robinson's performances this term and that doesn't bode well for their upcoming top-tier campaign.

To prevent an overload of players in this position though, you just feel a permanent move way for one of the two existing options is necessary, because even a loan deal means they are likely to return to Craven Cottage for the 2023/24 campaign and that could be particularly costly if Marco Silva's side are back in the second tier and have three senior left-backs on their wage bill.

Often playing as a centre-back too though, at least one or two options are needed in this position to provide a sufficient amount of quality and depth, with Michael Hector, Alfie Mawson and Terence Kongolo all potentially leaving the club in the coming months.

Silva's side may have taken up their one-year option on Tim Ream – but you feel they would want an alternative starting option alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, with Bassey potentially being that man.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-launch-e4m-bid-for-22-year-old/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham transfer deal in danger as other clubs swoop

Championship outfit Fulham are on the verge of seeing their deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon collapse, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano's Twitter update last night.

The 22-year-old looked set to become the Cottagers' first signing of the summer as they look to replace the attacking void left by Liverpool-bound Fabio Carvalho, with a £7m deal thought to have been verbally agreed a month ago.

Recording four goals in 16 appearances in the Ukrainian top flight during the 2021/22 campaign, he enjoyed a slightly more productive campaign the season before that, scoring nine times in 23 outings but has had his footballing career affected in recent months by Russia's invasion of the country.

However, he was able to make five Champions League appearances this term, also appearing in the Europa League frequently and this has seemingly captured the attention of multiple clubs, with other sides now said to have entered the race to secure his services.

This could put Solomon's move to Craven Cottage in jeopardy with journalist Romano reporting that there are now "serious issues" preventing this deal from being finalised at this stage.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move for the winger, though it remains to be seen whether any of the quartet have sustained their interest.

The Verdict:

Considering the interest surrounding him previously, many would see this as a coup for the Cottagers if they were able to pull this deal off, though some would say it's a risk spending £7m on someone who isn't proven in the English top tier.

You could say that about many players that have come to this division though – and considering some of the fees they spent back in the summer of 2018 on the likes of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Alfie Mawson, this is a reasonably modest deal.

Getting value for money has to be a top priority this summer to ensure they give themselves the best chance of remaining afloat in the top flight but if they don't, ensure they give themselves the best chance of promotion again.

And if they don't spend a huge amount on players, that should help to cope with the loss of revenue they will get if they fall back into the second tier.

Some money will have to be spent if they are to remain afloat in the division – but they can recruit bargains as well. And having the right mix of players is also important – because they will want to stay in the top tier and shake off their current tag of being a 'yo-yo' club.

Solomon could potentially fill the void Carvalho will leave with the Israeli establishing himself as a consistent goalscorer, also having experience of playing in European competitions under his belt.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-transfer-deal-in-danger-as-other-clubs-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Report: It's increasingly likely that 'outstanding' West Ham player is going to leave, new club lined up

Ryan Fredericks is set to leave West Ham United at the end of the season to go back to his former club Fulham.

Fredericks' contract is up at the end of the current campaign, and having joined them as a free agent from Craven Cottage during Manuel Pellegrini's reign.

The Evening Standard report that the right-back will re-join his former club as David Moyes plots a squad overhaul in the summer.

The Hammers will once again be in European competition, but tomorrow's fixtures will determine whether it is the Europa League once more or the UEFA Conference League.

Fredericks set to leave West Ham

Their report reads: "Fulham are lining up Fredericks as their first signing since clinching promotion to the Premier League, with the right-back set to return to Craven Cottage on a free transfer.

"Fredericks is out of contract at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal by the Hammers after falling behind Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal in the pecking order.

"Fulham are looking for experienced top-flight players and versatile Fredericks fits the bill.

"Hammers boss David Moyes is planning a significant overhaul of his squad this summer in a bid to cement their status as European challengers next season. Andriy Yarmolenko will also leave at the end of his contract."

From being the first-choice and called 'outstanding' by Garth Crooks, he has fallen entirely out of favour, Fredericks now looks set for a low-key Hammers departure.

Moyes has a thin squad but Coufal and Johnson are better full-back options than Fredericks, although perhaps Moyes will dip into the market for a new defender.

The move makes sense for the player himself, who can go somewhere he knows already and not have to leave London.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-its-increasingly-likely-that-outstanding-west-ham-player-is-going-to-leave-new-club-lined-up/

[WhiteJC]

Strakosha Agrees to Four-Year Deal With Fulham

Thomas Strakosha is close to completing a free transfer to Fulham after agreeing to a four-year deal.

The 27-year-old Albanian shot stopper will leave the Biancocelesti after 10 years next month after his contract expires. He fell out of favour with Simone Inzaghi last year and was benched by Pepe Reina, but he's since re-found his form and confidence under Maurizio Sarri this campaign.

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham have reached an agreement with Strakosha on the basis of a four-year contract. Only the last details are remaining now until the move is fully confirmed.

Until recently Lazio had held out hope regarding a contract renewal but it's clear that the 27-year-old was keen for a breath of fresh air, and the challenge of the Premier League.

Strakosha made 207 appearances for Lazio since arriving in the summer of 2012, helping the side win two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. During his time with the Biancocelesti, he conceded 244 goals and kept 62 clean sheets, picking up 15 yellow cards and no red cards along the way.

Apollo's thoughts:

A sad goodbye for Lazio fans, Strakosha had proven himself a reliable and mature option between the sticks across the Inzaghi era. Despite slipping out of the first team, he continued to work hard, remained professional and rightly re-earned his place in Sarri's squad.

The writing has been on the wall for a while now, but it doesn't make his departure any less painful. Strakosha will hopefully go on to shine in the Premier League with Fulham and it seems like a great pick up for the West London side.

Now the pressure is on for Lazio to find an adequate replacement and the lack of a true backup option makes this even more stressful for supporters.




https://thelaziali.com/2022/05/21/strakosha-agrees-deal-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham poised to finalise ambitious transfer swoop for 27-y/o

Fulham are closing in on the signing of Lazio's Thomas Strakosha, with the keeper agreeing a four-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Despite Marek Rodak's impressive performances this season, there has been plenty of speculation since the Cottagers won promotion that they would be targeting a new stopper. And, reports have intensified in recent days that Strakosha would be that man.

In a further development shared by Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Albanian is now believed to have agreed terms ahead of the move.

The update states the transfer is now close to happening, with Strakosha happy with the offer on the table and there will now just be the formalities to sort between the two clubs to ensure this does go through.

It's expected to be a very busy summer for Marco Silva as he looks to make the additions to help the Londoners as they look to establish themselves in the top-flight moving forward.

Strakosha is starting for Lazio this evening as they take on Verona in the final Serie A game of the season.

The verdict

This is a real coup for Fulham when it's finalised, which now seems a matter of time going by this update.

Whilst some will have sympathy for Rodak, the reality is that Strakosha appears to be a major upgrade, as he arrives with plenty of top level experience, both with club and country.

So, this would be an impressive start to the window for the Cottagers, who need to have a good window as they look to stay in the Premier League next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-poised-to-finalise-ambitious-transfer-swoop-for-27-y-o/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make Matic move

Fulham are keen on signing Serbian veteran midfielder Nemanja Matic after he leaves Manchester United this summer, according to the Sun.

The Whites are aiming to tempt the 33 year-old former Chelsea midfielder back to West London after Matic opted to leave Old Trafford at the end of his current contract. The holding midfielder, who spent five years with Manchester United, could add considerable experience to Marco Silva's engine room as Fulham look to survive in the top flight after winning the Championship.

Matic, who won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, made 23 league appearances for United this term and has opted to move on with Eric ten Hag poised to take charge at Old Trafford. The same Sun report also suggests that Fulham will battle the likes of Leicester City and West Ham to sign Joe Worrall should Nottingham Forest fail to win the Championship play-off final.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/05/fulham-make-matic-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'want to convince Nemanja Matic to stay in the Premier League' as Marco Silva's side 'seek to add veteran experience' following promotion from the Championship

    Fulham are interested in signing Nemanja Matic for their Premier League return
    Matic announced his decision to leave Manchester United after five years 
    Former Chelsea midfielder is yet to find a club and is being courted by Fulham
    Marco Silva is looking to add veteran experience into his squad for next year

Fulham are interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic once he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the year, according to The Sun.

The Serbian midfielder has spent the last five seasons with the Red Devils and announced his decision to leave the club back in April - putting potential suitors on red alert.

One of those clubs includes Marco Silva's promotion winning Fulham side, who are desperate to add an experienced head amongst their youthful squad.


Fulham are interested in signing Nemanja Matic once he leaves Manchester United

In April, the former Chelsea midfielder announced his decision to leave the club after five seasons through a lengthy statement on social media.

Matic wrote: 'After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United.

'I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision.

'It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.

'I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible.'


The Serbian midfielder called an end to his time at Old Trafford after five years at the club

The 33-year-old made 189 appearances for United across his five seasons - failing to win a trophy at a club for the first time in his career.

The football veteran could offer some much needed experience to the Fulham changing room, with Matic having won the Premier League twice during his time at Chelsea.

Fulham's average age for their squad sits at around 25.7 which is not ideal for a side that are looking to re-establish themselves as one of the top sides in England.


Marco Silva want to sign an experienced player for Fulham's return to the Premier League



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10841185/Fulham-want-convince-Nemanja-Matic-staying-Premier-League.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall

Fulham are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest ace Joe Worrall, as detailed in a report by The Sun.

Fulham are ready to swoop for the defender if Nottingham Forest fail to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Worrall, 25, has been a hit with the Reds in the Championship this past season.

The Sun claim Leicester City and West Ham United are also in the frame for his signature.

Fulham identify summer target

Fulham are gearing up for life in the top flight after securing the second tier title under Marco Silva and could see Worrall as someone to bolster their defensive department.

The centre-back has been on the books at the City Ground for his whole career to date and has risen up through the academy of his local side.

He has made 182 appearances for the Reds in all competitions to date and has chipped in with four goals and six assists from the back, as well as having loan spells away at Dagenham and Redbridge and Rangers in the past.

Worrall has played a key role in Steve Cooper's side reaching the play-offs this term and next weekend's final against Huddersfield Town at Wembley will be his 46th and final appearance of the campaign.

Everyone associated with Nottingham Forest will be hoping that it isn't his final game for them and The Sun say he will stay if they are able to beat the Terriers.

However, if they lose they could face a battle to keep him with Fulham entering the race now.



https://the72.co.uk/273784/fulham-keeping-tabs-on-nottingham-forest-defender-joe-worrall/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham want to sign Manchester United ace, he's already confirmed he's leaving for free

Fulham want Nemanja Matic and are ready to make a shock move for the midfielder as his Manchester United contract expires this summer.

The Cottagers have clinched promotion back to the Premier League and now need to break their cycle.

The last two Fulham promotions have ended with instant relegation. At the moment, Fulham have the tag of being too good for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League.

Marco Silva must now recruit smartly in order to keep Fulham in the Premier League – and he could go for the experience of Matic.

Fulham want Nemanja Matic

According to The Sun, Fulham want to hold talks with Matic to try and convince him to return to London.

Matic spent plenty of time in West London with Chelsea and Fulham seemingly hope to tempt him back this summer.

Matic has already announced on Instagram that he will be leaving United on a free transfer.

Five years after joining Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, the time is right for Matic to leave United and enjoy a fresh start.

The 33-year-old has only started 16 Premier League games this season but has recently featured prominently under Ralf Rangnick.

There is bound to be interest in Europe but the prospect of staying in the Premier League and starting regularly for Fulham could be appealing.

One interesting note is that Matic's former Serbian international teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic is already at Fulham.

Mitrovic is a hero at Craven Cottage and Matic may fancy that for himself.

It's also worth noting that Silva coached Portuguese side Estoril against Matic's Benfica before the midfielder's second Chelsea move.

Fulham's transfer approach after recent promotions has been a little scattergun but landing a proven Premier League veteran in Matic may be just how Silva wants to start his summer.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/05/22/fulham-manchester-united-nemanja-matic/

[WhiteJC]

Burnley 'attach a staggering £40m price tag to West Ham and Fulham target Nick Pope - whether they are relegated from the Premier League or not'

    Burnley have attached a £40million price tag to Nike Pope, 30, for the summer
    Fulham and West Ham United are vying over the England goalkeeper's signature
    The Lily Whites are eager to offer Pope a three-year contract at Craven Cottage
    Meanwhile, Burnley are looking to reinforce their squad after a poor campaign 

Burnley have attached a staggering £40million price tag to their star goalkeeper Nick Pope ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The England shot-stopper will be highly sought-after during the summer transfer market and Burnley are eager to make the most out of the situation.

Pope, 30, already has Fulham and West Ham United vying over his signature, according to The Sun.


Burnley have attached a staggering £40million price tag to their star goalkeeper Nick Pope

Fulham have been longer-term admirers of Pope and will be looking to make a transfer swoop this summer.

Craven Cottage boss Marco Silva is eager to tie Pope down early in the summer transfer window and it reportedly keen to hand the 30-year-old a three-year deal.

The move could be intriguing to Pope as Fulham are not afraid to splash the cash on their player's salaries, while Burnley will be forced to cut his pay cheque if they are relegated.

Fulham are also said be interested in signing Dean Henderson on loan, however, they are more interested in permanent deals.

West Ham United are also said to be in the running to sign Pope during the summer transfer window.

However, the Hammers had hoped to pay closer to £20m for the England shot-stopper.

Meanwhile, Burnley will find their Premier League fate out later this afternoon as Mike Jackson guides them into their game against Newcastle.

Having been handed the job as the interim manager following Sean Dyche's sacking, Jackson said: 'You always remember the group, because you've been through a lot together.

'I can remember now the teams I got promoted with. I can tell you about every one of them and the way the dynamic of the group was, how strong it was.

'You can walk past the lads in the street and speak to them in ten, 15 years because you still have that bond. It's the same again here.

'There have been injuries, the pressure of games, so to keep delivering is credit to them.

'I just see a group of mates who don't really care who they're playing against. Every game since we've been here has been called 'a must', where you've got to get something out of it.

'The lads have been delivering and the performances have been strong.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10841849/Burnley-attach-staggering-40m-price-tag-West-Ham-United-Fulham-target-Nick-Pope.html

[WhiteJC]

2 in, 1 out: The transfer scenarios that might play out at Fulham early in the summer transfer window

With Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town still to do battle at Wembley, Fulham can watch on from home knowing that plans for their Premier League return are firmly in the works.

Crowned as champions of the Championship, Marco Silva's side had an impressive 2021/22 campaign, finishing on 90 points and scoring an eye-watering 106 goals.

As the Cottagers look to strengthen their squad ahead of next campaign, plenty of players have been linked with a move to Craven Cottage in recent weeks.

Here. we've picked out three early transfer dealings we can see happening in West London – two players in, and one out.

IN: Nemanja Matic
One man that could perhaps be on his way in early during the transfer window is current Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Late last night, a report by The Sun claimed that Fulham are trying to convince the Serbian veteran to remain with them in the Premier League and make the move back to West London.

Matic previously had a successful time in the capital at Chelsea, so perhaps could be convinced to make the move to Fulham if they can convince him they can survive in the Premier League.

At 33-years-old, Matic is certainly in the twilight of his career, but, would certainly offer some crucial veteran Premier League experience in the Fulham midfield.

OUT: Anthony Knockaert
One player that could be heading for the exit door, though, is winger Anthony Knockaert.

Now 30-years-old, Knockaert has spent the vast majority of the season injuyred, making just seven appearances for the club in all competitions.

Over the years, Knockaert has shown he can be a good operator at Championship level, but, if Fulham are to stay up and be a success in the Premier League, they are going to need players that are ready to play, and that have more quality than the Frenchman.

With his contract set to expire in 2023, too, a move this summer may allow Fulham to bring in a small fee for him, rather than lose him for nothing next season.

IN: Neco Williams
The summer is yet to arrive but still this feels like a transfer saga that has been rumbling on for a while now.

Neco Williams returned to Liverpool at the end of the Championship season after a successful loan spell at Fulham and by all accounts, the Cottagers are keen to see him return this summer.

They have reportedly been named their price for the Welsh international, and Marco Silva's side are said to have registered their interest in getting the deal done for that fee.

Given that this move could suit all parties, it could be one that gets wrapped up fairly early on this summer.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-in-1-out-the-transfer-scenarios-that-might-play-out-at-fulham-early-in-the-summer-transfer-window/

[WhiteJC]

Cyrus Christie addresses future amid Nottingham Forest transfer interest

Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Cyrus Christie declares Premier League ambition amid Reds transfer interest

Soon-to-be free agent Cyrus Christie says he wants to be back in the Premier League and it is time to "kick on" amid Nottingham Forest transfer interest.

Christie is set to become a free agent once his Fulham contract expires on June 30 and the Reds have been linked with making a permanent move for the former Forest loanee. The 29-year-old spent the 2020/21 season on-loan with the Reds and was linked with a permanent move to the City Ground last summer, but instead the Fulham defender joined Swansea City on a temporary deal in January.

Christie made 23 Championship appearances for the Swans having joined the Welsh side after Ethan Laird was recalled by Manchester United. He scored three times and provided five assists during his time in south Wales, proving to be a useful part of Russell Martin's squad as they finished 15th in the league standings.

Whilst Forest are claimed to have put Christie on a 'list' of transfer targets, the defender has recently spoken about what the future entails for him.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said a lot depends on his family and that he other things to consider, but it is clear that he wants to be back in England's top-flight - something Forest could potentially offer if they beat Huddersfield Town in the play-off final next Sunday.

He said: "I can reach the Premier League again. I want to get back there. It didn't go to plan last time but you can't be scared of going back there. I'm in a good place, physically and mentally doing really well. I feel fit, I'd love to be in somewhere and get a full pre-season. Now it's time to kick on."

Forest are not the only club reported to be interested in the 29-year-old. Watford and two clubs from Turkey - reportedly Konyaspor and Fenerbache - have both been tipped to make a move, as well as Swansea City.



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-transfer-cyrus-christie-7112749

[WhiteJC]

Fulham deal for Manor Solomon close to collapsing with other clubs now circling

According to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano (tweet – below), Fulham could be set to suffer heartache in their move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon.

Manor Solomon-Fulham deal is on the verge of collapse, despite being verbally agreed for one month and confirmed as ‘imminent’ by the player. ⚠️🇮🇱 #transfers

There are serious issues - and other clubs are now entering the race to sign Solomon, huge opportunity on the market. pic.twitter.com/BxKx3dQ1uz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2022

Romano's tweet counters earlier reports that a deal for Israeli star Solomon has been agreed between the London club and Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported €8 million.

The above amount was a base fee that aforesaid reports mentioned would be augmented with a percentage sell-on clause.

Fulham to lose out after promotion to Premier League

Romano's post that complications have arisen will be worrying for London side Fulham who would have thought their man was in the bag.

Calling these new occurrences "serious issues", the journalist paints a bleak picture in the face of the Cottagers' chase for the 28-cap international.

The reporter also indicates that the failing nature of what looked like an agreed deal has brought other clubs to the table.

These other clubs – states Romano – are "now entering the race" for Solomon with Fulham's grip seemingly loosening on him.

Thoughts?

Fulham's recent football journey has seen them yo-yo from Premier League to Championship with some regularity.

Obviously looking to arrest this, Marco Silva's side would have been looking to add steel and guile to the bones of an already good side.

Solomon was likely a big part of this restructure. His 22 goals and nine assists in 106 games for Shakhtar Donetsk attests to that.

The Israeli winger scored four goals in 16 Premier Liga games last season before the season was called off following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

If Fabrizio Romano's news continues to ring true, then Fulham could very well miss out on a key figure for next season.



https://the72.co.uk/273765/fulham-deal-for-manor-solomon-close-to-collapsing-with-other-clubs-now-circling/

[filham]

I like the sound of Matic, his experience could be just what is needed to hold us together in the Premier League.