Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 25/05/22...

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West Ham star set to leave club this summer with Fulham ready to make a move

Ryan Fredericks will leave West Ham this summer after the club missed their deadline to offer him a new deal.

The 29-year-old is out of contract with the Hammers at the end of the season and the London club had until the third Saturday in May to agree on an extension. The path is now clear for the right-back to find a new club reports Football Insider and the Englishman won't have to go very far.

Fulham are the club most interested in Fredericks and are lining the West Ham man up to be their first summer signing reports the Evening Standard.

The Cottagers are looking for experienced top-flight players to bolster Marco Silva's squad this summer as they look to avoid going straight back down next season, which unfortunately keeps happening to the London club.

Fredericks will leave West Ham after spending four years with the club, having joined from Fulham in 2018. The right-back played for the Hammers 63 times in the Premier League and his time at the club has unfortunately been characterised by injury.

David Moyes has preferred Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal on the right-hand side of his defence and that led to the 29-year-old making just 15 appearances across all competitions this season.

Fredericks will be looking to rejuvenate his career with his next move and going back to Fulham could do just that.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/05/24/west-ham-star-set-to-leave-club-this-summer-with-fulham-ready-to-make-a-move/

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Fulham and Bournemouth ready to pounce if Celtic miss out on Cameron Carter-Vickers

Fulham and Bournemouth are ready to pounce for Celtic target Cameron Carter-Vickers, as detailed in a report by the Daily Record.

The promoted Championship pair are keen to snap up the defender from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Carter-Vickers, 24, spent this past campaign on loan at Celtic Park and he has agreed personal terms with the Scottish champions.

The Hoops have three weeks to conclude a deal with Spurs before other terms can swoop in, with the Daily Record claiming Fulham and Bournemouth are monitoring the situation closely and are both ready to move in if his proposed switch to Glasgow collapses.

Another target identified for Fulham and Bournemouth

Fulham and Bournemouth are both gearing up for life back in the Premier League next term and could see Carter-Vickers as someone to bolster their defensive ranks.

The USA international is no stranger to playing in the Football League having previously had spells away on loan at Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea City, Stoke City, Luton Town and Bournemouth in the past to get experience under his belt.

The latter are now interested in luring him back to the Vitality Stadium and Scott Parker's side have a vacancy to fill with Nat Phillips heading back to his parent club Liverpool following the expiration of his loan deal.

Celtic appear to be the frontrunners to land Carter-Vickers from Spurs and have a head start on competitors.

He was a hit with Ange Postecoglou's side this past term and scored four goals in 49 games to help them take the title back off Rangers.



https://the72.co.uk/273958/fulham-and-bournemouth-ready-to-pounce-if-celtic-miss-out-on-cameron-carter-vickers/

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Fulham open talks to sign Newcastle United loanee Matt Targett

FULHAM have joined the race to sign Matt Targett this summer, with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe still assessing whether or not to turn the full-back's move from Aston Villa into a permanent transfer.

Targett has been a huge success since joining Newcastle on loan in January, with his reliable performances at left-back having been a key factor in the overall defensive improvement that was apparent in the second half of the season.

The 26-year-old started all of Newcastle's matches after arriving from Villa Park, bar the game against his permanent employers, and the loan agreement that was thrashed out when he moved at the start of the year contains a clause that enables the Magpies to complete a permanent transfer for around £15m this summer.

There is still a chance Howe could opt to trigger the arrangement, although there are complications on both sides that could yet prevent a deal taking place. Newcastle's recruitment team have been monitoring alternative left-back options, and are understood to have a growing interest in Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi and Bayer Leverkusen full-back Mitchel Bakker. At the same time, former Southampton trainee Targett is believed to be keen to move closer to his family, who remain based on the south coast.

"I think it's a difficult one to give any direction on, in respect to his club," said Howe, when asked about Targett's position in the wake of Newcastle's season-ending win at Burnley. "So, we'll wait and see."

The uncertainty has created an opportunity for other clubs to initiate discussions of their own, and Fulham officials have made contact with the Aston Villa hierarchy and Targett's representatives to outline their interest in securing a deal.

The Cottagers intend to strengthen their defence significantly in the wake of their promotion from the Championship, with Marco Silva keen to prioritise the purchase of some tried-and-tested Premier League performers who can add some much-needed top-flight experience to his squad.

Targett would fit that bill, and Fulham are willing to match the terms agreed by Newcastle when their loan arrangement was finalised in January.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard is expected to sanction Targett's permanent departure this summer, with Lucas Digne having established himself as the first-choice left-back at Villa Park, and Fulham are hoping to tie up a deal before the transfer window official reopens.

In an ideal world, Howe would like to wrap up a significant chunk of his own transfer business before the start of July, but despite the season only having ended at the weekend, the Magpies head coach is already encountering a few difficulties.

He is keen to land long-term attacking target Hugo Ekitike, but faces a major battle after Borussia Dortmund identified the teenage striker as one of their preferred replacements for Erling Haaland.

Newcastle officials agreed the framework of a deal worth around £26m with Reims in late January, but Ekitike backed out of a possible move to St James' Park on deadline day insisting he did not feel ready to leave France. He will almost certainly be moving on this summer, and Newcastle have lined up a fresh approach, having received strong indications from Reims that they are prepared to do business on broadly the same terms that were agreed in January.

However, the situation has been complicated by competing interest from Borussia Dortmund, who need to replace Haaland after the Norwegian agreed a £51m move to Manchester City.

They have already signed 20-year-old Germany international Karim Adeyemi from Red Bull Salzburg, but are also keen to land Ekitike as part of a major summer overhaul.

Talks continue with Sean Longstaff over a new deal, with Howe optimistic an agreement will be reached soon.

"Has he signed his contract yet? No," said Howe. "But I anticipate we can come to a successful conclusion soon on that one."



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20159690.fulham-open-talks-sign-newcastle-united-loanee-matt-targett/

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Fulham make contact with Aston Villa amid interest in Newcastle United loan favourite Matt Targett

Fulham are said to have made contact with Aston Villa and Matt Targett's representatives over a potential summer move to Craven Cottage.

Fulham were linked with a move for the 26-year-old left-back on Monday.

The Daily Mail claimed that the Cottagers are keen on a reunion after sealing their return to the Premier League.

And now, a fresh report from The Northern Echo has said that Marco Silva's men have made contact with the Aston Villa hierarchy and Targett's representatives over a possible summer deal.

Fulham are said to have made it known that they are interested in pursuit a deal for the left-back as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to the Premier League.

It is added that Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is likely to give Targett the green light to depart this summer now that Lucas Digne is his go-to option at left-back.

Four years apart...

Fulham fans will already be familiar with Targett after he spent time on loan in West London with the club back in 2018.

He spent the second half of the 2017/18 campaign with the Premier League new boys. In the process, he played 21 times across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists as Fulham won promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Tried and tested...

It is said that Fulham are keen to sign players who already have Premier League experience under their belt this summer, and Targett certainly fits that profile.

Over the course of spells with Southampton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United (loan), the Eastleigh-born defender has played 142 times in England's top flight.

After being dislodged by Digne at Villa Park, his strong performances on loan for the Magpies have shown he is still very much deserving of playing in the Premier League, so a summer swoop could be smart for Fulham.



https://the72.co.uk/273962/fulham-make-contact-with-aston-villa-amid-interest-in-newcastle-united-loan-favourite-matt-targett/

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Should we have kept our released first teamers?

Christie, Fabri, Hector, Mawson and Seri will all leave Fulham at on 1 July – and Rhys asks whether the club has made a mistake.

Fulham revealed the names of 14 players who will leave the club at the expiration of their respective contracts at the end of June – including five members of the first-team squad that have had varying levels of importance to the team.

Cyrus Christie, Fabri, Michael Hector, Alfie Mawson and Jean Michael Seri will all be on the lookout for a new challenge in five weeks time – and much of our fanbase might well feel that the club have made one or two mistakes.

I've taken a closer look at the decisions regarding each of the departing players – with one unquestionably feeling more painful than the rest.

Cyrus Christie – 68 appearances
Cyrus Christie looked a fine addition to the Fulham squad on his arrival from Middlesbrough back in 2018 as a preemptive signing to the departure of Ryan Fredericks that summer.

The Republic of Ireland international would go on to make 23 Premier League appearances the following season and 24 in the following Championship campaign before loans to Nottingham Forest and most recently Swansea.

Christie, now 29, was never quite able to find the form that made him one of the best second-tier full-backs while at the Riverside – but impressed in Wales of late and a free transfer looks the best option for both player and club.

Verdict – Good call

Fabri – Two appearances
Fulham confirmed the signing of Fabricio Agosto Ramirez from Besiktas for an undisclosed fee on promotion to the Premier League in 2018 – and despite his controversial arrival (signed on the recommendation of an outgoing goalkeeping coach), many would've assumed he would play on more than two occasions over the next four years.

However, Fabri has spent pretty much all of his time at Craven Cottage as both a second and third choice keeper, with the 34-year-old playing the same role during a brief loan stint at Mallorca.

Having sat behind both Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga in the pecking order with more goalkeeping reinforcement on the way, Fabri's exit won't be a surprise to many despite him seemingly playing an important role behind the scenes for his fellow stoppers.

Verdict – Good call

Michael Hector – 40 appearances
Virgil Van Mike himself, Michael Hector might've had the most eagerly anticipated Fulham debut of all time following his September 2019 switch from Chelsea, largely because it was deemed that he wasn't eligible to play until the following January.

Before his debut, Fulham had lost eight of their 26 fixtures including four of their last seven – and would only slip to defeat in three of the 20 games Hector would go on to start.

Hector was quite simply vital in Fulham getting over the line and back into the Premier League, but in an all too familiar story, those performances were not replicated in the top flight.

The 29-year-old will now be on the lookout for an astonishing 18th club – and he won't be short of suitors in the second-tier, or a solid reference from us.

Verdict – Good call

Alfie Mawson – 52 appearances
Alfie Mawson looked a smart signing for Fulham in the spending spree of 2018 despite costing a substantial £20million, after all he had been a solid option for Swansea over the past two Premier League seasons and even been named in a England squad just five months earlier.

Unfortunately for both player and club, he has missed 417 days through injury since moving to West London having signed while injured and not long after aggravated a knee problem while putting on his boots, to the bemusement of Claudio Ranieri.

Since then Mawson did play an important role in the Parker promotion, have a run of games on loan at Bristol City and return to feature six times for the champions – but his departure looks a timely one and a chance for him to start afresh elsewhere.

Verdict – Good call

Jean Michael Seri – 70 appearances
I'm not crying, you are. Although I've seen some sound arguments for letting the near 31-year-old Seri leave the club rather than dish out another long contract with premium wages, it does seem rather sad to see him depart just as his love affair with fans was reaching full bloom.

Seri returned on loan from Bordeaux with a new-found love for the club, sticking around under Marco Silva and finding his flow while helping Fulham to Championship glory.

Despite his tapping of the badge, being thrown up in the air by his appreciative team-mates, and publicly asking for a new contract, Seri will not be adding to the 70 appearances he made for the club with no new deal on the table.

Not only is it always a risk to let a player go who is such a hit with supporters, but any sort of midfield issues in the Premier League next season will see fans asking the question of why Seri wasn't kept on.

As sad as his exit may be, we will always have his Premier League Goal of the Month against Burnley and his glorious long-range effort against Luton to remember him by – as well as one of our best ever chants.

Verdict – Bad call



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-05-24-should-we-have-kept-our-released-first-teamers/

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Robinson Wins Scholar Of The Year Award

After a stellar season with both the Under-23s and Under-18s, centre-back Charlie Robinson has been presented with the Scholar of the Year Award at the PL Youth Conference Awards Evening.

The dominant yet technical defender played the majority of the season under Steve Wigley, despite still being just 17 years of age.

He has been just as impressive away from the pitch, and Head of Education Sean Cullen is full of praise for the youngster:

"It has been no surprise to see Charlie have such a great season this year. He works hard in all areas of the programme and is a role model for his peers and our younger Academy Players. Charlie has always been driven to do his best, and this is reflected by his work on the pitch, the gym and in the classroom.

"He can often be found in the classroom in the early evening, working hard on his A-Level and BTEC sport programme long after a training session had finished. We value our 3 H's at the Academy- Honesty, Humility and Hard Work and Charlie consistently demonstrates these qualities."

Academy Director Mike Cave continued: "I'm delighted that Charlie has been selected as this season's Scholar of the Year. To win the award as a First-Year Scholar is testament to Charlie's outstanding contributions to the academy both on and off the pitch.

"Not only has Charlie performed well for both the Under-18s and Under-23s this season, he has done so whilst maintaining the highest level of academic performance with his A-Levels. Congratulations Charlie!"



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/may/24/Robinson-Wins-Scholar-Of-The-Year-Award/

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Fulham confirm 14 player exits ahead of Premier League return including £50m duo

Jean Michael Seri cost Fulham a club record fee back in 2018 but he is now set to leave for nothing as the Cottagers prepare for a return to the top flight after storming to the Championship title

Fulham are showing no mercy as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

The Cottagers sealed the Championship title last term, scoring a mammoth 106 goals to seal an immediate promotion back following relegation from the top tier in 2021. Now, they have revealed their retained list - with a whopping 14 players given the chop in a brutal cull.

Among the biggest names to be leaving is midfielder Jean Michael Seri, who is their club record signing. Seri, 30, joined the Cottagers in 2018 from Nice for a fee of close to £30million but will now leave for nothing.

He was loaned out twice, to Galatasary and Bordeaux before featuring 33 times for his parent club last season. In total he played just 65 times for Fulham in his four years under contract.

Another high-profile departure is defender Alfie Mawson. The 28-year-old joined the Cottagers back in 2018 from Swansea City for a fee said to be worth £20m. But he would struggle for game time and made just 44 league appearances in that time. He was loaned out to Bristol City last season and this term has made just two outings for Marco Silva's side - the last of which came way back in November.

Others to have also been released include defenders Michael Hector and Cyrus Christie as well as Timmy Abraham - brother of Tammy - and Julian Schwarzer - son of Mark.

The remaining eight also leaving are: Fabri, Jacob Adams, Eric Ameyaw, Xavier Benjamin, Tyler Caton, Jerome Opoku, Jonathon Page and Jaylan Wildbore.

A Fulham statement, confirming the news of the retained list, said: "We would like to thank all the players leaving us for their contributions to Fulham over the years, and wish them the very best of luck in the next steps of their careers."

Another playing heading for the exit door at Craven Cottage is Portuguese attacker Fabio Carvalho. Liverpool have finally confirmed he will be joining them on July 1, having agreed a compensation package with Fulham with his contract set to expire.

The 19-year-old scored 11 goals and served up eight assists over the course of the title-winning campaign. Silva predicts a bright future for his compatriot. "I think he has a brilliant career in front of him," he said. "He is a top top talent in my opinion.

"There were many clubs around him, a lot of rumours around him, and it was really tough for us to renew his contract. It is not normal for a boy of 19, from the first two months of the season, to have a lot of rumours around him from clubs around Europe He never lost the focus, he let other people take care of it, and he really helped our football club to get promotion, to be champions. For a boy of 19 it is a fantastic sign and I believe that he has all the qualities to perform at a high level and to keep improving."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-confirm-14-player-exits-27048555

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Trusted West Ham source shares key update on Ryan Fredericks to Fulham

Reports emerged last week claiming that Fulham were set to sign West Ham's Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer this summer.

And now, trusted West Ham source ExWHUemployee (via westhamzone) says that Fulham do look set to sign Fredericks when his Hammers contract expires next month, but that he's yet to put pen to paper.

ExWHUemployee also goes on to reveal that, whilst it's expected that Fredericks returned to Craven Cottage, he's also expected to recieve other contract offers.

For Fulham, they might be weary of another team coming in and offering the right-back a better deal that what they can offer.

Fredericks, 29, is a former Fulham player. He left the club for West Ham in 2018 and he's since proved to be a useful player for the Hammers, despite falling out of favour under David Moyes this season.

Marco Silva's Fulham meanwhile claimed the Championship crown this month. Since, they've been linked with hordes of new signings, with the Londoners looking like they'll go all out in the summer transfer window to ensure their Premier League survival next season.

Could Fulham miss out on Fredericks?

With this new update from ExWHUemployee, it throws Fredericks' move to Fulham in doubt slightly.

Reports last week made out as though the move was all but complete. With Fredericks likely to have other offers on the table though, he could yet opt for a new challenge.

He's been with Fulham in the past. He spent three seasons with the club and whist he proved a hit, he might favour a new challenge rather than a return to Craven Cottage.

Fulham surely have an upper-hand in this particular transfer pursuit though, given their previous links to the player and their proximity to West Ham which could easily play a part on Fredericks' next move.

Fulham certainly need a right-back this summer, and expect Silva to have a number of options for that area should a move for Fredericks fall through.



https://the72.co.uk/274002/trusted-west-ham-source-shares-key-update-on-ryan-fredericks-to-fulham/

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Comment: 3 transfer alternatives Fulham should consider instead of Manchester United's Nemanja Matic

Fulham have been linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Fulham were linked with a swoop for Matic at the weekend, with The Sun stating the Cottagers are keen on adding the Serbian veteran on a free transfer.

However, it could be wise for the Cottagers to weigh up some alternatives just in case. With that in mind, here are three other options Fulham should look at instead of Matic...

Florian Grillitsch – TSG Hoffenheim
26-year-old midfielder Grillitsch looks set to leave Hoffenheim at the end of his contract this summer, and he could prove to be a clever signing for any Premier League club.

The Austrian international has 178 Bundesliga appearances to his name across his spells with Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen.

Grillitsch can play as either a defensive midfielder or a centre-back and boasts an impressive passing range. He reads the game well, often cutting out attacks with interceptions before helping to launch counter-attacks himself and isn't afraid to get stuck in.

Cheikhou Kouyate – Crystal Palace
If it's Premier League experience Fulham would rather, Kouyate could be an option to consider instead of Matic too.

The 32-year-old is also out of contract this summer and can also play at centre-back. He has notched up over 250 Premier League appearances over spells with West Ham United and Crystal Palace and his physicality and aerial ability help him protect the backline well, although his passing isn't the best – which might not suit Marco Silva's side if he wants to maintain plenty of possession next season.

Jakub Kiwior – Spezia Calcio
A more left-field but shrewd option to consider would be Spezia's Kiwior.

He only joined the Serie A club last summer but his performances for Thiago Motta's side have earned him a first call-up to the Poland squad. Left-footed Kiwior can play as a left-back or centre-back as well as in the middle of the park.

The 22-year-old's positioning helps him make interceptions and his passing ability rarely sees him lose possession, so he could be another worth looking at for Fulham.



https://the72.co.uk/273999/comment-3-transfer-alternatives-fulham-should-consider-instead-of-manchester-uniteds-nemanja-matic/

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Coventry City ace Viktor Gyokeres training with AIK to keep up fitness levels amid links to Fulham

Coventry City ace Viktor Gyokeres is training with AIK amid links to Fulham, as per a report by Coventry Live.

Coventry City's attacker has asked to link up with the Stockholm-based club to keep up his fitness levels.

Gyokeres is wanted man this summer after an impressive past season in the Championship.

Football Insider reported earlier this month that Fulham have made an approach to land him.

Will Fulham be able to get him?

There is no doubt that it will be tough for the Sky Blues to keep hold of their key attacker over the coming months after he scored 17 goals in all competitions this past term.

Gyorekes would be an ideal acquisition for Marco Silva's side as they gear up for life in the Premier League.

He is young, proven in the second tier and would be ideal competition and back-up for Aleksander Mitrovic. They need a forward who is ready to step in to the Serbian's shoes if he gets injured in the next campaign and the Sweden international fits the bill.

The fact he is training with AIK means he will be sharp going into pre-season and at the age of 23, he is only going to get better over the next few years.

Mark Robins brought him to the Coventry Building Society Arena on a permanent basis last summer after he did enough on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion to earn a deal.

He is under contract until 2024 meaning they are under no real pressure to cash in on him just yet but it would be hard to stand in the way of a move to the top flight.



https://the72.co.uk/274005/coventry-city-ace-viktor-gyokeres-training-with-aik-to-keep-up-fitness-levels-amid-links-to-fulham/

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Fulham swoop to sign Premier League defender as Newcastle United consider their stance

Fulham are eyeing a move for Aston Villa defender Matt Targett this summer, as per the Northern Echo.

Targett is currently on loan at Newcastle United having joined in January, and previously had a loan spell at Fulham in 2018.

According to the Northern Echo, Eddie Howe is still assessing whether or not to make the full-back's move to the North East permanent this summer.

When the deal was made to bring Targett on loan to the club in January, a clause was inserted that would allow the full-back to join the club on a permanent basis for £15 million pounds this summer.

By all accounts, Matt Targett's loan move to St James' Park has been a success, with the 26-year-old producing consistent performances at full-back for the Magpies.

Since joining, Targett has made 16 Premier League appearances for the club, and contributed to their improvement in defence as they steered themselves clear of the top-flight relegation battle.

Following their promotion to the Premier League, Fulham are exploring options to strengthen their squad, with Targett being the latest of a long list of players linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers have Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan on the books at left-back currently.

The Verdict

I think Matt Targett would be an excellent signing for Fulham on their return to the Premier League.

He's been a consistent top-flight performer in recent years and that has been no different at Newcastle United this season.

In fact, it would be quite surprising if Newcastle did not take up their option to sign him permanently this summer.

With plenty of financial resources at their disposal, they may feel they can do better, which may be true, but certainly for Fulham – a club looking to establish themselves in the Premier League – Targett would be a fantastic addition.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-swoop-to-sign-premier-league-defender-as-newcastle-united-consider-their-next-steps/

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Everton And Fulham Both Interested In South American If He Becomes Available

Everton and Fulham are among the clubs interested in a move for Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron, provided he becomes available in the summer, according to Paraguayan journalist Roberto Rojas.

Almiron spent large spells of the recently concluded Premier League campaign outside of the starting eleven at Newcastle, although he became a fixture under Eddie Howe towards the end of the campaign.

The Magpies hierarchy and Howe both value the Paraguay international very highly and were delighted with the way he came to the fore during the business end of the campaign.

Having endured some frustrating spells at St. James' Park under Howe, Almiron is keen on playing a key role for the Magpies in the forthcoming campaign.

However, should Newcastle decide to part ways with the 28-year-old, he is not short of suitors.

Newcastle's top flight rivals Everton are interested in a summer swoop for Almiron, provided his club are open to selling him, while newly promoted Fulham also are keen on him.

Toffees boss Frank Lampard, who is keen on rebuilding his squad in the summer, will have vacant spots to fill in attack with several players leaving and could push to land Almiron if he becomes available in the summer.

In addition to Everton and the Cottagers, Almiron also has admirers abroad in the shape of La Liga giants Sevilla and Italian heavyweights Napoli.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/05/24/everton-and-fulham-both-interested-in-south-american-if-he-becomes-available/560781/

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"Isn't a hugely concerning position..." – Fulham enter the race to sign 26-year-old: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham have joined the race to sign Aston Villa full-back Matt Targett this summer.

According to the Northern Echo, the Cottagers are willing to match Newcastle United's option to buy the 26-year-old this summer, which is reported to be a fee of around £15 million pounds.

Targett has spent the second half of the season on loan at St James' Park and has been a consistent performer at the back for Eddie Howe's side.

However, they are said to be unsure as to whether or not to make his temporary switch to the North East a permanent move.

Targett previously had a loan spell at Fulham in 2018.

With that being said, we asked some of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on the links between Targett and Fulham, and whether or not he would be a good addition at Craven Cottage.

Declan Harte
Targett is the kind of Premier League experience that the club should be looking to sign this summer.

Left-back isn't a hugely concerning position within the team, with Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan both performing well there this season.

But Targett would likely be an upgrade over either player, so would be an overall great addition to the squad.

This will be a costly fee, so Fulham should also be absolutely sure that this is a deal they feel will add value to the side's potential for results.

Targett also performed well during his first stint with the club in 2018, and has only improved as a player since then

Josh Cole
This could turn out to be a fantastic bit of business by Fulham if they are indeed looking to bolster their defensive options by making a move for Targett.

During his recent loan spell at Newcastle United, the left-back illustrated that he is more than capable of delivering the goods in the Premier League.

In the 16 league games that he participated in for the Magpies, Targett made 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game as he averaged a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

By replicating these performance levels in a Fulham shirt, Targett could help the club achieve a relative amount of success in the top-flight next season."

Alfie Burns
Targett has progressed so much since his previous stint with Fulham, to the point where he's now a dependable Premier League left-back.

The 26-year-old has helped Aston Villa establish themselves in the Premier League, whilst his form since joining Newcastle United on loan has been superb, too.

Moving to St James' Park had its obvious perks, but it was also a difficult place to go and play back in January.

However, he's impressed under Eddie Howe and, in truth, you'd be surprised if Newcastle aren't back in for his signature this summer.

Whether Fulham can compete with that financially, then, remains to be seen.

One thing to consider is whether or not Fulham need a player like Targett with Joe Bryan and Antonee Robinson floating around their squad.

There's very little doubt Targett would be a good addition, given his quality, it's just whether or not Fulham need that kind of financial outlay in a position where they look fairly strong.

The money involved might be better pushed elsewhere.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/isnt-a-hugely-concerning-position-fulham-enter-the-race-to-sign-26-year-old-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

What is the latest news and transfer rumours at Fulham right now?

Fulham are preparing for a big summer as they get ready to return to the Premier League from next season.

The Cottagers have been brilliant over the past 9 months and thoroughly deserve their spot back in the big time, as they waltzed to the title.

However, they need to ensure they don't come straight back down – as they have in recent years – and so wise moves in the transfer window are needed.

Here, then, we're taking a look at some of the rumours around the club, as well as any confirmed news...

Carvalho exit confirmed
Liverpool have confirmed that Fabio Carvalho will become a Reds player from the start of July, with him leaving Fulham.

The deal was already agreed, of course, but this puts the rubber stamp on it as the Portuguese begins an exciting new step in his career.

He leaves Fulham as a champion, and that experience will surely help him in joining one of the biggest sides in the Premier League.

Matic linked
According to The Sun, Fulham want to try and keep Nemanja Matic in the Premier League.

The player is leaving Manchester United and has been tipped to move abroad but the report suggests the Whites might try to bring him back to west London, with him enjoying big success at neighbours Chelsea earlier on in his career.

Assal the next young hotshot?
Another player linked with Fulham is young Wimbledon player Ayoub Assal.

The Dons are heading down to Sky Bet League Two but Assal is too good for that level really and so maybe a move is in the offing.

This could be one to watch this summer.

Strakosha the new no.1?
Fulham are being linked with new goalkeepers and the latest is Thomas Strakosha.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, this one is as good as done with the Lazio stopper apparently agreeing terms to join the Whites.

Marek Rodak might have his work cut out keeping that no.1 spot...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-is-the-latest-news-and-transfer-rumours-at-fulham-right-now/

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Update outlines Fulham's transfer plans ahead of Premier League return

Fulham are expected to be very busy in the transfer window as they prepare for life back in the Premier League, with Marco Silva targeting at least five key additions.

The Cottagers have just enjoyed a fantastic year in the Championship, with the Portuguese coach building a stylish squad that produced some great attacking football to win the title.

However, Silva knows work needs to be done to ensure they compete in the top-flight and The Athletic have revealed that four positions have been identified to improve in the market.

"Fulham are expected to be active in the summer, with priority positions thought to include a right-back, centre-half, central midfield and wingers."

Owner Tony Khan has backed previous managers when they've been in the Premier League, although it hasn't brought the success they had hoped. But, Silva has shown over the past year that he is ready to be trusted with a big budget.

Plenty of names have been linked with the Londoners, including Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron most recently.

The verdict

This is going to be a very interesting summer for Fulham as when they've made major changes to the team in the past following promotion it hasn't really worked out.

Silva has built a team with a good spirit, so it's about finding the balance between improving the team but ensuring that togetherness from the current group remains.

Ultimately, fans will be excited about what the summer can bring and they would probably agree that the positions mentioned do need strengthening. Now, it's about identifying the right options, which is always the hard part!



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-outlines-fulhams-transfer-plans-ahead-of-premier-league-return/

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Hibs make decision on Sylvester Jasper transfer option as Fulham winger's loan comes to an end
Hibs will not take up their option to sign Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper on a permanent basis when his loan spell comes to an end.

The Bulgarian Under-21 internationalist, who was capped twice during his time in the Capital, made the move to Easter Road on a temporary basis in January after impressing during the first half of the campaign at Colchester United.

But the 20-year-old won't be returning next season after Hibs opted not to make the switch permanent.

New manager Lee Johnson has been in the building for less than a week but has already carried out extensive research on the players.

"I'll certainly have conversations with as many of our players as I can. I've got a good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, where they'd fit in, or where they wouldn't," he explained.

"Recruitment is a key factor. I've got some really good contacts and links in England and Scotland to be able to canvass the project as much as possible and to sell the dream of what we're going to do."

Jasper made 16 appearances for Hibs, starting eight games in all competitions. He registered two assists, both in the Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Motherwell as he set up Elias Melkersen for his first goals in green and white in a 2-1 win.

He fell out of favour towards the end of the season, coming off the bench in four of the club's five post-split fixtures and remaining an unused sub in the final day win against St Johnstone at Easter Road.

Jasper is under contract at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2023.



https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-make-decision-on-sylvester-jasper-transfer-option-as-fulham-wingers-loan-comes-to-an-end-3707161

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Hec: Loved Every Minute

Michael Hector took in two promotions during his time at Fulham, a spell he recalled fondly ahead of his departure at the end of his contract this summer.

Have you enjoyed your time here, Hec?

Yeah, I have enjoyed my time at Fulham. The group of players they have are up there with one of the funniest groups I've been a part of. The staff, on a day-to-day basis, have been great, the kitmen, people behind the scenes that you don't really see, are very, very close to me. I've loved every minute of it.

After having to be patient waiting for your debut, that first season couldn't have gone much better as you went on to play every minute of the second half of 2019/20 as we won promotion...

After I was able to play, it went really well. It was frustrating not to be able to play in the first half of the season, but it was extra special to end it with promotion. It was special for me. The part I was able to play, it was special for me. Obviously my family could watch only a bit of the season before having to watch from the TV screen because of Covid, so it was a strange season. I think that kind of sums up my time at Fulham; stop-start. It was special for me to get promoted, it was my first promotion, and obviously to play at Wembley as well.

How good a night was that victory over Brentford?

Wembley was a very special night. It was different, being no fans, so we interacted as a team more, after the win. You'd normally be with your friends or family, so it was obviously different in that way. It was a special night, getting promoted, and it was a good way to end that strange season. All the pre-seasons that I had that year were worthwhile at the end of it with promotion at Wembley.

How did you rate Virgil van Mike as a nickname?

When I first heard the nickname I found it quite funny. It's a nice name. I think an interviewer after Wembley said it was a bit cringey, but I thought it was nice. It means you've done well for the team if the fans are thinking about you. At that point of my Fulham career things were going really well. I appreciate the fans, for the song as well! It was special and I appreciate the support.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Fulham?

It has to be playing a big part in that Wembley win. Celebrating with my family after was special. My friends came down and were outside Wembley after the game so that made it even more special, to celebrate with them straight after the game. That Wembley victory was probably my favourite memory in a Fulham shirt.

Do you have a message for the fans?

The message I have for the fans is that I'd like to appreciate them for their support during my two-and-a-half years as a player, three years being associated with the Club. All the songs, the nicknames, they were good times. Obviously it was an up and down time with the Club, but I appreciated everything that they gave to me and I just want to wish the Club all the best in the future. Hopefully now you can stay in the Premier League and kick on. Part of the new stand is open now so hopefully that's full for the Premier League season. I wish you all the best, and I want to wish all my teammates the best as well for the future.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/may/24/michael-hector-loved-every-minute/

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Fulham in talks to sign two players, Silva loves £13m giant with 40 caps

Marco Silva wants £13 million Braga midfielder Al-Musrati at Fulham with the Premier League newcomers still in negotiations to sign Shakhtar Donetsk's Manor Solomon, according to O Jogo and Sport5.

It's fair to say eyebrows were raised when the news broke over the weekend that Jean-Michel Seri would not be retained by the newly-crowned Championship champions.

Seri, after all, had enjoyed the most unexpected of revivals at Craven Cottage, cruising through the second-tier like a Mensa member through a Maths GCSE.

And the sudden and rather unexpected nature of Seri's departure will only fuel speculation that Fulham already have a replacement lined up. 

Free-agent Nemanja Matic has been linked after bringing an end to his Manchester United career, but Marco Silva's detailed knowledge of the Portuguese market appears to have put a little-known Libyan in pole position.

According to O Jogo, Silva is a 'big fan' of Al-Musrati. Talks are underway, too, with the £13 million-rated enforcer 'aware of Fulham's interest'. 

Marco Silva's Fulham want Al-Musrati from Braga
Al-Musrati, like Seri, is equally comfortable as a 'number six' or a 'number eight', and would add a real mean streak to the heart of Silva's midfield.

He averages far more tackles (2.1) and interceptions (1.4) per game than the stylish Ivorian. Al-Musrati even accumulated a colossal ten yellow cards in 2021/22 (WhoScored).

"I just hope that, at the end of the season, when it's the situation of Al-Musrati's departure, Braga can earn a good financial sum," says departing head coach Carlos Carvalhal.

In addition to Al-Musrati, Fulham have held talks with Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donetsk regarding tricky winger Solomon.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that the deal was set to fall through, though Israeli publication Sport5 insist that is not the case.

Negotations are still ongoing, according to the player's representatives, with Solomon choosing Fulham over rival offers from France and Belgium. The one-time Manchester City target has already agreed a deal until 2017 at Craven Cottage.

What's more, he will cost a knock-down fee of around £7 million.

"The chances of me playing in England (next season) are very high," Solomon said a fortnight ago. "It is my childhood dream. It's the best league in the world. I will be there."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/05/24/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-two-players-silva-loves-13m-giant-with-40-caps/

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Fulham interested in Al Musrati

Fulham boss Marco Silva is keen on bringing Braga midfielder Almoatasembellah Al Musrati to the club, as the manager was impressed by the player's performances.

According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Fulham are interested in Almoatasembellah Al Musrati, as manager Marco Silva remains keen on bringing the midfielder to Craven Cottage ahead of the next season. SC Braga are open to a sale but may demand a fee of around €15 million from suitors.

Fulham stormed through the Championship to swiftly return to the Premier League as winners. Alongside the club, Marco Silva will also taste top-tier football once more, having last managed Everton in the English top-flight.

Fulham's previous endeavour in the Premier League was chastening as the London side were dealt a severe blow due to their lack of planning. Silva and the Fulham board are aware of those mistakes and remain keen to invest significantly in the squad, but they also want to make smart moves in the market.

Silva already has his eyes on quality players that could improve his starting eleven, with a goalkeeper, midfielder, and a playmaker at the forefront of their requirements. Central midfield is considered a key area that needs to be strengthened by the manager, with the club looking at some reliable and ambitious options like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the market.

The name of Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has also been discussed, considering he is an experienced and financially viable option. The Serbian is set to leave Old Trafford and could be available on a cheap in the summer.

Silva, however, also has eyes for Almoatasembellah Al Musrati, who plays for Portuguese club SC Braga. The 26-year-old has had a noteworthy season, making 46 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting two goals apiece. With his performances catching the eyes of onlookers, Braga are bracing themselves for offers in the window.

The midfielder is essentially valued at around €12 million, but owing to interest from domestic rivals Benfica and now Fulham, they are looking at a €15 million price tag.

Al Musrati would relish a challenge in the Premier League and gain valuable experience with Fulham if he is to sign for the Cottagers. The €15 million price tag may not pose a problem for the London side, as they look for quality reinforcements ahead of their return to the top-flight.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/05/25/fulham-interested-in-al-musrati/

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Congratulations to @FulhamFC Manager Marco Silva for winning Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Year #LMAAnnualAwards pic.twitter.com/XD0qmEjFl8

— LMA (@LMA_Managers) May 24, 2022