News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Friday Fulham Stuff - 03/06/22...

Started by WhiteJC, June 03, 2022, 08:15:25 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Shefki Kuqi tops 7 Fulham transfers from Crystal Palace as £13m ace eyed

Fulham are interested in making Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic the Cottagers' first signing from the Eagles in 15 years, as Marco Silva plots transfers following promotion.

The Craven Cottage and Selhurst Park natives have seldom done business over the years, with just seven moving from south to west London. Fulham have also not bought a Crystal Palace player since 1989, with stars heading the opposite way marginally more common.

A total of 12 players have left Fulham to join Crystal Palace, with nine making permanent moves. Yet Brede Hangeland was the last to head to Selhurst Park when the defender quit the Cottagers for the Eagles in August 2014 in a free transfer as his contract had expired.

Fulham are interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic

Milivojevic may now tread the rarely-taken path this summer, though, as The Athletic note Fulham are interested in the Crystal Palace midfielder. Silva is keen to strengthen his ranks during the off-season after guiding the Cottagers to the Championship title and promotion.

The Eagles' £13m signing from Olympiacos in 2017 is one of many central options Silva has his eyes on. The Portuguese also admires Braga anchor Al-Musrati as he seeks depth in midfield, centre-half, right-back and out wide ahead of returning to the Premier League.

Fulham may face competition to sign Milivojevic should Silva explore his interest in the 31-year-old Crystal Palace captain, however. Transfer Geeks report the 39-cap Serbia star has reached a verbal agreement to re-join Olympiacos with a three-year deal for €3.5m (£3m).

Crystal Palace are prepared to sell Milivojevic as the midfielder enters the final year of his £55k-a-week contract this summer. Patrick Vieira additionally only fielded him in 20 games in all competitions this season, including just 15 Premier League fixtures and started nine.

So, who are the previous seven to leave Crystal Palace for Fulham that Milivojevic can now follow should Silva look to step up his interest and beat Olympiacos to a summer transfer?

Kuqi last Crystal Palace player to join Fulham amid Milivojevic interest

Shefki Kuqi is the last Crystal Palace player to join Fulham, amid Silva's interest in signing Milivojevic this summer. The Cottagers agreed a short-term loan for the striker in August 2007, during which Kuqi only managed 10 appearances and failed to score a single goal.

Fulham would let the 63-cap Finland international return to Selhurst Park in mid-season, having only started three Premier League games. Kuqi's only goal contribution whilst with the Cottagers was an assist against Reading, when Clint Dempsey met his cross to win 3-1.

Crystal Palace had signed Kuqi from Blackburn Rovers a year before his temporary move to west London from south. He would remain with the Eagles until the summer of 2009 when the forward joined Koblenz, having scored 18 and created nine goals over 83 appearances.

Smith sealed Cottagers loan move from Eagles in 1999

Jamie Smith sealed a short-term loan move to the Cottagers in March 1999 until the end of that season. The right-back had joined Crystal Palace from Wolves two years prior and was the first-choice at Selhurst Park. Yet he switched London outfits to help win Division Two.

Smith started nine of his 10 third-tier appearances with Fulham on route to lifting the title and securing promotion. He would then return to Crystal Palace for a further five years to joining Bristol City in 2004, following 162 appearances – the most at one club in his career.

McKenzie made Fulham switch in search of his first-team breakthrough

Leon McKenzie made a temporary switch when joining Fulham on loan from Crystal Palace in 1997. The striker had yet made his first-team breakthrough for the Eagles, and he would only enjoy three appearances with the Cottagers. McKenzie also failed to score any goals.

Crystal Palace offered McKenzie further chances to show his potential before embarking on a loan spell at Peterborough in 1998. He later joined the Posh in a permanent transfer in 2000, following 54 senior outings with the Eagles for five goals across all competitions.

Nebbeling last Crystal Palace star to join Fulham permanently amid Milivojevic interest

Gavin Nebbeling is the last Crystal Palace player to join Fulham permanently for Milivojevic to potentially follow amid Silva's interest. The Cottagers struck a deal with the Eagles for the South African centre-half in 1989 after starting his professional career in south London.

Nebbeling enjoyed eight seasons at Selhurst Park, including a loan spell with Hereford in 1985/86. He also returned to the Cobblers on loan from Fulham in 1991/92. The defender could not replicate his games played with Crystal Palace after moving across the capital.

Pinkney made short-term loan trip to Fulham in 1973 from the Eagles

Alan Pinkney made a short-term loan trip to Fulham during the 1972/73 season after four years with Crystal Palace. The forward had joined the Eagles from Exeter City in 1969 and would remain with the south London natives until 1974 and sealing a move to Wimbledon.

Byrne continued London tour with Craven Cottage transfer in 1968

Johnny Byrne continued his tour of London sides in 1968 when the centre-forward joined Fulham from Crystal Palace. He had returned to south London in 1967 after spending five years with West Ham, who bought the 11-cap England international from Palace in 1962.

Byrne's first Crystal Palace career had lasted six years after arriving from Guildford City in 1956. But his Fulham stay would not prove as successful, departing the club after just one year. Byrne moved to South Africa with Durban City for the final four years of his career.

Ronnie Rooke enjoyed pre-WW2 career with Crystal Palace and Fulham

Ronnie Rooke enjoyed a pre-WW2 career with both Crystal Palace and Fulham and would continue playing until 1960. He began his career at Guildford City before a spell at Woking and joining the Eagles in 1933. The forward then joined the Cottagers after three seasons.

Arsenal later signed Rooke from Fulham following the conclusion of the war and called on his services for three years. He then returned to Crystal Palace in 1949 but only stayed for another year, before spells with Bedford Town and Haywards Heath up to his retirement.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/02/shefki-kuqi-tops-7-fulham-transfers-from-crystal-palace-as-13m-ace-eyed/

WhiteJC

Fulham-linked striker Hugo Ekitike agrees to join Newcastle United

Fulham-linked Hugo Ekitike has agreed a deal to join Newcastle United, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Fulham are poised to miss out to a fellow Premier League side.

The Cottagers have been linked with a swoop for the Stade de Reims attacker, as reported by the Express.

However, reporter Romano claim he is on his way to St. James' Park on a five-year contract (see tweet below):

Invalid Tweet ID

Fulham have to look elsewhere

Fulham weren't the only club to be credited with an interest, with West Ham United and Wolves also said to be tracking the youngster's progress.

Ekitike has been with Reims for his whole career to date and has risen up through their academy. He was a regular for them at various youth levels before breaking into their first-team picture.

He was handed his first professional contract back in July 2020 and made his senior debut three months later in a Ligue 1 fixture against FC Lorient.

Ekitike was also loaned out to Vejle last season to get some experience under his belt and fired three goals in 11 games for the Superliga outfit.

He has scored 11 goals in 27 games for Reims since his return and they are poised to lose him now despite him still being under contract until 2024.

Fulham have been mentioned as a potential suitor but will have to look elsewhere for striking reinforcements with Newcastle United in the lead to land him now.

The Cottagers have a big summer ahead as they look to bolster their ranks following promotion from the Championship.



https://the72.co.uk/274807/fulham-linked-striker-hugo-ekitike-agrees-to-join-newcastle-united/

WhiteJC

Release clause claim made on 23 y/o amid Leeds United, Fulham, Sheffield United and West Brom interest

Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O'Brien's release clause is closer to £12m than the £10m price tag previously reported, as per an update from TEAMtalk.

The 23-year-old seems destined to move on from the John Smith's Stadium this summer following the Terriers' failure to win promotion back to the Premier League, with several sides thought to be in the race for his signature.

According to the same report, Leeds United and Crystal Palace have retained their interest after being linked with the Englishman last summer, with the former failing in their multiple attempts to get a deal for the midfielder over the line.

Other sides are reported to have joined the race since then including Southampton, Fulham and AFC Bournemouth, with the latter two likely to have a sizeable amount of money to spend in the coming months following their promotion back to the Premier League.

O'Brien could remain in the Championship though with Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion both admirers, though it remains to be seen whether either could fork out the eight-figure fee needed to lure him away from West Yorkshire.

There was the potential for interested sides to create a bidding war with his contract not expiring until the summer of 2025 – but a release clause in his contract means this is unlikely to happen unless clubs try and lure him away for less.

There is a small consolation for Carlos Corberan's men though, with this clause reported to be much closer to the £12m mark than £10m, potentially providing a small increase in funds for the Spanish coach to play with in the coming months if his key man departs.

The Verdict:

This is still a bargain price for a footballer that could easily be worth more than £20m in the next few years with his technical ability – and he deserves his move to the top flight this summer following such an impressive campaign at the John Smith's Stadium.

Although Levi Colwill was extremely impressive for the Terriers, he didn't have the baggage of being in a side that finished in 20th in the second-tier table at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, unlike O'Brien who was firmly involved.

The midfielder may have been one of their better performers – but it would have been a major challenge for the 23-year-old to pick himself up with his side previously looking as though they were going to be favourites for relegation.

However, his time looks set to come to an end at the second-tier side and you just get the feeling one side will go ahead and activate his release clause early on this summer to ensure they win the race for his signature.

The Blades and the Baggies probably won't come out on top in this race – but there's every chance the other sides in the race will win this race and it's just a shame from Huddersfield's point of view that they won't be able to try and maximise his fee via a bidding war.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/release-clause-claim-made-on-23-y-o-amid-leeds-united-fulham-sheffield-united-and-west-brom-interest/


WhiteJC

Fulham close to sealing transfer agreement for 40-cap international

Promoted outfit Fulham are expected to seal an agreement to bring Braga midfielder Al-Musrati to Craven Cottage with their interest being ramped up in recent days, according to a report from Jornal de Noticas (via Sport Witness).

The Libyan made 45 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign for the Portuguese side, appearing as one of the first names on the teamsheet under former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal this term.

Not only did he make an impression in the Portuguese top tier – but he also managed to secure 11 appearances in the Europa League and has seemingly attracted interest from Marco Silva's side.

The Cottagers are currently in need of adding more options to their midfield area following the departure of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa last month, with Napoli reportedly paying €15m for the Cameroonian's services.

This will provide the west London outfit with a bigger transfer budget to play with this summer and that may be needed in the middle of the park with Jean Michael Seri also set to depart the English capital following the expiration of his contract this summer.

The Cottagers are currently in need of adding more options to their midfield area following the departure of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa last month, with Napoli reportedly paying €15m for the Cameroonian's services.

This will provide the west London outfit with a bigger transfer budget to play with this summer and that may be needed in the middle of the park with Jean Michael Seri also set to depart the English capital following the expiration of his contract this summer.

The Verdict:

Considering the Cottagers didn't have Anguissa at their disposal during the 2021/22 campaign, this €15m feels like free money and they can inject some or all of those funds into getting this deal over the line.

The Cameroonian was likely to be on a sizeable wage too even with a potential salary drop following their relegation, so this is an addition they can afford to make and it will also allow them to move for other targets.

Some would argue they should have prioritised other areas to strengthen with their goalkeeping department, centre-back area and a forward position all needing to be addressed along with replacements for Fabio Carvalho and Neco Williams.

However, they still have plenty of time to strengthen these areas, with a considerable amount of investment needed to give them the best chance of remaining in the top tier for the long term, something they will be desperate to do after floating between the first and second tier for the last five years.

Al-Musrati has Europa League experience under his belt and with that, many people will think he has the pedigree to vastly improve the Cottagers. And if he does make the move, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the challenges of the English top flight.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-close-to-sealing-transfer-agreement-for-40-cap-international/

WhiteJC

Transfer Tracker: The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' Coventry City future amid ongoing Fulham rumours

Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres ended the 2021/22 season as the seventh-highest scorer in the Championship, with 17 goals in his 45 league outings for the Sky Blues.

And since the conclusion of the campaign, there's been a lot of talk about the Swedish international's future at the club.

Championship champions Fulham were linked at the start of last month, and again at the end of the month too.

The Sun reported that both Fulham and Middlesbrough are keen on the 23-year-old, who spoke out on his future a couple of weeks ago.

Gyokeres told European outlet SPORTbladet:

"I know that there is a lot of interest and it is fun and proof that I did well. But that's not something I'm focusing on.

"I feel very good here in Coventry and come from a good season. But of course, you want to play as high up as possible in the best leagues."

Robins expecting top flight interest...

Also last month, Coventry City boss Mark Robins admitted that he expects Gyokeres to attract Premier League interest this summer.

He told CoventryLive when asked if the Swede is good enough for the English top flight:

"I think he has all the physical attributes for that and he's scored 18 goals [in all competitions] in his first full season in the Championship so there will definitely be people looking at him from the Premier League, one hundred percent."

The summer ahead could be a nervy one for Robins and Coventry City. There's a number of players at the club who've been linked with Premier League clubs in recent weeks, including Callum O'Hare and Gustavo Hamer as well as Gyokeres.

For the latter, what the summer might hold remains to be seen. He's currently with his international team ahead of their four Nations League fixtures this month, and so any potential move for Gyokeres might have to wait until the end of the month.

It could buy Coventry City some vital time to persuade the striker to stay for the 2022/23 campaign, where fans will be hoping to see their team build upon their impressive 12th place finish last time round.



https://the72.co.uk/274829/transfer-tracker-the-latest-on-viktor-gyokeres-coventry-city-future-amid-ongoing-fulham-rumours/

WhiteJC

Just how crucial is Tosin to our plans?
Amid Premier League interest and talk of a mythical 'Tosin window', Sean looks at the importance of our young centre-back.


Tosin Adarabioyo has become the poster boy for Fulham's transfer strategy in recent years.

The 24-year-old is the product of an elite academy who has played in the Champions League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup for Manchester City and also spent time in the Championship thanks to loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn before joining us on a permanent deal in October 2020. Although his experience didn't extend to the Premier League, Tony Khan described him as a "formidable defender" who has "received positive ratings from our data team and our coaches" when announcing his signing.

Since then he's gone on to prove himself just that, and recent transfer interest from Arsenal and Newcastle has prompted the club to open contract talks with a year remaining on his current deal.

But just how crucial is he to our long term plans? Let's take a closer look.

Instant impact
It's easy to forget just how big an impact the arrivals of Tosin, alongside Joachim Andersen and Alphonse Areola, had on Fulham in the autumn of 2020. After conceding 11 goals in our first four games back in the Premier League, the post deadline day line-up shipped just four in our next four, picking up four points and a clean sheet in the process. All of a sudden we looked less like the laughing stock that got torn apart on Monday Night Football and more like a team capable of scrapping for survival.

And so it proved, as the three combined to make Fulham a difficult team to score against. Between their arrivals and our infamous 0-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield in March, we conceded two or more goals just six times. During that stretch, our average xGA was 1.24 while it exceeded 2.0 just four times, resulting in nine valuable clean sheets.

Tosin and Andersen looked as if they'd been playing together for years. And while the Dane was the more dominant of the two, leading the way in the bulk of statistical categories, while also wearing the armband for much of the season, Tosin actually logged superior numbers in key categories like tackles made, ground duel success percentage and blocks per 90 minutes, underling the value of his individual contribution.

Their partnership should have been the foundation upon which our survival bid was built. After all, we finished the season having conceded fewer goals than seven other teams (53) and with an xGA better than eight (52.9), suggesting that regardless of the actual outcome, our backline, anchored by Tosin, Andersen and Areola, arguably did enough to keep us in the top flight.

Ream team
With Andersen and Areola returning to their parent clubs last summer (a subsequently back to the Premier League), Tosin found himself playing as part of a remodelled defence this season. Making 41 league appearances, he helped us secure the third best defensive record in the Championship, as only Bournemouth (39) and Nottingham Forest (40) conceded fewer goals than we did (43).

Key to this was his partnership with the resurgent Tim Ream. The pair complemented one another well from the off, but it was ultimately the American who turned in the superior campaign. As illustrated by data from Squawka, over the course of the season Ream bested Tosin in key categories such as tackles, ball recoveries, interceptions and ground duels, per 90 minutes. Tosin in turn logged better numbers when it came to aerial duels, clearances and blocks per 90 minutes, using his additional height to good effect. As Peter Rutzler of The Athletic pointed our recently though, Fulham really benefitted from having two "ball-playing centre-halves who can drive forward with the ball and switch the play quickly from right to left. This combination allows Fulham the chance to shift opposition teams, finding space by either going long or by driving into their defensive block."

While this approach was highly effective in the Championship, it may be less of a point of emphasis in the Premier League next season as we spend more time on the back foot, and given Tosin's ability on the ball, Fulham may be open to sourcing a different type of centre-back to play alongside him. Despite his recent contract extension, Ream will, in all likelihood, be limited to bench appearances and the occasional cup game next season having looked far from stellar during previous stints in the top flight. That said, the club will undoubtedly be looking for someone who can not only marshal our backline but whose skillset complements Tosin's, as both Ream and Andersen's did.

Comfortable and capable
Considering how little Fulham paid for Tosin two years ago, he's already proven himself to be a shrewd investment. In two seasons with the club he's looked comfortable and capable in both the Premier League and the Championship and will no doubt be looking forward to getting a full top flight campaign under his belt next season.

What's more, with Michael Hector and Alfie Mawson both being shown the exit recently, he's now one of the only senior centre halves on the books. Given the need to add more quality and depth at the back this summer, Fulham should do whatever they can to deter interest from elsewhere by offering him what he's looking for in a contract extension, even if doing so eats into the budget available for upgrades elsewhere.

There is, of course, a risk that they add a few years on to his current deal only to get relegated at the end of the season, although this could be negated with a release clause. That said, in an ideal world we should be looking to hold onto him for the long term regardless of which division we're in. He is, after all, a young, talented player who's become a crucial part of our core over the past couple of years. And given the fact that he's arguably the greatest success of Fulham's data-driven approach to scouting under Tony Khan, it would be a surprise to see the club risk letting leave any time soon.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-06-02-just-how-crucial-is-tosin-to-our-plans/


WhiteJC

Fulham 'pressing' to sign player – Cottagers leading race for free agent

As Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha prepares to leave the club as a free agent this summer, Fulham show up as a strong contender to land him.

These are claims made by Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, who report the 27-year-old should indeed move to the Premier League.

It's said that despite Lazio's efforts to agree a new contract with him, the board could not achieve that, and after joining in 2013, he's now leaving for free.

The website claims 'many clubs' are interested in his signing, especially from Germany and England, but it's only Fulham who are actually mentioned in the story.

Calcio Mercato writes that Fulham are, 'in particular' one of those who'd like to land Strakosha, as 'pressing' for his arrival at the London club continues. It's said there's no agreement with him yet, but they'd like to have him at Craven Cottage soon.

The links with the Cottagers have been going on for a few months, while Newcastle United have also been said to be interested.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-pressing-sign-player-cottagers-leading-race-free-agent/

WhiteJC

Ko Itakura report

Ko Itakura is a 25 year old Japanese centre back who can also play as a defensive midfielder currently contracted to Manchester City where he has spent most of his time out on loan.

He made his debut in 2016 appearing five times as a substitute in Kawasaki's 2017 winning championship season helping him win his first silverware in his first season. In 2019, he made his way to England to sign for one of the biggest oil clubs in history Manchester City. Having signed from Kawasaki Frontale, Ko Itakura spent his time out on loan to FC Groningen and Schalke 04 between 2019 – 2022 respectively.

While transitioning to European football Ko Itakura took a slow 6 month start to his FC Groningen career. Having played 22 times in his season first at FC Groningen he then went on to stay another year after his parent club and loan club agreed to the extension and a brilliant choice that was for the Dutch club. In 2020/21 season he was voted Groningen's Player of the Year playing every minute in the league to help the club reach a 7th place standing.

On 19th August 2021 he made his way on loan to relegated side Schalke 04 in 2.Bundesliga with a view to make it a permanent transfer of £5 million but to due current financial issues at the club they were unable to make it happen even though they were promoted back at the first time of asking. This current status has lead to multiple clubs, including Fulham, to circle like sharks around a very promising player.

His stats at Schalke shows that he hardly gets any yellow cards only picking up three bookings in 31 games. Over those 31 fixtures, Schalke conceded a goal every 76 minutes which averages at 1.18 a game. And in 9 of the 31 league games he helped register a 28% clean sheet record.

Itakura is a defender who we have been seeking for so many years with his "this is my ball" mentality, throwing his body on the line for the team. He will play for the badge and is calculated in his judgement of defensive tackles without receiving many fouls. He is right footed who can operate on the left side centre back role which seems to be lacking not only at Fulham but football in general. He is comfortable on the ball making him ideal replacement for Tim Ream. Itakura has an aggressive positioning attitude where you can see a fit alongside Tosin Adarabioyo in Marco Silva's Fulham side.

Best way to describe him is a no-nonsense defender which is clear to me why Marco Silva wants him.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/ko-itakura-report/

WhiteJC

End of Season Sale

Ahead of the Jubilee Weekend we're kickstarting our End of Season Sale with some fantastic savings across a huge range of Fulham FC merchandise!

Save up to 50% on Training Wear, Fashion, COPA, and much more!

Additionally, fans can secure our 21/22 Championship winning Home & Away shirts for just £30!

With our Champions range, Father's Day selection and End of Season Sale all live in the Online Store you're sure to find the perfect gift for any Fulham fan.

Shop instore and Online now.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/june/01/end-of-season-sale/


WhiteJC

Nottingham Forest join Fulham in transfer race for 38-cap international midfielder

Nottingham Forest have joined Fulham in the transfer hunt for Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic, according to reports in Greece.

The Reds are looking to bolster their squad significantly after winning the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town, securing their place in the Premier League in the process.

As well as trying to secure last season's loanees for the future, Forest are also looking at outside players, with Milivojevic the latest to apparently enter Steve Cooper's transfer radar.

The 31-year-old has been at Crystal Palace since 2017, arriving at the Eagles from Olympiakos – the other club that Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis owns.

A 38-cap international for Serbia, Milivojevic has played 165 times in the Premier League for Palace, scoring 28 goals, but he was restricted to just 15 appearances in the top flight of English football this past season under Patrick Vieira, with just nine of those being starts.

With one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, Milivojevic is attracting interest – not only from Forest but from his former club Olympiakos, who Greek outlet Sports DNA report have made contact with the Londoners for the midfielder's services.

They are joined though by Forest and Fulham, the latter who were reported by The Athletic earlier this week to be keen on the Serbian.

The Verdict

Midfield is an area that Steve Cooper will need to address this summer – even if James Garner returns on another loan from Manchester United.

It's unlikely that Garner will be allowed to leave the Red Devils at this time, and it would leave just Jack Colback and Ryan Yates as viable engine room options for Cooper, with Cafu perhaps not up to the required standard.

With years of top flight experience, Milivojevic would be an ideal addition to the Forest team as he could bring some calmness and a range of passing ability to the side.

There appears to be intense competition for his services though, so Forest may have to be prepared to battle for his signature.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/nottingham-forest-join-fulham-in-transfer-race-for-38-cap-international-midfielder/

WhiteJC

"Could potentially be a great addition" – Fulham set to move for 71-cap international: 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 are interested in signing Portugal international William Carvalho this summer, less than a year after he reportedly turned down a loan move to Craven Cottage.


The Portuguese midfielder is currently competing for Real Betis in La Liga, but according to Rudy Galetti the Cottagers are in the race to sign the 30-year old.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have made contact in a bid to capture the 71-cap midfielder, but Marco Silva is also hoping to convince Carvalho on a move to London, having worked with him at Sporting CP earlier in both of their careers.

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on whether this would be a good addition to Silva's side...

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

This would be a very good signing for Fulham

With Jean Michael Seri leaving the club there is certainly a gap to fill in the Fulham midfield and William Carvalho could absolutely fill it.

At 30-years-old, the defensive midfielder has played at a high level for a number of years now, and has also amassed 71 caps for the Portuguese national team.

You don't do the above unless you're a quality player and as such, Carvalho could potentially be a great addition for Fulham as they seek to retain their top-flight status next season.

Charlie Gregory

It's been a while since the rumours surfaced that William Carvalho was headed to Arsenal. That deal obviously never happened and the player is now in his thirties but he is still looking solid in Spain.

He impressed throughout his time in Portugal and has continued to do similar in Spain with Betis. He's helped the side to become one of the best in La Liga right now and he has shown no signs of slowing down.

If Fulham could add him to their ranks and let him finally test himself in the Premier League, then it could prove to be a very shrewd signing. He would definitely shore up their midfield and would no doubt help ensure they stay in the top flight.

If a deal can be done on the cheap to boot, then it would be worthwhile Fulham signing him for definite.

Toby Wilding

You get the feeling that this does have the potential to be a rather useful piece of business for Fulham.

With Jean Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa both already moving on this summer, you do get the feeling that the Cottagers will need to add to their midfield options this summer.

Carvalho is someone who can fill that role, and brings with him a wealth of experience at top-flight and international level, which is likely to be just what Fulham need to finally re-establish themselves in the Premier League.

Given there is just a year remaining on his contract with Betis as well, this is a deal that could be affordable for Fulham, meaning it does seem to be worth looking into for those in charge at Craven Cottage.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/could-potentially-be-a-great-addition-fulham-set-to-move-for-71-cap-international-the-verdict/

WhiteJC

Thomas Strakosha Report

Thomas Strakosha, the 27 year old Albanian International keeper who was born in Athens, Greece is set to leave Lazio on a free transfer. He has spent 10 years at Lazio joining in 2012 for their youth team before moving into the senior team a few years later.

In his final season at Lazio he helped them achieve 5th place in Serie A. Unfortunately he only played 23 games. In the 23 games he registered 7 clean sheets which is 30% of his games played. He conceded an average 1.13 per 90 minutes, he played a total of 2070 minutes during the 21/22 season.

In his 10 year span at Lazio he won the Coppa Italia twice; the first in 2012/13 and then 2018/19. He would also go on to win the Supercoppa Italiana in 2017 before winning it again in 2019 beating defending champions Juventus 3-1; I guess you can say Fulham and Strakosha have something in common.

His style of play is imitating his father, Foto, a former keeper and current goalkeeping coach at Lazio. I think it's fair to say no keeper is 100% perfect with every keeper showing some flaws in their play and Strakosha is no different. He has shown some weaknesses; against long shots, catching in general as well as catching crosses. While many think this will be a problem I believe Marco has seen some potential in the keeper. It needs to be said that he has very quick reactions with strong reflexes when it comes to saving shots from close range with both his feet and chest, this could be a joy to watch. He is a confident penalty stopper which is something we desperately need if we are to compete with VAR this season.

While many of you would like someone better, nothing is better then a risk free keeper on a free signing. He would be a great addition to the team and the keeping coaches have a job on their hands to improve Strakosha's catches.




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/thomas-strakosha-report/


WhiteJC

Fulham to face Nice and Benfica in Algarve Trophy

Fulham will prepare for their Premier League return by participating in a three-team tournament during their pre-season tour of Portugal next month.

Marco Silva's men will take on Nice and Benfica on successive days as the continental sides compete for the Algarve Trophy on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July at the Estadio Algarve in Faro.

Nice, who finished fifth in Ligue 1 under the stewardship of Christophe Geltier, and Benfica, who will desperate to improve on a third-place finish that saw them trail champions Porto by seventeen points, promise to provide a stern examination of Fulham's credentials as they look to avoid another single season stay in the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/fulham-to-face-nice-and-benfica-in-algarve-trophy/

WhiteJC

Fulham interested in William Carvalho

Fulham have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, who is also a target for Fenerbahce and Sporting CP.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, newly-promoted Premier League club Fulham have expressed an interest in signing Real Betis and Portugal midfielder William Carvalho in the summer transfer window.

Carvalho has been with Real Betis since 2018 when he joined from boyhood club Sporting CP. The 30-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for Los Verdiblancos and has made 135 appearances for the La Liga outfit so far.

Carvalho was a regular in the starting XI in the 2021/22 campaign, making 49 appearances and chipping in four goals and five assists, helping Betis win the Copa del Rey and finish fifth in La Liga. While the midfielder is a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini's setup, his contract expires in the summer of next year.

On top of that, Real Betis need finances and will be forced to cash in on some of their players, with Carvalho likely to be shown the doors. His potential availability has alerted several clubs across Europe. Arsenal and Newcastle United have been linked with the 30-year-old, while Fenerbahce are also keen and have reportedly submitted an offer.

Now Fulham have also entered the race to sign Carvalho as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. The Cottagers earned promotion in an emphatic fashion as they won the EFL Championship and manager Marco Silva is already working towards strengthening his squad to ensure that the Londoners are in a position to avoid a drop back to the second division.

Defence is an area where Fulham are seeking reinforcements, while there is a need for a reliable holding midfielder as Jean Michael Seri's contract is set to run out at the end of the month. A player of Carvalho's experience and proven pedigree can be an excellent addition for Fulham and help solidify the team in the centre of the park, alongside Tom Cairney.

But, given that Fenerbahce have already made an offer and Carvalho's former club, Sporting CP, are also interested, Fulham will have a battle on their hands to convince the Portuguese international to move to Craven Cottage in the summer.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/06/03/fulham-interested-in-william-carvalho/

WhiteJC

Bolton Wanderers could miss out on key target Marlon Fossey amid Championship interest

WANDERERS are facing competition from three Championship clubs in their battle to sign last season's loan success Marlon Fossey.

Ian Evatt had hoped to wrap up the 23-year-old American's signature quickly this summer but now faces the prospect of having a deal snatched from his fingertips.

Fossey became a fans' favourite during a short loan spell between January and March, before which a price was informally agreed with his parent club Fulham.

His season was cut short by a knee injury – but Wanderers confirmed that they were still on course to sign him on a permanent basis, regardless.

It has now emerged that the wing-back's success over 16 appearances for the Whites has drawn attention from elsewhere, and though Fulham were seemingly willing sellers on their promotion to the Premier League, the club is now fielding bids from elsewhere and the situation has taken a more complicated turn.

Fossey has made no secret of the fact he enjoyed his time at Bolton, stoking up anticipation of his signature with some eye-catching social media clips.

His arrival does not appear the formality it once did, however, and Evatt will hope that the player's affinity for the club could outweigh the prospect of playing at a higher level, or potentially greater financial reward.

It is known that Wanderers have looked at alternative targets to fill the right wing-back spot next season, just as they have back-up options for goalkeeper should James Trafford be unable to return from Manchester City.

Should the club lose out on Fossey, however, it would be a bitter blow, especially considering the form they showed once the player his peak fitness in the early part of the New Year.

Meanwhile, Amadou Bakayoko has linked up with the Sierra Leone squad in the Guinean captial of Conakry in preparation for their upcoming AFCON qualifier against Nigeria.

The Wanderers striker is one of five foreign-based players who have joined a group of 12 for light training sessions. The full squad of 25 will travel to play against Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday (June 9).

Bakayoko scored his first goal for his country against Liberia in March and hopes to add to his three international caps to date, with a second qualifier to come in Sierra Leone against Guinea Bissau on June 13.



https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/20185077.bolton-wanderers-miss-key-target-marlon-fossey-amid-championship-interest/


WhiteJC

Everton confident of signing James Tarkowski on a free transfer once he returns from holiday this summer... with defender set to choose Toffees over Aston Villa and Fulham

    Everton are confident of signing free agent James Tarkowski this summer
    The Toffees are looking to reinforce their squad after a disappointing season
    Sportsmail reported last month that Everton had pushed ahead of Aston Villa
    Everton have offered a new three year deal to their full-back Jonjoe Kenny
    While Burnley captain Ben Mee is also leaving on a free during the summer

Everton are confident of signing free agent James Tarkowski once he returns from holiday.

Tarkowski has been eager to depart the Lancashire outfit for some time, choosing to run his contract down so he would be able to decide his own destiny.

Sportsmail reported last month that Everton had pushed ahead of Aston Villa and Fulham for the Burnley defender - who has not given up on getting back into Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Interest in Tarkowski from Premier League clubs is no short supply. A host of Premier League clubs have registered an interest in signing him this summer.

Everton and Aston Villa - who are both looking to bolster their squads and improve on poor 2021-22 seasons under Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard respectively - are leading the pack.

However, Leeds United and Leicester City are also said to be keeping tabs on Tarkowski's situation as they plot a potential transfer swoop.

Everton have offered a new three year deal to full-back Jonjoe Kenny. While, Burnley captain Ben Mee is also leaving on a free and attracting Premier League interest.

The Burnley captain had been stalling on a new deal throughout the year, choosing instead to wait until the end of the season to see what Burnley's immediate future held.

Following their relegation to the Championship on the final day, reports stated that the 32-year-old would look elsewhere ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10880151/Everton-confident-signing-James-Tarkowski-free-transfer.html

WhiteJC

Betsy set for Crawley job

Former Fulham winger Kevin Betsy is set to become the new manager of Crawley Town – with the League Two side close to agreeing a deal with Arsenal for the Gunners' under 23 coach, according to Sky Sports.

Crawley have been looking for a new boss since John Yams was dismissed after an internal investigation saw seven first-team players come forward with allegations of racism after a former player had alleged that the Town dressing was racially segregated. They initially made Chelsea women's boss Emma Hayes their top target, but have since switched to 44 year-old Betsy, widely believed to be one of the country's brightest coaching talents.

Betsy, who made fifteen senior league appearances for Fulham after coming through the club's youth team set up, coached the Whites' age group sides before taking over England's under 15, under 16, under 17 and under 18 sides. He guided Arsenal's under 23s to third in his fist season at the helm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/betsy-set-for-crawley-job/

WhiteJC

Bolton joined by Championship clubs in their pursuit of Fulham defender

Bolton Wanderers will be hoping to mount a promotion push next season, after what was a strong second half to the League One campaign.

The Trotters readapted well to life in the third-tier, and naturally, expectation levels at The University of Bolton Stadium are likely to increase.

One player who would certainly be a boost if Bolton were to sign him on a permanent deal is Marlon Fossey, with the 23-year-old a target for Ian Evatt.

However, the latest report from The Bolton News has claimed that three unnamed Championship clubs are now in the running for the exciting full-back.

Appearing 15 times in the third tier after his temporary January move to The University of Bolton Stadium, Fossey proved to be a reliable defensive option, all whilst providing an attacking threat.

Fossey netted once and provided a further five assists during the second half of the season with the Trotters.

The verdict

Proving to be a level above at times with the Trotters, it is no surprise to see that there is Championship interest in the young defender.

Fossey possesses what is required to operate in a solid back four, whilst his attacking abilities justify his inclusion as a wing-back in a back five system.

However, Bolton have built a level of trust with Fulham, meaning that the Cottagers may send him on loan to the League One outfit once more as they will have more confidence that he will see regular game time.

An argument against sending him to Bolton is that a move to the Championship will bridge the gap from League One football to where Fulham now are in the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bolton-joined-by-championship-clubs-in-their-pursuit-of-fulham-defender/