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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 09/06/22...

Started by WhiteJC, June 09, 2022, 07:58:00 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Liverpool can get £15m boost via latest transfer masterclass as Jürgen Klopp has summer decision

Split Opinion: Liverpool have set a price tag for Neco Williams this summer with interest in the Welshman. Two of our writers have their say on what happens next.

Liverpool have plenty of examples of talented youngsters that have not quite made the grade at Anfield but have made the Reds a significant amount of money, and there could be another one added to that list this summer.

The ECHO report that Liverpool are seeking a fee of £15m for Neco Williams in this window. Having spent the second half of last season excelling for Fulham in the Championship, Liverpool expect suitors to come to the table.

But is £15m a fair valuation and will the Reds be able to find someone to match that number? What should happen if no one is prepared to pay that figure?

Two of our Liverpool.com writers have their say on the debate (and don't forget: you can also have your say in the comments at the bottom of the page!).

"Let him leave" - Matt Addison

Wales are heading to the World Cup in Qatar and Williams will want to play ahead of that.

"It's a shame he's not playing in the Premier League," his international boss, Rob Page, said earlier in the season. "He's at a top, top club with top, top players and he can't get in the team. But when he plays like that, we've got to get him playing."

Neco Williams needs — and deserves — regular football and he is not getting that in the first half of next season.

For me, while £15m is a fair starting point, if Liverpool get close to that figure from Fulham or elsewhere, they should be letting the player move on.

If nothing else, you need the pathway there to say that if a reasonable price is put forwards, the club will let a fringe player take the next step — that's how you attract the next Neco Williams to Liverpool.

Calvin Ramsay can replace him for around a third of the price received for Williams (a masterstroke in itself), and Liverpool will still have a good-quality Trent Alexander-Arnold back-up option. It works for both parties if Neco is allowed to move on.

"£15m or he stays" - Ben Bocsak

With the World Cup in Qatar, Wales are in a group where they have a genuine chance of advancing to the next round of the tournament. Williams is an integral part of the Welsh team and he will be a regular at the tournament.

A few good performances in November could only elevate his price tag for FSG in order to ensure maximum profit on the player.

The temptations to sell this summer are clear. It's true he will want to play regular football and Fulham could be a good destination for him to get that having proven himself there last season. But Liverpool have to stick to their principles.

In the current market, someone of his age and quality as well as pedigree, having caught the eye in the Championship, on the international stage and even enjoyed impressive outings in the Champions League, should only be sold by the club at the right price.

£15m is more than a reasonable offer and if Liverpool cannot get a suitor to pay that January on the back of a World Cup showing could be a more opportune time to sell. Having him at the club for another six months would not be detrimental to either party, anyway.




https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-transfer-decision-jurgen-klopp-24165010

WhiteJC

Fulham transfer blow emerges on 21 y/o as talks with arch-rivals revealed

Scottish Premiership sides Celtic and Rangers have both opened talks to recruit Schalke winger Rabbi Matondo ahead of the summer window, according to a report from Wales Online.

This interest comes after the 21-year-old enjoyed a fruitful season in the Belgian top tier with Cercle Brugge, recording nine goals and two assists in 26 league appearances as he made his presence felt away from the Veltins Arena.

They had the option to make this move permanent but have seemingly opted against pursuing a longer-term agreement for his services, enabling the two Glasgow-based sides to battle for his services.

However, they aren't the only side in the race for his signature with Fulham and AFC Bournemouth also thought to be interested in recruiting the Welshman following his impressive displays last term, with both sides keen on strengthening their squads considerably ahead of their first season back in the Premier League.

His contract in Germany expires in just 12 months, potentially enabling the Cottagers or the Cherries to seal a cut-price agreement for his services, with Matondo in line for a move despite his current side's promotion back to the Bundesliga.

However, the two sides could potentially miss out after this latest report regarding interest from Scotland's top two teams, possibly forcing the English duo to focus on other targets.

The Verdict:

It would have been a gamble to bring him in but considering the fees both the Cottagers and Cherries may have to fork out to recruit more established top-tier players, it's perhaps a shame that they may miss out in this race with other areas to focus on as well.

Both have a number of areas to address, with Scott Parker possibly needing at least one new player in most positions to give themselves the best chance of remaining afloat in the top flight.

A goalkeeper, backup left-back, centre-back and a forward should be at the top of their agenda and considering the south-coast side probably won't have a huge amount of money to spend, recruiting Matondo for a reasonably modest fee may have been a real coup for them.

He may have provided them with the attacking firepower needed to compensate for a potentially leaky defence next term – and may have also helped to take pressure off Dominic Solanke to score the majority of their goals.

Similar applies with Aleksandar Mitrovic at Craven Cottage – because the Serbian will be expected to adapt to the top tier well after enjoying such a remarkable season in the English capital with 43 league goals to his name.

Harry Wilson can already help out in terms of goalscoring contributions – and Matondo may have been a real asset too.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-transfer-blow-emerges-on-21-y-o-as-talks-with-arch-rivals-revealed/

WhiteJC

Fulham close in on 29-year-old after £8m bid, same agent as Mitrovic

Premier League newcomers Fulham are hoping to pay around £12 million for Alex Moreno and want to lure the Real Betis defender to Craven Cottage with a long-term contract, as reported by El Desmarque.

One of the most exciting, attack-minded left-backs in La Liga, Moreno contributed a combined ten goals and assists as Manuel Pellegrini's Betis secured a fifth-place finish alongside their first piece of silverware in nearly two decades last season.

Whether the Moreno will be sticking around to help Los Verdiblancos retain their Copa del Rey crown, however, remains to be seen.

Fulham have failed with an opening offer in the region of £8 million for the one-time Espanyol flyer. But no one in West London is accepting defeat just yet. According to reports in Spain, the Cottagers have held further talks with Real Betis in the last few hours as they continue to work on a potential five-year deal.

Fulham, the report adds, are willing to stump up £12 million. A fee much closer to the amount Betis would consider acceptable for a man who celebrated his 29th birthday this week. 

Fulham close in on Real Betis' Alex Moreno

Moreno, who has been linked with West Ham United, Everton and Leeds in the past, is represented by Pini Zahavi. 

The Israeli super-agent also looks after Fulham talisman Aleksandr Mitrovic as well as Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. Interestingly, Strakosha has also held talks regarding a summer move to Craven Cottage.

In addition to a new left-back and a top-class shot-stopper, Championship champions Fulham are also pursuing a box-to-box midfielder a la Braga's Al-Musrati and a skilful winger. Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro should depart.

A £7 million deal for Manor Solomon – despite being agreed as far back as April – appears to have fallen through. Torino are now in pole position for the snake-hipped Shakhtar Donetsk forward.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/08/fulham-close-in-on-29-year-old-after-8m-bid-same-agent-as-mitrovic/


WhiteJC

Fulham dealt transfer blow as Newcastle United near deal for 26-year-old

Fulham are set to be dealt a blow ahead of the transfer market opening on Friday, with Newcastle United close to agreeing a deal for Aston Villa defender Matt Targett.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who are reporting that the Magpies are now looking to take up their option to sign the defender permanently following his loan spell at St. James' Park.

In recent weeks, it was reported that Newcastle were indecisive about their next steps with regards to Targett, despite the left-back putting in some good performances during his temporary spell in black and white.

With plenty of financial resources at their disposal following their takeover, the club were said to be exploring more glamorous options, with Atletico Madrid's Renan Lodi mentioned as a potential preferred signing.

Fulham were preparing to swoop in if Newcastle did not exercise their option to purchase Targett.

The 26-year-old made 16 Premier League appearances for the Magpies since joining them on loan, contributing to an overall defensive improvement at the club that helped steer them clear of relegation.

The Verdict

This is a shame for Fulham as it really seemed that Newcastle United were not going to make Targett's move permanent.

However, with Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan already on the books at Craven Cottage, the left-back position is certainly not a priority for the club this summer.

In fact, they could probably spend the money they would have used on Targett elsewhere in positions that are in need of urgent additions, such as right-back.

Neco Williams could be an option for a similar price, and he is a known quantity given he spent half the season on loan at the club as they won the Championship and promotion.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-dealt-transfer-blow-as-newcastle-united-near-deal-for-26-year-old/

WhiteJC

Fulham set to complete signing of midfielder – Player in London to sign contract

Fulham are about to complete the signing of Almoatasembellah Al Musrati, according to reports from Portugal.

Diário do Minho today writes that the Braga player is currently in London to sign a contract with the Craven Cottage side.

The outlet sounds pretty sure about the move, claiming the 26-year-old now has his future 'defined', despite rumours linking him to other destinations.

The report, however, doesn't bring any details of how much are Fulham spending to take him away from Braga.

Al Musrati has been linked to Fulham since the end of May. Following a report saying Marco Silva was fond of the player's qualities, it didn't talk long until the Portuguese media claimed the Whites 'accelerated' for the transfer.

Last week, it was even claimed that Wolverhampton Wanderers were interested in the midfielder and joined the race for the signing, with Braga demanding around €15m for the move.

Now it seems Fulham anticipated the competition and won the race for the signing, as we wait for bigger Portuguese outlets to confirm the transfer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-set-complete-signing-midfielder-player-london-sign-contract/

WhiteJC

What Fulham boss Marco Silva has said about Jean Michael Seri amid Hull City links

The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer this summer

Former Tigers boss Marco Silva has already delivered his own verdict on Hull target Jean Michael Seri, following his links with the club this summer. The 30-year-old was released by the Cottagers following their promotion back to the Premier League.

Featuring 34 for times for the eventual Championship winners last season, the former Lille man's release came as a surprise to some given his consistent performances in the heart of midfield alongside Harrison Reed.

City are said to be monitoring the situation surrounding the player, with wholesale changes expected this summer, as boss Shota Arveladze looks to further stamp his authority on the squad heading into the 22/23 campaign.

Silva, who managed the Tigers for just five months between January and May of 2017 has previously praised the Ivory Coast international, adding further fuel to the fire regarding his upcoming exit later this month.

Speaking about Seri and his recent progress to West London Sport, the 44-year-old began by saying: "A new manager came, of course, and in pre-season well he did really well. Mika didn't do so many games in recent seasons; (no) 90 minutes week-in, week-out. And when that happens you are not used to playing with the intensity I want.

"But he worked hard in the last week, and that's why I started with him – he deserved it. Now he needs more games to get him in the best possible condition. I'm not in the best position to talk about what happened in the past, but Mika is getting his chance and if he does well the fans will be happy with him."

An ambitious addition to the squad, Seri's pedigree in the second tier would be a welcome addition as boss Arveladze looks to galvanise City following a disappointing end to the 21/22 campaign.



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/silva-seri-amid-hull-links-7180189


WhiteJC

Al-Musrati 'about to sign' for Fulham

Reports from Portugal suggest that Braga midfielder Almoatasembellah Al Musrati is poised to sign for Fulham having arrived in London to finalise the impending transfer.

The Libyan international is due to put pen to paper on his contract with the Cottagers shortly, according to Diario do Minho, after Fulham saw off a belated attempt by Wolves to hijack the deal. The imposing defensive midfielder, who helped Braga win the Taca de Portugal last season and was named Primeira Liga player of the month in February, has made 89 appearances and scored six goals in two seasons since being signed by Carlos Carvahal.

Al-Musrati is highly rated by Marco Silva, having spent the past six years in Portuguese football after joining Vitoria de Guimaraes from Al-Ittihad Tripoli. The 6ft 4in midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move to Benfica or Sporting Lisbon in the past year, has won forty senior international caps for Libya, scoring two goals, and played an integral part in their 2014 African Nations Championship success.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/al-musrati-about-to-sign-for-fulham/

WhiteJC

Comment: 3 left-backs Fulham should look at as Matt Targett heads for Newcastle United permanently

Fulham had been linked with a move for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett heading into the summer transfer window.

Fulham look set for disappointment though, with Targett set to join recent loan club Newcastle United on a permanent basis.

There's no time to worry about who they've missed out on though. The Cottagers have plenty of time to identify some alternative targets, so here, we look at three other options Marco Silva and co should take a look at...

Jamal Lewis – Newcastle United
Lewis has been on the fringes under Eddie Howe and despite looking likely a promising arrival, he is one that could make an exit this year.

The 24-year-old still has the best years of his career ahead of him and made a good impression during his time on the books with Norwich City. Lewis has impressed going forward but if Silva could help him improve defensively, Fulham could have a great left-back on their hands.

Owen Wijndal – AZ Alkmaar
Of the three highlighted, Wijndal is the standout option. At 22, he is already AZ Alkmaar captain and has played 143 times for the club.

As a left-back, the 11-cap Dutch international created nine big chances last season with an average of 1.5 key passes per game. He managed 12 assists across all competitions, proving just how good he is going forward. Wijndal is defensively sound too, making 0 errors leading to goals last season (SofaScore).

Vital Nsimba – Clermont Foot
While not of the pedigree of either Lewis or Wijndal, Nsimba could be a really smart pickup for any side looking to add a left-back to their ranks on a free transfer this summer.

The 28-year-old is out of contract this summer and impressed in a Clermont Foot side that narrowly avoided relegation. The attack-minded Nsimba created eight big chances across the 2021/22 campaign and possesses defensive capabilities too, averaging 1.9 tackles per game (SofaScore).




https://the72.co.uk/275292/comment-3-left-backs-fulham-should-look-at-as-matt-targett-heads-for-newcastle-united-permanently/

WhiteJC

Significant update revealed in Fulham's pursuit of 40-cap international

Fulham are set to complete the signing of Sporting Braga midfielder Al-Musrati.

As per Portuguese outlet Diario do Minho, via SportWitness, the 26-year-old's future is 'defined', with the player himself said to be in London to sign a contract with the Cottagers and complete the move.

The Portuguese outlet also report that Fulham have potentially beaten the likes of Sporting and Benfica to the 26-year-0ld's signature, with both Portuguese giants having been a possible destination for Al-Musrati this summer.

Fulham's interest in the Libyan first surfaced a couple of weeks ago, when O Jogo, another Portuguese publication, reported that the Braga midfielder was on Marco Silva's radar.

With Jean Michael Seri having been released from the club, Nathaniel Chalobah and Harrison Reid are the only players remaining at the club that can play naturally as defensive midfielders.

Al-Musrati certainly fits a need in that sense, which is perhaps why Fulham have acted quickly in reportedly nearing wrapping up this deal.

The Libyan international made 46 appearances for Braga in 2021/22, with 30 of those coming in the Portuguese top-flight, and 11 in the UEFA Europa League as the club reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Portuguese outlets above do not mention the fee that Fulham are set to pay for the midfielder.

The Verdict

After winning the Championship, Fulham are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their Premier League return next campaign and this is one step towards doing so.

Al-Musrati has played at a high level of football in recent years, particularly this season, which included a number of appearances in European competition.

Having played in Marco Silva's native Portugal, it is likely that the Fulham coach is more than familiar with what the 26-year-old can bring to his side next season.

It will certainly be interesting to see how Al-Musrati gets on in the Premier League next season, with the intensity likely to be unlike anything he will have experienced in the Primeira Liga.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/significant-update-revealed-in-fulhams-pursuit-of-40-cap-international/


WhiteJC

8 Championship players Fulham could realistically target this summer transfer window

Fulham are once again preparing for life back in the Premier League, after just a single season in the Championship.

The Cottagers comfortably secured another immediate promotion back to the top-flight of English football.

Indeed, they will now be looking to stay there longer term, having suffered relegation in each of their last three seasons in the Premier League.

If they to finally re-establish themselves, then it is almost inevitable that the Cottagers will have to have a strong summer transfer window in terms of recruitment.

That is something that means despite promotion, the club could still have an eye on the Championship for the time being.

There can be no denying that there are plenty of high quality players in the second-tier who may themselves be ready for the step up for the top-flight, and could therefore be useful additions at Craven Cottage.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at eight Championship players Fulham could potentially target in the summer transfer window, right here.

Lee Nicholls
With Paolo Gazzaniga having failed to establish himself at Craven Cottage, and Marek Rodak dropping down the pecking order the last time Fulham were in the Premier League, a new 'keeper could be on the agenda this summer.

If the search for an option between the posts was to take them to the Championship, then Lee Nicholls would surely have to be a target, following an excellent first season at Huddersfield.

Following his move to the Terriers last summer, Nicholls was seen by many as the best 'keeper in the Championship in 2021/22, helping his side to the play-off final only to miss out on promotion, meaning the 29-year-old could be ready for the step up to the top-flight.

Darragh Lenihan
In defence, the departures of Michael Hector, Terence Kongolo and Alfie Mawson mean that the Cottagers do need some reinforcement at centre back.

One option they could consider for that role is Darragh Lenihan, with his contract at Blackburn expiring this summer after a season where he helped Rovers mount an unexpected push for promotion, and won plenty of praise for his performances and leadership in the process.

A move for Lenihan would also reunite the Irishman with Tosin Adarabioyo, with the pair having formed an effective partnership during the latter's loan spell at Ewood Park during the 2019-20 season, which could now be a useful asset for Marco Silva's side.

Dael Fry
Another central defensive option who could be worth considering as a potential target for Fulham, is Middlesbrough's Dael Fry.

The 24-year-old is another who has emerged as a key figure in his club's efforts to win promotion back to the Premier League in recent years, and given his previous links to other top-flight clubs, he could be ready for the step up.

At his age, Fry could be a long term asset as well, and with just a year remaining on his contract at the Riverside, a decent offer could put pressure on 'Boro to negotiate over a potential deal.

Callum Styles
One player who has already been linked with a possible move to Fulham in the early stages of this summer's transfer window, is Barnsley's Callum Styles.

Despite the Tykes' relegation during the 2021/22 campaign, the now Hungary international again impressed with his performances from right-back, and given his side's drop into League One next season, it would be no surprise to see Styles move on, given his ability to play at a much higher level.

Indeed, with Cyrus Christie having moved on and Steven Sessegnon out of contract, the addition of Styles could be an important piece of business on the right hand side of Fulham's defence.

Joe Rothwell
Another player to have been linked with Fulham in the past few weeks who could be worth pursuing, is midfielder Joe Rothwell.

The 27-year-old is a free agent following his departure from Blackburn after four years at the club – meaning he is another who is familiar with both Adarabioyo and Harrison Reed – and was one of the driving forces behind Rovers' play-off push last season.

That could see him become a useful outlet for the Cottagers going forward, but with a number of other clubs supposedly interested, they could face something of a battle for his signature.

Andy Rinomhota
One other midfield target who might be worth considering for Fulham as they look to bolster their options in the centre of the park, is Andy Rinomhota.

The 25-year-old may not have the same sort of return as Rothwell in terms of goals or assists, but he is a hugely effective shield in front of a side's defensive line, which could be just what Fulham need in the top-flight, and past links with Leeds suggest there is a belief he could make the step up to that level.

Rinomhota is also out of contract with Reading this summer, meaning he too is another who could be easily available and affordable for Fulham this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres
Upfront, Fulham may well need some cover for Aleksandar Mitrovic, and it has been rumoured that one player they could target to take on that role, is Viktor Gyokreres.

The Swede made a loan move to Coventry permanent last summer, and scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 45 Championship games across the course of the 2021/22 campaign, highlighting the attacking threat he would offer for Fulham.

His previous stint with Brighton suggests he may have Premier League potential, and the 24-year-old could be eager to prove that is indeed the case with a move such as this.

Joel Piroe
Another attacking option for Fulham to potentially consider from the Championship this summer, is Swansea's Joel Piroe.

Having made the move to Wales from PSV last summer, Piroe enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in English football, with 22 goals and six assists, including some excellent finishes that show he too could be a major threat in front of goal.

Although there are two years remaining on his Swansea deal, it has been revealed that Piroe has no intention of negotiating a new contract with the club right now, which could present an opportunity for clubs such as Fulham to make a move of their own in the window.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/8-championship-players-fulham-could-realistically-target-this-summer-transfer-window/

WhiteJC

Fulham meeting to decide top targets for position – 'Consensus' on offer and long contract

It was at the start of this week that the Spanish media highlighted Fulham's interest in Real Betis fullback Alex Moreno. A couple of outlets claimed the Cottagers became keen given his good season in La Liga, and are now the 'most interested' in his signing.

Today, it's El Desmarque who features a story on the Whites' chase for a left-back. They actually bring interesting information saying how the club have been using Big Data to choose their targets in the market.

It's once again claimed that Fulham are willing to spend €15m on Moreno. And in case they don't manage to agree a deal with Betis, they already have an alternative on the table.

That's Celta de Vigo player Javi Galan. Also suggested by Big Data, he emerges as a cheaper alternative, and in a meeting made by the Cottagers' board in the 'past few hours', a possible bid of between €10m and €12m for him was mentioned.

Galan, however, will stand as an option for now. Moreno continues to be the priority, and this meeting concluded that the £12m fee should be good enough to take him out of Betis. There's now a 'consensus' for this offer to be made, as they'll also offer the player a long contract.

That makes Fulham sound well-prepared in their chase for a left-back, getting ready to land a Spanish player for the position this summer.




http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-meeting-decide-top-targets-position-consensus-offer-long-contract/

WhiteJC

'Exceptional' £8m forward doesn't want Leeds or Fulham move

Premier League duo Leeds United and Fulham want to sign Gonzalo Plata but the Ecuador international is hoping to stay at newly-promoted Real Valladolid, speaking to Cadena Ser.

As his calves begin to ache, as the lactic acid starts to burn, Valladolid president Ronaldo would be forgiven for wishing he could turn back the clock.

The legendary Brazilian vowed to embark upon a 500 kilometre bike ride if his side secured promotion back to La Liga and, after the Pucile finished second in the Segunda table, his joy may have turned to trepidation.

Ronaldo took control of Valladolid two years ago. The club suffered relegation in his first season as majority shareholder, but his second certainly proved to be a damn sight more enjoyable. 

And, after contributing six goals and five assists to the Valladolid cause, Sporting Lisbon loanee Plata is determined to repay the path Ronaldo and co showed in him by putting pen to paper on a permanent contract.

Leeds United and Fulham like Gonzalo Plata

"I've asked Ronaldo to do everything possible so that I can stay at Real Valladolid," says the quicksilver winger. "I want to stay here. I feel the love of my teammates, the coaching staff and the fans. That's the most important thing."

There is an option-to-buy clause worth around £8 million in Plata's contract. A fee Valladolid may struggle to stump up, despite a return to La Liga.

According to Bolavip, Leeds United could take advantage of the uncertainty facing Plata at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, while A Bola have mentioned Fulham as another potential destination.

"He's a huge footballer," says Valladolid coach Pacheta. 

Clearly, the manager is aligned with Plata regarding a potential return to Spain for a man who turned down Barcelona before joining Sporting in 2019.

"He still has to improve but he has everything," Pacheta adds. "He's an exceptional boy. We all love him. Plata is very good."

Fulham remain in the market for a winger after a deal to sign Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk collapsed. Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro can both leave Craven Cottage.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/08/exceptional-8m-forward-doesnt-want-leeds-or-fulham-move/


WhiteJC

Fulham set to sign Al Musrati

Fulham are closing in on signing Al Musrati as Marco Silva wants a quality signing to cover the defensive midfield position.

Fulham are seemingly getting closer to signing Al Musrati from SC Braga as Marco Silva eyes the Libyan to slot in the defensive midfield role. As reported by Diario do Minho, the midfielder is one of the top assets at the Portuguese side and they are prepared to sell for a reasonable offer.

Newly promoted sides often learn a stern lesson on their return to the Premier League. Every season, at least one of the newcomers fails to break the shackles of the relegation zone and end up making the journey back to the Championship. Fulham have been found out in similar situation on numerous occasions and are prepared to make necessary adjustments.

Having a manager with Premier League experience often helps teams, and Marco Silva possesses top-flight know-how. The Cottagers struggled for relevance in their previous campaign in the top tier, and are hoping to bring in quality players to avoid a similar occurrence this time out.

The board is ready to back Silva in the market as they eye key players in several positions. Midfield seems to be a priority area for the Portuguese manager as recent links to some established and experienced stars shows Fulham's intent in the window.

Silva is keen to secure a strong defensive midfielder capable of holding the fort in the face of quality opposition. Braga's Al Musrati has been on their radar since their promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, and the Cottagers are now getting closer to getting their man.

Silva initially wanted someone like Nemanja Matic, who now seems to be closing in on another reunion with Jose Mourinho at Roma. Hence, the manager is looking at other solutions to fill the defensive midfield area, while keeping an eye out for cost-effective options.

Portugal international William Carvalho has been linked with a move as the midfielder enters the final year of his deal at Real Betis. However, Fulham are reportedly closing in on Braga's Al Musrati, with a move now looking imminent. The Portuguese side were understood to be open to offers of around €15 million previously, and there is no reason for them to reduce their valuation.

The 26-year-old has been one of SC Braga's key stars and performed consistently in the previous campaign. Al Musrati is also one of their top assets, capable of bringing much-needed funds into the club. Fulham are seemingly close to landing the midfielder now, with the star believed to be in London to sign a contract.

Al Musrati is somewhat of an unknown commodity in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether he can make an instant impact at Fulham. However, the London side desperately need players who could slot straight into the team and he can certainly provide that.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/06/09/fulham-set-to-sign-al-musrati/

WhiteJC

Liverpool set £17m asking price for midfielder Takumi Minamino amid interest from Wolves and Fulham... with Japan international set to follow Divock Origi out of the Anfield exit this summer

    Takumi Minamino played a key role in Liverpool winning the FA and League Cup
    But he made just 11 appearances in the Premier League for the Reds last season
    Wolves and Fulham are interested in the 27-year-old Japan international
    Southampton, Leeds and Monaco have also been credited with an interest

Liverpool want £17million for Japan midfielder Takumi Minamino, 27, who has attracted interest from Wolves and Fulham.

The 27-year-old played a key role in the Reds' FA Cup and League Cup glory last season as the club's top goalscorer in domestic cup competitions with seven.

But he made just 11 appearances in the Premier League - scoring three goals in the process - for Jurgen Klopp's side in 2021-22.


Liverpool want £17million for Wolves and Fulham midfield target Takumi Minamino


The 27-year-old played a key role in the Reds' FA Cup and League Cup glory last season


Minamino is therefore likely to leave Anfield in search of more regular game time, with Southampton, Leeds and Monaco also credited with an interest.

Klopp admitted in March he had found it hard not to include the Japanese star in his squad more often last season.

'It is incredibly hard for him and for me as well because it is really tough these kind of things,' Klopp said. 'Taki is in an incredible moment.'

The German then hinted Minamino and Divock Origi - whose departure has already been confirmed - would move on, adding: 'It is unlikely with the size of the squad that we now stay exactly like this together.

'For sure, some of the players do not play often enough for their own understanding and we will see what will come in the summer and find solutions for those situations.'

'One of the hardest things I have to do at the moment - Taki not involved,' said Klopp last month. 'It's really hard because the last thing he deserves is not being involved. He trains incredible.'

'Since Taki came here he improved a lot, I like a lot the steps he made.

'How he deals with the setbacks is insane, the setbacks of not being involved from time to time and it's really hard.

'He never gives up, he always stays positive, he always goes for everything and he's a big part of the story of this team this year and last year.'

Minamino joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in a £7.25million deal ahead of the January transfer window in 2019.

Having seen little game time too in 2020-21, he headed out on loan to Southampton for the second half of last season and made 10 appearances before returning to Anfield.

The midfielder has scored 14 goals in 55 appearances during his Reds career.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10898389/Liverpool-set-17m-asking-price-midfielder-Takumi-Minamino-amid-Wolves-Fulham.html

WhiteJC

Fulham learn what they may have to pay to beat Leeds, Wolves & others in transfer race

Fulham may have to pay £17 million to beat Leeds United, Southampton, Monaco, and Wolves to the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, according to a report from BBC Sport.

The west London club won the Championship in 2021/22 to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and are now preparing for life in the top flight.

Fulham were the second tier's top scorers last term – bagging 106 goals in 46 games – but it seems Marco Silva is still keen to strengthen his options in the final third this summer.

BBC Sport has reported that the Championship title winners are one of a host of clubs interested in Minamino, who is likely to leave Anfield in the upcoming window in search of regular first team football.

The report claims that Liverpool want around £17 million for the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until 2024, with Fulham, Leeds, Monaco, Southampton, and Wolves all interested.

Minamino joined the Reds from RB Salzburg in January 2020, adding 14 goals and five assists in 55 appearances since but struggling to establish himself as a starter under Jurgen Klopp.

The Verdict

Fulham blew away the rest of the Championship last season but Silva will know he can't rely on Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring more than 40 goals this term.

The Serbian doesn't have a great record in the top flight and it makes sense for the Cottagers to look for reinforcements in the final third.

Minamino looks like a useful addition and adding a player that knows the league for less than £20 million could prove to be a good bit of business with Fulham hoping to avoid relegation next term.

They now know how much they'll likely have to pay to win the race for the attacker amid interest from other top flight clubs and Monaco.

The 27-year-old wasn't completely convincing while on loan at Southampton in the first half of 2021/22 but you do feel a fresh start somewhere and the full backing of the manager could do him wonders.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-learn-what-they-may-have-to-pay-to-beat-leeds-wolves-others-in-transfer-race/