Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 15/06/22...

[WhiteJC]

West Ham United defender Arthur Masukau wanted by Fulham, Ryan Fredericks won't join him

West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku is a target for Premier League new boys Fulham, but they are no longer interested in Ryan Fredericks according to ExWHUemployee [June 13].

The Hammers are looking to bolster their squad this summer and are open to exits to generate funds to help with that, with left-back Masuaku being told he can leave while Fredericks will be released at the end of his contract later this month.

While Fredericks had been expected to join former club Fulham on a free transfer [ExWHUemployee, May 24], that deal is now off after they switched targets and he has caught the attention of another Premier League club and a Championship side, but Ex told his Patreon podcast that Fulham are keen on the DR Congo left-back.

"Arthur Masuaku, there is interest from Fulham there," he said. "The club have said that he can go if he gets the right club. The Fulham manager has worked with him before and they are looking to conclude that deal.

"Ryan Fredericks, I thought he was going to Fulham, but they're signing [Neco] Williams from Liverpool on loan so he's going to have to find other options.

"Southampton are one club that are interested and Middlesbrough have submitted an offer as well, so potentially could be dropping down to the Championship to get himself a club."

Good moves

It makes plenty of sense for the Hammers to part ways with these defenders, as they have better options at the club already and could move to bring others in too.

Ben Johnson has proven to be an excellent understudy in both full-back positions for Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell, while Harrison Ashby has shown he is ready to step up to the first-team more regularly too.

Fredericks' wage made it impossible to keep him around and a move down to the Championship for regular football could be perfect for him, while Masuaku previously worked with Marco Silva at Olympiacos and a reunion could suit him too.

His time at the London Stadium has been hot and cold, with some great moments that saw Mark Noble label him "brilliant"in 2019 while more recently Ian Wright called him "poor" earlier in the most recent campaign.

It's the perfect time to move on from this chapter and get some money for him to put towards making the squad stronger.



https://www.westhamzone.com/transfers/west-ham-united-defender-arthur-masukau-wanted-by-fulham-ryan-fredericks-wont-join-him/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Southampton set to battle for Bradford City starlet

Bradford City will be eager to get the new campaign started, with the Bantams likely to be eyeing up promotion back to League One.

Mark Hughes will be tasked with delivering a third-tier return at Valley Parade after last season turned into a rather mediocre one.

Seeing an integral first-teamer in Paudie O'Connor depart for the higher division yesterday, there is now Premier League interest in a Bradford player who is still a little bit away from the first-team.

Fulham and Southampton are currently battling it out for 16-year-old midfielder Freddy Jeffreys, as per a report from the Mail Online.

The highly-rated midfielder helped the club's U19s win the EFL Youth Alliance North East Division last season, but he is yet to near first-team duties with the League Two outfit.

The verdict

The Premier League interest that has surfaced for the young midfielder acts as an indication of the kind of quality that the midfielder already possesses, and what the future might hold for him.

With the 16-year-old impressing with the Bantams' U19s, it is no real shock that there is interest in him coming to the summer transfer window.

Whilst a fee is likely to be undisclosed, it is likely that Bradford would look to implement several add-on fees if they were to sell him to the Premier League.

Whilst England's top-flight is an attractive prospect, it is becoming increasingly popular that young players stay further down the pyramid to boost their chances of playing regular first-team football, with it being unknown how this situation will play out.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-and-southampton-set-to-battle-for-bradford-city-starlet/

[WhiteJC]

FPL promoted picks: Robinson an all-round prospect

Left-back offers attacking and defensive potential for Championship winners

The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides in defence and attack.

Fulham

Antonee Robinson was Fulham's most productive defender in the Championship last season.

The left-back recorded two goals and four assists across 36 appearances as the Cottagers sealed their immediate return to the Premier League.

Despite missing 10 of his side's matches, Robinson's 41 chances created were more than any defensive team-mate, placing seventh for Marco Silva's side.

The US international also impressed in his ball-winning duties, his 47 successful tackles and 61 interceptions both second among Fulham players.

These statistics are favoured by the Bonus Points System (BPS), boosting Robinson's chances of earning bonus points whenever Fulham keep a clean sheet. 

Centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo supplied two goals and two assists over his 41 outings.

The 24-year-old boasts a strong aerial threat from free-kicks and corners for Silva's side, with only six team-mates bettering his 27 shots last term.

Indeed, in Fulham's previous Premier League campaign in 2020/21, Adarabioyo's total of 17 headed attempts from set-pieces ranked joint-fourth among all defenders in Fantasy.

He can also collect bonus when the Cottagers' keep out their opponents.

The centre-back produced a team-leading 26 blocks, while his 50 interceptions placed third.

Rodak the first-choice 'keeper
Between the posts, Marek Rodak secured the goalkeeper position from mid-October, conceding just 26 goals in his 33 matches.

However, his average of 42.5 minutes per save was the slowest of all three promoted goalkeepers, which points to Robinson and Adarabioyo as the best options for those considering investment in the Fulham backline.

The Cottagers' record of nine clean sheets at home and eight on the road suggests managers should look to start their defenders according to the fixture, rather than simply rotate on a home and away basis.

Remember, you can find out who Fulham will face next season when the 2022/23 fixtures are released on premierleague.com this Thursday at 09:00 BST.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2645136

[WhiteJC]

From Portugal: Latest on João Palhinha to Wolves or Fulham, Lage and Silva 'arm wrestling'

João Palhinha to Wolves continues to be reported on in the Portuguese media.

That said, Tuesday's editions of Record and O Jogo don't mention the transfer, presumably having run out of ways to say he's close to signing for Wolves.

A Bola, however, do have something for us.

They state Wolves are advancing for the transfer, and Fulham don't give up. Whilst that part feels a little Groundhog Day, they go on to say Bruno Lage's side have moved from 'intentions to actions'.

They've now made a 'formal proposal' directly to Sporting, presumably moving on from doing everything via agents.

Fulham had already gone official, with A Bola putting their offer at €18m plus a potential €3m in bonuses. That offer is said to include a future percentage for Sporting, so a potential further payment on the player's next transfer.

A Bola say Wolves' proposal is similar, although they don't make it clear whether the future percentage is also included.

There's maybe some hope for Fulham in all of this, with it no longer being insisted Wolves are very much out ahead and that the player absolutely wants to join them.

Instead, it's explained both Sporting and the midfielder will analyse the offers put to them. Everything is in the 'decisive stage', with Bruno Lage and Marco Silva 'arm wrestling' for Palhinha.

The player himself is said to have gone on vacation yesterday, which, frustratingly, could obviously delay a medical.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/portugal-latest-joao-palhinha-wolves-fulham-lage-silva-arm-wrestling/

[WhiteJC]

Fresh Fulham transfer claim made as Premier League duo prepare to swoop

Promoted outfit Fulham are yet to launch a bid for Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi and are not in the race to recruit him despite previous links, as per an update from Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness).

The 25-year-old was a regular starter for Sergio Conceicao's side last season when available, making 25 league appearances and scoring three goals in the process.

However, he appeared in 40 competitive games in total during 2021/22 with his side also competing in Europe and a domestic cup competition, helping Conceicao's men to win the latter despite being unable to make considerable progress in both the Champions League and the Europa League.

Also having 10 caps to his name for Nigeria, the left-back was thought to be on Marco Silva's radar with the Cottagers seemingly looking to add another option in this area despite the presence of Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan.

The Premier League side have also been linked with Alex Moreno and Javi Galan, though they won't be moving for Zaidu with Silva's side not one of the two English top-tier clubs currently interested in luring him away from the Portuguese top tier.

Although these two teams haven't been identified, Brighton and Hove Albion have been linked with a move for the Nigerian and may potentially require a new left-sided option with Marc Cucurella not guaranteed to remain at the Amex Stadium beyond the summer.

The Verdict:

Although this is a position that should potentially be low down on their target list considering the other areas they need to address, Silva will require a new option in this area if he doesn't trust Robinson to be a regular starter.

At 24, there is still time for Robinson to improve further and become an accomplished top-tier option, though some would argue that the short term should be prioritised for their long-term benefit.

Remaining afloat in the top tier is simply a must after becoming a yo-yo team in recent years, so bringing in the quality needed to stay up before looking at the bigger picture is a strategy they should pursue.

Spending a huge amount of money doesn't always guarantee success and they will know that considering they forked out considerable fees on multiple players during the summer 2018 window – but getting value for money and having the top-tier experience to cope will be crucial.

And if Sanusi is a better option than Robinson, they should be looking to enter this race. However, they seem to have other irons in the fire and may be using data to decide which left-backs on their potential shortlist is the best equipped to be a starter in the English capital.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fresh-fulham-transfer-claim-made-as-premier-league-duo-prepare-to-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'want' player who has rejected club's renewal offer – Future to be 'decided this week'

Fulham are looking at Real Betis' William Carvalho this summer, according to claims from Spain today.

The midfielder made 49 appearances in all competitions last season, managing four goals and five assists in the process. It's no surprise the Portugal international's performances for club and country caught the attention of other sides.

AS, in their Tuesday edition, explain that both Fulham and Fenerbahçe 'want' the 30-year-old, who has had a good spell with Portugal in the UEFA Nations League this month.

The ex-Sporting man has a year left on his contract with the La Liga side. They made him a renewal offer, but he rejected it. Therefore, Manuel Pellegrini's side aim to sell the player in the ongoing window.

Due to Carvalho's age and the time left on his current deal, the newspaper explains that it is unlikely any of his suitors will make a great offer to sign him this summer.

With both Fulham and Fenerbahçe wanting Carvalho, AS state the midfielder's future should be 'decided this week'.

Marco Silva's side had been edged out of the race last week, only for them now to be dragged back in.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-want-player-who-has-rejected-clubs-renewal-offer-future-to-be-decided-this-week/

[WhiteJC]

Update emerges regarding Fulham's transfer pursuit of nine-cap international

Fulham are set to resume talks with Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno over a move to Craven Cottage when he returns from his holiday, according to the Daily Mail.

It is understood that Marco Silva's side are prioritising a move for Leno whose current deal with the Gunners is set to expire in 2023.

The Cottagers were looking into the possibility of signing Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer this summer.

However, as per a report from 90min, Fulham failed to agree terms with the shot-stopper and will now be switching their attention to securing the services of Leno.

Leno, who has been capped on nine occasions at international level by Germany, joined Arsenal in 2018 following a spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

After making 49 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign, the keeper would have been hoping to feature on a regular basis in the previous term.

Unfortunately for Leno, the keeper lost his place in Arsenal's starting eleven to Aaron Ramsdale last season following the England international's switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Limited to just four league appearances, Leno will be forced to watch on from the sidelines again in the upcoming campaign if he stays at Arsenal.

The Verdict

Having seemingly missed out on a move for Strakosha, Fulham will be keen to make a breakthrough in their pursuit of Leno in the coming weeks as they aim to bolster their options in this particular position.

Although the Cottagers are currently able to call upon the services of Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga, it could be argued that Leno is an upgrade on both of these players as he has a proven track-record of delivering the goods in the top-flight.

During the 101 appearances that he has made at this level, the keeper has managed to claim a respectable total of 27 clean-sheets.

By maintaining his fitness as well as his consistency next season, Leno could help Fulham achieve a relative amount of success in the top-flight if he seals a switch to the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-regarding-fulhams-transfer-pursuit-of-nine-cap-international/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'trying hard' to sign Arsenal's Leno, says agent

Fulham are 'trying hard' to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Bern Leno, says his representative.

Leno, 30, has fallen well out of favour at Arsenal. The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last summer threw the German out of contention, limiting him to just four Premier League appearances during the 2021/22 season.

Last week, Fulham were linked with a surprise move for Leno. Marco Silva's side are returning to the Premier League and it looks like they have a new goalkeeper in their sights, with Lazio's Thomas Strakosha having been heavily linked.

But that move might take a backseat whilst Fulham try their luck with Leno.

Speaking to German outlet Bild (via Metro), Leno's representative Joannis Koukoutrigas has said that Fulham are 'trying hard' to sign Leno this summer, but that the Whites face competition from a number of other clubs.

Could Fulham sign Leno?

Leno will surely be on big money at Arsenal, and so that could be the biggest obstacle for Fulham to overcome if they want to bring in the German.

There's no doubting his Premier League pedigree or the fact that he'd be a quality signing for Fulham. It looks like he might fancy a summer move as well with Ramsdale having claimed the goalkeeping spot under Mikel Arteta.

Fulham aren't alone in their pursuit of Leno, understandably, and Fulham have been linked with other goalkeeper targets so far this summer, so it's difficult to make much of their links to Leno.

But his agent says that the Whites are trying hard to sign Leno and if that's true, then it could suggest that Fulham do have the financial might to bring him in, and that Leno may be keen.



https://the72.co.uk/275728/fulham-trying-hard-to-sign-arsenals-leno-says-agent/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham turn to 30-year-old giant as £10m Cottagers deal faces collapse

Premier League newcomers Fulham have turned their attention to William Carvalho as deals for Real Betis' Alex Moreno and Braga's Al-Musrati hit the buffers, according to Diario AS.

We're not even midway through June and, already, Marco Silva and co have experienced as many ups and downs, twists and turns, as a hyperactive 10-year-old with a queue jump ticket at Alton Towers.

A deal for Manor Solomon has been on and off again more regularly than a sitcom relationship, while deals for Tomas Strakosha, Al-Musrati and Alex Moreno appear to have moved into the 'it's complicated' stage.

Fulham failed with an £8 million bid for swashbuckling left-back Moreno. According to Estadio Deportivo, they are reluctant to pay much more than that for a man who celebrated his 29th birthday just last week.

Celta Vigo's Javi Galan and Porto's Zaidu Sanusi have been lined up as potential alternatives.

There are certainly similarities between the Alex Moreno situation and the one facing Al-Musrati, another player who has been in talks with the Cottagers of late. Per A Bola, Fulham don't want to pay the £10 million fee Braga are demanding for their colossal Libya international powerhouse.

Will Fulham land William Carvalho from Real Betis?

A couple of days ago, it seemed only a matter of time before Al-Musrati was being unveiled at Craven Cottage. Now, things don't feel quite so certain. Especially with AS claiming that Fulham are now looking at William Carvalho, another 6ft something, deep-lying midfielder.

Carvalho is older than Al-Musrati at 30, but age is just a number. The former Sporting Lisbon ace, who came close to joining West Brom not long ago, played some of the best football of his career as Manuel Pellegrini's Betis side won the Copa del Rey and secured European qualification.

He was outstanding as Portugal defeated Switzerland 4-0 in the UEFA Nations League recently too. His physicality, guile and often underrated passing range set the tone for a statement win. AS points out that Carvalho has turned down the chance to extend a Betis contract that expires in 2023, after Los Verdiblancos asked him to take a pay cut.

Interestingly, Carvalho played under Fulham boss Silva at Sporting too.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/14/fulham-turn-to-30-year-old-giant-as-10m-cottagers-deal-faces-collapse/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves transfer news: Fulham trying to hijack Wanderers' deal for Joao Palhinha

Wolves are reportedly facing competition from Fulham for Joao Palhinha, who are trying to hijack the deal.

According to A Bola, Wanderers are still hoping to wrap up a deal to sign the Sporting CP midfielder.

But there are now delays as a result of Fulham's interest.

The Cottagers are looking to strengthen ahead of their return to the Premier League, and Marco Silva is keen to land the 26-year-old.

The news will be greeted with frustration from Wolves supporters, many of whom are now desperate to see Palhinha in a Wolves shirt.

The star has been linked with a move to the club for a long time now.

Recently, speculation has been picking up around Palhinha.

There had been indications that Wolves were closing in on him and that an announcement wouldn't be too far away.

But between Fulham's interest, and concerns over Ruben Neves' future, a deal to sign Palhinha still seems quite far away.

And A Bola say that the player is now on holiday after being on duty with Portugal.

Fosun will feel Wolves fans' fury if Fulham steal Joao Palhinha

For many, the Palhinha to Wolves saga is getting extremely frustrating.

We have been hearing in the last couple of weeks how the deal is supposedly quite close to finally coming to fruition.

And now there is word of interest from Fulham.

The club simply cannot allow them to steal Palhinha, who would make a great addition for Wolves.

Allowing Fulham to win the race for Palhinha, with Wolves having seemingly led for so long, would be a huge punch to the gut.

Many fans would likely be furious.



https://www.molineux.news/transfer-news/wolves-transfer-news-fulham-trying-to-hijack-wanderers-deal-for-joao-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Neco Williams future could depend on Liverpool transfer plan coming together

Neco Williams is being targeted by a host of clubs as Liverpool wait on Calvin Ramsay decision

Neco Williams is a target for a number of clubs - but Liverpool could yet look to keep hold of the Wales international next season.

Williams has become a wanted man having impressed during the second half of the campaign on loan at Fulham, who he helped win the Championship and secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old has also seen his stock rise further by playing an integral part in Wales this month qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.

Fulham and fellow promoted side Nottingham Forest are among a host of potential suitors to have contacted Liverpool over the availability of the right-back, who is valued by the club at £15million.

Unlike their position on Nat Phillips, the Reds have little interest in allowing Williams to leave on another loan and would not be averse to keeping the player in their squad for the forthcoming campaign.

And that could be dependent on whether Liverpool are successful in their pursuit of Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay. The Reds have expressed their interest in the 18-year-old and would look for a deal worth around £4m, although reports in Scotland indicating Aberdeen want an overall package double that amount.

Should an agreement not be reached, the Reds would then consider the long-term future of Williams, while also taking into account the preference of the player who prospered with regular first-team football since January and would be keen to safeguard his place at the World Cup, which begins in Qatar in November.

While opportunities at Liverpool have been restricted by the outstanding form of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Williams has been regularly lauded by Jurgen Klopp with assistant manager Pep Lijnders in particular an advocate of the Welshman. Liverpool have also noted how Williams has impressed when appearing at left wing-back for Wales in recent weeks.

Williams joined the Academy at the age of six and progressed through the youth ranks before being handed his senior Liverpool debut in October 2019. He has made 33 appearances for the Reds, with eight coming in the first half of this season before his loan move to Fulham.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/neco-williams-future-could-depend-24221453

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest plot move for Neco Williams

Nottingham Forest will be looking to strengthen their team this summer as they take on their first season back in the Premier League for 23 years, and now a new potential transfer target has emerged.

What's the latest?

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Steve Cooper and his recruitment team are interested in signing Neco Williams this summer.

As per the report, Brennan Johnson's Wales teammate is someone the club is looking at signing as an alternative to their former loan player Djed Spence.

It comes as The Express journalist Ryan Taylor claims Tottenham Hotspur "will offer £20m" to Middlesbrough for Spence.

Williams can replace Spence

Cooper will surely be disappointed that it is now looking unlikely that he will be able to complete a deal for the Middlesbrough right-back to remain at The City Ground upon promotion to the Premier League, however, the manager is clearly not waiting around to find the right replacement.

Spence who was hailed "swashbuckling" by Ian Wright had teased Forest supporters following their win in the play-off finals saying he would "hopefully" make a permanent move, however, Spurs are now looking close to hijacking that opportunity.

However, not all is lost as there is a great opportunity to permanently sign a right-back that can be the perfect replacement for Spence, as Neco Williams has been phenomenal during his short spell in the Championship with fellow Premier League promoted side Fulham.

The £15m dynamo who was hailed "majestic" by Wales Online journalist Paul Abbandonato, joined the West London outfit on loan from Liverpool for six months in January, and made 14 impressive performances for the side.

Williams scored two goals, delivered two assists and created two big chances showing that like Spence, he can be a swashbuckling presence on the right. He also made 2.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.6 clearances on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (53%) and was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles too (51%).

The attacking-minded Welsh youngster has proved he has a lot to offer in both defensive and offensive play which could be really valuable to Cooper next season as he takes on the challenge to maintain Forest's top-flight status further from their initial return.

With that being said, if Forest can reach a deal to sign Williams this summer it would be a coup in their efforts to build their Premier League competing squad and move away from relying on loan deals by permanently signing players who can become part of the new chapter for the club.



https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-transfer-rumours/nottingham-forest-neco-williams-steve-cooper-premier-league-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-championship-nffc

[WhiteJC]

Fulham have 'not given up' on signing fullback – Price continues to be a problem

Portuguese newspapers are today full of stories about the race for FC Porto player Zaidu Sanusi, as several English clubs are said to be interested in the left-back.

On Monday, the British media wrote that the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace are both keen on the 25-year-old as well, therefore forming an interesting competition to land him this summer.

It turns out, however, that the Portuguese press only claims to have information on the chase from one club. That's Fulham.

Newspaper Jornal de Notícias writes that the Cottagers 'were the first to join the race'. And even though the €20m requested from Porto stopped them actively continuing the pursuit, the London side have 'not given up' yet.

It's said that Fulham's intention would be to let time pass and see if Porto will lower their demands. However, with the news about other English sides becoming interested, the Whites should be concerned about competition for the signing.

Jornal de Notícias insists that the Dragons didn't change their stance on Zaidu's future, and will continue to ask for €20m to let him go. Now we wait to see how Fulham will react.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-not-given-signing-fullback-price-continues-problem/

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Bournemouth in advanced talks to sign Joe Rothwell from Blackburn Rovers

Bournemouth are in advanced talks to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, Football Insider understands.

Rothwell is a free agent this summer with his contract at Blackburn expiring at the end of this month.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Bournemouth are now in pole position to land the 27-year-old ahead of Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

Bournemouth have held a long-term interest in Rothwell and came close to signing him in the January transfer window.

They are now confident of landing the former Manchester United youngster as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

Football Insider first reported on 23 April that they were planning a new move for the midfielder after a deal fell through on deadline day in January.

The Cherries are yet to add to the squad that finished second in the Championship in the 2021-22 season but have let Todd Cantwell return to Norwich City after his loan spell.

Rothwell will provide creativity in the midfield area for Scott Parker after enjoying his best season for Blackburn.

He ended the 2021-22 campaign with 10 assists and three goals in 41 Championship games as Rovers missed out on the play-offs by six points.

The Manchester-born ace moved to Ewood Park from Oxford United in the summer of 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

He will end his four-year spell with the Lancashire club with 11 goals and 18 assists in 161 games across all competitions.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-bournemouth-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-joe-rothwell-from-blackburn-rovers/

[WhiteJC]

FPL promoted picks: Look to Mitrovic and Wilson for value

The Scout on why the Fulham duo merit attention in 2022/23 Fantasy

The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides in defence and attack.

Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic enjoyed a record-breaking season for the 2021/22 Championship winners.

The Serb scored 43 goals in 44 appearances to help seal Fulham's immediate return to the Premier League.

Marco Silva's side were the first side in 20 years to score more than 100 goals in the Championship, netting 106 over their 46 matches.

And Mitrovic was involved in 47 per cent of those strikes, having also supplied seven assists.

As the focal point of Silva's 4-2-3-1 formation, Mitrovic boasted a huge goal threat last term.

His 198 shots and 138 attempts inside the penalty area were both more than any other player in the Championship.

Indeed, both those totals were also over double any of his Fulham team-mates, which suggests the Serb will be a popular value pick for managers in 2022/23.

Look to Wilson for assists

Harry Wilson's multiple routes to returns indicate he should not be overlooked.

The winger scored 10 goals and supplied 19 assists over his 41 outings in the previous campaign.

His all-round attacking threat is highlighted by the underlying statistics.

Wilson created 102 chances, more than any team-mate last term. In addition, his 94 shots and 52 efforts inside the box placed second and third respectively for Fulham.

Wilson assist for Mitrovic

Crucially, he also possesses a strong work-rate which is favoured by the Bonus Points System (BPS), which determines bonus points in each match.

The Welshman also made 60 successful tackles, more than any other Cottagers' player in 2021/22.

Mitrovic's goal threat ensures he will be the go-to Fulham attacker for many managers, while Wilson can be a strong differential thanks to his all-round potential for returns.

Remember, you can find out who Fulham will face next season when the 2022/23 fixtures are released on premierleague.com this Thursday at 09:00 BST.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2645710

[WhiteJC]

Brighton and Crystal Palace join Fulham in the race for Super Eagles star with ₦22 billion release clause

The three Premier League clubs could be locked in a battle for the services of the exciting Nigerian star this summer

Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion have been credited with an interest in Super Eagles' left full-back Zaidu Sanusi following his title-winning campaign with Porto this season.

Sanusi is already closely watched by another English Premier League side Fulham, with reports suggesting the Cottagers have had an initial bid rejected for the 25-year-old.

But UOL, quoting the Daily Star, claims that Brighton and Crystal Palace will look to rival Fulham for the attack-minded Nigeria international.

Sanusi scored three times across 40 appearances for Porto, with one of the goals sealing a vital win over Benfica in May and the league title for the Dragons.

Porto are not particularly keen on selling the former Santa Clara defender, and any interested club may have to activate the release clause in his contract to complete the deal.

Sanusi has a release clause valued at around 50 million euros (₦22 billion).

The full-back is currently with the Nigerian national team as they battle for the qualifying ticket to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Sanusi featured for every minute as the Super Eagles secured a record 10-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe at the Stade d'Agadir in Morocco on Monday.



https://soccernet.ng/2022/06/brighton-and-crystal-palace-join-fulham-in-the-race-for-super-eagles-star-with-%e2%82%a622-billion-release-clause.html

[WhiteJC]

Journalist claims 'very good' player has already 'said his goodbyes' amid talks with Fulham

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Goal journalist Charles Watts has been discussing Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno amid ongoing links with Fulham.

The German goalkeeper looks set to leave Arsenal this summer, and now, Fulham have emerged as genuine candidates for his signature – as reported by The Athletic.

According to Watts, Leno has already said his goodbyes at Arsenal and with Fulham in talks, it may not be long before the German officially departs.

What's been said?

Watts spoke about Leno.

"It's no secret that Leno is going to leave this summer, as I reported a while ago, he's said his goodbyes to some people at the training ground before he left at the end of last season, it was known that he would try to get a move this summer," Watts said.

"The feeling was that he would potentially move back to Germany, but this is interesting that he could well be staying in London, and it's potentially good for Arsenal in terms of the transfer fee because with Premier League clubs there is plenty of money swilling around still."

"Leno only has a year left in his contract, but he's still a very good goalkeeper, he's an international goalkeeper, he's still young by goalkeeping standards and you should be able to get a decent fee. It will be interesting to see what Edu will be able to get out of Fulham."

Coup

This would be a fantastic signing for Fulham if they can get it over the line.

Yes, Leno has been overshadowed by Aaron Ramsdale this season, but make no mistake about it, this is a brilliant goalkeeper.

The fact that Leno has nine Germany caps in an era dominated by the likes of Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen should tell you all you need to know about the Arsenal ace, and if he joined Fulham, he'd single-handedly save the Cottagers a number of points this season.

This could genuinely be the signing that keeps Fulham in the Premier League next term.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/14/journalist-claims-very-good-player-has-already-said-his-goodbyes-amid-talks-with-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea 'enter race for Lazio keeper and Fulham transfer target Thomas Strakosha' as Thomas Tuchel eyes potential replacements for former club-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga

    Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer
    The Blues would 'only make the move' if Kepa Arrizabalaga exited this summer
    The Chelsea shot-stopper is number two despite his £72 million move in 2018
    Fulham were also closing in on a deal for the Albanian goalkeeper last weekend
    Strakosha, 27, looks to be calling time on his 10-season spell at Lazio this summer

Chelsea are considering a move for goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer should Kepa Arrizabalaga exit Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports.

The 27-year-old is out of contract with Lazio at the end of the month and has been linked with a move to newly-promoted Fulham after a decade with the Italian club.

But it seems the Cottagers' west London rivals are now also eyeing Strakosha's situation, keen to have a ready-made replacement for Kepa should the former club-record signing decide to leave Chelsea.


Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha is out of contract with Lazio at the end of the month


Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2018 for a then club record fee of £72 million

Kepa has played second fiddle to Eduoard Mendy between the sticks since his arrival in 2020, accruing only four Premier League performances under Thomas Tuchel last season.

The Spaniard has not lived up to his £72 million fee and may decide to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, provided a buying club meets the Blues' asking price.

In case Mendy is in need of a new deputy ahead of next season, Chelsea are considering Strakosha as 'one of the options' to replace Kepa, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Albanian goalkeeper started last campaign as number two behind Pepe Reina but played every Serie A game from December 5 onwards, keeping seven clean sheets in 23 matches as Lazio finished fifth.

Chelsea's interest will come as a blow to Fulham, who were reportedly nearing a deal with Strakosha last weekend.

Manager Marco Silva is keen to add top flight experience between the sticks ahead of Fulham's return to the Premier League next campaign.

Although Chelsea hold the draw of Champions League football, Fulham could more easily tempt Strakosha with the prospect of being a first-choice shot-stopper at the club.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10916327/Chelsea-enter-race-Lazio-keeper-Fulham-transfer-target-Thomas-Strakosha.html

[WhiteJC]

Mitro Wins Player Of The Season!

Aleksandar Mitrović has absolutely smashed the voting for Fulham's Player of the Season award.

Our number nine claimed an impressive, though not particularly surprising, landslide in the fans' voting, with 73.8 per cent of supporters considering Mitro to be our best performer in 2021/22.

Mitrović previously won the accolade in 2020 after bagging 26 goals as we won promotion via the Play-Offs, but he was on another level entirely this time around as he scored 43 league goals in 44 matches, and also contributed a further seven assists.

A quick snapshot of his achievements in the campaign just gone:

    Matches and surpasses Ivan Toney's record of 31 goals in a Championship season with a brace against Peterborough United in February.
    Matches and surpasses Guy Whittingham's record of 42 goals in a second tier season (modern era) with a brace in our title-securing 7-0 win over Luton Town in our final home match.
    Ends season with 43 league goals to earn a second successive Championship Golden Boot.
    Scores three hat-tricks, against Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City, two of which came in the first half.
    Wins PFA Player of the Month five times.
    Named in the EFL and PFA Teams of the Season, and also wins the London Football Awards', the EFL Awards', and the PFA's Player of the Season accolades.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com after learning of his latest award, Mitro said: "It was a brilliant season for the football club, and I was pleased to help us achieve our aims by scoring a lot of goals.

"I couldn't have done this without the help of my teammates, whose quality allowed me to have the opportunities to score as often as I did.

"Thank you to them, and also a big thank you to the supporters for voting for me for this award. It means a lot to me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together next season."

So many of the squad were incredibly consistent throughout the campaign, and any other year could have been in contention to take the crown, but there was just no touching Mitro this time.

Tim Ream played all but 69 minutes of our memorable season, and rolled back the years with composed display after composed display at the heart of defence. He ended up coming second with 7.1% of the vote.

He just pipped new boy Harry Wilson, who came in third (6.5%) following a fabulous maiden year in SW6 where he registered 20 assists and 11 goals in all competitions.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/june/14/mitro-smashes-player-of-the-season-vote/

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic voted Fulham's player of the season

To nobody's great surprise, Aleksandar Mitrovic has been voted Fulham's player of the season. The Serbian striker, who scored 43 goals in 44 Championship games as the Whites stormed to the Championship title, claimed the individual accolade with 73.8% of the vote.

Mitrovic, who surpassed Guy Whittingham's post-war second tier goals record by scoring twice in the 7-0 win against Luton that clinched the title, told Fulham's official website:

"It was a brilliant season for the football club and I was pleased to help us achieve our aims by scoring a lot of goals. I couldn't have done this without the help of my teammates, whose quality allowed me to have the opportunities to score as often as I did.

Thank you to them – and also a big thank you to the supporters for voting for me for this award. It means a lot to me and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together next season."

Tim Ream, who only missed 69 minutes of league football during the whole campaign, finished second on 7.1% with Welsh winger Harry Wilson taking third place with 6.5% of the vote.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/mitrovic-voted-fulham-player-of-the-season/