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Friday Fulham Stuff - 17/06/22...

Started by WhiteJC, June 17, 2022, 12:04:41 AM

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WhiteJC

Fulham FC 'signs' eight-year-old best buds from Wandsworth


Isaac Ekoku (left) Alexander Josephs (right) - images: Drew Jones

Two eight-year-old best friends from Wandsworth are due to begin training with Fulham Football Club, after they were recently signed to the premier league team.

Alexander Josephs and Isaac Ekoku both began their football journey when they met at Lambeth Tigers Football Club at six-years-old.

The duo then swiftly moved on to Sutton United where they played and trained together for two years.

Alexander, who attends Rutherford House School in Balham and Isaac, who attends Hillbrook School in Tooting then transferred to high profile team Crystal Palace and were offered to sign with the club.

Alexanders dad, Drew Jones, says the two boys had trials at Fulham and other premium football teams such as Chelsea and Wimbledon, but as both families were from the Wandsworth borough, Fulham Football Club was the best club for both boys to sign to.

Drew told the Wandsworth Times: "Obviously I'm proud because this is the actual beginning of them becoming professional football players.

"It's been three years of hard work and travelling all over the country.

"The boys play three to five times a week – so it hasn't been easy.

"Their future looks good, it's kind of similar to the big stars who have worked their way up through the ranks."

Although Isaac and Alexander are dedicated to becoming professional footballers, Drew says education is the most important thing and wants to ensure their studies are not affected.

Drew said: "Both boys have been training since the age of six, so they're used to balancing football with their school work.

"As they're signed players, the football club will have to visit the school and evaluate their work to see if they need any support.

"Education has always been the first thing for Alexander – we had to look at the bigger picture and make sure their studies were the first priority."

The official documents have been signed and the duo are ready to begin their training with Fulham, and Drew says the final step of the process is to receive a call from the FA confirming what team Isaac and Alexander are playing for.

Isaac's dad, Daniel, says he is "so proud" of his son for signing to a professional football club with such a high status.

Daniel added: "He is playing at the highest level possible for an eight-year-old and I'm so proud that he can do something he loves."

Drew says the boys begin training in July with coaches who trained professional footballer Fabio Carvalho.

Drew added: "It's looking good – it's currently tournament time and they'll soon begin training.

"Alexander see's the older players sponsored by massive brands like Adidas and Puma, and he often says 'that could be me in five years' time' "Alexander could change his mind and decide not to play anymore – so I take every year as it comes.

"They're doing so amazing, but I can't live my dream through him – he has to want to be a star himself.

"We hope Alexander can inspire others from the Wandsworth Borough believe in their dreams."

Eight-year-old Alexander told the Wandsworth Times that he hopes to "follow in the footsteps of players like Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon."

Isaac – Alexander's best friend and fellow footballer - says he is excited to play against London rivals like arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, his prior team Crystal Palace, and the team he currently supports - Liverpool.

Fulham FC have been approached for comment.



https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/20211500.fulham-fc-signs-eight-year-old-best-buds-wandsworth/

WhiteJC

Fulham face Liverpool on Premier League opening day

Fulham will start their Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage against last season's runners up Liverpool – after the domestic fixtures were announced this morning.

The meeting with Jurgen Klopp's men on Saturday 6 August could mean an immediate return to his old stomping ground for Fulham academy product Fabio Carvalho, who is set to move to Anfield this summer. Despite being relegated from the top flight, the Whites took four points off Liverpool in 2020/21, following up a 1-1 draw at home with a win on Merseyside secured by Mario Lemina's fine strike.

Marco Silva's side travel to Wolves on Saturday 13 August before hosting local rivals Brentford the next weekend. Another London derby follows on 27 August, before Brighton head to Craven Cottage on 30 August. The Whites will travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on the final day of the season, scheduled for 28 May 2023.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/fulham-face-liverpool-on-premier-league-opening-day/

WhiteJC

Fulham Fixtures Premier League 2022-23: Marco Silva's men face tough start to life back in the top flight with four of the Big Six in their opening seven games... while trip to Manchester United concludes season

    The full Premier League fixture list for the 2022-23 season has been released
    Fulham welcome last season's runners-up Liverpool on the opening weekend
    Trips to Arsenal and Tottenham precede the visit of Chelsea in early September
    They face Man United just before the World Cup and on the final day of season

Fulham have been handed a difficult beginning to life back in the Premier League, facing four of the Big Six before mid-September.

The Cottagers open up their latest top-flight campaign with the visit of last year's runners-up Liverpool, before trips to north London to take on Arsenal and Tottenham.

The visit of Chelsea follows a week after Spurs, and they face Manchester United in the game before the break for the World Cup. A trip to Old Trafford also concludes the west London side's campaign.


Fulham have been handed a difficult beginning to life back in the Premier League



06/08/2022 12:30 Liverpool (h)

13/08/2022 15:00 Wolverhampton (a)

20/08/2022 15:00 Brentford (h)

27/08/2022 15:00 Arsenal (a)

30/08/2022 19:45 Brighton (h)

03/09/2022 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur (a)

10/09/2022 15:00 Chelsea (h)

17/09/2022 15:00 Nottingham Forest (a)

01/10/2022 15:00 Newcastle United (h)

08/10/2022 15:00 West Ham United (a)

15/10/2022 15:00 A.F.C. Bournemouth (h)

18/10/2022 19:45 Aston Villa (h)

22/10/2022 15:00 Leeds United (a)

29/10/2022 15:00 Everton (h)

05/11/2022 15:00 Manchester City (a)

12/11/2022 15:00 Manchester United (h)

26/12/2022 15:00 Crystal Palace (a)

31/12/2022 15:00 Southampton (h)

02/01/2023 15:00 Leicester City (a)

14/01/2023 15:00 Newcastle United (a)

21/01/2023 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur (h)

04/02/2023 15:00 Chelsea (a)

11/02/2023 15:00 Nottingham Forest (h)

18/02/2023 15:00 Brighton (a)

25/02/2023 15:00 Wolverhampton (h)

04/03/2023 15:00 Brentford (a)

11/03/2023 15:00 Arsenal (h)

18/03/2023 15:00 Liverpool (a)

01/04/2023 15:00 A.F.C. Bournemouth (a)

08/04/2023 15:00 West Ham United (h)

15/04/2023 15:00 Everton (a)

22/04/2023 15:00 Leeds United (h)

25/04/2023 20:00 Aston Villa (a)

29/04/2023 15:00 Manchester City (h)

06/05/2023 15:00 Leicester City (h)

13/05/2023 15:00 Southampton (a)

20/05/2023 15:00 Crystal Palace (h)

28/05/2023 16:00 Manchester United (a)

All fixtures are subject to change once live TV schedule has been finalised.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10922291/Fulham-Fixtures-Premier-League-2022-2023.html


WhiteJC

Six key fixture dates you'll not want to miss
Drew highlights the dates of our key fixtures as we look ahead to our 38-game battle to stay in the Premier League.


The fixture computer has crunched the numbers, and it's spat out the key pillars that will anchor the narrative of the 2022/23 season. Here are the ones you want to scribble in your diary in permanent marker.

1. Chelsea: 10 Sept (H) and 4 Feb (A)
Yeah, yeah – I'm already breaking the rules of this piece's title – but hey, it's a special day. This is the one that we all look for, right? In our 15 Premier League seasons, we've managed to beat our SW6 rivals a grand total of one time. It was such a surprise, we invaded the pitch.

It's been decade since we even took a point off Chelsea – and even that might have slipped your mind, for the goalless draw at Stamford Bridge was so dull the BBC wrote: "what little entertainment there was came from the fans, who spent most of the first period questioning each other's lack of support, lack of trophies or willingness to sack managers with alarming regularity". So, we'll be hoping for a morsel of joy against Tuchel's boys. And to get one up on the fraud that is Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

We "welcome" Chelsea to the Cottage in mid-September – and while the weather might be pleasant, the game certainly won't be. the return fixture at Stamford Bridge will be a more dicey affair, with the Whites almost certainly scrapping for every point in a post-WC landscape.

2. Brentford: 20 Aug (H) and 4 Mar (A)
Look, "eight key fixtures" just didn't have the same ring to it, OK? We're all champing at the bit to get one over our noisy neighbours in the Premier League, aren't we? We triumphed at Wembley, fell meekly during our first visit to the Meccano in the Carabao mere weeks later, and then watched as we got relegated and the Bees reached the promised land. Our first chance to restore order in the cosmos comes On 20 August, while we have to wait until 4 March for our first in-person trip to their new gaff.

3. Newcastle (A): 14 Jan
Here's a weekend you'll not want to miss. St James' Park is a top away day at the best of times – and we even get a result there every so often, too. Ryan Sessegnon, anyone? How about Mark Crossley?

The Whites hit the Toon on what promises to be a positively icy 14 January, but no doubt the Fulham Faithful will be warming up indoors, crammed into Popworld belting out 'Mitro's on Fire', while Dom Betts dances topless on a podium.

4. Manchester City (A): 5 Nov
We have to include the reigning Premier League champions, don't we? Yes, we seem to perpetually draw them in cup competitions at the Etihad, and yes we're probably going to get a right gubbing, but they're the best team in the league, and there's the added element of one of the world's most prodigious talents in Erling Haaland now on the Citzens' books.

Hopefully there'll not be too much riding on getting an unlikely result, with the Whites visiting the Etihad in November. It's the home fixture five games before the end of the season that's already making me sweat.

5. Spurs (A): 3 Sept
We just want to see the new stadium, to be honest. And luckily we don't have to wait long for this one, as we head there in early September. We played Spurs at Wembley in our first season back in the Prem in 2018/19, then played behind closed doors in January '21. But while our first proper trip to the Brentford Community Stadium offers a new ground to tick off the 92, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a slightly greyer area. Nevertheless, the ground is the third largest in England, and we even got a point in our first (fanless) visit there; one of the many false dawns in a turd of a season.

6. Bournemouth (A): 1 April
No, I'm not picking this fixture because it's a chance to rub our former cardigan-shagging boss's nose in it. I'm picking it because, for better or worse, it's always a bit of a party atmosphere down in Dorset. For those lucky enough to go, anyway.

This term, we're heading to the Vitality Stadium in April once again – so think breezy springtime sun, loud shirts – and, crucially, six-pointers aplenty. And make no mistake: it's a game we'll need to get points from if we have ambitions of survival.

It's great to be back in the big time (again). Here's the full list of fixtures we have to look forward to in 22/23:









https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-06-16-six-key-fixture-dates-youll-not-want-to-miss/

WhiteJC

Fosun are playing with fire with Joao Palhinha deal as Fulham push to sign Wolves target

Fulham are interested in Joao Palhinha and are pushing to sign the Wolves target.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the newly promoted Premier League side have sounded out the Sporting CP midfielder, and are looking to swoop.



It is another twist in the saga, which has been long-running now.

Wolves have wanted Palhinha for several windows now.

But many have felt that this could finally be the window in which he joins.

Speculation has been heavy in recent weeks, with reports claiming the player could join for around £17 million.

But the Cottagers are ready to try and sign the 26-year-old and quite simply, Fosun are now playing with fire.

Palhinha is a quality player who would bring some steel to Wolves' midfield. He's enjoyed a great couple of years with Sporting, establishing himself as a fine ball-winner.

Wolves ended up finishing 10th in the Premier League last season, having gone on a run of seven games without a win to end the campaign.

It wasn't good enough, and Fosun need to respond.

Signing Palhinha would be a fantastic way to raise spirits again, and get the summer off to a great start.

But for whatever reason, he still hasn't been signed.

There has been some talk that the club are waiting to sell Ruben Neves first. But surely Wolves would be able to bring Palhinha in before that.

It is not a good look, with many Wolves fans desperately hoping for the club to show some ambition.

And if Fulham manage to steal Palhinha after all the talk, then things could start to get ugly.

Wolves losing out on Palhinha from here would be a disaster

Wolves failing to sign Palhinha now after all the talk would be extremely frustrating.

And if he joined another Premier League club then Fosun will face the wrath of the supporters.

The club have already missed out on Marquinhos, who has joined Arsenal. And goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina looks to be heading to Chelsea after being linked with Wolves.

Many are frustrated right now with the way in which the transfer policy operates at the club.

Sell-to-buy may well be in operation. But that doesn't have to mean sales need to be made first. That is just running the risk of 'osing out on key targets. And it has also been reported that Wolves do have some money available to spend on top players who are upgrades on the current bunch.

So missing out on Palhinha from here would be very difficult for some to accept.



https://www.molineux.news/opinion/fosun-are-playing-with-fire-with-joao-palhinha-deal-as-fulham-push-to-sign-wolves-target/

WhiteJC

Liverpool kick off with Fulham date in favourable start to Premier League season

Liverpool will take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on the opening weekend of the Premier League season with the game kicking-off at 12.30pm.

The Premier League fixtures were released on Thursday morning and Jurgen Klopp's men will face the Premier League new boys live on BT Sport on August 6.

Liverpool will follow that up with a home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 13 before travelling to rivals Manchester United the following Saturday (August 20).

Klopp's men return to Anfield on Saturday, August 27 against Bournemouth. And they face Newcastle, again at Anfield, on Wednesday, August 31 with an 8pm kick-off.

The first Merseyside derby will take place on Saturday, September 3 away at Goodison Park. The reverse fixture against Everton at Anfield is on Saturday, February 11.

Title rivals Manchester City arrive at Anfield on Saturday, October 15, but the game will likely be moved for live TV coverage.

City edged to the Premier League title last season on the final day after coming from behind to defeat Aston Villa 3-2.

Klopp will take his Reds for the crunch return to The Etihad on Saturday, April 1 – in a game which will again be likely to be moved.

Liverpool fixtures: Boxing Day with Steven Gerrard

An Anfield clash with Southampton (November 12) is the Reds' final game before a pause for the 2022 World Cup in November. The season will then resume after Christmas.

Liverpool's festive fixtures will see them face Aston Villa on Boxing Day, while they will host Leicester City on New Year's Eve.

They will then make the trip to the capital on January 2 to take on Brentford.

Finally, the run-in in May sees them take on Brentford at home (May 6) before travelling to Leicester (May 13).

Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa arrive at Anfield on May 20 before Liverpool wrap up the season away at Southampton (Sunday, May 28, 4pm).



https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/2022-23-fixtures-announced-reds-kick-off-with-fulham-away


WhiteJC

'Imminent agreement' – Player now 'step away' from Fulham, club 'overtake' competition from Wolves

A Bola's Thursday front page is not a pleasing one for Wolves fans, and is much more positive for Fulham.

It's stated 'Marco Silva grabs Palhinha', and inside the news isn't any better for Bruno Lage.

Wolves have been strongly linked with the Sporting midfielder for over a week, with a deal seeming a matter of time. Fulham interest has also been covered, however, it's been Wolves who have been presented as the frontrunners.

A Bola change that.

Inside, it's reported there's now an 'imminent agreement' for the transfer to Fulham, and Palhinha is a 'step away' from the move.

Fulham have raised their offer to €20m, and 'overtake' Wolves.

Including bonuses, it's thought the final figure will rise above €20m. It's believed the 26-year-old would sign a four year contract with the London club, and fulfil his long term desire to move to the Premier League.

As has been suggested before, A Bola believe the stuttering from Wolves could be related to Ruben Neves, with the midfielder looking no closer to an exit.

The slant is the Neves situation has allowed Fulham to barge their way in.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/imminent-agreement-player-now-step-away-fulham-club-overtake-competition-wolves/

WhiteJC

Attacker 'wanted' by Leeds United – Whites 'willing to pay' fee to club, 'juicy salary' to player

Leeds United and Fulham have shown interest in Sporting's Gonzalo Plata, who spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Real Valladolid.

The Spanish club, who achieved promotion to the top flight, have an option to make the winger's stay permanent for €10m.

Plata wants to extend his stay at the newly promoted La Liga side, but the two clubs aren't in talks.

That's according to Diario de Valladolid, who question why the 21-year-old would give up €2m annual salary, offered by Fulham. The Cottagers are 'close to formalising' a €9.9m offer.

The Ecuador international and his representatives don't favour a move to Fulham. They felt the same for Real Betis, another club to have come forward for the attacker.

Valladolid, for their part, cannot pay €10m to Sporting.

The Lions will have to pay 50 percent of the fee earned from his sale to his former club, Independiente del Valle, so don't want to give discounts.

If Fulham, Valladolid or another club end up paying €10m, then Sporting will only be able to receive €5m fee from it. They believe it is very little for Plata and his market value could be around €20-30m, if he shines at the Qatar World Cup.

However, time is not on Sporting's side since the South American's deal expires in 2023. Plata does not want to sign a renewal and wants to continue at Valladolid.

The Spanish newspaper end their report by stating: 'If he succeeds in Qatar, Plata would earn much more than at Real Valladolid and more than at Fulham. This is the move that all three sides have prepared. It can go well, badly, or an irrefutable offer pushes Sporting to throw down the house of cards, and the player to grab a big salary.'

It looks like a proposal could arrive soon for Plata and that could come from Leeds United. That's according to today's edition of Ecuadorian newspaper, El Diario.

Plata is 'wanted by Leeds United', and such is their intention to sign him that the Whitesare 'willing to pay' $10.4m [€10m] to Sporting. Jesse Marsch's side are also ready to offer a 'juicy salary' of €2m per year to the player.

El Diario add Sporting want to sell Plata this summer in order to avoid losing him for free a year later.

There's no mention whether Plata and his representatives are open to making a switch to Leeds.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/attacker-wanted-by-leeds-united-whites-willing-to-pay-fee-to-club-juicy-salary-to-player/

WhiteJC

Liverpool set to unleash new look line-up on opening day vs Fulham

Liverpool fans could get to see their first glimpse of Darwin Nunez on the opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham

There's no better way to whet the appetite for the new Premier League season than to see a fresh batch of fixtures being announced today.

Sure everyone wants a break after a long, gruelling season that lasted for 63 games between the months of August and May for Jurgen Klopp' s side, but it's fair to say the newly-released fixtures have whipped all supporters into somewhat of a frenzy with the countdown until the big kick-off now firmly underway.

The Reds will get their campaign started with a trip to Craven Cottage to face last season's Championship winners Fulham, on August 6.

That means that summer signing Fabio Carvalho could make his Liverpool and Premier League debut against the side who nurtured him through their academy ranks having joined at the age of just 14.

It's also likely that the Reds' new and exciting £85m forward, Darwin Nunez, could make make his Premier League bow against the Cottagers, having sealed his move to Merseyside earlier this week.

Here's how Liverpool could be expected to line up on the opening day.

Defence

Alisson

Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

No significant changes should be expected in the defensive department ahead of the opening day of the season.

Though, Ibrahima Konate could see himself given the nod ahead of Joel Matip after a series of impressive displays during his debut season, which ended with the 23-year-old starting in last month's Champions League final. Probably the biggest indication yet that we can expect the Frenchman to eventually work his way up to become Virgil van Dijk's permanent partner in the Premier League.

Midfield

Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago

The Liverpool manager is set to have a plethora of options at his disposal in the middle of the park come August, but given that there are no more international fixtures between now and the start of the season, it would be surprising to see Klopp go with anything other than his first-choice midfield three.

However, this summer there has been plenty of talk that Liverpool could revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season as they look to evolve under their manager once more. And if that is to be the case, it wouldn't be a surprise to see one of the more attack-minded selections of, Curtis Jones, Harvey Ellliott or Fabio Carvalho, given the nod in west London.

Attack

Salah, Nunez, Diaz

It's an attack that has already sparked plenty of excitement amongst supporters despite not having played a game together, but Liverpool fans could have their wish of seeing their dream forwards line up together granted on the opening day.

Additionally, the sight of seeing Luis Diaz unleashed after a full pre-season under Klopp makes for huge promise, so does the relationship Nunez could potentially form with the likes of Mohamed Salah and the Colombian.

Though, Klopp will have plenty of options to ponder with that afternoon as the likes of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will be eager to impress their manager during the pre-season, which gets underway next month.

It's expected that Liverpool will line up at Craven Cottage without the long-serving Sadio Mane, who seems to be heading for a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The Echo understands Mane is expected to be the main departure this window despite Liverpool having rejected two offers from Bayern already.

Liverpool are yet to receive a third bid, reports in Germany state Bayern will return with an offer of a £30.28m (€35m) set fee with an additional £4.33m (€5m) in bonuses. The Reds value Mane at nearer £42.5m.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-premier-league-fulham-24240336


WhiteJC

Fulham transfer targets 2022: Neco Williams and Aleksandar Mitrovic back-up can ease Premier League return

Daniel Storey looks at the areas of need, potential arrivals and those who could be sold as part of The Score's transfer window previews for all 20 Premier League clubs

What do they want?

There may be a supposition from the manner in which Fulham blitzed the Championship, scoring 106 goals, that they are well-prepared for life back in the Premier League. But there are reasons to doubt that theory. Firstly, Norwich got 97 points in 2020-21 (compared to Fulham's 90) and finished bottom the following season. Secondly, they were absurdly reliant upon Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals. Mitrovic has scored 69 goals in his last two Championship seasons, compared to 14 in 64 games during his last two top-flight campaigns. There is no guarantee that he replicates last season's form.

Fulham have also lost a couple of players. Fabio Carvalho provided 18 league goals or assists last season and has moved to Liverpool. If that smooths over another loan (or even a permanent deal) for Neco Williams, Fulham must do it as a matter of urgency. He was excellent in the second half of last season.

The defence is an interesting conundrum. It did not matter that Fulham conceded 43 league goals last season (more than Bournemouth and Fulham) because of their prolific striker and attacking style under Marco Silva. But they will face a lot more pressure in the Premier League and must respond accordingly. Their most regular back four last season – Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo and Antonee Robinson – started 64 combined games in their last Premier League season and that defence also contained the excellent Joachim Andersen. Michael Hector and Alfie Mawson have both been released; Fulham need defenders.

Jean Michael Seri has also been released after starting more than half of Fulham's Championship games, so a central midfielder is a must and Silva would probably like two to allow Harry Wilson the same licence to stay high up the pitch and create.

Silva is likely to target foreign-based players and probably recruit young talent over established names. But with full-backs and a backup to Mitrovic also on the list, this needs to be a busy summer at Craven Cottage. No club understands the gap between Championship and Premier League better than them.

Who might leave?

There are some more fringe players who might well leave – Terence Kongolo, Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro. But even there, Silva may guard against cutting a small squad too drastically. He only used 29 players last season; 11 Fulham players appeared in at least 33 of their 46 league matches.

The interesting question is whether those 11 are good enough, given that nine of them played in Fulham's last Premier League season and two of the 11 were Seri and Carvalho, who have already left. Fulham's last team in the Premier League contained Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alphonse Areola, Andersen, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. Is this one better than that?

That leaves Silva with two choices. Does he look to ruthlessly sell or demote some of those established names in favour of a freshness that can bring a different edge to this squad in the hope of staying up, or does he simply back himself to get far more out of them than Scott Parker did? That is the dilemma that will sculpt Fulham's summer.

What has been said?

"We know what happened two years ago, what happened four years ago. And there are some things we can't repeat if we want to be successful again. This is a moment for the players to be on holiday but we have to work really hard. We have to take some positives – we did some good things as well – but we cannot repeat some things that we did. Our philosophy will not change. What we do in the market will have a big impact. I will not hide that. It's important everyone knows that" – Marco Silva, 28 May.

Potential arrivals

    Rabbi Matondo
    Alex Moreno
    Thomas Strakosha
    Ryan Fredericks
    Morgan Gibbs-White

Completed in/outs

Ins: None

Outs: André Zambo Anguissa (£13m), Fabio Carvalho (£6m), Cyrus Christie, Michael Hector, Alfie Mawson, Fabri, Jean Michael Seri (all released)



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-targets-2022-neco-williams-aleksandr-mitrovic-premier-league-return-1688324?ITO=newsnow

WhiteJC

ADVANTAGE Liverpool to complete Premier League first as generous opening clash and Manchester United set for record sixth successive Old Trafford opener as 2022/23 Premier League fixtures revealed

Liverpool may have been handed an early advantage in their latest pursuit of Premier League title glory, as they prepare to face Fulham on the opening weekend.

Jurgen Klopp's side travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday, August 6 where they'll face Marco Silva's newly-promoted side, who ended last season as Championship winners.

In comparison to their title rivals, the Reds perhaps have the most generous fixture on paper.

Fulham will no doubt be pumped up and ready for the challenge after sealing their top flight return, but looking at the fixtures of Manchester United and Man City, it's clear that there's a good chance to steal an early march at the top for the Reds.

Erik ten Hag will start his United tenure with a fixture against Brighton at Old Trafford, a tricky fixture against a side with ambitions of pushing towards the top eight this term.

In fact, that game on Sunday, August 7 will be the sixth consecutive home fixture the Red Devils have been handed on the opening day of the season – the longest current run of any Premier League side.

As for City, Pep Guardiola's side are involved in arguably the biggest match of the opening weekend when they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham.

City have failed to win in their last three trips to east London, drawing their last two fixtures in the Premier League and losing on penalties in last term's League Cup.

Such a tricky fixture for Guardiola's side just emphasises the generous opening that Liverpool have been handed, but it's not the first time that the Reds have had more than their fair share of luck.

Liverpool are the first team in top-flight history to face a newly promoted side in their first league game of the season in four consecutive seasons.

This includes facing Norwich in 2019/20, Leeds in 2020/21, Norwich again in 2021/22 and now Fulham in 2022/23.

Of course there are no advantages given in the Premier League fixture list, with every club having to face each of their 19 opponents on two occasions over the season.

But Klopp will no doubt be looking to get off to a strong start as they seek to claim the title once again.

Liverpool won't have to wait long for their first big derby clash.

The Reds travel to face Man United on Saturday, August 20 and then host Man City on the weekend of Saturday, October 15.

They'll then play United at Anfield on the weekend of Saturday, March 4 before travelling to face Man City on the weekend of April 1.

The new season's first Merseyside derby against Everton will take place on September 3 at Goodison Park, with the reverse fixture set for the weekend of February 11 2023.



https://talksport.com/football/1131127/

WhiteJC

Wolves transfer news: Fulham make bid for Joao Palhinha

Wolves are in danger of missing out on Joao Palhinha, with Fulham having tabled a bid for the Sporting CP midfielder.

According to journalist Pedro Sepulveda, the Cottagers have now gone to Sporting with an offer.

It is said to be worth around €18 million (£15 million), and Fulham have offered the player a five-year contract.

The valuation is apparently acceptable to Frederico Varandas, who is the club's president.

He is now waiting for Palhinha to make a decision.

Sepulveda adds that Wolves also remain interested.

The development is bound to infuriate many Wolves supporters, given how long Palhinha has been linked with Wolves.

Is is thought that Bruno Lage sees him as a key addition this summer.

There has been talk of the club perhaps waiting to sell Ruben Neves first, in order to finance a move for the 26-year-old enforcer.

If that is the case, then it could potentially result in Wolves losing out.

Wolves must respond now to Fulham's bid for Palhinha or risk losing out

Reports of Fulham's interest in Palhinha are increasing.

Earlier today Fabrizio Romano also reported that Fulham were 'pushing' to sign the star.

Wolves have been on his tail for a long time, and clearly admire him. But for whatever reason, the club have not yet snapped him up. It could be that there is some truth to the suggestions that they are waiting to cash in on Neves.

The club simply have to respond now with Fulham having lodged a bid.

Failure to do so could see him head to Craven Cottage, leaving Wolves fans seething.



https://www.molineux.news/transfer-news/wolves-transfer-news-fulham-make-bid-for-joao-palhinha/


WhiteJC

Liverpool set fortunate Premier League record with opening day fixture draw

Premier League fixtures may not always have been kind to Liverpool according to Jurgen Klopp, but they've set a new fortunate record with opening day scheduling

Liverpool will travel to Fulham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, and have set a new record following the fixtures announcement.

It will be a familiar sighting for many stars, with Fabio Carvalho playing his first game back at his old ground after making the switch from Fulham to Liverpool this summer. It will also be a warm occasion for Harry Wilson, Neco Williams and Harvey Elliot, who have all recently donned both red and white.

When they travel to Craven Cottage, the Merseysiders will become the first team in top-flight history to face a newly promoted side in their first league game of the season in four consecutive campaigns. The run began during the 2018/19 season when Liverpool faced Norwich, and have since faced Leeds and then Norwich again, following their tussle with promotion and relegation, and now Fulham.

Jurgen Klopp may be very public in slamming certain fixture schedules, and the German is usually angry at being given 12:30pm matches on a Saturday. And Liverpool's first game is coincidentally scheduled at that time, although they've been handed a favourable start.

Their record is quite the opposite to the likes of West Ham, who have played Manchester City or Liverpool 3 times out of the last 5 opening days. Of course, you have to play each team twice, so on paper no team has an advantage.

But timings of matches can be crucial, and getting off to a good start can massively improve your chances of success. It's not all plain sailing for Liverpool though, as Klopp will have a tricky test against Manchester United on matchday three.

After Liverpool thrashed United 9-0 across the two games last season, the Red Devils will be out for revenge. And there will be an ego battle on the sidelines as Erik ten Hag looks to establish himself.

Liverpool's first Merseyside derby of the season gets underway at the start of September, with an away trip to Goodison Park. But Everton fans will be grateful that this game is taking place at all, as they were almost relegated last season.

And it's not until October that Liverpool face title rivals City for the first time, and just like last season it's the Reds that will host the first game before visiting the Etihad later in the season. Like all Premier League sides, Liverpool play six games on October, as the league stockpiles games before the winter World Cup.

After the international tournament is over, Liverpool meet with Steven Gerrard on Boxing Day - providing he is still in charge of Aston Villa. And it kicks off a busy three-month spell which is dominated by away matches.

Between December and the start of March, six of Liverpool's nine games are away from home, but it does make for a favourable run-in. From March, only one of their games against the 'big six' falls away from home, although it is City.

Should Liverpool be competing for the Premier League title at this stage, it could be a crucial factor. And unlike last season, City's final few games are more difficult on paper than Liverpool's.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-fortunate-premier-league-record-27249732

WhiteJC

Fulham 'very close' to hi-jacking Prem rival's transfer, £18m bid submitted

Fulham are 'very close' to beating Premier League rivals Wolves to the signing of Joao Palhinha after making an £18 million bid for Sporting Lisbon's Portugal international, as reported by A Bola.

Back in 2018/19, as Fulham sank like a stone and plummeted straight back into the Championship, they conceded more goals than anyone else in the division. 81, for the record.

With Marco Silva and co determined to avoid a repeat of those old mistakes, a diligent defensive midfielder has emerged as one of the club's top priorities ahead of August's daunting top-flight opener against Liverpool at Craven Cottage. One capable of protecting the defence with a sheet of Valyrian steel.

Fulham have held talks with Braga's Al-Musrati. They like Real Betis colossus William Carvalho too. According to A Bola, however, one of the finest 'number sixes' in all of Europe could now be on his way to West London instead, and do not downplay just what a coup this is.

Fulham set to beat Wolves to Joao Palhinha

Palhinha, after all, was a major reason why Sporting Lisbon secured their first Primeira Liga title in two decades back in 2021. He's an established part of the Portuguese national team too. And, before Fulham slammed their foot onto the accelerator and nipped in ahead of a whole host of top-flight rivals, Palhinha seemed destined to be on his way to Molineux instead.

According to The Sun, Wolves 'agreed' personal terms with Palhinha earlier in June. Head coach Bruno Lage is reportedly a 'huge admirer'. He sees the 6ft 4ins ball-winner as the ideal candidate to take Ruben Neves' place in the heart of his midfield.

"Palhinha is an excellent player," Neves said of his compatriot recently. "That's why he is called up to the national team as well."

Why Wolves have stalled, allowing Fulham to overtake them at the final corner, is anyone's guess. This most unwelcome of developments certainly won't be well received in the Black Country. A growing throng of supporters continue to express their dissatisfaction at the club's Chinese owners for what they perceive to be a lack of ambition in recent transfer windows.

A Bola claim that Fulham are offering £18 million for Palhinha. A fee Sporting are likely to deem acceptable. The Cottagers are reportedly 'very close' to sealing the deal too. And the arrival of a sky-scraping mountain of a midfielder should provide a major boost to their survival prospects.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/16/fulham-very-close-to-hi-jacking-prem-rivals-transfer-18m-bid-submitted/

WhiteJC

Report: PL club just made official bid to sign 'absolutely outstanding' Liverpool star, and he wants to leave

Newly promoted Premier League clubs Fulham and Nottingham Forest have both made a bid for Liverpool's Neco Williams.

Sports Illustrated claim that the Cottagers, with whom the Wales international spent the second half of last season on loan, want him back permanently.

And with Wales now set for the 2022 World Cup, Williams needs to be playing regular football, which does not look likely at Anfield.

Forest's interest has also already been reported, but they have now firmed it up with a formal bid as they look to put together a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

Fulham and Forest bid for Williams

Forest had Djed Spence on the right of their defence during their promotion bid, which came through the play-offs.

But he was only on loan from Middlesbrough and could well join Tottenham amid a host of interest from across Europe this summer.

Liverpool are also set to sign Calvin Ramsey from Aberdeen and he would likely be Trent Alexander-Arnold's understudy next term.

Williams has played at left wing-back for Wales, and his versatility may well be something which appeals to Fulham and Forest.

The report says that Williams wants to leave Anfield to play more regularly, and that World Cup has to be part of his thinking too.

Liverpool apparently want £15 million for the defender, and it is not stated in the report how much Fulham or Forest have offered.

Sky Sports pundit Danny Gabbidon hailed Williams as 'absolutely outstanding' on international duty back in November but a summer exit for the right price seems to suit all parties.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-pl-club-just-made-official-bid-to-sign-absolutely-outstanding-liverpool-star-and-he-wants-to-leave/


WhiteJC

Wolves transfer news: Fulham reach agreement with Sporting for Palhinha

Wolves are now in serious danger of missing out on Joao Palhinha, with Fulham reaching an agreement with Sporting CP.

Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday evening that the Cottagers have struck a deal with the Portuguese outfit for the midfield enforcer's transfer.



Apparently, they would pay £15 million plus add-ons.

He states that he is 'tempted' by Wolves, and that he will make a decision soon.

Potentially, that decision could come as soon as today, according to journalist Bruno Andrade.

Time is now really of the essence for Wolves.

The club have been linked with the 26-year-old for some time, and he is thought to be a main target this summer.

But there has been no significant movement from Wolves of late, suggesting that they are perhaps seeking to sell Ruben Neves first.

Ultimately, that is something that could potentially now cost Wolves, who were reported recently to be ready to submit an opening bid of £17 million.

Fulham are looking to strengthen and are determined to put themselves in a position to survive in the Premier League come May next year.

Clearly they see Palhinha as someone who can really boost their chances of doing that.

Fosun's mindset will be clear depending on outcome of Joao Palhinha saga, as Fulham reach agreement with Sporting

So Fulham have now reached an agreement with Sporting over Palhinha.

That's worrying news, and it's going to be very interesting to see if he actually chooses to make that move.

Wolves need to step in now and also reach an agreement with Sporting, giving the player a straight choice.

The worst thing that could possibly happen is that Fosun stand by, and wait for clubs to come in for Neves.

Their mindset will be very clear depending on what happens. Failure to sign Palhinha at this point would be extremely worrying given how long the club have wanted him.



https://www.molineux.news/transfer-news/wolves-transfer-news-fulham-reach-agreement-with-sporting-for-palhinha/

WhiteJC

Fulham and Wolves battling for Joao Palhinha signing

Fulham and Wolves are battling it out to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, 90min understands.

Palhinha played an important role for the Lisbon club as they secured second spot in the Primeira Liga last season, making 27 appearances and scoring three goals.

The 26-year-old also featured in all but two of Sporting's Champions League games, where they reached the last 16 before succumbing to Manchester City.

Now, Palhinha could become the latest Portugal-based player to move to the Premier League, with Wolves and Fulham both interested. 90min understands that the Cottagers have agreed a fee of €18m plus add-ons for the defensive midfielder - an offer that Wolves are willing to match.

It is now up to the player to decide which club he would prefer to sign for. Interestingly, both teams are currently headed up by a Portuguese coach, with Bruno Lage in the dugout at Wolves and Marco Silva in charge of Fulham.

Should Palhinha opt to join Wolves he could replace Ruben Neves, who 90min reported back in April is ready to leave this summer.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Fulham are set for an active transfer window regardless of whether they manage to sign Palhinha. Bernd Leno, Neco Williams and Takumi Minamino are all targets, and the Cottagers are also closing in on signing Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk.



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-wolves-battling-joao-palhinha-transfer

WhiteJC

Fulham 'agree Palhinha fee with Sporting'

Fulham have agreed a fee with Sporting CP for defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports from Portugal.

Marco Silva's connections have allowed the Cottagers to leapfrog ahead of Wolves in the race to sign the 26 year-old, who scored three goals in 27 appearances last term as Sporting finished second in the Primeira Liga. He was a key part of the side which reached the quarter finals of the Champions League, where they were swept aside by Manchester City.

The 6ft 3in Portuguese international came through Sporting's youth system before being loaned to Moireirense, Belenenses and, finally, Braga, where he spent two years – making 76 appearances for the Archbishops. He helped Braga finish third in 2020/21, memorably scoring the winner in their first away win at Benfica in 65 years. Having been linked with a move away from the Lions, Palhinha forced his way into the first team – making 32 appearances as Sporting won the title by five points. He was named in the Primeira Liga team of the year.

Paulinha has won fourteen senior caps for his country and could become the latest export to move to the Premier League. Wolves remain highly interested in securing his services – and reportedly preparing to match Fulham's offer, which is thought to be around £15m up front.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/06/fulham-agree-palhinha-fee-with-sporting/


WhiteJC

'Hopefully he goes': £7m star tipped to seal Fulham move by Prem legend

Former Premier League ace Yossi Benayoun appears to have confirmed Manor Solomon's impending £7 million switch to Fulham, speaking to Sport1 in his role as the Israeli national team's sporting director.

It's shaping up to be a very exciting week for Fulham fans. And not just because the Cottagers are now less than two months away from an opening day clash with Liverpool. 

Not only do Fulham appear to have successfully hi-jacked Wolves' £18 million move for Sporting Lisbon's Portugal international Joao Palhinha – one of the finest defensive midfielders on the continent – they are also on the verge of sealing one of the summer's most long-awaited transfer deals.

According to Sport5, Shakhtar Donetsk winger Solomon will head to Craven Cottage imminently, a will-he-won't-he saga set for a happy ending. Solomon, formerly a target for Manchester City and Arsenal, will set Fulham back £7 million and should sign a long-term deal worth £25,000-a-week.

Can Fulham bound Manor Solomon emulate Yossi Benayoun?

"Hopefully he goes to the Premier League. This is the best league in the world and a leap forward for him," says Benayoun, once of Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham United. 

"He has proven he is a player for the highest levels. He needs to improve certain things but he belongs there. We know what his abilities are."

When pressed on whether Solomon can emulate his impact in England, arguably the greatest Israeli footballer of the 21st century points out that, when he joined the Premier League back in 2005, he arrived in similar circumstances at a newly-promoted West Ham outfit.

One who, like Marco Silva's Fulham, play a forward-thinking brand of attacking football.

"Will he reach my level? It depends on the team," adds Benayoun. "Fulham have only just gone up in the league. When I came to West Ham it was also after promotion. We played offensive football and it served me well.

"Hopefully it will Manor as well."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/16/hopefully-he-goes-7m-star-tipped-to-seal-fulham-move-by-prem-legend/

WhiteJC

"Dreaming of the Premier League": Free agent issues come-and-get-me plea to Newcastle & Fulham

Thomas Strakosha has been speaking to Fabrizio Romano about his future, with Newcastle and Fulham looking to bring him to the Premier League.

What's the story?

Well, both the Magpies and the Cottagers have expressed an interest in signing the 27-year-old, who recently left Lazio after his contract expired.

Strakosha departed the Serie A side as a hero, spending a decade at Lazio where he won the Coppa Italia on two occasions, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana triumphs.

Now, he is "dreaming" of a move to the Premier League.

Speaking to Romano, the Albania international said: "I'm dreaming of the Premier League, since I was a kid."

Chelsea are also interested in signing Strakosha, as Thomas Tuchel aims to find backup for Edouard Mendy.

In 31 appearances last season, the Athens-born goalkeeper kept 11 clean sheets, while also conceding 36 goals.

Eight of those outings came in the Europa League, so he would arrive in the Premier League with European experience under his belt as well.

As far as free agents go, Strakosha is undoubtedly one of the most attractive on the market.

Newcastle & Fulham must prioritise

It is clear that Eddie Howe and Marco Silva each want new goalkeepers, as they've also been credited with an interest in Arsenal shot-stopper Bernd Leno.

Newcastle had made the German a priority target, before The Athletic revealed that Fulham opened talks with the Gunners over a deal.

In our view, the pair will go head-to-head for Leno, and whoever loses the battle will sign Strakosha on a free transfer.

In many ways, it is a win-win scenario for both sides, as the two goalkeepers are both capable of performing to a very high level in between the sticks.

Keep an eye on this situation, as Strakosha could soon realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/06/16/dreaming-of-the-premier-league-free-agent-issues-come-and-get-me-plea-to-newcastle-fulham/