Sunday Fulham Stuff - 03/07/22...

[WhiteJC]

Romagnoli 'tempted by Fulham'

Fulham haven't given up hope of acquiring the former AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli despite being initially rejected by the Italian international. The Whites are looking to capitalise on Lazio's failure to agree terms with the experienced centre back, by offering the 27 year-old defender a four-year deal worth nearly £3.5m a year.

Romagnoli became a free agent yesterday, leaving Milan just weeks after lifting the Scudetto after six seasons at the San Siro. The ball-playing centre half made just nineteen league appearances under Stefano Pioli, following Fikayo Tomori's outstanding acclimatisation to life in Serie A, and rejected the Rossoneri's contract extension as it would have dramatically reduced his salary.

Romagnoli, a lifelong Lazio fan despite rising through the Roma youth set up, was keen on a move to I Biancocelesti but his boyhood side have failed to meet a deadline imposed by the centre back's representatives to propose a suitable offer. Reports from Italy claim that Romagnoli is 'tempted' by the prospect of a move to the Premier League – but this would be an audacious acquisition from the Cottagers, with several leading European outfits monitoring his availability.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/romagnoli-tempted-by-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Final decision on Fulham transfer 'not taken yet' despite sources saying signing 'will happen'

Following the confirmation from Flamengo that they're not keeping Andreas Pereira from Manchester United, it's time for Fulham to work on completing his signing.

Brazilian outlet UOL claims the midfielder is currently walking towards a transfer to the Cottagers. They say there are still details to be sorted, but the transfer 'will happen', according to 'people involved in the conversations'.

The report says there have been advancements 'in the past few days', even though the final decision is 'not taken yet'.

UOL once again claims Fulham and Manchester United have an 'agreement in principle' to get the transfer done for €10m plus €3m in bonuses, and manager Marco Silva 'likes' the player very much.

Andreas Pereira said goodbye to Flamengo's squad on Thursday, despite making it clear he'd like to stay, including saying on his Instagram bio that he's a club fan now.

The player is set to have a week off in Brazil before returning to England. So it wouldn't be a surprise for him to use that time and see if any other clubs will become interested in his signing.

Meanwhile, outlet IG confirms Fulham are currently waiting for an answer from the player. They say his stance is the factor left for the clubs to carry on with the talks.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/final-decision-fulham-transfer-not-taken-yet-despite-sources-saying-signing-will-happen/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves: Joao Palhinha set to join Fulham

After weeks of speculation about a potential transfer, Wolves have seemingly missed out on signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the latest reports suggesting that he is set to join Fulham.

What's the word?

Wolves were reportedly on the brink of signing the Portugal international last month but have seen their move for the 26-year-old hijacked by the Cottagers, with the promoted Londoners clearly the more decisive of the two clubs in any negotiation process.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Palhinha will now make the move to Craven Cottage rather than to Molineux this summer, as he wrote on Twitter: "Done deal, confirmed. João Palhinha joins Fulham as expected – contracts now signed between clubs for €22m total fee, add-ons included."

Supporters will be livid

Wolves are still yet to make a new signing this summer, and with the players now back for pre-season, supporters may well be concerned that the Old Gold will be ill-prepared for the new campaign.

Considering how long the Palhinha links have been going on, fans will surely have been hoping that a deal could have been concluded, but Bruno Lage's side have lost out in the negotiations to promoted Fulham, which undoubtedly comes as a blow to the Molineux boss.

The 26-year-old could have offered some real physicality in Wolves' midfield, as last season saw him average three tackles per game in the Portuguese top-flight, more than any Old Gold player managed in the Premier League.

Palhinha's 7.03 average rating from WhoScored was also better than any player in Lage's squad last term, so he is clearly in confident form and would definitely have added some quality at Molineux.

With the futures of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves at the club still in doubt, midfield reinforcements should be a priority for Wolves this summer, and Palhinha certainly would have fit that bill.



https://www.footballfancast.com/wolves-news/wolves-joao-palhinha-fulham-bruno-lage-molineux

[WhiteJC]

Report: 'Aggressive' player is set to have a medical at Fulham

According to Portuguese outlet, Record, Joao Palhinha is travelling to London to have a medical ahead of a move to Fulham.

The newly-promoted side look set to land Palhinha as their first summer signing, and what a signing this could be.

Indeed, while there has been something of a wait for Fulham's first signing, the midfielder will be worth the wait.

What type of player are Fulham getting? Well, simply put, Palhinha is one of the best tacklers in Europe.

Described as an 'aggressive' midfielder. Over the past two league seasons Palhinha has averaged 3.3 tackles per game – in 2020/21 only Wilfred Ndidi had a higher tally in the Premier League.

Of course, you could argue that those numbers are inflated due to the standard of the league he's playing in, but he's also averaging 3.7 tackles per game in the Champions League this term. Simply put, this is a player who can take any game by the scruff of the neck.

Fulham already have a midfielder capable of playing a brilliant role as a defensive screen in Harrison Reed, but the arrival of Palhinha may allow the former Southampton man to play more of a box-to-box role next season.

Palhinha is genuinely a Champions League level player, and this will be something of a coup for a newly-promoted Fulham side.

There's still work to do, but this is certainly a step in the right direction for the Whites.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/02/report-aggressive-player-is-set-to-have-a-medical-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Midfielder flies to London for Fulham medical – €20m deal 'done', Marco Silva 'appreciation' key

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Palhinha is on the verge of completing his move to Fulham, with a trip to London planned for medical tests and contracts to be signed.

That's according to O Jogo, who say the deal for the midfielder is 'done', and the Cottagers will pay €20m to sign the Portugal international.

The newspaper reports that Palhinha is 'packed for England' and will undergo medical tests ahead of a move to Fulham today.

He was waiting for the green light from his representatives to make the trip to London, with contractual disputes holding up proceedings.

That situation has now been 'streamlined', and he has now been given permission to sign for Fulham on a four-year deal.

The midfielder is excited about the move to England, where he hopes he can gain extra experience and regain his place in the Portuguese national team.

Marco Silva has been key to getting the deal over the line, showing an 'appreciation' for the player that has ultimately won him over.

That led Fulham to take advantage of a hold-up in negotiations with Wolves to get their man, offering the €20m that Sporting were looking for.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/midfielder-flies-london-fulham-medical-e20m-deal-done-marco-silva-appreciation-key/

[WhiteJC]

Eric Bailly's stance on Fulham move as Manchester United look for transfer solution

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has been linked with a move to Premier League newcomers Fulham this summer and reports suggest that he has already outlined his intentions at Old Trafford

Eric Bailly has no interest in swapping Manchester United for Fulham this summer.

The Ivorian centre-back has been linked with a move to the Premier League newcomers Fulham, with fresh claims that the Cottagers are keen on signing Bailly on a season-long loan deal - including an option to buy should they stay up. However, despite the 28-year-old making just four Premier League appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, he is keen on staying at Old Trafford and fighting for his place under new boss Erik ten Hag.

That's despite having found himself down the pecking order under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, and with the current incumbent seeking to add Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez this summer, further denting Bailly's hopes of regular first-team football.

Sky Sports News claim that Marco Silva's side enquired about Bailly's availability following his struggles for game time, but that he wants to stay and impress Ten Hag.

Bailly, who has won 46 caps for Ivory Coast since 2015, has spent the past six years at Old Trafford after joining United in 2016 from Villarreal. In that time, the defender has made just 70 Premier League appearances. Last term, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were all above the Ivorian in the race for minutes at centre-back, with Phil Jones also made four league appearances, the same number as Bailly.

Maguire and Varane were United's primary choices when both were available last season with Lindelof the first choice reserve. And Bailly's chances of minutes could well decrease under Ten Hag if the Dutchman gets his wish in this summer's transfer window.

United have lodged a bid of £39.6million to sign Ajax centre-back Martinez, who has received strong interest from rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have made two bids to sign the Argentine, although it is believed that both bids were lower than United's latest offer.

Martinez played 120 times in three seasons for Ajax under Ten Hag between 2019 and 2022 after leaving Defensa y Justicia and scored six goals in three seasons during a stint that included two Eredivisie titles and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

United are also looking to complete the double Dutch signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong and left-back Tyrell Malacia from Barcelona and Feyenoord respectively. The Red Devils are also weighing up a £10million move for Palmeiras' teenage winger Gabriel Veron, who has represented Brazil at youth level.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/eric-bailly-manchester-united-transfer-27382477

[WhiteJC]

Free agent has received €4m, four-year offer from Fulham – 'Pondering' proposal to join Marco Silva's side

Fulham's ambitious offer to sign former AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli includes a €4m per year, four-year deal at Craven Cottage.

That's according to Sky Sports Italy, who detail the offer that Marco Silva's side have made to the defender today.

They explain that Romagnoli is free to decide his future after being released by Milan at the end of last month, and Fulham are one of the clubs he has 'received an offer' from.

Romagnoli is 'considering' this bid, but he would prefer to stay in Italy if such an offer presents itself.

That's not stopped newly-promoted Fulham from making their bid to sign him, offering the defender a four-year deal worth €4m per year. That's around €83,000 per week.

It's a tempting offer for the 27-year-old, who would be heading on his first experience outside of Italy should he accept the offer.

At the moment, however, he is 'pondering' the proposal because he still hopes to stay in Italy and receive an offer from another Serie A club.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/free-agent-received-e4m-four-year-offer-fulham-pondering-proposal-join-marco-silvas-side/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's FPL player price reveal

See the prices for Mitrovic, Wilson and Kebano ahead of Fantasy going live

Ahead of 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League going live, Premier League clubs have been revealing the FPL prices of their players.

Who makes it in your team? 👀

Take a look at these @OfficialFPL price reveals. 💰#FFC pic.twitter.com/YfwvOmNUy7

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 2, 2022

Forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 43 goals in 44 Championship matches last season and those Fantasy managers who feel that form can be translated to the top flight can acquire his services for £6.5m.

Mitrovic's chances are likely to be supplied by Harry Wilson, who set up 10 of the Serb's goals last season. The midfielder, who recorded 19 assists and 10 league goals overall in 2021/22, is temptingly priced at £6.0m.

Elsewhere, midfielder Neeskens Kebano, who scored nine and assisted seven goals last term, is available for £5.5m.

Fulham player prices

Player	Position	Price
Marek Rodak	GKP	£4.5m
Tim Ream	DEF	£4.5m
Kenny Tete	DEF	£4.5m
Tosin Adarabioyo	DEF	£4.5m
Tom Cairney	MID	£5.0m
Ivan Cavaleiro	MID	£5.0m
Neeskens Kebano	MID	£5.5m
Bobby De Cordova-Reid	MID	£5.5m
Harry Wilson	MID	£6.0m
Rodrigo Muniz	MID	£6.0m
Aleksandar Mitrovic	FWD	£6.5m

https://www.premierleague.com/news/2661174

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham join Newcastle in offering 27-year-old Aston Villa target a contract

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham have joined Newcastle in offering Aston Villa target Alessio Romagnoli a contract.

What's the story?

Well, after making 247 appearances for AC Milan, the 27-year-old is now a free agent after his contract at the San Siro expired.

Newcastle are said to have already made the Italy international an offer of £66,000-a-week, and now, Fulham have sent him an offer of a four-year contract worth €4m-a-year (£3m).

Aston Villa are also believed to be monitoring the situation, but as far as we know, the Villans have not offered Romagnoli a contract of their own.

Di Marzio believes the centre-back is currently considering the offer from Fulham, and he is surely going to have a long think about the situation seeing as he has never played football outside of Italy.

Unsurprisingly, Di Marzio also adds that Romagnoli would ideally prefer to stay in Serie A, so if an Italian side match the offers from the Cottagers and the Magpies, we presume he'll ignore a move to England.

Speculation regarding Romagnoli's future comes after he made 26 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal while also providing one assist.

Fulham, Newcastle & Aston Villa will have to tempt Romagnoli

In our view, the Premier League trio are going to have to make Romagnoli a very attractive offer, as he seems keen to stay in his comfort zone of Italian football.

The Anzio-born defender has proven himself in his homeland, and seeing as he would prefer to remain there, it seems as if only an irresistible financial offer will make him change his mind.

On the other hand, Fulham and Newcastle could also gamble and leave their current offers on the table, in the hope that no Italian sides come forward and make a bid of their own for Romagnoli.

Ultimately, Marco Silva and Eddie Howe need to be sure about their interest, as there would be no point in signing the defender, only for him to potentially become homesick and demand a speedy exit.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Romagnoli will hopefully respond to the offers soon.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-join-newcastle-in-offering-27-year-old-aston-villa-target-a-contract/

[WhiteJC]

Pellegrini fancies Fulham move

Fulham have stepped up their pursuit of the Juventus full back Luca Pellegrini and have been buoyed by the fact that the Italian international is keen on making the move to the Premier League.

The Londoners lead the race to sign the 23 year old after Monza baulked at Juve's £12m asking price. Fulham are still some way short of matching that valuation have tabled an initial offer of around £10m but there is increasing confidence that a deal can be done – especially as the attacking left back is intrigued by the idea of testing himself in England.

Pelligrini came through the Roma youth set-up, breaking into the first team aged 19 and grabbed on an assist on his senior debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Frosinone. He made his Champions' League debut in a 5-0 win over Victoria Plizen and gained further first-team experience in a loan spell at Cagliari. After moving to Juventus, the promising full back went back to Gli Isolani again and he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Genoa.

Pelligrini, who was capped at several youth team levels for his country, was part of the Italian under-20 side who finished fourth at the 2019 World Cup in Poland. He won his only senior cap after appearing as a substitute in the Azzuri's 4-0 win over Estonia in Florence in February 2020. A strong and technically gifted defender, Pelligrini is the archetypal attacking full back and has also featured as a mezzalla in midfield – but would most likely replace Antonee Robinson in Marco Silva's starting line up at Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/pellegrini-fancies-fulham-move/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's loan bid for Dubois rejected

Fulham have had a bid to take right back Leo Dubois on a season-long loan rejected by Lyon, according to L'Equipe.

The newly-promoted Premier League outfit made an offer to loan the Lyon skipper but the Ligue 1 outfit would prefer a permanent sale at around £7m. The Whites are in the market for a new right back having cooled their interest in Liverpool defender Neco Williams, who spent the second half of last season at Craven Cottage, after judging the Anfield outfit's valuation of £15m to be too steep.

Dubois, who has made 129 first-team appearances since signing for Lyon in 2018, could still be on the move this summer with the French side considering making him available for transfer. The 27 year-old French international, who came through the Nantes youth system, helped Lyon reach the French League Cup final in 2020 and was part of the national team squad that lifted the Nations League a year later.

It remains to be seen whether Fulham will attempt to buy Dubois outright as they have been talks with Wolfsburg about a potential deal to bring the former Newcastle right back Kevin Mbabu to Craven Cottage. Silva is seeking competition for the former Lyon full back Kenny Tete, who has struggled with injuries during his time in SW6, as the Whites prepare for their return to the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulhams-loan-bid-for-dubois-rejected/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva is unhappy with how this transfer window is unfolding at Fulham. Club on the verge of their first signing, but #FFC boss frustrated by delays and impact on preseason. Solomon deal also in the balance. With @AdamCrafton_:https://t.co/Obp3JLoNNu

— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) July 2, 2022