Sunday Fulham Stuff - 17/07/22...

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Saturday
OGC Nice	0-2	Fulham

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Bernd Leno irked as Arsenal hit £10m-hopeful Fulham with fresh 'counter-proposal' to thwart deal

Arsenal are now demanding £15million from Fulham to sign Bernd Leno, with the goalkeeper reportedly becoming frustrated at the developments.

Leno arrived at the Emirates Stadium under Unai Emery and proved a key player under the Spaniard. Since Mikel Arteta's arrival, though, it has become clear that the German has no future with the Gunners.

Last summer, Arteta signed Aaron Ramsdale as his new first-choice goalkeeper. The England hopeful usurped Leno in September and has not looked back.

However, Matt Turner's arrival has now relegated Leno to third-choice. Arsenal and Leno both subsequently feel that, with one year left on his deal, now is the time to leave.

Fulham have led the chase for the Germany international and have in fact agreed personal terms. However, as CBS Sports now reveals, the transfer fee remains the big problem.

Initial reports claimed that Arsenal wanted £8.5million as a starting point in negotiations for Leno. Fulham then thought they had made a breakthrough with a £10million offer.

However, Arsenal have turned that bid down and have reportedly sent a 'counter-proposal' of £15million.

That has frustrated Fulham but Leno's disappointment is greater, the report adds, given he agreed personal terms with the Premier League newcomers some time ago.

Leno to Fulham still expected

CBS Sports adds that transfer talks between Arsenal and Fulham have not completely broken down. Indeed, there is a 'will' from all parties to try to reach an agreement.

Nevertheless, the Cottagers want their new goalkeeper in as soon as possible ahead of their Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 6.

For their part, Arsenal want to squeeze as much money out of their now-third-choice goalkeeper as they can.

All Leno can do is wait and hope Fulham either buckle to Arsenal's demands, or the Gunners agree to a compromise.

Goalkeeper needs fresh start

Leno is no doubt becoming more frustrated anticipating the opportunities that await him at Craven Cottage.

He was once a Premier League regular at Arsenal but now has next to no chance of making it at Arsenal again.

Fulham struggled in their sole Premier League season in 2020/21, suffering relegation back to the Championship.

But if Leno makes an impression in the move across London ahead of the World Cup, Germany boss Hansi Flick will no doubt be keeping tabs on the 30-year-old.



https://www.teamtalk.com/arsenal/bernd-leno-irked-fulham-transfer-gunners-counter-proposal-thwart-deal

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Arsenal want £15m for Bernd Leno, reject Fulham bid

Arsenal have turned down Fulham's opening bid to sign goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer,  CBS Sports' James Benge reports.

The Germany international has entered the final year of his Gunners contract, and he is said to be determined to join the newly-promoted outfit.

He has already agreed personal terms with the west Londoners, but Arsenal are prepared to play hardball over negotiations until their price is met.

According to Benge, the Gunners have rejected a package of £10 million from Fulham, but made it clear they'll do business if £15m is put on the table.

There is currently an impasse in talks, but the move is still 'expected' to go through at some point of time.

Leno would play a key role in Fulham's survival

Leno has vast Premier League experience with 101 appearances. He may have kept only 27 clean sheets, but has made several world-class saves for Arsenal.

His average distribution was a prime reason behind the Gunners signing Aaron Ramsdale, but there are no doubts over his reflexes between the sticks.

Hence, the onus is on Fulham to improve their initial offer. The club should have plenty of funds after securing top-flight promotion for the third time in five seasons.

Leno would play a key role in keeping them in the league this time. Aside from the £15m fee, it won't be a surprise if Arsenal ask for an extra survival add-on.

Fulham will most likely make an improved bid for Leno in the coming days. They would not want to miss out on another goalkeeping target this summer.

Thomas Strakosha was their initial target on a free transfer, but they could not agree personal terms. The Albanian has since signed for rivals Brentford.

Leno, who is currently the third-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal behind Ramsdale and Matt Turner, could be on high demand overseas if Fulham fail to sign him.



https://football-talk.co.uk/172478/arsenal-want-15m-for-bernd-leno-reject-fulham-bid/

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Francois signs new Fulham deal

Australian under-23 international Tyrese Francois has signed a new two-year deal with Fulham, the club have confirmed this morning.

The central midfielder, whose new contract represents the perfect way to celebrate his 22nd birthday, had stalled over extending his stay at Craven Cottage whilst he considered offers from a number of leading European clubs but he has now committed his future to the Whites.

Francois, who was given his first senior start by Marco Silva last term and went on to make three further appearances, told the club's official website:

"I'm delighted to get it over the line. I can now concentrate on my football, so I'm excited. Ever since I came to the UK, I've only ever been at Fulham, so it's my home away from home."

The Campbelltown-born midfielder joined Fulham's academy at the age of thirteen and was the first winner of the Fulham Supporters' Trust's Johnny Haynes trophy for youth player of the year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/francois-signs-new-fulham-deal/

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Arsenal 'asking for £15m for Leno'

Arsenal are asking for £15m for wantaway goalkeeper Bernd Leno, according to various reports this weekend, angering both the German international and Fulham.

The Whites believed they had struck a deal with the Gunners after increasing their initial offer of £8.5m to £10m, but Arsenal have rejected both bids for the 30 year-old and are holding out for an even bigger bid. Leno, who has a year left on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, is desperate to secure first team football as he still wants to regain his place in the German squad for this winter's World Cup. He has dropped down Mikel Arteta's pecking order after the summer arrival of American goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Fulham are believed to be considering their options given Arsenal's intransigence with Marco Silva seeking an upgrade on Marek Rodak in goal as his side prepare for a return to the Premier League. They have agreed personal terms on a three-year deal with Leno, but both the player and the Cottagers are upset by Arsenal's unwillingness to do a deal.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/arsenal-asking-for-15m-for-leno/

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Fulham eyeing Aurier deal

Fulham are preparing to offer Ivory Coast international full-back Serge Aurier a two-year contract as Kevin Mbabu waits to see what other interest emerges in his services.

The former Tottenham defender was released by Villarreal, Fulham's opponents in their final pre-season friendly at the end of July, last month and would be available on a free transfer. Marco Silva is keen to bring in a right back to compete with Kenny Tete after the Whites decided that Liverpool's valuation of former loan star Neco Williams was too high.

Aurier made 110 appearances in two years at Spurs, scoring eight goals and adding seventeen appearances, and played 24 games for the Yellow Submarine. He was frequently troubled by injury at Estadio de la Cermica and was second choice to his former Spurs team-mate Juan Foyth. The Ivorian international, who won the 2015 African Cup of Nations, won the domestic treble with Paris Saint Germain in 2015 and 2016 in a trophy-laden spell in the French capital.

There is significant interest in the 29 year-old, with Atletico Madrid and Galasataray also reported to be table their own offers to the defender's representatives but it is understood that Aurier is particularly interested in a return to the Premier League.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulham-eyeing-aurier-deal/

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The latest update on Fulham's pursuit of Arsenal man

The latest news as Fulham look to bring in a new goalkeeper

Fulham reportedly remain keen on signing Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The Cottagers are trying to land the stopper in preparation for their return to the Premier League.

Leno, 30, has fallen out-of-favour with the Gunners and lost his place between the sticks to Aaron Ramsdale last term.

He still has a year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and his future remains uncertain at this moment in time.

The latest

CBS Soccer report that Leno has agreed personal terms with Fulham.

Both clubs want to 'facilitate' the deal and the move is 'expected' to go through. However, the sticking point remains to be the price tag.

Arsenal are believed to want a fee in the region of £15million but Marco Silva's side have only offered £10million which was turned down.

Leno has travelled with the Gunners as part of their 33-man squad to America for pre-season.

Current goalkeeping situation

Fulham have two senior goalkeepers in their squad at the moment in the form of Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga.

Fabri has been given the green light to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, whilst youngster Luca Ashby-Hammond has been loaned out to National League side Aldershot Town to get some first-team experience under his belt.

Leno would be ideal for the London club as he is experienced in the top flight, has a point to prove to Arsenal and is an internantioanl for Germany.

However, Fulham are yet to agree a price tag with Arsenal, despite apparently agreeing a deal with the player himself, and the saga drags on.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/the-latest-on-fulhams-pursuit-of-arsenal-man-3770949

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NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1 LUTON TOWN 2

Northampton Town 1 Luton Town 2 - the match report

PRE-SEASON FIXTURE
Saturday July 16th, 1.00pm

NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1
Mitch Pinnock 7

LUTON TOWN 2
Elijah Adebayo 54
Dan Potts 56

Attendance: 2,386 (1,115 away supporters)

Cobblers: Lee Burge, Harvey Lintott (sub Peter Abimbola 65), Akin Odimayo (sub Max Dyche 75), Jon Guthrie, Sam Sherring, Ryan Haynes, Jack Sowerby (sub Shaun McWilliams 46), Ben Fox, Mitch Pinnock (sub Liam Cross 76), Danny Hylton (sub Sam Hoskins 65), Kieron Bowie (sub Jack Connor 84)
Subs not used: Jonny Maxted, Ryan Nolan, Miguel Ngwa

Luton: Ethan Horvath, James Bree, Dan Potts, Gabriel Osho, Cauley Woodrow, Alfie Doughty, Reece Burke, Alan Campbell, Elijah Adebayo, Jordan Clark, Carlton Morris
Subs: Tom Lockyer, Harry Isted, Matt Macey, Josh Williams, Sonny Bradley, Dion Pereira, Cameron Jerome, Henri Lansbury, Luke Berry, Admiral Muskwe, Carlos Mendes-Gomes, Luke Freeman, Harry Cornick, Trialist

Referee: Andy Woolmer

Booked:
Cobblers: none
Luton: none

Sent off:
Cobblers: none
Luton: none

With the new EFL season just two weeks away, Northampton Town continued their pre-season schedule with another home game against Championship opposition. Luton Town were the visitors to a hot and sunny Sixfields on Saturday afternoon as Jon Brady's side faced another tough test.

Mitch Pinnock put the Cobblers in front inside the opening ten minutes, the midfielder tapping home after a neat one-two with Fulham loanee Kieron Bowie.

Summer signing and former Hatters striker Danny Hylton then went close to making it 2-0, driving a shot just wide after Pinnock and Bowie again combined.

Lee Burge pulled off a smart save to keep out a Jordan Clark shot from distance and the new Cobblers goalkeeper was also alert to the danger to turn behind a cross in from Alfie Doughty. At the other end Ethan Horvath denied Hylton from close range after some more good play by Bowie and the Luton stopper then saved a Jon Guthrie header from a Pinnock free kick to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Shaun McWilliams replaced Jack Sowerby in the only Cobblers change at half-time. Luton had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half but the flag was already up for off-side and the goal was disallowed.

Elijah Adebayo did however draw the Hatters level on 54 minutes, slotting the ball home from the edge of the area.

Dan Potts then put the Championship side in front soon after, Potts getting the final touch to a set piece to turn the scoreline on its head.

Burge pulled off two good saves to prevent first Carlton Morris and then Cauley Woodrow making it 3-1. Clark also went close for the Hatters who made nine changes while Sam Hoskins and Peter Abimbola, who showed a good turn of pace before forcing Horvath into a save, came on for the Cobblers.

Akin Odimayo was unable to continue after failing to shake off a knock as Brady again made a number of changes to ensure more minutes on the pitch for his squad in another encouraging work out for his side ahead of the new campaign.

COBBLERS MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets)
SHOTS ON TARGET: (4) 6
SHOTS OFF TARGET: (2) 2
CORNERS: (0) 0
FOULS: (7) 9
CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (0) 0

LUTON MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets)
SHOTS ON TARGET: (2) 8
SHOTS OFF TARGET: (0) 4
CORNERS: (2) 6
FOULS: (8) 11
CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (2) 4



https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2022/july/pre-season_report3/

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Fulham Savagely Troll Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele Video To Announce New Deal



Fulham have savagely mocked Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele video to announce Tyrese Francois' contract extension.​

The Catalan outfit secured the services of Dembele until 2024 amid interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

They announced the new deal with a fairly low-budget, underwhelming video on social media.

The clip shows Dembele rubbing out a digit from his original contract expiry date and replacing it with the details of his new deal.

Dembele's announcement video went viral on Twitter for all the wrong reasons.

Fans on social media slammed the video, with Fulham poking fun at the La Liga side to announce their own contract extension of Francois.

Fulham's video shows Francois imitating Dembele by writing on a whiteboard.

Needless to say, people on social media got the reference and loved the Premier League club taking aim at the Spanish giants.

One Twitter user wrote: "Nahh the shithousery."​

A second tweeted: "Ripping the p**s out of Barcelona top work Fulham!."​

A third added: "This is a violation."​

Another commented: "Troll of the season."

Ten out of ten for Fulham's execution of the trolling of Barca, who have hopefully learned their lesson over future contract extension announcements.



https://www.sportbible.com/football/barcelona-have-been-rinsed-over-video-for-ousmane-dembeles-contract-20220714

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Fulham goalkeeper attracting interest from 'several' Football League clubs

Fulham goalkeeper George Wickens is attracting interest from other clubs.

The youngster is a man in-demand in this transfer window following the Cottagers' promotion to the Premier League.

The Athletic report that he is expected to be offered a new contract with 'several' Football League teams interested in him.

Fulham prospect

Wickens, 20, has been on the books at Craven Cottage for his whole career to date.

The Hampshire-born stopper has risen up through the academy of the London outfit and has been a regular for them at various youth levels over recent years.

He has represented the club at both U18 and U23 levels so far but is still waiting on his first-team debut.

The 'keeper was given the green light to head out the exit door on loan in the last campaign and linked up with Wealdstone.

Wickens was a hit with the National League team and went on to make 40 appearances in all competitions to help get some valuable experience under his belt.

What next?

The Athletic claim that Fulham are 'likely' to offer him an extension to fend off interested parties.

Marco Silva's current senior goalkeeping options are Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga. Fabri was released this summer, whilst youngster Luca Ashby-Hammond has joined Aldershot Town on loan.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-goalkeeper-attracting-interest-from-several-football-league-clubs-3771046

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Arsenal set price for Fulham to sign Bernd Leno after £10m bid rejected

Arsenal have reportedly turned down a £10million offer from Fulham for goalkeeper Bernd Leno with the north London club making a counter-proposal.

The German goalkeeper is one of the players said to be available to leave the club this summer as the Gunners look to reshape their squad ahead of the upcoming new campaign.

Arsenal have already brought in striker Gabriel Jesus, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, winger Marquinhos and goalkeeper Matt Turner.

But in order to make more signings, it has been suggested that the club will need to sell players.

According to CBS Sports, Leno has already agreed personal terms for a move to Fulham, with an agreement between the two clubs all that is needed before he can put pen to paper on a deal until 2025.

The report states that Arsenal have rejected an offer worth at least £10m and asked for a fee of around £15m.

Leno lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale early on last season and spent the rest of the campaign as Arsenal's Cup goalkeeper.

The Gunners have now signed USA international Turner, who is likely to become the new No.2.

In terms of the other incomings, Jesus has already made an impact having netted twice in a 5-3 pre-season friendly victory over Nurnberg.

New midfielder Vieira, meanwhile, has been carrying a minor injury but has insisted he will soon return to action.

'It's a small injury I got with the national team one month ago,' Vieira told The Athletic.

'Now I feel really good. I'm not training 100 per cent yet, but I'm running.

'Day after day, I'm improving. And in a few days, I'll be back in full training with my team-mates.'



https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/16/arsenal-set-price-for-bernd-leno-after-10m-fulham-bid-rejected-17011444/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Arsenal player growing 'frustrated' with Fulham 'at impasse over deal' – Gunners holding out for £15m

According to reports, Bernd Leno's 'frustrations are mounting' with Fulham 'at an impasse' over their deal with Arsenal.

The Gunners paid around £22.5m to sign the shot-stopper from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018.

Leno was the club's number one for three seasons as he racked up 97 appearances in the Premier League.

Aaron Ramsdale joined Arsenal for a fee that could rise to £30m last summer. He quickly became the club's new first-choice goalkeeper.

The Englishman was one of the Premier League's breakout stars last term, playing 34 times in the league.

The Gunners have brought in Matt Turner to be Ramsdale's new back-up. Last month it was revealed that Leno is 'in talks' to join Fulham.

CBS Sports are now reporting that Leno has already 'agreed personal terms' ahead of the move.

Though Fulham are 'at an impasse' after the north Londoners rejected a bid believed to be around £10m. It is claimed in the report that Arsenal's 'counter proposal' is £15m.

'The deal is still expected to go through', but Leno is 'frustrated' given that talks between the two clubs have 'stalled'.



https://www.football365.com/news/arsenal-player-frustrated-fulham-impasse-over-deal-gunners-holding-out-for-15m

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Ivan Cavaleiro FIFA 22: How to Complete the FUTTIES Favorite SBC


Ivan Cavaleiro's new FUTTIES Favorite card has the best stats of any card he's yet received. / Courtesy of FUTBIN

Ivan Cavaleiro's FIFA 22 FUTTIES Favorite Squad Building Challenge went live in the game Saturday, offering players the chance to earn a 93-rated striker with outstanding pace. This new card is the best Cavaleiro has received to date from a pure stats perspective, and by a significant margin.

Here's what you need to know to complete the Squad Building Challenge and earn this card for yourself.

🚨: FIFA CONTENT 16/07/22

~ FUTTIES Cavaleiro SBC (82, 84)
~ Prem TOTS or SS PP
~ 82+ PP
~ Prem 80+ PP#FUT #FIFA22 pic.twitter.com/xlA5BK4Afx

— EAFC24 News (@NewsEAFC24) July 16, 2022

Ivan Cavaleiro FIFA 22: How to Complete the FUTTIES Favourite SBC

Cavaleiro's new card has the following top line stats:

    Overall: 93
    Pace: 96
    Shooting: 93
    Passing: 88
    Dribbling: 94
    Defense: 56
    Physicality: 89

You'll need to make two squads to unlock the card.
Segment 1: Portugal

    Number of players from Portugal: Min. 1
    Squad Rating: Min. 82
    Team Chemistry: Min. 75
    Number of players in the Squad: 11
    Reward: Two Rare Gold Players Pack

Segment 2: 84-Rated Squad

    Squad Rating: Min. 84
    Team Chemistry: Min. 70
    Number of players in the Squad: 11
    Reward: Premium Mixed Players Pack

Players have until July 23 to complete this SBC and unlock the card.




https://www.dbltap.com/posts/ivan-cavaleiro-fifa-22-how-to-complete-the-futties-favorite-sbc-01g83zv2rr4m

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Solomon with Fulham squad as they win in Portugal

Manor Solomon watched on and Jaao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira made their debuts as Fulham beat French side Nice 2-0 in a friendly in Portugal.

Israel winger Solomon has been training with the Fulham squad at their pre-season camp in the Algarve ahead of his move from Shakhtar Donetsk, which is expected to be rubber-stamped soon.

Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson scored for Fulham, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

Kebano netted after Luke Harris was brought down, and Wilson added a late second following a foul on Sylvester Jasper.

More penalties then followed – the game was Fulham's first in the Algarve Trophy, in which all fixtures end with a penalty shoot-out.

Fulham won that 3-2. Joe Bryan's kick was saved and Sylvester Jasper's hit the post, but Wilson, Pereira and Jean-Pierre Tiéhi scored, with two Nice penalties missing the target and another being saved by keeper Marek Rodak.

Pereira and Palhinha, Fulham's recent signings from Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon respectively, came on in the second half.

So too did Tyrese Francois, who has signed a new two-year contract with the Whites.

Fulham: Rodak, Fossey, McAvoy, Odutayo, Robinson (Bryan 62), Reed (Francois 62), Chalobah (Palhinha 72), Jasper, Harris (Pereira 79), Kebano (Wilson 72), Stansfield (Tiehi 79).



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/solomon-with-fulham-squad-as-they-win-in-portugal

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OGC Nice 0-2 Fulham

Fulham commenced their tour of Portugal with a 2-0 win over OGC Nice in the Algarve Trophy.

A penalty in each half scored comfortably by Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson gave The Whites a fully-merited victory.

In front of a very audible selection of the Fulham faithful at the Estádio Algarve, Marco Silva's men started on the front foot with the press in full flow.

A nasty-looking clash of heads forced the game into an early stoppage on 10 minutes, as Marlon Fossey put himself on the line to win back the ball high up on the right.

Badrerine Bouanani then missed a one-on-one down the other end, getting his feet in a muddle at the vital point under firm Marek Rodák pressure.



Harrison Reed, who captained the side, was proving to be a real thorn in The Eaglets' side, and made a trademark tenacious run forward after 20 minutes. Getting all the way to the byline down the right, the midfield man cut his cross back across goal, requiring a Nice defender on full alert to put it behind.

On 36 minutes there was some defensive heroics from a Fulham man, in the form of Idris Odutayo. After initially looking like he'd been beaten by his man, the big defender got back onto the goalline to miraculously head a goalbound shot over the bar. 

A short while later and Fulham took their lead. After Luke Harris was fouled in the box following a quick breakaway with Sylvester Jasper, Kebano confidently strutted up to the spot and tucked his penalty away.

Rodák was on hand again just before the interval, saving at the last from Bouanani, who had been the main threat from the opposition.

Just before the hour mark, Jasper freed himself up again to jink past his man and deliver a cross. The ball didn't quite find a Fulham man but, after some great recycling, it found its way back to Jasper, whose driven effort at goal had to be stopped and smothered.



As the clocked ticked down there was time for the Fulham fans to be treated to the two new signings entering the fray, as João Palhinha and Andreas Pereira got some minutes.

With seven minutes left to play, there was another penalty to Fulham. This time Jasper had his legs swiped from beneath him in the box, and substitute Wilson made no mistake from the spot.

There was a late chance for Nice, requiring further rock solid defending from a young backline that showed no signs of inexperience to keep it out.

Following the game there was a penalty shootout, played in-case of any ties on the conclusion of the competition. Wilson, Pereiera and Jean-Pierre Tiehi converted for Fulham as they won this 3-2, following a failed Panenka from Dante.

Fulham now get ready for their second game in as many days against Benfica on Sunday night.



: Marek Rodak, Marlon Fossey, Conor McAvoy, Idris Odutayo, Antonee Robinson, Harrison Reed, Nathaniel Chalobah, Sylvester Jasper, Luke Harris, Neeskens Kebano, Jay Stansfield

Subs: Harry Wilson, Joe Bryan, Jean-Pierre Tiehi, João Palhinha, Andreas Pereira




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/july/16/ogc-nice-0-2-fulham/

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WHY PALHINHA'S SUCH AN ASTUTE SIGNING FOR MARCO SILVA'S FULHAM

Wanting to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season, Fulham's signing of Joao Palhinha is unquestionably a great way to kick off their summer transfer business.

Joining from Sporting CP for a reasonable £20 million following two especially excellent seasons under the tutelage of Ruben Amorim, which saw him win a league title, two cups and make the Primeira Liga team of the year in 2020/2021, the 26-year-old is primed to make the step up to the Premier League.

Having earned 14 caps for Portugal and enjoyed six Champions League appearances in that time too, this should hold the defensive midfielder in good stead to cope with the transition to English football.

"Playing in the Premier League is a dream that I will fulfil. Now I'm looking for success in the best league in the world and I want to prove my worth. I can only promise that I will do my best," he recently asserted.

"I'm very glad to be here. It's a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world."

"I've signed with a great club. The club wanted me, and I chose the club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season."

He then added what an integral component of the deal Fulham coach and fellow countryman, Marco Silva, was in swaying him to link up with the Cottagers. "I was convinced by the project and the persistence. Marco Silva loved me a lot and it was fundamental because he spoke to me more than once," he explained.

"I spoke to several people who passed through the club and they all gave me good information. I'm sure it will be good for me."

Experienced, reliable and consistent, Palhinha's set to contribute immensely in all phases of the game for the newly promoted Fulham, who will be doing everything they can to avoid relegation.

Considering Fulham will have plenty of defending to do against the many world class teams and players plying their trade in the Premier League, Palhinha's presence should be vital in helping them break up attacks and add some resolve in the centre of the pitch.

Positionally aware and awake to his surroundings, this is a crucial component of his success, for he frequently gets an updated mental imagery of what's happening around him. As a result, he knows if he needs to adjust his positioning to shift across, drop deeper, block a vertical passing lane, support a teammate or take on a marking assignment.

Rarely out of position, making sound decisions and reading the play intelligently, opponents find him a tough man to get the better of when the play is in his designated area of operation.





Exhibiting sound judgement when it comes to applying interventions and quick to react to triggers, this, in combination with how he uses his long legs to stretch out to recover possession, rangy arms to unbalance foes and sizeable frame to pose a formidable force in 1v1s, sees him combine brains and brawn to be successful in his duels.

Anticipating coherently what's about to unfold next ensures he helps his team deal with counter attacks, for he knows if the opportunity to spring forward to counterpress is on, if he needs to hold his post to support his backline, take on a runner or jet across to slow down the transition to give his team a chance to get back.





An absolute weapon in aerial duels, the 190cm powerhouse competes brilliantly here, using his size, ability to pick up the ball sharply and composure to win a large chunk of his battles. Be it assisting his team win second balls in midfield, deal with set pieces on both ends or clear danger from open play crosses and long balls into the box, his aptitude here shines brightly.





Although he's not the quickest and can sometimes be exposed for pace, his nous, positioning and excellent execution of his actions typically negate any deficiencies he has here.

Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Palhinha plays his role superbly, for his movement and considered output with the ball at his feet amplify his worth.

Knowing where to be in order to help his team build out from the back, he occupies good areas to form overloads, create passing angles or draw opponents to open passing lanes. Supporting play nicely with his discipline and knowledge of where to move, this promotes smooth progression beyond the first line of pressure.

It's also worth noting when his team moves further up the pitch how he helps provide options to recirculate possession, gets free by venturing into the less populated deeper half spaces so he can have time on the ball and adds structural stability in the event of a transition.

While he predominantly keeps his passes simple to help his team advance through the thirds with measured short passes, he can still strike the more expansive deliveries. Clean in his first touch and composed on the ball, if he sees an opportunity, he can duly launch a raking switch of play or thread a through ball in behind centrally or down the channels.









Considered with his ground passing too, he can also hit penetrative vertical and diagonal line breaking passes to the feet of attackers that take out multiple opponents. Moreover, how he can lay the ball off crisply to add tempo to passages or get out of a tight situation are extra strings to his bow.

Incisive, bright in his decisions to bypass or shift pressing opposition pressing units and so aware of his responsibilities, the deep lying, fundamentally sound midfielder certainly performs his duties with assuredness and clarity.

Entering the peak of his career and already experienced at club and international level, the capture of Palhinha, who's often compared to Nemanja Matic, is littered with upside for the Cottagers. Recognising they needed to bolster their ranks in a thoughtful way after having previously splashed the cash with minimal success, signing Palhinha is a sensible piece of business.

Ready to stamp his mark in all compartments of the game under the guidance of Silva, whose presence should massively aid his adaptation process, bringing in Palhinha is a terrific step towards enhancing Fulham's chances of survival and success.



https://thepfsa.co.uk/why-palhinhas-such-an-astute-signing-for-marco-silvas-fulham/