Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/07/22...

[WhiteJC]

Khan strikes upbeat note

Fulham owner Shahid Khan says he is confident that it will be third time lucky as the Whites look to end their prolonged period of bouncing between the top two divisions of English football.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Times' Alyson Rudd, Khan – who insists the new Riverside Stand will give the best views of London – details why he feels like Fulham are in a better position to avoid going straight back down to the Championship than on either of the two previous occasions they were promoted during his tenure in charge.

"If you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat mistakes. We had a much stronger team this year coming up, won the Championship, set records. That young team, you have to supplement it in a way that is complementary, so you're counting on analytics, the track record of the players and, most importantly, the manager. He might have a recipe but the technique of putting it all together is the art.

Having a manager who is engaged and accountable is very important. I was at the training ground, one on one, with several of the players who have been there a long time. And I got a really good feeling from them that this time it feels different and we're going to stay up. I feel really good. The last two times we went up we had a manager who had never coached in the Premier League, but we do have one now who has enjoyed success and that is very important."

Khan, who wasn't directly questioned on the club's decision to charge as much as £100 for tickets to the opening game of the season against Liverpool, also dismissed the suggestion that there was 'a Khan brand' of sports ownership – given that he also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"That sounds too narcissistic and arrogant. I think you want to have the values of accountability, integrity and success on the pitch and those things need to operate in harmony and not be mutually exclusive."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/khan-strikes-upbeat-note/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest think they can sign £16m ace after Fulham bid failed

Nottingham Forest are now in talks with Real Betis for left-back Alex Moreno after Premier League rivals Fulham failed with an £8 million bid for La Liga ace, as reported by The Athletic.

Now, Fulham fans found out the hard way during the disastrous 2018/19 season that, sometimes, an almighty summer splurge can prove to be more of a hindrance than a help. 

Moreno, should he arrive at the City Ground, will become Nottingham Forest's ninth new face since beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. Only three of those have Premier League experience.

And so many changes, so many reinforcements, comes with a risk. Are Steve Cooper and CEO Dane Murphy in danger of alienating a group of players who pulled up trees during a remarkable top-six charge? Can a team in transition adapt quickly enough to avoid stumbling out of the blocks?

Only time will tell.

Nottingham Forest enter Alex Moreno talks

On paper, it must be said, Moreno looks a substantial upgrade not just on the left-backs Cooper had at his disposal last season but on almost any of the left-backs who have donned Garibaldi red in recent times.

produced a combined tally of 10 goals and assists as Real Betis won the Copa del Rey and secured a UEFA Europa League spot in 2021/22. Adventurous and attack-minded, he could thrive as a wing-back in Cooper's 3-4-2-1 system.

According to The Athletic, talks between Forest and Betis are underway. There is no agreement yet but Forest are confident that a deal can be reached. Personal terms should not pose too much of a problem either. The Athletic add that Moreno, formerly of Espanyol, is 'open' to joining Omar Richards, Neco Williams, Dean Henderson and co in the East Midlands.

It is not certain how much Nottingham Forest will pay for 29-year-old Moreno. But he's unlikely to come cheap.

Fulham failed with an £8 million offer earlier in the summer (El Desmarque). Real Betis want around double that fee. Now, £16 million is a lot of money for a man who will be 30 this time next year. But Premier League survival, as far as Forest are concerned, is nothing short of priceless and Moreno will be worth every penny of his transfer fee if he can help turn that dream into a reality.

Fulham, meanwhile, have turned their attention to a younger model; Juventus' Luca Pellegrini.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/19/nottingham-forest-think-they-can-sign-16m-ace-after-fulham-bid-failed/

[WhiteJC]

'That's all I can say': Sessegnon delivers exciting Tottenham transfer verdict

Ryan Sessegnon has responded to Football London when asked about the reportedly imminent signing of Djed Spence at Tottenham – recalling the duo's time together in the Fulham academy, labelling him an "attacking full-back".

Spence, 21, is set to join Spurs after starring for Nottingham Forest last season. The England Under-21 international was on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough, helping Forest gain promotion. But he has not joined Forest permanently.

Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Spence had passed his medical at Tottenham and that a deal is set to go through. He will be Tottenham's sixth signing, after Clement Lenglet joined the club from Barcelona on loan.

Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison have also joined the club. Asked about Spence, Sessegnon kept his cards close to his chest – but recalled playing alongside London-born Spence in Fulham's academy.

"I know him from Fulham growing up. We played together in the Fulham academy. From what I've seen he's an attacking full-back but that's all I can say at the moment," Sessegnon told Football London.

Sessegnon has responded when asked about Tottenham signing Spence

A move could be announced today [Tuesday]. It gives Spurs another option on the right but it does open up the question as to whether Spurs will keep both Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty this summer.

Emerson's form has been up and down during the Conte era. Meanwhile, Doherty has improved vastly under Conte but he suffered injury during his excellent form last term – and might have convinced Spurs to sign Spence.

So, who could go with Spence arriving? Doherty can also operate on the left and is less error-prone. But Emerson is much younger and only signed last summer from Barcelona. Both have positives, both have negatives.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/19/thats-all-i-can-say-sessegnon-delivers-exciting-tottenham-transfer-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

'Dark horses': Fulham now in with a chance of beating Chelsea to sign 25-year-old attacker - journalist

Fulham are reportedly "dark horses" to win the race to sign Burnley attacker Maxwel Cornet, who's been linked as a Chelsea target this summer.

According to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon on his patreon account, Fulham are emerging as strong candidates to sign the 25-year-old in this transfer window.

It is explained Championship side Burnley have already rejected an offer from Everton for Cornet, who remain in the hunt for his signature. Nottingham Forest and West Ham are admirers of his, too.

Nixon claims the Clarets would accept an offer from Fulham for the winger on specific terms, which would include a £5million loan fee and a further £25million if they stay up.

This comes amid speculation of Chelsea interest in the Ivory Coast international. It's been claimed Thomas Tuchel's side have been monitoring the left-footed star since Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last season.

Fulham dark horses to sign Cornet

Fulham, who are preparing for life back in the top flight after Championship promotion last season, could be surprise winners in the race for Cornet by beating Chelsea to him.

He's a talented African star with plenty of pace, trickery and directness.

The Burnley wide man is commonly used as a left-winger to torment opposition full-backs. However, he's shown his versatility to play at either left-back or as a centre-forward in certain games.

Chelsea depth

In fairness, Cornet looks like he's someone that would help bulk up the Blues squad. In particular, his flexibility to switch into so many positions on the pitch is invaluable.

However, it looks like the new Chelsea hierarchy are going down the road of real marquee signings in this window.

Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly are the two statement signings made by the new ownership so far to add immense quality to the starting line-up.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/dark-horses-fulham-now-in-with-a-chance-of-beating-chelsea-to-sign-25-year-old-attacker-journalist/

[WhiteJC]

'I hope': 23-year-old admits he'd love to re-join Fulham 'at some point'

Moritz Jenz has admitted he would relish the prospect of playing Premier League football at former club Fulham as the Lorient defender closes in on a move to Celtic, speaking via the Scottish Sun.

The Berlin-born 23-year-old certainly has unfinished business this side of The Channel. Jenz spent five seasons at Fulham between 2015 and 2020 but failed to make a single first-team appearance before being let go. 

Now, after a stint in Switzerland and an impressive spell across the water in France 1, Jenz is on his way back to Britain. According to Football Scotland, Celtic are closing in on an initial loan deal for a man who is equally comfortable at centre-half and wide on the right.

But Jenz harbours no bitterness about the way his time at Craven Cottage came to an end. In fact, he believes his Fulham story still has a couple of chapters yet to be written.

Will Celtic-bound Moritz Jenz return to Fulham in the future?

"The training was hard, not in terms of intensity, but in terms of physicality," says the German, who played alongside Celtic playmaker Matt O'Riley in Fulham's youth ranks.

"My team-mates showed me that they didn't like it that a German took their place away from them. If there's one thing I learned in England, it was not to put up with anything and to show toughness in the game.

"Overall, my time at Fulham was brilliant. I made enormous progress both personally and athletically. For me, Fulham is a great club and I hope to be able to play for this club again in the Premier League at some point."

Hone his already considerable talents at Celtic and there will certainly be plenty of Premier League scouts flocking to Parkhead in the near future. And Jenz, when asked to describe his style of play, paints the picture of a man perfectly suited to Ange Postecoglou's unique brand of possession based football.

A ball-playing centre-half was one of Celtic's top priorities this summer. It looks like they've just found one.

"I don't see myself as a classic central defender who tries to ruin the game. I see myself more as the first line of attack and a player who builds up play," Jenz explains.

What's more, the youngster models his style on two of the 21st century's finest, most technically gifted central defenders.

"I love having the game in front of me, dictating what pace we go at," Jenz adds. "I also try to learn a lot from my role models; Jerome Boateng and Leonardo Bonucci."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/19/i-hope-23-year-old-admits-hed-love-to-re-join-fulham-at-some-point/

[WhiteJC]

Report: West Ham in talks to sell 'ambitious' £20m player

David Moyes's West Ham United are in talks with Fulham to sell Issa Diop in the summer transfer window, according to The Times.

The Times have reported that Fulham are interested in signing Diop from West Ham this summer.

The Cottagers will play in the Premier League next season after winning promotion from the Championship.

West Ham are willing to sell the 25-year-old central defender – who described himself as "a very ambitious player" on the Hammers' official website when he joined back in June 2018 – but they want £20 million in transfer fees, according to The Times, who have added that Fulham have not met that asking price.

Could Fulham sign Issa Diop from West Ham United?

In our view, West Ham United could eventually sell Issa Diop to Fulham in the summer transfer window for less than £20 million.

That the Hammers want to offload the 25-year-old this summer suggests that manager Moyes does not have him in his plans.

West Ham are likely to reduce their asking price for Drop in the coming weeks.

After all, the Hammers will surely prefer to get something for a player they do not have any need for, and will also want to get his wages off their books.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/19/report-west-ham-in-talks-to-sell-ambitious-20m-player/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'close' to signing Bundesliga man

Fulham are reportedly edging closer to signing Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu.

The Cottagers are trying to lure the full-back back to England this summer.

Mbabu, 27, played for Newcastle United from 2013 to 2017.

Sky Sports report the London club are 'close' to agreeing a move to land him in deal worth around £6/7million.

More details

Mbabu has been on the books of Wolfsburg since 2019 and has been a key player for them.

He has made 82 appearances for the Bundesliga side in all competitions, 31 of which came last season.

However, his side are seemingly cashing in on him in a switch to see him return to the Premier League.

The Switzerland international started his career at Servette before Newcastle swooped to land him. He then went on to play five times for the North-East club as he struggled to get into their side as a youngster.

The Toon Army loaned him out to Rangers and Young Boys to get some experience under his belt before the latter snapped him up permanently.

He then impressed back home in Switzerland to land himself a transfer to Wolfsburg.

Fulham have signed Joao Palphina from Sporting Lisbon and Andreas Pereira from Manchester United and now appear poised to make Mbabu their latest arrival.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-close-to-signing-bundesliga-man-3773547

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'in the front row' to sign left-back – Marco Silva wants another player from club

ulham FC are 'in the front row' for the signing of Sporting full back Ruben Vinagre, according to reports from the Portuguese media.

Newspaper O Jogo claims that with the player 'released' by Lions manager Ruben Amorim, he should soon leave Alvalade on a loan deal, with England being the most likely destination for him.

It's said Fulham see the opportunity 'with good eyes' as Marco Silva already managed to land João Palhinha from Sporting, and could now try to get the full back as well.

It was last summer that Vinagre joined the Lions on a move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He first moved on a loan, and even though he couldn't impress in Lisbon, there was an obligation to buy which forced the club to spend €10m on the purchase.

Now since he's not part of Ruben Amorim's plans for the season, Sporting are looking for a solution, seeking a club who can at least pay for his wages for now.

Fulham are, however, not the only club who are interested in taking Vinagre back to the Premier League. According to O Jogo, the player is 'appreciated' by Nottingham Forest as well.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-front-row-sign-left-back-marco-silva-wants-another-player-club/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham leading Vinagre loan race

Fulham are in pole position to sign Portuguese left back Ruben Vinagre on a season-long loan from Sporting, according to reports from his homeland.

O Jogo claimed this morning that Vinagre was poised to move back to the Premier League after being deemed surplus to requirements this term by Lions manager Ruben Amorim. Vinagre, who spent five years with Wolves and won promotion from the Championship in his first season at Molineux, is keen on returning to England and is believed to be interested in working with Marco Silva, who added to Fulham's Portuguese contingent by signing his Sporting team-mate Joao Palhinha earlier this month.

Silva is eager to add a new left back ahead of the Whites' return to the top flight, with doubts over the defensive capabilities of both Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan. Vinagre, a former Portuguese under-21 international, made 69 appearances for Wolves but was largely second choice following the signing of Johnny Otto and spent the last three seasons on loan with Olympiakos, Famalicão and Sporting.

The 23 year-old wing back, who signed for Sporting on a £9m deal last month as part of his loan from Wolves, made 18 appearances for the Lions last season and is looking for regular first-team football. O Jogo also names Nottingham Forest as interested in his services, but Steve Cooper's side are already well-stocked in both wing back positions.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/fulham-leading-vinagre-loan-race/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Greatest Scorer: Leggat

Graham Leggat scored 100+ times for Fulham in the top-flight, more than anyone else in our history.

He also held the record for the fastest ever hat-trick when he bagged three goals in as many minutes in our famous 10-1 Boxing Day win over Ipswich Town in 1963. It was a record that stood until Sadio Mane bettered him by four seconds for Southampton more than 50 years later.

Add in the fact that he was a wide player by trade, and there's certainly a strong case for Leggat as our best ever scorer. Long-serving Club Chaplain Gary Piper makes the case for the Scotland international.

Graham Leggat

Fulham apps: 280

Fulham goals: 134

Next up: Jacqui Button & Lorraine Hughes (Jack & Loz) on Aleksandar Mitrović



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/july/19/fulhams-greatest-scorer-graham-leggat/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League season ticket price comparison: The staggering amount Brighton, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace charge fans this season
Brighton and Hove Albion kick-off their Premier League campaign at Manchester United on August 7 - but how much money does it cost fans to see their team live this season?

The cost of living crisis has put a squeeze on many household budgets and the price of watching Premier League football now comes into sharp focus.

Stadia across the English top flight – including Brighton's Amex Stadium – will likely be full once again for most matches but which team are raking it in each week and which club offer their supporters better value for money?

Though the experience of supporting your team should be enjoyed by all, it's also a pricey hobby, with fees for tickets, memberships, merchandise, etc.

With this in mind, www.top10casinos.com scoured data to determine – which is the most affordable Premier League season ticket.

Here's the average cost of a season ticket for each club – ranked from the cheapest club to the most expensive

1. Nottingham Forest
The cheapest top flight ticket. Average season ticket price: £467.50. Most expensive: £550

2. Brentford
Average season ticket price: £484.. Most expensive: £549

3. Leicester City
Average season ticket price: £540. Most expensive: £695

4. Leeds United
Average season ticket price: £542. Most expensive: £646

5. Everton
Average season ticket price: £545. Most expensive: £625

6. Crystal Palace
Average season ticket price: £587.50. Most expensive: £755

7. Chelsea
Average season ticket price: £612.50. Most expensive: £940

8. Newcastle United
Average season ticket price: £614. Most expensive: £811

9. Aston Villa
Average season ticket price: £641.50. Most expensive: £752

10. Manchester United
Average season ticket price: £651. Most expensive: £950

11. Bournemouth
Average season ticket price: £655. Most expensive: £760

12. West Ham United
Average season ticket price: £662. Most expensive: £1025

13. Manchester City
Average season ticket price: £655. Most expensive: £980

14. Wolves
Average season ticket price: £688. Most expensive: £786

15. Southampton
Average season ticket price: £699. Most expensive: £999

16. Brighton
Average season ticket price: £702.50. Most expensive: £860 (an Albion season ticket also includes free travel from a wide area around Sussex)

17. Fulham
Average season ticket price: £755. Most expensive: £1050

18. Liverpool
Average season ticket price: £777. Most expensive: £869

19. Arsenal
Average season ticket price: £1,383. Most expensive: £1,839

20.Spurs
Spurs are the most expensive in the Premier League. Average season ticket price: £1416. Most expensive season ticket: £2025




https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/premier-league-season-ticket-price-comparison-the-staggering-amount-brighton-arsenal-tottenham-chelsea-fulham-and-crystal-palace-charge-fans-this-season-3774158

[WhiteJC]

West Ham are in talks to sell Issa Diop to Fulham for £20 million

West Ham United are allegedly in talks to sell centre-back Issa Diop to Fulham in the summer transfer window.

That's according to a report from The Times who claim that the Hammers want £20 million for the 25-year-old defender – a fee that Fulham have not yet met.

Claret and Hugh claimed last week that David Moyes has changed his mind on Diop and could actually keep him at the London Stadium now.

It looks like the centre-back could still be moved on though, if West Ham's asking price is met.

After arriving at the London Stadium in the summer of 2018 for around £25 million (The Express), Diop was one of the very best central defenders in the Premier League during his debut season.

The 25-year-old, who earns around £70,000-a-week at the London Stadium, experienced a poor 2020/21 campaign though and was nowhere near his best last season either.

The 6ft 4in defender really hasn't been great for West Ham at all over the past two years in all fairness. And if Fulham meet the Hammers' £20 million asking price for Diop, he could well be on his way this summer...

West Ham in talks to sell Issa Diop

The Times reckon that the Hammers are currently locked in negotiations with Fulham regarding the potential summer transfer of the 25-year-old.

£20 million does seem a tad steep in all fairness. Perhaps if we lowered our demands to say £16 million, the Cottagers would then be prepared to sign Diop.

n truth, that would be good business for West Ham, despite the fact that it would represent a £9 million loss on the money that we paid for him four years ago.

Diop is now the fifth-choice West Ham centre-back, behind Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson in the pecking order.

As far as we're concerned, he clearly isn't good enough to be playing regular Premier League football – not for the Hammers anyway.

David Gold certainly doesn't agree – he once described the ex-Toulouse man as an 'outstanding' player.

However, with West Ham in talks to sell Issa Diop to Fulham, it might not be too long before he's off.

Whether Fulham will be prepared to meet the Hammers' asking price for the 6ft 4in centre-back remains to be seen though.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-are-in-talks-to-sell-issa-diop-to-fulham-for-20-million/

[WhiteJC]

Why Fulham's ticket policy is more craven than the cottage itself

NO KHAN DO
There are few better places to watch football than Fulham. A tight ground with seats close to the pitch, the Thames behind it, and a fine collection of surrounding hostelries able to redeem the poverty of on-pitch offerings by reducing them to a rumour. What more could any supporter want?

Well, to be allowed to go the game for less than the cost of a tank of petrol, a blast of central heating, or 10 minutes of electricity. But the club's owner, Shahid Khan – in situ for the entirety of nine years – has, in a policy more craven than the cottage itself, decided that his need for an ego-boosting ATM trumps that of fans for whom following Fulham is an identity and a way of life. As such, though the new Riverside Stand has increased capacity by 3,900, the cheapest non-family-enclosure adult ticket for next season's opening-day game against Liverpool is £65; there are other adult tickets on sale for £100; over-65s are given just £5 off; and in three of four stands, kids must pay between £50 and £70. Or, as Khan himself put it, the development is "a real game-changer".

This is as unsurprising as it is vomitous because, despite his cunning cultivation of a Great Soprendo tribute-moustache to convince us he's as cuddly as a literary tiger, Khan has also sought attention in other ways. In 2012, he completed his purchase of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise, announcing a "new brand identity" and a "brand mission of being proud, bold and committed". As part of "bringing this philosophy to life", he introduced a "refinement of the Jacksonville Jaguars logotype and the introduction of a "military-inspired secondary logo", because if American sport needs one thing, it's stronger links to guns, war, violence and imperialism.

"You have to stand for something and hold yourself accountable to the principles you believe in," explained Khan, a maxim to which he has stayed movingly faithful. Having tried and failed to buy Wembley Stadium – presumably the start of a plan to relocate the Jags – he has found another way to expropriate the team from the people of Jacksonville, handing one game a season to the oddballs of London; and if that was not enough evidence of his strong commitment to sporting excellence, he has presided over the worst team in the NFL despite being the league's fourth-richest owner, while mooring Kismet, his subtly-named superyacht, on one side of the Jags' homefield, and asking the taxpayer to fund a property development on another. The Jacksonville city council denied his request.

Recent reports estimate Khan's personal wealth at $8bn – and growing. Which even The Fiver understands is more than that of those either struggling or unable to watch the club that defines them, and enough for him to allow every fan in free to every game and not notice the difference.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jul/19/why-fulhams-ticket-policy-is-more-craven-than-the-cottage-itself

[WhiteJC]

West Ham miss out on bargain transfer, bad news for £20m Fulham deal

West Ham United have missed out on the chance to bring Jordan Torunarigha to the Premier League with KAA Gent confirming the defender's £3.5 million return to Belgium, as reported by Het Laaste Nieuws.

The former Germany U21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at the Ghelamco Arena. And the fifth-best side in Belgium obviously left a lasting impression on Torunarigha. 

Because, rather than embark upon a new adventure in Germany or England, the Hertha Berlin misfit jumped at the chance to pick up where he left off across the border, signing a contract until 2025 on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's nice to be back. I feel good here. It was clear that a transfer was the best choice," says Torunarigha, explaining the role CEO Michel Louwagie and coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck played in convincing him to reject offers from elsewhere.

"What convinced me? Michel and the coach called me almost every day. I felt they absolutely wanted me. That gives me a lot of confidence. 

"The coach (Vanhaezebrouck) has a great personality. He has his own ideas – that's what I like. Whether you play good or bad, he says it like it is. During my last match last season for AA Gent, he also gave me a round of applause and urged the audience to applaud. 

"I had never experienced that. It was an emotional moment."

West Ham United miss out on Jordan Torunarigha

According to HLN, Gent will pay an initial fee of £3 million, rising to £3.5 million, for a left-footed central defender who represented Germany at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

This comes after the Berliner Zeitung reported that West Ham United had submitted a 'proposal' for Torunarigha. The 24-year-old's decision to put pen to paper with Gent instead, however, could have implications for Issa Diop's future at the London Stadium.

The Times say that Fulham are in talks over a potential £20 million deal for Diop. The Cottagers may be forced to go back to the drawing board, however, with the Frenchman's successor slipping through David Moyes' fingers.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/19/west-ham-miss-out-on-bargain-transfer-bad-news-for-20m-fulham-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Xl (H) - 20th July 2022

Margate will face a Fulham XI on Wednesday evening at Hartsdown Park in the 'Gates fourth pre-season game, ahead of the new 2022/23 season.

Last time out, Margate sailed to a 2-0 victory against National League South side Dover Athletic with the goals coming from Troy Howard and Trialist #9 who continued their fine form during this pre-season.

Blues fans could get a first sight of new signing Kieron McCann from Folkestone in a Margate shirt, as he joined up with the squad this week after returning from his Honeymoon. The Club still awaits further updates on the injury of Harrison Hatfull who remains side-lined.

Fulham are a Premier League team once again after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Their U23 side won the Premier League 2 – Division Two last season with 20 wins, two draws, and four losses in the campaign racking up 62 points with an average of 2.38 points per match.

Margate fans will recognise Martial Godo in the Fulham Xl ranks after the talented midfielder left Hartsdown park to join the London sides' Development set-up in March 2022.

Players like Marlon Fossey and Steven Sessegnon played for the U23 side last season before going out on loan to League One clubs Bolton and Plymouth respectively and having great impacts showing the quality of this Development side.

The two clubs do have history having met in 1997 at Hartsdown Park, as Kevin Keegan and Ray Wilkins side ran out 2-1 winners in an FA Cup First Round tie, which was televised live on Sky Sports.

Gates will open at 6pm, with cards and cash being accepted at the turnstiles.



https://www.margate-fc.co.uk/news/12-jul-2022/Fulham-Xl-H-20th-July-2022

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest: Fulham emerge in Maxwel Cornet battle

Nottingham Forest have been joined by Fulham in the race to sign Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Cornet impresses for Burnley

The 25-year-old may have got relegated from the Premier League with the Clarets last season but he did his best to help them remain in the top flight.

Cornet scored an impressive nine goals in 21 starts for a struggling team after joining from Lyon, where he once stunned Pep Guardiola following a brace in a Champions League clash against the Spaniard's Manchester City side.

With Burnley now in the Championship, the Ivorian is expected to leave this summer, and Forest have recently been linked with a move.

The Latest: Forest keen on move

According to Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World], the Reds aren't the only ones eyeing the versatile winger, as Fulham have now emerged as rivals in the quest to sign Cornet this summer.

The Cottagers also secured promotion to the Premier League last season and manager Marco Silva is looking to make key attacking reinforcements, starting with the man capable of playing anywhere up the left flank or as a striker.

The Verdict: Great attacking addition

If Forest managed to pip Fulham and others to the signing of Cornet this summer, it would feel like both an exciting piece of business and proof of their growing reputation under Steve Cooper.

The winger has genuine pedigree throughout his career, scoring 31 goals and registering 22 assists in Ligue 1, and he could be a sprinkling of magic in the final third while also providing depth to the left-wing-back role if the reported move for Alex Moreno falls through.

Cornet has already shown that he can thrive for a relegation-threatened Premier League team, and while Forest will of course be hoping to push towards mid-table, his experience in the bottom three dogfight could be helpful.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/nottingham-forest-news/nottingham-forest-reds-linked-with-maxwel-cornet-move-transfer-cooper-premier-league/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make move to sign Maxwel Cornet

Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham have initiated a move for Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet.

According to Daily Mail, Fulham have identified Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet as a summer transfer target after failing to sign former Juventus winger Federico Bernadeschi. The Cottagers were initially interested in Cornet but then shifted focus on Bernadeschi before the Italy international joined Toronto FC.

25-year-old Cornet joined Burnley just last season from Olympique Lyon in a €15 million deal and impressed in what was a highly disappointing season for the Clarets. Burnley were relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League table and are set to lose some of their top players, including Cornet.

Fulham were among the first clubs to show interest in the 25-year-old but then shifted focus towards Bernadeschi. However, the Italy international chose against joining the newly-promoted Premier League side.

The Cottagers wanted to include a relegation clause to Bernadeschi's contract which would have seen the player take a pay cut if the club were relegated back to the Championship. But having been snubbed by the former Juventus ace, Fulham have returned to the market for Cornet, but other clubs are also showing interest.

Everton have recently stepped up their interest in the Burnley winger with reports claiming their first offer for the Ivory Coast international was turned down. Daily Mail claim the Clarets turned down a loan offer from the Merseyside club and want them to trigger the player's £17.5 million release clause.

As Burnley turned down Everton's first approach, Fulham have stepped back in and have reportedly made an offer for the winger, who can also play as a wing-back, which would especially interest both Frank Lampard and Marco Silva.

In his only season in the Premier League, Cornet scored nine goals and provided one assist. With Burnley getting relegated to the Championship, the 25-year-old is said to be keen on leaving the club just a year after joining them.

Whether Fulham are able to beat Everton in the race to sign the Ivorian or miss out on him like they did with Bernardeschi remains to be seen.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/07/20/fulham-make-move-to-sign-maxwel-cornet/

[filham]

Forrest nine new players signed, Fulham two or three new players signed.
So ends the myth that promotion by the play offs is a handicap in the transfer market.
Not saying that Forrest are doing better than us, only time will tell, but their late start seems not to have become a handicap.