Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 26/10/22...

[WhiteJC]

Erik ten Hag should target prolific Fulham marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic

Erik ten Hag has already shown how he can mould a physically imposing striker into a clinical marksman during his time with Ajax and FC Utrecht.

The 52-year-old turned Sebastian Haller, who was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in the summer, into one of the most formidable strikers on the continent during their two-and-a-half years together in Amsterdam.

In July 2019, West Ham United splashed out a club-record £45 million to sign Haller from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

But in his 18 months with the Hammers, the Ivory Coast international had scored 14 goals from 54 appearances before heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena for less than half of what West Ham splashed out on him.

Ten Hag had already worked with Haller at Utrecht, and the Ivorian scored 40 goals and provided 15 assists from 81 games for the Eredivisie side.

Prior to Ten Hag taking the reins at Old Trafford and Haller moving to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the 28-year-old scored 47 goals and laid on 16 assists from 66 Ajax games, as well as firing the Dutch giants to back-to-back league titles.

Haller's 11 goals in the Champions League last season were only bettered by Robert Lewandowski (13) and Karim Benzema (15).

Ten Hag should target Aleksandar Mitrovic
Signing a new striker is likely to be very high up on Ten Hag's priority list in the summer transfer window.

With Cristiano Ronaldo's second chapter with the Red Devils coming to an end and Anthony Martial struggling to prove his fitness, United's striking options are somewhat depleted and limited.

Edinson Cavani wasn't replaced after the Uruguayan left the Red Devils on a free transfer in the summer and having splashed a record amount during a summer transfer window to bolster other areas, Ten Hag's focus will likely be fixed on identifying the right striker that fits his philosophy and that will bring a wealth of goals to his side.

One man who has started the season in electrifying form is Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Prior to the 2022-23 campaign, Serbia's all-time top scorer had scored a mediocre looking 24 goals from 104 Premier League matches.

But so far this season for the Cottagers, the 28-year-old has scored nine goals from 11 top-flight matches. Only Harry Kane (10) and Erling Haaland (17) have scored more than the former Newcastle United striker.

With his contract at Craven Cottage running until 2026, and a World Cup looming, Mitrovic's value has skyrocketed since the season started.

But Fulham's number nine possesses all the attributes that Ten Hag craves from his striker.

Mitrovic is physically imposing and a nightmare to defend against. He can bring his teammates into the game with his ability to play as a target man and vocal point.

He's also deceivingly quick which would mean he could get on the end of crosses and cutbacks from our speedy wingers.

But probably the most important feature when Ten Hag is pondering whether a player has a role in his team is Mitrovic's work rate off the ball.

The Serbian hassles and hounds the opposition side's defenders when in possession and he carries a massive threat from set pieces due to his aerial presence.

Mitrovic is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe right now, and he's arguably one of the most complete all-round complete number nines that Manchester United could realistically target.

Ten Hag will get the opportunity to scout Mitrovic up close and personal when United travel to Craven Cottage to face Marco Silva's Fulham on 13 November.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/erik-ten-hag-should-target-prolific-fulham-marksman-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

'A lot more to come' from Sessegnon, says Charlton boss
Charlton manager Ben Garner says there's much more to come from Fulham full-back Steven Sessegnon after his impressive return to the Addicks' starting line-up.

Sessegnon, hampered by a hamstring problem both at the beginning and then during his loan spell at the Valley, has demonstrated his versatility by operating at left back and left midfield for the League One outfit despite hardly playing in those positions since his days coming through the Motspur Park academy. The 22 year-old has been a key performer since returning for a 1-1 draw at Oxford – which has the start of Charlton's current six-match unbeaten run.

Garner told the South London Press:

"[He's done] really well. I think the key has just been keeping him fit. Sess has come in and really brought into the football side, but also the sports science side. For example, his strength has really improved in terms of what he can do, and that will play a key part in keeping him fit and having him more robust and available for more games.

"I really like his character. He's an energiser, Sess – he's always positive and he's always around people in the group. He's a really talented player. I think there is a lot more to come from him with more games and more time on the pitch."

Charlton, who sit seventh in League One, take on Milton Keynes at the Valley this evening.

The Addicks host bottom-of-the-table Milton Keynes on Tuesday evening.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/a-lot-more-to-come-from-sessegnon-says-charlton-boss/

[WhiteJC]

Southampton (H) Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's first game back at Craven Cottage after the World Cup break against Southampton will go on sale from Thursday 27th October.

The Whites take on Southampton on New Year's Eve, kick-off 3pm, in what will be the Club's first home game in seven weeks.

Tickets for this fixture will go on sale to Members* (max. 1 per person) at 10am on Thursday 27th October, to Season Ticket Holders (max. 2 per person) at 10am on Tuesday 1st November and to supporters with a previous booking history at 10am on Thursday 3rd November (max. 2 per person). 

FULHAM V SOUTHAMPTON PRICES

STAND	BLOCK	ADULT	CONCESSION/YOUNG ADULT	JUNIOR
Hammersmith	All Blocks	£60	£55	£30
Putney	P1, P2, P3, P4	£65	£60	£45
Johnny Haynes	E, EL, F, FL	£80	£75	£60
Johnny Haynes	Family Area*	£30	£25	£20
Johnny Haynes	Remaining Blocks	£65	£60	£45
Riverside	Lower & Upper Tiers	£90	£90	£60

£2 discount on above prices for Restricted view seats. All Members receive a £5 discount on the above ticket prices for, applies to 1 ticket per member per game.

HOW TO BUY
Fans can now secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.

*Membership must have been purchased by 10am on Tuesday 25th October - New Members after this point would not be eligible to buy during the membership priority window

**Family Area Tickets must be purchased over the phone on 0203 871 0810



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/25/southampton-h-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

GW14 Ones to watch: Andreas Pereira

The Scout says Fulham playmaker can extend run of returns against Everton

The Scout is tipping five players to produce big points in Gameweek 14 of 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League.

Andreas Pereira (FUL) £4.6m
The Fulham playmaker faces Everton this weekend in his best form of the season.

Andreas has amassed 24 points over his last four matches, earning attacking returns against West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United.

He scored once and supplied three assists in that run, blanking only once.

By contrast, he managed only two assists and 26 points in his first eight fixtures of the campaign.

Improved form
The underlying statistics show why Andreas's output has improved in Fantasy.

His minutes per shot have quickened from 64 to 47.6 over the last four Gameweeks.

Similarly, he is producing a key pass every 28 minutes compared with 43 minutes beforehand.

Andreas's recent numbers also fare well when assessed against his team-mates.

His four shots on target in the last four Gameweeks is joint-top for Fulham, while his seven shots rank second.

Meanwhile, his 12 chances created were at least double any team-mate apart from the seven of Harrison Reed (£4.5m).

Indeed, Andreas ranks third among all midfielders in Fantasy for chances created from Gameweek 9 onwards.

Everton visit Craven Cottage on Saturday evening in poor defensive form on the road.

They have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home this season, losing each of their previous two.

Andreas has the improving form to profit from those weaknesses and deliver more attacking returns.

GW14 deadline: 11:00 BST, Sat 29 Oct



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2874124

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest: Reds set to make Pablo Maia offer

Nottingham Forest are set to rival Premier League rivals Fulham in the race to sign Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia.

The Lowdown: Maia profiled
Maia is just 20 years of age and can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or centre-back.

The Brazilian holds a career-high £4.5m Transfermarkt valuation and is under contract until September 2023.

Maia has made 57 senior appearances for Sao Paulo after progressing through their youth system, and it looks as if a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

The Latest: Forest offer
Sport Witness relayed an update from Brazilian outlet Lance regarding Maia on Monday, name-checking both Forest and Fulham.

The report claimed that Forest have hinted they should be making an offer for the midfielder 'in the coming days', with Sao Paulo wanting around €10m (£8.7m).

The Verdict: One to watch
Forest were extremely busy over the summer, but it looks as if they are already making plans ahead of the January window when it comes to Maia.

He appears to be a potential future star and already has plenty of first-team experience under his belt, as well as being able to play in multiple positions.

This could be one to watch over the coming weeks, and who knows, Forest may pip Fulham to Maia's signature and have a transfer all but sealed before the new year.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/nottingham-forest-news/nottingham-forest-reds-set-to-make-pablo-maia-offer/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make £6.5m bid for Nottingham Forest target, club want £9m

Sao Paulo are demanding a minimum of 10 million euros for Nottingham Forest target Pablo Maia after Premier League outfit Fulham failed with a £6.5 million bid for the highly-rated midfielder, according to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola.

Successive three-goal wins over Aston Villa and Leeds United are a credit not only to Fulham's attitude and intensity, but also an excellent summer on behalf of the club's recruitment department. 

Willian continues to roll back the years – West London Willian a very different beast from North London Willian, it seems – while Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira have slotted in brilliantly alongside the industrious Harrison Reed; Fulham now ascending to the the nosebleed-inducing heights of seventh place.

And 20-year-old Pablo Maia could be another inspired addition.

UOL Esporte claims that Fulham have submitted an opening bid of £6.5 million for a deep-lying midfielder as effective with the ball as he is without it. Claims Jorge Nicola is now backing up.

Nottingham Forest and Fulham fight for Sao Paulo ace Pablo Maia
"I confirmed (those reports) with a person close to Pablo Maia," Nicola says. "I heard from a director at Sao Paulo there will be no business for less than 10 million euros (£9m). So unless Fulham raise their offer considerably, Pablo Maia will not leave Sao Paulo.

"He renewed his contract recently. And the best news is that Sao Paulo own 100 per cent of Pablo Maia's economic rights. 

"In addition to Fulham, Nottingham Forest is another interested in the player."

Whether Fulham or Forest are willing to invest nearly £10 million in a 20-year-old totally unproven on European soil, only time will tell. Fellow Brazilians Pereira and Willian are adapting superbly at Craven Cottage after spells at Flamengo and Corinthians respectively. Maia's Sao Paulo team-mate Luizao is another on Fulham's radar.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have already agreed a deal to sign Brazil international and Palmeiras playmaker Gustavo Scarpa. His contract expires at the end of this year.

"Pablo Maia plays as the (deep-lying) midfielder. He gives security to our defence," explains Sao Paulo chief Muricy Ramalho. "He has a good pass too. He's not just about marking (opposition forwards). 

"Nowadays, the midfielder has to play too, and he has a good pass. Of course, he does the simple things but he keeps the ball. He gives stability to Sao Paulo."

Maia has played a staggering 64 games in all competitions this season. He's picked up a bone-crunching 12 yellow cards along the way.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/25/fulham-make-6-5m-bid-for-nottingham-forest-target-club-want-9m/

[WhiteJC]

Former Chelsea, Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt defender is training with Luton
Centre half put through his paces during open session at Kenilworth Road

Former Chelsea, Fulham and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Michael Hector is currently training with the Hatters.

The 30-year-old, who is a free agent after being released by Fulham last season following the Cottagers' promotion to the Premier League, was pictured at Luton's open training session at Kenilworth Road this morning.

Hector, who started out with Reading as a youngster, had number of loan spells in non-league during his time at the Madejski Stadium, also going to Shrewsbury, Cheltenham and Aberdeen, as he played 50 times for the Royals until snapped up by Chelsea in 2015.

He was then immediately loaned back to Reading, going on to spend the 2016-17 campaign at Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hector was moved out by the Blues to Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday over the course of the following two campaigns, before Fulham paid an undisclosed fee for him in September 2019, thought to be around £8m.

The Jamaican international made 40 appearances for the Cottagers during his two-and-a-half years at Craven Cottage, although played just seven times last term.

Speaking recently, Luton boss Nathan Jones admitted he was still looking to add a centre half if possible, despite the transfer window now being closed. saying: "We've still got an opportunity maybe to bring one in, an out of contract player, so we've left a slot open and that's what we've done.

"If something becomes available that improves us and makes us better then we're always ready to do that."



https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/former-chelsea-fulham-and-eintracht-frankfurt-defender-is-training-with-luton-3892839

[WhiteJC]

Fulham offer backed up – Whites must 'considerably' improve their proposal

Following the first reports regarding Fulham's €7.5m bid for São Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, it's time for the Brazilian media to bring some more details on this chase.

Journalist Jorge Nicola uses his show on YouTube to say he managed to 'confirm' the news with someone close to the player.

The reporter claims he had already heard from São Paulo that there'd be no deal for less than double €m figures, so unless Fulham 'considerably improve' their bid, there's no agreement.

Nicola claims there's 'no hurry' at São Paulo for the sale, with 'time playing in their favour', since Maia is doing pretty well and it's just his first year with the club's first team.

It's still highlighted that due to financial difficulties, the Brazilian club will 'need to sell' at some point. But since they stand in a good position, they shall wait to find deal in the 'best possible time'.

Fulham are not to alone in the race, as Nottingham Forest's interest is reported one more time. It's just not yet clear if the Reds will be able to outbid the Whites in this battle.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-offer-backed-whites-must-considerably-improve-proposal/

[WhiteJC]

Manager admits West Ham and Nottingham Forest targets 'can go for free'

Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni admits Luizao and Igor Gomes could both leave for free in the New Year with Premier League trio West Ham United, Fulham and Nottingham Forest watching closely, speaking to Bolavip.

From Antony to Eder Militao, Antony to David Neres; Sao Paulo have seen some extremely talented footballers leave the Morumbi in recent seasons. But at least they could wipe away those tears with a handful of Brazilian Reais.

With Luizao and Igor Gomes entering the final few months of their contracts, one of South America's biggest clubs won't even have the consolation of a sizeable cash windfall should both players depart for nothing in 2023.

Luizao, a 20-year-old centre-half, will be a free-agent in January. Gomes meanwhile, a stylish, elegant attacking midfielder dubbed the 'new Kaka', is due to be out of contract in March. 

West Ham, Fulham and Nottingham Forest eye Brazil raid
"(These departures are) a normal thing. (But) I regret the way they leave," explains Ceni. "It was for the club to make good money with these players. What we regret most is a young player like Luizao, leaving for free."

According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, Luizao is keen on a move to the Premier League. He has held 'advanced' talks with West Ham. Fulham are also eyeing a man on the radar of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

Gomes, meanwhile, is a target for big-spending Nottingham Forest (Nicola). It remains to be seen, however, if Steve Cooper's improving and increasingly difficult-to-beat Forest side opt to bring Gomes to the City Ground after agreeing a deal to sign compatriot Gustavo Scarpa from Palmeiras.

"Igor, with a contract ending in March, can go free," Ceni adds. "We regret that. Because it is through this generation of resources that it is possible to assemble new teams, hire (new coaches), and pay debts."

Brazil U23 international Gomes has six assists and one goal to show for his efforts this term. He turned down a move to West Ham United a year ago.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/25/manager-admits-west-ham-and-nottingham-forest-targets-can-go-for-free/

[WhiteJC]

Everton: Injury expert drops Nathan Patterson update

Everton will head to Craven Cottage this weekend for their Premier League clash against Fulham following their fantastic 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, and now some early team news has emerged which will delight the Goodison Park faithful.

What's the latest?
According to Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, Nathan Patterson has a 50% chance of featuring against the Cottagers this weekend after recovering from an ankle/foot injury during the international break last month.

Dinnery has updated the Scottish full-back's injury status on his Premier League Injuries website to reflect the increased likelihood that the 21-year-old could return as early as Saturday evening.

Lampard should be delighted
There is no doubt that Frank Lampard should be delighted that Patterson could be potentially ready to reprise his role in the Everton team this weekend, as the manager will be hoping for the team's improvement to continue with his key players available to perform.

The young right-back spoke out on his potential return to action on the Everton Live pre-match show ahead of the Crystal Palace game last Saturday, saying: "Yeah, I am doing well. I am nearly back, next week hopefully. I am recovering well."

Patterson was a standout performer for the Toffees prior to his injury problems and has proven how crucial his inclusion in the line-up has been when you consider some of Everton's most recent results.

The Merseysiders went five games unbeaten whenever the talented ace featured across 90 minutes in the lead-up to the international break in September, but have since gone on to lose three out of the five games that he has missed during his recovery.

Despite his absence, the 21-year-old remains the fourth highest-rated player in Lampard's squad according to SofaScore, and it's not hard to see why he has had such a positive response to his performances.

Across seven appearances this term, Patterson has made 1.3 interceptions, four tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, along with winning the majority of his duels (63%) and creating one big chance to show that he is a noticeable presence in the team, especially in terms of his defensive output.

If Patterson is available to feature against Fulham, it seems likely that Lampard will gives him some minutes or may even start him, and the Everton manager will be hopeful that the full-back can pick up where he left off by producing another fantastic performance upon his return to action.



https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-fc-news/everton-nathan-patterson-ben-dinnery-frank-lampard-premier-league-injury-update-latest-news-efc-toffees

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and West Ham given alternative to transfer fee – London clubs battling for Brazilian

Even though São Paulo have already been told Luizão is leaving the club in the coming months, with Fulham and West Ham United chasing him, the Brazilian club still tries to find some kind of compensation for his exit.

The defender's contract with the Tricolor only expires at the end of January. So in case the Premier League clubs want to anticipate the arrival, or even beat the competition for the signing, they can try to find an agreement with the Brazilian side now.

Luizão himself is also thought to be hoping his current club receives something.

Talking about this situation today, ESPN Brasil points out that even though Fulham and West Ham are not willing to spend a big amount of money in the signing, they could offer São Paulo a percentage of a future transfer.

The story claims that since Whites and Hammers are 'medium' sized clubs in England, there are 'good chances' the player could then be sold to a club of 'bigger expression', and that could give the Tricolor some profit in the future.

This piece doesn't make it clear who's leading the race for the player, although recent reports from Brazil claimed West Ham currently have an advantage over Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-west-ham-given-alternative-transfer-fee-london-clubs-battling-brazilian/

[WhiteJC]

Charlton boss Garner reveals why Fulham loanee Steven Sessegnon was benched against Milton Keynes

Charlton boss Ben Garner says he had to rest Fulham loanee Steven Sessegnon for the visit of Milton Keynes.

The full-back was replaced by Sean Clare at left-back for the visit of League One's bottom side before coming on for the final 17 minutes.

He recently spent two months on the side lines with a hamstring problem but started the 2-0 home defeat from the bench.

When asked about the tweak to his starting line-up, Garner explained: "Just the volume of games for Sess. He's done great, he really has. It would have just been a bit of a risk to start him tonight. We weren't in a position to take that risk with the number of players we've got, especially in that position.

"He's an excellent player and we saw that when he came on tonight. It's just the volume he's had on the back of the injury he's had. We can't be taking risks with players because we've not got the depth and numbers to cope with when players get injured."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-garner-reveals-why-fulham-loanee-steven-sessegnon-was-benched-against-milton-keynes/