Saturday Fulham Stuff - 28/01/23...

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Pajaziti earns point for Fulham under 21s
An equaliser from Adrion Pajaziti earned Fulham's under 21s a hard-fought point against Everton in Southport this evening.

The hosts made the perfect start – taking the lead in third minute when winger Katia Kouyate hammered a half-volley in off the far post. But Fulham hit back just before the twenty minute mark as Pajaziti, playing as a number ten on Merseyside, stroked in a leveller after good work from the lively Martial Godo. Both sides had good chances to take all three points in the second half but had to settle for a point apiece.

Steve Wigley made four changes to the team that was beaten by Chelsea at Motspur Park last weekend. Connor McAvoy didn't travel north which meant a defensive reshuffle was necessary. Harvey Araujo and Charlie Robinson resumed their centre back partnership that kept a clean sheet for the under 18s in the FA Youth Cup success at Sunderland on Wednesday, whilst Devan Tanton came in at right back with Luciano D'Auria-Henry switching to the other side of the back four. Jay Williams partnered Matt Dibley-Dias in the middle of the park with Pajaziti playing further forward as Godo came in for Olly Sanderson on the left and Callum McFarlane led the line ahead of Terry Ablade.

After their dream start, Everton spurned a good chance to double their lead on ten minutes. Elijah Campbell leapt majestically to meet a corner but headed disappointingly wide. Fulham's first chance came courtesy of some relentlessly pressing from Dibley-Dias, who won the ball in the home penalty area, but McFarlane saw his snapshot blocked. Pajaziti's equaliser settled the Whites down and Godo almost put the away side ahead but blasted into the side netting after a sharp counter-attack.

Alex Borto made a smart save with five minutes of the first half remaining, parrying away a strike from Callum Bates before goalscorer Kouyate went close with another venomous volley. The second half started scrappily before Borto made a pair of outstanding saves to preserve parity with eighteen minutes left. The American goalkeeper did brilliantly to block Reece Welch's shot with his legs and displayed great agility to tip over a header from Kouyate at the ensuing corner.

Fulham threatened towards the end with Zanluk Leban making an excellent one-handed save to thwart Sonny Hilton's clever chip and Godo shot across the face of goal after Pajaziti's deflected drive fell kindly for the winger. The point sees Fulham stay in fifth in the PL2 standings. Wigley's side are next in action in the Premier League International Cup against Wolfsburg on Wednesday night at Motspur Park.

EVERTON UNDER 21s (5-4-1): Leban; John, Samuels-Smith, Welch, Hunt, Campbell; Bates (Iversen 45), Apter, Barker (Higgins 61), Kouyate; Okoronkwo. Subs (not used): Barrett, Heath, Mallon.

BOOKED: John.

GOAL: Kouyate (3).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Borto; Tanton, D'Auria-Henry, C. Robinson, Araujo; Dibley-Dias (Sanderson 45+2), Williams; Hilton, Godo, Pajaziti; McFarlane (Ablade 78). Subs (not used): Allen, Okkas.

GOAL: Pajaziti (19).

REFEREE: Aaron Jackson.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/pajaziti-earns-point-for-fulham-under-21s/

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Reece James recovered from injury, 'in contention' to start against Fulham — report

Like a new signing?

Chelsea have reportedly agreed the transfer of 19-year-old right back Malo Gusto yesterday, but he will finish out the rest of the season at Olympique Lyonnais and won't be actually joining us until the summer. Thankfully, it sounds like Reece James should be ready to return when our mini-break is over, and, as per the Telegraph, is "in contention" to start next Friday against Fulham.

Best January signing yet!

Reece has been dealing with this knee injury since before the World Cup, and his recovery hasn't exactly been smooth or straightforward, involving a random trip to Dubai and a failed comeback attempt a month ago that lasted 60 minutes. Hopefully things will go better this time around! James had been back in training, in at least limited capacity, for a couple weeks now, so presumably we will have indeed ensured he's fully ready to return.

If Reece can find his form quickly and can stay uninjured, we should be set for the rest of the season with the likes of César Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah backing him up. Then Gusto can come in and, in theory at least, provide proper competition and rotation.



https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2023/1/28/23575351/reece-james-recovered-from-injury-in-contention-to-start-against-fulham-report

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Sunderland: Why Tony Mowbray 'threw Fulham hammering in the bin'

TONY Mowbray knows only too well what Marco Silva's Fulham are capable of on their day - for his Blackburn team were hit for seven by the Cottagers last season.

But rather than dwell on that hammering, Mowbray "threw it in the bin" immediately, just as he did Sunderland's recent home defeat to Swansea City when Luke O'Nien was sent off.

That's not to say the Sunderland boss has his head in the sand at all when it comes to assessing what today's FA Cup opponents are capable of, but he knows that Blackburn thumping was just one of those days when everything went right for Fulham and everything went wrong for Rovers.

And, in truth, being on the receiving end of a Fulham hammering last season was nothing to be ashamed about. Silva's side were by far the Championship's team and are showing their class in the Premier League, sitting pretty in seventh.

"It was a game that I threw in the bin straight away – which is what I did after the Swansea defeat recently," said Mowbray, reflecting on that 7-0 loss.

"We played with 10 men for 75 minutes against what was undoubtedly the best team in the league, a team that was ripping the Championship to shreds.

"They played such good positional football. It seemed every time Harry Wilson got the ball, he stepped inside on to his left foot and rifled it into the top corner. And Mitrovic, every time it hit his backside or his knee, it went in the bottom corner. It was one of those days when every time they attacked, they scored.

"So I don't owe Marco anything. I think he is a very bright manager, he has a good team, talented players. This is a good test for us and Fulham will play a brand of football you do not often see in the Championship.

"We go there on the back of a good Boro performance – we got performance of the week from the LMA for that game – let's see how good we are. It's one thing beating Championship teams, let's see how good we are against Premier League opposition where there is not really an expectation that we will go there and dominate.

"We have to go there and compete as best we can. Let's see if we can give them problems in our best moments and also show the resilience you always need against a top team."

For all Fulham are enjoying a superb season and have threats all over the pitch, Mowbray knows that Sunderland have matchwinners of their own.

He says: "We need to be brave in possession and that is what we are trying to instil into them, to enjoy the football.

"We don't have to play one touch every time, have a few touches, enjoy possession, pass to your teammates. Look we have some wonderful footballers, Amad, Roberts, who have both done extraordinary well down that side of the pitch, Clarke can slice through a defence like butter on his day, Ross Stewart is obviously talented.

"But we have to get the ball to these players so they can test their talent against a very good team."



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23282142.sunderland-tony-mowbray-threw-fulham-hammering-bin/

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President set to collect 'good figure' from player's sale to Fulham – Manager unhappy with deal

Fulham have taken firm steps to sign Torino's Saša Lukić in the winter market.

On Friday, TuttoMercatoWeb explained the Premier League side have offered a deal to the Turin club and also a contract to the midfielder, worth €2m net per season until 2026.

Lukić is expected to change clubs soon as Torino Granata state the player's 'new home will be Fulham'.

Torino president Urbano Cairo will collect €10m plus bonuses from the 26-year-old's sale to Marco Silva's side. It's said this is a 'good figure', considering the Serbia international's deal expires in 2024 and he's refused to sign an extension.

The Serie A side will soon see changes in their midfield. Lukić will say 'goodbye' as he is set to join Fulham and Torino will sign Hellas Verona's Ivan Ilić.

Meanwhile, Torino manager Ivan Jurić is not pleased with Lukić's impending sale to the English club.

"For me Lukić is a very strong player, I consider him really strong because he combines the two phases. Tough, intelligent, then there are the dynamics... I'm sorry that things aren't done the way I would like, there are these difficulties with renewals," Jurić said, as quoted by TMW.

"Let's see how things evolve, also based on what the boy wants. We don't just need to replace, but add on those that I think are strong. If we add strong people then yes, we can also talk about other goals, but right now we are not this thing here."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/president-set-collect-good-figure-players-sale-fulham-manager-unhappy-deal/

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Up next: Sunderland (h)
Back to back frustrating league losses means it is probably a good time for Fulham to embrace the FA Cup again this weekend. The world's oldest Cup competition still holds a special appeal for plenty of supporters and Marco Silva has been fairly emphatic this week that he considers it 'very important'. That message has been emphasised by the players and the Fulham faithful seems to have responded by buying a considerable number of tickets for an intriguing fourth round tie against Sunderland, who are going very well on their return to the Championship under Tony Mowbray and will pose a real threat to Fulham's hopes of progress this afternoon.

Mowbray might well ring the changes this afternoon, as he did in the previous round against Shrewsbury Town, but that might have more to do with the fact that the Black Cats bid for a second succession promotion is gathering steam. Sunderland, backed by a support that will take up most of the Putney End, will head to Craven Cottage in good spirits having comfortably seen off Middlesbrough in a local derby last weekend and, although they are facing a chronic injury crisis, a canny manager like Mowbray has already shown he knows his way around one of the most competitive divisions in the world. In a one off game where anything can happen – and almost half the top flight has been dispatched from the FA Cup already – there were far easier assignments that Fulham could have been handed.

Sunderland have lost just one of their last six and produced a stunning turnaround at Shrewsbury in the third round, having trailed 1-0 until stoppage time when goals from Ross Stewart and Luke O'Nien turned that tie right around. The Black Cats suffered a big blow in the week with confirmation that captain Corry Evans will miss the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the win over Middlesbrough. Elliot Embleton is also unlikely to feature again before the summer and Lynden Gooch's hip injury is likely to rule the American out of action this afternoon. O'Nien is suspended, but Alex Pritchard and Dennis Cirkin should be available, whilst Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji – dependent on international clearance – will be pushing for debuts. Joe Gelhardt, an eye-catching loan signing from Leeds, is cup-tied. There should be a return for Patrick Roberts, whose prodigious talent we never saw enough of in the Fulham first team.

Marco Silva's own selection will be interesting. Fulham have a good chance of completing the SW6 double over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday, after memorably beating the Blues courtesy of that Carlos Vinicius header earlier this month. The Fulham head coach hinted at a degree of squad rotation, although the precise nature of his alterations remained under wraps during yesterday's press conference. He was adamant that the Whites would need to take Sunderland seriously or they could find themselves on the end of a humbling upset. Layvin Kurzawa certainly fancies a Cup run – and has his family to impress today – after opening his Fulham account in a stodgy third round win at Hull City. The French left back should get another chance to build up his match sharpness this afternoon.

Tosin Adarabioyo, the subject of fairly frenzied transfer speculation at the start of last week, could well return to the back four, and we might see Bobby Decordova-Reid slip into the right back role once again. There seems an obvious chance to give Tom Cairney a rare start in central midfield, perhaps alongside Harrison Reed, whose energy will be vital against opposition will be up for a real battle. Dan James scored at Hull and deserves another shot in the Cup, whilst this tie represents an ideal opportunity to hand Manor Solomon his first start in Fulham colours after a number of encouraging cameos. The romantic in me wants Luke Harris to get a go in the number ten role, a position from where he can arrive late in the box as he has so devastatingly for Steve Wigley's academy sides over the past season, and Vinicius should lead the line – even if Aleksandar Mitrovic has shaken off any concerns about the ankle injury sustained late on against Tottenham on Monday night.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Decordova-Reid, Kurzawa, Diop, Adarabiyo; Reed, Cairney; James, Solomon, Harris; Vinicius. Subs: Wickens, Duffy, Tete, Palhinha, Chalobah, Willian, Wilson, O'Neill, Mitrovic.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/up-next-sunderland-h/

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Fan Focus: Fulham fan Steve hopes that Patrick Roberts can fulfill his potential at Sunderland!

Ahead of Sunderland's fourth round FA Cup tie, Matty spoke to Fulham fan and Freelance Journalist, Steve Lillis, to discuss their fantastic form this season!

Matthew Crichton: Fulham sit 7th in the Premier League after a fantastic start to the season, what has been so different this time around from your last spell in the top tier?

    Steve Lillis: For once Fulham have done it right in the transfer market. Bernd Leno has been fantastic in goal, Andreas Pereira is now proving himself in English football after a long stop-start Manchester United career, Willian is showing his Chelsea form, but Palhinha has been one of the best signings in the Premier League.

    The biggest difference is Silva backing Alexander Mitrovic. Scott Parker never fancied him at all the last time we were in top flight, and even preferred Josh Maja when he came in.

MC: After a difficult spell in charge at Everton, Marco Silva has won over half his games in charge of Fulham - what are the factors behind his success?

    SL: He has had a better relationship with the owners than previous managers, had a lot more say in the transfer market and his signings have been top drawer.

    He was seen as damaged goods after Everton so came here with a lot to prove after 18 months out. If he failed at Craven Cottage he was finished as top flight manager.

MC: With survival almost certain, do you think the club should be really going for the FA Cup given your great form and the fact the club has never won it?

    SL: Absolutely, we should. Three wins should be enough for Premier League survival, but despite our form Europa League qualification is unlikely so a FA Cup run is a must although in recent seasons we have failed miserably in the competition.

    I think it's the fifth round once in 12 years. The last three seasons have been fourth round exits losing 4-0, 3-0 and 4-1, although two of those losses were at Manchester City and the other against bogey club Burnley.

MC: While 10 goals in 13 games for Ross Stewart is impressive, it's nothing compared to Aleksandar Mitrović's 43 in 44 games last season - do you think he will be rested for this match?

    SL: He injured the same ankle that has been giving him problems for months against Tottenham on Monday and it's highly unlikely he will be risked with a big derby against Chelsea six days later even if fit.

    He missed the win at Craven Cottage recently and won't want to be in the stands at Stamford Bridge.

MC: Even Fulham's second string eleven is packed with vast talent should Silva decide to make changes - which Fulham players should Sunderland be most wary of?

    SL: If Palhinha plays, Sunderland players will be shocked how good his tackling and all-round play is. Tom Cairney has been outstanding when he has come off the bench and ran the show at Sunderland in round three.

    Most of all, watch for Manor Solomon who will play and is returning to fitness. He is a top winger and big things were expected when he signed from Shakhtar Donetsk, but we're only starting to see him now following a training injury in August.

MC: Aged just 18, Patrick Roberts left Fulham to join Manchester City for around £11m, looking back do you think it would have been better for his development to stay?

    SL: He should have stayed for another season and developed. Fulham fans were upset when he left. Saying that if Manchester City come in with a five-year contract that will secure your financial future while you're a teenager it's hard to say no.

MC: Following loans at six different clubs, Roberts appears to have settled at Sunderland and is playing brilliantly of late - do you think Sunderland fans can expect more to come?

    SL: I hope there is more to come and he becomes a Mackem great and plays in the Premier League for Sunderland. If he does, Patrick will have fulfilled his potential and not been a waste of talent.

MC: Fulham have an excellent record at Craven Cottage this season, what style of play can Tony Mowbray's team expect to encounter?

    SL: Fulham play out from the back, move the ball quick, press and get crosses into the box as often as possible.

    Sunderland's central defenders need to be on it. Fulham have been superb from corners and until a couple of weeks were the Premier League's top scorers from them.

MC: Which eleven players do you think Silva will select?

    SL: People expected 11 changes from the win at Leicester when we played Hull in the third round, but Fulham started with five regulars.

    Players who are usually on the bench like goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Tom Cairney, Tosin Adarabioyo, Carlos Vinicius will all start. Marco Silva knows there is hope that this could be the year we have a FA Cup run and won't rest an entire team.

MC: Sunderland won 3-1 when the two sides last met in the FA Cup back in 2015 - what is your prediction for the final score?

    SL: It will be nervy for Fulham who will have to be patient. I expect Sunderland to put men behind the ball and frustrate the home side.

    If you're a Fulham fan, we have to expect a win against a good Championship side and I'm going 1-0 in a tight match that will sound like a home game for Sunderland with 5-6,000 fans behind them at the Putney End.

    I'm sure if the roles were reversed Sunderland fans wouldn't accept anything more than a win.



https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2023/1/28/23568902/fan-focus-fulham-fan-steve-hopes-that-patrick-roberts-can-fulfill-his-potential-at-sunderland

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Chelsea handed huge defensive injury boost with James and Chilwell set to return for visit of Fulham

Chelsea defenders Reece James and Ben Chilwell are set to return to action very soon after respective prolonged injury layoffs.

    Injury boost for Chelsea
    James, Chilwell set to return
    Chelsea face Fulham in Premier League

WHAT HAPPENED? James and Chilwell, who have been out of action since October and November respectively, have successfully recovered from their injuries and will be available for selection ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Fulham on Friday, February 3, according to The Telegraph.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Both the full-backs missed out on being part of the England squad at the Qatar World Cup. While Chilwell suffered a hamstring tear in the Blues' Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, James picked up a knee injury against AC Milan.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Speaking to the club's in-house media, Chilwell said: "I've been working now for 10-11 weeks to get back onto the grass and I've been back in training now for a few days, so I'm buzzing and really looking forward to getting back to the games and helping the team."

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA? Graham Potter's side face Fulham and West Ham next in the Premier League before taking on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-handed-defensive-injury-boost-james-chilwell-return-fulham/blt44f937c4bce920f0

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Sunderland transfer latest and Fulham team news as Tony Mowbray faces multiple injury issues for FA Cup tie

Sunderland face Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup – and we've got all the action covered from Craven Cottage.

The Black Cats should be full of confidence following last weekend's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough – but are still dealing with several injury setbacks.

Captain Corry Evans is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, a blow which may alter the club's transfer plans.

Sunderland have made three new signings in January, though, with forward Joe Gelhardt joining on loan from Leeds until the end of the season.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-transfer-latest-and-fulham-team-news-as-tony-mowbray-faces-multiple-injury-issues-for-fa-cup-tie-4005060

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Report: 23-year-old Chelsea player now in contention to start against Fulham, Potter's only picked six times

Reece James is reportedly in line to start for Chelsea at home to Fulham next week.

According to the Telegraph, the defender is in contention to feature from the off at Stamford Bridge for the first time since his latest injury layoff.

James' rotten fitness record has remained a concern for the player and the club this season.

The 23-year-old missed a large chunk of the previous campaign through various wounds, but looked to improve his luck heading into the current term.

His fortunes have not changed, however.

Is Reece James really ready this time for Chelsea?
Chelsea's Champions League tie away to AC Milan in October was the first of the England international's set-backs.

A knee problem forced him out of the side and, perhaps more poignantly, made him miss the World Cup.

He sat out nine domestic matches and the entirety of the tournament in Qatar whilst his rehabilitation ensued.

After traveling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of his recovery, the medical staff at Cobham deemed James healthy enough to play the first game post-World Cup.

Sadly, this decision appeared to be premature.

Graham Potter had to remove the right-back just eight minutes into the second-half against Bournemouth due to an issue in the same knee that doused him previously.

But the academy graduate has continued to fight, and is now back in training ahead of the derby with Fulham in just under a weeks' time.

James could be joined by fellow treatment-table buddy Ben Chilwell, who is apparently hopeful to make the bench for the next Premier League fixture following his own absence.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/premier-league/report-23-year-old-chelsea-player-now-in-contention-to-start-against-fulham-potters-only-picked-six-times/

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Everton U21's Held by Fulham

Everton's U21 side earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Fulham, with Katia Kouyate on the scoresheet for the young Toffees.

With Paul Tait assisting Leighton Baines in overseeing first-team training this week following Frank Lampard's dismissal, assistant coach Keith Southern took charge of the Premier League 2 clash at Southport's Haig Avenue on Friday evening.

Everton went into the game with back-to-back victories under their belt, with a win at Southampton in the Premier League Cup last week followed by a victory away at Brighton.

A goal inside 3 minutes for the Toffees emphasized the confidence within the squad at the minute, as Kouyate latched onto the end of a long Kyle John pass to open the scoring.

It was a dominant performance from the young Everton side, though missed opportunities to double their lead proved costly when the visitors drew level with their first chance of note.

With 18 minutes gone, Fulham's Martial Godo saw his effort blocked by Reece Welsh, only for the ball to fall kindly for Adrion Pajaziti who scored to restore parity.

Both sides had chances to steal the points in the second period, but for some quality goalkeeping at either end of the pitch to ensure the game ended in a draw.

"I think it's a fair result," Southern said after the game. "Two really good competitive sides playing in an end-to-end match and going toe-to-toe with each other.

"I thought we might have nicked it near the end with the big man at the back post, Reece.

It was a lovely finish but the goalkeeper made a great save. Zan's made some decent saves, too, so I think a draw was the fair result."

The result leaves Everton in 7th place in the Premier League 2 table, level on points with Fulham who are in 6th.



https://everton.vitalfootball.co.uk/everton-u21s-held-by-fulham/

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Fulham 'close to completing £8.8m deal for Torino's Sasa Lukic'... with the Italian club willing to let the midfielder leave as they 'edge nearer to signing Ivan Ilic from Hellas Verona'

    Fulham look set to sign Torino's Sasa Lukic on a three-and-a-half year deal
    The Italian club have authorised his sale as they are close to signing Ivan Ilic

Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic is closing in on a move to Fulham, as the Serie A club edge nearer to signing Ivan Ilic from Hellas Verona.

The Premier League outfit have a history of dipping into the Italian market, and are now waiting for the green light from Turin to proceed to the final details of the deal.

Fulham have offered €10m (£8.8m), including bonuses, to bring the 26-year-old to Craven Cottage, according to Tuttosport.


Sasa Lukic is set to join Fulham from Italian club Torino until the summer of 2026


Torino are closing in on signing central midfielder Ivan Ilic from Hellas Verona

Lukic will be on a €2m-a-year contract (£1.8m) that will run until 2026, and his current club are willing to let him go, despite previously considering him a potential future captain.

Torino are in favour of selling him to get the money needed to keep hold of Nikola Vlasic and Aleksey Miranchuk, who are both currently on loan from West Ham and Atalanta respectively.

Selling Lukic would guarantee the club a large transfer fee and immediately make room for the highly-talented Ilic without creating financial problems for the club.

Lukic looks set to bring his Torino career to an end after six years at the club.


Lukic will give Marco Silva another option in midfield for the second half of the season

During this period, he established himself at international level for Serbia, representing his country at the recent World Cup in Qatar.

His performance in the Middle East caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe, who reacted by adding him to their January wishlist.

Lukic pushed to leave Torino in August, and was left out of the squad for the opening game of the season due to his behaviour which was condemned by the club's sporting director.

Torino boss Ivan Juric managed to get Lukic back on board, though, helping the midfielder overcome the disappointment of failing to reach an agreement with the club over a contract extension.

Negotiations over a renewal started once more in the final months of 2022, but an agreement could not be found, and it now seems like the right time for Lukic and Torino to part ways.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11686815/Fulham-close-completing-8-8m-deal-Torinos-Sasa-Lukic.html

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Fulham launch bid Fluminense midfielder Andre

Fulham have made a bid to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, 90min understands.

The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Fluminense's top players and a number of sides across Europe have expressed an interest in luring him away from his homeland in 2023.

Sources have confirmed to 90min that Fulham have approached Fluminense to try and thrash out a deal, but the Brazilian side are reluctant to part ways with their star player during the 2023 campaign.

Andre, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, has spoken out about the interest and insisted his focus remains solely on his current employers.

"Obviously, I'm focused and very happy," Andre said recently. "I just renewed my contract until 2026.

"It's normal to get offers, but I'm focused here on Fluminense and having an excellent season."

Andre's agent, Carlos Leite, also took to Instagram to confirm that the 21-year-old had agreed to remain with Fluminense until the end of the current campaign, which runs over the entire calendar year.

"Thanks to the great work carried out, Andre entered the radars of some of the biggest European clubs and, with that, he has received several enquiries and some official proposals," Leite wrote.

"However, the player and Fluminense, through president Mario Bittencourt, sealed an agreement for the midfielder to remain at the club at this time, with all the dedication and commitment, always seeking the best for Fluminense in all competitions."



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-launch-bid-fluminense-midfielder-andre

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Report – Jimi Gower scores and Daniel Oyetunde debuts as Arsenal U18s draw with Fulham

Arsenal 2 (Kamara 2) Fulham 2 (Gordon 13, Loupalo 37)

For the second game in succession a substitute made a key impact for Arsenal U18s.

After Osman Kamara's heroics against Newcastle United in the FA Youth Cup, today Jimi Gower came off the bench to help Jack Wilshere's side secure a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.

The U18s were without a host of players, with Elian Quesada-Thorn, Kaleel Green, Michal Rosiak and Harrison Dudziak amongst those who were missing.

Bradley Ibrahim captained the side, with Kamara also starting. U15 goalkeeper Owen Asemota was named on the bench, with U16 forward Daniel Oyetunde also receiving his first callup at this level.

Cooper

Nichols-Robinson-Brown-Quamina

Ibrahim-Ismail Oulad M'Hand

Ferdinand-Roberts-Kamara

Benjamin

Subs: Kacurri (for Brown, 64), Gower (for Ismail Oulad M'Hand, 64), Oyetunde (for Roberts, 77). Not used: Asemota.

Arsenal made a flying start, with Kamara opening the scoring after just two minutes as he was set up by Ismail Oulad M'Hand.

However, Fulham were in front by half time as Lemar Gordon equalised before the prolific Aaron Loupalo made it 2-1.

Just after the hour mark Maldini Kacurri made his return from injury as he replaced Luis Brown, while Gower came on for Ismail.

The latter change proved to be inspired as just four minutes after his introduction Gower scored after being found by Kamara.

Oyetunde, who will be part of next season's scholarship intake, then made his U18 debut as he replaced Mathaeus Roberts.

Arsenal were searching for a winner but in the end they had to settle for a point.

The next game for Wilshere's team is away to Watford in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.



https://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2023/01/28/report-jimi-gower-scores-and-daniel-oyetunde-debuts-as-arsenal-u18s-draw-with-fulham/

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Torino agree Lukic sale to Fulham

Torino have reportedly agreed terms to sell midfielder Sasa Lukic to Premier League side Fulham for €10m plus add-ons.

According to multiple sources in Italy, including Sportitalia and Tuttomercatoweb, the deal is practically done and will be concluded in a conference call today.

At that point, Lukic can fly out to London for his medical and to sign the contract.

He is only tied to the Granata until June 2024 and the asking price had been €15m, but it's reported they have agreed to make the sale for €10m plus circa €3m in various performance-related bonuses.

Lukic is set to sign a contract worth €2.2m per season net until June 2027.

The 26-year-old is a Serbia international with 35 senior caps for his country and started all three of their games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He is making way for Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic, who turned down Olympique Marseille so that he could join Ivan Juric at Torino.

https://t.co/XZIt4ArJes

— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) January 28, 2023

https://football-italia.net/torino-agree-lukic-sale-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds transfer news: Weston McKennie deal agreed

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United have beaten late interest from Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest and Marco Silva's Fulham to agree a deal with Juventus over the transfer of Weston McKennie, according to The Daily Mail.

Leeds beat Nottingham Forest and Fulham to Weston McKennie
The report has claimed that Nottingham Forest and Fulham made late moves to snap up McKennie, but it is Leeds who have managed to get a deal done.

The West Yorkshire club will bring the USA international midfielder to Elland Road on a loan deal in the final days of the January transfer window, with the option to make it permanent for £30 million in the summer of 2023.

Exciting
In our view, Weston McKennie is a very good and exciting signing for Leeds United.

That the USA international was playing for a massive club such as Juventus shows his quality.

The 24-year-old will make Leeds better in the middle of the park.

It must be a relief for Leeds that they have been able to get the deal done despite late interest from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

Leeds are aiming to avoid the dreaded drop to the Championship at the end of the season, and McKennie will enhance their chances of doing just that.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/28/leeds-transfer-news-weston-mckennie-deal-agreed/