Friday Fulham Stuff - 03/02/23...

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham, Leeds United Eyeing PSG's Teenage Sensation

Paris Saint-Germain has seen plenty of the youth products leave over the last few years, with some going on to stardom with their new team. The latest name that could be joining the list is El Chadaille Bitshiabu.

Jeunesfooteux reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that several clubs are eyeing the 17-year-old, whose contract with PSG expires in 2024. As a result, a decision will need to be made on his and the club's part.

Bitshiabu is still very followed by Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen—also, Leeds United and Fulham in the Premier League and even Red Bull Salzburg in Austria are in the mix for the teenager.

The PSG youth product has made seven appearances for the capital club in all competitions. Last summer, the French giants saw Edouard Michut and Xavi Simons exit and both appear to be prospering in their new environment.

Once the 2022-23 season is over, there will be many looking to convince the defender to ditch PSG and the Ligue 1 side has to allow either him to leave or ensure that they see him on the same level as Warren Zaire-Emery.



https://psgtalk.com/2023/03/report-fulham-leeds-united-eyeing-psgs-teenage-sensation/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United to face Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals

Manchester United will face Fulham at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The Red Devils overcame West Ham United in the fifth round to secure their place in the last eight.

Here is the FA Cup quarter-final draw in full:

    Manchester City vs Burnley
    Manchester United vs Fulham
    Brighton & Hove Albion vs Grimsby Town
    Sheffield United vs Blackburn Rovers

This is the fourth-straight consecutive home draw for Man United in the FA Cup this year. They will host the Cottagers on the weekend of March 18/19.

United supporters will be delighted that they have not been drawn against Man City. However, taking on high-flying Fulham won't be an easy task. They comfortably knocked out Leeds United last night.

Marco Silva's men are seventh in the Premier League table with 39 points. Fulham fans are already dreaming of European football for next season.

When these two sides last met, Alejandro Garnacho's last-gasp winner helped Man United secure the victory.

Fulham will be keen to take revenge for that tough loss but they have to do it at Old Trafford, which has been a fortress for United this season.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping his men can do a Wembley Stadium double after winning the Carabao Cup last weekend.



https://manutdnews.com/manchester-united-to-face-fulham-in-the-fa-cup-quarter-finals/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva makes Fulham squad point with Palhinha suspension ahead of Brentford and Arsenal ties

Palhinha opened the scoring for Fulham in the FA Cup win vs Leeds United but will be suspended for their next two Premier League games against Brentford and Arsenal

Fulham boss Marco Silva has backed his squad to replace suspended Palhinha.

The midfielder picked up his tenth booking of the season in the Cottagers 1-1 Premier League draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

He went on to open the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort 20 minutes in during Tuesday night's 2-0 FA Cup win over Leeds United, with Manor Solomon doubling the home side's lead 10 minutes after the break.

But Palhinha's caution on Saturday afternoon means the in-form Portugal star will miss Fulham's next two matches - London derbies against Brentford on Monday and then league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Responding to how the team will fare without Palhinha, Silva was adamant someone will step up in his absence but admitted it's a loss for the first team.

"Of course he will be a miss for us, he is an important player for us but another one will come in and another will do his job well for sure," Silva said.

Palhinha joined the west London outfit from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in the summer and has gone on to make 24 appearances in the league, scoring three goals.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marco-silva-fulham-palhinha-suspension-26363087

[WhiteJC]

Everton face Viktor Gyokeres competition as Fulham 'plot' £12m move

Everton moved for Viktor Gyokeres in January but failed to land the Sweden forward

Everton face competition from Fulham in the race to sign Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.

The Blues made a late deadline day move for the Sweden international but saw their efforts in vain as Mark Robins' side stood firm and maintained the services of their star forward until at least the end of the season.

Sean Dyche has inherited a forward's crisis as Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggles to maintain match fitness. The striker withdrew shortly after the hour mark against Arsenal in the 51-year-old's first game in charge but hasn't featured since - leaving Neal Maupay and 22-year-old Ellis Simms as the remaining options.

Marco Silva's side were among the potential suitors for the 24-year-old during the January transfer window. But now, according to Football Insider, they're plotting another move as they look to provide cover and competition for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Cottagers sit two points outside the top five in their first season back in the Premier League and they rival the Blues for his signature as he enters the final 18 months of his contract at the Sky Blues.

With his time edging towards its conclusion, it has been said that the price-tag has been slashed to between £10m and £12m. The forward has netted 16 times in 35 appearances, in all competitions.

Speaking after Gyokeres marked his 100th appearance with a goal, Robins was reluctant to discuss his future. He said via Coventry Live: "I don't want to keep talking about Vik because everyone is trying to sell him.

"He's a good player and deserves everything he gets because he works really hard. But we have got a squad that is working really hard to create chances for him, so it's always a team game. There are some times when he can turn a game. Tony [Mowbray] has talked about Diallo who can do that and do something out of nothing, which he did at the end for them.

"Viktor is very similar for us but you have to look at what happened behind it with the movement and runs, Brooke's (Norton-Cuffy) power and release, Gus (Hamer) seeing that pass to Matty Godden with the reverse catching them out a little bit, and then the touch and pass from Matty Godden. And the run through the middle by Viktor - but they were two very good goals.

"Thirty-five in a 100 games is very good but he's not finished there, that's for sure. He's going to be hungry for more goals between now and the end of the season."



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-face-viktor-gyokeres-competition-26367587#

[WhiteJC]

"Best thing was coming to Fulham" – Player on joining Silva's side, 'sure' about getting future transfer

Andreas Pereira has enjoyed a good first season at Fulham after having joined them from Manchester United last summer.

The attacking midfielder spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Flamengo and was keen to continue with the Brazilian club.

A deal didn't take shape because they failed to find an agreement with Manchester United and it allowed Fulham to swoop in for the 27-year-old.

The Belgium-born Brazil international has now admitted he's delighted with his decision to join Marco Silva's side. He made this claim this during an interview with TNT Sports in Brazil when explaining why a move to Flamengo didn't take shape.

"These are things that happen in football. There was a phase at Flamengo that was difficult. I know what happened, I felt it first-hand," he said, as relayed by O Dia.

"But unfortunately, in the end, when things were working out, it turned out to be too late to negotiate with Manchester. They no longer wanted to negotiate with Flamengo."

"I understand the Flamengo part and I understand the Manchester United part, but I think the best thing for me was coming to Fulham. Of course, at Flamengo, I would have liked to have stayed there. It's a club where I like the people, the fans, everything."

Pereira signed a contract until 2026 and the Premier League side have an option to extend it further by a year. Despite the time left on his Fulham deal, the player has expressed his desire to return to Flamengo.

"I'm sure that in the future, I'll return to Flamengo. It's part of my plan. In Brazil, for sure, it would only be Flamengo," Pereira explained.

It'll be interesting to see if and when the Fulham midfielder would be able to fulfil his wish to return to the South American club.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/best-thing-coming-fulham-player-joining-silvas-side-sure-getting-future-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Bernd & Manor Nominated

Fulham have two men in contention for the Premier League's EA Sports Player of the Month award.

Bernd Leno proved almost unbeatable throughout February, conceding just once in four matches to help his team claim eight points, while Manor Solomon's performances off the bench have also seen him make the shortlist.

The winger was only on the pitch for 86 minutes in February, but he certainly made that time count, scoring against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Wolves.

Our boys face competition from Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcus Rashford, Emerson Royal and Ollie Watkins.

The vote is open from now until 12pm on Monday 6th March, with the winner announced that Friday.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/02/bernd-and-manor-nominated/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham want to sign Manor Solomon on permanent deal after blistering form

The 23-year-old Israeli is in blistering form and has scored four goals in his last four games

Fulham want to make Manor Solomon's loan move permanent this summer.

The 23-year-old Israeli is in blistering form and has scored four goals in his last four games, only one of them starts, including Tuesday's curling clincher in the 2-0 win over Leeds to secure a FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

Solomon joined Fulham on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, but missed three months before the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury on the opening day of the season.

After returning to fitness, he has been starring for the Cottagers in their unlikely push for Europe as he continues to catch the eye.

Manager Marco Silva expects competition for his signature and Fulham know a move could be complicated by FIFA transfer rules around signing players from Ukrainian clubs.

A fresh agreement is needed with Shakhtar after Fulham secured a free one-year loan deal last summer.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-manor-solomon-transfer-b1064241.html

[WhiteJC]

Vote For Marco!

Fulham's unbeaten February has seen Marco Silva nominated for the Premier League's Barclays Manager of the Month award.

After beginning the month with a hard fought draw away to Chelsea, the Whites took maximum points from our games versus Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, before closing February out with a come-from-behind draw with Wolves.

There are only three people on the shortlist this month, with Silva coming up against Antonio Conte and Erik ten Hag for the accolade.

The vote is open from now until 12pm on Monday 6th March, with the winner announced that Friday.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/02/vote-for-marco/

[WhiteJC]

Club eagerly awaiting next Fulham transfer payment – Bonus objective now 'practically guaranteed'

With Fulham already proving to have made a positive Premier League campaign in the 202/23 season, they're set to pay Sporting CP a bonus for the signing of João Palhinha last summer.

That's today reported by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, who features a piece claiming that the Lions are about to make some money with add-ons from sales.

Their story doesn't do a great job explaining it, and says that the transfers of Gonzalo Plata to Real Valladolid and João Palhinha's to Fulham are about to give Sporting €2m.

The first because of the player's first 20 appearances, and the other for the Whites' escape from relegation, as they say that's 'practically guaranteed'.

The report makes it sound like €2m for both moves, but that's unlikely to be the case.

That's because when Plata's transfer to Spain was reported, reports explained the La Liga side would pay €2m once he reached that number of games for the club, which is happening now.

Therefore, it's very likely that Fulham are paying other €2m for escaping relegation.

At the time of Palhinha's move to the Craven Cottage, Sporting announced he was leaving for €20m plus €2m in bonuses, so it could be that Fulham are paying that entire amount in just one go.

Either way, some money is heading Sporting CP's way.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-eagerly-awaiting-next-fulham-transfer-payment-bonus-objective-now-practically-guaranteed/

[WhiteJC]

Willian & Solomon Up For GOTM

Willian and Manor Solomon are both in contention to win the Premier League's Budweiser Goal of the Month award.

We're still trying to work out how Willian managed to laser his shot – which was on his weaker left foot – beyond what seemed the entirety of the Nottingham Forest side, plus Champions League winning goalkeeper Keylor Navas, and into the far top corner.

One would be forgiven for assuming at the time that would be our best strike in February, but Manor Solomon went on to give the Brazilian plenty of competition, and it's his effort against Wolves which has made the Premier League shortlist.

Following good work from Antonee Robinson, Solomon cut inside and unleashed a phenomenal curling, dipping drive inside the far post from range.

The other players up for the trophy are Jeffrey Schlupp, Brennan Johnson, Nampalys Mendy, Kevin De Bruyne, Seamus Coleman and Oliver Skipp.

The vote is open from now until 12pm on Monday 6th March, with the winner announced that Friday.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/02/willian-and-solomon-up-for-gotm/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 04/03
We get to make the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford at their place

Manor Solomon to the rescue, what an impact he's made in his last 3 subs!, it'll be difficult for Marco to leave him on the bench for this game?
Missing Palhinha for both this and the Arsenal games will definitely be a loss, time for Lukić to shine, he'll relish linking up with Mitro as they do for their national team.

Another chance to get to "do a double" over another of our local rivals presents itself.
Our 3-2 home win back in August, a game that wasn't as close as the scoreline would make it appear?, sets this up nicely, Brentford will be looking to gain revenge.

I wonder what the odds are on how long a ban Ivan Toney will get now that he's admitted the 262 gambling related charges?, whatever it is it'll not be in time for this game. I don't think he'll mimic Mitro's hand wave again, he's going to score against us isn't he, after last time, if he does lets hope Mitro puts him in his place again.

Surprisingly, our record again Brentford isn't that good with 4 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws.

Current Form:
Brentford – WDWDD
Fulham – LDWWD

my team would be...

Over on the forum Ludlow Richard came up with an interesting stat about this game:
"It will be our 1100th top flight league game and  it will be our 4,398th league game. This means that for the first time in our existence as a league club we will have played more than 25% of all our league games in the top flight of English football. "

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 4th
Arsenal v Bournemouth
Villa v Palace
Brighton v West Ham
Chelsea v Leeds
Wolves v Spurs

Sunday 5th
Forest v Everton

Monday 6th
Brentford v Fulham

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2524

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set sights on two strikers as they eye potential summer transfers

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham emerges

Fulham are reportedly keen on bolstering their striking department at the end of this season. The Cottagers are being linked with moves for Olivier Giroud and Viktor Gyokeres from AC Milan and Coventry City respectively.

Football Insider claim the Whites are 'ready' to swoop for former Chelsea and Arsenal man Giroud as he looks to return to London this summer from Italy. The same source also suggests Marco Silva's side are 'planning' to move for Sweden international Gyokeres in the next transfer window as well.

Fulham currently play top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic up front and he has been in decent form this term, scoring 11 goals. They then have Carlos Vinicius as competition and back-up but may want more firepower in that department in the next campaign.

Giroud, 36, is a proven goal scorer and has found the net 260 times in 652 games in his career. He would inject useful experience into the ranks at Craven Cottage and would be an exciting addition for supporters.

Gyokeres has proved himself in the Championship over the past couple of years and is ready to make the step up to the Premier League now. Fulham could hand him his chance in the top flight after seeing him fire 16 goals so far this season.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-set-sights-on-two-strikers-as-they-eye-potential-summer-transfers-4048416

[WhiteJC]

How will Fulham deal with the absence of Europe's top tackler?

In recent months, Premier League teams sought to bolster their midfield, and unsurprisingly so. In such a key area of the pitch, the relevant investment is vital. Manchester United brought in Casemiro, while Tottenham signed Yves Bissouma, who hasn't had quite the same impact as the Brazilian workhorse, but swelled the ranks nonetheless. Liverpool are paying the price for a lack of new faces and Chelsea made their move to improve in January as they landed Enzo Fernandez.

As has been proven by Casemiro and his addition to the United fold, a top quality midfield capture can be transformative. Outside of the recognised Big Six, this is very much the case a little further down the table. Fulham's marquee signing this season was Joao Palhinha, the central midfielder joining from Sporting CP last summer. Having been linked with a Premier League switch in the past, the Cottagers took something of a gamble to spend big to bring Palhinha to England, yet he has surpassed expectations and then some.

The issue with Fulham previously has been that they spent wildly in the summer and with no direction, they suffered, ultimately relegated in 2019 and again in 2021. This season, though, has been different. Fulham took a while to get going in the summer market, but made their most important signing first as they secured Palhinha's services.

At the base of the midfield in Marco Silva's favoured 4-2-3-1 system, Palhinha has forged an impressive understanding with Harrison Reed to provide the relevant protection for the defence. A worry about the former was a perceived lack of mobilty, with the speed of the Premier League perhaps highlighting this physical shortcoming, yet the latter is the one who buzzes about the midfield to disrupt the rhythm of opponents, and this allows Palhinha to play his best game, which is ball winning and recyling possession.

It's no wonder, then, that Palhinha has made at least 11 more tackles (101) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues this season. This accounts for 24.9% of Fulham's total 405 tackles in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign. That he has returned a tackle success rate of 74.8% shows just how effective the 27-year-old has been out of possession and this has contributed towards Fulham's solid defensive record. Indeed, Silva's side have shipped just 31 league goals this season, four fewer than top-four chasing Tottenham.



Of course, given the style of play coupled with the position he plays in, it increases the risk of Palhinha landing in hot water with the officials. While the Portugal international isn't necessarily a dirty player - 27 fouls committed ranks 25th in England's top tier - it's the manner of the fouls that has seen him pulled up. As such, Palhinha has received more yellow cards (10) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

This means Palhinha will miss Fulham's next two league games as they make the short trip down the Thames to take on west London rivals Brentford before they welcome title chasing Arsenal to Craven Cottage in the penultimate round of fixtures before the international break. As things stand, Fulham sit outside the top six on goal difference only following Liverpool's win over Wolves in midweek as one of the pre-season favourites for relegation push for a European finish. Silva now needs to find the best way to set his side up for successive London derbies without the services of his midfield lynchpin.

Palhinha has started all but one of Fulham's 25 league games this season, missing the welcome of Newcastle at the start of October due to suspension. Fulham went on to lose 4-1, conceding 12.9% of their total goals in those 90 minutes against the Magpies. His replacement that day - Nathaniel Chalobah - was given his marching orders in the eighth minute as the Cottagers went on to suffer their heaviest home Premier League defeat since a 4-0 loss to Newcastle on the final day of 2018/19 campaign. Of course, playing with 10 men for 82 minutes was never going to be easy for Silva and his men to navigate, yet considering Palhinha has been sent off just once in league duties since the start of the 2018/19 season, they would have stood a much stronger chance of securing a result with the former Sporting man in the XI.

The issue now is that without Palhinha, it's more than likely that Fulham will be all the more frail defensively. Chalobah is no longer a Fulham player, so that rules him out, while Tom Cairney is currently sidelined due to injury. Sasa Lukic joined in the January window to swell Fulham's midfield ranks, yet has registered just two league appearances following his arrival, both from the bench, so lacks the game time and match fitness to seamlessly slot in alongside Reed.

There is also the issue that Lukic is a different midfielder from Palhinha, with his best work coming on the ball rather than off it. That's not to say the Serb can't carry out some of the necessary defensive duties, but rather it's not to the same standard as Palhinha. Either way, the latter's spell on the sidelines due to a ban is going to hinder Fulham's push for a European finish. Few would have had the Cottagers down for a top six spot with 14 games to play, and the immediate impact of Palhinha is a core reason behind their flying campaign under Silva. He'll be sorely missed against Brentford and Arsenal in the coming gameweeks.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/t7zdjacIv0y31jZJ6CBhrw/Show/How-will-Fulham-deal-with-the-absence-of-Europe-s-top-tackler-

[WhiteJC]

Holden shares injury latest on Todd Kane, Sessegnon, and Fraser ahead of Charlton Athletic's trip to Plymouth Argyle

Charlton Athletic travel to Plymouth Argyle in League One this weekend.

Charlton Athletic make the trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, for what promises to be another tough outing for Dean Holden's side who are winless in three going into this one. The Addicks drew away at Peterborough United last time out, after suffering back-to-back defeats against Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

And a trip to Plymouth sees this tough run of fixtures extend for Charlton, who remain without some important first-team players.

Speaking to the club ahead of this weekend, Holden gave updates on Steven Sessegnon and Scott Fraser, saying:

"Sess hasn't trained today. We'll assess where he's at tomorrow and the same with Scotty Fraser who didn't train [On Thursday]."

Both Sessegnon and Fraser played against Posh but both were withdrawn in the second half, and both now seem to be doubts for the game v Plymouth. Elsewhere, January arrival Todd Kane still only has one appearance to his name for Charlton, having missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury.

Holden said of the 29-year-old:

"Todd's still a couple of weeks away from joining the group. It was a tricky sort of injury. He's going in the right direction but it's just a timeframe for Todd."

And Holden also revealed that Mandela Egbo is set to feature for Charlton's U21 side this week, having been sidelined since October with a quad injury.

A tough game...
Charlton have come into a really tough run of fixtures, but after this Plymouth game they have some winnable fixtures on the horizon.

The Addicks go into this one in 13th place of the table and Plymouth in 2nd, so the south coast club will be counting on a win against an out of sorts Charlton side on Saturday.

Holden has some difficult injuries to contend with, especially in the defensive department, so he'll be counting on Charlton's squad depth to see the team through to the March international break.

Saturday's game kicks off at 3pm.



https://the72.co.uk/2023/03/02/holden-shares-injury-latest-on-todd-kane-sessegnon-and-fraser-ahead-of-charlton-athletics-trip-to-plymouth-argyle/

[WhiteJC]

Stoke Premier League Cup Tie To Be Shown Live On FFCtv

Subscribe to FFCtv and watch live as our Under-21s go up against Stoke City in the Premier League Cup Quarter-Finals.

Our lads will return to the Bet365 Stadium, having beaten Stoke City there in the league last season thanks to a Sonny Hilton wonderstrike late on.

The stream will only be available for FFCtv subscribers. Tune in from 6.50pm and enjoy commentary from Gentleman Jim.

The young Potters beat Wolves 3-2 in the previous round to advance in the competition, whilst Steve Wigley's side smashed QPR 5-0 at Motspur Park.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/02/Premier-League-Cup-Tie-Available-On-FFCtv/

[WhiteJC]

Liel Abada tipped for Fulham move as Celtic ace urged to join Manor Solomon

Maccabi Petah Tivah owner Avi Luzon has indicated that he would love to see Celtic winger Liel Abada join fellow Israel international Manor Solomon at Premier League outfit Fulham, speaking to Sport5.

There was something rather inevitable about the way Solomon cut inside and whipped a shot into the far corner of the Leeds net on Tuesday night, Fulham setting up an FA Cup quarter-final meeting with Manchester United with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Solomon, after all, had done something almost identical just a few days earlier against Wolves. The summer signing from Shakhtar Donetsk has only been a first-team player at Fulham for a matter of weeks – returning at last following a long injury absence – but he is already developing something of a party piece in West London.

His very own Mortal Kombat-style finisher move.

Could Celtic's Liel Abada join Manor Solomon at Fulham?
"I am more than excited. I am happy and proud," Luzon says of a player who started his career with Maccabi Petah Tikva. "It was his dream and he is making it come true. 

"When he was at Shakhtar, he said he wanted to go to the Premier League, and he did not give up. 
I had no concerns about him. He has an amazing character and knows how to come back and prove himself time and time again. 

"He doesn't rest on his laurels. And, even after scoring yesterday, he is already thinking about the next game."

Solomon is not the only former Maccabi Petah Tikva starlet going from strength to strength in western Europe. Abada has 26 goals and 17 assists during a year-and-a-half at Celtic. 

And it is Luzon's dream to see two of Israel's greatest talents share a dressing room in one of Europe's major leagues.

"I pray," he adds. "That Manor and Abada will be together in the Premier League, in the same team."

A number of English clubs are already keeping tabs on Abada, Fabrizio Romano reports. Crystal Palace are rumoured to be among them. His price-tag, meanwhile, has soared from £3.5 million to around £16 million in the space of 18 months.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/02/liel-abada-tipped-for-fulham-move-as-celtic-ace-urged-to-join-manor-solomon/

[WhiteJC]

Coming to Fulham was 'the best thing,' says Pereira
Fulham attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira has told the Brazilian press that making the summer move to Craven Cottage from Manchester United was 'the best thing' for his career.

The Brazilian international has enjoyed an excellent start to his career in London, scoring three goals and adding six assists in 29 appearances for Marco Silva's side and told O Dia of his delight at overcoming an initial reluctance to join the newly promoted Whites whilst he was on loan with Flamengo.

    "These are things that happen in football. There was a phase at Flamengo that was difficult. I know what happened, I felt it first-hand. But unfortunately, in the end, when things were working out, it turned out to be too late to negotiate with Manchester United. They no longer wanted to negotiate with Flamengo. I understand the Flamengo part and I understand the Manchester United part, but I think the best thing for me was coming to Fulham."

The 27 year-old will enjoy a reunion with his former club in the FA Cup in a fortnight's time after the Whites were drawn against United in the quarter final to be played at Old Trafford on the weekend of 18th and 19th March.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/coming-to-fulham-was-the-best-thing-says-pereira/

[WhiteJC]

Leno and Solomon nominated for player of the month
Fulham pair Bernd Leno and Manor Solomon have both been nominated for the Premier League's player of the month award after enjoying a fantastic February.

German goalkeeper Leno conceded only one league goal in four games as Marco Silva's side took eight points and continued their push for Europe. Israeli international Solomon returned from a serious knee injury to brilliant effect, scoring his first Fulham goal to clinch victory against Nottingham Forest and then netting the winner at Brighton and Hove Albion with two minutes to go. He also came off the bench to rescue a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a wonderful curling effort.

The Fulham duo will face competition from their rivals on the Premier League's shortlist in the shape of Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, Tottenham full back Emerson Royal and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

You can vote for Leno and Solomon here until 12pm on Monday. The winner will be announced on Friday 10 March.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/leno-and-solomon-nominated-for-player-of-the-month/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on new defender as fresh updates on two players emerge

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham ahead of the weekend

Fulham have been credited with an interest in PSG centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu. The Cottagers are one of a few clubs who have been linked with a summer swoop for the youngster.

According to French news outlet Jeunesfooteux, the Whites are keen on luring the defender over to England at the end of this season. However, fellow Premier League side Leeds United have been mentioned along with European teams such as Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg.

Bitshiabu, 19, has been on the books at PSG since 2017 and has been a regular for their B team over recent times. He has made also 10 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 giants alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.

In other news, Fulham intend to make Manor Solomon's loan from Shakhtar Donetsk a permanent deal this summer, as per the Evening Standard. The Israel international has been in fine form over recent weeks and has scored some impressive goals against Wolves and Leeds.

Marco Silva's side are also keen to extend Willian's contract after his eye catching season to date. The London club took a bit of a gamble on the former Chelsea and Arsenal man following their promotion from the Championship and he has been a breath of fresh air in this campaign.

Football Insider claim Fulham are 'ready' to offer him a new deal. The 34-year-old is currently due to become a free agent again in four months.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-keen-on-new-defender-as-fresh-updates-on-two-players-emerge-4048494

[WhiteJC]

Silva shortlisted for manager of the month
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has been shortlisted for the Premier League's manager of the month award after guiding the Whites to eight points in February.

Silva's side began the month with a draw in the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge, before beating Nottingham Forest at home and Brighton and Hove Albion away. The Whites remained unbeaten after coming from behind to earn a point against an improving Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese boss is joined on a three-man shortlist by Manchester United's Erik ten Haag and the Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte.

You can vote for Silva to win the accolade here until 12pm on Monday – and the winner will be announced on Friday 10 March.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/silva-shortlisted-for-manager-of-the-month-2/