Thursday Fulham Stuff - 13/04/23...

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Liverpool transfer news: 'Aggressive' PL star emerges as £50m Reds target

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is reportedly in the frame for Liverpool amid last night's bombshell that the Reds will no longer pursue Jude Bellingham.

According to the Daily Mail, the 27-year-old Portuguese international is one of many midfielders Liverpool are now looking to sign after news broke from the Times that Jurgen Klopp's side have ended their chase to sign Bellingham, a player many expected to be the Reds' first-choice transfer target.

As a result, Palhinha has emerged as an alternative for Liverpool, though Fulham are currently unwilling to part with their £50m-rated midfielder, who this season has been a revelation for Marco Silva's side and a key reason why the Cottagers are set for a comfortable midtable Premier League finish.

Labelled as an 'aggresive' midfielder by some pundits, Palhinha has the joint-second-most bookings in the Premier League this season, with the Fulham man equal with fellow Liverpool target Ruben Neves and just one behind Joelinton, who this campaign has managed 11.

Indeed, whilst Palhinha might not have been many Liverpool supporters' first-choice as an alternative to Bellingham, the 27-year-old ticks many boxes for what the Reds need in a midfielder. And if Fulham sticks to their £50m price-tag, the Merseyside club could make an honest attempt to sign the Portuguese star this summer.

Palhinha could be a sensational short-term signing for Liverpool
Palhinha has been nothing short of a revelation for Fulham this season, with the tough-tackling midfielder being arguably the Cottagers' most important player in what has been a year to remember for the west London side. And for Liverpool, the former Sporting Lisbon star could be an excellent signing.

With the midfielder at the peak of his career, Palhinha offers a quality short-term solution to some of Liverpool's problems in the squad, and whilst £50m might be quite a lot for a player who Klopp could only get a few years out of, the Portuguese dynamo has shown that he can deliver in the Premier League, a quality few names can do.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/04/12/liverpool-transfer-news-aggressive-pl-star-emerges-as-50m-reds-target/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace chasing same player – Club set €13m asking price

Fulham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are in the race for Beşiktaş' Gedson Fernandes, according to Fanatik.

The Turkish club took the midfielder from Benfica for €6m at the start of last year and loaned him out to Çaykur Rizespor for the second half of last season. Since returning to Beşiktaş, he's become one of the 'indispensable' names in their starting lineup this season.

This has helped the 24-year-old become 'one of the favourites' in the transfer market, where the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are in the mix for him.
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It's said there are five clubs chasing to secure the player's services. From England, Marco Silva's side, the Villans and Palace are all 'interested' in signing him. The Premier League trio are joined by Lazio and AS Roma.

Fernandes, who spent a spell on loan at Tottenham Hotspur between 2020 and 2021, has a contract lasting until 2026.

After being on the radar of the previously mentioned clubs, Beşiktaş' leaders have set a €13m price tag on the midfielder. In addition to this, the Istanbul club want a percentage [15%] of the fee from his future sale.

It remains to be seen if one of Fulham, Aston Villa or Crystal Palace are willing to meet Beşiktaş' demands to sign Fernandes.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-aston-villa-crystal-palace-interested-player-club-set-e13m-asking-price/

[WhiteJC]

West Brom now face transfer battle with Crystal Palace and Fulham this summer

West Brom now face competition from Premier League trio Fulham, Crystal Palace and Burnley for Motherwell youngster Max Johnston.

That is according to the Scottish Sun; another highly talented, exciting young full-back breezing onto the scene north of the border.

Johnston, a Middlesbrough-born Scotland U21 international, has made quite the impact during his breakthrough campaign at Firhill, following in the footsteps of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Josh Doig and Calvin Ramsey.

Unfortunately for Motherwell, his contract situation means 19-year-old Johnston could depart for a fraction of their desired fee. The teenager will, technically speaking, be a free-agent in July. The Sun believe that Motherwell should, at least, be due a compensation fee. Albeit one in the region of just £300,000.

Reports of West Brom's interest emerged recently; Carlos Corberan's side looking to add a more attack-minded right-back to their ranks. Johnston has two goals and six assists this season.

The Baggies face an almighty challenge however, with top-flight duo Fulham and Crystal Palace also in contention. Palace will prioritise a new right-sided defender this summer with Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne both in their 30s.

Max Johnston a target for Crystal Palace, Burnley and Fulham
The Sun believe that PSV Eindhoven, Torino, Royal Antwerp and Champions League quarter-finals Benfica have also sent scouts to watch Johnston in action.

"He's been brilliant," former Scotland and Rangers winger Neil McCann tells the BBC of Johnston. "I've been really impressed with him since he's come in. 

"The one thing you're always judged on in a wide area is your delivery. And I think he's got fantastic delivery."

There is, according to the Daily Record, interest from Burnley too. Vincent Kompany's side secured the most inevitable of promotions on Friday. The Clarets can also seal the Championship title this weekend. 

Johnston would face a battle securing a first-team spot at Turf Moor, however. Kompany already has Vitinho and Conor Roberts at his disposal.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/04/12/west-brom-now-face-transfer-battle-with-crystal-palace-and-fulham-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Journalist suggests Marco Silva has 'come into the mix' for the Tottenham job

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that Fulham boss Marco Silva could yet come into Tottenham Hotspur's thinking to replace Antonio Conte.

Spurs are currently pressing ahead with the rest of the campaign under Cristian Stellini and picked up a morale-boosting win over Brighton on Saturday.

Of course, Tottenham will be prioritising securing a new permanent manager ahead of the summer, with a host of coaches already heavily linked to the role.

One name that has reportedly gained plenty of admirers at the north London club is Marco Silva.

The 45-year-old has done a brilliant job with Fulham this season and despite a recent dip in form, he has them sitting in 10th place and above Chelsea.

Now, Jacobs has told The London's First Podcast that Silva could be in the mix for the Tottenham job.

Silva has 'come into the mix' for Tottenham
The journalist claims with Chelsea currently not expected to open talks with Silva, he could come into Tottenham's thinking as a result.

"There will be some surprises who are not necessarily being considered at this point or are front runners but will creep into the conversations," Jacobs said. "That's where some surprise names may materialise, out of due diligence.

"Chelsea will want Premier League experience and will therefore want to talk to managers who know the league, because it may give them some perspective or a yardstick against some leading candidates.

"That's where Marco Silva with the Spurs job has come into the mix. I don't think Chelsea will end up speaking to Silva themselves but Tite is one to keep an eye on for sure.

"And then there will be a few other younger, up and coming managers who Chelsea just want to touch base with even if it's not for the vacancy now, because they think that in the future it may well be a job that suits them."

Silva has done an excellent job at Craven Cottage and it's no surprise that he's been linked with the vacancy at Spurs.

The Portuguese boss certainly has the required know-how in terms of Premier League experience, after he also managed both Everton and Watford.

Yet, it doesn't seem as if Silva is Tottenham's top target at this moment in time, with the club still in the early stages of their search for a new manager.

Spurs fans will certainly be hoping to get some clarity over what next season will look like sooner rather than later.

Sections of the fanbase have made it clear who they would like to see in charge next season as Mauricio Pochettino's name rang around the stadium during the win over Brighton on Saturday.

But the bare minimum for the Tottenham faithful will be for the club to appoint a manager who plays an exciting brand of football and commits to a long-term project.



https://tbrfootball.com/journalist-suggests-marco-silva-has-come-into-the-mix-for-the-tottenham-job/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham flop Gedson Fernandes could return as Aston Villa eye £11m deal

Fulham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on bringing former Tottenham Hotspur loanee Gedson Fernandes back to the Premier League from Turkish giants Besiktas this summer.

The phrase 'unfinished business' comes to mind.

Former Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes failed to make a single league start under Jose Mourinho at Spurs, managing a grand total of 63 top-flight minutes before Tottenham – understandably – opted against triggering the eye-watering £56 million option to buy clause in his contract.

Now valued at just £11 million, Gedson is far more affordable these days. 

And, with Aston Villa, Fulham and Crystal Palace all casting their eye over a man plying the best football of his career in Istanbul, the 24-year-old may relish the opportunity to show his old employers what they are missing, as reported by Sporx.

Tottenham Hotspur flop Gedson Fernandes could return to Premier League
A deep-lying midfielder by trade; Gedson has set up five goals for his Besiktas team-mates in 2022/23, adding a more creative string to his bone-crunching bow. He remains as effective as ever at the other end of the pitch too. His 2.7 tackles per game in the Turkish Super Lig is among the best in the country, WhoScored report.

"He works hard as a young kid has to do," Mourinho said shortly after Gedson's arrival in 2020; Tottenham fighting off competition from London rivals West Ham United.

"He deserves his opportunities. He's playing, playing in different positions. He gives us what we always thought he could give us – options. 

"(Gedson is) a good kid." 

The two-time Portugal international struggled to force his way past Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and co in Tottenham's engine room. He would not necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot at Villa or Fulham either.

Gedson may be viewed as competition for Boubacar Kamara at Villa Park. Ditto Joao Palhinha at Fulham. Crystal Palace supporters, however, would welcome the addition of a young, athletic central midfielder; Roy Hodgson's ageing if improving team in dire need of more fresh blood.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/04/12/tottenham-flop-gedson-fernandes-could-return-as-aston-villa-eye-11m-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Whites hold "contacts" to sign Mateus Uribe

The Colombia international is out of contract this summer.

Fulham have held 'informal contacts' with agents over the potential signing of FC Porto star Mateus Uribe on a free transfer, according to reports.

Who could Fulham sign this summer?
It's been a brilliant first season back in the Premier League for manager Marco Silva and Whites supporters, having arguably surpassed all expectations overall whilst securing a solid mid-table position.

However, in the last two months, a real concern for Silva and co will be Fulham's drop in form - with their last league win coming against Brighton in mid-February.

Since then, barring an FA Cup victory at home to Leeds, Fulham have lost their last four top-flight matches - succumbing to defeats against Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth and West Ham.

In that time, they've conceded nine goals and scored just three - potentially highlighting Silva's need for reinforcements next season as some cracks start to show.

In the last few months, Fulham have been linked with moves for Roma defender Chris Smalling, Sheffield United star Sander Berge, Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech and now Uribe.

Sharing news on the latter man, who is set to leave Porto for free as things stand, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness) claim Fulham have held 'informal contacts' over the 32-year-old with his representatives.

According to the outlet, it is believed that Uribe has been waiting for the right move as he ponders life beyond the Primeira Liga. His agents have two potential destinations in mind, Fulham and Atletico Madrid, and both clubs are apparently 'top of his preferences'.

The midfielder is seemingly open to a Craven Cottage move, though a renewal with Porto apparently isn't ruled out, either.

What could Uribe bring to Fulham?
The South American ace, who has turned out for his native Colombia 45 times at international level, could bring both solidarity and experience to Silva's midfield.

Enjoying a decorated career, Uribe boasts 15 trophies to his name across spells at Porto, Club America in Mexico and Colombian giants Atlético Nacional.

Uribe could seemingly bring a winner's mentality to west London, and in terms of performances, the player has been important for Porto.

According to WhoScored, the midfield maestro ranks in Porto's top five for best-performing players by average match rating - all while making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates.

In terms of successful tackles, only Otavio possesses a higher average than Uribe, with these solid defensive numbers backing why Fulham have taken a keen interest.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league-fulham-news-transfers-mateus-uribe/

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Sources: Liverpool now in hunt to sign Joao Palhinha as close ties with agent revealed

Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Fulham star Joao Palhinha on multiple occasions, sources have told Football Insider.

The Reds are believed to have a strong relationship with the Jorge Mendes-owned Gestifute agency, which represents the midfielder, as they plot a summer move.

The 26-year-old joined Fulham last summer (2022) for a reported fee of £17million and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

This season the Portugal international has made 31 appearances across all competitions for the Cottagers and has scored four goals in those outings.

The Merseysiders are looking to bring in multiple midfielders this summer as part of a massive overhaul of the current squad.

Jurgen Klopp's side had been closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder and England star Jude Bellingham.

The Reds were hopeful the addition of the 19-year-old would be able to transform a side that have struggled this season.

But Liverpool have now ruled out a move for the superstar given the potential cost of the deal and have turned their attention to other targets.

Chelsea's Mason Mount is believed to be high up on the list of potential midfield additions this summer.

Last week (7 April), Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are still pushing to sign Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes despite the club removing his release clause.

Klopp's side attempted to sign the midfielder last summer before they were beaten to it by Wolves and Nunes put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Molineux.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-liverpool-regularly-scouting-joao-palhinha-as-close-ties-with-agent-revealed/

[WhiteJC]

Why we shouldn't panic despite our recent slump

Jack Stroudley looks back at our recent run of form and why we shouldn't be getting too concerned, despite our recent dip this dip.

Before starting this article, I should state that I was as disappointed with our performance against West Ham as anyone. We were devoid of ideas; we were flat and really poor for large parts of the game in a match which we should be winning. Nevertheless, that leaves Fulham winless in five Premier League matches with the chant "we're all going on a European tour" a distant memory.

That being said, I don't feel that now is the time to jump on the club's back and criticise our every move. This is a difficult run and one no one wants to go through, but I feel some perspective is needed, which I am going to try and provide in the hopes that people will evade from reaching for the panic button.

A thin squad
There's no denying that Fulham's starting line-up has more than enough Premier League quality. But to be truly successful in this league you need strength in depth. The intensity of the division is a huge jump from the Championship where you could get away with having a slightly smaller squad. In the Premier League having a thin squad will eventually catch you out, which I feel is happening to Fulham now.

When we look to the bench for some inspiration the usual suspects came on. Tom Cairney (who I'm not criticising as he was once again fantastic against West Ham) as well as the likes of Harry Wilson and Dan James of which neither have truly set the world alight this season. Our squad being so thin was always going to come back to bite us and while it has done so now, it will hopefully emphasise to Tony Khan and the recruitment team the need to get much more quality in over the summer.

Underlying numbers
Before I go into this, I don't want to sit here and act like I'm slating Fulham because I'm not. This season has been nothing short of fantastic and while we may be frustrated about how the last few weeks have transpired. If you'd have offered Fulham fans being in the top half and an FA Cup quarter-final by April at the start of the season, everyone would've snapped your hand off.

We've also had some really good memories this season: Solomon's late winner against Brighton, Mitro's header at home to Brentford, and of course Vinicius's winner against Chelsea. That being said, our underlying numbers suggest that this drop-off was always going to be inevitable.

If you look at the xG (expected goals) we are actually performing well above what is expected, with the club having scored more goals (only a mere 2.49) than expected but also conceding a monumental amount less than expected at 15.81. So what does all this mean?

Firstly it shows what a fantastic piece of recruitment Bernd Leno was, who has been phenomenal this season. The German has had the second most shots faced this season at 145 while maintaining the third best save percentage in the league at 76.6%. These numbers meant that a drop-off was always going to come, and will act as a bit of a wake-up call for Marco Silva, who will know that defensively we need to improve next season.

Where do we go from here?
This drop-off is disappointing, but it happens to every side in this division at some point. I'm just glad we've shown the capabilities of this squad throughout the majority of the season so far to gain enough points to guarantee survival. That being said, things need to change to get some fans back on side and a couple of wins would do that.

This also provides Fulham with a fantastic opportunity to prepare for the future. Give Marco Silva that new deal, try and convince Palhinha to stay, end the Solomon saga, give Luke Harris some minutes and plan ahead for the upcoming transfer window and get business done early. There is a project to get excited about here at Fulham and I feel that fan frustration about recent form is a real testament to how far we have come as a club. As long as Silva is at the helm and the Khans continue to back him, there are some exciting times ahead!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-04-12-why-we-shouldnt-panic-despite-our-recent-slump/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Week-end 15/04
We get to travel to a ground where we never win* a league game, Everton away

*I had thought that we'd never won a league game at Goodison however over on the FoF forum Deeping_White reminded me that we did win a couple of season ago thanks to Josh Maja.

So West Ham got away with another hand ball in the buildup to their goal, VAR not interested, not really a surprise, if it happens again I'll begin to think theres a conspiracy against Fulham.

Having lost the last 4 games, the last time we were on a poorer run in the Premier League was in 2019 when we lost 9, its about time we got back to winning ways, even a draw wouldn't go amiss.
Marco was a previous manager at Goodison, he was in charge for around 53 games.

With Sean Dyche now in charge of Everton, they've picked up 10 points in his first 5 home games in charge, W3 D1 L1, more than their previous 10 home games.

Current Form:
Everton – DWDDL
Fulham – DLLLL

Our record against Everton, especially at Goodison Park, is another poor one with 4 wins, only 1 of them at Goodison, 11 losses and 3 draws.

my team would be...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 15th
Chelsea v Brighton
Everton v Fulham
Southampton v Palace
Spurs v Bournemouth
Wolves v Brentford

Sunday 16th
West Ham v Arsenal
Forest v Man Utd
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2610

[WhiteJC]

Israeli soccer star Manor Solomon is making waves as a rare Jew in the English Premier League

(JTA) — For decades, Jewish players have been increasingly rare in English professional soccer. Since 1992, only one British-born Jew has appeared in the Premier League, the country's top tier and arguably the best soccer league in the world.

But this year, an Israeli has been turning heads with his play in the league, to the extent that analysts believe he could earn a spot on one of the world's elite teams this summer.

After recovering from a knee injury last year, Manor Solomon, a 23-year-old from Kfar Saba in central Israel, has shined as a midfielder for Fulham F.C., one of a few Premier League teams based in London. Solomon scored in five straight games from Feb. 11 through March 6, becoming the first Israeli to accomplish the feat since Liverpool's Ronny Rosenthal scored in three straight in 1992.

"It's something I've always dreamed of," he said of his first Premier League goal, against Nottingham Forest.

His success story comes after a harrowing year. After playing for the Israeli team Maccabi Petah Tikva, Solomon joined the Ukrainian soccer club Shakhtar Donetsk in 2019. When he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal that season, he became the youngest Israeli to score in the Champions League — the highest level of club competition in Europe — at 20 years old.

After Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022, he "woke up to the sound of explosions and sirens," as he recounted to BBC Sport. "It was like being in the middle of a movie."

He quickly made arrangements to leave Ukraine, making the 17-hour journey to the Polish border — where he had to wait for more than 10 hours in the freezing cold before making it home to Israel.

"I feel lucky I got out," he said.

He joined Fulham F.C. last July on a temporary one-year deal, thanks to a FIFA rule allowing non-Ukrainian players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts. His Sephardic heritage allowed him to obtain a Portuguese passport, which helped facilitate his travel throughout the European Union.

Soccer fans back home in Israel are taking notice of the rise of "King Solomon."

"Everyone has their eyes on the TV to see what Manor is going to do. That's across the country. Any time that Manor is on TV now, you can guarantee the viewers are through the roof," sports writer Josh Halickman told The Athletic.

Solomon said "It's difficult" for him to walk down an Israeli street.

"If you go to Tel Aviv or somewhere, it's impossible to walk," he said. "Sometimes, I want to go with my girlfriend to the beach in nice weather and you need to go to a separate place because otherwise, the people go crazy."

The "Manormania," as some have called the hype around Solomon, is evident across Israeli media's sports pages. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Israel, and having a homegrown star play in Europe is no small feat.

"Him being a representative for Israeli success has a double meaning," Einav Schiff, a journalist at Yedioth Ahronoth, told The Athletic. "It's not only that he's a good soccer player and people admire him for that — they also admire him as a representative of the country."

Solomon also plays for Israel's national team. Israel hasn't qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 1970, but the team is currently in the midst of qualifying for the UEFA 2024 European Championships.



https://www.jta.org/2023/04/12/sports/israeli-soccer-star-manor-solomon-is-making-waves-as-a-rare-jew-in-the-english-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United could be handed suspension advantage ahead of Champions League run in

A number of players are at risk of a two game suspension if they pick up further yellow cards

Newcastle United could be set for a big suspension advantage over a number of teams in the chasing pack for European football. Liverpool's Fabinho, Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur, Fulham's Andreas Pereira, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete, Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Brentford's Ivan Toney could all be handed a two game suspension if they accumulate any more yellow cards.

Premier League rules state any player who then receives their tenth caution, up to and including their club's 32nd game of the season, will be made to serve a two game ban.

Toney is on nine yellow cards, while Caicedo, Andreas, Fabinho and Bentancur are all on eight, with Mac Allister, Cordova-Reid, Robinson, Tete and McTominay all on seven bookings - all of whom are at risk of a two-game ban if they collect ten bookings more prior to the cut off point. For Brentford and Tottenham, that cut off point is on April 22, Fulham's on April 25th, Liverpool's on April 26, while Manchester United's is on April 30 and Brighton's on May 4.

The Magpies have already seen Joelinton miss two games having picked up 10 yellows - his tenth for a foul on Ruben Dias in the defeat to Man City - sitting out of the Toon's wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest. Anthony Gordon is only player at risk for Newcastle United having been carded seven times, but he would need to pick up a booking in all of the Magpies following three games.

Clubs are not allowed to appeal yellow cards – even if it results in a player missing matches as a result. Players players will no longer be suspended for picking up yellow cards after the weekend of April 22.

However, Newcastle could still lose key players if they pick picking up a red card between now and the end of the season - serving a one match or three match ban depending on the offence.

Ruben Neves of Wolves is set to serve a suspension having collected 10 yellows, while Fulham's Joao Palhinha served a two-match ban last month. A number of clubs further down the division are at risk of losing key players but none of those would impact Newcastle directly, more so their European rivals who could be given an advantage.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-could-handed-suspension-26676349

[WhiteJC]

Open Letter to Shahid Khan

Dear Shahid Khan,

As the owner, supporter, advocate, and custodian of Fulham Football Club, we are writing to you to express the concerns of many lifelong fans regarding the current pricing strategy for season tickets in 2023/24. While we understand the importance of ensuring the club's long-term sustainability, we believe there are better ways to achieve this than the recent draconian ticket announcements. The pricing structure has caused distress, anxiety, anger, and disillusionment among a significant proportion of our loyal fan base.

It is a real shame that the strides made by the team on the pitch, the stated importance from Marco Silva of maintaining the unique and passionate atmosphere at Craven Cottage, and the recent re-emergence of Fulham as a genuine Premier League team this season risk being completely undermined by the pricing strategy for season tickets. The high cost of tickets, both in the Riverside and throughout the ground, not only alienates many of the club's long-term supporters but also threatens to make it harder for the team to attract new fans and build a truly inclusive fan base. As a result, we urge you to take a serious look at this issue and consider how it can be addressed in a way that benefits both the club and its supporters.

Long term fans are the lifeblood of any football club, and their passion and dedication have helped build Fulham into the institution it is today. We appreciate the club's efforts to ensure sustainability, but the gains for the club cannot outweigh the losses for fans who feel they are being left behind after years of loyal support. It is important to note that sustainability comes from sporting merit, driven by vocal and long-suffering Fulham fans, which will deliver better results than turning Fulham into a club that only the wealthy can afford to attend.

Furthermore, we express concern regarding the pricing structure for the Riverside Stand. Seats priced at £3,000 appear to be amongst the most expensive non-hospitality season tickets in football worldwide. While we appreciate the investment and support you have given to Fulham, both on and off the pitch, we believe this pricing structure is out of touch with the financial realities facing many of our loyal fans. This pricing goes against your words from 2019, where you stated your intention to create a world-class destination for fans and guests to experience and enjoy while retaining the charm that Craven Cottage exudes within our very own section of the River Thames.

As the Fulham Supporters' Trust, we aim to protect Fulham's unique identity at Craven Cottage, keep football at Fulham accessible, and maintain a strong connection between the club and supporters. However, despite undertakings to consult on season ticket pricing, there was none at any stage. Four hours notice of a structure that prices out supporters in all parts of the ground does not constitute meaningful consultation. 

We kindly ask you to engage with the Trust and our fans and reconsider the current pricing strategy for season tickets, both in the Riverside and throughout the ground before they go on sale.

    In the Hammersmith, Putney, and Johnny Haynes Stands, we ask that the average price increase is kept at or below the rate of inflation, especially in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

    In the Riverside Stand, we ask that the pricing model is significantly revised. The new Thameside offering is going to be a wonderful asset that far exceeds the previous one, we appreciate that. However, its pricing ostracises the vast majority of fans from ever experiencing it.

We thank you for your continued investment in the club, and we ask that you take into consideration the concerns of the loyal fans who have supported the club through its ups and downs.

Please help us ensure that the legacy of the club is protected by finding a pricing strategy that is fair and sustainable for all. By working together, we can find a solution that benefits the club and its fans and helps to protect the legacy and future of Fulham Football Club.

Sincerely,

The Fulham Supporters' Trust



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/04/open-letter-to-shahid-khan/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace want Gedson Fernandes

Gedson Fernandes has suitors from England, with Aston Villa and Fulham hopeful of signing the Besiktas star.

According to Fanatik, Aston Villa and Fulham are among the sides keen on Gedson Fernandes. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder has impressed during this season with Besiktas, with the Turkish side open to a sale if they can get a sizeable fee in return.

Besiktas have had a decent season, although their earlier ambition might have been to win the league. Nevertheless, they currently languish in third on the table, but the fans have liked some of the performances of a few stars.

One of them is 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder, Gedson Fernandes. After breaking into the first team, the midfielder has impressed onlookers with his energetic displays. Since he started playing regularly, he has become undroppable.

Fernandes predominantly controls the tempo of Besiktas' game, and in that role, he has earned plenty of plaudits. It was only a matter of time before some English clubs came knocking on the door, as there's substantial interest from England.

Aston Villa and Fulham are reportedly interested in the midfielder. Both sets of managers are keen to bolster that position in their respective squads and may look outside of the Premier League for options. For one, the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder may not be too costly compared to buying from one of their current rivals.

Secondly, the 24-year-old has shown enough potential to keep growing in the role and become a prominent name in the Premier League. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery remains searching for a new midfielder who can bring a difference in energy.

Going by Villa's recent displays, many have tipped them to finish in European positions, which would call to improve their squad depth. They remain linked with several options, including Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips.

Emery has many midfield options, and going by his desire to sign someone new, one of their current stars may depart. The idea is to bring a new player to partner with Douglas Luiz next season, with the Brazilian having cemented his place under the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, once considered a probable European finisher this season, Fulham have somewhat fallen out of the race. Yet, they have displayed immense progress under Marco Silva, who will go with the idea of bringing in another midfielder.

The signing of Joao Palinha has proved an immense hit at Craven Cottage, and now Silva would like a partner for him. Gedson Fernandes could become that player. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder shows attributes that could help them in another run for Europe next season.

For now, there's far less information on what Besiktas might demand for Fernandes. If they are to consider Premier League clubs, the Turkish side might demand significantly more.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/04/13/fulham-aston-villa-and-crystal-palace-want-gedson-fernandes/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool scouting Joao Palhinha extensively ahead of summer move

Liverpool have been scouting Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha extensively as they look to sign him ahead of next season.

According to a report by Football Insider, Liverpool are keen on having Joao Palhinha in their ranks ahead of next season. The Merseyside club have been extensively scouting the Portuguese star of late and are expected to make a move in the summer to sign him from Fulham.

Liverpool's scouts have been present in the stands to watch the 27-year-old in action for Fulham on numerous occasions. People at the club believe the Portugal international could be a great fit for the club and can help solve quite a few headaches.

Palhinha joined the Premier League club ahead of the ongoing season after coming through the ranks at Sporting CP. Fulham signed him for a reported fee of £17 million to acquire his services for a five-year period.

The 27-year-old has been in sensational form since moving to England. He has hardly put a foot wrong in the centre of the park for the Cottagers. The Portugal international has made 31 appearances in the ongoing season and has four goals to his name.

His impressive performances have attracted the attention of multiple top clubs across Europe. Despite having a contract that runs until the summer of 2027, the Portuguese midfielder could be on the move in the summer given the amount of interest in him.

Liverpool who have been disappointing in the ongoing season. The Reds have struggled to get going and the majority of it is because of an inconsistent midfield. They are expected to sign multiple midfielders in the summer. And, have already submitted a bid to sign Jude Bellingham from Dortmund.

The Merseyside club have their eyes set on Palhinha. The 27-year-old could easily fit into Jurgen Klopp's system and he alongside a few other new players could help revive the Reds. And, the fact that they have a strong relationship with the Jorge Mendes-owned Gestifute agency which represents the player could help their cause.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/04/13/liverpool-scouting-joao-palhinha-extensively-ahead-of-summer-move/

[demeant0r]

Ah yes, good old Liverpool back again to poach our best players. I wish these Scousers would just f*** off.

[Bassey the warrior]

Ah yes, good old Liverpool back again to poach our best players. I wish these Scousers would just f*** off.

This time we have all the leverage given the length of contract.

[ianthailand]

Ah yes, good old Liverpool back again to poach our best players. I wish these Scousers would just f*** off.

This time we have all the leverage given the length of contract.

Personally i wouldn't sell to a scum club like Liverpool. If however the Khans decide to do so then Palhinha value of 80 million GBP + the difference between Carvalho and Elliott's actual value and tribunal value. I estimate Carvalho difference 12 million and Elliott 10 million. so. 102 million GBP minimum. Don't cheat any more!