Thursday Fulham Stuff - 13/07/23...

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Insulting £25.6m Al-Hilal bid 'rejected' but Mitrovic is 'keen' to join Man Utd target in Saudi Arabia

Fulham have rejected a £25.5million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Mitrovic joined the Londoners on loan from Newcastle United in January 2018 before making the move permanent six months later.

He scored an impressive 12 goals in 17 Championship appearances for Fulham as they earned promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The 28-year-old then had a decent season in the top flight, netting 11 goals in 37 matches.

After scoring 26 in 40 as the Cottagers were promoted again in 2020, Mitrovic had a poor Premier League campaign as many assumed he was one of those players too good for the Championship but not good enough for Our League.

That logic was only strengthened by his record-breaking 43-goal haul in the 2021/22 campaign. Thankfully for him and Fulham, Mitrovic enjoyed a terrific 22/23, proving himself as a top striker with 14 goals in 24 top-flight appearances.

After a superb season, Mitrovic is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday afternoon that Al-Hilal made a €30million (£25.6million) offer to sign the Serbian international.

This was then confirmed by The Athletic, who later reported that the derisory bid has been rejected by Marco Silva's side.

The report claims Mitrovic is 'open to the move' as long as Fulham and Al-Hilal agree a fee. Ben Jacobs has also said the ex-Newcastle striker is 'keen on the move'.

Fulham 'do not want to sell' their star striker and it is no surprise the Saudi club's bid was instantly rejected.

Mitrovic's contract at Craven Cottage does not expire until 2026 and he has scored 58 goals in his last 74 appearances at club level.

Furthermore, he has 52 goals for Serbia and is only 28 years old. Insulting doesn't even begin to cover it, especially when you consider how much money Premier League clubs make.

Should Mitrovic secure a move to Al-Hilal, he will join Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves, who recently joined the club from Chelsea and Wolves, respectively.

Al-Hilal are also reportedly close to confirming the signing of Lazio and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.

On Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the former Man Utd and Arsenal target will move to Saudi Arabia for a fee worth €40million.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-reject-insulting-mitrovic-saudi-arabia-bid-keen-to-join-al-hilal

[WhiteJC]

Fan banned for homophobic chanting

Supporter prevented from attending matches for three years and fined after gestures at Stamford Bridge

A Fulham fan has been banned from attending football matches for three years and fined after engaging in homophobic chanting during Fulham's trip to Chelsea in February.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to an aggravated Public Order Act Offence at Westminster Magistrates Court.

A club statement read: "Fulham Football Club has been notified by the Metropolitan Police that a supporter has been found guilty of engaging in homophobic chanting during our Premier League fixture away to Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge on 2 February 2023.

"Fulham condemns homophobic, hateful or discriminatory chanting of any nature.

"Fulham is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all those connected to the club, including staff, players, supporters and members of the local community.

"Discrimination, harassment or abuse of any kind has no place at Fulham and we will continue to support equality, diversity and inclusion among all those associated with the club."

How to report abuse
Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated by the Premier League and our clubs, and we encourage supporters to continue to play their part in this by reporting it.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3587312

[WhiteJC]

Why Aleksandar Mitrovic won't leave Fulham this summer

Drew Heatley argues the case for Mitro staying in SW6 this summer.

Well. We were all so busy analysing Joao Palhinha's every word on Instagram that we forgot to incubate our golden egg.

I'm sure your reaction upon the news that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal (yep, the same one that reportedly chased Marco Silva throughout June) had bid for Mitro was the same as mine: a chuckle. How they thought we would entertain selling our talisman for £500,000 more than we bought him for after 111 goals in 205 games is anyone's guess. It'd barely pay for his left ball.

But the corresponding line that he wants to make a similar move to that of his compatriot and friend Sergej Milinković-Savić made just days ago – had me spitting my mid-morning coffee out.

But we've had a couple of hours to dwell on this. We've seen Peter Rutzler report a slightly softer Mitro stance of being merely "open" to the move. And we've been buoyed by the news that Fulham rejected the bid out of hand, adding that he's not for sale.

That statement from Fulham is important. The club has nailed its colours to the mast. It doesn't, of course, mean that Mitro 100% won't leave, but it means he'll have to agitate for the move, destroying five years of goodwill and a relationship with fans at a club that, let's face it, has made his career.

He owes the club
Fulham FC has helped Aleksandar Mitrovic as much as Aleksander Mitrovic has helped Fulham FC. And that is reason number one in my case that he stays. When he signed his latest new deal (which keeps him at the club until 2026, by the way), it ended a series of low points for him for both club and country. He'd been largely kept out of the side thanks to Scott Parker, he'd been in the news for partying during lockdown, and he'd missed a crucial penalty against Scotland that meant Serbia missed out on (a delayed) Euro 2020.

The show of faith from the club, the arm around the shoulder from Marco Silva, once again reignited Mitro's flame, and the 2021/22 season will go down in history. 

He'll not prove a thing in Saudi
Mitro's gone on to show Leanne Sanderson and his other naysayers that he can, in fact, do it in the top flight. To jack that in now to play the equivalent of Sunday league, despite its riches, feels like an odd thing to do. Mitro's 28; he's at the absolute peak of his powers – but will anyone really care if he scores 50 in the Saudi Pro League? I don't know the man or what he values, but he once spoke about not being able to put a price on feeling happy to go to work. And that's telling.

Time for Shad to act
This one has got a long way to run, that much is for sure. And that's a shame, as it's unsettling. But so long as Mitro doesn't decide to burn his legacy to the ground – pun intended – then I feel like the club's stance is legit. Get the cheque book out, give the man a little bump, and while the cash is flowing, give some to Marco Silva too.

Today marks 10 years since Shahid Khan took over Fulham FC. And he faces two of the biggest decisions of that tenure. Does he let the two most important figures in the club's recent history walk away, dooming him to repeat the mistakes of the previous decade? Or does he take control, and guide the club forward like he promised to when he began his "custodianship" in 2013?


It's time to show what kind of owner you are, Mr Khan.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-07-12-why-aleksandar-mitrovic-wont-be-leaving-fulham-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham reject Al-Hilal bid for Mitrovic
Fulham have immediately rejected Al-Hilal's £25.5m bid for striker Aleskandar Mitrovic and insist the Serbian striker is not for sale.

Al-Hilal, who also targeted Fulham head coach Marco Silva this summer, are keen to sign the 28 year-old forward and have the resources of the state-owned Public Investment Fund, the major backer behind Newcastle United, to spend. Although Mitrovic is reported to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia, Fulham consider themselves in a strong position as the former Newcastle United centre forward is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2026 and the Whites consider Al-Hilal's initial offer to be derisory.

Fulham are not countenancing selling Mitrovic, who has scored 111 goals in 204 games since moving to west London initially on loan in January 2018, and Silva considers the striker central to his future plans.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulham-reject-al-hilal-bid-for-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

'Flying in with his agent' - Fabrizio Romano issues £20m transfer update for Ex-Brighton striker and Fulham target
Ex-Brighton striker Viktor Gyökeres is in the final stages of sealing his move away from Coventry

Gyökeres, 25, was excellent for Coventry last term in the Championship and netted 21 goals from 41 starts, with 10 assists as the Sky Blues so nearly achieved promotion to the Premier League.

Coventry were painfully denied the riches of the top flight as they were narrowly beaten in the play-off final by Luton Town – who will be Brighton's first opponent of the coming season on August 12 at the American Express Stadium.

It was a blow for Mark Robins' team and they are now set to lose their top striker Gyökeres as he completes a move to Sporting Lisbon for around £20m. Gyökeres joined Brighton from IF Brommapojkarna in 2017 but the Sweden international was rarely given a chance to shine at the Seagulls. He made no appearances in the Premier League and his eight senior outings all came in the FA Cup and the Carabao.

Gyökeres had a loan spell at Swansea and then Coventry before the Sky Blues made the move permanent for around £1m in 2021, where he netted 43 goals in total from his two seasons at Coventry.

Importantly for Brighton, they reportedly added a sell-on clause and the Seagulls are set to bank 10 per cent of the expected £20m transfer fee when the deal to Sporting is signed off.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/flying-in-with-his-agent-fabrizio-romano-issues-ps20m-transfer-update-for-ex-brighton-striker-and-fulham-target-4216573

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Forest send contract offer to 'world class' star who scored against them last season - Romano
Nottingham Forest have sent a contract offer to free agent Willian as he mulls over his next club. The experienced winger is currently available after leaving Fulham at the end of last season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are now keen to sign the forward. Fulham want him back at Craven Cottage too, whilst the player also has offers from Saudi Arabia to ponder.

At 34-years-old, Willian is hardly going to be a signing for the future. However, he enjoyed a steady campaign during 2022/23, scoring five goals and claiming six assists in 30 appearances for Fulham.

Marco Silva was a huge fan of Willian who scored against Forest during a 2-0 win in February. He called the player 'world-class' during an interview with ESPN.

Willian is a seasoned professional when it comes to the Premier League. He's also played for Arsenal and Chelsea; winning two Premier League titles and the Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Forest are definitely on the lookout for another wide option this summer. Incidentally, Willian can operate on either flank or through the middle, as he did with Fulham last season.

It's not really clear why Fulham didn't tie him down sooner. He proved a useful player for them and it's perhaps surprising that they didn't act quicker.

Forest send contract offer to Willian
This one has come out of the blue somewhat. Willian has a number of clubs chasing him and he did prove last season that he can still play in the Premier League.

His goal in February against Forest was brilliant. It actually won the Goal of the Month award for February in the Premier League, such was the brilliance of it.

It's not clear what the finances would be on this one. Naturally, it seems as though Willian will want a handsome wage and Forest are now trying to work things through.

Rumour rating: 7/10 – If Willian was a little bit younger, we'd probably score this slightly higher. However, given that it's likely to be a one-year deal, we've marked it down slightly.

Forest have a burgeoning Brazilian community right now and Willian would add to that. If they can land him, it would be a pretty decent signing for the squad and would definitely give Steve Cooper some options.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2023/07/12/nottingham-forest-transfer-news-reds-offer-contract-to-world-class-forward/

[WhiteJC]

Bowie on target for Cobblers in behind-closed-doors match against Southampton youngsters
Cobblers took on Southampton Under-23s at the club's Moulton College training base in a behind closed doors pre-season match on Tuesday afternoon.

The match itself was split into four 20-minute blocks. The first two blocks were made up of mainly first-team players and the final two blocks involved a lot of the Under-18s squad.

The game finished 4-2 to Southampton, with Kieron Bowie and youth team player Leo Jenkins on target for the Cobblers.

First-team coach Marc Richards, who oversaw the game, said: "This was a much-needed run out for the lads as we look to dust off some cobwebs ahead of Saturday's match with Leicester City.

"It was a good chance for us as staff to look at the players and assess where they are in terms of match fitness and also to get some minutes into their legs.

"We thank Southampton for travelling down to us and for providing us a competitive game ahead of the weekend."



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/bowie-on-target-for-cobblers-in-behind-closed-doors-match-against-southampton-youngsters-4216595

[WhiteJC]

Fred considering Manchester United future, set for Erik ten Hag talks
Manchester United midfielder Fred has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Fulham keen on signing him.

A report from 90min claims that Brazilian midfielder Fred is considering his future at Manchester United, and he is set to hold crunch talks with manager Erik ten Hag.

The Brazilian international has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford so far since completing his £47 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk. And it will be interesting to see if it decides to move on. The player has been linked with clubs like Fulham in recent weeks.

There is no doubt that the 30-year-old could prove to be a useful acquisition for a mid-table club. And if Fulham can offer him assurances of regular game time, he could be tempted. The Brazilian international is unlikely to be a regular starter for Manchester United in the coming seasons. So it makes sense for him to move on.

The 30-year-old midfielder is set for showdown talks with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, and he will probably be seeking first-team assurances from the Dutchman. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag is prepared to hold on to the midfielder beyond this summer.

Manchester United recently completed a big-money move for Mason Mount, and they have been linked with a number of other central midfielders as well. Fred could find himself further down the pecking order by the end of the transfer window. So a move away from Old Trafford seems ideal for him.

The 30-year-old could prove to be a useful acquisition for a club like Fulham, and he will add technical ability and defensive cover to their midfield. In addition to that, his departure could be beneficial to Manchester United as well.

The midfielder could fetch a substantial fee this summer even though it won't be close to £47 million. Nonetheless, it would boost Manchester United's transfer war chest and help them improve their squad further. Fred is not the only midfielder linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer and Scott McTominay could be on his way out of the club as well.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/07/12/fred-considering-manchester-united-future-set-for-erik-ten-hag-talks/

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Fulham 'return to the charge' for January target – Will 'enter into talks' after €25m asking price set
Fulham have decided to 'return to the charge' for Fluminense midfielder André and are close to finalising a deal for him.

That's according to AS, who say Marco Silva's side are 'seeking to close' a deal for the Brazilian midfielder and add him to their squad for next season.

The newspaper reports that the player is considered 'one of the best midfielders' in the Brasileirão, where he has been shining thanks to his 'organisational skills'.

Fluminense will 'seek a great sale' for the young star and have set an asking price of close to €25m for their number seven.

Fulham had moved for the midfielder in the January transfer window, initially offering €20m for the player but were given a 'resounding no' at the time.

They decided to leave their interest to one side and return this summer and have now done so, with the plan to once again 'enter into talks' to 'test the situation' around the player. They are said to believe he could be a perfect complement for João Palinha and Harrison Reed in their midfield.

Any transfer won't be easy, though. André's performances in Brazil mean his stock is high, with him already a Brazil international following his debut against Senegal in June.

Hence his already relatively high asking price, a figure Fluminense are unlikely to move from as they look to get the best figure possible for one of their star men.

Whether Fulham will pay the requested amount remains to be seen but it's believed emissaries from Craven Cottage 'will start talks with Fluminense' to work out a deal first hand.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-return-charge-january-target/

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Fulham: Major Marco Silva and Mitrovic update emerges at Craven Cottage
Fulham fans will be sweating on news regarding Marco Silva and Aleksandr Mitrovic's futures.

Fulham could be set for a busy summer transfer window, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on Marco Silva, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Joao Palhinha, speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

After cementing a midtable finish last season, Fulham will be desperate to kick on and achieve a similar position next term.

Fulham transfer news - Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Marco Silva
Finishing in the top half of the Premier League was a fantastic achievement for Fulham in their first season back in England's top flight.

To perform to a similar level in the next campaign, keeping hold of some of their key players will be vitally important.

One player linked with a move away is Portuguese midfielder Palhinha, who is being targeted by West Ham United.

As per the MailOnline, Fulham are set to demand £90m for Palhinha, with West Ham eyeing him as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.

Mitrovic is another player attracting interest after his impressive season, with Sky Sports reporting that Fulham have rejected a bid from Al-Hilal, insisting the striker is not for sale.

Away from the playing squad, there's been plenty of talk that manager Silva could also depart.

According to iNews, Silva has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese boss having a £6m release clause in his contract.

Now, journalist Jones had provided an update on the trio.

What has Jones said about Mitrovic, Palhinha, and Silva?
Jones has suggested that talk of Silva leaving seemed to die down, but the Saudi club are set to push again, with an offer for Mitrovic also in the works.

In more positive news, Jones has claimed that Palhinha will not be leaving as it stands.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Fulham fans have spent the past month sweating over whether Marco Silva can resist the vast sums of money being thrown in his direction from Saudi Arabia.

It looked like the storm had totally blown over but now I'm hearing there might be one last push to get him into the Saudi Pro League and there has also been an offer rejected for Mitrovic as well.

"These are the two most important figures at the football club. Mitrovic is irreplaceable in terms of what he brings as a figurehead for the team - and of course, his goals record is unmatchable.

"Marco Silva is possibly more replaceable, but his style of play and vision might not be. So this is still a pretty tense moment for Fulham to get through. My hunch is that Fulham will get through this.

"The indications I have had are that a week or so ago Marco Silva had decided to stay and that a new contract agreement is close - and Mitrovic is very focused on the new season and has never shown an intention to leave the club.

"So, in that sense, this is slightly comforting from a Fulham point of view. The other good news for Fulham is that Palhinha is going nowhere as it stands, as West Ham have been put off by his price tag."

Who could Fulham be looking to sign?
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has recently confirmed to GIVEMESPORT that Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer is of interest to the Cottagers.

Journalist Jones previously told GIVEMESPORT that Yunus Musah is another player who could be on his way to Craven Cottage after a failed move to AC Milan.

New signings will be important for Fulham, but securing some of the key men at the club will be a huge priority this summer.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-craven-cottage-marco-silva/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest and Fulham set to battle for former Chelsea star
Willian had an impressive return to England this past season. Signing a one-year contract with Fulham last summer, the Brazilian winger went onto record a respectable 11 goal contributions in the Premier League. Now at 34 years old, Fulham remain interested in bringing Willian back while fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forrest are also interested in the player. This is according to Fabrizio Romano who states that both English clubs have submitted proposals to Willian.

In what is not very surprising given some of the transfers this summer, Saudi Pro League clubs are also on the list for potential suitors for Willian.

Many Premier League fans will remember Willian from his days at Chelsea. He spent 7 years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles and Europa League. In 2020, the winger made a bit of an unexpected move when he signed for fierce rivals Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer. Willian spent just a single season with Arsenal before his contract was mutually terminated.

A return to his home country and boyhood club was on the cards for summer 2021. Willian inked a deal that ran with Corinthians until the end of 2023. After threats made towards the player surfaced, he was able to get his contract terminated and once again he was a free agent.

After a fairly below-average spell back in Brazil, it was a little bit of a surprise that the veteran was able to secure a Premier League move. His one year contract with Fulham signed on September 1st 2022 ended up being solid business for the London-based club.

What's next for Willian remains to be seen. Given his long history of playing in London, he may want to stay put and re-sign with Fulham. Of course, the offers from Saudi Arabia will contain the biggest contracts, which also has to be considered.



https://thetopflight.com/2023/07/12/nottingham-forest-fulham-willian/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham now 'readying second offer' to sign £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage
Fulham now 'readying second offer' to sign £100k-a-week star at Craven Cottage

Fulham will certainly want to keep hold of Willian for another year, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on his future, speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

The Brazilian winger was impressive for Fulham on his return to Premier League football.

Fulham transfer news - Willian
Fulham signed former Arsenal winger Willian last summer on a one-year deal, which expired at the end of June this year.

As per The Athletic, Fulham are nearing a breakthrough in discussions over a new deal for Willian.

The report claims that Willian could now be earning almost £100k-a-week if he signs on the dotted line at Craven Cottage.

The former Chelsea man played a pivotal role in the Cottagers' first campaign back in England's top flight, where Marco Silva guided them to a top-half finish.

The 34-year-old scored five times and provided five assists in 25 Premier League starts, as per FBref.

Last month, the Evening Standard claimed that Fulham were expected to lose Willian after the two parties couldn't agree a deal.

The report adds that multiple Premier League clubs have considered signing the former Brazil international this summer.

Now, journalist Jones has provided an update on his contract situation at Craven Cottage.

What has Jones said about Willian?
Jones has suggested that Fulham will be the 'prime candidates' to sign Willian during the summer transfer window.

The journalist adds that the capital club are set to go in with a second offer for Willian with a significant rise in wages.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "At this moment in time, it looks like Fulham are going to go back with a second offer for Willian, and they're willing to put him on wages that aren't far off what Aleksandar Mitrović will be earning.

"So, they're starting to show him what he means to them now. I still feel that Fulham will be the prime candidates to re-sign Willian now before he looks at other clubs in London."

What's next for Fulham?
Keeping hold of some of their key players as they look to avoid slipping down the table next season, as is fairly common with sides after they gain promotion to the Premier League.

The MailOnline have claimed that Fulham are set to demand £90m for Joao Palhinha in a bid to deter any clubs potentially interested in the Portuguese midfielder.

The price tag is likely to prevent clubs from showing too much interest, but it's believed West Ham United are keen on the midfielder as a successor to Declan Rice.

Journalist Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on signing Tosin Adarabioyo, who is searching for a new club this summer.

Securing a new contract for Antonee Robinson was a huge boost for the club heading into next season, with the American international previously attracting interest.

Football Insider recently claimed that Manchester City were considering a move for the former Everton youth product, before he committed his long-term future to the Cottagers earlier this month.



https://www.givemesport.com/willian-fulham-transfer-news-craven-cottage-marco-silva/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest make approach for free agent Willian as Fulham also prepare second offer to bring the Brazilian back to Craven Cottage following his contract expiry amid Saudi interest

    Nottingham Forest approach Willian as the free agent mulls over his future
    Fulham have made another contract offer to him, while Saudi clubs are keen

Nottingham Forest have made an approach to free agent Willian as he ponders a contract offer from Fulham.

The 34-year-old rejected Fulham's initial proposal but he could yet commit his future to the London outfit after their second approach.

Willian made a splash on his return to the Premier League last season, registering five goals and six assists, and he was a key driver in their top-half finish.

Saudi Arabian clubs are also making advances and the Brazilian is expected to make a decision in the coming days.

While he is nearing the end of his career, Willian still has immense value to bring and won two Premier League titles with Chelsea. 

Across seven seasons as a Chelsea regular, he also won the Europa League.

A 70-time Brazil international, he won the 2019 Copa America and has nine goals on the world stage.

His season-long stint at Arsenal in 2020-21 was not so successful but he regained his admirers and reputation during his time at Fulham, helping them to be surprise packages in their first season back in the Premier League.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12293111/Nottingham-Forest-make-approach-free-agent-Willian-Fulham-prepare-second-offer.html