Monday Fulham Stuff - 17/07/23...

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Trouble brewing at Fulham could be great news for West Ham as new claim made over Joao Palhinha pursuit

Trouble is brewing at Fulham and it could be great news for West Ham as a new claim is made over their Joao Palhinha pursuit.

West Ham and Fulham are two of only three Premier League clubs yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window.

But after the £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, that looks set to change very quickly for West Ham.

Fulham however find themselves in pre-season turmoil if reports are to be believed.

Fulham's star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic – a former West Ham target – is agitating for a move to Saudi Arabia.

One of the Cottagers' best players last season – Willian – has turned down a new deal and is signing for Nottingham Forest.

Trouble brewing at Fulham could be great news for West Ham as new claim made over Joao Palhinha pursuit
And manager Marco Silva is refusing to sign a new contract after being disappointed by Fulham's lack of transfer activity.

The trouble brewing at Fulham could be great news for West Ham as a new claim made over their Joao Palhinha pursuit.

The Hammers are said to have identified the Portugal defensive midfielder as one of their prime targets to replace Rice.

It was revealed last month that West Ham have already held talks with Palhinha and his representatives over a move.

It's easy to see why West Ham want the Fulham star. There was nobody better than Palhinha in defensive midfield across Europe's top five leagues last season.

Report: West Ham remain 'genuinely interested' in Palhinha
Things had gone a touch quiet on the Palhinha front. But a new report from The Sun this weekend claimed there is still genuine interest from West Ham in signing the 28-year-old.

With star players leaving and pushing to leave and the manager's future uncertain at Fulham, that can only give West Ham encouragement over Palhinha.

Especially as reports claim Fulham could be open to a sale at the right price.

The Guardian have previously stated that the Cottagers value Palhinha at £50m. That looks too steep for West Ham given they can get younger stars such as Edson Alvarez for between £30-40m.

But crucially, those reports claim Fulham may be forced to sell for a lower fee if the player starts pushing for a move.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/trouble-brewing-at-fulham-could-be-great-news-for-west-ham-as-new-claim-made-over-joao-palhinha-pursuit/

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Nottingham Forest signing Willian could help Fulham land a Reds-linked winger

Nottingham Forest signing Willian could help Fulham complete the signing of Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. The Reds are in talks with the versatile forward as they look to strengthen their squad.

Forest have also been linked with a move to sign Hudson-Odoi so far this summer. Now, The Evening Standard have claimed that if the Reds can snare Willian, Fulham might move for the Chelsea talent.

Steve Cooper is yet to strengthen his squad this summer. It's proving in stark contrast to 12 months ago when Forest added a staggering 23 new players to their ranks during the transfer window.

Willian is available on a free transfer this summer and has been in talks with Forest. He's already rejected one contract proposal from Fulham; although the Cottagers are still in talks with the player and could still tempt him to stay.

Forest look to have moved ahead in the race, however. They're offering him a two-year contract; with the option of moving to Olympiacos in 12 months looking like a viable option.

Last season, Willian showed that he's still got what it takes to perform in the Premier League. He scored five goals and claimed six assists as Fulham enjoyed a quality maiden season back in the top flight.

Forest signing Willian could help Fulham sign Hudson-Odoi
It's unlikely that Forest will go for both wingers this summer. With that in mind, there is perhaps an argument that the club have got this one the wrong way around.

Hudson-Odoi would be a sound investment for the future. Although Willian might be a better option in the short term, there will be zero longevity or resale value on the transfer.

Still, it will be interesting to see how things shape up with Hudson-Odoi. With Chelsea likely wanting to recoup a decent transfer fee, his valuation could prove quite pricey this summer.

Furthermore, he's not had the best couple of years. He was on loan with Bayer Leverkusen during 2022/23 and he failed to convince Xabi Alonso of his quality and was often utilised as a backup from the bench.

Forest landing Willian would almost certainly take Forest out of the race for Hudson-Odoi. Only time will tell whether they've chosen the right option to take the club on to the next level.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2023/07/16/nottingham-forest-signing-willian-could-help-fulham-land-a-reds-linked-winger/

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Fulham U21s held by Bromley
Fulham's under-21 side began their pre-season preparations with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Bromley at Hayes Lane yesterday afternoon.

In weather that alternated from glorious sunshine to drizzle – with a torrential thunderstorm in between – both sides proved eager to get the ball down and play. From the outset former Fulham academy graduate Josh Passley impressed down the right flank and the hosts made the early running. Corey Whitely whistled a free-kick just wide of Alfie McNally's goal but Bromley did go ahead when Passley's perfectly weighted chip allowed Louis Dennis to find the far corner.

Fulham quickly drew level when they seized possession after a mistake from James Vennings saw the visitors knit together a promising move of precise passes before Ollie Sanderson fired a low finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Sanderson twice went close to giving the Whites the lead shortly afterwards, but he was denied by superb saves from on loan Chelsea custodian Teddy Sharman-Lowe.

At the other net, McNally was equal to an effort from Besart Topalloj but the Fulham goalkeeper was beaten by a brilliant strike from Vennings, who advanced from midfield after winning the ball back easily and found the top corner with an excellent effort from distance. The Ravens were quick off the mark as they sought to extend their lead after the interval, with Jude Arthurs firing over from close range, and McNally doing brilliantly to deny Michael Cheek's attempted chip.

Just as the home side looked to be applying further pressure, they were punished by the predatory finishing of winger Terrell Works, who capitalised on some defensive hesitation to race through on Sharman-Lowe and level matters. Fulham's superior fitness appeared to be telling towards the end and substitute Callum McFarlane seemed to have snatched victory with a sublime individual strike only for George Alexander to guide home Rhys Wyborn's cross from the left within sixty seconds to make it 3-3.

This was a useful exercise for Fulham's youngsters. Aside from Sanderson, Works and McFarlane who caught the eye in the way they scored the three goals, there was encouraging cameo from young midfielder Josh King, who belied his tender age with the confidence to orchestrate play impressively from the engine room and got a side weakened by several young stars facing Cardiff in a friendly at Motspur Park going forward.

BROMLEY: Sharman-Lowe; Passley, Topalloj, Reynolds, Webster; Arthurs, Vennings, Dennis, Krauhaus; Whiteley, Cheek. Subs: Smith, Trialist A, Woods, Marriott, Trialist B, Alexander, Sablier, Wyborn, Kamara, Joyce, German.

GOALS: Dennis (11), Vennings (26), Alexander (80).

FULHAM UNDER 21s: McNally; Tanton, Slade, Williams, Essenga; Gofford, Donnell; Works, Ablade, Sekularac; Sanderson. Subs: Conway, Okkas, King, Gordon, Loupalo-Bi, McFarlane.

GOALS: Sanderson (14), Works (64), McFarlane (79).

REFEREE: Lloyd Wood (Romford).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulham-u21s-held-by-bromley/

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David Moyes woe as Liverpool turn to 'unrivalled' star West Ham have held talks with amid new Joao Palhinha claims

David Moyes woe as Liverpool turn to an 'unrivalled' star West Ham United have held talks with amid new Joao Palhinha claims.

West Ham could be dealt a crushing blow by Liverpool in their bid to replace Declan Rice.

With Manuel Lanzini released and Rice sold by West Ham this summer, David Moyes has a midfield rebuild on his hands.

And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp does too with major upheaval in the middle of the park for the Reds.

James Milner and one-time West Ham target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have left Liverpool and now Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alacantara and Fabinho could follow them out of the exit door with moves to Saudi Arabia.

Ultimately that could prove to be bad news for West Ham's own plans in the summer transfer window.

The Hammers have been consistently linked with three names as replacements for Rice in the shape of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Joao Palhinha.

David Moyes woe as Liverpool turn to 'unrivalled' star West Ham have held talks with amid new Joao Palhinha claims
But there is Moyes woe as Liverpool turn to 'unrivalled' star West Ham have held talks with amid new Palhinha claims.

It was revealed last month that West Ham have already held talks with Palhinha and his representatives over a move.

The Portugal star was unrivalled among defensive midfielders across Europe last season. In fact there was nobody better than Palhinha in Europe's top five leagues.

This weekend a new report from The Sun claimed there is genuine interest from West Ham in signing the 28-year-old.

But with Liverpool reportedly set to accept a £40m bid for Fabinho from Al-Ittihad, reports claim they now want Hammers target Palhinha as his replacement.

'There are others'
The Liverpool Echo claims Palhinha is now on Klopp's radar as a result of the potential and somewhat sudden departure of Fabinho.

That will obviously be bad news for West Ham's hopes.

But the same report does also state the Reds are interested in a host of other central midfielders – including two other reported Moyes targets, Sofyan Amrabat and Kalvin Phillips.

"Names such as Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat and Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, who had both previously been dismissed as Reds targets, are now back on the table, along with Fulham's Portugal international Joao Palhinha," the report states.

"There are others."

It would not be the first time Klopp has snatched a Moyes target away from West Ham's clutches.

The Scot has admitted previously that Liverpool swooped to hijack West Ham moves for both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/david-moyes-woe-as-liverpool-turn-to-unrivalled-star-west-ham-have-held-talks-with-amid-new-joao-palhinha-claims/

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The magic of Mousa Dembélé
There are some players you are just grateful to have seen pull on a Fulham shirt. The majestic Mousa Dembélé was one of them. The brilliant Belgian's Craven Cottage career might have been fleeting – he spent just two years with the Whites before Daniel Levy triggered his £15m release clause on transfer deadline day in 2012 – but Dembélé definitely left a lasting impression.

His balance, agility and technique were sublime. It took Martin Jol to recognise that Dembélé had all the attributes to be a central midfielder rather than the floating forward that had arrived at the club after winning the Dutch title with AZ Alkmaar. It was no surprise that the gloriously gifted playmaker became one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe – even if watching from afar it felt like his ability to glide past opponents wasn't fully utilised after he had left SW6.

It was clear that Dembélé, whose tenacious tackling made him the perfect in the engine room for Jol's swashbuckling side that finished ninth in 2012, wouldn't be at Fulham for too much longer after producing a peerless performance in a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford in August 2012. He was sensational that day, a week after starring in an opening day romp against Norwich, and his departure – which came during the same summer as Clint Dempsey's – was the start of an agonising decline.

Dembélé celebrates his 36th birthday today – and I thought it was worth recalling arguably his finest Fulham goal: a delicious dribble through Tottenham for the Whites' fourth goal before half-time in a memorable FA Cup victory from 2011 at the Cottage. Enjoy!

https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/the-magic-of-mousa-dembele-2/

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Wolves: "Very good" star to Molineux is "questionable"
The 25-year-old is set to leave his club this summer after failing to agree terms on a new deal.

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo won't be joining fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer according to Dean Jones.

The defender looks set to leave the Cottagers this summer according to reports.

Is Tosin Adarabioyo leaving Fulham this summer?
Reports suggest that Adarabioyo is set to end his three-season spell with the London side this summer.

Since his arrival in the summer of 2020, the defender has made 107 appearances for the club across both the Premier League and the Championship. He was a crucial part in helping the club secure their first Premier League top-half finish in over a decade.

However, contract talks between Fulham and Adarabioyo have stalled according to reports, and the Cottagers might look to offload the central defender this window in order to not lose the talented 25-year-old for free next summer.

There are a number of reported suitors, with Italian giants Inter Milan reportedly looking at the former Manchester City man as a replacement for Milan Skriniar who has recently joined PSG. Tottenham Hotspur were also reported to be interested in the defender, however, it appears they have pivoted to targeting the Bundesliga duo of Edmond Tapsoba and Micky Van De Ven from Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg respectively.

Most recently, Julen Lopetegui's Wolves have been earmarked as a potential landing ground for the Englishman. The report stated that the side were looking to replace Irishman Nathan Collins, who recently joined Brentford for £23m, and Adarabioyo was an option the club were considering.

However, Jones has told FootballFanCast that he doesn't see the deal happening.

What has Dean Jones said about the transfer?
Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones revealed that he believed that a potential move was a "sideways step" for a player who he believes isn't even cemented in the Fulham side.

The journalist said: "A move from Fulham to Wolves would be a bit of a sideways step for him. He's a good player, but he's not even like cemented in the Fulham team. So it's questionable as to how much he would lift the levels of Wolves, even though he has a good background behind him, and he is capable of being a very intelligent footballer."

Where will Tosin Adarabioyo move to?
The 25-year-old has a number of options available to him this summer.

The defender could sign a new deal with his current club. The centre-back made 29 appearances for the club in all competitions last season and was a regular fixture at the heart of the club's defence during their best runs of form. The club will be hoping to build on their strong campaign last time around, and keeping their core players together would be a crucial part to that. Factoring in the defender's age as well, the Cottagers should be doing everything they can to try and keep Adarabioyo at Craven Cottage.

Should the defender be set on departing this summer, however, It might be a smart move to wait until later in the window to see what opportunities arise. Adarabioyo mainly played off the left-hand side for Fulham last campaign with Tim Ream on the right, and a number of top sides including Spurs and Liverpool are in the market for that profile of defender. Should these clubs not get their first-choice targets, the Englishman might be pursued as an alternative for these clubs due to his price tag of £13m and his Premier League experience.

Whatever ends up happening with Adarabioyo though, it seems his future will not be at Molineux next season.



https://www.footballfancast.com/wolverhampton-wanderers-tosin-adarabioyo-transfer-news-dean-jones/

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Sources: Al Hilal close to signing Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic
Al Hilal are confident of securing a deal for Fulham hit-man Aleksandar Mitrovic, sources have told Football Insider.

The Saudi Arabian side have seen their opening two bids rejected by the Premier League club for Mitrovic, but they are refusing to give up on the Serbian international.

Mitrovic, 28, who scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season is keen to leave Craven Cottage to move to the Saudi Pro League.

The London club are insisting that their star striker is not for sale this summer, despite interest from the big-money Saudi league.

According to Sky Sports (14 July), Mitrovic has personally contract Fulham chief Tony Khan to ask him to accept an offer this summer.

The forward joined the Cottagers in 2018 on an initial loan deal before making the permanent switch in the summer for a fee of around £25million.

The Serbia international has made 205 appearances for Fulham since his arrival five years ago.

The striker has netted 111 goals in those outings and offered up 22 assists.

Al Hilal have already captured two Premier League stars so far this summer as the Saudi league attempts to snap up big English names.

Wolves' Ruben Neves made a £47m move to the Saudi Pro League earlier in the window, with Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly also making the switch.

Mitorvic's Serbia teammate and Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is also closing in on a £34.5m move to the same club.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-al-hilal-close-to-signing-fulham-star-aleksandar-mitrovic/

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Two Premier League clubs reportedly enquire about Adams availability

CRYSTAL Palace and Fulham have both enquired about the availability of Saints forward Che Adams, according to reports elsewhere. 

 The Scotland international scored five league goals last season as Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League.

However, a move back to the top flight could be on the cards this summer. A report by the Daily Mail issued further details.

They note that Crystal Palace and Fulham will both be expected to pay a £15 million fee to sign the 27 year old this summer.

 Adams only has one year left on his contract and is believed to be keen on a move back to the Premier League to boost his Euro 2024 chances with Scotland.

Fulham could be in the market for a new striker as their star man Aleksandar Mitrovic is reportedly the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia.

Adams arrived at St Mary's from Birmingham in 2019 and has since scored 31 goals in 145 games.



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23658547.two-premier-league-clubs-reportedly-enquire-adams-availability/

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Tottenham face competition from West Ham for Brazilian star

Tottenham face competition from Fulham and West Ham for Roger Ibanez

According to local outlet Roma Giallorossa, Tottenham Hotspur have found themselves facing stiff competition from their London rivals Fulham and West Ham United in the race to secure the services of AS Roma's talented centre-back, Roger Ibanez.

Roma's intention is to offload some players to accommodate new signings and Ibanez appears to be one of the individuals they are willing to part ways with. Tottenham, never one to back down from a challenge, has expressed a keen interest in the Brazilian defender.

Unfazed by Tottenham's pursuit, both Fulham and West Ham have entered the fray over the past few days, making inquiries about Roger Ibanez's availability. It seems that the allure of securing a talented defender has drawn the attention of their London counterparts.

For Tottenham, this pursuit holds immense importance as they aim to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the upcoming season. Ibanez's commanding presence and strong aerial ability make him an attractive prospect for a team seeking to solidify their backline.

His composure on the ball and ability to distribute with precision would undoubtedly bring added stability and creativity to Tottenham's defensive setup. He has been a key player for the Italian side.

However, Fulham and West Ham possess their own reasons for coveting Ibanez. The Cottagers, fresh from a good season in the Premier League, are eager to bolster their squad and establish a strong foundation in the top flight.

As the battle for Ibanez's signature intensifies, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, and West Ham United are all determined to secure the services of this highly sought-after centre-back.

For now, the spotlight shines on the North London outfit as they navigate the intricate negotiations, trying to convince AS Roma to part ways with their prized asset. While Tottenham face formidable opposition from Fulham and West Ham, their desire to strengthen their squad is obvious.



https://tothelaneandback.com/2023/07/16/tottenham-face-competition-from-west-ham-for-brazilian-star/

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Fulham's Striker Mitrovic: The Grand Saudi Bid
Footballing narratives thrive on the enticing plots of stellar talent transfers, none more fascinating than Fulham's top gun, Aleksandar Mitrovic. A tale of intense pursuit unfolds as Football Insider reveals the Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal's relentless chase of the Fulham luminary.

Al Hilal: Determined in the Mitrovic Chase
The Saudi Arabian team hasn't had an easy ride in their quest for Mitrovic. Despite having their first two offers rebuffed by the Premier League representatives, Al Hilal remains undeterred in their mission to land the Serbian striker.

The 28-year-old goal machine, credited with 14 Premier League goals last season, reportedly longs for a fresh venture at the Saudi Pro League, away from the bustling environs of Craven Cottage.

Fulham: Unwavering Stand
Amidst the stir caused by the big-money allure of the Saudi league, Fulham remain steadfast. The London side insists that their star forward is off the market this summer, fuelling the intrigue of this ongoing saga.

However, as reported by Sky Sports on 14 July, Mitrovic has taken the matter into his own hands, personally reaching out to Fulham's Chief Tony Khan to express his desire for a summer transfer.

Mitrovic: The Fulham Era
Since joining the Cottagers in 2018, initially on loan before finalising a £25million switch, Mitrovic has graced Craven Cottage with remarkable performances. The Serbian icon has made a total of 205 appearances for Fulham, stamping his authority with a formidable record of 111 goals and a generous offering of 22 assists.

The Saudi Pro League: Gathering Big English Names
The Saudi Pro League is fast becoming a hotspot for Premier League stars. Al Hilal has already successfully roped in two Premier League greats this summer, initiating a pattern of snapping up prominent English names. Ruben Neves of Wolves fame and Chelsea's stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly have already committed to the Saudi Pro League.

To top it off, Mitrovic's fellow Serbian international and Lazio's midfield maestro, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, is rumoured to be finalising a £34.5m move to Al Hilal. The plot thickens as we wait to see if Mitrovic becomes the next star name to embrace the Saudi Pro League adventure.



https://eplindex.com/92266/fulhams-striker-mitrovic-the-grand-saudi-bid.html

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The Mitrovic conundrum
I must confess to have taken my time in writing about Aleksandar Mitrovic. As adults, we're supposed to be smart. Heroes, especially those of a sporting variety, are for children. Loyalty as a concept should really be retired. Contracts aren't worth the paper they are printed on. But occasionally along comes someone who seems different. I should know better. As a young fan, one of my first heroes was Louis Saha. He was sublime, skilful, French and fired Fulham to the top flight. After battling injuries and the rarefied air of the Premier League, it looked like his goals could carry Chris Coleman's Whites to the Champions' League. And then he was tapped up by Sir Alex Fergsuon. Saha threatened to go on strike – and score own goals – to get his move to Old Trafford.

He was a talismanic former Newcastle United centre forward, like Mitrovic. Fast forward twenty years and there's speculation about the Serbian striker, who has carved out a very special place in Fulham folklore, wanting to secure a big-money move to Saudi Arabia. The hulking striker, supported by the club and its supporters through a period after he lost control whilst the Whites were winning an FA Cup quarter final at Manchester United, has – if you believe Sky Sports News – indicated that he feels the time is right for Fulham to accept an offer from Al-Hilal for his services. There's no doubt Mitrovic has repaid the £22m Fulham paid for his services in 2018, but this isn't a move to further his career – like Saha's. Nobody could argue that the sportswashing Saudis will help him become a better player: this is all about cold, hard cash.

Mitrovic's goals have been both a key component of Fulham's return to the top flight, as he broke the second-tier post-war goalscoring record during Marco Silva's first season in SW6, and one of the reasons why they comfortably survived last time. It feels a little bit premature for a forward still so adept at scoring to put his bank balance first – especially when he's scored 111 goals in 204 games and has a decent shot at overhauling the club's record goalscorer Gordon Davies. Do Fulham deserve more having given a mistrusted hothead a chance to establish himself again after he had been frozen out by Rafa Benitez? Possibly, but I didn't think Mitrovic would remain with the club after one relegation, never mind two.

Fulham's stance in response to repeated bids from Al-Hilal is that the player isn't for sale. That's the correct public position. Mitrovic is so crucial to the way that Silva's side plays that selling him for anything short of his value would be malpractice – and a shrewd businessman like Shahid Khan hasn't become successful by doing that. Then, there's the impact a sale would have on a squad that is already smaller than it was three weeks ago. For one thing, number nines like Mitrovic are a throwback and not easily obtainable. Buying proven Premier League strikers will cost money, especially right at the start of the season. Confirmation that the Cottagers are a selling club could leave the likes of Silva – or even Joao Palhinha – to consider their future.

The silly season, as we've written about before, is always full of frenzied and inaccurate takes. But this summer always felt pivotal for Fulham. They could build on a brilliant first campaign back in the top tier, back a head coach who has swiftly restored stylish football to the Cottage and proven himself amongst English football's elite, and make good on Khan's ambition in his tenth year of owning London's oldest professional football club. With under a week to go until the start of the Premier League Summer Series, a flagship opportunity to market Fulham on American soil, they have failed to do so. Silva has not put pen to paper on his new contract as the Portuguese boss waits to see whether the club's ambition matches his own. Perhaps he has already got his answer.

The fans, of course, are left until last with clubs considered commodities these days. The fans who ultimately empower owners to spend so much on footballers because they'll dutifully buy those tickets, programmes, replica strips and everything else pumped own by their beloved club. How many of you reading this are delighted that you splashed out on those season tickets – increased by an average of 18.5% during a cost of living crisis – with the club still yet to sign a senior player this summer? The chairman should be praised for his generosity, the rebuilding of a Riverside Stand that remains unfinished, apparently and not question why it is that the long-term future of the club's head coach, leading scorer and the strengthening of a squad that needs reinforcement haven't been advanced over the summer months. Pull the other one.

There are questions too for Mitrovic here. He's a cult hero at Craven Cottage, a place he was happy to proclaim as home earlier this year, but if he is seeking to force through a move to Saudi Arabia as his team-mates prepare for the new season then that might not last long. He might be able to set aside the fact that torture is used as punishment, executions are on the rise, there's no free speech or protests, women are discriminated against and migrant workers are deported en masse but no amount of sportswashing will make these things vanish. All those goals were glorious but how you leave matters. To exit in this fashion would stand in stark contrast to Joe Bryan's recent departure, for instance. Mitrovic might even endanger his international career by seeking to join his mate Sergej Milinkovi?-Savi? in Saudi Arabia.

Who knows what the true position is? Will Mitrovic agitate for the move he is apparently so attracted to? Will Fulham be forced to sell? The football club will outlive owners and centre forwards and even ourselves eventually. It isn't an exact parallel but I remember people suggesting that the sale of Ross McCormack would be disastrous. Slavisa Jokanovic, a man whose role in enticing Mitrovic to Fulham in the first place is always underwritten, then constructed one of the most watchable Whites' sides I've ever seen. Whether those in charge of the club's recruitment can sign a striker fit to succeed the current occupant of the number nine shirt might be the most pertinent question over the next few weeks. For Fulham's sake, let's hope it isn't.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/the-mitrovic-conundrum/

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Fulham: Joao Palhinha transfer update emerges at Craven Cottage
Fulham star could make a decision on his future later in the transfer window.

Fulham may have priced Joao Palhinha out of a move this summer, based on reports, but Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth still has a warning for the Craven Cottage faithful.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a switch to West Ham United as they look to bring in a replacement for Declan Rice.

Fulham transfer news — Joao Palhinha
Sheth's Sky Sports colleague Michael Bridge recently told GIVEMESPORT that it is going to take a lot of money for Fulham to consider selling Palhinha.

According to the MailOnline, the amount needed to get the 28-year-old out of Craven Cottage this transfer window is £90m.

The same outlet claims that West Ham are interested in signing Palhinha as a replacement for Rice but, at £90m, a deal looks highly unlikely.

The west London club only signed the Portugal international for £20m last summer, as reported by Sky Sports, but it is clear that they feel his value has gone up dramatically after an impressive debut season in England.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Joao Palhinha and Fulham?
While Fulham appear to have priced Palhinha out of a move, Sheth has suggested that the former Sporting Lisbon man could still decide that he wants to leave Marco Silva's side later on in the transfer window.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter said: "The Palhinha situation, they want to keep him, of course. But the later we get into the window, let's see what Palhinha's feeling is about wanting to stay or not."

Who else is interested in Joao Palhinha?
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Liverpool have also shown an interest in Palhinha.

The Reds have already signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, but another midfielder like the Fulham star may be needed amid doubts surrounding the futures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

As per The Athletic, both players are wanted by teams in Saudi Arabia, meaning Jurgen Klopp may have to go back into the transfer market for someone who can operate in the engine room.

Elsewhere, The Sun claimed in April that Manchester United were monitoring Palhinha's situation at Craven Cottage. It will now be interesting to see whether anyone actually ends up making a move for the midfielder, especially if Fulham really have slapped a £90m price tag on him. However, it is not hard to see why he is being targeted.

When it came to tackles in the Premier League last season, no player made more. In total, Palhinha recorded 147 (via FBref). To put that into perspective, the next highest number was 100.

Palhinha was also in the top 20 for interceptions made, making 46, so this is someone who is very adept at winning the ball back and thwarting attacks. Does it mean he is worth £90m? No. But Fulham's plan is clearly to scare off suitors, which is more than understandable.

They had a good campaign last term and need to keep hold of their best players if they want to build on that.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-joao-palhinha-transfer-update-emerges-at-craven-cottage/

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Fulham's academy begin Portugal training camp
Fulham's academy squad have travelled to Portugal today to begin their pre-season training camp.

The Whites' under-18 and under-21 sides will heighten their preparations for the new domestic campaign with a week's training in Portugal and play two matches each against local opponents.

The under 21s will face Porto B on Wednesday morning before taking on Braga B on Saturday morning. The under-18 outfit will tackle Braga's under 19s on Wednesday evening and play Porto's under 19s on Saturday morning.

Fulham's academy director Sean Cullen said:

    "Portugal is a great opportunity for our Professional Development Phase teams to prepare for the demanding season ahead of them. The trip gives our players and staff the chance to bond, whilst also working hard on the grass and playing fixtures against top-quality opposition. The players are exposed to different styles of football and will also benefit holistically from experiencing a different culture."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulhams-academy-begin-portugal-training-camp/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva wants to watch player in pre-season before making Fulham transfer decision
As Grêmio keep up with their interest in Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, the Brazilian media today brings the latest about this pursuit.

The update comes from João Batista Filho, who on his website features some information which is said to come directly from the Tricolor president Alberto Guerra.

It's said that Grêmio still can't advance in the talks for Muniz because Fulham are still to decide what to do with the player.

According to the story, Marco Silva wants to watch the centre-forward during pre-season. Then he'll choose whether to keep him in the squad or not.

Grêmio were reportedly not keen on waiting, but given their difficulty in finding another striker, they won't rule him out.

Now since the Brazilian club are in a hurry and Fulham are not, then the transfer isn't considered close.

Muniz was signed by the Whites in 2021, and was only used in their Championship campaign. He spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he barely played.

Grêmio want a replacement for Luis Suarez and see the Fulham striker as one of the possibilities.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/marco-silva-wants-watch-player-pre-season-making-fulham-transfer-decision/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham launch Sunday night £40m bid to beat Liverpool to best in Europe star Joao Palhinha claims talkSPORT
West Ham United have launched a Sunday night £40m bid to beat Liverpool to best in Europe star Joao Palhinha claims talkSPORT.

Liverpool look to have have spooked West Ham into affirmative action in their bid to replace Declan Rice.

We reported earlier today on Hammers News, that trouble at Fulham could boost West Ham's hopes of signing their defensive midfield ace Joao Palhinha.

But it then emerged that West Ham could be dealt a crushing blow by Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp said to be interested too as Fabinho edges closer to a move to Saudi Arabia.

With Manuel Lanzini released and Rice sold by West Ham this summer, David Moyes has a midfield rebuild on his hands.

And Liverpool do too with major upheaval in the middle of the park for the Reds.

James Milner and one-time West Ham target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have left Liverpool and now Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alacantara and Fabinho could follow them out of the exit door with moves to Saudi.

The Hammers have been consistently linked with Fulham and Portugal star Palhinha this summer.

It was revealed last month that West Ham have already held talks with Palhinha and his representatives over a move.

Palhinha was unrivalled among defensive midfielders across Europe last season. In fact there was nobody better than him in Europe's top five leagues.

This weekend a new report from The Sun claimed there is genuine interest from West Ham in signing the 28-year-old.

But with Liverpool reportedly set to accept a £40m bid for Fabinho from Al-Ittihad, reports claim they now want Hammers target Palhinha as his replacement.

That seems to have prompted action at the London Stadium this weekend.

Because West Ham have launched a Sunday night £40m bid to beat Liverpool to best in Europe star Palhinha claims talkSPORT.

"West Ham are in talks with Fulham over a move for midfelder Joao Palhinha," talkSPORT reports.

"Palhinha is seen as the Hammers' top target to replace Declan Rice, who has gone to Arsenal.

"The Hammers are hoping to prise Palhinha away from Craven Cottage for around £40million."



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-launch-sunday-night-40m-bid-to-beat-liverpool-to-best-in-europe-star-joao-palhinha-claims-talksport/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Hudson-Odoi bid rejected
Fulham have had their bid for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi rejected, according to a Sky Sports News report this evening.

The SW6 neighbours had been locked in negotiations over a permanent deal to take the 22 year-old England international to Craven Cottage this week. Fulham are currently considering whether to table an improved offer for the Wandsworth-born wide man, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Bayer Leverkusen.

Hudson-Odoi, who rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, is eager to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer. The former Chelsea academy graduate, who has has scored sixteen goals in 126 games for the club, is understood to be intrigued by the prospect of remaining in London and reigniting his career in the Premier League.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/fulhams-hudson-odoi-bid-rejected/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's opening bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi is REJECTED by Chelsea with the England winger set on leaving Stamford Bridge as he approaches the final year of his contract

    Fulham have seen a bid rejected for Chelsea winger Hudson-Odoi this summer
    It was previously revealed that the clubs were in talks over a move
    Hudson-Odoi wishes to leave his boyhood club in search for first team football

Chelsea have rejected an offer for Callum Hudson-Odoi from Fulham.

The winger has returned to Stamford Bridge after an underwhelming loan spell at Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.

Making just 14 appearances in the Bundesliga, Hudson-Odoi registered just one assist as he failed to revive his career on loan.

With new head coach Mauricio Pochettino arriving at Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi has seen his future thrown into doubt this summer.

But Chelsea have now rejected a bid from their neighbours Fulham, who have held strong interest in the winger.


Callum Hudson-Odoi struggled on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season and has returned

Mail Sport revealed previously that Hudson-Odoi wants to leave his boyhood club this summer in search of regular first-team football.

Pochettino cannot guarantee the winger that he will be one of the first names on the team sheet following the arrival of Noni Madueke, along with several other stars in January and last summer.

Hudson-Odoi departed on loan in search for regular game time but was unable to secure a place in Alonso's starting XI last season, leaving him in a tricky situation this summer.

So far, Fulham are the first club to make a move for the 22-year-old, who had previous interest from European giants Bayern Munich when he broke through at Chelsea.

It remains to be seen as to whether the Cottagers will submit a new bid for the winger, but for now, Chelsea are unhappy with whatever offer they received.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12304965/Fulhams-opening-bid-Callum-Hudson-Odoi-REJECTED-Chelsea-set-leaving-Blues.html

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool have perfect Fabinho replacement that ticks every box bar one
Joao Palhinha could well be on Liverpool's radar with Fabinho seemingly heading out of Anfield

Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp will be forced to alter their summer transfer plans should the expected exit of Fabinho go through.

On Saturday it was revealed that Fabinho was not on the plane to Germany with his team-mates for the pre-season training camp, instead taking a step out of the public eye while Liverpool negotiate a transfer to Al Ittihad, who submitted a bid somewhere in the region of £40m.

The defensive midfielder's role is one of beauty and precision with an air of fierceness to it, and along with a number of key additions to Klopp's ranks across 2018 and 2019, his arrival was a catalyst in transitioning the Reds from challengers to serial title-winners.

Still, all good things must come to an end, and even with a slight dip in form toward what appears the end of his Liverpool career, the hole left by Fabinho will be a difficult one to fill, especially in the current climate.

There may be an expansive list of potential candidates of a promising nature, but ready-made is what the Reds need as of now. This is why there is no option more interesting than the current Fulham pivot, Joao Palhinha.

Premier League experience - tick. Internationally capped - yes. Following on, the stats, via Fbref.com, speak for themselves.

ince his arrival in England last summer from boyhood club Sporting Lisbon, Palhinha was an integral part in a successful campaign that saw the Cottagers avoid top-flight relegation for the first time since the 2012/13 season. Playing on average 34.5 of the 38 league matches last year, this is the first attractive aspect of Palhinha's game. In comparison, Fabinho only completed 29.7.

Additionally, the Portugal international has demonstrated he has the credentials required to effectively soak up play and start attacks in the same vein as his potential predecessor.

From the defensive standpoint, the Fulham man virtually doubled Fabinho's tackles-per-90, averaging 4.26 per game as opposed to 2.19. Additionally, these were completed at a higher amount across all areas of the field. Fabinho's 2022/23 season total of tackles in the defensive third was 18, in the middle third 40 and finally the attacking third only seven. Palhinha's totals stand at 58 for the defensive third, 65 in the middle and lastly 24 in the attacking third.

Moving onto attacking credentials, there are suggestions that Palhinha could handle a level in tempo to a side that appreciates the counter-attacking aspect of the game. As a starting point, he took on average 20.7 less touches per game than Fabinho, a critical aspect of a midfielder that seeks to get his team-mates on the front foot.

Similarly, there may be room for improvement in order to equal - if not better - Fabinho's pass success rate of 88.3%. But Palhinha's 82.5% offers a promising foundation to build upon.

Finally, Palhinha recorded three Premier League goals throughout 2022/23, with Fabinho unfortunately failing to find the net even once.

Sold yet? He may tick a lot of boxes, but ultimately there's a catch.

At 28 - one year younger than Fabinho at what increasingly looks to be the time of departure - would Liverpool purchase a player that may need replacing just a few years down the line?

Ultimately, this is the conundrum the Reds find themselves in, with no ideal candidate seemingly in the ideal age bracket as of now.

If Palhinha could be prised away from the capital for a relatively low-risk fee - West Ham United are said to want to pay £40m for his services after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal - and then partnered alongside a longer-term replacement and understudy, like Southampton's Romeo Lavia, then this could well be a deal worth trying to pull off.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-have-perfect-fabinho-replacement-27333235

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea reject first Fulham bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi — report
Opening moves

Callum Hudson-Odoi has been training away from the first-team group since the start of pre-season, as part of the "bomb squad" of unwanted or unneeded players in the shop window (alongside the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), and it sounds like he has managed to generate some interest in the process.

Unfortunately, the first offer to arrive as a results of that interest was found to be unsatisfactory, with Chelsea rejecting Fulham's transfer bid of unknown value. That's according to The Athletic and Sky Sports, who add that Fulham are now "deciding" whether to come back with an improved offer. Presumably they will do so in the near future, having made zero signings for the first-team so far this summer.

Hudson-Odoi spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, finding very little success or redemption. He has one year left on his contract, and there doesn't seem to be much chance of him staying.



https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2023/7/17/23797230/chelsea-reject-first-fulham-bid-for-callum-hudson-odoi-report

[filham]

As the new season draws closer the rumours of moves for Mitro and Palhinha grow stronger. We should prepare ourselves for the worst and perhaps start to think how the club would spend the probable £100m incoming transfer fees.

Oh dear, we know from three seasons ago that the club are quite capable of wasting such a sum, best we continue to hope for a while that our two stars remain for another season.