Friday Fulham Stuff - 28/07/23...

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Calvin Bassey's Fulham move: Cottagers pick favourite between Super Eagles star and Mohammed Salisu
The Nigerian defender who left Rangers FC to join Ajax Amsterdam is on the verge of joining Fulham

London-based club, Fulham FC, are closing in on securing the signature of Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, from Ajax Amsterdam, Soccernet.ng reports.

Exciting developments hit Bassey's camp as a potential transfer to Fulham sees him as a priority between him and Ghanaian defender, Mohammed Salisu.

The 23-year-old defender, currently with Ajax Amsterdam, is edging closer to a move to the Premier League club as recent reports reveal that a medical has been scheduled, and the deal is already in place for an impressive €21 million transfer fee.

This news comes after Ajax granted Bassey permission to engage in talks with Fulham, and both clubs swiftly reached an agreement on the significant transfer sum.

With previous reports, Fulham are believed to be close to securing a £15 million transfer for Salisu, which meant that the London team will sign either Salisu or Bassey, with the club currently leaning towards the Southampton centre-back, potentially jeopardizing the deal with Bassey.

However, in a recent update, Fulham has taken the Nigerian defender as their preferred option over Salisu as a new left-footed center-back for the club.

Ajax secured Bassey from Rangers FC for €23 million just a year ago, making this impending move a notable development in the player's career.

With the medical schedule and final details being sorted, the football community eagerly awaits the confirmation of this exciting transfer.



https://soccernet.ng/2023/07/calvin-basseys-fulham-move-cottagers-pick-favourite-between-super-eagles-star-and-mohammed-salisu.html

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Raúl Jiménez, Fulham's new number 7, unveiled in Florida

Raúl Jiménez, waves to the crowd ahead of last night's friendly (Photo: Premier League)

Fulham's first summer signing Raúl Jiménez was introduced to the crowd at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando just before kick off in the Whites' second Summer Series fixture against Aston Villa last night.

The Mexican international, who completed a £5.5m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week, got a warm reception from a crowd who had braved a 80-minute delay after local lightning strikes. Jimenez hopes to feature in Fulham's final fixture of their pre-season tour: the SW6 derby in Maryland on Sunday afternoon.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/07/raul-jimenez-fulhams-new-number-7-unveiled-in-florida/

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Sky: Milan left waiting for Bologna as defender turns down €4m Fulham move
AC Milan may be left having to accept a loan exit for Fode Ballo-Toure as he has rejected a move to Fulham, according to a report.

Ballo-Toure has no future at Milan as shown by the fact that he was left out of the USA tour and remains in Italy getting ready for the new season, but his next club remains to be determined.

According to the latest from Sky, Milan had accepted a bid of around €4m from Premier League side Fulham for the Senegal international, but the player would not agree to move there.

Ballo-Toure was not convinced by the project put forward to him by Fulham and thus is holding out for a move elsewhere, with Bologna still interested in signing him.

However, the Rossoblu would like a loan formula with an option to buy included, though they have not yet sent an official offer to Milan who await developments.



https://sempremilan.com/sky-ballo-toure-turns-down-fulham

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Fulham make strong personal offer for fullback – 'Out of reach' figure for competitors
Fulham may be struggling to beat Bologna in the battle to sign Fodé Ballo-Touré, but it seems they won't give up on trying to convince him.

Recent reports from the Italian media have been claiming that due to the player's wish to stay in Serie A, he may favour a local move.

However, Il Resto del Carlino, relayed by Sport Italia, claim Fulham are now pushing harder to attract the player to London.

It's now said that the Whites have increased their personal offer, putting a yearly salary worth €2m net on the table.

The report claims this figure is 'out of reach' for Bologna, so that's definitely a big advantage for Marco Silva's side.

It's been a while since the Italian media started claiming that Fulham will have no problem matching the €4m request that Milan have been making for Ballo-Touré.

The problem has always been his wish to stay in Italy, and maybe that money on the table will be enough for him to change his mind. Partly because Bologna don't have a deal with the Rossoneri yet.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-make-strong-personal-offer-fullback-reach-figure-competitors/

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Player 'will soon fly' to America for Fulham medical – Move to PL side should go through 'this week'
Last Saturday, multiple claims from the Dutch press reported Calvin Bassey's agent was 'angry' after Fulham had reached an agreement with Ajax for the defender's transfer. It was also stated he wasn't keen on joining the Premier League side.

Three days ago, Voetbal International stated Ajax left the 23-year-old out of a friendly tie, so he could hold talks with Marco Silva's side. The contract details between the player and Fulham have reportedly been 'ironed out'.

Algemeen Dagblad now state the centre-back's transfer to Fulham should go through 'this week'.

After the two clubs agreed a deal worth €20m for the Nigeria international, it's claimed he needs to carry out medical tests and sign the contract with the London club.

Silva and his men are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour, where they will face Chelsea on July 30th. Earlier claims suggested Bassey's medical would take place in London.

According to AD, the former Rangers man 'will soon fly' to America, where he will undergo medical tests with Fulham.

Jurriën Timber has left Ajax and Bassey is soon set to follow the Dutchman. This will force Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat to sign at least two new centre-backs.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-will-soon-fly-america-fulham-medical-move-pl-side-go-week/

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Statistic experts predict Premier League table after transfers for Brighton, Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham
Brighton and Hove Albion and their top flight rivals continue their preparations for the new Premier League season.

The Seagulls are currently in America for the Premier League Summer Series and last night beat Brentford 2-0 in a pre-season friendly in Atlanta.

New arrival Simon Adingra impressed with two goals against the Bees but there were also encouraging displays from £30m record signing Joao Pedro and midfielder Mo Dahoud.

It's been a busy transfer window so far as the Seagulls remain in talks with Chelsea for defender Levi Colwill and Ecuador ace Moises Caicedo potentially going in the other direction. Chelsea's current bid for Caicedo stands at £80m but Albion are holding out for £100m.

Earlier in the window Brighton lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for an initial fee of £35m but they have boosted their defence with the £15m capture of Igor Julio from Fiorentina.

Elsewhere there has been plenty of activity across the Premier League with Arsenal's £105m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham perhaps the most eye-catching.

Football statisticians at Betvictor have devised a predictive supercomputer for the upcoming season – and here's where Brighton, Chelsea, Fulham and all their Premier League rivals and tipped to finish.

20th: Luton Town - Predicted points: 30. 19th: Bournemouth - Predicted points: 35. 18th: Sheffield United - Predicted points: 36. 17th: Nottingham Forest - Predicted points: 37. 16th: Wolves - Predicted points: 37.

15th: Everton - Predicted points: 39. 14th: Burnley - Predicted points: 41. 13th: Crystal Palace - Predicted points: 46. 12th: West Ham - Predicted points: 48. 11th: Fulham - Predicted points: 48.

10th: Chelsea - Predicted points: 49. 9th: Aston Villa - Predicted points: 54. 8th: Tottenham Hotspur - Predicted points: 59. 7th: Brentford - Predicted points: 59. 6th: Man United - Predicted points: 64

5th: Brighton & Hove Albion - Predicted points: 67. 4th: Liverpool - Predicted points: 69. 3rd: Newcastle United - Predicted points: 75. 2nd: Arsenal - Predicted points: 76. 1st: Man City - Predicted points: 85.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/statistic-experts-predict-premier-league-table-after-transfers-for-brighton-chelsea-fulham-and-west-ham-4233933

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Brentford and Fulham make 'concrete offers' for player – May need to wait for transfer chance
Brentford and Fulham have made 'concrete offers' for Young Boys Bern midfielder Fabian Rieder but may need to wait to secure his signature.

That's according to BILD, who say the 21-year-old is holding the Premier League duo at arm's length for the time being as he eyes a move to Borussia Monchengladbach.

The newspaper explains that the player 'wants to go to Borussia' and they in turn want the player but while a deal is believed to be on the home stretch, it could fall at the last minute.

That's because of new interest from the Premier League, where Brentford and Fulham have both made 'concrete offers' for him.

Rieder has 'initially cancelled' these offers because his Plan A is to move to VfL, with his agent Fabian von Matt, recently confirming talks are underway between the relevant parties.

The problem is that the Bundesliga club don't have the funds to buy Rieder at this moment in time, with him currently valued at currently valued at €15m.

That's left the deal in a holding position until Borussia can raise the funds, opening the window for Brentford and Fulham to potentially steal a march.

Rieder is holding them off for now but according to BILD's information he 'does not want to wait forever' as he wants a move this summer.

He doesn't want things to drag until the last week of August and if Borussia don't move by then, he'll look at his other options and a potential switch to the Premier League.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/brentford-fulham-make-concrete-offers-player-may-need-wait-transfer-chance/

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Fulham 'set to sign Ajax defender Calvin Bassey'
 Fulham are reportedly set to complete the signing of Ajax defender Calvin Bassey.

The Cottagers got their summer transfer window up and running with the recent addition of Mexico international Raul Jimenez.

After signing Jimenez from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £5.5m deal, Marco Silva's side have quickly turned their attention to other areas of the squad.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of Tosin Adarabioyo, the centre of Fulham's defence has emerged as an area in need of strengthening.

Bassey was identified among their potential targets, and it now appears that the former Rangers defender is on the verge of completing a move to the Premier League.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Cottagers have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign Bassey for a €21m (£18m) fee.

The Nigeria international has travelled to Fulham's pre-season tour in the United States, and he is expected to undergo a medical later today.

The West London club are finalising the necessary paperwork, with Bassey expected to be unveiled as a Fulham player on Saturday.

Bassey progressed through the youth ranks at Leicester City, but he left the club in 2020 without making a senior appearance.

The 23-year-old went on to enjoy success during a two-year spell with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

The central defender also helped the club reach the 2021-22 Europa League final, before completing a move to Ajax last summer.

Despite losing his place in the side towards the end of the season, Bassey made 39 competitive appearances for the Dutch club, contributing one goal and one assist.

With Fulham on the verge of signing Bassey, it remains to be seen whether they will pursue a deal for Southampton's Mohammed Salisu.

The Cottagers have supposedly agreed a fee with the Saints for the 29-year-old, but they may decide against recruiting another centre-back due to Bassey's imminent arrival.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-set-to-sign-ajax-defender-calvin-bassey_519616.html?newsnow

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'More realistic': Liverpool could now drop interest in £60m target for another player - journalist
Liverpool are reportedly more likely to move for Cheick Doucoure than Joao Palhinha, with both players wanted by the Anfield side.

According to Neil Jones, the Crystal Palace midfielder's age, profile and overall financial package could make the Mali international a more realistic transfer target than Palhinha, who is older and could cost more this summer.

90min recently claimed that Fulham want as much as £60m for the Portuguese international, a fee that seems quite high given that the midfielder is 28-years-old and has had just one season in the Premier League.

Whilst Doucoure is just as experienced in England, at 23 the midfielder represents more value in the market with the former RC Lens star yet to even hit his full potential, something that could be realised at Liverpool.

As a result, the Palace midfielder could be targeted over Palhinha, with Jones saying: "Joao Palhinha and Cheick Doucoure have been linked, and of those two I think the latter is far likelier."



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/07/27/liverpool-could-now-drop-interest-in-60m-target-for-another-player/

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More details of Fulham's last bid for defender emerge – 'Tempting' personal offer for player
With Fulham still struggling to sign Morato from Benfica, the Portuguese media today shares some details of the Craven Cottage club's last attempt to land him.

The report comes from newspaper A Bola, and that details the bid made by Marco Silva's side on the 21th of July.

It's said Fulham wanted to pay €25m for the transfer, splitting it in payments of €5m over the next four years. They also promised to pay for the solidarity mechanism percentage.

According to A Bola, that was the fifth offer made by the Whites for the signing, and the English side did believe that would be enough for Benfica to sell him.

It's the Eagles' president Rui Costa who received the bid, and respecting the request from manager Roger Schmidt, he turned that down.

The report describes how 'tempting' that offer was for Morato himself, as he would make four times more money when in London.

A Bola says this subject is now 'closed', with Fulham now turning their attentions to Ajax's Calvin Bassey, and with Benfica now negotiating Lucas Veríssimo, they have one less defender in the squad, and are more unlikely to let Morato go.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/details-fulhams-last-bid-defender-emerge-tempting-personal-offer-player/

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Fulham: Whites agree personal terms with Morato
The Brazilian is a rumoured target for Marco Silva.

Fulham have reached an agreement on personal terms with Benfica star Morato with Marco Silva's side expected to lodge a third bid "in the coming days".

Who will Fulham sign?
The Whites, after a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League, will now be looking to bolster their ranks further after officially completing a deal to sign Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

The Mexico international's arrival comes as their first signing of this summer transfer window, boosting Silva in his attempts to reinforce the attacking area.

Fulham's star striker from last season, Aleksandar Mitrovic, is edging towards a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and there is a belief they'll pay his asking price of around £50 million.

Mitrovic himself has been agitating for a move to the Middle East, with the Serbian making it clear behind-the-scenes he wants to leave Craven Cottage.

Speaking on the matter recently, Silva admitted it was an unwelcome distraction to his pre-season preparations.

"It's not the ideal situation, I have to tell you. Not because he received an offer, it's the situation about himself," said Silva on Mitrovic recently.

"As you know, he's not going to play tomorrow, he didn't play last Wednesday. He's not working properly with his team mates and when I say this is not the ideal scenario, this is the situation.

"When it's out of my control as a manager, this is not something that concerns me, but I would like to have a different scenario in that situation ... Sometimes you have individual decisions that is for them to take care of."

As for other signings in key areas of the squad, Fulham are believed to be closing in on Calvin Bassey from Ajax, with the defender set for a medical after the west Londoners reached an £18 million agreement.

Elsewhere, the Cottagers are also eyeing up a move for winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Fulham apparently pushing and in pole position for the Chelsea star.

While Bassey is edging nearer a move to Fulham, there are some reports that Benfica's Morato could join him.

Indeed, that is according to Sports Zone, who claim that the Brazilian has reached an agreement on personal terms with Fulham and a five-year contract.

Silva's side have already had two bids turned down for the 22-year-old, but there are suggestions a third will arrive "in the coming days".

Morato's representative, Giuliano Bertolucci, is apparently pushing for Benfica to let him join Fulham before the window shuts.

How good is Morato?
Called a "magnificent" centre-half by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Morato only managed nine league appearances for Benfica last term and 14 the season before (WhoScored).

Each of those campaigns, though, he averaged an impressive passing accuracy of over 90 per cent whilst averaging over two clearances per 90 (WhoScored).

Still young, there is room for Morato to grow and improve in the English top flight, potentially as a back up before playing his way into Silva's plans.

While Bassey is close to joining the club, if Fulham were to sign two central defensive stars rather than one this window, it would be quite the statement of intent.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league-fulham-transfer-news-morato-benfica/

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Club have 'accelerated' move to sign Fulham defender – Have 'made an offer', first bid
Monaco have 'made an offer' for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo after making enquiries for him in the last few weeks.

That's according to L'Equipe, who say the Ligue 1 side have 'accelerated' the process of signing the defender by making the first bid for him.

The newspaper reports that despite not being one of the most active clubs on the market so far, Monaco's leaders are still trying to make a few moves behind the scenes.

The Monegasques have targeted several players, particularly central defenders as that is a weak area of the squad, and Adarabioyo is one of them.

Indeed, they have 'went on the attack' for the player by making an initial offer to Fulham worth €5m for the centre-back.

Whether that is enough to convince Marco Silva's side into a sale isn't mentioned, although they do need to sell this summer as Adarabioyo's contract is set to expire next summer.

That means they risk losing the player on a free transfer next summer if he doesn't sign a new contract this year, something which several reports have indicated he will not be doing.

Monaco are seemingly keen to take advantage of that and have made their first move to get the defender by making an initial bid for him. Whether Fulham accept remains to be seen.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-accelerated-move-sign-fulham-defender-made-offer-first-bid/

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Monaco submit €5m offer for Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo
L'Équipe are reporting that AS Monaco have tabled an offer of €5m for Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo (25) as Les Monégasaques look to strengthen at the back.

Monaco have a long-standing interest in English centre-back Adarabioyo. The Principality club were linked with a move for the Fulham centre-back in January but didn't table a bid. However, Monaco have now made concrete advances for the defender, whose Fulham contract runs until 2024.

Monaco's opening offer is valued at approximately €5m, according to L'Équipe. The Principality side are in need of defensive reinforcements this summer. The defence was Monaco's weak point last season, whilst departures are also expected. Axel Disasi has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, whilst it is now also expected that Chrislain Matsima will also depart.

Should Monaco's move for Adarabioyo prove successful, the club will likely still need to strengthen further. Southampton's Mohammed Salisu has also been linked with a move to the Stade Louis II.




https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/monaco-submit-e5m-offer-for-fulhams-tosin-adarabioyo/

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Barbie's Margot Robbie pledged allegiance to Premier League side you wouldn't expect

Australian actress and Barbie star Margot Robbie is a keen follower of Fulham due to her British movie producer husband Tom Ackerley's love of the west London club

Hollywood stars who profess to an interest in English football normally attach themselves to one of the county's big guns – but not Barbie actress Margot Robbie.

The much-loved Australian is surprisingly a keen follower of Fulham – mainly due to her husband. British producer Tom Ackerley has a strong affection for the club. And Margot spoke of her subsequent allegiance to the Cottagers during an interview with the BBC when she promoted the 2017 film, I Tonya.

"I actually haven't been to another Fulham game for a while, but I know they're playing tomorrow against Aston Villa," said Margot at the time, back when both clubs were in the Championship.

"And it's my two best friends – well, it's my husband and my other best friend Josie. Aston Villa's Josie's team, Fulham's Tom's team, so they're going to the game and it's tense already. I'm on the edge of my seat to see who wins."

When asked which team she would support, she added: "I mean, I've pledged my allegiance to Fulham, so I want Fulham to win."

Back in 2014, Robbie paid a visit to Craven Cottage, where she was pictured wearing a club scarf and holding a home shirt. The pictures were shared by Fulham, who tweeted at the time: "Nice to see @MargotRobbie at the Cottage on Saturday, see you again soon! #FFC."



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/margot-robbie-barbie-fulham-husband-30567659

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Fulham submit contract offer to Fode Ballo-Toure
Fulham might be closing in on signing 26-year-old Serie A winner Fode Ballo-Toure, offering him a €2 million-a-year contract.

According to a report by Il Resto del Carlino, as relayed by Sport Italia, Fode Ballo-Toure is a top target for Fulham. And the Cottagers have offered the 26-year-old a contract worth €2 million per year. The offer by the London club is out of reach for the other suitor pursuing the AC Milan left-back, Bologna.

Fode Ballo-Toure is a graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy. But he never established a foothold in the French heavyweights' first-team squad. And the Senegalese international earned his stripes at LOSC Lille and AS Monaco before joining AC Milan. But he has been a bit-part player for the Serie A giants.

The 26-year-old has spent two seasons with AC Milan, winning the Serie A title in his debut term. But he has managed only 26 appearances, chipping in with one goal. And with Theo Hernandez being the undisputed first-choice left-back for AC Milan, Ballo-Toure's prospects are not bright. So it will not be surprising if his spell at San Siro ends this summer, with Fulham keen on signing him.

Recent reports have even suggested that Fulham and AC Milan have sealed the agreement over the transfer fee. So the Cottagers only need to seal the deal on personal terms with the former PSG wide man. And they might have taken a big step towards securing Ballo-Toure's services this summer.

The report by Il Resto del Carlino (h/t Sport Italia) has revealed that the Cottagers have offered the 26-year-old a €2 million-a-year contract. That surpasses anything that his other suitor, Bologna, can propose to him in the ongoing transfer window. And with a summer departure from AC Milan likely, Fulham might be his next destination.

But it is unclear why Fulham might be interested in the Senegalese international. Marco Silva will unlikely demote Antonee Robinson from the first-choice left-back berth. So Ballo-Toure will be in an "Out of the frying pan into the fire" situation if he swaps AC Milan for Fulham.

Nonetheless, the AC Milan full-back is closing in on joining Fulham in the ongoing transfer window. And it will be interesting to see if the Cottagers land the Serie A winner this summer. Meanwhile, they are also keen on bolstering other positions, with Demarai Gray being a top target.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/07/27/fulham-submit-contract-offer-to-fode-ballo-toure/

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Harry Wilson interview: After living out of a suitcase, I am proud to finally call Fulham my home

The winger went on loan six times before settling at Craven Cottage

It is not only Hollywood who noticed a sleeping giant in North Wales waiting to be woken. While growing up in Corwen, Harry Wilson saw plenty of talent around him but not so many opportunities. They were a downpour away from the River Dee's banks bursting and flooding leaving football cancelled for weeks.

Wilson played at the World Cup last season but the journey started with 120-mile round-trips to Liverpool's Academy. His uncle took him on the terraces of nearby Wrexham and the passion for football has been captured by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but the region is relatively isolated from the elite clubs.

After six loan moves where he has often lived out of suitcases, Wilson has found a home in Fulham, where last season he was one of the eye-catching performers in an outstanding campaign. This season has seen a new haircut, changes behind the scenes with new representatives Unique Sports Group, and new expectations.

"You might have thought we would get bullied by teams but that wasn't the case," Wilson says. "We weren't the biggest team but we more than stood up to teams. You look at our set-piece threat from when we were in the Championship, then we adapted really well last year and maybe played a bit longer and direct to Mitro (Aleksandar Mitrovic) and played off that."

Wilson is now feeling settled after his series of loans. The one constant has been Corwen, in North Wales, where his friends and family still live and he returns when possible. He hopes to one day build an all-weather 4G pitch so the town prone to flooding will always have football, and a place to maximise their talent.

"Where I am from, it is more the opportunity side of things," Wilson says. "I was lucky, but others didn't have the support network that I had with parents and grandparents to take them 60 miles down the road or maybe cannot afford it or have the car or can't get off work.

"Our nearest Premier League teams were over an hour away, our nearest Academy the same. Wrexham was a centre of excellence and that was our nearest professional team. I had to go 15 minutes down the road to play for a youth team that led to me getting scouted and going to Liverpool. It is something that can be done and I think I am in the position to do that."

While he grew up a Liverpool fan, Wilson went regularly to the Racecourse Ground and the return to the English Football League for Wrexham, Wilson believes, has given the area a lift that can expose more players to the professional game.

"When the news broke that Ryan and Rob wanted to buy Wrexham I don't think anyone could believe it. Why would Hollywood want to buy Wrexham?" he says. "They have really connected the fans with the town and with the club again because for the last 10 years it has been unsettled.

"I remember when I used to go as a kid with my uncle. It was so well supported, five or six thousand fans in League Two. They were stuck in the Conference but the fans kept showing up. People from the outside might have things to say, but being from the area and knowing how passionate the fans are it is fantastic to see and has given the area a lift."

Wilson, 26, finished last season on a high, back in Marco Silva's team after injury halted the start to his return to the Premier League. His return has coincided with the birth of his first child, Oscar, who arrived just before his form forced him back into a regular place in Fulham's line-up.

He credits Silva with helping him get the most out of the season. The Portuguese manager has used the midweek time on the training pitches of Motspur Park to get his players fine-tuned to become one of the surprise packages of the Premier League. It is easy to see why he is coveted by other teams when Wilson describes his approach.

"We were Saturday-to-Saturday for most of the season. At least two days before we are looking at how to beat the opposition or counter their threats, trying to play on their weaknesses," Wilson says. "He is very detailed on every team we play, on the day before the game when we watch the clips you can see he has done his homework on everyone, but is also a big one on focusing on ourselves."

A year ago, Wilson's campaign started with a knee injury in pre-season, with his medial collateral ligament damage at one stage putting his World Cup at risk. But he made it to Qatar and eventually showing his best form in the Premier League, which was the result of his progress after Fulham was his sixth loan. It was a phone call with Silva that convinced him Fulham should be a permanent home.

"From the first phone call we had, he told me the way he wants his teams to play and the way he sees me in that team. The aims and the goals of what he wants. We're lucky we've been able to achieve that," he says. He's great for the way we train. Every day the intensity is high.

"Not just in the professional life, but in my personal life I wanted to be settled, I didn't want to be playing for a team for 12 months knowing I was going back to Liverpool. I wanted to settle down somewhere and really be part of a club. I had a few options but after the phone call I knew it was the right move and two years later I feel I definitely made the right decision."

With Wales, they had the highs of getting a result against Croatia and the lows of the defeats by Armenia and Turkey in the last round of Euro qualifiers. They are getting used to life without Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, the talisman and the midfield maestro of the team. They were also the jokers of the squad. Wilson says it is up to players such as himself to lead the new era.

"I feel we have a really good group of players around my age. We're not young anymore and we are not at the end of our careers," he says. "We are in that middle-part of our careers and the balance is really good. We have the experience of Wayne Hennessey and Ben Davies who have been there and done it, and a good core of players on 30 or 40 caps, and new young players showing their quality in training. We complement each other well."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/07/27/harry-wilson-proud-to-call-fulham-my-home/

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Player has 'definitely refused' Fulham move – Negotiations now 'cancelled'
Fulham may have done a big effort to convince Fodé Ballo-Touré to join the club, but they now seem to have failed in their mission.

A new report from Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo now claims that the player has 'definitely refused' a move to Craven Cottage.

The reporter claims the negotiation has been 'cancelled', even though there had been a 'total agreement' between Fulham and AC Milan for a €4m transfer.

It's now been a while since the Italian media started claiming that Ballo-Touré wasn't keen on joining Marco Silva's side.

Fulham and Bologna were said to be battling for his signing, and the player was always in favour of staying in Serie A following an imminent departure from Milan.

On Wednesday, it was even claimed the Craven Cottage side had made a strong personal offer to convince the player, putting a yearly salary worth €2m net. That was said to be an ammount Bologna couldn't reach.

Still, it seems Ballo-Touré has a very good reason not to move to London, and should now seek another destination.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-definitely-refused-fulham-move-negotiations-now-cancelled/

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Fulham make £22m bid for target with £10m ace desperate to join too
Fulham are struggling to agree deals for three transfer targets with Benfica defender Morato, BSC Young Boys star Fabian Rieder and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi proving elusive for the Premier League outfit.

Earlier this week, former Fiorentina ace Igor Luis completed his move to Brighton and Hove Albion despite reportedly agreeing personal terms over a move to Craven Cottage.

And while the events of the last few days have increased the optimism to some extent – Raul Jimenez arriving, Willian returning, Calvin Bassey on his way and Joao Palhinha now expected to stay – there is still a niggling sense of frustration bubbling beneath the surface, with a number of Fulham's top targets potentially going the same way as the Amex-bound Igor.

Transfer frustration for Marco Silva's Fulham
Fulham, according to A Bola, submitted a fifth offer for Benfica colossus Morato last week. The Cottagers are offering £23 million, and were confident of Benfica accepting. Fifth time lucky, perhaps.

Fulham will need to return to the drawing board instead, however, A Bola reporting that the Portuguese champions are not happy about the structure of the deal. The Cottagers had hoped to pay the £23 million fee across five separate instalments; a plan Benfica aren't particularly pleased with.

Morato appears open to joining the West London outfit this summer. Ditto Callum Hudson-Odoi; the one-time England international desperate for a fresh start after becoming the forgotten man of Stamford Bridge.

Hudson-Odoi, the Express say, has 'his heart set on' joining Fulham despite the prospect of Champions League football under ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri at Lazio. Chelsea's £10 million asking price, however, is seeing the deal stall.

At least Hudson-Odoi is keen on the move. The same cannot really be said of Fabian Rieder, the Swiss schemer who scored nine goals and set up 11 more as BSC Young Boys secured another domestic title in 2023/23.

Rieder, BILD say, is putting offers from Fulham and London neighbours Brentford on the backburner as he holds out for a move to a Borussia Monchengladbach side renowned for their healthy crop of Swiss talent, Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka all passing through.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/07/27/fulham-make-22m-bid-for-target-with-10m-ace-desperate-to-join-too/

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CM: Milan grow 'impatient' with Ballo-Toure after Fulham snub – the situation
AC Milan are growing 'impatient' with Fode Ballo-Toure after he rejected the chance to move to the Premier League, according to a report.

According to Calciomercato.com, Ballo-Tourè has decided to reject Fulham's offer which blows up the agreement that Milan had reached with the English club on the basis of a €4m fee and a permanent deal.

Milan are 'impatient' and 'disappointed' given the attitude shown by Ballo-Tourè in the last week. For days he kept waiting to give an answer to the offer from Fulham before deciding to turn down the London club.

Ballo-Touré wants to go to Bologna where he has received guarantees that he can be a starter, given that they will not be getting Andrea Cambiaso back after his loan from Juventus ended.

However, Milan have not accepted Bologna's offer of a free loan with an option to buy. Also waiting is Riccardo Calafiori from Basel who has been secured in case of the Senegalese defender leaves.



https://sempremilan.com/cm-milan-grow-impatient-with-ballo-toure

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Fulham transfer set to open up path for Southampton star to seal St. Mary's exit
Monaco are likely to push to sign Mohammed Salisu after his move to Fulham failed to go through.

    Fulham have chosen to pursue Calvin Bassey instead of Mohammed Salisu, leaving Monaco with a clear path to sign Salisu now.
    Marco Silva prioritizes bringing in a left-sided centre-back for Fulham and has pushed for the signing of Bassey over Salisu.
    If Salisu leaves Southampton, the team will need to sign a replacement, especially with other potential departures in the central defense position.

Fulham are not pursuing a deal for Southampton's Mohammed Salisu now, leaving Monaco with a relatively free run at the defender now.

Fulham opt for Calvin Bassey over Mohammed Salisu
Marco Silva is desperate to strengthen his Fulham squad this summer, and bringing in a left-sided centre-back has been a priority.

It's no secret that the Cottagers were in talks with both Ajax defender Calvin Bassey and Saints' Salisu, with an agreement of around £15m expected for the Ghana international if it went through.

But, Fulham were only ever going to sign one of the players, and Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has revealed that Silva has pushed to bring in Bassey instead, with Salisu now on the radar of Monaco.

"Fulham had been leaning towards moving for Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and were close to agreeing a deal worth £15m. However, it's thought Bassey was always the preferred option of boss Marco Silva.

"Calvin Bassey is undergoing a medical with Fulham today ahead of an £18m move from Ajax. Fulham planning to sign one left-CB atm so leaves way clearer for Monaco to strike a deal for Salisu at Southampton."

Monaco to push for Mohammed Salisu
As outlined above, the knock-on effect from Bassey's move is that Monaco now have an easier run to sign Salisu.

The French side are admirers of the centre-back, who has entered the final year of his contract at St. Mary's Stadium, so a summer move was always going to be on the cards following relegation.

The 24-year-old hasn't featured for Russell Martin in the past two pre-season friendlies, so his likely departure will not come as a shock for the new boss.

Will Southampton sign a replacement if Mohammed Salisu leaves?
With Duje Caleta-Car in talks to join Lyon, and doubts over the future of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Lyanco, it's fair to say that central defence is an area that Martin will be prioritising in the coming weeks.

The Saints board have shown already this summer that they will spend on new signings, and finances shouldn't be an issue once Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse move on.

So, there will be several defensive targets in mind, and Martin will be pushing to get players who suit the possession based approach that he wants to adopt.

Southampton summer transfer plans
Following on from that, there's still a lot of work to do over the next month or so for Southampton, as you will be expecting at least five or six first-team players to move on, which will free up space and funds.

We know the window can take time to get going, and having suffered relegation, Southampton aren't in a position where they can just go and do whatever business they want. Instead, they have to show patience, they have to look to reduce costs, and then act to ensure they have a group that is capable of pushing for promotion this season.

Southampton kick-off with a game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on August 4



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-transfer-set-to-open-up-path-for-southampton-star-to-seal-st-marys-exit/