Monday Fulham Stuff - 21/08/23...

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Results

Sunday
Villa	4-0	Everton
West Ham	3-1	Chelsea

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Marco Silva lays out Fulham's huge task in final days of transfer market after Aleksandar Mitrovic sale

Marco Silva admitted Fulham have a lot of work to do in the transfer market ahead of the September 1 deadline after a deal was agreed with Al-Hilal for star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic was absent from Fulham's 3-0 defeat at home to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday ahead of his imminent switch to Saudi Arabia.

Silva highlighted the need for Fulham to invest during the final weeks of the window, but also identified the struggles of finding the right players to fill the role of the Serbian forward.

"It's not just about replacing Mitrovic," said the Fulham boss. "Unfortunately we still have many things to do (in the transfer window) and, unfortunately for me as manager of this football club, we still have four or five players to sign.

"We have 15 days to finish in the market and the striker position and the striker market is not an easy one, as you know, because many clubs are also looking for the same.

"We have to find the right player to replace him and, if not we are going to play in the Premier League with the players we have here.

"If you ask me if we're going to invest, then I'm 100 per cent sure we are going to invest. But just with one player? No, there's more players which we need to invest in. But I am not sure to find the replacement (for Mitrovic) because the market is not easy."

Raul Jimenez started up front for the second Premier League game in a row since his £5.5million move from Wolves this summer. Silva was quick to support the Mexican, who had a quiet day in front of goal before he was substituted for Adama Traore in the 86th minute.

"I think [the criticism of Jimenez] is unfair, but we have to now be ready from this moment where Mitrovic is leaving the club that every single day comparisons will be made between Jimenez and what Mitrovic was doing here," Silva said.

"I have to tell you that when before I arrived at this football club, Mitrovic scored three goals in the Premier League and half of that season (2020/21) he was on the bench.

"The season after he scored 46 goals and last season 14. He's a top striker but what we did with Mitrovic we now need to do with the players we have in our football club."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-silva-mitrovic-b1101796.html

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Marco Silva reveals why Fulham rejected Monaco's bid for Tottenham Hotspur target Tosin

Fulham manager Marco Silva has revealed exactly why the Cottagers' rejected Monaco's recent bid for Nigerian central defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Principality club made an offer of ten million euros to sign Tosin but the bid did not meet Fulham's valuation of the player, according to Silva.

It is understood that Fulham want to do business with Tottenham Hotspur rather than Monaco and are pushing to take the Manchester City academy product to their London rivals.

Tosin has insisted that he would only join Tottenham if he gives them the green light and would not be forced into a deal that he doesn't want.

The 25-year-old has entered the last one year of his contract with Fulham, who are open to letting him leave this month rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

In quotes relayed by HammyEnd, Silva said at Friday's press conference: "It's easy. We rejected the offer that we received because it's not even close to the value for the player.

"The player is so, so important for us. I understand that the player is in the last year of his contract.

"We tried to (extend) it. We are not able to do it for different reasons. But the player is our player."

Tosin did not figure for Fulham in the pre-season matches and was not called up for the Premier League games against Everton and Brentford amid speculation surrounding his future.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=48525

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Aleksandar Mitrovic leaves Fulham to join Neymar at Saudi club Al Hilal
LONDON (AP) — Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovicis the latest big-name signing for Al Hilal, the Riyadh-based club announced on Sunday.

The Saudi Pro League side, which signed Brazil's Neymar last week, posted a picture on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of Mitrovic being presented with his team jersey with the caption "Mitrovic is Hilali until 2026."

Mitrovic, Fulham's top scorer in four of the last five seasons, was absent from his team's 3-0 loss to Brentford on Saturday, after getting injured in Fulham's opening match of the English Premier League season against Everton last week.

The 28-year-old striker's contract with Fulham ran until 2026 and the west London club reportedly knocked back multiple offers from Al Hilal, which signed Neymar from Paris Saint Germain for a reported 90 million euros ($98 million).

Al Hilal, a record 18-time national champion, is one of four Saudi clubs effectively nationalized by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

ESPN reported that Al Hilal's latest offer of £46 million ($58m) was close to Fulham's asking price, with the club reluctantly agreeing.

"I got information before the match and now the confirmation from the club after the match too that he's on his way to leave the club," Fulham manager Marco Silva said at Craven Cottage after the loss to Brentford.

"Both clubs they got an agreement and now is the moment to finish the era of Mitrovic in our club," he added.



https://apnews.com/article/saudi-aleksandar-mitrovic-al-hilal-fulham-80b7e839e76773e437459e5ca3e41483

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Silva expects 'several' Fulham signings
Marco Silva expects Fulham to look to sign "several" players following Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure.

Mitrovic's move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was confirmed on Saturday.

The transfer fee is close to £50m and Fulham will now attempt to bolster the squad.

Raul Jimenez was recently brought in from Wolves but the Whites will look to acquire another striker before the transfer window closes.

"We have 15 days until the window closes," boss Silva said after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Brentford.

"The striker position is hard because everyone is looking for one. But we will try hard to replace him.

"I am 100% sure we will try and invest in several new players."

Offers for Mitrovic were rejected as Fulham attempted to hold onto their key centre-forward.

But he made it clear he wanted the move.

"He forced everything and wanted to leave the club," Silva said.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-expects-several-fulham-signings-after-mitrovic-windfall

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The REAL Reason Why AEW Isn't Using Craven Cottage For All In

Tony Khan reveals why All In will take place at Wembley Stadium rather than Craven Cottage.



Considering how Tony Khan and his father Shahid own Fulham Football Club, many presumed that AEW's first foray into the United Kingdom would see the promotion utilise Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium. Now, Tony has detailed why that is not the case.

Of course, AEW's first UK show will emanate from Wembley Stadium a week from today, with All In being hyped as the biggest event in wrestling history.

For Wembley, All In has sold in the region of 80,000 tickets. Where Craven Cottage is concerned, the capacity for football matches is just over 20,000, though that number would obviously be higher for a wrestling event, but nowhere near that 80,000 region.

Speaking to Uproxx Sports, Tony Khan has explained how he did consider Craven Cottage for All In, but that it simply would've "cost millions more" to run the event at Fulham's home rather than at the mammoth Wembley Stadium.

As the AEW President detailed:
"There's two places I thought about. One is also very dear to my heart, and that's Craven Cottage. Wembley is, for a pro wrestling event, the more economical choice for many reasons. In that, you can have much more capacity for attendance since Wembley is a larger stadium by far, and also, the same wonderful charms of Craven Cottage and all the history of that magnificent venue. [Craven Cottage] poses so many challenges to loading in a pro wrestling event and it would cost millions more to produce the event at Craven Cottage than at Wembley."

This same interview saw Khan also label All In the "single biggest opportunity" in the lifespan of All Elite Wrestling.

Headlined by Adam Cole challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship, All In takes place next Sunday.



https://whatculture.com/wwe/the-real-reason-why-aew-isnt-using-craven-cottage-for-all-in

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Liverpool's Pursuit of Fulham's Palhinha: A Twist in the Tale
Palhinha's Shoulder Setback

Just when Liverpool's intrigue in Fulham's gem, Joao Palhinha, seemed to be reaching its peak, fate intervened. A shoulder injury during a pre-season match has meant a pause in the Reds' interest, as Palhinha has had to sit out, notably missing Fulham's commendable victory over Everton.

"Palhinha suffered a shoulder injury in a pre-season game last month and is yet to return to action for the Cottagers – missing their opening-day win over Everton last week."

The £90 Million Question
Beyond injuries, money is often a game-changer in the world of football transfers. Fulham's asking price has raised more than a few eyebrows. Their £90million valuation for the midfielder has Liverpool contemplating the London club's intent reveal Football Insider.

"It is believed Fulham's price tag for the midfielder is also a problem, with Liverpool feeling the Londoners are trying to price them out of a move by demanding a "staggering" £90million for him."

Other Clubs in the Chase
Liverpool aren't alone in their admiration. West Ham, having faced resistance from Fulham, were already on the radar, while giants like Chelsea, Man United, and Bayern Munich have all been wooed by Palhinha's captivating Premier League debut season.

"Chelsea, Man United and Bayern Munich have also monitored his situation after an impressive debut season in the Premier League."

Liverpool's Midfield Puzzle
Jurgen Klopp's squad has seen monumental changes. With the exit of long-serving members Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool's need to reinforce is palpable. Despite welcoming Wataru Endo recently, the search continues, with their recent pursuits of young talents Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia proving unfruitful.

"The Reds had moved for highly-rated youngsters Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but Chelsea eventually managed to win the race for their signatures."



https://eplindex.com/94821/liverpools-pursuit-of-fulhams-palhinha-a-twist-in-the-tale.html

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Fulham eyeing potential swoop for 26-year-old following Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit

Fulham are in the hunt for more addition before the end of the window

Fulham are being linked with a swoop for Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini. The Cottagers could make a swoop for the Italy international between now and the end of the transfer window.

According to a report by Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, Marco Silva's side are 'thinking' about making a move for the attacker. The player is due to see his current contract expire in June 2024 meaning his club risk losing him for free in 12 months if they don't cash in now or in January, assuming he doesn't pen an extension.

Fulham have been dealt a big blow following Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. They are now in need of some attacking reinforcements before the deadline on Friday 1st September.

They could see Orsolini, who is 26-years-old, as someone to bolster their options out wide. He has been permanently on the books at Bologna since 2019 and has since scored 36 goals in 139 appearances, having previously managed 10 goals in 45 outings for them during his loan spells from Juventus.

He has never played outside of Italy so may take a while to adapt to life in the Premier League if he is to make the switch over to England. The wide man has represented his country on two occasions so far and has scored in both games.

Fulham have a big couple of weeks ahead now and will be eager to bring in some new faces. They lost 3-0 at home to Brentford this weekend.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-eyeing-potential-swoop-for-26-year-old-following-aleksandar-mitrovics-exit-4261834

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Fulham ready move to sign Everton-linked Hugo Ekitike from PSG amid £42m+ transfer news
Fulham are eyeing a move for Everton target Hugo Ekitike as they look to replace outgoing forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to The Sunday Mirror.

On page 54 of the newspaper's print edition on 20 August, it reported that the Cottagers are considering making an offer for the 21-year-old PSG forward as Mitrovic closes in on a £42.7million move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.

The Sunday Mirror said the Ligue 1 club are willing to let the Frenchman leave for a fee just north of £30million, with West Ham also looking into the possibility of signing him.



Not promising
It feels as though Everton's interest in Ekitike has cooled a bit over the past few days since they were previously heavily linked with a move for the forward at the beginning of August.

It's likely to be the reasonably hefty transfer fee that is putting the Toffees off, with it being made quite public that they're operating under a tighter budget this season.

The fact that Fulham are about to receive a substantial amount for Mitrovic is likely to mean they will have more money to offer PSG for the Frenchman if it does come down to a bidding war.

After spending last season on loan with The Parisians from Reims, his deal only become permanent in June due to an obligation to buy clause in his contract, with the Ligue 1 champions paying a reported £30.2million.

It's no surprise to see they are open to selling him, though, as he has only played eight minutes in their opening two matches and doesn't look to be in their plans for the campaign.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/20/fulham-ready-move-to-sign-everton-linked-hugo-ekitike-from-psg-amid-42m-transfer-news/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic leaves Fulham to join Neymar at Saudi club Al Hilal
The signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic comes after numerous offers from Al Hilal to Fulham.

Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is the latest big-name signing for Al Hilal, the Riyadh-based club announced on Sunday.

The Saudi Pro League side, which signed Brazil's Neymar last week, posted a picture on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of Mitrovic being presented with his team jersey with the caption "Mitrovic is Hilali until 2026."

Mitrovic, Fulham's top scorer in four of the last five seasons, was absent from his team's 3-0 loss to Brentford on Saturday, after getting injured in Fulham's opening match of the English Premier League season against Everton last week.

The 28-year-old striker's contract with Fulham ran until 2026 and the west London club reportedly knocked back multiple offers from Al Hilal, which signed Neymar from Paris Saint Germain for a reported 90 million euros ($98 million).

Al Hilal, a record 18-time national champion, is one of four Saudi clubs effectively nationalized by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

ESPN reported that Al Hilal's latest offer of £46 million ($58m) was close to Fulham's asking price, with the club reluctantly agreeing.

"I got information before the match and now the confirmation from the club after the match too that he's on his way to leave the club," Fulham manager Marco Silva said at Craven Cottage after the loss to Brentford.

"Both clubs they got an agreement and now is the moment to finish the era of Mitrovic in our club," he added.



https://www.newarab.com/news/aleksandar-mitrovic-leaves-fulham-saudi-club-al-hilal

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Player ratings: Fulham 0-3 Brentford
A dismal display from Fulham compounded by confirmation of Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure for Saudi Arabia.

Bernd Leno: The German was largely blameless from this damaging derby defeat. He sprinted off his line to try and close down the angle after Issa Diop's dreadful error gave Yoane Wissa a clear run on goal but proved helpless to prevent the Bees from taking the line. He seemed mesmorised by Bryan Mbuemo's Toney-esque short run-up for the penalty and could do nothing about the third. He made a pair of excellent saves from Wissa and Mathias Jensen – otherwise it could have been worse. 6

Kenny Tete: The Dutch defender did well up against the threat of Kevin Schade and Rico Henry down Brentford's left flank, but Fulham's sedate first half showing meant he only made an impact in the final third once the Whites were chasing the game. Couldn't be faulted for any of the goals during an afternoon to forget – and Fulham fans would do well to heed his appeal for unity following the final whistle. 6

Issa Diop: Nobody will know more than Diop how costly his error late in the first half was. His presentation of the ball to Wissa was woeful: it was too heavy for a first touch and too short to be the pass back to his goalkeeper that the Frenchman clearly intended. It smacked of a casualness that sometimes creeps into the centre half's game and was a colossal mistake that the Whites never recovered from. 4

Tim Ream: The American looked rusty on the opening day and was always likely to struggle against the pure pace in Brentford's attack. He was booked for a clumsy tackle from behind that might have got just a warning from another referee, but the penalty – and his subsequent sending off – seemed so soft. A 35 year-old was never going to beat Wissa in a footrace but the Congolese forward appeared very eager to go down after miscontrolling the ball. 5

Antonee Robinson: Bryan Mbuemo might have scored twice but neither came from clear mistakes from Fulham's left back. Indeed, the American international produced a brilliant goal-saving intervention at the far post in the far half when Wisa's miskick rolled across the face of goal. He was out of position often in the second period as the Whites pushed for an equaliser – but that's part and parcel of Marco Silva's attacking approach with his full backs. 6

Harrison Reed: Not the special one Iniesta's finest outing. Outduelled in the engine room as Thomas Frank's switch to a 4-3-3 gave Brentford the extra man, Reed's shortcomings in the final third came to the fore as he was regularly the more advanced of Fulham's central midfield duo – and found himself cutting back in from the right flank regularly in a frustrating 45 minutes. Didn't impose himself on the game enough and his was an understandable change once the hosts went down to ten men. 5

Sasa Lukic: Probably the Serbian's sharpest game in a Fulham shirt. Saw lots of the ball in the first half and still showed for it once adversity struck in the second half, even if the game had gone following Ream's red card. The frustration was two-fold: you feel Lukic will be more effective higher up the pitch and he still needs to move the ball quicker to break down the low blow, but he's arguably the one member of the side who emerges with credit from yesterday. 6

Harry Wilson: The game passed the Welsh winger by, much as the first 45 minutes did at Everton last week. He did deliver Fulham's first shot on target, but it hardly extended Mark Flekken when space had opened up 30 yards from goal. You couldn't fault his endeavour but Wilson was part of a one-paced Fulham attack that lacked either creativity, pace or invention. 5

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Silva rewarded our matchwinner from Goodison Park with a start here – and the Jamaican international almost brought the Whites back into the contest when he dinked a chip against the crossbar from Fulham's best move of the match. Otherwise, Bobby was what Bobby always is: workmanlike and full of running, but he couldn't provide the spark our forward line badly needed. 6

Andreas Pereira: The Brazilian was back in the starting line-up after a lively cameo on Merseyside that enlivened a fairly poor Fulham showing, but he looked short of fitness and confidence. There were a couple of wild strikes from long range in the first half and Pereira actually looked most dangerous when whipping in a succession of set pieces, only for his delivery to fail him when the Whites were building up a period of pressure after the break. He'll surely be more effective with more minutes under his belt. 5

Raul Jimenez: It would be exceptionally harsh to judge the Mexican on two matches where he's had very little service or the runners upon which his link-up play and vision would thrive, but it hasn't been the most auspicious of starts. That strike at Goodison going in would have given Jimenez lift off – but instead he found it very difficult against Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins and appeared to keep running down cul-de-sacs. 5

Substitutes:

Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese belatedly the bite that was missing from Fulham's midfield – and seeing him back from what seemed a serious shoulder injury at the start of the Summer Series was one of the afternoon's few plus points. He did pick up a silly booking for kicking the ball away – and an early suspension for our most important player is not what Marco Silva will want. 6

Calvin Bassey: Couldn't do much given the match circumstances on his long-awaited Premier League debut, but the Nigerian international has impressed over the summer and will need to be at his very best at Arsenal next weekend. 6

Willian: Had little opportunity to influence proceedings once he was introduced as a substitute – but I guess we should celebrate the Brazilian as someone who has (at least for the moment) turned down the Saudi cash. 6

Rodrigo Muniz: It was a surprise from our Brazilian striker to be brought on ahead of Carlos Vinicius and I'm still not sure what to make of it. The man who spent most of last season on the Middlesbrough bench after Michael Carrick took over at the Riverside couldn't do very much with the Whites down to ten and two goals behind. 6

Adama Traore: The prospect of the speedy Spanish winger coming on late in the game is mouthwatering, although not in the circumstances in which he made his first Fulham performance yesterday. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/player-ratings-fulham-0-3-brentford/

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Fulham Eye Manchester United's Unsung Talent
Manchester United's Forgotten Star: Bailly's Search for New Beginnings

Bailly: Old Trafford's Outcast
For a player once draped in the hopes and dreams of Manchester United's faithful, the story of Bailly paints a picture of dwindling opportunities and unsung talent. "The forgotten man of Old Trafford," some call him. A sentiment further cemented by Erik ten Hag's decision to deem him excess to the club's requirements, sending him on loan to Marseille last season.

Yet, as is the unpredictability of football, while Bailly's sojourn in France was short-lived, returning this summer, the quest for a new home remains unfulfilled. Talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr seemed promising, but the sands of time and negotiation led the deal to an apparent standstill.

Fulham: A Beacon of Hope
In the bustling transfer market, Fulham emerges as a potential lifeboat suggest reports from Daily Mail. Ready to offer the Ivory Coast international a place amongst their ranks, the Premier League's side seems prepared to embrace him. With a wage packet of £80,000-a-week and a year left on his Manchester United contract, the question isn't of monetary magnitude but rather where Bailly fits best.

Under Marco Silva's direction, Fulham is on a rejuvenating journey. Signings like Raul Jimenez, Calvin Bassey, and Adama Traore attest to the ambition of climbing higher than last season's 10th-place finish. The addition of Bailly would undoubtedly bolster their defensive backbone.

United's Defensive Dynamics
"Bailly leaving United to join Fulham – or any club – would likely not command a large fee," insiders suggest. But Manchester United's dance in the transfer window has kept fans intrigued. The speculation surrounding Harry Maguire's move to West Ham caught many by surprise. But rest assured, Maguire and Ten Hag have put the rumours to bed. The England international remains, committed to the Red Devils' cause.

And let's not forget the nostalgic return of Jonny Evans. The 35-year-old, boasting 196 senior appearances for Manchester United, comes back not as the key player but a vital dressing room figurehead.



https://eplindex.com/94828/fulham-eye-manchester-uniteds-unsung-talent.html

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Sunderland Eye Fulham's Striker
Fulham's Jay Stansfield: Sunderland's Next Strike Force?

It's no secret that Sunderland are on the hunt for a fresh face to join their striking line-up. While their eyes are firmly set on Fulham's prodigy, Jay Stansfield, the pot contains other names too.

Mowbray's Strategy Unveiled
While Tony Mowbray has openly voiced Sunderland's interest in Stansfield, he's quick to remind us that there are other contenders in the ring. As for landing a new striker? Mowbray is optimistic. "I think by the next time we meet [ahead of the Coventry game], we'll have been working for a few days with a striker and hopefully he can help the team," he states with a hint of confidence.

After Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Rotherham United at the Stadium of Light, marking their first win of the season, the urgency for a new recruit may not be pressing. But Mowbray's assurance speaks volumes. "We'll have to decide whether we want to persevere with what has helped us win the football match today, or whether we look at a different type of threat that this young man will bring," he ponders.

The Buzz Around Stansfield
While the 20-year-old English youth international is certainly on Sunderland's radar, Mowbray offers a word of caution. "I shouldn't talk about the boy [Stansfield] because nothing is done yet," he admits. Nonetheless, he acknowledges, "he is one of the players we have had conversations about."

Having appeared eight times for Fulham and netting a single goal, Stansfield might seem like a nascent talent. But a closer look reveals a promising track record. With a loan spell at Exeter City last season, Stansfield delivered nine goals in 41 matches, contributing significantly to the Grecians' ascent to League One.

Decisions in the Offing
Mowbray provides a glimpse into the decision-making at Sunderland. "The way we work at this football club, I think we have two, three, or maybe even four names that we are juggling," he divulges. While the future of the Black Cats' front line remains uncertain, Mowbray's concluding thought encapsulates the prevailing sentiment: "We're juggling them all at the moment and it will be interesting to see which of them falls."

As reported by The Chronicle, all eyes will be on Sunderland's next move, whether it's in the direction of Stansfield or another rising star.



https://eplindex.com/94830/sunderland-eye-fulhams-striker.html

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Fulham now want to sign West Ham United-linked forward Hugo Ekitke from PSG
West Ham United could face competition from Fulham for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper reported in their print edition (20 August, pg 54) that following Alexsandar Mitrovic's £42.7million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the Cottagers are once again in the market for a forward.

PSG are listening to offers for the 21-year-old who will cost over £30million, but the Hammers will have to compete with Fulham and Everton for the youngster.

Tough
While West Ham is an appealing destination for players looking to make the leap to the Premier League, they face a genuine threat from Marco Silva's side for Ekitike.

Everton does not feel like a likely destination for the youngster as the £30million-plus price tag seems out of the Toffees' price range, but the Hammers and the Cottagers would certainly have the cash to splash.

Fulham will be much more keen to get the deal done now that Mitrovic has departed and with the money from his sale, they could make a real push to sign Ekitke if they want him.

However, amid uncertainty regarding West Ham's attacking line, the Hammers could make the push if they see Ekitike as a viable option.

Ekitike got a fair amount of game time for PSG last season when on loan from Rennes with 25 appearances in Ligue 1, but the 21-year-old could make the switch to the Premier League as he is unlikely to be a regular in Paris.

West Ham could be a more exciting destination for him due to their qualification for the Europa League, but Fulham's successful league campaign last season makes them perhaps a more reliable choice.

For Fulham, however, Ekitike would do very well to replace Mitrovic's goals as he averages just 0.22 non-penalty goals per 90 [FBRef]. Perhaps a more proven goalscorer would be more suitable if they aim to break into European football themselves.

West Ham would be a more fitting option for the Frenchman, but they may have to act quickly if they want him.



https://www.westhamzone.com/transfers/fulham-now-want-to-sign-west-ham-united-linked-forward-hugo-ekitke-from-psg/

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Fulham eyeing Ekitike again
Today's Sunday Mirror links Fulham with another move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike as they begin the search for strikers following Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure.

The Whites looked toothless without the Serbian in yesterday's dismal 3-0 defeat by Brentford and French under-20 international Ekitike, who has also interested Everton and Aston Villa, is apparently one of several names under consideration by the Craven Cottage recruitment team. The 21 year-old came through the ranks of his home town club, Reims, and was a regular scorer for their reserve side before making his senior debut against Lorient in October 2020.

Etikite gained further experience on loan with Danish outfit Vejle Boldklub, where he scored three goals in eleven appearances, before his eleven strikes in 26 matches last season, earned him a loan to Paris Saint-Germain. Etikite, who had earlier turned down a move to Newcastle United, scored four goals in 32 games in all competitions as his new side won Ligue 1 – before the terms of the deal stipulated that the move became permanent for around £30m. PSG are open to selling the striker this summer, but are looking for at least £29m, according to reports from France.

Everton have seen buy a loan-to-buy and permanent offer for the forward rejected earlier this summer and their financial position means it is unlikely they will be able to match PSG's asking price. Fulham were linked with a move for Ekitike back in April and may be set to revive their interest in the 6ft 2in forward.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-eyeing-ekitike-again/

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Fulham fail in attempt to sign centre-forward – Whites wanted Frenchman to replace Mitrovic
Fulham made an attempt to sign VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, according to reports from Germany.

Bild writes that in a move to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, who's just moved to Al-Hilal, the Whites placed a bid for the Frenchman, and that was turned down by the Bundesliga club.

The story does not reveal how much Fulham put on the table for the transfer, and just makes it clear that Stuttgart were not interested in the deal.

Guirassy himself wouldn't push for the transfer, as Bild claims he's not looking to move to England 'at all costs'.

A good reason he has to stay at Stuttgart is that following a loan from Rennes last season, he was just bought by the Germans, and signed a contract which makes him the top earner in the squad.

There was quite some apprehension at the Bundesliga side that some of the interested English clubs would seriously move for him, as he had a €15m release clause valid until the 10th of August.

No one triggered that, though, and now we wonder whether Fulham offered less or more than that amount to get him to replace Mitrovic.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-fail-attempt-sign-centre-forward-whites-wanted-frenchman-replace-mitrovic/

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Sevilla and Fulham ask Juventus for Kean
Moise Kean is not in the Juventus squad to face Udinese this evening and there are growing reports he has received offers from Sevilla and Fulham, but Milan rumours were quashed.

The Bianconeri begin their Serie A season tonight at the Dacia Arena at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Some eyebrows were raised when Kean was not included in the group travelling to Udine yesterday, although Juve assure it is only due to a bruised tibia and not anything off the field.

Meanwhile, reports are growing that he is on the transfer market and more proposals are coming in.

Spanish sources point towards Sevilla, who could try to take the Italy international on loan with an option to buy at €20m.

However, Italian media suggest Fulham are interested in Kean as a potential replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was today sold to Al-Hilal for €52.6m.

Sport Mediaset had also claimed Milan were ready to ask for Kean on loan, but that was immediately quashed by MilanNews.it.



https://football-italia.net/sevilla-and-fulham-ask-juventus-for-kean/

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VfB Stuttgart striker Sehrou Guirassy rejects offer from Fulham
Bild reports that VfB Stuttgart striker Sehrou Guirassy has rejected an offer to join Fulham in the Premier League.

Fulham are looking for a replacement for Alexander Mitrovic who moved to Saudi Arabia for €50m and the London club looked at the possibility of signing Guirassy but the project at the club is not of interest to the 27-year-old. The 27-year-old has previously stated his desire to play in the Premier League.

Guirassy is said to be comfortable in Stuttgart and is one of the top earners at the club. Due to his contract also expiring in 2026, the price for the striker has deterred suitors. Guirassy previously had a release clause in his contract worth €15m but the clause expired 10 days ago.

The Guinean started the season off strongly as he scored twice as Stuttgart beat Bochum 5-0 in their opening game of the season.

With Guirassy pledging his future to Stuttgart, it will give the club a huge boost after the departures of key players Wataru Endo (Liverpool) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham).



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2023/vfb-stuttgart-striker-sehrou-guirassy-rejects-offer-from-fulham/

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Guirassy rejected Fulham move
VfB Stuttgart striker Sehrou Guirassy turned down the chance to move to Fulham earlier this month, according to German tabloid BILD.

The 27 year-old forward reportedly rejected an approach from the Cottagers to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic because he was not convinced by the Craven Cottage project. The Guinea international is believed to be happy in Stuttgart, for whom he scored fourteen goals in 28 games whilst on loan last season, and has been rewarded with a big contract after Die Roten activated an option to make his transfer from Rennes permanent.

Fulham were interested in signing Guraissy as he had a release clause of around £13m that expired ten days ago – but his disinterested in joining the club scuppered their plans. The former FC Koln and Amiens forward opened the Bundesliga season with a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Bochum yesterday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/guirassy-rejected-fulham-move/

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Fulham make Kean enquiry
Fulham are interested in signing the Juventus forward Moise Kean, who has been left out of their squad ahead of their Serie A opener against Udinese tonight.

The Bianconeri insist that the Italian international has not travelled to Udine because of a bruised tibia but reports in Italy claim that he has been transfer-listed and has already been the subject of enquiries from Sevilla and Fulham. The Spanish press suggest that Sevilla are eager to take the 23 year-old on loan with an option to buy, but Juve are keen on a sale with Calciomercato claiming that the Cottagers are interested in making the former Everton forward one of their late summer signings.

Kean, who has scored fourteen times in 82 appearances during his second spell with Juventus, hit just four goals in 39 games spread over three years at Goodison Park. He was far from prolific joining a loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored seventeen goals in 41 games, and is keen to find first-team football. The talented forward, who burst to prominence after breaking into the Juve side aged just sixteen, has scored four goals in twelve appearances for the Azzuri at senior level.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-make-kean-enquiry/