Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 22/08/23...

[WhiteJC]

Spot on Mendes salvages point for Fulham
A stoppage-time penalty from Megalie Mendes rescued a point for Fulham FC Women against newly-promoted Ashford United as the Whites started their London and South Regional Premier League season with a draw at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The reliable Mendes kept her composure from twelve yards to convert a spot-kick in the fifth minute of injury-time to ensure a share of the spoils for Steve Jaye's side after Ashford had taken the lead through a solo strike from substitute Rebecca Wyatt with nine minutes to play. The hosts poured forward in search of a late leveller and the South African wing-back slotted home from twelve yards after a handball in the box. Fulham might even have won it at the death but Ede Buchele was denied by a smart save from Lucy Green.

The dramatic closing stages were in stark contrast to a first half that delivered little in the way of clear-cut chances. Green used her feet to prevent Mendes from stabbing home a fine Tia Foreman free-kick in the seventh minute but, although Fulham dominated possession, they struggled to break through a well-drilled Ashford defence. Summer signing Sophie Manzi shot over ten minutes before the interval, but the longer the game went on the more the visitors grew in confidence.

Becky Stormer had a goal correctly ruled out for offside on the hour and saw her header from Madi Parsonson's cross superbly saved by Green. As the Whites pushed for an opener, Ashford had opportunities on the counter-attack with Jade Steadman going close and Wyatt stunned the home crowd by shooting past a helpless Ellie Parker after seizing on a defensive mistake.

The Whites' incessant pressure paid dividends deep into stoppage time and they will look to build on their fightback when travelling to Dartford United for their second league fixture on Sunday afternoon.

FULHAM FC WOMEN: Parker; Tagliavini, Stormer, Southgate; Mendes, Foreman, Barron-Clark, Harris; Adamson, Buchele, Manzi. Subs: Stratton, Dale, Parsonson, Hayman, Heasman.

GOAL: Mendes (90+5).

ASHFORD UNITED LADIES: Green, Brown, Davies, Diamond, K. Howard, Y. Howard, Jackson, Jeffrey, Newman, Steadman, Stevens. Subs: Harris, Stannard, Wilson-Sharp, Wyatt.

GOAL: Wyatt (81).

ATTENDANCE: 171.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/spot-on-mendes-salvages-point-for-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham eyeing Gent striker as replacement for departing Aleksandar Mitrovic

Peter O'Rourke is reporting that Fulham are eyeing up a move for Gift Orban as a replacement for the departing Aleksandar Mitrovic. With the former Anderlecht striker set to leave London to head to Saudi-Arabia, Fulham want to bring Orban in and will battle it out with a number of clubs for his signature. One side that have been interested are Tottenham Hotspur, who like Fulham are looking to sign a new striker after the departure of their talismanic forward Harry Kane.

Orban, who is valued by Gent at around €30m, scored his sixth goal in six games at the weekend as Gent came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Sint-Truiden. Since joining the side in January from the Norwegian second tier, Orban has become one of the hottest prospects in football. The 21-year-old Nigerian has scored an incredible 26 goals in 28 games for Gent. In Norway, he had scored 18 goals in 23 games. Whether or not Gent will sell him this summer remains to be seen, but they will certainly make a tidy profit on the Nigerian striker.



https://getfootballnewsbene.com/fulham-eyeing-gent-striker-as-replacement-for-departing-aleksandar-mitrovic/?utm_content=cmp-true

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join Juranovic race
Fulham have joined the race to sign Union Berlin full back Josip Juranovic, according to reports from Germany.

The Croatian international is looking for alternative options to ply his trade in the closing days of the summer transfer window after he was replaced by the experienced Christopher Trimmel as Union thrashed Mainz 4-1 on Sunday. The 28 year-old right back is reportedly happy in Berlin and German football paper Kicker considers a departure unlikely but Fulham are said to be one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the former Celtic right back.

Juranovic, who has made nineteen appearances for Union since signing from Celtic for £7.5m in 2022, has won 31 senior caps for Croatia and was part of the side that finished third in both the World Cup and the UEFA Nations League. He has won the Ekstraklasa with Legia Warsaw, a league and Cup double at Celtic and helped Union qualify for the Champions' League last year. It remains to be seen whether the Whites, who are looking for competition to Kenny Tete at right back, will be able to lure the Zagreb-born defender to Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-join-juranovic-race/

[WhiteJC]

Silva seeks Dier deal
RMC Sport report a new twist in the ongoing Tosin Adarabioyo transfer saga. It has been well established that the centre back is keen to leave Fulham this summer – and would prefer to join Monaco over Tottenham.

The Ligue 1 side, who have had two bids rejected for the ball-playing centre back, are reportedly preparing another offer for the 25 year-old after Marco Silva described their last one as 'not even close' to the Whites' valuation of their former Manchester City centre half. Previous reports have been categorical that the Cottagers preference had been for Tosin to move to north London and RMC Sport have revealed why: the Whites are keen on signing Tottenham's out-of-favour England international Eric Dier.

The 29 year-old's ability to operate either in central defence or as a holding midfielder makes him a favoured target of Fulham head coach Marco Silva, who is seeing cover in both positions as the transfer window comes to a close. Dier, who has won 49 England caps, has been left out of Ange Postecoglou's squad for Spurs' first two Premier League matches of the season and is now in the last twelve months of his current contract.

With Tosin still preferring a move to Monaco, a rumoured swap deal between the London clubs may not materialise. It remains to be seen whether Fulham would fancy signing Dier regardless of where their centre half eventually ends up.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/silva-seeks-dier-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham want to agree a player-swap deal with Tottenham Hotspur
RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins has revealed that Fulham boss Marco Silva wants to sign Eric Dier as part of the operation to sell Tosin Adarabioyo to Tottenham.

Dier has been left out of the matchday squads for the club's first two games of the season, with Davinson Sanchez, who has been widely tipped to leave Tottenham (Pipe Sierra), now seemingly ahead of the England international in Ange Postecoglou's pecking order.

Over the last week, several publications have insisted that Tottenham will try and move on the 29-year-old if they bring another centre-back through the door (Football Insider).

One of the central defenders rumoured to be Spurs' radar is Adarabioyo, with some French publications indicating over the last couple of weeks that Monaco are in pole position to land the 25-year-old ahead of Spurs (Foot Mercato).

Adarabioyo wants Moncao move over Tottenham
Hawkins has now taken to social media to state that the Fulham man wants to move to the Louis II Stadium over N17, with the player already said to have agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side.

However, it is explained that Silva would prefer Adarabioyo to move to Spurs as he wants to bring Dier to Craven Cottage as a part of the deal.

Spurs Web Opinion
I can see there being truth to this report as Silva knows Dier well from his time at Sporting, with the Portuguese coach taking over at the club just months before Dier joined Spurs.

It is also quite possible that Adarabioyo might be favouring a move to Monaco since he is not convinced he will get regular game time at Tottenham.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-fulham-want-to-agree-a-player-swap-deal-with-tottenham-hotspur/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Cottagers identify immediate Mitrovic replacement
The Serbian recently completed a move to Al-Hilal

Following the exit of Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal for a reported £43m, Fulham have been left without a marquee goalscorer as the Premier League season kicks on and the summer transfer window nears its close.

With time running out, however, the Cottagers have reportedly turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, who has struggled since making the move to the French capital.

What's the latest on Hugo Ekitike to Fulham?
According to reports, Fulham are joining the race for Ekitike, who has been valued at £30-34m by PSG this summer. The London club will have to move fast if they want to secure the 21-year-old's signature.

Those at Craven Cottage will have to reportedly beat Everton, West Ham United, and a whole host of European clubs for Ekitike before the summer transfer window comes to an end, as per The Sun.

Of course, Fulham, unlike teams such as Everton, have the benefit of seeing their funds boosted following the exit of Mitrovic. The London club have the money there to spend, and now must spend it wisely. And that could yet see them push ahead to secure Ekitike.

Should Fulham sign Hugo Ekitike?
Replacing Mitrovic is undoubtedly no easy task. After all, the Serbian scored 14 goals in 24 Premier League appearances last season. But, that said, Ekitike may well be the man best-placed to slot straight into Silva's side and fill the boots of Mitrovic both in terms of clinical finishing and physical threat.

The young Frenchman has struggled at PSG, with a lack of game-time playing a large part in that after starting just 12 games in Ligue 1 last season.

In the season prior though, when given a chance to showcase his talent at Stade Reims, Ekitike starred, scoring 11 goals, and assisting a further five in all competitions.

The 6 foot 2 youngster will be desperate to regain that form, too, and with Kylian Mbappe reportedly set to stay put at PSG this summer, gaining the opportunity to prove himself will be as difficult as it was last season for the former Reims man.

A move away could benefit all parties involved - Fulham would have their Mitrovic replacement, Ekitike would gain some crucial minutes and PSG would likely receive their asking price.

Compared to Raul Jimenez, too, the Frenchman is far more capable of leading the line at Craven Cottage. Last season, when compared, via FBref, Ekitike made more progressive carries, more progressive passes, and was involved in more goals than Jimenez.

At his best, the forward has earned plenty of praise, with former Reims manager Oscar Garcia telling BeIN Sport's Ligue 1 show, via Chronicle Live: "There is something very special about him. He's young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He's a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training."

With that said, it would represent a solid piece of business if Fulham pushed ahead to secure Ekitike's signature in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-aleksandar-mitrovic-replacements-hugo-ekitike/

[WhiteJC]

Forest and Everton rival Fulham for Hudson-Odoi
Nottingham Forest and Everton are now challenging Fulham with interest in signing the Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to the Evening Standard.

The England international still favours a move to Craven Cottage but Fulham remain unwilling to pay Chelsea's £8m asking price with the 22 year-old's Stamford Bridge contract expiring at the end of the season. The two clubs have held negotiations throughout the summer and a deal was believed to be close last week – but the Whites are determined to not pay over the odds for the Wandsworth-born wide man who is not in Mauricio Pochettino's plans.

Everton are monitoring developments closely as former Fulham target Demarai Gray edges closer to a move to Saudi Arabia whilst Forest, who are reportedly near to striking a deal with another potential Whites signing in Gonzalo Montiel, are also eager to try and beat the Cottagers to Hudson-Odoi's signature.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/forest-and-everton-rival-fulham-for-hudson-odoi/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'step up' striker search
It is no surprise that Fulham are being linked to all sorts of strikers after Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure.

Pete O'Rourke has resuscitated the Whites' interest in the Gent striker Gift Orban for Football Insider whilst the Daily Mail claims the Cottagers are 'ramping up' their pursuit of Arsenal's Foloran Balogun, with the asking price still a sticking point. Perhaps there could be some discussions in the Emirates boardroom before Saturday's meeting of the two sides?



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-step-up-striker-search/

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Three-man Fulham signing plan revealed after Mitrovic exit
Fulham have identified three priority signings following Aleksandar Mitrovic's mega-money exit to Al-Hilal, sources have told Football Insider.

The Cottagers confirmed the departure of Mitrovic on Saturday (19 August) – with the Serbia international joining the Saudi Pro League outfit for a reported £46million.

And replacing the forward's goals will be the top priority for Fulham and manager Marco Silva with just days left of the transfer window.

To that end, the London club are ready to swoop for KAA Gent striker Gift Orban – who has already notched six goals in six games this season.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (21 August) that Fulham are ready to challenge Tottenham for the 21-year-old's signature.

Mitrovic hit 15 goals and grabbed four assists in 28 games last season – and notched 43 goals in 46 games as the Cottagers were promoted in the previous campaign.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Silva is keen to strengthen his side elsewhere following the windfall.

It is believed that Fulham want to add new arrivals in both full-back positions.

Antonee Robinson is currently the first-choice left-back and signed a new contract just months ago – but Silva wants to add competition for places to his side.

Meanwhile, Kenny Tete has begun the season as the top right-back but a new signing could yet change that.

Fulham ran out 1-0 winners against Everton on the opening day but slumped to a 3-0 derby defeat against Brentford on Saturday (19 August).



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-three-man-fulham-signing-plan-revealed-after-mitrovic-exit/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Hold Initial Talks Over Deal For Defender
Fulham have held initial talks with Leicester City regarding a deal to bring Timothy Castagne to Craven Cottage this summer, according to Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old Belgian right-back is expected to leave the King Power Stadium this summer and has several suitors in the transfer window.

Fulham boss Marco Silva wants to bring in a right-back before the transfer window closes on 1st September.

Silva believes Castagne is the ideal candidate for his squad and he is pushing to sign the Leicester City star.

It has been claimed that the Cottagers have held initial talks with Leicester regarding a possible deal for the Belgian.

Castagne has two more years left on his contract and has yet to feature for Leicester this season.

Fulham are also in the race for Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters but Castagne is their priority target.

With only two weeks remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Fulham will be able to agree a deal with Leicester for the right-back.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/08/21/fulham-hold-initial-talks-over-deal-for-defender/616532/

[WhiteJC]

Everton And Nottingham Forest Receive Boost In Callum Hudson-Odoi Hunt
Everton and Nottingham Forest have been boosted in the race for Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Fulham pulling out of the mix, according to the Times.

The winger is expected to move on from Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut on 1st September.

Fulham have been holding talks with Chelsea in an attempt to agree a deal for Hudson-Odoi, however the Blues' £8m asking price has been a sticking point.

Everton and Nottingham Forest are also keen on Hudson-Odoi and the pair have been boosted by Fulham now pulling out of the race.

Craven Cottage will not be the winger's destination this summer.

Everton are keen on adding attacking options before the window slams shut and are weighing up a bid for Hudson-Odoi.

Forest are also interested, but have yet to put together a concrete move.

Neither will have to fight Fulham for the winger.

Hudson-Odoi, 22, is inside the final year of his contract at Chelsea and is looking to move on to get his career back on track.

He spent last term on loan in the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/08/21/everton-and-nottingham-forest-receive-boost-in-callum-hudson-odoi-hunt/616628/

[WhiteJC]

Why £8m transfer is frozen – and why it could suddenly unlock after striker's £46m move
It's been more than 3 weeks since it became clear that Fulham were the chief suitors for Callum Hudson-Odoi, and that Chelsea wanted just a modest £8m for him.

So that makes it all the more surprising that there seems to have been absolutely no progress towards the deal being done. The season has started, Hudson-Odoi is still training separate from Chelsea's main group, and a fee still can't be agreed.

Nizaar Kinsella's piece today reiterates that the Whites have a deal with Hudson-Odoi, who's happy to join them. But so far, the game of chicken between the two clubs continues. Chelsea won't budge on their £8m asking price, while Fulham feel that the fact they're going to take the winger's major wages off the Blues' books means that they should have to pay an even smaller sum.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been complaining in the wake of Aleksandr Mitrovic's £46m departure to Saudi Arabia that his team still need 4 or 5 players – perhaps it will be pressure from him that finally pushes his club to pay up and get this deal done.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2023/08/why-8m-transfer-is-frozen-and-why-it-could-suddenly-unlock-after-strikers-46m-move/

[filham]

If half the Fulham transfer rumours are true then it would seem that we have identified sufficient new players to fill all of the weaker positions in our squad and to enable the team to be as strong as last season.
Mitro has now gone so surely that should mean things can happen quickly, time is running out.

I would think a fist is hovering above the panic button and if there has been no action at 5pm on Saturday after our defeat at Arsenal then it will come crashing down with considerable force.