Thursday Fulham Stuff - 31/08/23...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham bring in Benda
Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda has signed for Fulham tonight in a deal believed to be worth £1m.

The German custodian, who joined the Swans from 1860 Munich in 2017, made 31 appearances first-team appearances for the Swans but saw his strong season last year ended by a knee injury at Queens Park Rangers. The 24 year-old, who played 23 times last term, has signed a two-year deal at Craven Cottage with Fulham holding a further one year option.

Benda starred in Swansea's youth sides, winning the FAW Youth Cup in 2018 and becoming an instant hero by saving two Cardiff City spot-kicks in the final, and gained first-team experience as he helped Swindon Town win League Two during a loan spell with the Robins in 2019. He shone on loan for Peterborough in the Championship on loan in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, catching Marco Silva's eye with a display in the Posh's 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage, and became Swansea's number one before injury struck at Loftus Road.

Benda, whose arrival is expected to pave the way for Marek Rodak to gain first-team football on loan after his penalty heroics against Spurs last night, told FFCTV of his delight at completing his move to the Cottage.

I'm really happy. It's a massive club with a lot of history and tradition, so I'm really happy to be here. Just look at this stadium, and the club itself, playing for Marco Silva, it was a very easy decision."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-bring-in-benda/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham line up Niclas Fullkrug approach?
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug.

The Cottagers have made a number of additions this summer, including Calvin Bassey, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore.

Timothy Castagne became the club's fourth signing earlier this week, before Steven Benda completed a move from Swansea City earlier today.

Despite adding two new names to his squad this week, Marco Silva is still expected to delve back into the transfer market before Friday's transfer deadline.

With the Fulham boss still determined to bring in further reinforcements, the forward line has been identified as one area in need of strengthening.

The Cottagers are looking to find a replacement for Serbia Aleksandar Mitrovic, who joined Al-Hilal earlier this month.

According to the Standard, Fulham are lining up a bid for Fullkrug after identifying the German striker as a potential target.

Fullkrug, who joined Bremen from Hannover in 2019, has scored 49 goals in 124 competitive appearances for his current employers.

The 30-year-old finished alongside Christopher Nkunku as the Bundesliga joint topscorer last term after racking up 16 goals to keep his side in the top flight.

While a new Bremen deal is said to be in the works, Fullkrug is yet to put pen to paper on a fresh contract.

The West London club are facing competition from German giants Borussia Dortmund, who have been linked with Fullkrug.

With Sebastien Haller set to represent Ivory Coast in January's Africa Cup of Nations, Dortmund are determined to bring in a new forward.

According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, Bremen are hoping to receive a €20m (£17.2m) fee for the Germany international.

The report suggests that Dortmund would be unwilling to match Bremen's valuation due to the player's age and injury record.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-line-up-niclas-fullkrug-approach_522620.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Multiple reports indicate Fulham's João Palhinha wants Bayern Munich move
Things are getting interesting between Bayern Munich and João Palhinha.

According to a report from Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg, Fulham FC's João Palhinha wants to make the move to Bayern Munich:

    ❗️João #Palhinha: He wants to join #FCBayern! Now the clubs are working on a solution.

    ➡️ Personal terms, not an issue as the 28 y/o is waiting for an agreement between the clubs now.

    Silva wants to keep him but understand that Palhinha is not unsaleable. He is ready for the next step.

It was not just Plettenberg reporting the news, however. Sport Bild's Tobi Altschäffl added more context:

    João Palhinha wants to join FC Bayern, Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the player. BUT: The price tag is still too high. Bayern would like to pay a maximum of 60 million Euro, Fulham at least 80 million.

    Possible solution: a model with bonus payments.

Sport1's Kerry Hau also reiterated the roadblock between Bayern Munich and its top choice for a spot in the midfield:

    It's going to be exciting: João Palhinha has informed Fulham FC that he wants to switch to Bayern Munich! The Portuguese is now awaiting a decision as talks between the clubs are ongoing. Now it is also clear why FCB does not want to pay a high fee for a Pavard replacement, but prefers a loan model.

As reported earlier, a "mammoth bid" will be required to get the full transfer deal done, but Bayern Munich is getting creative with solutions. Will Fulham bite on a loan arrangement?



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/8/30/23852742/multiple-reports-indicate-fulham-joao-palhinha-wants-bayern-munich-transfer-rumors-muller-harry-kane

[WhiteJC]

Fulham sign goalkeeper Benda from Swansea
Steven Benda becomes Cottagers' fifth senior summer signing

Fulham have signed goalkeeper Steven Benda from Swansea City.

The 24-year-old has signed until the summer of 2026, with a club option to extend by a further year.

"I'm really happy. It's a massive club with a lot of history and tradition, so I'm really happy to be here," he told the ciub's official website.

"Just look at this stadium, and the club itself, playing for Marco Silva, it was a very easy decision."

Although currently recovering from a knee injury, when fit Benda will bolster Fulham's goalkeeping ranks including fellow German and current No 1 Bernd Leno, and Marek Rodak.

"He's a talented young goalkeeper," added Tony Khan, Fulham vice chairman and director of football operations. "While he's currently recovering from injury, we've monitored him for some time and believe that he'll be a valuable addition to Marco's squad upon his return."

After progressing through the ranks with 1860 Munich, Benda joined Swansea in 2017, making 31 senior appearances and helping the Under-19s win the FAW Youth Cup the following year.

He has also gained experience at Swindon Town, helping the Robins win the 2019/20 League Two title, and with Peterborough United in the Championship.

Fulham's next Premier League match is at Manchester City on Saturday.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3660489

[WhiteJC]

Steven Benda: Fulham sign German goalkeeper from Swansea City

Goalkeeper Steven Benda has played 27 league games for Swansea since joining in 2017

Fulham have signed German goalkeeper Steven Benda from Swansea City on a deal until 2026, with the option to extend by a further year.

The 24-year-old joined Swansea in August 2017 and was their first-choice keeper last season with 23 appearances.

The Premier League side have been looking to add to their options between the posts, with Bernd Leno the first choice backed up by Marek Rodak.

Benda said "it was a very easy decision" to join the Cottagers.

"I'm really happy. It's a massive club with a lot of history and tradition, so I'm really happy to be here," he said.

"Just look at this stadium, and the club itself, playing for Marco Silva, it was a very easy decision."

Benda joined Swansea in 2017 from 1860 Munich, signing new deals in 2019 and 2021 to extend his stay with the Championship team until July 2024.

The German is currently out with a knee injury and may not be fit until midway through the 2023-24 season.

Following their 3-2 EFL Cup defeat by Bournemouth on Tuesday, Swansea boss Michael Duff said: "Steven made it clear he wasn't going to sign a new contract.

"We probably wouldn't have seen him until January so are we in a position to turn down the money for a goalkeeper that would have only been available for three or four months?

"We think we've got a good goalkeeper in Carl [Rushworth] anyway."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66665637

[WhiteJC]

Fulham snap up German stopper from Swansea City on three-year contract
Goalkeeper Steven Benda has completed a move from Championship side Swansea City to Fulham.

The 24-year-old German has agreed a deal until the summer of 2026, with the Premier League club holding an option to extend by a further year.

"It's a massive club with a lot of history and tradition, so I'm really happy to be here," Benda told FFCtv.

"Just look at this stadium, and the club itself, playing for (manager) Marco Silva, it was a very easy decision."

Benda joined Swansea from 1860 Munich in August 2017 and had loan spells at Swindon and Peterborough. He made 23 appearances for the Welsh club last season, with a knee injury in January cutting short his campaign.

Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan said: "He is a talented young goalkeeper, and while he's currently recovering from injury, we've monitored him for some time and believe that he will be a valuable addition to Marco's squad upon his return."



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/cottagers-sign-german-stopper-from-swansea-city-three-year-contract

[WhiteJC]

Fulham closing in on a £20m deal for Alex Iwobi as they look to bolster their attacking ranks following Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit... with Everton midfielder's contract expiring next summer

    Everton would likely be reluctant to lose Iwobi but may need to raise funds
    Iwobi played under Fulham boss Marco Silva when he was in charge of Everton

Fulham are close to reaching an agreement with Everton over a £20million deal for midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Talks were ongoing on Wednesday night over a fee which will involve further add-ons for the 27-year-old who has one year left on his contract.

The Nigeria international joined Everton from Arsenal when Marco Silva was manager at Goodison in 2019. He cost an initial £28m with the deal geared to rise to £34m with add-ons.

Although he struggled to win over Everton supporters at first, he has become a versatile and dependable figure during recent seasons of struggle and fighting relegation.

Everton would be reluctant to lose him, but extra sales give them room for manoeuvre in the final hours of the window as they look to bolster their attack and defence.


Fulham are hopeful of agreeing a deal for Everton man Alex Iwobi before Friday's deadline
 

Talks have been ongoing between the two sides over a deal worth £20million plus add-ons

It's possible however that Sean Dyche, who has strengthened on the flanks with new summer signings Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison, may feel Iwobi is now surplus to requirements and sanction a move.

Everton sit bottom of the Premier League table after three matches and have a crucial early relegation battle with newly-promoted side Sheffield United this weekend.

Fulham manager Silva meanwhile has been calling for extra support in bolstering his squad after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic while Bayern Munich are trying to prise away £70m-rated midfielder Joao Palhinha.

They have agreed a deal with Sevilla for Lucas Ocampos but are waiting for the player to give his approval while they have also added Swansea goalkeeper Steven Benda.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12463079/Fulham-hopeful-deal-Alex-Iwobi-bolster-attacking-ranks.html

[WhiteJC]

Bayern Munich handed major boost in pursuit of Joao Palhinha

    Joao Palhinha wants move to Bayern Munich
    German champions making room with sale of Ryan Gravenberch
    Fulham could lose second star player this summer following Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit

Bayern Munich are ready to make a firm bid for Fulham star Joao Palhinha after receiving encouragement that a deal can be finalised before this week's transfer deadline, 90min understands.

The Portuguese midfielder has been outstanding for Fulham since arriving from Sporting CP in deal worth just over £20m last summer.

Bayern have been looking around Europe for a new midfielder, while they simultaneously look set to sanction Ryan Gravenberch's departure to England. They have already lured Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to Bavaria, they are ready to make add another Premier League powerhouse in Palhinha.

Fulham had insisted this summer that Palhinha was not for sale and fended off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham. But 90min understands that interest from Bayern has turned the 28-year-old's head.

Bayern are aware of the mutual interest and have been encouraged to pursue a deal. They have been looking at making a £51m offer, but 90min understands from sources close to Fulham that it will take more than that for the club to be tempted into a sale, but not a considerable amount more.

Fulham have been quoting interested parties around £80m, but with Palhinha's desire now clear, it is believed that a package of £60m plus at least another £10m in add-ons could very well be enough to land him.

It would represent a huge profit for Fulham, but also a huge headache for them having already lost star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this month.



https://www.90min.com/posts/bayern-munich-handed-major-boost-in-pursuit-of-joao-palhinha

[WhiteJC]

Norwich City to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup third round
Norwich City will travel to Craven Cottage to face Premier League side Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup after beating Bristol City 1-0 on Tuesday.

The tie will take place the week commencing September 25 and is sandwiched between a lengthy away trip to Plymouth Argyle and a home fixture against Birmingham in the Championship. 

 Przemyslaw Placheta's second half strike was enough to secure City's spot in the third round for the first time since 2018/19 when they beat Wycombe Wanderers 4-3 courtesy of a hat-trick from Jordan Rhodes.

 Norwich beat Championship rivals QPR 1-0 in the first round after a late header from Jonathan Rowe.

Fulham knocked out Tottenham Hotspur on penalties at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, winning 5-3 in a shootout after Micky van de Ven's own goal was cancelled out by Richarlison.

Norwich have a notoriously bad record against the West London outfit - beating them once in the last 37 years. 

 The Canaries last win at Craven Cottage came in 1986 - a 1-0 victory in Division Two. They have played at the ground 11 times since, losing eight times. The last two matches have ended in a draw.

It marks the first time the sides have played each other in the League Cup since 1999. Fulham beat Norwich 6-0 over two legs.

The game will represent a real test for David Wagner's side against higher tier opposition and will serve as a marker of their progress after a positive start to their Championship campaign.

After the first two rounds were regionalised, the third round saw all the sides placed in the same pot. Norwich were ball number 19 for the draw.

The draw took place following Everton's 2-1 victory over Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore and England international Izzy Christiansen drawing the ties.

This stage of the competition sees those teams competing in Europe enter the draw, including holding champions Manchester United and treble-winning Manchester City. 

CARABAO CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW IN FULL
Ipswich Town v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Exeter City v Luton Town

Aston Villa v Everton

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

Port Vale v Sutton United

Bradford City v Middlesbrough

Bournemouth v Stoke City

Lincoln City v West Ham United

Brentford v Arsenal

Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion

Salford City v Burnley

Fulham v Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers v Cardiff City

Liverpool v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Manchester City

Mansfield Town v Peterborough United



https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/23757360.norwich-city-face-fulham-carabao-cup-third-round/

[WhiteJC]

Bayern Munich eye €90m Fulham ace Joao Palhinha to bolster midfield ahead of transfer window deadline

Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing a late transfer swoop for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

    Palhinha valued at €90m ($98m)
    Bayern looking to bolster midfield
    Tuchel a big fan of the 28 y/o

WHAT HAPPENED? The 28-year-old midfielder enjoyed a stellar campaign with Fulham in the Premier League last season, as the Cottagers finished 10th. According to reports via Sky Sports Germany, Bayern Munich sees the Fulham midfielder as their prime candidate to round off their business ahead of the upcoming transfer deadline.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Having joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon back in July of last year, the Portuguese star has become something of a fan favourite at Craven Cottage, swooping to win the club's Player of the Season award last season. He scored four goals during his debut season at the club.

WHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM?: After an indifferent start to the new season, Marco Silva's side travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, set to face current champions Manchester City in the Premier League.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/bayern-munich-eye-move-for-fulham-midfielder-joao-palhinha/bltde939c2feb27a299

[WhiteJC]

Fulham drawn at home to Norwich
Fulham have been handed a home draw against Championship club Norwich City in the third round of the League Cup.

Marco Silva's side were in the hat for tonight's draw after beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties after an entertaining 1-1 at Craven Cottage last night. The tie will be played during the week commencing Monday 25 September.

David Wagner's Canaries are second in the Championship having made an unbeaten start to the new campaign, winning three and drawing one of their first four league fixtures. City reached the third round with a 1-0 win at Bristol City last night. Przemyslaw Placheta scored the only goal of the game at Ashton Gate.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-drawn-at-home-to-norwich/

[WhiteJC]

Bayern 'prepared to offer £50m for Palhinha'
The Telegraph's chief football correspondent Jason Burt claims that Bayern Munich are prepared to offer £50m to sign Joao Palhinha in the closing days of the summer transfer window. That should be a fairly short conversation, seeing as Fulham turned down a similar offer from West Ham last month.

Reporting from Germany suggested that, whilst Thomas Tuchel was a fan of the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Bayern had been spooked by Fulham's high valuation of the 28 year-old. With Palhinha on a four-year contract, the Bundesliga giants will have to spend big to land him in this transfer window. The Whites feel that the summer deals that saw Arsenal spend £105m on Declan Rice, whom the Portuguese international utterly dominated at the Emirates on Saturday, and Chelsea splash £115 on Moises Caicedo mean that they can demand a hefty fee for Palhinha.

The defensive midfielder, who scored in the penalty shoot-out win over Tottenham on Tuesday, left Sporting who had qualified for the Champions' League for Craven Cottage to be reunited with his mentor Marco Silva. Fulham are ready to play hardball with Bayern, who have already signed Harry Kane for £86m this summer, and it would be a huge gamble to sanction sale of the Premier League's most proficient tackler in the same window as Aleksandar Mitrovic – with little time to sign a replacement.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/bayern-prepared-to-offer-50m-for-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Lucas Ocampos move to Fulham breaks down?
Fulham's proposed transfer for Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos has reportedly fallen through.

The Cottagers have been looking to bolster their wide options following the departures of Neeskens Kebano and Manor Solomon.

Although Adama Traore has arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Marco Silva is determined to sign another winger before Friday's deadline.

Fulham had identified Ocampos as a potential option, and they subsequently reached an agreement with Sevilla over a potential transfer.

As a result, it was left to the player to decide whether he wanted to leave Champions League football behind and complete a move to the Premier League.

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, the Cottagers have been unable to agree personal terms with the Argentina international.

The 29-year-old trained with Sevilla on Tuesday and made it clear that he wants to remain at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Ocampos, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, has made 165 appearances during his time as a Sevilla player, registering 39 goals and 18 assists.

After seeing the proposed transfer break down, Fulham will now turn their attention to other transfer targets, as they look to strengthen their squad in the final two days of the transfer window.

They are still hoping to sign a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic and are believed to be lining up a move for Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug.

Fulham have already made a couple of additions in the final week of the transfer window, recruiting right-back Timothy Castagne from Leicester City and goalkeeper Steven Benda from Swansea City.

Silva is currently preparing his side for Saturday's tricky away fixture against Premier League champions Manchester City.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/lucas-ocampos-move-to-fulham-breaks-down_522643.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Fulham lead chase for Iwobi
Updated There are suggestions that Alex Iwobi could be set for a move to Fulham this week, despite the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for Everton.

After Sky Sports News had gone as far as to suggest that talks are already underway between the two clubs, the Daily Mail now claim that the Cottagers are "hopeful" of concluding a £20m deal before Friday's transfer deadline.

Sky have since backtracked somewhat, saying that Fulham aren't looking to sign the midfielder before the window closes, even as Marco Silva continues to look for attacking reinforcements following Aleksandar Mitrovic's recent departure to the Saudi Pro League.

Iwobi is in the final year of his contract, with new terms still on the table, and there is a possibility that Kevin Thelwell may feel it is better to cash in on Iwobi's value now rather than see him leave for nothing next summer.

Two other un-named clubs, one in the Premier League and one abroad, are also reportedly showing interest in Iwobi who was signed for the Toffees under Silva and then DoF Marcel Brands in 2019 for a fee that would top out at £35m once all appearance-related add-ons were taken into account.

He is currently sidelined until after the upcoming international break with the hamstring tear he sustained against Aston Villa 9 days ago. According to Paul Joyce in The Times, Everton would be looking for at least £20m for Iwobi should he be sold so late in the window.



https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/23-24/rumour-mill/43886.html