Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 25/10/23...

[WhiteJC]

Marco Signs New Contract!

The Club is delighted to announce that Head Coach Marco Silva has signed a new contract, keeping him at Fulham until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking after signing the deal, Silva said:

"I'm really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time. It's always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together. I feel that the business is not done yet, we've had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this Club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this Club, and we are working hard to achieve it.

"It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.

"The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let's continue together on this long journey."

Chairman Shahid Khan said: "This is a wonderful day for Fulham Football Club. Specifically, it's a fantastic moment for Fulham supporters, who deserve our very best efforts to invest in the present and future of their Club, both within and around the game.

"I'm happy to announce that we have a new contract with Marco Silva through 2025/26, and am confident this news will inspire our players and fans, both immediately and in the seasons ahead.

"When I first met Marco in 2021, I knew then he represented everything we needed and more from our next Head Coach.

"I am grateful that Marco believed, as I did, in what is possible here at Fulham, and now here we are several years later reaffirming our commitment to achieving something special for our fans.

"Marco and I are aligned – we have work ahead, but even more to look forward to."

Tony Khan added: "I'm delighted for Fulham fans and the entire Club that we have secured Marco's future here, and that he will be with us until at least 2026!

"Through working together for the last few years, we've developed a great relationship, and are in tune with ambitions for the Club and aspirations for the future.

"I'm a huge admirer of Marco's, his work ethic, professionalism and his hunger for success for Fulham translate through the whole Club, and we all look forward to the next phase of our journey together.

"Come on Fulham!"

Since his appointment in July 2021, Silva has enjoyed wonderful success in SW6, employing an attractive and brave brand of football.

His first ever season managing in England's second tier saw his side secure promotion with four games to spare, before confirming the Championship title with a famous 7-0 win over Luton Town in our penultimate fixture of the campaign.

The next task was remaining in the Premier League, something Silva and his team achieved comfortably last season, claiming a first top half finish since 2012.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/24/marco-signs-new-contract/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva says Fulham team responsible for Calvin Bassey mistakes in Tottenham defeat



Marco Silva claimed that not only Calvin Bassey was to blame for the mistakes that led to Fulham's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Monday night.

The Nigerian international gave the ball away in the build-up to goals by Heung-min Son and James Maddison in either half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Silva believed the costly errors were not only the fault of the centre-back in what was just his second Premier League start.

"Tottenham pressed really strong and more on Calvin," said the Fulham boss. "They knew that we were playing a left-footed central defender on the right-hand side, and we were punished for the mistake [for the first goal].

"What disappointed me more is the second goal. We spoke at half-time about what we should have done completely different, and we conceded a similar goal at the beginning of the second half after we had started well.

"We spoke at half-time that the solution for Bassey has to be completely different, the position of our midfield has to be completely different for him to have a solution.

"Not just the decision from Calvin was wrong for the second goal, the players should be there to avoid this type of mistake because of course it can happen. It is much more of a process than just one player making a bad decision."

Silva was also disappointed with his team's attacking efforts in north London as they mustered just three shots on target across the 90 minutes.

Joao Palhinha had the best effort of the first half with his header from a corner being well-saved by Guglielmo Vicario before the Spurs keeper denied both Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney in the second period.

With Spurs dominating possession as they secured the three points that moved them back to the top of the Premier League, Fulham passed up several opportunities to counterattack effectively.

"What disappointed me was that in some moments with the transitions and the counterattacks, we have to make better decisions," said Silva.

"We were three against two in some counterattacks and we have to decide much better. We tried to do everything really quick, we needed to be more calm."

The Portuguese boss made a double change at half-time with Jimenez and Alex Iwobi replacing Carlos Vinicius and Andreas Pereira to try and address the team's issues in attack, and Silva hinted post-match that it was due to the ineffectiveness of Vinicius in the first half.

The Brazilian striker registered the fewest touches of any player that started the game.

"When you are playing against a team like Tottenham that press really strong, you have to use your forward players well for the transition," explained Silva when asked about the switches at the interval.

"In some moments of build-up we prepared for the striker to be a key player in that situation. Of course, we were not happy with the situation. With the change we tried to improve and give better solutions for the team."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/marco-silva-says-fulham-team-responsible-for-calvin-bassey-mistakes-in-tottenham-defeat/

[WhiteJC]

Silva slams Fulham's 'poor decisions'
Marco Silva was disappointed with Fulham's poor decision making at both ends of the pitch after the Whites slipped to defeat at Tottenham last night – but insisted he would not change his approach.

Silva's side were twice punished for playing out from the back as poor passes from the recalled Calvin Bassey led directly to the decisive goals scored by Son Hueng-Min and James Maddison but the Fulham boss will be sticking to his possession-based brand of football.

Speaking during his post-match press conference after the 2-0 defeat, the Portuguese head coach said:

"It's our way to play. The process is what we believe we should be doing. It is the way we will continue to play and to try and improve. We have to be pragmatic and effective, like clearing the second ball. Not only was the decision for the second goal by Calvin wrong, but the player who should be there to help avoid the mistake was not in the position he should be. It's much more of a process, and that's more than just one player."

He felt the visitors should have made more of their opportunities on the counter-attack and was frustrated by Fulham's lack of precision in the final third.

"I really believe that we should've created more, because we had some very good moments inside their box. Not as many in the first half but we put together some good counter-attacks. We had some good transitions with Bobby or with Viní out wide and we knew that there would be the space for us to exploit.

Spurs had more control in the first half but we expected that with the position they're in at the moment. Even so, they didn't create too much until they scored the first goal. They got themselves in some dangerous areas but we stayed compact and we didn't give them much space."

The contest turned on a poor pass from Bassey, which was read by Richarlison and allowed Son to put the league leaders in front from the edge of the area.

"After that came the mistake. We have to be brave but we need to be like that in the right way. Of course, with two left-footers in that area it is more difficult, and it was harder for Calvin to build from that side but we have to find solutions with players out injured. What frustrated me the most was how we conceded the second goal, because we spoke at half-time about what we needed to do differently. We started the second half well and controlled play but the way we conceded was a big punishment on ourselves.

Unfortunately, we were punished again for the same sort of mistake, but even so I thought our reaction was good and the players never gave up. We created much more in the second half. Raúl had a one-on-one and Wilson had a couple of good chances. We have to finish more moments like these. We need to keep working with the players, believing in the process and improving that final pass or finish."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/silva-slams-fulhams-poor-decisions/

[WhiteJC]

Spurs Shine, Fulham Fumble: Premier League Player Ratings
Tottenham Clinch Victory Over Fulham: Spurs Return to Premier League's Summit

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was alive with energy as Spurs solidified their strongest league start since '61, besting Fulham 2-0 in a Monday night spectacle. The win, while expected, wasn't handed to Ange Postecoglou's squad on a silver platter. Despite a dominant performance, Marco Silva's Fulham did showcase moments of resistance, though consistency wasn't their ally on the return to west London.

The Preamble to Victory
The game's pulse was set racing early on, with James Maddison orchestrating a near-miss from Son Heung-min in the opening exchanges. Tottenham's intent was clear, yet Fulham's resolve stood firm, highlighted by Bernd Leno's proactive goalkeeping and a collective defensive scramble that kept Destiny Udogie from finding the net.

It took Spurs 36 minutes to finally penetrate Fulham's defence. Son, capitalising on a dissected Fulham pass, executed a swift turn and shot that left defenders and spectators alike, mesmerised. The South Korean's flair was a recurring motif, and it was his ingenuity that later paved the way for Maddison to coolly slot in the second.

Fulham flirted with the idea of a comeback, with Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney forcing Guglielmo Vicario into action, but it was too little, too late. The final whistle saw Tottenham fans in euphoric celebration, their chants reverberating around the stadium: "We are top of the league!"

Player Performances: The Highs and Lows
Tottenham Hotspur's Formation: 4-2-3-1

    Guglielmo Vicario (6/10): Despite initial jitters, his confidence between the sticks was commendable.
    Pedro Porro (7/10): A constant thorn on the flank, making crucial recoveries and surging forward with intent.
    Cristian Romero (8/10): His technical prowess, coupled with an aggressive style, kept Fulham at bay.
    Micky van de Ven (8/10): Exuded elegance and control, much like a luxury vehicle dominating the road.
    Destiny Udogie (7/10): Displayed immense composure under pressure; his offensive contributions were noteworthy.
    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (7/10): Filled in admirably for Bissouma, playing a pivotal role in the second goal.
    Pape Matar Sarr (6/10): Showed grit, despite being occasionally overshadowed in midfield duels.
    Dejan Kulusevski (5/10): A mixed bag of delayed decisions and unexploited chances.
    James Maddison (9/10): The evening's maestro, dictating play and breaking lines with sheer class.
    Richarlison (6/10): Tireless in his role, with an assist to show, yet the night lacked his usual sharpness upfront.
    Son Heung-min (9/10): A relentless force, his movements and finishing were nothing short of stellar.

Substitutes: Played their roles, with no standout contributions.

Manager Ange Postecoglou (7/10): His side dominated, yet he'll recognise the moments of refinement needed.

Fulham's Formation: 4-2-3-1

    Bernd Leno (6/10): Made commendable saves but was ultimately left exposed.
    Timothy Castagne (6/10): Held his ground against Richarlison's onslaught.
    Calvin Bassey (1/10): His errors were costly, directly leading to both goals conceded.
    Tim Ream (5/10): Managed well in deep defence, struggled when lines pushed higher.
    Antonee Robinson (5/10): An untested outlet, with Kulusevski's lack of fervour working in his favour.
    Joao Palhinha (7/10): A robust presence that Fulham needed more of.
    Sasa Lukic (5/10): Found the going tough against Spurs' midfield.
    Bobby De Cordova-Reid (5/10): Kept quiet by Udogie throughout his stint.
    Andreas Pereira (5/10): Struggled to impose himself, eventually substituted.
    Willian (6/10): Showed flashes of threat but lacked the killer instinct of yesteryears.
    Carlos Vinicius (5/10): Fought hard but was effectively neutralised.

Substitutes: Jimenez showed promise, but others added little dynamism.

Manager Marco Silva (6/10): His side showed spirit but lacked the cutting edge to unsettle the Spurs.

Concluding Thoughts: The Premier League Landscape
As the Premier League saga unfolds, Tottenham's victory over Fulham is more than three points. It's a statement. A declaration of intent that they are here, not merely to participate but to lead. Fulham, while not disgraced, must find consistency and steel, especially in their defensive third, to climb the ranks. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on a resurgent Spurs, basking in the glory atop the Premier League.

Player of the Match: James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)



https://eplindex.com/98454/spurs-shine-fulham-fumble-premier-league-player-ratings.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham FC Women are back at Craven Cottage!

Fulham FC Women are excited to announce our upcoming Capital Cup Round Two tie against Arsenal Women Academy will be played at Craven Cottage on Sunday 19th November!

The Whites are on a tremendous run of form, which has seen them go nine games unbeaten across the league and cup, but will face strong opposition as they return to Craven Cottage to face current Capital Cup holders Arsenal Women Academy.

Last season saw a record-breaking crowd in attendance for the Round Two fixture with AFC Wimbledon, and we're hoping to see even more of you at Craven Cottage this time around to cheer on the team!

Whether you've been watching the side regularly at Motspur Park this season or looking to experience women's football for the first time, we're encouraging all Fulham fans to come together and show their support for this special matchday.
How To Buy

Bring your friends and family with tickets just £5 for adults and £1 for juniors. All seats will be allocated in the Johnny Haynes Stand.

Supporters can purchase online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

SECURE YOUR SEAT



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/24/fulham-fc-women-are-back-at-craven-cottage-/

[WhiteJC]

Man of the Match Result: Spurs

Willian has been voted your Man of the Match from Monday evening's game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite the result on the night, our Brazilian winger looked dangerous throughout the 90 minutes, offering three key passes (the second highest of any player on the pitch) and offered the most crosses too (five), joint highest with Antonee Robinson.

Willian received 34.6% of the votes, followed behind by João Palhinha (18.3%) and Timothy Castagne (9.9%).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/24/Man-of-the-Match-Result-Spurs/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham target cut-price transfer for Bundesliga top scorer Serhou Guirassy
Stuttgart striker is attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs after outshining Harry Kane so far this season

Fulham target Serhou Guirassy has a release clause of just over £15million in his contract at Stuttgart.

The 27-year-old striker has started the season on fire, scoring 14 goals in just eight Bundesliga matches, and Fulham have identified him as a potential transfer option.

The club are still searching for a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic following his £50m move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia over the summer.

Guirassy, a Guinea international, is attracting interest from a host of English clubs after outscoring Harry Kane in the German top-flight so far this term. The England captain is currently second in the scoring charts with nine goals for Bayern Munich.

Fulham are likely to face competition for Guirassy, who joined Stuttgart in a permanent move from French side Rennes over the summer, from a host of bigger clubs.

The Cottagers remain interested in several alternative forward options, with Genk's Gift Orban, Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz and Sporting's Geny Catamo among those also being tracked.

Summer signing Raul Jimenez has failed to score in his first eight Premier League matches for his new club and is on a goal drought stretching back to March 2022.

Fulham manager Marco Silva remains lukewarm on Carlos Vinicius, who is the alternative option to former Wolves frontman Jimenez and started Monday's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.

Only Burnley, Bournemouth and Sheffield United, the clubs currently in the relegation zone, have scored fewer goals than Fulham in the Premier League so far this season.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-serhou-guirassy-transfer-news-b1115573.html

[WhiteJC]

Southampton Star Being Tracked By Premier League Club
Southampton star Carlos Alcaraz is being tracked by Premier League side Fulham ahead of the January transfer window, according to the Evening Standard.

Saints pulled off a coup by landing the young Argentine midfielder in the winter window earlier this year and he joined from Racing Club for around £12m.

Alcaraz is a player that Southampton are not keen on losing and he is rated highly on the south coast.

However, there is Premier League interest in the 20-year-old with Fulham tracking his situation as the January window looms closer.

Whether Southampton would be able to see off a substantial bid from Fulham for Alcaraz may in part depend on whether a return to the Premier League next season looks likely in the new year.

Russell Martin currently has Saints sitting in a playoff spot in the Championship.

Leicester City are threatening to run away with the division, which would leave just one automatic promotion spot to go for, amid strong competition from Ipswich Town and Leeds United.

Southampton are next due to take on fourth placed Preston North End at Deepdale.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/10/24/southampton-star-being-tracked-by-premier-league-club/624284/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keeping an eye on Southampton midfielder, report claims
Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz is being tracked by Premier League side Fulham, as per a report from the Evening Standard.

Southampton have seen a whole host of their prized assets draw interest since relegation. Some moved on in the summer with the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Tino Livramento making high-profile Premier League returns, while others stayed put.

Argentinian midfielder Alcaraz was among those to have drawn admiring glances over the transfer window who ended up staying put. His patchy involvement in Russell Martin's side has piqued interests since the summer though.

Now, fresh links with Fulham have emerged.

The Evening Standard claims the 20-year-old attacking midfielder is among those being tracked by the Cottagers ahead of the winter. He's under contract with Southampton until the summer of 2028 and was reportedly valued at a hefty £30m during the summer window.

Alcaraz's recent role
While Alcaraz's Championship minutes have been slightly more limited than some might have thought upon Southampton's relegation, he has come back into Martin's starting XI in recent weeks.

He's started three of the last four games, though hasn't played the full 90 minutes in any. Interestingly though, Alcaraz has been played further forward as a centre-forward rather than in the attacking midfield or central midfield role he's been more familiar with.

His starts up top are yet to yield a returning to goalscoring ways but time will tell if Martin sees a place for him in that role in the long-term.

It remains to be seen if Fulham's reported interest develops into anything further later in the season too. If Alcaraz drops back out the Southampton team, the prospect of a move away could start to look more appealing to the young star.



https://the72.co.uk/2023/10/24/fulham-keeping-an-eye-on-southampton-midfielder-report-claims/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham still plotting Southampton FC transfer move
Premier League side Fulham are tracking Southampton midfielder ahead of January transfer window.

    Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz has stayed at the club and played a big part in their season in the Championship so far.
    Premier League side Fulham is interested in signing Alcaraz and is looking to improve their attack in the upcoming January transfer window.
    While Alcaraz may be interested in a move to a Premier League club, it may be wise for him to see out the rest of the season with Southampton to gain more experience before considering a transfer.

Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz is being watched by Premier League side Fulham ahead of the January transfer window, as reported by The Standard.

The Saints found themselves in the Championship this season, and that meant they had several high-profile players on their books, either wanting to leave or being eyed by other teams.

It was a hectic summer for the club, and it was one that saw them lose several of their better players.

However, not all of them left; ones like Alcaraz have stayed at the club and have played a big part in their season in the second tier so far.

How has Carlos Alcaraz performed for Southampton so far?
The Championship club bought Alcaraz in the January transfer window earlier this year, and he arrived from Argentina's Racing Club.

He joined for a relatively hefty fee, and he instantly became a part of Southampton's team that was trying to avoid relegation.

The midfielder played 21 times last season, with 18 appearances coming in the Premier League. He managed to grab four goals to his name, as well as two assists.

But, as mentioned, Alcaraz didn't leave the Saints in the summer, despite being one of their better-performing players during their horrid campaign.

Alcaraz is only 20 years old, so there have been times where he's been taken out of the team because he's needed time to adapt.

That has been the case this season, as the Championship is completely different from the top flight. The midfielder has appeared in all but two league games this season, starting six of the 11 games he has featured in, but as of yet, he has yet to get off the mark in front of goal.

Furthermore, he has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot but is definitely an important member of Russell Martin's squad.

Fulham interested in signing Carlos Alcaraz
Despite him not hitting the ground running this season, it seems Alcaraz isn't short of options, as Premier League side Fulham are keeping an eye on the player.

The Cottagers are said to be looking at improving their attack in January as they still try to find a suitable replacement for Alexsander Mitrovic.

The report from The Standard states that Fulham are interested in Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy but also have other options, one of which is Alcaraz.

The report states: "The Cottagers remain interested in several alternative forward options, with Genk's Gift Orban, Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz and Sporting's Geny Catamo among those also being tracked."

Should Carlos Alcaraz consider leaving Southampton in January?
It is probably expected that Southampton are going to be receiving some calls about certain players once the transfer window reopens in January.

But the Saints are unlikely going to want to rip up their squad midway through the campaign, so the chances of Alcaraz leaving are probably slim anyway.

However, the player is likely going to be interested, as Fulham are a Premier League club, but it may be wise for the 20-year-old to see out the rest of this season with Southampton.

It gives him a full season of English football under his belt, and it means by the end of the campaign he would become a much better footballer.

Furthermore, there are no guarantees with a move to Fulham, but he can assess properly in the summer when he knows which league the Saints are going to be playing in.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-casting-eyes-over-southampton-midfielder-ahead-of-january-transfer-window/

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Man Utd star Andreas Pereira admits to rubbing Kaka's shorts on his legs for 'confidence' before big games as he reveals emotional phone call with Milan legend

Former Manchester United star Andreas Pereira has admitted that he rubs Kaka's shorts on his legs for "confidence" before big games.

    Pereira reveals Kaka as his idol
    Had chance to get Kaka's shorts as a ball boy
    Rubs shorts on his legs before big games

WHAT HAPPENED? Pereira moved to Fulham from Manchester United for £13 million ($16m) last year, and he has since won the hearts of the team's supporters. The Brazilian midfielder, who was a boyhood fan of former Milan and Real Madrid superstar Kaka, played for United for ten years after entering the club's academy at the age of 16. Pereira once served as a ball boy for a game between the Red Devils and Real Madrid, which gave him the opportunity to ask for Kaka's jersey, but his countryman gave him his shorts instead.

WHAT THEY SAID: The Fulham playmaker said in an interview with ESPN Brazil: "It was a Champions League match between Manchester and Real Madrid and I was a ball boy. Alex Ferguson asked the U21 and U18 players if they wanted to be ball boys because he needed the ball quicker and so on. After the game, I waited and saw Kaka. I asked for his shirt, but he said he'd already changed. Then I said: anything then, a sock, shorts, I don't know. He said he had a pair of shorts, I said it would do. He gave it to me, it was incredible, and the shorts are still in a safe to this day."

Pereira added on regularly using the shorts in a bizarre pre-match ritual: "Every now and then, before an important game, I go and get them to give me confidence, to rub on my leg."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Pereira also opened up on his first ever conversation with Kaka, having been put in touch with the Brazil icon by Fulham team-mate Willian. The former United ace admits he was initially overwhelmed by emotion on the call, as he stated: "Two weeks ago, I was at Willian's house and he asked me who I really admired. I said I'd always liked Kaka a lot, because of his style of play, he was an example to me. He said he knew Kaka and said he was going to ring him. I thought: he must be joking. I kept quiet, it put me off. He called, I heard his voice and I couldn't stand it, I cried. I spoke to him, to this day I can't believe I spoke to Kaka. Everyone was in shock.

"Kaka even said that when he came here we were going to do something, and I joked with Willian: don't even call me, I'll freeze at the table. He's always been an idol to me, I've always liked his style. A very special person."

WHAT NEXT? Pereira will be back in Premier League action when Fulham take on Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton away from home on Sunday, October 29.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ex-man-utd-star-andreas-pereira-rubbing-kaka-shorts-on-legs-confidence-milan-legend/blt74f69f925fe3ff69

[WhiteJC]

Bassey let Fulham down twice - Smith
Nigerian star Calvin Bassey should shoulder the blame for the two goals conceded by Fulham FC in their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

This is according to former Arsenal FC forward Alan Smith following the English Premier League encounter which ended in a 2-0 win in favour of Spurs on Monday night.

Goals from Son Heung-min and James Maddison earned Tottenham a win in what was Bassey's first start for Fulham since August 2023.

"James Maddison has been superb out there, and that goal will mean a lot in front of his new supporters. Spurs fans have a new hero!" Smith said on BBC Sport.

"Bassey once again gave the ball away, and he is then at fault for playing Son onside later in the move too.

"You can give the ball away and it is rare that on both occasions those mistakes lead to goals."

Bassey, 23, who is in his first season with Fulham, has played six games for the London side and the team kept just one clean sheet.



https://africanfootball.com///africanfootball.com/news/810038/Bassey-let-Fulham-down-twice-Smith

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'target bargain release clause of £15m for Serhou Guirassy' - the red hot striker outscoring Harry Kane in the Bundesliga - as he puts clubs on alert with astonishing 14 goals in eight games

    Fulham targeting Stuttgart scoring sensation Serhou Guirassy in cut-price deal
    The striker has 14 goals in 8 Bundesliga games and a release clause of just 15m

Fulham have targeted a cut-price deal for Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy as they look to solve their goal-scoring issues.

The Cottagers are still seeking a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic following his £50m move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in the summer, and have earmarked the Bundesliga's top scorer as a target.

Guriassy has a released clause of just £15m in his Stuttgart contract, and is attracting attention from a whole host of clubs following his blistering start to the season, including Fulham according to the Evening Standard.

The Guinea international has scored an incredible 14 goals in just 8 Bundesliga games so far the campaign, outscoring England captain Harry Kane's nine goals and  leading the goal-scoring chart.

Fulham would face competition for the 27-year-old, who moved to Stuttgart on a permanent deal from Rennes in the summer. 


Fulham have targeted Bundesliga top goal-scorer Serhou Guirassy to help their scoring issues
 

Marco Silva's men are one of the lowest scoring teams in the Premier League so far this season
 

Fulham have yet to replace Aleksander Mitrovic who moved to Al-Hilal in a £50m move
The west London club signed Raul Jimenez from Wolves in the summer, but the Mexican is get to open his account for his new club and has failed to find the net since March 2022.

Carlos Vinicius started in Monday night's defeat to Tottenham, but Silva remains unconvinced that he is the long term solution to their goal-scoring problems.

Fulham have only found the net eight times in the Premier League so far this season, with the bottom three of Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Burnley the only teams having scored fewer.


Guirassy has scored an incredible 14 goals in 8 Bundesliga games so far this campaign
 

Summer signing Raul Jimenez has failed to find the net for his new club since arriving
There is also interest from Fulham in Genk's Gift Orban, Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz and Sporting's Geny Catamo, but Guirassy's impressive start to the season has made him a top target.

Fulham heavily relied on Mitrovic's goals last season, as the Serbian notched up 14 Premier League goals to help them finish in the top half of the table.

After Monday's defeat to Spurs, Marco Silva's side head to Brighton on Sunday and then travel to Championship high-flyers Ipswich for next's week's Carabao Cup clash. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12666327/Fulham-target-bargain-release-clause-15m-Serhou-Guirassy-red-hot-striker-outscoring-Harry-Kane-Bundesliga-puts-clubs-alert-astonishing-14-goals-eight-games.html

[WhiteJC]

£30 Million Southampton Star Wanted By London Outfit
Southampton starlet Carlos Alcaraz is a transfer target for Premier League outfit Fulham ahead of the January transfer window, but the Cottagers will be forced to pay a hefty price tag.

Alcaraz moved to the St. Mary's Stadium back in January for £12 million from Argentine side Racing Club. It was even confirmed that the Saints would pay a 15 percent sell-on fee to his former club if the player is sold in the future.

The young midfielder came to the club at a difficult time as Southampton were relegated within his first half-season. However, Alcaraz was certainly one of the only standout performers during this period, scoring four Premier League goals in 18 games.

This season, the 20-year-old has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Southampton, including 10 in the Championship and has received interest from Newcastle United, according to talkSPORT.

Furthermore, The Sun revealed that Portuguese league champions Benfica and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were keen to sign the Argentinian central midfielder. Football Transfers reported that Southampton slapped a price tag of £30 million on the youngster, almost three times what they paid for him less than a year ago.

Nevertheless, just a few days after this report by Football Transfers, the club announced that Alcaraz had penned a new five-year deal, despite signing a four-and-a-half-year contract when he first joined in January.

Regardless, the Evening Standard have still claimed that Premier League side Fulham are eyeing up making a move for Alcaraz when the winter window opens as Marco Silva looks to add depth in the middle of the park.

Writer's View
Southampton placed a price tag of £30 million on Alcaraz before he signed a new deal so this may have even risen since.

Alcaraz signing the contract shows that he's happy at Southampton but this could change should the club fail to gain promotion back to the Premier League. In that case, Fulham will be waiting.



https://therealefl.co.uk/2023/10/24/30-million-southampton-star-wanted-by-london-outfit/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham want to sign striker who's scored more this season than Jimenez has in three years
To say that Fulham need a new striker would be an understatement.

The Whites are seriously lacking firepower after selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal this summer.

Raul Jimenez is yet to score a single goal for the club, while Carlos Vinicius has never been the most prolific of strikers.

Luckily, help may be on the way in January in the shape of Serhou Guirassy.

According to The Standard, the Stuttgart striker is a target for Fulham in the winter transfer window, and he's available for just £15m due to his current release clause.

Guirassy has been red-hot so far this season. He's scored 14 goals in eight league games already. To put that into context, that's more than Jimenez has scored in the last three years, with the Mexican netting just 13 goals in all competitions since the start of the 2020/21 season.

Of course, there's no guarantee that Guirassy would carry this form through to the Premier League. Not only is the Bundesliga a different beast, but we've seen many one-season wonders in recent years.

The likes of Kryzstof Piatek and Pavel Pogrebnyak spring to mind in recent times, especially in terms of links to Fulham, and the west London club must be wary of falling into this trap.

Luckily, a low release clause means that there wouldn't be much risk attached to this move, but convincing Guirassy to come is another matter entirely.

The player himself talked down the idea of moving to Fulham on social media back when he was linked in the summer, and it's hard to imagine that the Whites' somewhat underwhelming start to the season will have done much to convince him that a move to Craven Cottage is the best move for him right now.

Guirassy has started this season like a house on fire, and it's likely that a bigger European club will be in for him at this price.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/10/24/report-fulham-want-to-sign-striker-whos-scored-more-this-season-than-jimenez-has-in-three-years/

[WhiteJC]

Silva signs new contract at Fulham
Portuguese head coach signs deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until end of 2025/26

Marco Silva has signed a new contract with Fulham, extending his stay until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 46-year-old head coach joined the club in July 2021 and has overseen two very successful seasons with the west London side, helping them win the Championship in 2021/22 before finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.

"I'm really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time," Silva told the club's official website.

We're delighted to announce that Marco Silva has signed a new contract!

Read more: ⤵️

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 24, 2023

"It's always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together. I feel that the business is not done yet. We've had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this club, and we are working hard to achieve it.

"It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.

"The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let's continue together on this long journey."

Silva's announcement to stay at Fulham is a major boost to the club, especially after Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ahli and Al Hilal were reportedly interesting in making him their new head coach this summer.

Silva, however, rejected the offers and declared that he wanted to stay in the Premier League.

Despite losing last season's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, Silva has helped Fulham enjoy a steady start to 2023/24. They sit 13th with 11 points from their first nine matches.

Silva will hope for a winning result to celebrate his new contract when Fulham visit Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3751052

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Aston Villa lead race for Sporting CP star Geny Catamo amid Premier League interest
Geny Catamo from Sporting CP is attracting plenty of interest from Premier League clubs with Fulham and Aston Villa the two sides leading the race to sign the winger

 Fulham and Aston Villa are currently leading the race to sign Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, football.london understands. The 22-year-old has started the season well in Portugal with one goal and two assists for the Leoes.

Catamo could potentially leave the Portuguese club in the January transfer window with mass interest from the Premier League. The left-footed Mozambique international joined Sporting's ranks in 2019 after signing from Amora, where he was playing for the 'B' team for three years.

His impressive performances, though, meant he was promoted to the senior side in 2021 but went out on back-to-back loans to Vitoria Guimaraes and Maritimo, respectively. This season, however, is looking like Catamo's breakthrough campaign at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, but he could well be on the move in January.

Fulham and Villa are the clubs that have made the most groundwork in terms of signing Catamo, a source has told football.london, but there is plenty more interest in the winger's signature. That includes other clubs in the Premier League who have expressed an interest.

The Cottagers have had a mixed start to the season and sit down in 13th place after their opening nine matches. Monday evening saw them beaten away at Premier League leaders Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Villa continue to go from strength to strength under Unai Emery and currently sit in fifth. Sunday's win over West Ham United was their fourth win in their last five top-flight games.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-aston-villa-geny-catamo-27973702

[WhiteJC]

Fulham sweating on Issa Diop fitness as Calvin Bassey disaster proves costly
Marco Silva will need his first-choice defender back at Brighton after summer signing endured another nightmare against Tottenham

When Marco Silva previewed Monday's trip to Tottenham at his press conference on Friday, he spent much of his time discussing who could fill in at right centre-back.

The Fulham manager was clearly concerned that Issa Diop's absence through injury could cause his side problems, and so it came to pass.

Calvin Bassey, the left-footed £18.5million summer signing from Ajax, made his second Premier League start as Silva was also without Tosin Adarabioyo.

Bassey was sent off at the Emirates against Arsenal on his first start back in August, but he managed to produce an even more disastrous display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Once in the first half and once in the second, Bassey passed the ball straight to a Spurs player and Fulham were punished.

First through Heung-min Son and then James Maddison. Bassey lost the ball again as Spurs so nearly added a late third.

It was a dreadful individual display from Bassey, who showed at both Rangers and Ajax that he can be a brilliant defender but has made a shaky start at Fulham.

Fulham will now be sweating on the fitness of Diop. The Frenchman faces a race to be fit for Sunday's trip to Brighton and Silva must surely now be reluctant to start Bassey again.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said Fulham had been "very well-organised, particularly defensively", and that felt a fair assessment overall.

Without Bassey's lax passes, Silva's side may well have prevented Spurs from going top.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-calvin-bassey-issa-diop-b1115685.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Marco Silva signs new deal and will stay until 2026

Silva has previously managed Hull City, Watford and Everton

Manager Marco Silva has signed a new deal with Fulham that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Silva was appointed head coach in July 2021 and his existing contract would have run out at the end of the season.

The 46-year-old Portuguese guided Fulham to 10th place last season on their return to the Premier League - their first top-half finish since 2012.

The west London club sit 13th in the Premier League after nine games.

"I'm really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time," said Silva, who was courted by Saudi Arabian clubs in the summer.

"It's always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together. I feel the business is not done yet, we've had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this club in the Premier League.

"It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them has been really important in this decision. Let's continue together on this long journey."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67208996

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva signs contract extension to remain Fulham head coach until 2026, as chairman Shahid Khan rewards the Portuguese boss for his first two years with the club

    Marco Silva has signed a new contract at Fulham to remain there until 2026
    Chairman Shahid Khan is confident that the deal will inspire players and fans

Marco Silva has signed a new contract with Fulham to remain head coach until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Silva, 46, has been in charge at the Cottagers since July 2021, and saw them promoted from the Championship before last season's 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.

The Portuguese head coach has been rewarded by Fulham chairman Shahid Khan, who is confident that the extension will inspire the club's players and fans.

ilva told the Fulham website: 'I'm really pleased to sign a new contract as it was something we had been discussing for some time. It's always a good sign when both parties are happy and want to continue working together. I feel that the business is not done yet, we've had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this Club in the Premier League. This is key for the future of this Club, and we are working hard to achieve it.

'It is important to feel the trust and have the support of our owners. My relationship with them, and with Fulham Football Club as a whole, has been really important in this decision and the success of the last two seasons.


Marco Silva has signed a contract extension at Fulham to remain head coach until 2026
 

Since joining, Fulham were promoted to the Premier League and finished 10th last season


Club owner and director Tony Khan said he had developed a 'great relationship' with Silva
'The commitment and ambition that these players have demonstrated since day one has been the key to what we have achieved, and that will always continue to be the case, along with the unconditional support of our fans, who are fundamental. Let's continue together on this long journey.'

Club owner and director Tony Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'I'm delighted for @fulhamfc + the fans that Marco's with us until at least 2026! Through working together the last few years, we've developed a great relationship.

'I'm a huge admirer of Marco; his work ethic, professionalism + hunger for success encompasses the Club. Come on Fulham'.

Silva had experience in English football managing Hull City, Watford and Everton before taking up the reins at Fulham in the summer of 2021, shortly after their relegation from the top flight.

Upon their return, Fulham secured their first top half finish in the Premier League since 2012.

That success saw Silva being courted by Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ahli and Al Hilal. However, he turned down those lucrative offers to focus on the job at Fulham, and now the club have tied him down to a long-term contract at Craven Cottage.

Chairman Shahid Khan told the Fulham website: 'This is a wonderful day for Fulham Football Club. Specifically, it's a fantastic moment for Fulham supporters, who deserve our very best efforts to invest in the present and future of their Club, both within and around the game.

'I'm happy to announce that we have a new contract with Marco Silva through 2025/26, and am confident this news will inspire our players and fans, both immediately and in the seasons ahead.

'When I first met Marco in 2021, I knew then he represented everything we needed and more from our next Head Coach.


Chairman Shahid Khan said Silva's extension was 'a wonderful day for Fulham Football Club'
 

Fulham sit 13th in the league after Monday's defeat to Spurs, ahead of Sunday's trip to Brighton
'I am grateful that Marco believed, as I did, in what is possible here at Fulham, and now here we are several years later reaffirming our commitment to achieving something special for our fans.

'Marco and I are aligned – we have work ahead, but even more to look forward to.'

Following Monday night's defeat at table-toppers Tottenham, Fulham sit in 13th place with three wins and four defeats in their first nine league games this season.

Silva's side travel to Brighton on Sunday before a League Cup encounter with Ipswich Town three days later.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12666959/Marco-Silva-signs-contract-extension-remain-Fulham-head-coach-2026-chairman-Shadid-Khan-rewards-Portuguese-boss-two-years-club.html