Thursday Fulham Stuff - 16/11/23...

[WhiteJC]

Report: Tottenham centre-back target is expected to transfer in January
Football Insider have reported that Fulham expect rumoured Tottenham target Tosin Adarabioyo to leave the club in January.

It has been reported by various different outlets over the past few weeks that signing a centre-back is one of Ange Postecoglou's top priorities when the transfer window opens mid-season (GiveMeSport).

90 min claimed a couple of weeks ago that one of the central defenders on Tottenham's radar is Adarabioyo, with the report alleging that the North London club have continued to monitor the 25-year-old's situation after their failed summer move for the player.

The Cottagers star has been out with a groin injury since the start of the season, having made just one appearance so far in 2023-24, and his contract at the West London club runs out next summer (Transfermarkt).

Adarabioyo will likely leave Fulham amid Spurs links
According to Football Insider's latest update, the expectation at Craven Cottage is that the defender will depart the club in January.

In fact, it is alleged that Marco Silva's men have already started exploring the market for a centre-back to replace Adarabioyo in January.

Spurs Web Opinion
It is anybody's guess at this point who Tottenham's top centre-back targets are for January. It is possible that the club have not settled on their top two or three names just yet, given that the Spurs recruitment department has just been revamped.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-tottenham-centre-back-target-is-expected-to-transfer-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Two games within 72 hours: Iwobi says everyone is going to be needed not just the starting XI
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi says he wants to experience playing in the World Cup again and has vowed to give one hundred percent to ensure Nigeria qualify for the 2026 tournament holding in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Arsenal academy product was a bit-part player under Gernot Rohr at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he logged 64 minutes spread across three games.

Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup, Iwobi stressed that the players want to bring joy to the Super Eagles supporters by qualifying for the 2026 edition, and also commented on how the first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium went.

Speaking at the end of training on Tuesday, Iwoi said: "I would like to be there again. It's not just me but the whole team we are going to put one hundred percent to make sure that we give a chance and an opportunity to bring the nation joy and that sense of pride that we're representing them at the World Cup hopefully again."

He added: "Today, it wasn't too intense. We are going to prepare for Lesotho, everyone has arrived in camp now so we have to be preparing like we did today, we go again tomorrow, and I'm sure we will analyze them and hopefully get the result we need to qualify."

The November window is tight with the Super Eagles facing Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, before traveling to Rwanda for a matchday two fixture against Zimbabwe three days later.

Iwobi reckons that manager Jose Pesiero has plenty of options for both games and will need to explore the depth of his squad.

"Nigeria, it's a blessing that we have a lot of players, a lot of quality in the side so everyone is going to be needed, that's why it's a squad mentality not just the starting eleven," he concluded.

 Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=49462

[WhiteJC]

Burnley Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's Premier League fixture against Burnley go on sale from 10am on Thursday 16th November.

Join us for festive Premier League action at Craven Cottage as Fulham face Burnley on Saturday 23rd December, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets will go on sale to Members at 10am on Thursday 16th November, then to Season Ticket Holders at 10am on Monday 20th November, before going on sale to Supporters with a Previous Booking History at 10am on Wednesday 22nd November.

Supporters can secure their seat from Thursday online at tickets.fulhamfc.com and from the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person or by phone on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

More information regarding on sale dates and pricing for this fixture can be found here.

BUY TICKETS FROM 10AM ON THURSDAY



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/burnley-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham considering move for Manchester City man as a replacement for possible £60m exit
Fulham have added Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips to their January shortlist as they draw up a list of replacements for Joao Palhinha, who continues to be linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

That is according to Football website 90Min, with 27-year-old Phillips widely expected to leave City in the January window. The England star needs game time if he is to keep his place ahead of Euro 2024.

Palhinha almost joined Bayern in the summer for a fee of £60m from Fulham – but the Cottagers had no time to sign a replacement and pulled the plug on a deal. He has since signed a new deal at Fulham.

However, 90Min state that Fulham are aware Bayern still want Palhinha and the Portugal star is keen on a move. The Cottagers have drawn up a contingency plan in case he goes in January. Phillips is on it.

Tottenham man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is also an option with the Dane struggling to start for Spurs this season. Fluminense man Andre is also listed. But Fulham could make a move for Phillips in January.

Fulham add Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips to shortlist
Phillips desperately needs to leave Manchester City in January and get himself out of The Etihad in order to save his career. He is playing a matter of minutes, with Rodri one of the best in the world.

If he has to have any chance of starting for England at Euro 2024, Phillips needs to leave City and find himself at a top-end Premier League club where he can start week in, week out and impress fans.

Fulham would be a good place to do that, especially if Palhinha goes. Phillips would certainly start for Marco Silva's men. Whether a move materialises though, remains to be seen ahead of January.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-considering-move-for-manchester-city-man-as-a-replacement-for-possible-60m-exit/

[WhiteJC]

Christmas at the Cottage 2023: Update

Tickets for this year's Christmas at the Cottage event are now sold out to Season Ticket Holders.

A very limited number of tickets have been held back for 2023/24 Members, and will go on sale at 10am on Thursday 16th November, to this group.

More information on the event can be found here.

More Info



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/christmas-at-the-cottage-2023-update/

[WhiteJC]

Jay Stansfield bumped up to England Under-21s
Men's international call-up: Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield has been called up to the England Under-21s.
Blues' 20-year-old striker, on loan from Fulham, was initially included in the Elite League squad, but will now link up with Lee Carsley's side following the England senior team selections for Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer.

The Young Lions will play two 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches, facing Serbia on Saturday 18 November, kick-off 4pm, at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola before hosting Northern Ireland at Goodison Park on Tuesday 21 November, kick-off 7.45pm.

Stansfield, who has five Sky Bet Championship goals this season, has previously played for England at both Under-18s and Under-20s level.

Well deserved, Jay!

All kick-off times are GMT.



https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/jay-stansfield-bumped-up-to-england-under-21s

[WhiteJC]

2024 Legends Tours

Book your place on one of our upcoming Legends Tours at Craven Cottage!

With three unforgettable afternoons lined up in 2024, take your pick on which Fulham legend you want to guide you around our historic home.

Hear some brilliant anecdotes, ask questions and grab a selfie with our legends as you tour through the key areas of the stadium, including the dressing rooms, press room and the iconic Cottage itself.

Tickets for all three of these tours can be secured online, over the phone on 0203 841 9057 or via email on [email protected].

Whether you're looking for the perfect Christmas gift or just want to treat yourself to one of these exclusive tours, book your place today to avoid disappointment!

Legends	Date	Booking Link
Jim Stannard	Sunday 21st January 2024, 1pm	BOOK NOW
Gordon Davies & Les Strong	Sunday 11th February 2024, 1pm	BOOK NOW
Kit Symons	Sunday 25th February 2024, 1pm	BOOK NOW

Further information about our Craven Cottage tours can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/2024-legends-tours/

[WhiteJC]

Carlos Vinicus and Joshua Zirkzee: Fulham's sliding doors moment

In his debut piece, Finn Nelson looks at a player Fulham reportedly passed up on in favour of our Brazilian striker.

It's not a secret that this season, so far, has been somewhat underwhelming from a Fulham fan's point of view.

Despite only being six points short of last year's total to this point (after 12 games played), it's felt like a much less impressive campaign. Some might argue it's due to the increase in expectation, many more would point to a lack of goals; after 12 matches last term, Fulham had netted 22 goals, with Mitro leading the charge with eight. That's in stark contrast to this season's 10 (Joao Palhinha and Bobby De Cordova-Reid both on lead the way with a paltry two each). It paints a pretty clear picture of what is missing at Craven Cottage.

Olá, Carlos

Turning back time to the summer of 2022, Fulham were preparing for their third return to the Premier League in just five seasons, but there was a different feeling in West London this time round. After some exciting acquisitions with the likes of Palhinha, Andreas Pereira and Willian, Marco Silva was still looking for an understudy to his star centre forward Aleksander Mitrović.

Rodrigo Muniz deemed not ready for the step up was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough. The end of the transfer window saw many potential names come and go, but it was the Brazilian Carlos Vinicius who put pen to paper and joined. He went on to have an impressive first season, serving as a great impact off the bench and proving to be a worthy replacement in Mitrovic's absence through injury (or indeed suspension). His match-winning effort against Chelsea in January 2023 was the undoubted highlight. However, now that the Serbian is firmly out of the door, goals have dried up and Fulham find themselves in a crisis. It is hard not to let the mind whirr and wonder about what life by the river would be like today had things gone differently on deadline day 2022.

Sliding doors

Vinicius's arrival in SW6 meant Fulham passed up a particular promising young Dutch talent, Joshua Zirkzee: a Bayern Munich youth player who, at the time, had just finished a successful loan spell at Belgian side Anderlecht – scoring 16 goals in 38 appearances. The youngster was linked with a move to the Whites, as covered in that summer's rumour round-up. But instead of a move to the Cottage, Zirkzee signed with Serie A club Bologna FC as a backup to Marko Arnautovic.

The similarity to Vinicus's situation can't to be understated: both were brought to the club as a second option behind an experienced and established talisman, spending their first season learning from the bench and eventually being promoted to starter following a big summer move away for their competition – Arnautovic joined Inter on loan and Mitrovic moved to Saudi club Al-Hilal both in August of this year.

Stepping up

The Serbian's and the Austrian's departures from their respective clubs were, similarly, identical in their effect. Both acting as the focal point going forward: dropping back, holding up the ball and linking up the play in the final third. Qualities like this are hard to come by, especially among young strikers. Vinicius has struggled to fill Mitrovic's boots in this regard: the Brazilian averages just 2.36 shots and 10.61 passes per 90 minutes this season compared to Mitrovic's average of 4.16 shots and 13.25 passes last campaign.

Zirkzee, on the other hand, is beating his former teammate in that regard. He's has managed 2.17 shots and 18.38 passes per 90 minutes so far this year in comparison to the former West Ham man's average of 1.81 and 18.88 last season (stats per fotmob.com). Granted, there is more to a performance than efforts on goal and passing – realistically, the only important stat for a striker is goals scored – but, at the very least, it demonstrates Zirkzee's more active involvement in Bologna's actions than Vinicius' to that of Fulham. Furthermore, when we contrast Zirkzee's four goals and two assists to Vini's singular goal on the season so far, we might want to say that the former has stepped up to the plate more so than the latter.

Mitigating factors

Of course, this is all conjecture and there are various factors worthy of consideration: firstly, the Premier League has a more direct offensive play style compared to the more diligent, tactical approach observed in Serie A, not to mention the concentration of quality backlines in England. Secondly, they are playing under completely different coaches with completely different systems. Thirdly, Vinicius is a young player in a very experienced changing room (Fulham with the oldest average squad age in the league: 28.6) and, thus, under greater pressure to adapt and impress the veterans.

Contrast that to Thiago Motta's very young Bologna side (third youngest squad in Serie A with an average age of 25), Zirkzee is playing in a much less-experienced environment and, consequently, less is expected of him at this point in his career. Finally, we must acknowledge that a replacement nine was brought in (Raul Jimenez) following Mitrovic's exit, and Muniz was not sent out on loan again, thus competition for the starting spot is increased and opportunity to find form is, conversely, decreased. Zirkzee, meanwhile, is the most experienced striker in the side after the Rossoblù brought in just one replacement: fellow countryman, Sydney Van Hooijdonk.

It must be stressed I'm not claiming here that Fulham would be flying this season had it been Zirkzee who signed in lieu of Vinicius before the 22/23 season; this article is merely presenting a hypothesis and, subtly, promoting a playerI believe to be, an extremely promising talent in Joshua Zirkzee. Think of this as a formal prediction of a very bright career.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-11-15-carlos-vinicus-and-joshua-zirkzee-fulhams-sliding-doors-moment/

[WhiteJC]

Ticket Office Update

Following earlier technical issues with our ticketing provider, we are pleased to announce these have now been resolved.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Tickets can now be purchased again online at tickets.fulhamfc.com, over the phone on 0203 871 0810, or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

BUY TICKETS



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/ticket-office-technical-issues/

[WhiteJC]

Bernd Leno's Arsenal exit warning to Aaron Ramsdale following Mikel Arteta silent treatment
Aaron Ramsdale was warned by his former goalkeeping teammate Bernd Leno of how Mikel Arteta handles dropping players after David Raya's arrival

The situation with the Arsenal goalkeepers has dominated the headlines in the past 48 hours after two viral clips circulated. The first was a re-emergence of a clip of Aaron Ramsdale speaking to Ian Wright in which he admitted struggling to focus for a full 90 minutes.

Thankfully, no one took these comments out of context and treated them as a matter of fact. Oh, wait, that's exactly what they did.

However, perhaps the bigger impact has been made by Ramsdale's father, Nick. Speaking to the Highbury Squad, he said that there was not a reason given behind his son being dropped from the first XI in the aftermath of David Raya's arrival.

"It's possibly the way it's been done," he said. "Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don't know why."

He added later in the interview: "You've got to give the guy a chance for God's sake. Even though the way it's been done, in my eyes, it's been wrong and we can talk about that but it's the decision."

Emotional and strong words reveal the frustration of the apparent silence that has followed from Ramsdale's place being lost to David Raya. Nick asked former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell multiple times whether he had been told how he could get back into the side when in the 90s Ian Wright took his place in the team.

The irony is that for Ramsdale to have gained his starting place in the first instance he had to take it from someone else. That person was now Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.

The German international was the goalkeeper that Mikel Arteta inherited from Unai Emery's squad and he persisted with him during his first season and through his second (first full season) before signing Ramsdale in 2021. Leno started the first three league games before being dropped and never winning his place back.

In an interview he did with Sport Bild in late September 2021, he said: "There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance. He is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it's difficult for me."

Adding: "London is very nice; Milan is not bad either and closer to my home Stuttgart. I'm not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.

"Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I'm concentrating on my work in training; I can't commit to anything else at the moment."

These comments came just 18 days after he had been dropped from the Premier League starting XI. The German international makes it clear that Mikel Arteta had not given him a "clear reason why" he was out.

This now represents two incidents where a goalkeeper has lost their place and seemingly the Arsenal manager has not specifically communicated the reasons behind the decision. Arteta has some time before he faces the press ahead of the match with Brentford next week where he is sure to be asked about the topic.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/bernd-lenos-arsenal-exit-warning-28110595

[WhiteJC]

Bernd Leno comments show Aaron Ramsdale should not be surprised by Mikel Arteta treatment at Arsenal
The current situation is a role reversal of how Ramsale became first-choice after signing in 2021

Aaron Ramsdale's disappointment at losing his place in the Arsenal side will have come as no surprise to former team-mate Bernd Leno.

It has been a frustrating few months for Ramsdale, who has largely had to watch on from the bench since David Raya arrived at the club and swiftly became the first-choice goalkeeper.

While Ramsdale played an important role in the Gunners' Premier League title bid last season, his only appearances this term since the start of September have come in the Carabao Cup.

With Arsenal now out of that competition, having lost to West Ham, Ramsdale's opportunities are set to be limited further. He will likely start against Raya's parent club Brentford after the international break, but the England goalkeeper could then have to wait until the FA Cup in January for his next chance.

It is a role reversal for Ramsdale, who signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 and soon replaced Leno, who had been the established number one but left the club at the end of that season to join Fulham. His comments at the time revealed that he was not told by Mikel Arteta why he had lost his place in the side.

"There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance," Leno told Sport Bild in September 2021.

"He [Arteta] is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it's difficult for me."

Two years later, those comments echo the thoughts of Ramsdale's father, who has hit out at the treatment of his son.

He suggested that the goalkeeper has "lost that smile" and, like Leno, has not had the situation explained to him by Arteta.

"I didn't have a clue, our family didn't have a clue, Aaron didn't have a clue that he was not going to carry on playing," Nick Ramsdale told The Highbury Corner podcast.

"Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off. And Aaron's got to live with that, and he is living with that even though he's not been told it. By anybody. You've got to give the guy a chance, for God's sake."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bernd-leno-aaron-ramsdale-arsenal-fc-mikel-arteta-goalkeeper-b1120588.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham FC Women at Craven Cottage: 4 days to go!

COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF

The countdown is on for Fulham FC Women's return to Craven Cottage!

Join us for Fulham FC Women's Capital Cup clash against Arsenal Women Academy in SW6 on Sunday 19th November, kick-off 2:30pm.

Bring family and friends along to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, including face painting, balloon modelling and live music, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and just £1 for juniors!

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Supporters can purchase tickets online, over the phone 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/fulham-fc-women-at-craven-cottage-4-days-to-go/

[WhiteJC]

"I can still reach higher" – Fulham's João Palhinha hinting at Bayern Munich move in January?
So you're telling me, there's a chance?

João Palhinha is a name that has been tossed around during Bayern Munich transfer talks. The Portuguese midfielder nearly moved to the Rekordmeister on deadline day but the transfer could not be brought over the line. A distraught Palhinha has since returned to Fulham FC and extended his contract, but a move to Bayern is still on the table.

That is what he hinted at during a press conference with Portugal:

"I don't know what will happen in the future", the 28-year-old admitted (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia). "Obviously it (the failed transfer) affected me and my family a lot, but it's water under the bridge. I don't want to remember that. You know what happened. It (Bayern's interest) is a source of pride).

"In my life, everything that happened has been for a reason and I like to think that the future will tell me if what happened was also for a reason", he continued. "I want to continue following my path, everything I've achieved was because of my worth and my work. Nobody has given me anything. I'm 28 years old, but I know I can still reach higher - I'm facing the future with this ambition".

The fact that he wanted to move to Bayern is a positive sign for the Bavarians to take a second chance, but the downside is that Fulham might ask for more money.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/11/15/23960537/joao-palhinha-hinting-at-bayern-munich-move-january-fulham-transfer-news-premier-league-kane-neuer

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi tips Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup
Alex Iwobi has tasted what it means to play at the FIFA World Cup and the Fulham midfielder is still pained for missing the first Mundial in the Middle East and he believes that the Super Eagles would do everything to be present at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada and Mexico.

Iwobi who has been an integral part of the Coach Jose Peseiro's tutored side said the joy and pride of playing for the country at the World Cup would spur the team when they begin their campaign against Lesotho at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I would like to be at the World Cup again and it is not just me but the whole team who will put 100 percent effort into bringing to the nation the joy and the sense of pride that we are going out there to represent them at the World Cup,"  Iwobi told NFFTv.

Iwobi is particularly excited with the turnout for the qualifiers, which he said would give the coach the quality option to select the best legs that will prosecute the two matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

"The training started well and we are working hard as a team to get the needed result from the start. Also, it is a blessing that we have a lot of talented players in the team and everyone is ready to give their best for the team," he added.



https://thenationonlineng.net/iwobi-tips-super-eagles-for-2026-world-cup/

[WhiteJC]

The Tony Gale Column
You may have heard of the Bobby Moore Fund dinner which happened recently? Well, we've just found out that it raised almost £200,000, which is absolutely fantastic. It was great to see Fulham had representation at the event with the Club buying a table, because not every side did. West Ham didn't, for example. There was a few ex-Fulham people there in addition to the table – myself, Roy Hodgson and Les Strong, so it was a great evening with a lot of Fulham!

Looking back on recent games, we had a nasty run of fixtures between these two international breaks. The Spurs game was always going to be a difficult one, and we ended up giving them a hand with both goals. In fairness to our guys at the back, though, it is tough playing with two left footed centre-halves. Strangely, it's much harder than with two right footers – I think because there are more right footed defenders in the game, so they're more used to playing as a left centre-back, rather than the other way round. To give credit to Spurs, they were defending high up the pitch, and obviously did us on a couple of occasions.

Brighton is a tough place to go, so we can be very happy with getting a draw down there. You know you're going to give up lots of possession, and when you're looking at the last couple of seasons, you don't look at Brighton away and consider it one where many teams will get much out of. The season before we nicked it late on with a Manor Solomon goal – a result which maybe we didn't deserve. This was a fair result for us really, though, as we came back really strong in the second half after giving up a lot of possession in the first, and that's a good point there.

Manchester United was an absolute sickener. I was watching the game live and I thought that when we got into our stride, we were the better team. The winning goal was a real sucker-punch, with a lot of mistakes all in the same passage of play. Even at the end, Bernd Leno – who's a top class 'keeper – I think he will say that he maybe should have kept the shot out as well. It was a shame, because we had some really good opportunities, so when Marco came away from that game he won't believe that we lost to Man United, and that probably actually we deserved all three points. But he'll look at the performance and think that we went toe to toe with them, if not the better team, and we were unlucky.

Sunday saw us go to Villa, who are a good side at the moment, and we were the 13th side they've beaten on the trot at home. On paper that was always going to be a really difficult game, and it was in the end. It was at least good to see Raúl Jiménez getting his goal, hopefully that gives him confidence. When you're playing a game like that, 3-0 down, and you do get a consolation effort, you want it to go to someone like Raúl, to give him a bit of a pickup.

We did get one victory in this batch of games, though, and Ipswich was a better win than people thought, actually, because they are very high up in the Championship. People will say we should be beating them, but I thought that was a very good result. Now we get to the Quarter-Final stage, where you get a sniff of winning it. There's some big sides playing against each other in the other Quarter-Finals, so obviously two of Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Newcastle are going to get knocked out, so if we get a good result up at Everton, we could get a nice Semi-Final. Then all of a sudden your eyes start getting wider. But the Everton game won't be an easy one, because their form has picked up significantly since Dominic Calvin-Lewin's come back. I think that's an even money shot, that game, I think both teams will fancy it, and I anticipate both teams putting out strong sides.

We've got to be looking at the home games after the internationals for picking up some momentum, as we're playing Wolves, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Burnley at the Cottage before Christmas. All those are winnable games, but all those teams will fancy taking points off Fulham as well, so they should make for more entertaining games because if both teams think they can win against each other, it generally opens matches up a little bit.

What good news it is about Jay Stansfield's England Under-21 call-up. Congratulations to him, and his family as well, because they'll be loving that news. I was lucky enough to represent England Under-21s as well, which was a big thrill for my family and everyone concerned. Good luck to him. Let's hope the experience he gains allows him to come back to us and get in the First Team.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/15/the-tony-gale-column/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Women and Chelsea Women head back to the big stage this weekend
Both Chelsea Women and Fulham Women take advantage of the men's international break and their club's stadium's going unused.

With the England men's team playing Malta on Friday night, the Premier League and Championship will take a pause this weekend.

That means that none of the three H&F football clubs' men's sides – Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Chelsea – will be in action.

But that doesn't mean we will be short of top-class football action, as both Chelsea Women and Fulham Women take advantage of their club's stadium's going unused.

Return to the Cottage
Fulham Women face Arsenal Women Academy at Craven Cottage on Sunday 19 November. Tickets are just £5 for adults, and £1 for juniors.

Kick off is at 2.30pm, and tickets can be purchased here.

Keep up to date with everything happening at Craven Cottage with our Fulham Blog.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 18 November, Chelsea Women make their return to Stamford Bridge. They will be facing Liverpool in the Women's Super League.

That game kicks off at 1.30pm, and tickets are on-sale here.



https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2023/11/fulham-women-and-chelsea-women-head-back-big-stage-weekend

[WhiteJC]

João Palhinha addresses Bayern transfer collapse as Man United 'joins Liverpool' in André race
Liverpool rivals round-up: There have been developments for two defensive midfielders linked to Liverpool, as João Palhinha speaks on the failed Bayern transfer.

While the only issue for Liverpool supporters in the opening few days of the international break has been one of boredom, concerns and priorities will soon shift. Tomorrow marks the start of the matches which will leave fans fretting over the fitness status of their heroes.

We can't be certain who will feature on Thursday but the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō and Dominik Szoboszlai from the midfield will probably be in action. The former will be up against Darwin Núñez, with Luis Díaz trying to score past Alisson Becker in another South American World Cup qualification match.

If Liverpool fans are concerned, you can imagine how Jürgen Klopp will be feeling. He has to prepare for a daunting trip to Manchester City with fingers crossed that his stars return to the AXA Training Centre unscathed next week.

As this is the last period without club matches until the transfer window reopens, Klopp may also spend some time plotting the Reds' strategy in the market. With that in mind, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.

João Palhinha addresses failed Bayern Munich transfer
Fulham midfielder João Palhinha has been speaking to O Jogo (via Daily Mail) about how he was disappointed at not being able to complete a move to Bayern Munich in the summer. "Obviously, it's really affected me and my family, but that's all in the past, I don't want to think about it too much," he said.

Despite recently signing a contract extension, Palhinha hinted that a move up the football ladder remains in his thoughts though. "I'm 28, but I know I can go higher and I'm looking to the future with that ambition," he added.

For Liverpool, there was deadline day relief. After a brief but tense wait, reports confirmed that the collapse of Palhinha's move to Bayern would not jeopardize the signing of Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool.com says: Palhinha has been linked with Liverpool in the past and the club has yet to satisfactorily solve its defensive midfield issue. If not quite a 'come and get me' plea which headline writers love, the Fulham man clearly has hopes of a move to a bigger club. Watch this space, as they say.



https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-transfer-palhinha-man-united-28113041

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Everton, Fulham to battle Tottenham, Aston Villa for Serie A star, with January exit likely
TEAMtalk can confirm that Samuel Iling-Junior is likely to leave Juventus in January, with four Premier League teams already on red alert.

Our sources have confirmed that Everton and Fulham have joined Tottenham and Aston Villa in monitoring the situation of the England under-21 international, who has been frustrated by a lack of game time in Italy.

Iling-Junior's contract with Juventus expires in 2025 and sources close to the club believe there is little that he will sign an extension.

As such, the Serie A giants are becoming increasingly open to the idea of moving the player on in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has made four substitute appearances for Juventus this season and his opportunities for game time moving forward seem restricted.

Iling-Junior currently finds himself behind the likes of Federico Chiesa – who is a target for Newcastle and Tottenham – and Filip Kostic in the pecking order.

It is now becoming apparent the exciting forward will have to contemplate a switch in the new year, with several Premier League sides interested.

Premier League quartet pushing for Iling-Junior
Iling-Junior is set to face a big decision over what club to join in January, should Juventus opt to sell him as expected.

TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are all keen on signing the winger this winter.

Tottenham and Aston Villa would seem the most tempting destinations given their current form in the Premier League.

However, regular playing time is thought to be Iling-Junior's priority, and therefore a move to either Everton or Fulham could be the best thing for the youngster's career.

Iling-Junior began his career with Chelsea as a youth player, before joining Juventus as a 16-year-old in 2020. He has made 22 senior appearances to date for the Italian side, scoring one goal and making three assists in the process.

At this stage, it is unclear whether Juventus would prefer to loan out or sell Iling-Junior permanently in January.

TEAMtalk sources suggest that the mentioned Premier League quartet are all primed to make an offer for him, though.

Iling-Junior is included in Lee Carsley's plans for England U21 matches against Serbia and Northern Ireland in this international break, when interested clubs are going to check him out further.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/sources-everton-fulham-to-battle-tottenham-aston-villa-for-serie-a-star-with-january-exit-likely

[WhiteJC]

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund suggests Bundesliga giants will return for Fulham's Joao Palhinha after failed deadline day move
Bayern Munich's sporting director, Christoph Freund, suggested that they will return for Fulham's Joao Palhinha after a failed summer move.

    Palhinha continues to be on Bayern's radar
    Transfer broke down on deadline day
    Freund hints at renewed interest in January

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Bavarians continue to have an active interest in the Portuguese midfielder despite failing to land him at Allianz Arena in the summer. Their previous pursuit could not be finalised by the deadline as Fulham were reluctant to let him go due to their inability to sign a replacement but the reigning Bundesliga champions have not given up on him and will once again attempt to sign the player in the upcoming winter window.

WHAT FREUND SAID

Speaking to Bild, Freund said: "Of course, he is still on our radar. The club worked intensively with Palhinha in the summer. I was there for the bit on the last, strange day of the transfer window, but you can't say yet what will happen. We are generally exploring the market."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Palhinha committed to a new long-term contract with Fulham until the summer of 2028 with an option to extend it by another 12 months. This could complicate Bayern's pursuit as the Cottagers are firmly in control of the player's future. He continues to be an important piece of the jigsaw under Marco Silva and has started in nine of his 10 appearances this season.

WHAT NEXT FOR PALHINHA & BAYERN?

Palhinha will be in action with Portugal against Liechtenstein and Iceland in two Euro 2024 qualifiers on November 16 and 19 respectively. Meanwhile, Bayern will take on Koln on November 24 in a Bundesliga fixture after the international break.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/bayern-munich-christoph-freund-bundesliga-fulham-joao-palhinha/blt6064b56ada8a2155#cs79c8f9c4a396b49c

[WhiteJC]

Bayern Munich sporting director admits João Palhinha is still on club's radar
Is a move still going to happen?

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund must not have seen the point of denying the obvious — the Bavarians are still taking a close look at Fulham FC defensive midfielder João Palhinha.

"Of course he's still on our radar. The club worked intensively on Palhinha in the summer. I was there for a bit on the last, strange day of the transfer window. But we can't say yet what will happen. We are generally exploring the market," Freund told Sport Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Palhinha is rumored to be just one of a few players that Bayern Munich is looking to buy in the January transfer window, but it could come down to Fulham's asking price. In need of a versatile defender (or two), Bayern Munich looks like it will invest in a few players. With Palhinha's new contract at Fulham in place, his price is assuredly higher than it was just a few months ago.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/11/16/23961415/bayern-munich-sporting-director-admits-joao-palhinha-is-still-on-clubs-radar-transfer-rumors-fulham