Thursday Fulham Stuff - 14/12/23...

[WhiteJC]

Joao Palhinha has already clarified stance on his future amid Arsenal and Liverpool links
Joao Palhinha has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window - and the midfielder has already addressed any potential move away from Fulham.

Palhinha was on the verge of joining Bayern Munich last summer, only for the move to fall through in the final hours of transfer deadline day.

The Bundesliga side are still thought to be keen on bringing the Portugal international to the Allianz Arena, but they are expected to face competition from the Premier League.

That's according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who told Kick earlier this month: "What I can confirm about Palhinha, this was around the media in recent days, is that there are also English clubs interested in Palhinha.

"One of those clubs is Arsenal. It is true that Arsenal appreciate the player. There are some people at the club who consider Palhinha a very good player. It's one of the players they discussed internally."

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners or Liverpool will make a move for the 29-year-old, who will reportedly cost between £70-80 million after he signed a new five-year deal at Craven Cottage in September.

However, Palhinha has already addressed his future, believing he can go even "higher" during an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

"I don't know what will happen in the future," he said. "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.

"It's a great source of pride, you know what happened. In my life everything that has happened has been for a reason, I like to think of it like that,"

"The future will tell me whether what happened was really what had to happen or not, but only the future will show me that."

Palhinha continued: "I want to keep going the way I've been going, nobody has given me anything throughout my career, and everything I've achieved is down to my worth, my work.

"I hope it stays that way. I'm 28, but I know I can go higher and I'm looking to the future with that ambition."



https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/liverpool/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-burnley-premier-league-872313-20231212

[WhiteJC]

Owen Hargreaves admits 28-year-old Fulham man would be 'perfect' signing for European champions
Pundit Owen Hargreaves has admitted that Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha would be the perfect signing for Bayern Munich in January.

Hargreaves was commentating on the German champion's 1-0 win over Manchester United for TNT Sports last night.

A goal from Kingsley Coman decided the tie and knocked Erik ten Hag's side out of Europe completely.

It's a result that puts further pressure on the Dutchman with Bayern Munich advancing to the next round of the Champions League as group winners.

However, Thomas Tuchel's side doesn't look like the full package just yet but they still made easy work of their opponents last night.

Owen Hargreaves has suggested that Joao Palhinha would be the perfect addition for Bayern Munich in the upcoming transfer window.

If the German club had acted faster in the summer then the Portuguese international might already be plying his trade at the Allianz Arena.

Palhinha has been coy about talking about his future after coming so close to signing for Bayern in the summer.

Fulham managed to tie him down to a new contract in September but that feels like it might only be delaying the inevitable.

Hopefully, the club are more prepared for his potential exit than they were in the summer.

Hargreaves says Palhinha would be perfect for Bayern Munich
Speaking on commentary, Hargreaves said: "You just wonder if they [Bayern Munich] will dip into the Champions League in January. They talk about Palhinha at Fulham, he'd be perfect for this team."

The only thing that might go in Fulham's favour right now is that they're approaching the January transfer window in fantastic form.

Back-to-back 5-0 home wins have propelled Fulham into the top half and if they can string together a few more wins in December then all of a sudden they might have an outside shot of qualifying for Europe.

Palhinha needs to see that Fulham can fulfil his career goals and if the Whites are in contention of qualifying for Europe next month, then he might hold off until the summer to decide on his future.

Bayern will no doubt be considering whether to move for Palhinha again regardless and as Hargreaves suggests, there's a glaring hole in their squad for a defensive midfielder.

The Portuguese has graced the Cottage with his presence for the last 18 months and established himself as one of Fulham's most talented players.

Hopefully, he decides to see out the season and complete another promising campaign under Marco Silva.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/13/owen-hargreaves-admits-28-year-old-fulham-man-would-be-perfect-signing-for-european-champions/

[WhiteJC]

Why this week must be a springboard for our season

What a week of total joy for Fulham Football Club. We've scored more goals than any team in the league since the start of November. We scored more goals last week than we did in a full season of Premier League football under Scott Parker. All that hard work in the training ground is paying off. Fans are starting to see the kind of Fulham that they got to know well under Marco Silva.

Tough start

The first couple of months of this campaign haven't been easy; results were patchy, and the four-game run before the latest international break battered morale. Fulham have been relying heavily on Bernd Leno and the back four to help the team put points on the board. All the stats point to a lack of goals being the real issue though. There was a goal difference of minus 15 at one point. There was a lower expected goals ratio than all teams in the division bar Luton.

It was becoming a problem that many thought Fulham would not solve until January at the earliest. Any striker Fulham invested in would have to hit the ground running. A very hard ask, there would have been a lot of pressure on that signing, who may have failed to live up to expectation. It could have been a worrying winter. But thankfully, Raul Jiménez has found confidence at a time when many were thinking that come January, he would be replaced, and then benched indefinitely.

TC steps up

The international break came at the right time for Fulham. After an unconvincing display at Villa Park the team went through some very much needed soul searching. Tom Cairney mentioned in an interview that after that display, the training ground had not been a happy place. When the players came back, Cairney would have been spending the time honing his off-field talents as a leader. A captain. We can only guess whether Marco Silva and Tom Cairney met to discuss the team's tactics and Cairney's own playing time, but it seems that Cairney has come to the manager's aid at a crucial time. And Marco has been rewarded for trusting him.

Cairney has made 300 appearances for Fulham now and been through every single emotion that a football club can offer. It's worth pointing out that even Marco Silva could have benefitted from his experience and wisdom. The calm he has brought to the midfield has been so very needed. We have his ability to thank for instilling an almost Slavisa-like style of play into the team's last few performances. His personal stats in the last few games are quite breathtaking. He has made five starts, he's got a goal and two assists. The main thing he has on his midfield compatriots though is his passing accuracy, which stands at 87%. He keeps possession, for a team that needed a more considered approach going forward, this is the standout stat.

Starting to click

The rebirth of Raul has also helped the team's belief grow. The team now feel they have a striker who will score, helping relieve the pressure on the defence. But the notable absence of Tim Ream, should not go unmentioned either. Tosin has returned and brought the balance to the back four. He has also brought the best out of Bassey, his fellow countrymen, who is now playing on his preferred left side of the centre-back pairing. Fulham should be very grateful that they have the squad depth needed to rotate during a busy festive period. Tosin may well sign a new deal if he believes his career can grow at Fulham rather than elsewhere. It may take the conclusion of January before Fulham see him sign a new deal, but with the team growing in confidence, he is even more likely to commit.

Time to kick on

It's hard to see a more revitalised team in the division since that break in early November. But it cannot end here. This must be the platform on which to build. A few games where it all comes together are important; these victories serve as a reason to believe again. But Fulham need to kick on now.

We stayed up last year by having an impeccable record against the bottom-half teams. These last few games show that we can at least attempt to better their record this year, but in order to really establish themselves, a big scalp or two this season will be critical to the overall success in the league, not to mention our cup run, which looks like it could really take off if we beat Everton in a week's time.

Looking ahead, our real defining moment will come in January, when we see who arrives and who leaves. For now, we know that if the team keeps performing well, if it's a happy camp, some players who wanted to move on will potentially stay for the rest of the season. If the team can use this run of results to motivate themselves even more, it will help make sure that players both stay in Motspur Park, and new recruits come in.

Second season syndrome was starting to look like it might be a possibility a few weeks ago, but Marco Silva's mentality has been unwavering. He's had full faith in the team that he put together, and now it's evident that the team is starting to gel.

Fulham fans will be delighted that the team has navigated their way through this period of transition. But Marco will be hoping, as will the Fulham board and fans alike, that this is just the beginning. It's time to start looking up the table. 



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-12-13-why-this-week-must-be-a-springboard-for-our-season/#google_vignette

[WhiteJC]

There's now a midfielder Arsenal would like to sign more than Palhinha
Arsenal have been linked with a move for a new midfielder in January.

Indeed, with Thomas Partey continuing to struggle with injuries and Jorginho not getting any younger, the Gunners are looking for alternative solutions in that area.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of potential targets, with Joao Palhinha touted as a recent target.

However, speaking on KS1TV, Steve Kay has claimed that Palhinha isn't actually Arsenal's top target heading into January, claiming that Douglas Luiz is indeed the man Arsenal want more than any other, although, the Brazilian may be out of their reach.

Luiz is Arsenal's top target
Kay shared what he knows about the midfielder and Arsenal.

"Anymore transfer news that has come your way?" Kay was asked.

"No, just that Arsenal are speaking internally about Joao Palhinha, the Douglas Luiz one looks like it will be a bit out of Arsenal's reach. He is their number one target, but he's priceless to them. They're talking silly prices like £100m," Kay said.

Difficult
It has to be said that Arsenal will struggle to sign Luiz.

Not only is that £100m pricetag extremely prohibitive, but the player himself also surely won't be keen to leave Aston Villa anytime soon.

Indeed, as much as Arsenal are a huge club, Villa are on the verge of something very special this season, and Luiz will surely want to stick around and see where this journey ends.

Villa are just as much in the title race as Arsenal are, and it's hard to imagine that any Villa player will want to jump ship in January, even if the Gunners' long-term ambitions are greater than Villa's.

Luiz may be the player Arsenal want, but perhaps Palhinha is a more realistic target heading into the January transfer window.



https://tbrfootball.com/theres-now-a-midfielder-arsenal-would-like-to-sign-more-than-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham, Crystal Palace, Nott'm Forest ready to spend big to sign Sunderland midfield star Pierre Ekwah
Sunderland starlet Pierre Ekwah could be set for a quick return to the Premier League with Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest showing interest, TEAMtalk can reveal.

The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed on Wearside since joining from West Ham's youth ranks last January on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The youngster has made 15 appearances in the Championship this season, scoring two goals in Sunderland's 5-0 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Southampton at the beginning of September.

With the likes of Jack Clarke – the tricky 23-year-old winger who joined Tottenham in the summer of 2019 after a breakthrough season under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United – on their books, Sunderland's business plan is to buy young and cheap and sell for a big profit.

The emergence of Ekwah, who spent three years in Chelsea's academy before joining West Ham for an undisclosed fee in 2021, means they now have the chance to do make a profit just 12 months after the midfielder's arrival.

It is believed Ekwah, who has represented France at youth level, moved for a nominal fee but West Ham would be due a sizeable sell-on fee.

Pierre Ewkah set for rapid Premier League return
TEAMtalk understands that Premier League sides Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all showing serious interest in the central midfielder and could try and make a move when the transfer window reopens in January.

Sunderland currently hold the final Championship play-off position following Tuesday night's victory over Leeds.

The Black Cats are currently without a permanent manager after parting ways with Tony Mowbray last week, with interim boss Mike Dodds overseeing wins against sides above Sunderland – West Bromwich Albion and Leeds – in his first two games in charge.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed last week that Will Still, the 31-year-old managerial sensation currently in charge of Ligue 1 club Reims, and Kieran McKenna, whose Ipswich Town side soared to the top of the Championship table with a win at Watford on Tuesday night, are among the candidates on Sunderland's shortlist.

Sunderland intend to go in a new direction with their next coaching appointment and the age profiles of Still and McKenna match that vision.

The club were close to appointing Francesco Farioli, 31, before he was given the Nice job over summer. The Italian has since led Nice to second in Ligue 1, behind only Paris Saint-Germain.

Former Leeds, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba is under consideration at the Stadium of Light.

The 38-year-old, is looking to cut his teeth in management having recently spent time as assistant manager at Cardiff.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-crystal-palace-nottm-forest-ready-to-spend-big-to-sign-sunderland-midfield-star-pierre-ekwah

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool NOT planning move for £70m-rated Joao Palhinha in January
Liverpool will not be pursuing a January deal for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, This Is Anfield understands.

Along with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the Reds have been repeatedly linked with a winter swoop for the Portuguese in recent weeks.

However, Jurgen Klopp has no plans to bolster his options in the holding midfield position with a move for Palhinha next month.

At 28, the Portugal international is outside the usual age range of signings Liverpool have made under owners Fenway Sports Group.

What's more, after he penned a new deal following the collapse of a proposed £55m move to Bayern over the summer, it is understood that Fulham will demand a fee of £70m to do business in January.

That is far beyond what the Reds would typically pay, meaning they are expected to stick with their current options in the anchor role until the end of the season.

Summer signing Alexis Mac Allister has featured there most frequently this term, making 18 appearances across all competitions.

Wataru Endo has also begun to emerge as an important rotation option in that position following his surprise £16m arrival from Stuttgart.

As such, Bayern and Arsenal could be left to battle it out as they look to improve their options in the engine room for the second half of the season.

According to FBRef, Palhinha leads the Premier League for tackles made this campaign with 72.

He has also scored twice across 13 top-flight appearances so far this term.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/12/liverpool-not-planning-move-for-70m-rated-joao-palhinha-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham looking to sign brother of £38m Arsenal star and will scout him tonight
Fulham will reportedly scout Quinten Timber during Feyenoord's Champions League clash with Celtic tonight as Marco Silva's side mull over a January deal for the brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

With speculation over Joao Palhinha's future still ongoing – and Bayern Munich doing little to put out the fires – each and every midfielder linked with a January switch to Craven Cottage is likely to be framed as a potential replacement for the powerhouse Portuguese.

And, in the case of Andre Trindade, those Palhinha comparisons make sense. The Fluminense ace, in talks over a potential £30 million move to Fulham, is a deep-lying ball-winner who can start attacks as well as stop them.

Fulham will scout Feyenoord's Quinten Timber
Quintin Timber, however, is a little different. More attack-minded, for a start, and a player who shares more in common with, say, Alex Iwobi than Palhinha. Timber, Feyenoord's £7.5 million Eredivisie champion, is perhaps best known for his ball-carrying ability. The former FC Utrecht ace loves to pick up the ball in the opposition half and drive at defences before letting fly or threading a clever through ball into the path of another Fulham-linked Feyenoord star, striker Santiago Gimenez.

"He has improved enormously," former Feyenoord midfielder Johan Boskamp tells RTL7. "When he was very little, he played with his brother. Back then, I thought; 'Jurrien is better'.

"Now, he (Quinten) is moving up to another level. Really, really good."

Arsenal star's brother could join him in London
According to TEAMtalk, Fulham will have a scout present during tonight's Champions League group-stage clash between Celtic and Arne Slot's side at Parkhead. Alongside the prolific Gimenez, Timber is emerging as a potential January addition, with the 22-year-old lined up to join his twin brother in the English capital.

Jurrien Timber joined Arsenal from Ajax for a cool £38 million in the summer, his debut season ruined by an injury on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/12/13/fulham-looking-to-sign-brother-of-38m-arsenal-star-and-will-scout-him-tonight/

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace and Fulham want 'amazing' player who left West Ham this year
Former West Ham United starlet Pierre Ekwah is in line for a return to the Premier League already with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest eyeing the Sunderland midfielder.

The good news is that West Ham had the foresight to include a sell-on clause in Pierre Ekwah's contract.

Thank the lord they did, because the 21-year-old Frenchman has seen his transfer value soar since leaving the London Stadium for the Stadium of Light nearly 12 months ago. A player who left West Ham for a 'nominal' fee now likely to cost a seven-figure sum.

TEAMtalk report that Nottingham Forest are interested. As are two of West Ham's London neighbours; Crystal Palace and a Fulham team who smashed five past David Moyes' beleaguered backline on a humiliating Sunday afternoon at Craven Cottage.

West Ham United sold Pierre Ekwah to Sunderland
The report does not share the sort of fee Sunderland would be looking for. But Ekwah is certain to earn the Black Cats a colossal profit if he does indeed depart after Christmas.

The France U20 international, who spent three years in Chelsea's academy, was a key part of the Sunderland side who reached the Championship play-offs against all the odds last term. He remains a regular starter in red-and-white, and scored twice in a 5-0 thumping of Southampton earlier this season.

"I keep telling him that, if he can develop that physical aspect of his game, then what a footballer we've got," Tony Mowbray, who lost his job on Wearside this month, told The Chronicle in May.

"(Ekwah) can do amazing things with his feet. He's so clever with his feet. You can see how fast his feet are, and he can see pictures.

"He's a good footballer. So if he can just add the off-the-ball stuff, then he'll be even better. He's doing exceptionally well.

"He's a young boy who had never played a professional game before coming to Sunderland. He'd had a lot of U23 football, but you can see the talent and the physicality that he's got."

Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Fulham interested
Crystal Palace, in particular, have enjoyed some real success when raiding the Championship in recent seasons. Michael Olise and Ebere Eze have blossomed at Selhurst Park since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers and Reading respectively.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/12/13/crystal-palace-and-fulham-want-amazing-player-who-left-west-ham-this-year/

[WhiteJC]

Joao Palhinha entourage touch base with Chelsea

Joao Palhinha's entourage are in contact with Chelsea over a potential move in the upcoming transfer window amidst interest from Arsenal.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Chelsea are keen on reinforcing their squad in the upcoming winter transfer window. The Blues have the opportunity to sign Fulham's Joao Palhinha as his entourage has been in contact with them.

Chelsea And Their Struggles: A Lowdown
Despite spending millions on their squad over the past few transfer windows, the Blues are once again expected to be quite busy in the upcoming window. Mauricio Pochettino is not happy with the core of his team, and he is ready to offload as many as seven players and wants to build a new spine for his team.

Pochettino wants reinforcement in all areas of the pitch and as far as the midfield is concerned, Palhinha is one of the names on their radar. The Portuguese international has been in sensational form since making the move to Fulham in the summer of 2022.

Joao Palhinha: Will He Move to Chelsea?
The 28-year-old had an exceptional debut season at Fulham, and there was a lot of interest in his services during the summer. Bayern Munich came very close to acquiring his services but the move broke down as the Cottagers failed to land a replacement in time.

While he did pen down a new deal with them after the end of the transfer window, a move away from the club in the winter is still on the cards. Chelsea could be a potential destination for the 28-year-old. Palhinha's representatives have sounded out Chelsea, who are in need of reinforcement in the centre of the park.

Conor Gallagher's future at the club is uncertain as talks over a new deal have stalled. As a result, pushing for a new midfielder does make sense. According to the report, the player's representatives are keen on securing him a move to Stamford Bridge in the winter. They have been in contact with the Blues and have offered them a chance to sign the Portuguese international.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also interested in his services. Mikel Arteta wants more depth and quality in the centre of the park as he looks to push for major titles. With Thomas Partey's future uncertain, signing Palhinha could do wonders for them. But they won't find it easy with Chelsea also in the mix.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/12/13/joao-palhinha-entourage-touch-base-with-chelsea/

[WhiteJC]

How Fulham have developed prolific attack despite losing Mitrovic
Adrian Clarke looks at how positive approach is paying off for Marco Silva's free-scoring side

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 17.

Team analysis: Fulham
Scoring 16 goals across their last four matches, Fulham have rediscovered their bold sense of adventure.

A brilliant display at Anfield went unrewarded when two late goals inflicted a cruel 4-3 defeat, but the Cottagers responded in style with back-to-back 5-0 wins against Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

In those two victories, Fulham scored more goals at Craven Cottage than they did in home matches across the whole of the 2020/21 campaign.

The secret to their success under Marco Silva last season was a positive and brave tactical approach, both at home and away.

Earlier in 2023/24 they were flat by comparison, missing the focal point Aleksandar Mitrovic provided, but ahead of their trip to Newcastle United, there is a renewed spring in their step.

Reasserting their competitive edge
"Win your individual battles," is a pre-match managerial cliche of sorts, but no matter which level you play at, success usually comes hand-in-hand with teams who perform with strength and a high work-rate. 

At Fulham, this mantra has proved especially important in 2023/24.

Showing the value of being assertive, and how much it suits their style of play, five of Fulham's six victories came in matches where they won the highest share of duels.

Fulham's duel success rate 2023/24

Opposition	Result	Duel success %
West Ham (H)	5-0	65.06%
Nott'm Forest (H)	5-0	60.92%
Wolves (H)	3-2	56.96%
Sheff Utd (H)	3-1	55.74%
Everton (A)	1-0	54.55%
Brighton (H)	1-1	54.29%
Season ave. 11 other matches	-	47.83%

Being dominant, the first to pick up loose balls, strong in 50-50s and performing at a high tempo are imperative qualities within a Silva side.

In each of Fulham's six wins this season, they have averaged a 56.94 per cent success rate in their duels, compared to 48.42 per cent across the 10 matches they did not emerge victorious.

Being passive does not suit them, so you can expect Fulham to play with purpose at St James' Park.

Possession = points?
Fulham's six top-flight victories this season have also featured their most possession-heavy displays.

Fulham's possession in 2023/24 wins

Opposition	Possession %
Luton (H)	77.70%
Nott'm Forest (H)	63.68%
West Ham (H)	63.17%
Sheff Utd (H)	59.85%
Wolves (H)	59.84%
Everton (A)	59.40%

They are a side who perform better with the ball, but gaining the same level of control away from Craven Cottage has been an issue for them.

Look out for them trying to keep possession as often as possible against Newcastle.

Rejuvenated Jimenez
Summer signing Raul Jimenez scored his first Premier League goal in 18 months against Aston Villa in November, and now has four in his last five starts.

Relieved of the pressure which had been building, Jimenez is now starting to recapture the form that made him one of the division's most feared marksmen at former club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His breakthrough strike at Villa Park was an easy tap-in, but Jimenez's three goals at Craven Cottage since have all been excellent.

The way he made runs (yellow line) that peeled off the back shoulder of his markers against Forest and West Ham was encouraging, and on both occasions he was picked out with brilliant passes.





The 32-year-old has also dropped off his markers with greater regularity, linking play and dragging central defenders into areas they do not want to go.

He found a great pocket early on against West Ham, chipping a sublime pass into the path of Willian, who ran into the box.

This was a piece of play that signalled Jimenez's growing confidence.



His first goal against Forest also stemmed from a run that was made from a deeper position.

Having played a part in the earlier build-up, Jimenez made a fine blindside run around the covering defender to latch on to Andreas Pereira's through-ball.

Scoring different types of goals, and showing some outstanding movement to help fashion those chances, Jimenez is building great momentum.



If he nets for a third consecutive league match, it will be the first time he has achieved this feat since November 2019 - and would also be his first goal at St James' Park.

Spreading the goals around
Fulham are by no means dependent on Jimenez, with nine different players scoring across their last four matches.

They travel to Tyneside full of confidence, knowing that an adventurous tactical approach has potential to unsettle a Newcastle side depleted by injuries.

Fulham must replicate the intensity, duel-winning combativeness and attacking verve they have shown of late, and look to keep the ball for sustained periods.

If they do, they will be a real handful for Eddie Howe's side to contain.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3821825

[WhiteJC]

Fulham want to sign 'clever' midfielder in January who can do 'amazing things' with the ball
Fulham are looking towards the January transfer window already and want to sign Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah next month.

The report from TEAMTalk suggests that Fulham are one of several Premier League clubs taking an interest in the 21-year-old.

Craven Cottage could see several incomings and outgoings next month with Marco Silva's side on the up going into the second half of the season.

The main talking point is likely to be Joao Palhinha's future as the Portuguese continues to be linked with a move away.

The Whites have also been linked with several centre-forwards although Raul Jimenez appears to have found his shooting boots since the last international break.

Silva currently has one of the oldest squads in the Premier League and if Fulham can establish themselves in the top flight this season, then addressing that issue needs to be in his plans going forward.

It may be the reason why Fulham want to sign Pierre Ekwah from Sunderland as he continues to impress in the Championship.

The French youth international was released by West Ham earlier this year without making a senior appearance.

He's established himself in England's second tier but may leave the Stadium of Light before their dream of returning to the Premier League is realised.

Fulham want to sign Ekwah in January
The report from TEAMTalk suggests that Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all closely monitoring the 21-year-old.

Hopefully, Ekwah was watching events at Craven Cottage last week when Silva's side demolished Forest before dismantling West Ham to move into the top half of the league.

The report goes on to say that West Ham have a sizeable sell-on fee which could affect Sunderland's asking price.

Ekwah has been highly praised by former manager Tony Mowbray this season who said: "That part of his game is really coming along, and I keep telling him that if he can develop that physical aspect of his game then what a footballer we've got because he can do amazing things with his feet," said Mowbray. "He's so clever with his feet, you can see how fast his feet are, and he can see pictures.

"He's a good footballer, so if he can just add the off-the-ball stuff then he'll be even better. He's doing exceptionally well."

The Frenchman would fit into the team in the Harrison Reed position, drifting around the pitch connecting defence and attack and putting in a strong defensive shift.

Ekwah is more of a proficient passer than a dribbler which would fit the trend that Silva seems to want from his midfielders.

The likes of Reed, Joao Palhinha and Tom Cairney are much better at picking out teammates rather than carrying the ball past opponents.

That's something that's typically left to his wingers and Andreas Pereira, offering Fulham slightly more security during turnovers.

Fulham's academy is one of the strongest in the country and there might be a tinge of disappointment if young talent is recruited from elsewhere rather than those in the system being given an opportunity.

However, Ekwah has proved he can do it in the Championship and picking him up and potentially loaning him out for 18 months would leave Fulham in a very strong position going forward.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/13/fulham-want-to-sign-clever-midfielder-in-january-who-can-do-amazing-things-with-the-ball/

[WhiteJC]

Leno's New Deal

The Club is delighted to announce that Bernd Leno has signed a new contract.

A pillar of consistency since his arrival from Arsenal in 2022, Leno has agreed terms on a deal that keeps him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2027, with a Club option to extend by a year.

Speaking to FFCtv, Leno said: "I found out about the offer from the Club during the last international break, and it didn't take much time because I think all parties were very comfortable with it.

"I said straightaway that I want to stay here even longer, so I'm very happy about that, and about the long-term plans of the Club.

"I feel there are still a lot of good years to come from me, and hopefully I can give something back to the Club, to the fans, to the team, to everyone at the Club, and we can be even more successful."

Tony Khan added: "I'm very happy to announce that Bernd Leno has signed a contract extension tonight with Fulham that will keep him at the Club until 2027, with an option for a further year.

"Everyone at Fulham recognizes the valuable contributions that Bernd has made for us since his arrival. After two clean sheets in exceptional victories in our last two games, it's also great timing to announce this extension.

"Congratulations Bernd! Come on Fulham!"

Leno's maiden campaign in SW6 could not have gone much better on both a collective and individual level.

Having come into the side for our third league match of the season, Leno did not miss a minute of Premier League action thereafter as Fulham finished in the top 10 for the first time in over a decade.

Leno was a key performer in that side, duly coming second in the Club's Player of the Season vote.

It's form he's carried into the current campaign, with his shot-stopping prowess and calmness on the ball helping the Whites move into 10th in the standings, while no goalkeeper boasts more clean sheets than Leno's five.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/13/leno-new-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Star Claimed To Have Penned New Deal To Extend Craven Cottage Stay
Bernd Leno has signed a new deal with Fulham, which has extended his stay at Craven Cottage until June 2027 with an option of another year.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined Fulham from Arsenal in the summer of 2022 and has been a regular in the startling line-up.

Last season, Leno made 36 league appearances for Fulham, keeping eight clean sheets in the process and helping them stay up in the Premier League.

Leno is in impressive form this season, as he has managed to keep five clean sheets in 16 games.

The German goalkeeper has a contract with Fulham until June 2025, and the Cottagers wanted to extend his stay at the club.

According to German daily Bild, Leno has signed a new deal with Fulham, which will extend his contract to the end of June 2027.

The 31-year-old also has the option to extend his contract for another year in his new deal.

Fulham are in tenth place in the Premier League table this season and Marco Silva will be hoping that Leno will continue his form so that they can climb up further in the league table.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/12/13/fulham-star-claimed-to-have-penned-new-deal-to-extend-craven-cottage-stay/629403/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keeper Leno signs new contract
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has signed a new deal.

Leno is now under contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year.

He has been hugely impressive for the Whites since being signed from Arsenal in 2022.

"I found out about the offer from the club during the last international break, and it didn't take much time because I think all parties were very comfortable with it," he told FFCTV.

"I said straightaway that I want to stay here even longer, so I'm very happy about that, and about the long-term plans of the club."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-keeper-leno-signs-new-contract

[WhiteJC]

Leno extends Fulham deal
Bernd Leno has signed a new four-year contract with Fulham, the club have announced this evening.

The German international, who signed for the Whites from London for an incredible initial £3m last summer, and helped Marco Silva's side finish ten on their return to the top flight last term has put pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him with the Cottagers until at least 2027. Fulham have an option to extend the contract by a further.

Leno, who has kept thirteen clean sheets in 57 games for Fulham, told FFCTV tonight:

I found out about the offer from the club during the last international break, and it didn't take much time because I think all parties were very comfortable with it. I said straightaway that I want to stay here even longer, so I'm very happy about that, and about the long-term plans of the club.

I feel there are still a lot of good years to come from me, and hopefully I can give something back to the club, to the fans, to the team, to everyone at the club, and we can be even more successful."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/leno-extends-fulham-deal/

[Somerset Fulham]

"We scored more goals last week than we did in a full season of Premier League football under Scott Parker."

Really?

[WhiteJC]

Danny Murphy says £60m star Arsenal want just isn't on the same level as Declan Rice
Anton Ferdinand and Danny Murphy have praised Joao Palhinha, but neither believe that the Arsenal target has the ability to ever be as good as Declan Rice.

Arsenal are interested in Joao Palhinha as Mikel Arteta sets his sights on strengthening his midfield options. But speaking on The Take On, both Ferdinand and Danny Murphy are not convinced that he is on the same level as the Gunners' new hero.

Joao Palhinha has proved to be an amazing signing for Fulham. Certainly, a lot of sides will be kicking themselves that they did not act before the Cottagers struck a £20 million deal.

Danny Murphy not convinced Joao Palhinha is on the same level as Declan Rice
It appears that he could be on the move in one of the coming windows. As reported by 90min, he saw a switch to Bayern Munich fall through right at the end of the summer. The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool are now monitoring the £60 million-rated 28-year-old.

Arsenal are looking for the additions which will potentially get them across the line in the Premier League title race.

Both Ferdinand and Murphy praised Palhinha. However, neither think that he is playing at an elite level.

"At the moment, he's got to have another two good seasons to put him with Rice," Ferdinand told The Take On. "Listen, he's a very, very good player.

"Terrific player. But he's not Declan Rice," Murphy replied.

"And won't be," Ferdinand added.

Arsenal face tough decision over potential £60m spend
Of course, there are not many midfielders on Rice's level. Rice has arguably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. It is remarkable how easily he has settled into Mikel Arteta's side.

But it does highlight that there are reasons to potentially be put off a move. Fulham understandably want a big fee for the midfielder. And he turns 29 next summer. So he may not have a long time left at his peak.

Arsenal will have their sights set on further game-changing signings which elevate the squad to that next level. Some clearly have doubts over whether Palhinha would fit the bill.



https://tbrfootball.com/danny-murphy-says-60m-star-arsenal-want-just-isnt-on-the-same-level-as-declan-rice/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Timber, Belotti, Cambiaso

It's been a few weeks since we last dipped our toes into the riptide of tabloids and online media and in the time that's has passed us by, Cam's listed the latest transfer rumours which have done the rounds and some of them are worth sticking around for.

Quinten Timber – Feyenoord

A TEAMtalk exclusive recently disclosed that Fulham are genuine admirers of Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal's £34m summer signing Jurriën Timber. Feyenoord took on Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and the article states that Fulham scouts were supposedly going to be in attendance at Celtic Park to monitor the robust 22-year-old's performance.

As well as those affiliated with TEAMtalk, various other pundits and experts persist that if Timber joins, he will be Joao Palhinha's successor, not a direct replacement. Though Jurriën's a defender, he is a smooth operator on the ball and Quinten is just as comfortable on the ball, and he is just as physical. He will suit Silva's model but we will have to act fast if we're to persuade him to move to SW6, as there'll be plenty of sides in the running and it won't be long until he bids farewell to the Eredivisie.

Kian Best – Preston North End

Reliable correspondent Alan Nixon revealed that Preston North End's 18-year-old starlet Kian Best is being weighed-up by Fulham in the run-up to the January transfer window. The teenage defender is capable of competing in a range of roles across the back but has been used predominately as a left-back by Preston this season.

Best made his debut for the Lilywhites on the opening day of the campaign and has gone on to feature ten times for Ryan Lowe's side. The England U19 representative is a rising prodigy in Lancashire and if the Whites don't acquire him in the coming weeks, he'll definitely be a player to watch out for in the not-so-distant future.

Fernando Beltran – Deportivo Guadalajara

It is 90min's understanding that a host of European clubs are tailing Deportivo Guadalajara's Fernando Beltran and Fulham are one of the mentioned suitors. Beltran's contract at Chivas expires on December 31st, 2023, and as well as the Whites, Eredivise duo Ajax and Feyenoord are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, as well as Wolves, Leicester City and indeed, FFC.
Ezoic

An all-action with an eye for goal, Beltran has found the back of the net 4 times in 17 outings this season and he has also been capped ten times by Mexico. As his deal at Chivas is seemingly close to running dry, landing Beltran on a free would be excellent business but to be completely honest, he probably isn't very high on our shopping list as we've other targets that are presumably better equipped for the European game.

Arouna Sangante – Le Havre

Subject to a report published by The Sun, Fulham are ramping up their pursuit of Le Havre's 21-year-old captain Arouna Sangante. Accustomed to performing on the right of a back three, Sangante has been a key feature behind Le Havre's impressive Ligue 1 showing this season and had graduated through the club's youth ranks.

It's believed the French outfit will demand a figure of £15m for the solid defender, which is a fair estimation, but it's said that if the Whites are to invest, they'll want to assess him in greater detail before the transfer period arrives.

Andrea Belotti – AS Roma

Italian outlet Romagiallorossa have identified both Brentford and Fulham as interested parties in the chasing pack for AS Roma's discarded striker Andrea Belotti. Since joining Roma from fellow Serie A side Torino, Belotti's form has nosedived drastically but that's not to say the 29-year-old has lost his enthusiasm entirely.

The Italy international has scored three times for Jose Mourinho's Giallorossi this season, and during his glittering stint at Torino, where he ultimately made his name, he swept home 113 goals in 251 appearances. Other than the Bees and the Whites, the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even Real Madrid have been touted in the hunt for his services but nothing much has materialised to substantiate these claims.

Pierre Ekwah – Sunderland

He may have departed West Ham United at the turn of 2023 but according to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are hopeful of handing the 21-year-old midfielder a fresh Premier League lifeline at the start of 2024.

The Frenchman put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal with the Black Cats and he has become a firm fan favourite at the Stadium of Light, despite suffering a spell on the sidelines through injury. The Hammers included a sizable sell-on clause upon selling Ekwah to Sunderland, but it is not yet known what the Mackems actually value him at. The youngster has a promising reputation and is appreciated amongst Sunderland's avid fan base but for now, I feel we should search elsewhere for extra midfield depth.

Andrea Cambiaso – Juventus

Those at Tutto Juve are under the impression that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are 'willing to spend' €15m to prise Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus, although the Italian giants are allegedly reluctant to part ways with the 23-year-old fullback.

The Bianconeri are willing to play hardball with any club that wish to acquire Cambiaso, as well as Federico Gatti, as they feel the young duo embody the club's 'team spirit and soul', and with a statement like that, you just know that the Italian defenders are going absolutely nowhere anytime soon. So, we'll move on and leave the rest of 'em to it.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-12-13-fulham-transfer-rumour-round-up-timber-belotti-cambiaso/

[Thailand Mick]

"We scored more goals last week than we did in a full season of Premier League football under Scott Parker."

Really?

home goals