Thursday Fulham Stuff - 21/12/23...

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Cup Results

Wednesday 20/12
Liverpool	5-1	West Ham

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Fulham Eyeing Dutch Destroyer? – Rating the Rumour

Fulham to Safeguard Their Midifield?
Welcome back to Rating the Rumour, which does exactly what it says on the tin. We'll be taking the biggest transfer rumours related to Premier League teams and rating the likelihood of the moves coming to fruition.

The final rating will be decided based on the potential fit of the player into the rumoured buying club, the need for that club to sign a player for the position played, whether the player is of the level required by the club, whether the club could afford the rumoured price and whether or not the player is even likely to be available for transfer.

We will not factor in the reliability of the rumour, as it would likely cause mass amounts of crying from outlets, journalists and "journalists" who would have to be denounced as spoofers.

With the ground rules laid out, let's look at Mats Wieffer to Fulham which has been reported by Football Insider.

Fit
We'll start with an assumption. Mats Wieffer is Fulham's successor to Joao Palhinha and would be expected to replace the Portuguese ball winner who looks likely to be the subject of bids from several clubs.

Wieffer would thus be tasked with replacing the outstanding former Sporting CP midfielder as the primary ball winner and the provider of steel in Fulham's midfield. It's a role he's well suited for, and it could become an even better fit if he is one of two midfield additions with the West London club also being linked with Brazilian playmaker Andre. A Wieffer-Andre pairing should work well with their skillsets complimenting each, but even next to Alex Iwobi, Harrison Reed or Sasa Lukic, Wieffer should thrive.

Last season he played a vital role in Feyenoord's title win, partnering Orkun Kokcu and acting primarily as a destroyer. This season he has played with Quinten Timber, a very different type of partner, and he's shown himself to be equally adept when asked to initiate more of the play from deep.

Fit Rating – 2/2

Need
If Palhinha leaves, Fulham will have to replace him. It's that simple. This deal wouldn't make much sense if Palhinha isn't on his way out the door, though Wieffer-Palhinha as a double pivot would certainly be imposing.

Let's again work under the earlier assumption that Palhinha is leaving, so the need is clear and obvious.

Need Rating – 2/2

Level
Wieffer has only 18 months of Eredivisie experience, having played in the second tier of Dutch football until the summer of 2022 so his true level is yet to be established. He has thrived since making the step up, but the Eredivisie is not truly comparable with the Premier League.

He has, however, performed very well in European competitions both this season and last. This season, in the Champions League, he performed at a very high individual level in games against Atletico Madrid and Lazio showing a capability to play against the very best sides.

He still has plenty of room for development, and also plenty still to prove, but the early signs are promising.

Level Rating – 1/2

Affordability
Fulham didn't spend a huge amount in the summer, in terms of net spend. The sale of Mitrovic covered much of their outlay on players like Jimenez, Bassey, Iwobi and Castagne. Reports suggest that Fulham have promised manager Marco Silva a sizeable transfer kitty for January after he turned down a big money off from Saudi Arabia and signed an extended contract with the club.

Selling Palhinha should swell the coffers at Craven Cottage even further, making a move for the £25mil rated Wieffer a very affordable deal.

Affordability Rating – 2/2

For Sale?
Feyenoord, like most clubs, understand their place in the footballing food chain and operate under the view that everyone is for sale as long as the asking price is met. If Fulham are prepared to pay what the Dutch giants want for their midfield powerhouse then they are very unlikely to stand in the way of his departure.

Availability Rating – 2/2

Final Rating
Overall, this rating grades at a 9/10. That, of course, doesn't mean the transfer will happen or is even likely to happen, just that it is a transfer that would make sense for all parties.



https://eplindex.com/100905/fulham-eyeing-dutch-destroyer-rating-the-rumour.html

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Chelsea, Fulham into League Cup semis after shoot-out wins
Chelsea and Fulham booked their place in the semifinals of the League Cup on Tuesday when they followed up 1-1 draws with penalty shoot-out wins over Newcastle United and Everton respectively, with Middlesbrough also making the last four.

Chelsea beat Newcastle 4-2 on penalties at Stamford Bridge after substitute Mykhailo Mudryk kept the Blues alive with a 92nd-minute equaliser, while Fulham defeated Everton 7-6 in their shoot-out. Middlesbrough beat League One side Port Vale 3-0 to cruise into the last four.

Liverpool face West Ham United to decide the last semifinal spot on Wednesday night.

Newcastle appeared set to snatch a 1-0 win in west London until Kieran Trippier, on as a substitute, failed to cut out a Malo Gusto cross and allowed Mudryk, also on as a sub, to slot, levelling the tie at 1-1 and taking it to penalties.

England defender Trippier turned a bad night into a disastrous one when he fired Newcastle's second penalty wide before Matt Ritchie saw his effort saved athletically by Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic, making only his second start in goal for the Blues.

"'Trips' is an incredibly strong character," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

"When he's given us so much, NOW's our turn to support him and look after him the other way and that's what we'll do."

Chelsea went behind in the 16th minute when Callum Wilson, surrounded by Blues defenders, pounced on an error by Benoit Badiashile who got the ball caught in his feet allowing Wilson to flick his finish past Petrovic.

The hosts dominated possession throughout the game but struggled to break down a well-drilled Newcastle defence.

They brought French forward Christopher Nkunku off the bench for his first competitive appearance for the Londoners having suffered a knee injury in preseason shortly after his transfer from RB Leipzig.

But expensively assembled Chelsea, who have struggled for a second straight season in the Premier League, had seemed destined to throw away a precious chance of silverware until Mudryk's late strike.

"Obviously it means a lot. Sometimes things happen when you trust in each other and believe until the end," the Ukrainian, who has struggled to find his feet since signing for Chelsea nearly a year ago, told Sky Sports.

"Sometimes when the game is tough you need to keep pushing and believe until the last second because it's football and everything can happen."

Mudryk was one of four Chelsea players to score in the shoot-out, along with Nkunku, Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher.

Chelsea, in their first season under Mauricio Pochettino, are pinning their hopes on the domestic cups as they presently sit 10th in the Premier League and did not qualify for European competition.

The defeat for Howe's Newcastle — without a major trophy since the 1950s — represents a second blow in the space of a week after they were eliminated from the Champions League last Wednesday.

Everton's recent good run of results came to an end as they came back from a goal down to equalise with eight minutes remaining, but Fulham got the better of them from the penalty spot to silence the home crowd.

Toffees defender Michael Keane turned the ball into his own net early on to give Fulham the lead at Goodison Park, but a goal from substitute Beto eight minutes form time threw the home side a lifeline.

Both keepers saved a spot kick before Everton's Idrissa Gueye struck a post with his hasty effort, and Fulham centre back Tosin Adarabioyo stepped up score to put the Londoners into the last four of the competition for the first time in their history.

Reuters



https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-12-20-chelsea-fulham-into-league-cup-semis-after-shoot-out-wins/

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Silva for manager of the year?
A nice angle in Chris Bascombe's report from Goodison Park as the Daily Telegraph reporter tips Marco Silva as a contender for manager of the year following Fulham's progression to the League Cup semi-finals.

"Watch out Unai Emery. Marco Silva is rapidly emerging as your main challenger for manager of 2023. The Emery fanclub will offer a compelling case otherwise, but has any coach excelled more than Fulham's over the last 12 months? After promotion last year, Silva preserved Fulham's top-flight status without a reference to a survival fight – a stark contrast to all the others recently elevated from the Championship. Now, on the back of several free-scoring performances, Silva has led the club to their first League Cup semi-final. All this despite losing his main striker Aleksandar Mitrovic."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-for-manager-of-the-year/

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Antonee Robinson admits 27-year-old Fulham man's penalty gave him confidence during shootout
Fulham finally reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after their penalty shootout win over Everton last night, with Antonee Robinson taking one of the decisive spot kicks.

It was a huge result for Marco Silva's side as they patiently wait to see if it's Middlesbrough, Chelsea or either Liverpool or West Ham that stand between the Whites and a match at Wembley.

Antonee Robinson was speaking to the club's official website and reflecting on a tense shootout.

Marco Silva made several changes to the team that lost away to Newcastle, with Raul Jimenez suspended and Tom Cairney and Timothy Castagne among those dropping to the bench.

It was an even contest until Robinson made the biggest contribution of the first half.

The American international linked up with Willian as he has done all season and his dangerous low cross was turned into his own net by Michael Keane.

It was a move Fulham fans have seen all season and Everton were the latest team that couldn't deal with Robinson's delivery.

Beto equalised late in the game for the hosts and every Fulham fan would have expected the worst when the match went to penalties.

But the mentality of Marco Silva's team is different and despite Bobby De Cordova-Reid being denied by Jordan Pickford, Bernd Leno bailed him out and Tosin Adarabioyo was the unlikely hero at the end of the shootout.

Robinson names Fulham player who gave him confidence during Everton shootout win
Speaking about whether he felt pressure taking his first professional penalty, Robinson said: "I didn't really feel the pressure to be honest! Somebody had already missed so I didn't really care, that's kind of how I've been practising penalties in training the last few weeks, to walk up slowly and watch the keeper.

"And then seeing AP [Andreas Pereira] sit [Jordan] Pickford down early on, it made me think, right I can wait and go at the last second.

"It's the first penalty I've ever taken in a pro match so I'll take it."

Andreas Pereira is one of the coolest customers on the pitch and it's no surprise that his expertly taken spot kick gave Robinson and his teammates confidence.

Jordan Pickford has been a hero between the sticks in penalty shootouts for England before but he was expertly beaten by Fulham's players time and again last night.

Robinson and his Fulham teammates will know how close they are to achieving something special with the club after defeating Everton.

The Goodison Park hoodoo has been well and truly quashed in the last few years and the last thing we want right now is for them to move into a new stadium any time soon.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/20/antonee-robinson-admits-27-year-old-fulham-mans-penalty-gave-him-confidence-during-shootout/

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Fulham boost as £30m transfer target Andre confirms Premier League dream
Cottagers have held talks with Fluminense as Marco Silva in line for backing

Fulham target Andre has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League.

Standard Sport understands the Fluminense midfielder is a target at Craven Cottage, with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh flying to Brazil for face-to-face talks last month.

Manager Marco Silva is expected to be backed in the transfer market after signing a new contract until the summer of 2025.

Mackintosh was in attendance at the Maracana stadium to watch the 22-year-old Brazil international lead Fluminense to victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores in November.

Talks between the clubs are believed to have continued ahead of a potential £30m move.

Landing Andre would represent a major coup for the west London side. Both Liverpool and Manchester United have previously expressed an interest in the player, albeit the former are now reportedly focusing on more defensive targets while the latter have only enquired thus far.

Speaking to Premier League Brasil, Andre said: "I watch the Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day.

"I'm focused on finishing the season at Fluminense and realising my dream of winning the Club World Cup. But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player."

The club are also keen on Wolfsburg forward Jonas Wind, although the Danish international is attracting interest from around Europe as well as elsewhere in the Premier League.

Though Fulham striker Raul Jimenez has impressed in recent weeks following a slow start, no one in Silva's squad has scored more than five times in the Premier League this season.

The departure of Aleksandr Mitrovic left Silva light in attacking areas and Wind is a potential option for the January window.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-andre-wind-2023-b1128147.html

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Tosin Adarabioyo 'a special player' – Fulham boss Marco Silva
The defender scored the winning penalty in the Carabao Cup shoot-out against Everton.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva heaped praise on "special" Tosin Adarabioyo after the defender scored the winning penalty which secured the club a place in their first League Cup semi-final.

The 26-year-old was making only his sixth appearance of the season in the Carabao Cup tie at Everton, which the Cottagers won 7-6 in a shoot-out after the game finished 1-1, due to groin surgery in the summer.

But Silva said the centre-back had already made a difference since he returned late last month.

"He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need these guys to step in in the right moments and he did it," he said.

"We missed him a lot, we missed him because he didn't play the first three months of the season. Tosin is a special player for us, I can't hide that situation.

"The way he can defend the box but also on the ball he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back).

"For three months we missed him but he has just played the last four or five games and he is getting better and better.

"A great performance from him against Everton and to be able to take the last decision to be deciding the game he deserves all the credit."

Having guided the team to last season's FA Cup quarter-finals, where they lost at Manchester United after controversially being reduced to nine men by the dismissals of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian – Silva himself was also red-carded – the Fulham boss insists he does not need progress in cup competitions to tell him how well the side are doing.

"I don't need it really but it shows the players we are in the right direction," he added.

"My ambition is always more and more and more. It doesn't matter about the past of the club.

"Last season we achieved the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and there was so much more in the game at Old Trafford.

"We are in a very good moment even though we lost the last (league) game against Newcastle.

"We have been approaching this competition as we approach a Premier League game. I rotated some players but even so we were able to go through the competition."



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/tosin-adarabioyo-a-special-player-fulham-boss-marco-silva-CWDTBCGCMRIXPCMMGXCFXDRPQU/

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Ipswich Town submit Fulham enquiry for striker amid £15k-a-week claim
Ipswich Town have made an enquiry for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield ahead of January.

    Ipswich Town are considering making a move for Jay Stansfield, a talented young forward currently on loan at Birmingham City from Fulham.
    Stansfield has been in impressive form, scoring five goals in 19 Championship games this season.
    Ipswich Town are performing well in the Championship and have significant funds available to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.

Ipswich Town have made an enquiry about Fulham and current Birmingham City loanee Jay Stansfield ahead of the January transfer window, according to East Anglian Daily Times.

The Tractor Boys are expected to be a side that is looking to make some fresh additions in the January window after remaining calm throughout the summer one.

Ipswich sealed promotion back to the Championship, and many thought they would be busy with incomings and outgoings. However, that wasn't the case, as Kieran McKenna decided to keep with most of the players that got them there in the first place.

That is a decision that has paid off for the club, as they look to seal a second promotion in two seasons.

The club is already gifted with several attacking options, but it seems McKenna is keen to add to that and has eyes on Stansfield.

Ipswich Town enquire about Jay Stansfield
The forward has come through the academy at Fulham, playing several games for their under-18s and under-21s.

His sensational form earned him a chance with the club's first team, but his breakthrough came when he joined Exeter City last season on loan.

Stansfield grabbed nine goals in 36 League One appearances, making him hot property when it came to the summer transfer window.

Birmingham won the battle and secured his signature for the 2023/24 campaign, and so far, he has five goals and one assist to his name in 19 Championship games.

One of Stansfield's goals in fact came against Ipswich in November, and now according to this report, the Tractor Boys have made an enquiry about the player.

The East Anglian Daily Times states that the 21-year-old ticks all of McKenna's boxes, as he's young, hungry, athletic, and technical.

However, Stansfield is contracted to Fulham until the summer of 2027, so it is believed that it could take a decent fee for the London club to part ways with the young player.

But this interest comes, after it was reported by Alan Nixon, that the Ipswich board are set to give McKenna significant funds for the upcoming January transfer window.

It states that the Tractor Boys are going to back their manager with good cash so he can go into the market and sign a striker.

This update from Nixon states, that the club have given the Northern Irishman up to £3 million to spend on a forward, with around £15,000-a-week available in wages as well.

The East Anglian Daily Times states that Ipswich could push beyond that money and still meet financial fair play rules. It also adds that Stansfield is one of a number of options under consideration by the club.

Ipswich Town league position
As mentioned, Ipswich are performing really well this season, as they've taken to life back in the second tier very well.

After 22 games, the Tractor Boys find themselves in a great position to seal promotion to the Premier League.

McKenna's side have won 16 of those league games, with them so far only losing two games, and they have come against Leeds United and West Brom most recently.

Ipswich played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with rivals Norwich City most recently, but are still in a great position, as they have a 10-point lead over third-place Leeds.

McKenna's side are next in action on Saturday as they travel to Yorkshire to face Leeds in what is expected to be a thrilling contest.

Ipswich Town must do all they can to sign Jay Stansfield
It doesn't come as a surprise that Ipswich are looking into a deal for Stansfield, as he is a player who has impressed many in the last 18 months.

McKenna is seemingly looking for a player that can buy instead of bringing in a loanee, so with the news emerging about the £3 million kitty, it seems they have Stansfield as an option.

Obviously, it is unclear how interested the club is, but he is definitely a player that is for the now and the future. So, he fits perfectly into what Ipswich are looking for; it is just whether Fulham would consider selling at any point.

The concern for Ipswich would be that Fulham may want to wait until the summer and then decide what they want to do with the player.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ipswich-town-make-fulham-enquiry-for-birmingham-city-loanee/

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Crystal Palace, Fulham chasing 12-goal LaLiga striker tipped to become the next Raul
TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal that Crystal Palace and Fulham are tracking Getafe goalscoring star Borja Mayoral, who has been in sensational form this season.

The 26-year-old centre-forward has scored 12 goals in 15 LaLiga games so far and is only behind Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham in the goalscoring charts.

Mayoral's latest two strikes came in a 3-3 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night – and TEAMtalk sources have been told that his performances have caught the attention of several English sides.

Both Crystal Palace and Fulham have been keeping an eye on the Spaniard over the past year and we understand he is keen to test himself in the Premier League in 2024.

Mayoral plays alongside Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood at Getafe and is on a hot streak of seven goals in his last seven games.

If he can continue his current form in England, Mayoral could prove to be a game-changing addition for Crystal Palace or Fulham.

Crystal Palace, Fulham could land striker Zidane loves for £12m
Crystal Palace and Fulham are both contemplating their forward options for the New Year and it is understood Mayoral would cost around £12m if he was to make a move.

However, TEAMtalk understands that at this stage a summer move is more likely for Mayoral, but that could still change.

The talented striker came through Real Madrid's youth system but spent the past few years jumping around on loan moves before settling at Getafe.

As he sits above the likes of Antonie Griezmann, Alvaro Morata and Robert Lewandowski in the LaLiga scorer charts, the level of interest in his signature will no doubt increase.

During his time at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane once compared Mayoral to club legend Raul and described him as a "striker who scores every time he has a shot.'

His prolific form this season shows he can live up to such billing and it is expected other top-flight clubs from England will be watching him soon too.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace, Fulham or another Premier League side test Getafe's resolve with an offer for Mayoral in January.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/crystal-palace-fulham-chasing-12-goal-laliga-striker-tipped-to-become-the-next-raul

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Silva salutes 'special' Tosin
Marco Silva saluted Fulham's penalty hero Tosin Adarabioyo as 'a special player' after the Whites reached the last four of the League Cup for the first time in the club's history.

The Portuguese head coach hailed the centre back's contribution since returning to the side after recovering from a groin injury – and how he kept his composure in converting the decisive spot-kick.

"He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need these guys to step in in the right moments and he did it. We missed him a lot, we missed him because he didn't play the first three months of the season. Tosin is a special player for us, I can't hide that situation.

The way he can defend the box but also on the ball he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build. For three months we missed him but he has just played the last four or five games and he is getting better and better. A great performance from him against Everton and to be able to take the last decision to be deciding the game he deserves all the credit."

Silva says he is confident that Fulham are improving – regardless of their progress in the League Cup.

"I don't need it really but it shows the players we are in the right direction. My ambition is always more and more and more. It doesn't matter about the past of the club. Last season we achieved the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and there was so much more in the game at Old Trafford.

We are in a very good moment even though we lost the last game against Newcastle. We have been approaching this competition as we approach a Premier League game. I rotated some players but even so we were able to go through."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-salutes-special-tosin/

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Fulham agree to sign £20m star as Pep Guardiola labels him a 'quality player'
Fulham are set to sign Andre Trindade in January with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola full of praise for the Premier League-bound Fluminense star.

Ahead of Friday's Club World Cup final between the Champions League winners and the Champions of South America, Pep Guardiola was in no mood to play down the size of the task facing his out-of-sorts Manchester City side.

Fluminense, Copa Libertadores holders, should not be underestimated. Not with a midfielder like Andre Trindade patrolling the centre of the park and ready to give Rodri a run for his money.

Fulham agree Andre Trindade transfer
This is likely to be Andre's final appearance for La Flu. Fulham, according to talkSPORT, have 'agreed a deal in principle' for the Brazil international. Andre should move to Craven Cottage for a fee in the region of £20 million.

And the 22-year-old will arrive in England with Guardiola's seal of approval.

"It's the Brazilian school. (Fluminense) play very well with the ball. They come together a lot. And they have quality players (such as) Andre," Guardiola tells UOL.

Andre is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham too. Liverpool held talks over the summer – as confirmed by Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt – but Andre opted to stay put and help his current employers secure the Copa Libertadores crown.

With that in the bag, there is now nothing stopping Andre from finally sealing his 'dream' move to English shores.

'It's a big dream'
"I watch the Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day," Andre tells Premier League Brasil after Fluminense beat Al-Ahly of Egypt 2-0 in the Club World Cup.

"I'm focused on finishing the season at Fluminense and realising my dream of winning the Club World Cup. But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player."

Andre could potentially replace Joao Palhinha should Bayern Munich renew their interest. Fulham are reportedly keen on Feyenoord's Quinten Timber and Serie A enforcer Adrien Tameze too.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/12/20/fulham-agree-to-sign-20m-star-as-pep-guardiola-labels-him-a-quality-player/

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Liverpool allow Fulham to complete fantastic January coup with 'agreement in principle' reached
Liverpool have stepped aside in the race to sign a Brazilian midfielder who is now on course to join Fulham, and the transfer fee involved has been revealed by a report.

The Reds oversaw a sweeping midfield rebuild over the summer in an attempt to revamp the weakest element of their side. Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita all departed.

Taking their places were Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, given Endo is the only specialist holding midfielder and Liverpool bid £110m for Moises Caicedo, there remains a feeling of unfinished business.

Aside from lodging bids for Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Liverpool also tabled an offer for Fluminense battler Andre.

However, Fluminense were determined to retain Andre's services while going for glory in the Copa Libertadores.

Their resistance to a sale since proved wise, with Fluminense going on to lift their first ever Libertadores title when sinking Argentine giant Boca Juniors 2-1 after extra time on November 4.

Liverpool's admiration of Andre has not subsided and the club had been strongly tipped to reignite their interest in January.

However, according to talkSPORT, the Reds are content to miss out on Andre a second time, with Fulham the ones who've now struck an agreement in principle to sign the Brazilian.

Fulham to pay £20m-plus; Palhinha ramifications made clear
talkSPORT state Andre, 22, is 'expected to join Fulham' in what is labelled a 'massive coup' for the Cottagers.

Fulham reportedly have an 'agreement in principle' in place and will pay Fluminense a fee 'in excess' of £20m.

Andre is in line to join the London club in January and his arrival is not dependant on selling Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese will be one of the most in-demand midfielders next month and Bayern Munich are expected to revive their interest after coming within a whisker of signing Palhinha in a £60m move last summer.

Nonetheless, talkSPORT clarify Andre can be signed without first having to sell Palhinha. But in the event Palhinha does leave, Marco Silva will have a direct replacement on his hands and the fee will be taken care of through the Palhinha profits.

Andre recently stressed his dream move is joining a Premier League side, though has one final ambition at Fluminense.

"I watch the Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day," said Andre. "I'm focused on finishing the season with Fluminense and realising our own dream of winning the Club World Cup.

"But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player."

Fluminense will square off against Manchester City in the Club World Cup final on Saturday. Andre was named man of the match when helping his side advance past Egyptian outfit Al Ahly at the semi-final stage.

The final may well prove to his his last appearance for Fluminense, with a winter window switch to Fulham seemingly lined up.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/liverpool-allow-fulham-complete-fantastic-january-coup-agreement-in-principle-reached

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Marco Silva was 'visibly frustrated' with £6.9m Fulham player's work rate vs Everton
Fulham manager Marco Silva was delighted with his side's penalty shootout win over Everton last night but wasn't entirely happy with forward Rodrigo Muniz.

It was Tosin Adarabioyo's spot kick that won Fulham the tie although Andreas Pereira set the tone with his opening penalty.

Journalist Dom Smith admitted that the Portuguese manager wasn't entirely happy with his team in the first half.

Marco Silva was forced into several changes ahead of yesterday's match, partly to manage some player's minutes and partly due to suspension.

Tom Cairney dropped to the bench despite his exceptional recent form as did full-back Kenny Tete.

It meant Harrison Reed led the side out for the first time in his Fulham career as he lined up alongside Joao Palhinha in midfield.

Raul Jimenez's red card against Newcastle forced Silva to make a change up top and chose Rodrigo Muniz over Carlos Vinicius.

The £6.9m forward was just starting to find his feet earlier in the season before picking up an injury against Manchester United.

Silva put Muniz straight back in the team against Everton and although he might not have been pressing as much as he should have been, he ended up making a big contribution.

He didn't last the full 90 minutes though and it was Vinicius who was trusted to step up and take a decisive penalty at the end of the match.

Silva frustrated with Muniz against Everton
Posting on social media during the opening 45 minutes, Smith said: "Marco Silva is getting visibly frustrated with Rodrigo Muniz's reluctance to press Everton's defence straight away. Toffees on top."

While Muniz might not have been getting as close to Everton's defenders as Silva would have liked, he played a key role in our opening goal.

The ball was fired into his feet and akin to his old teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic, his close control was perfect, holding off an Everton defender before laying the ball off.

It found its way to the left wing and as we've seen so often this year, Antonee Robinson overlapped Willian and delivered a dangerous cross into the box.

Michael Keane could only divert it into his own goal and Muniz has to be credited for his role in the goal.

It looks likely that the young Brazilian will keep his place in the side to face Burnley on Saturday.

It would be the perfect time for Muniz to finally score his first Premier League goal.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/20/marco-silva-was-visibly-frustrated-with-6-9m-fulham-players-work-rate-vs-everton/

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Fulham hold their spot-kick nerve at Goodison Park to make EFL Cup history
Fulham reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup for the first time in their history after they beat Premier League rivals Everton on penalties at Goodison Park.

The Whites took the lead just before half-time in Tuesday night's tie when Michael Keane diverted Antonee Robinson's cross beyond Jordan Pickford.

Everton striker Beto equalised in the 82nd minute when James Garner's shot deflected off Calvin Bassey and looped up for the Portuguese striker to head beyond Bernd Leno.

But Fulham booked their place in the next round as they won 7-6 on penalties.

Leno saved a terrible attempt by Amadou Onana and Tosin Adarabioyo capped off a towering performance by scoring the decisive spot kick. It is the second time the west Londoners have held their nerve in a shootout, converting every attempt against Tottenham in the second round.

Silva said: "It was a huge moment from Bernd when he kept us in the game with the fifth penalty from Onana. It is not easy to keep the composure and quality in the penalty shootout.

"We achieved something the club had never done in the past. We want more, but we are really delighted with this evening and the moment we are living. We are going to play the semi-finals with the dream to play at Wembley."

Defender Adarabioyo is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree fresh terms. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Spurs and AS Monaco in recent transfer windows.

"He is a key player for us, one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need them to step up," said Silva.

"He didn't play the first three months of the season but he is a special player for us. He can defend the box and on the ball – he builds the way I want him to.

"He is getting better and better and it was a great performance tonight. To be able to take the decisive penalty, he deserves all the credit."

The EFL Cup semi-finals are two legged with the ties to be played across the weeks commencing January 8 and January 22.



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-hold-their-spot-kick-nerve-at-goodison-park-to-make-efl-cup-history/

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Borto braced for Bilbao test
Fulham under-21 goalkeeper Alex Borto is looking forward to testing himself against Athletic Bilbao B in the Premier League International Cup at Motspur Park tonight.

The young Whites will be looking to return to winning ways after they conceded a stoppage time equaliser at Aston Villa to draw 1-1 in the PL2 on Friday night having played more than seventy minutes with ten men following Jay Williams' red card. Hayden Mullins' men beat Feyenoord 3-1 in their first group game in the continental tournament, but Fulham are likely to face a stern test with Carlos Gurpegui's outfit currently top of the Spanish fourth tier having lost just two matches so far this season.

Borto, who believes he has benefited from training regularly with Fulham's first-team goalkeepers, feels that the International Cup offers a great opportunity for the club's brightest academy talented to face the cream of the crop from across Europe. He told Fulham's official website:

"This tournament is great for us, as it allows us to play and test ourselves against teams outside of the UK, which we don't get to do very often. Our team preparation has been really good. Training has been very intense and competitive and the boys are ready for this challenge. We know they've done well in their respective league this season so we're expecting a very tough and technical side.

"We'd love to finish the year strong with three points. All the boys have been focused and training hard so I'm very optimistic about the game. We've had a great start to the season and we've kept our standards very high every day, which allows us to perform well on a matchday. We always back ourselves going into any competition, so of course we're going to give our all and try to win this cup."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/borto-braced-for-bilbao-test/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham, Liverpool, and Man Utd can make £30m midfielder's dream come true this January
The Premier League trio have all been linked with Fluminense star Andre in recent times.

The origins of the word 'swansong' are thought to come from the early 19th century, and in particular, the German 'Schwanengesang', which refers to a lament like that fabled to be sung by a dying swan. Pretty macabre stuff. In the modern day, however, the term has taken on a much less grim connotation, and in many cases, can even boast something of a celebratory hue.

Regardless, as far as swansongs go, they don't come much more illustrious than the FIFA Club World Cup final. It is a competition that somehow manages to mean both everything and nothing at the same time; to win it is to be crowned literal champions of the footballing globe, to lose it is to hop on a flight home and carry on with your business as if nothing happened. On Friday, Manchester City will face Brazilian outfit Fluminense for a predominantly ceremonial title, and while all eyes will be on Pep Guardiola's men, there will be an interesting sub-plot at play in the opposing dressing room.

Promising midfielder Andre has been perpetually linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, and while it was initially understood that he was staying put in Rio de Janeiro to help his current side win the Copa Libertadores, after Friday's meeting with City, he will have no continental (or indeed, intercontinental) duties left to fulfil for his boyhood club. As such, chatter surrounding a potential January transfer is likely to ignite once more in the coming days and weeks, and to that end, the player himself is throwing plenty of fuel on the proverbial fire.

Speaking to Premier League Brasil, the 22-year-old said: "I watch the Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day. I'm focused on finishing the season at Fluminense and realising my dream of winning the Club World Cup. But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player." It doesn't come much more clear cut than that.

Paying particular interest to Andre's quotes will no doubt be Fulham, who have emerged as shock contenders for his signature since the end of the summer transfer window, although it is also worth nothing that both Liverpool and Manchester United have been heavily touted as potential suitors as well.

As recently as last month, it was widely reported that an offer of around £30 million could be enough to tempt Fluminense into a sale, and with persistent rumours over Joao Palhinha's future at Craven Cottage, the nagging feeling that Jurgen Klopp is perhaps still one body away from a complete midfield rebuild at Anfield, and a ceaseless general malaise in the engine room at Old Trafford, it is quite easy to imagine any one of Andre's aforementioned Premier League admirers rekindling their pursuit in the new year.

In all probability, that would have happened anyways, but with this latest batch of comments from the midfielder, it is now more likely than ever that he will find himself propping up gossip columns across the land from now until the beginning of February. Hell, if he plays well enough on Friday, City might even whack him in their hand luggage and snaffle him for themselves...



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-liverpool-and-man-utd-can-make-ps30m-midfielder-dream-come-true-this-january-4452275

[WhiteJC]

Tosin Adarabioyo shows Fulham they must do all they can to keep him amid interest from Tottenham
Key defender is out of contract this summer and has rejected offers of a new deal

If Fulham's Christmas wishes are to come true, then Tosin Adarabioyo's decisive penalty against Everton will serve a greater purpose.

The centre-back's cooly-converted spot-kick fired Fulham into their first ever League Cup semi-final.

But Fulham must hope the penalty proves the moment that convinces Adarabioyo – their best central defender - to commit his future to the club.

The 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, has rejected three offers of a new deal and might well have left for Monaco in August had the French club bid more than the £8.5million which Fulham rejected. An increased follow-up bid was also turned down.

Time and time again when Fulham were clinging desperately to their 1-0 lead in the second half at Everton, Adarabioyo was the first defender to the ball, volleying and heading away countless clearances.

Eventually, a scruffy equaliser duly arrived in the 82nd minute and then penalties. But Fulham kept their composure, were helped by a save from goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Amadou Onana for Everton's fifth penalty and silenced Goodison Park as Adarabioyo calmly stroked home to give the visitors a 7-6 win in the shoot-out.

"He's a key player for us", Silva said of Adarabioyo. "He's one of the leaders in our dressing room.

"We missed him a lot in the first three months of the season. Issa [Diop] did really well, but Tosin is a special player for us — I can't hide that situation. The way he can defend the box, and on the ball, he's a special player. He can build the way I want to play.

"He's just played the last four or five games, and he's getting better and better. A great performance from him tonight, and to be able to take the decisive penalty, he deserves all the credit."

Having missed more than two months of the season after undergoing groin surgery, Adarabioyo has played every minute of Fulham's last four games, including the 5-0 routs of Nottingham Forest and West Ham in the Premier League.

Tottenham are long-time admirers of Adarabioyo and there is the possibility they see him as a January solution to their centre-back shortage. But Fulham will hope a Carabao Cup semi-final tie and the prospect of a pay rise lead to Adarabioyo signing a new contract.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-adarabioyo-tottenham-b1128217.html

[WhiteJC]

The history makers: how Silva service makes us dream
It felt like a big night at Goodison Park last night. Everton, fresh from four wins on the bounce that had restored belief amongst the blue half of Merseyside, eyed respite from their battle against the drop – made more intense by the Premier League's ten point deduction – in the League Cup. Marco Silva travelled to his old stomping ground, with former Toffees Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi, eager to extend Fulham's fine run in this season's competition, even if the omens weren't positive. The Whites hadn't gone beyond the last eight in the League Cup before, with a traumatic penalty shoot-out defeat at after letting a 2-0 lead slip against Leicester City in 1999 still tormenting those of us who had to watch it.

But this is a different Fulham outfit under Silva, a serial winner. His sides even win at Goodison. The team relegated before he arrived won at Everton in lockdown, but Silva followed that up with a pair of contrasting victories. Last season's success was a tactical triumph that owed much to the inclusion of Dan James as a false nine, but in August, Bobby De Cordova-Reid clinched a classical smash-and-grab raid. The Portuguese coach certainly used the prospect of making history as motivation for his squad in the build-up, but employed another quarter-final memory to fire up his charges. Only last year, the Whites were eighteen minutes from Wembley, leading Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup. It all fell apart with a flurry of red cards and stung a Fulham side who had produced one of the most complete away displays in the club's recent history. Fulham felt like they deserved more than being remembered as ill-disciplined losers – and crucial to Silva's own ambitions is the idea of making progress on the field.

His desire to reach the last four was underlined by a strong starting line-up. Harrison Reed stiffened up the centre of midfield, to try and nullify the physicality of Sean Dyche's outfit, with Willian returning on the left flank and Rodrigo Muniz preferred up front. Those decisions were vindicated with a wonderfully taken opening goal. Muniz's chest control and pass out to the left bought his compatriot into the game and when Robinson drilled a low cross towards the centre of the penalty area, it sped past Jordan Pickford off Michael Keane.

Jubilation and a rearguard action to rival anything we'd seen under Scott Parker followed. There was time for plenty of humour, with the travelling supporters regaling Pickford with a cheeky ditty focusing on his 'little arms'. It would, of course, prove prescient. It seemed like the Whites had thrown their advantage away when Beto headed home after pinball in the area, but that was the catalyst for an intriguing tactical switch. Silva sent on Issa Diop as a third centre half, pushing De Cordova-Reid forward to partner Carlos Vinicius, and the Jamaican international spurned a great chance in stoppage time.

The never-say-die attitude that Silva has imbued in this squad was evident again during a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Heads didn't drop on the field after Pickford pushed away a poor penalty by De Cordova-Reid, even if the fatalistic fans sat near me found that development very Fulhamish. What happened next will live long in the memory. Andre Onana gave Bernd Leno an early Christmas present with an atrocious spot-kick before Idrissa Gana Gueye slammed one against the far post. Suddenly, Tosin had the chance to win it. After an interminable wait, he squeezed his penalty past those little arms of the Everton keeper to spark delirious celebrations in the away end.

Moments like this are few and far between for long-suffering Fulham fans, which is why we must savour them. Silva is convinced of the club's potential to compete at the highest levels of the English game – as evidenced by the fact that he signed a new contract despite being perturbed by a wasted summer transfer window. He's already altered the culture of the club and now has a semi-final to look forward to. The only thing that could make last night better is the news that penalty hero Tosin, totally transformed after his lengthy injury lay-off, has put pen to paper on a new deal.

In the words of the old TOOFIF cartoon strip, 'we can dream'.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/the-history-makers-how-silva-service-makes-us-dream/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player 'on another level' – Coach reveals attempt to sign him, hypes him for national team
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira may have enjoyed a good comeback when returning to Europe last year, but some of his tough moments in Brazil are still recalled by the local media.

The 27-year-old is marked by a decisive mistake he made in the 2021 Copa Libertadores final, as that resulted in a goal which lost Flamengo the title.

As manager Renato Gaucho was now interviewed by Joga Com A Dez, he was asked about his feelings regarding Pereira. The coach claimed there's still great affection for him, and even revaled that he tried to take him from Fulham earlier this year. The quotes are relayed by ESPN Brasil.

"Andreas Pereira is on another level. I rang him in January this year and tried to get him to come to Grêmio. He plays a lot. I don't know why he's not in the Brazilian national team," said Renato Gaucho.

Pereira played for Flamengo while on loan from Manchester United. Following his spell in Brazil, Fulham found a deal with the Red Devils to buy him for €9.5m.

The Whites signed the midfielder on a four-year contract, plus the option for an extra year, so it's a bit obvious that they wouldn't let him go so soon, especially because he had a quick adaptation to Marco Silva's side.

Despite that, it seems Renato Gaucho tried his luck anyway.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/returned-agenda-west-ham-player-seen-part-january-transfer-facelift-battle/

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European giants set to battle Fulham for signing – Club could use 'good relationship' as advantage over Whites
As Fulham continue their chase for Fluminense midfielder André, they may start to find some tougher competition for his signing.

A story from Catalan outlet Sport today claims that Barcelona are also analysing the player, with their director Deco gathering information on the potential transfer for months now.

Since it's well known that the La Liga giants have financial issues, there'd be difficulty buying him in January. So unlike Fulham, they'd need to loan him from Fluminense for six months and only then get the purchase done next summer.

The advantage Barcelona would have is that they have a 'good relationship' with the other parties involved. Firstly, because Deco played at Fluminense and has good contacts with the club. Then it's said there's also a good friendship with André's agents.

The midfielder's market value is said to be €30m, so the Camp Nou side would need to work on that. Sport do not give Fulham a mention in their story, even though the player said this week that playing in the Premier League is a dream of his.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/european-giants-set-battle-fulham-signing-club-use-good-relationship/