Friday Fulham Stuff - 5/01/24

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Head-to-Head – Millers v Fulham



Rotherham United travel to London on Friday night for their first FA Cup game this this season when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The pair have met forty-eight times in the past – but never in any cup competition – with the Cottagers getting twenty-two wins to the Millers twelve.

The last time the pair met at Craven Cottage was a Tuesday night in December 2016 in a Championship game that saw Rotherham at the bottom of the table. Both Tom Adeyemi and Izzy Brown went close for the visitors before the pair combined on seventeen minutes to get the ball to Joe Newell who saw his strike from twenty yards out fly into the back of the net. The lead lasted thirteen minutes with Ryan Sessegnon sending a cross over for Stefan Johansen to equalise. Ten minutes into the second half the hosts took the lead when Floyd Ayite turned in cross from Lucas Piazon and it might have been more on the sixty-seventy minute when Aimen Belaid was adjudged to have fouled Michael Madl in the penalty area but Chris Martin saw Lewis Price stop the ball going in with his feet. The Millers might have scored late in the game but David Button did well to save Lee Frecklington's shot.

League Games – Millers v Cottagers
Championship
01.04.2017 Rotherham 0-1 Fulham
13.12.2016 Fulham 2-1 Rotherham
29.12.2015 Fulham 4-1 Rotherham
29.08.2015 Rotherham 1-3 Fulham
15.04.2015 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
21.10.2014 Rotherham 3-3 Fulham

League Two
30.04.1994 Fulham 1-0 Rotherham
20.11.1993 Rotherham 1-2 Fulham
06.04.1993 Rotherham 1-1 Fulham
12.12.1992 Fulham 0-1 Rotherham

(Old) Division Three
23.03.1991 Rotherham 3-1 Fulham
06.10.1990 Fulham 2-0 Rotherham
20.03.1990 Rotherham 2-1 Fulham
14.10.1989 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
04.04.1988 Fulham 3-1 Rotherham
21.11.1987 Rotherham 0-2 Fulham
17.02.1987 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
23.08.1986 Rotherham 0-0 Fulham

(Old) Division Two
15.01.1983 Rotherham 0-1 Fulham
28.081982 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham

(Old) Division Three
15.11.1980 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
16.08.1980 Rotherham 2-2 Fulham
13.03.1971 Fulham 1-0 Rotherham
14.11.1970 Rotherham 1-1 Fulham
28.02.1970 Fulham 3-2 Rotherham
18.10.1969 Rotherham 0-0 Fulham

(Old) Division Two
25.04.1959 Fulham 4-0 Rotherham
06.12.1958 Rotherham 4-0 Fulham
01.05.1958 Fulham 3-1 Rotherham
09.11.1957 Rotherham 3-1 Fulham
02.02.1957 Rotherham 4-3 Fulham
22.09.1956 Fulham 3-1 Rotherham
11.02.1956 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
01.10.1955 Rotherham 2-3 Fulham
19.03.1955 Fulham 1-1 Rotherham
30.10.1954 Rotherham 2-3 Fulham
16.09.1953 Fulham 2-4 Rotherham
07.09.1953 Rotherham 3-2 Fulham
18.02.1953 Fulham 4-1 Rotherham
27.09.1952 Rotherham 1-0 Fulham
24.02.1923 Fulham 1-2 Rotherham
17.02.1923 Rotherham 1-3 Fulham
29.10.1921 Rotherham 1-0 Fulham
22.10.1921 Fulham 4-0 Rotherham
02.04.1921 Rotherham 2-0 Fulham
26.03.1921 Fulham 1-0 Rotherham
27.12.1919 Rotherham 1-1 Fulham
29.09.1919 Fulham 3-0 Rotherham



https://rotherham.vitalfootball.co.uk/head-to-head-millers-v-fulham/

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Sources: Brentford and Fulham among clubs to miss out on prolific Brandon Vazquez for just £7m
Brentford, Fulham and Middlesbrough have all missed out on the signing of American striker Brandon Vazquez, HITC Football understands.

Vazquez, 25, has been lighting up the MLS since his move to Atlanta United in 2017, before moving to FC Cincinnati in 2020.

The 6'2 forward impressed hugely with 28 goals in two MLS seasons and it was believed he was heading to Europe.

Now, he'll take on a new conquest away from the United States – but that won't be in the Premier League.

Brandon Vazquez is heading to Mexico...
HITC Football understands Brentford, Fulham and Championship side Middlesborough were all interested in the prolific forward, but he had his heart set on another destination.

Vazquez is now heading to Mexico – with CF Monterrey agreeing a deal worth around £7m. It is believed that this is the case due to the fact Vazquez's family hails from here.

Vazquez also has Mexican citizenship, as he began his career at Club Tijuana, making the deal even more smooth to accomplish.

CF Monterrey will be getting a clinical gal-scorer at the height of his career. It's no surprise a lot of Europe was interested.

Brandon Vazquez – a wanted man
As well the interest in England, HITC Football believes German sides Union Berlin, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hoffenheim were also keen.

Union Berlin are desperate for a goal scorer. Their fall from grace this season has been nothing short of abysmal. They were Bundesliga title contenders last year, who secured a Champions League spot – now they're relegation candidates.

Monchengladbach and Hoffenheim sit in 12th and 7th respectively, so could have done with a bit more firepower up front to help them kick on for the rest of the season.

Alas, they won't find their man in Vazquez. He's off to The Land of the Aztecs.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2024/01/04/exclusive-brentford-and-fulham-among-clubs-to-miss-out-on-prolific-brandon-vasquez-for-just-7m/

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A closer look at the resurgence of Raul Jimenez

Jack Stroudley digs into the sudden upturn in form of Raul Jimenez.

On New Years Eve, Fulham finally got their big scalp over a big six opponent with a deserved 2-1 victory over Arsenal. There were lots of brilliant performances, but one man who seems to have come into his own since the November international break is Raul Jimenez. Sunday's win felt like a culmination of his good performances since then, so what's caused this sudden upturn in form?

The numbers

Throughout the season I, alongside many others, have been critical of Jimenez's performances but over the recent weeks he's shown form similar to his time at Wolves with an average rating (Newcastle aside) of 7.58 from his last five games, according to SofaScore. Goals aside, he's also become more involved in games becoming more of a nuisance for opposing defences with six fouls drawn and a duel percentage of 51% (up on the five games prior from 38%).

His goal contributions have also improved drastically and he seems to be much more confident, with four goals and one assist since that international break (he also scored a consolation at Villa Park just before). While there were problems across the pitch against both Burnley and Bournemouth, his presence in the final third was undoubtedly missed and I think he's firmly made the striker position his to lose following rotation throughout the season between himself, Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz.

What happens now?

So with this spike in form do we still need to look for a striker in January? I'd still say the answer is yes. There's no guarantee this hot streak is going to last forever and our depth in that position is seriously lacking. We've already seen the rumour mill suggest at least one of Vinicius or Muniz will leave this month and with Vinicius not featuring in the squad on Sunday it would suggest he's the more likely to move on.

The question is what type of striker do we sign? The January window is notoriously difficult to find long-term solutions in problem positions so with Jimenez beginning to perform it wouldn't shock me if Fulham looked for somebody to compete with the Mexican on a more short-term basis. We've been linked in previous days to Wolves (ironic I know) forward Sasa Kalajdzic a signing I would be happy with if we decide to go down the short-term route.

This would allow us to free up some additional funds to look at other problem areas (Andre in midfield, another winger or maybe some added depth in defence due to Tosin's uncertainty and Ballo-Toure heading to AFCON shortly) and then look for our long-term Mitrovic replacement in the summer when clubs are more willing to sell their best assets.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-01-04-a-closer-look-at-the-resurgence-of-raul-jimenez/

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Leam Richardson: Fulham FA Cup tie 'a healthy challenge' for Rotherham United

Rotherham have not progressed past the third round in 22 years

Rotherham head coach Leam Richardson believes if his side "play with expression" they will stand a chance against Premier League Fulham in the FA Cup third round on Friday (19:30 GMT).

Richardson was Wigan Athletic's assistant manager when they knocked out Manchester City in 2018.

No stranger to a cup upset, the Millers boss knows that famous night will be tough to replicate.

"We'll do well to trump that one," Richardson told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"We had to work hard on that night and it will be no different on Friday.

"If you put the work in and are diligent in yourself and what you do, be very mindful, play with expression and that belief in what you want to do around the football pitch, you'll always try and create that chance and opportunity."

After going on an 11-match winless run between October and December, Rotherham, who are bottom of the Championship, have seen an upturn in form and are unbeaten in their past three matches, including a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

However, Richardson acknowledges the tough task in front of his side on Friday, but says the confidence his side could gain from a win is "no different" to a league victory.

"We are going to have to work very hard, it will be a healthy challenge, but first and foremost we have to give a good account of ourselves," he said.

"The players need to perform at the optimum levels and to go to Craven Cottage, or anywhere in the Premier League or the Championship, you have to be at the optimum level - Friday will be no different.

"The fixtures have not been great for us - bringing the game a day forward - but that is something we are going to have to deal with, overcome and adapt. We will do our best."

Rotherham have not progressed past the third round stage of the competition since the 2001-02 season, when they knocked out Southampton before losing to Crewe Alexandra in round four, whilst Fulham have managed that feat in each of the past four seasons.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67880425

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Fulham consider short-term deal for RB Leipzig loanee Andre Silva
Fulham are considering a short-term deal for Andre Silva, who expressed his discontent with his loan spell at Real Sociedad, FootballTransfers has been told.

The striker, who is looking for a termination of his current deal, has found himself in a challenging situation as RB Leipzig, his parent club, are not prepared to take on his wages again.

We understand Silva had become increasingly dissatisfied with his situation at Real Sociedad and is open to a move - the 26-year-old has struggled to make a significant impact in La Liga, playing just 128 minutes of action in the league this season. In total Silva has appeared in six matches in all competitions and scored a solidarity goal.

Sociedad have an option to sign Silva at the end of his deal in June 2024 but it's believed that they won't be activating that clause, leaving the player's future open.

Silva joined RB Leipzig in July 2021, on a five-year contract with a fee of €23million going to Eintracht Frankfurt. He enjoyed a decent first season at the side, scoring 17 goals in 51 matches. But last campaign, he struggled to replicate his form, netting nine goals in 44 matches, and so was subsequently sent out on loan.

Fulham January targets
Fulham remain the favourites to sign Andre despite a setback in talks in recent days. As previously revealed, the deal between them and the Fluminense midfielder is not dead and there is a quiet confidence that a breakthrough could be made as the window approaches its end.

Manchester United have not returned to the table just yet while Liverpool pulled out of the race months ago.



https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/tag/exclusive-newsnow/fulham-transfer-news-andre-silva-rb-leipzig-jacque-talbot

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Fulham star told to reject Jurgen Klopp advances as Liverpool 'work on agreement' for January
Antonee Robinson has been told to snub Liverpool in January amid reports the Reds are 'working in the hope of striking an agreement' with Fulham for their full-back.

The Reds are looking at signing a new left-back in the winter window with both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas struck down by injury, leaving Joe Gomez to play out of position to fill the void.

Jurgen Klopp's side have been without Robertson since October, with a shoulder injury keeping him out, and Tsimikas – who was filling in admirably for the Scot – was recently ruled out after a coming together with Bukayo Saka saw him break his collarbone.

The Arsenal attacker apologised for his role, despite obviously not injuring him deliberately.

In any case, Tsimikas' injury leaves Liverpool without a fit senior left-back in the squad. While Joe Gomez has filled in since the injury to the Greek defender, Klopp clearly wants a natural left-back instead.

According to 90min, the Reds have 'reached out to Fulham' to to discuss a deal for Robinson. It's said the American is 'open to moving to Anfield' and Liverpool are 'working in the hope of striking an agreement' with the Cottagers.

But former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson has urged Robinson to reject the move, as the 26-year-old will not be playing regularly when Robertson and Tsimikas return.

He told GGRecon: "I think Joe Gomez is doing well for Liverpool at left-back at the moment and it's helpful for him that the rest of the team is playing well too. However, it's unfortunate that they have both their left-backs out injured, but to sign a player to do a job for maybe six weeks or so is something which I don't believe is necessary.

"I believe the move would appeal to Robinson, but he may not be playing regularly in six weeks' time if this move were to happen in January. If I was him, I would prefer to be playing regularly at Fulham and see the season out there. He can weigh up his options in the summer instead if a move is something that he wants."



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-star-reject-jurgen-klopp-advances-liverpool-work-agreement-january

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Exclusive: Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham monitoring Champions League winner
Several Premier League clubs are keen on bringing former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino back to England if he was to become available, HITC Football understands.

Roberto Firmino decided to call time on his career with Liverpool after eight years with the Anfield club and decided that a move to Al-Ahli was the place for the forward.

The Brazilian netted 82 goals in the Premier League and it did seem a rather surprising decision for Firmino to join the Saudi Pro League side and has struggled since his move to the Middle East.

Firmino has netted just three goals in the league this season and several Premier League clubs are understood to be keen on bringing the Brazilian back to England.

Premier League sides are keen
Sources have confirmed to us that Premier League sides would be keen on the 31-year-old if he were to be made available, just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League side.

Despite his limited game time in the Middle East, we are told that he remains happy in the Middle East but could be open to a return to England if the opportunity presents itself.

We understand Marco Silva's Fulham would be keen on the Brazilian forward with Crystal Palace and West Ham United keeping abreast of the forward's current situation at the club.

The forward still has two and a half years left to run on his current Al-Ahli contract and is being handsomely paid with the Saudi side, too.

Where would Firmino be best suited
The Brazilian was a superb striker for Jurgen Klopp's side during his pomp and he would be an excellent choice for any of the three London sides who are linked.

After the Cottagers lost Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal, a striker who is good in the air and can link the play like the Serbian did is exactly what the London side need at this moment in time.

Firmino could be exactly that and you would suspect that the Cottagers may well be financially better placed to afford Firmino, simply due to the fact they made £46 million off of the sale of Mitrovic over the summer.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2024/01/04/exclusive-crystal-palace-fulham-and-west-ham-monitoring-roberto-firmino-ahead-of-possible-premier-league-return/

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Vote For Harry!

Harry Wilson's effort against West Ham United has been nominated for the Premier League's Budweiser Goal of the Month award for December.

A trademark Wilson strike, the winger collected Tom Cairney's sprayed pass before cutting in from the right and firing a sublime shot inside the far top corner.

His competition comes from two of Liverpool's goals against Fulham (Alexis Mac Allister & Wataru Endo), Martin Ødegaard, James McAtee, Danny Welbeck, Pervis Estupinan and Cole Palmer.

Voting is open now, and you can show your support for Harry at the below link until 12pm on Monday 8th January.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/04/wilson-nominated-for-goal-of-the-month/

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Liverpool's Left Back Solution: Antonee Robinson?
Liverpool's Interim Solutions and Transfer Rumours
Squad Adjustments Amidst Injuries
As Liverpool FC continue to navigate their way through this period, they do so without either Kostas Tsimikas or Andy Robertson available. As a reaction to those two ongoing injuries, the club have decided to recall Owen Beck from his very impressive half-season loan spell at Dundee United. Given the fact that the Reds Scotland captain, Andy Robertson, will be back in February, I suspect Jürgen Klopp would prefer to cover this period with youth, rather than spend on an expensive short-term measure. After the brilliant first season of Jarell Quansah, the 56-year-old German may be keen to throw more academy products into the first team picture, which may help reinvigorate some of his more senior players.

Transfer Speculations and Possible Acquisitions
Regardless of my opinion (which means little), there still seem to be tentative enquiries about various left-sided players that could arrive in this January transfer window. Gonçalo Inácio seemed like the name most likely a few weeks back, given his overall skill set and ability to play both centrally and wide. A name that he crept to the fore in the last few days, is that of Antonee Robinson, who has emerged time and time again in the Liverpool-related gossip pages. With several standout performances this season, the English-born left-back is someone who is probably looking at his next big move. Despite his international allegiance having shifted to the USA back in 2014, he is still a home-grown player, having been born in Milton Keynes and playing the entirety of his youth and senior career in English football.

Antonee Robinson: A Closer Look
Antonee Robinson Profile Club – Fulham Nationality – American (English HG) Age – 26-years-old DOB – 08/08/1997 Height – 6ft 0inch Weight – 77kg Appearances – 238 games Goals / Assists – 4 goals / 16 assists Senior Minutes Played – 19,123 Contract Expiry – June 30 2028 Transfermarkt Value – €20m Projected Cost of Deal – €30m

Robinson's Journey to Fulham
Where Did He Come From?
The former Wigan Athletic player arrived at Craven Cottage in 2020, having moved around the north of England in his youth. The first taste of football for the man known as Jedi came in 2015, where he spent four years in the Everton youth academy. Subsequent loans to Bolton and then Wigan were undertaken, having never played a senior game for Liverpool's Merseyside neighbours. Eventually, that second loan spell became permanent in 2019. The immediate progression of the tough tackling fullback nearly had the 6ft defender sign for Serie A giants, AC Milan (in January 2020), before medical issues scuppered the move to Italy. Finally, a to Fulham materialized six months later, where the 39-cap USA international has excelled ever since.

Assessing the Fit for Liverpool
What Is the Likelihood of a Move to Anfield?
The age and projected cost of this move make it unlikely, however, you imagine that given Robinson's height and defensive prowess, he may be better suited to the defensive requirements now needed on the left. The ongoing hybrid initiative is a system of play that is still being developed, which is why so many defensive left-backs have been mentioned since the summer. Each prospective player has been over 6ft and offers a certain physicality, which is not entirely how you would describe either Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas. The statistics within the link below, show that the Fulham man is an ultra-combative player, who would offer more steal and resilience to a defence that can sometimes be countered by direct opposition. There is no real injury record to worry about and whatever medical issues arose around the failed Milan move, seems to have faded away.

For Liverpool, reinforcements are vital to sustaining a run at the Premier League, therefore, if the Reds were to sign this ferocious left-back, there would only be an upside to such a January deal.



https://anfieldindex.com/61800/antonee-robinson-the-left-back-solution.html

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Rotherham Matchday Preview
Fulham v Rotherham United | Friday 5th January | 7.30pm | Craven Cottage | #FULROT

The opposition

    After winning just two of their opening 16 matches in the Championship this season, Rotherham made the decision to part ways with manager Matt Taylor following a 5-0 defeat by Watford.
    A month later, former Wigan Athletic boss Leam Richardson was hired. After a tricky start in which they lost three in a row, the Millers have found some form in recent weeks, beating Middlesbrough before drawing with Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers.
    The United squad features a host of familiar faces that Fulham came up against during our time in the second tier, with the likes of Sam Clucas, Sean Morrison, Tom Eaves and Jordan Hugill all on the books, while their record signing Christ Tiehi is the older brother of our former Academy forward Jean-Pierre Tiehi.

Fulham team news

Adama Traoré and Tim Ream are both out, though Marco Silva hopes the latter could be in contention for the Liverpool game next week. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Fodé Ballo-Touré are away on international duty.

Rotherham team news

Tyler Blackett, Daniel Ayala, Andre Green, Lee Peltier, Grant Hall, Cameron Humphreys-Grant, Fred Onyedinma and Shane Ferguson are all sidelined. The Millers recalled full-back Peter Kioso this week, but he will not be eligible at Craven Cottage, having already featured in the Emirates FA Cup this season while on loan with Peterborough United.

Tickets

Up to six tickets can be bought per person for this fixture, priced from just £25 for adults, while juniors can attend for £1! Prices increase by £10 on matchday.

Weather

A dry but cloudy and chilly evening is forecast in SW6, with temperatures around six degrees at kick-off.

Player insight

Tom Cairney knows the emphasis that Marco Silva puts on the cup competitions, and is hoping to go as far as possible in 2024.

"Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup last year, Semi-Finals of the Carabao this year, and [Marco] will say the same again," TC told FFCtv. "We're a Premier League team, got a good squad, so why not?

"Careers are so short, and you don't get many opportunities to go far in cups or get to Wembley and give fans special memories, so I want to go further than we did last year."

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Fulham Flutter

Win prizes while supporting the Foundation by playing the Fulham Flutter!

Early bird

Fans can take advantage of our early bird offers until 7pm! Full price reductions across all items can be viewed here.

Bag policy

Bags larger than A4 in size will not be permitted entry to the stadium. Please see our bag policy for full details, and information on our left luggage facility.

Form

Fulham: LD*LLW
*Won on penalties

Rotherham: LLWDD

Top scorers

Fulham: Raúl Jiménez (5)

Rotherham: Jordan Hugill, Hakeem Odofin (3)

Matchday programme

On the back of scoring four goals in his last four Fulham appearances, Raúl Jiménez is the subject of the main interview in Friday night's matchday programme. 

"It's always special to score, to feel that sensation, there is nothing like scoring a goal," reflects Raúl, on the topic of his latest strike, which came in the 2-1 win over Arsenal last Sunday. "It really was amazing. And of course, the most important thing was that we got a victory against a very tough opponent in the Premier League."

Elsewhere in the programme, Club historian Alex White looks back on previous meetings with Rotherham United in 'Past Encounters,' while he also explores matches against sides from the former Yugoslavia in 'Prestige Friendlies'. 

Priced at £3.50, you can pick up a copy of the programme on the day or online. 

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/04/rotherham-matchday-preview/

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Pre-Rotherham Press Conference
Marco Silva promises Fulham will be giving the Emirates FA Cup the attention it deserves when we host Rotherham United on Friday night.

With a trio of players now having departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, and the First Leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final at Liverpool next Wednesday, Silva was asked by the media if that trip to Anfield takes priority.

"We have a way to look for all the competitions, really thinking of the right moment for each one," he replied. "We had a really busy, busy December. We played a lot of games, we had the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup, it was really busy.

"It's difficult for us to say that one is going to be the priority in one competition. Of course, Semi-Finals you don't have the chance to play always.

"Tomorrow is going to be an FA Cup match – it's normal that we look at this competition really seriously as well. We have shown last season that situation, how serious the competition is for us.

"We are proud to play this competition, and for sure the XI that is going to start tomorrow is an XI with the desire to go through in the competition."

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/04/pre-rotherham-press-conference/

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Liverpool insiders don't understand why they've been linked to 26-year-old Fulham player
Journalist James Pearce has admitted people he's spoken to at Liverpool can't understand why they're being linked with Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

Fulham will want to keep hold of their most valuable assets such as Robinson, Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo during the January transfer window.

Speaking on the Walk On Podcast, James Pearce has shared what he's heard from people about Liverpool about their potential interest in the American international.

The performances of Antonee Robinson at left-back have improved week on week this season.

His partnership with Willian on the wing is flourishing and so many of Fulham's best attacks come down that side.

He's already provided more assists this season than in any other Premier League campaign and has unsurprisingly started every league match.

In 2023, Robinson was the only Premier League player to make more than 90 tackles, interceptions and clearances.

As a result, links to Liverpool have surfaced but Pearce has quashed suggestions that Robinson could be departing Fulham for Anfield this month.

That will come as a relief to Marco Silva who has lost his backup left-back Fode Ballo-Toure to the African Cup of Nations.

Calvin Bassey isn't available either in that role, but Timothy Castagne can play on either side if required.

Pearce says Liverpool not interested in Fulham star Robinson
Speaking about the supposed interest on Merseyside in the American, Pearce said: "It's like the defensive issue at the minute, people I've spoken to recently, Liverpool were linked with Robinson the full-back at Fulham, and when you check that out you're told 'why on earth would we sign another left-back when hopefully Robertson will be back by the end of January.'

"You can't just stockpile left-backs, you have Tsimikas to return at the end of February or maybe March time."

Fulham fans will breathe a sigh of relief that Robinson doesn't look set to be heading to Liverpool at this stage of the transfer window.

With the two teams set to fight for a place in the Carabao Cup final over two legs starting next week, the last thing the club will want to do is strengthen their opponents.

The Whites have been notoriously bad at selling their assets at the right time.

Even Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit which earned Fulham a lot of money can't be considered a success as the club failed to properly replace him.

In all likelihood, Robinson won't spend the rest of his career at Craven Cottage.

It might therefore be important that they consider when Robinson's value is going to peak and prepare a replacement for that transfer window.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/01/04/liverpool-insiders-dont-understand-why-theyve-been-linked-to-26-year-old-fulham-player/

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Fulham keeping tabs on Mengi
Fulham are keeping a close eye on Luton Town defender Teden Mengi as 'one of the future,' according to various reports this morning.

The former Manchester United centre back has made a real impression on the Premier League since moving to Kenilworth Road earlier this summer. Despite being initially viewed as back up within the Hatters squad, Mengi has become a regular in Rob Edwards' side, starting their last eleven league matches – and scoring his first Luton goal in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The 21 year-old helped Luton kept their first clean sheet of the campaign in a surprise win over Newcastle before Christmas – with Fulham and Crystal Palace monitoring his progress, according to the Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano.

A deal would likely need to be done in the summer at the earliest, with Edwards and the Luton hierarchy having already publicly stated that they will not be weakening their squad over the coming month. Fulham will certainly be looking at introducing younger defenders with American veteran Tim Ream having been a mainstay of Marco Silva's back four since the Portuguese coach took over from Scott Parker in 2021 and Tosin Adarabioyo out of contract at the end of the season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/fulham-keeping-tabs-on-mengi/

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Fulham consider Silva swoop
Fulham are considering a January loan month for Red Bull Leipzig striker Andre Silva, according to a Football Transfers report this morning.

The Portuguese international is unhappy with his lack of playing time on loan at Real Sociedad, but his parent club are unwilling to absorb all of his wages for the remainder of the season. The Bundesliga outfit will seek a solution in January and are open to loaning him out elsewhere for the rest of this campaign. Silva will be keen to get some more playing-time at a new destination, having managed just six appearances and a single goal in Spain.

Silva, who signed for Leipzig in a reported £20m deal from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2021, hit seventeen goals in his first season with his new club but only managed nine in a more difficult second season. The former Porto and AC Milan centre forward, who has scored nineteen goals in 53 senior international caps and helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in 2



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/fulham-consider-silva-swoop/

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Firmino linked with Fulham move
Fulham have been linked with a move for former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian was offered to a host of Premier League sides over the past 24 hours.

The Champions League winner, who scored 111 goals in 362 games at Anfield, is keen on a return to England as he seeks to bring his unhappy stay in Saudi Arabia to an end after just eight months. He has scored just three goals in nineteen games since signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahly and has been badly affected by the shock passing of his father, who suffered a fatal heart attack in November.

Firmino, who was close to joining Sheffield United before the Blades Paul Heckingbottom, is reported to be seriously interesting West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham. The Whites are keen on strengthening their striking resources during the January transfer window with Marco Silva's side believed to be in negotiations surrounding the departures of Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz. Silva is known to have made a new striker a target as he wanted experienced alternatives to Raul Jimenez even before deals to sell the two Brazilian strikers became serious prospects.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/firmino-linked-with-fulham-move/

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Wilson wonder strike nominated for goal of month
Harry Wilson's sensational strike against West Ham United has been nominated for the Premier League goal of the month competition for December.

The Welsh winger curled in a brilliant fourth goal as the Whites put five past the Hammers shortly after coming off the bench and his superb effort, that found the top corner from a brilliant pass by captain Tom Cairney, has been shortlisted as a contender for the prestigious award.

You can vote for the Fulham winger to win the award here.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/wilson-wonder-strike-nominated-for-goal-of-month/

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Silva: We're fully focused on Rotherham
Marco Silva insists that Fulham will be fully focused on taking on Rotherham United on Friday night as their FA Cup campaign gets underway.

The Portuguese head coach pointed to the Cottagers' progress to the last eight of the world's oldest cup competition last season as an indication of how highly he values the Cup, but admits that he may look to offer some playing time to some of the fringe players in his squad against the Championship strugglers at Craven Cottage tomorrow night. He rejected any suggested that Fulham would already have their League Cup semi-final against Liverpool, with the first leg taking place at Anfield next Wednesday, on their mind.

Silva told his pre-match press conference:

"We have a way to look for all the competitions, really thinking of the right moment for each one. We had a really busy, busy December. We played a lot of games, we had the quarter final of the Carabao Cup, it was really busy. It's difficult for us to say that one is going to be the priority in one competition. Of course, semi-finals you don't have the chance to play always.

Tomorrow is going to be an FA Cup match – it's normal that we look at this competition really seriously as well. We have shown last season that situation, how serious the competition is for us. We are proud to play this competition, and for sure the eleven that is going to start tomorrow is an eleven with the desire to go through in the competition.

The Fulham boss also hinted that it may be difficult for the club to strengthen his squad significantly during the transfer window.

"It's probably going to be a quiet month. We are talking and seeing what we can do, from a financial point of view. Let's see. I don't want to talk about positions. Firstly we have to see what we can do financially. After we can decide what is important."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/silva-were-fully-focused-on-rotherham/

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Silva faces disrepute charge
Marco Silva has been charged with breaching Football Association rules after claiming that referee Sam Barrott wasn't experienced enough to officiate Fulham's game at Newcastle United last month.

The Fulham boss was furious that Raul Jimenez was sent off for a wild tackle but that Jamal Lascelles, who had elbowed the Mexican striker in the face, escaped any punishment. His trenchant criticism in the post-match interviews after Fulham's 3-0 defeat has now seen him charged.

A statement from the FA this afternoon read:

"Fulham Football Club's manager Marco Silva has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following their Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 16 December 2023. It's alleged that his comments in the post-match media interviews following the fixture, constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of, and/or are insulting towards the match official and/or the Video Assistant Referee, an/or bring the game into disrepute.

Marco Silva has until Monday 8 January to provide a response."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/silva-faces-disrepute-charge/

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Marco Silva: Fulham manager charged by Football Association after comments about referee
Fulham manager Marco Silva has been charged by the Football Association for comments about the referee in the Cottagers' 3-0 loss at Newcastle.

After last month's defeat Silva said Sam Barrott "didn't have the experience to handle the pressure".

Fulham striker Raul Jimenez was sent off and Silva unhappy no action was taken against Jamaal Lascelles when he caught the Mexican two minutes earlier.

The FA allege his comments constitute improper conduct.

In a statement, the FA said of Silva: "It is alleged that his comments in the post-match interviews following the fixture constitute improper conduct, in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of and/or are insulting towards the match official and/or bring the game into disrepute."

Silva has until Monday, 8 January to respond.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67886178

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Silva unsure whether Fulham duo will stay
Fulham boss Marco Silva admits he is unsure if Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo will be sold in this month's transfer window.

Tosin has refused to sign a new contract and his current agreement is up at the end of the season.

The former Manchester City defender was close to moving to Monaco in the summer, only for an injury to scupper the move to France.

Palhinha was allowed to fly to Germany to undergo a medical with Bayern Munich only for the move to collapse at the last minute after Scott McTominay turned down the chance to move from Manchester United.

The Portugal international signed an improved contract after returning to London but Silva hinted club officials could sanction a sale if another offer comes in for the 28-year-old.

"They are both committed to us, that I am 100 per cent sure of," Silva said.

"But what happens in the market I cannot control. It is not for me to say.

"I don't know what other clubs are looking for or if they are going to put bid on.

"It is something I am not thinking about."

Silva is also expecting a quiet window with the club looking to keep within the Premier League's FFP rules in addition to signing players to improve the squad.

"I expect it to be a quiet month we are looking to see what we can and to be clear what we can do from a financial point of view," he said.

"The next few days will be more clear."

Tim Ream and Adama Traore are still unavailable for Friday's FA Cup tie against Rotherham at Craven Cottage due to injury, with Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Fode Ballo-Toure away on AFCON duty.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-unsure-if-fulham-players-will-stay-in-january