Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/02/24...

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Fulham Eyeing Bundesliga Sensation for Attack

Fulham's Transfer Window Strategy: Seeking Alternatives to Boost Attack
Fulham's active engagement in the transfer market, as reported by TEAMtalk, illustrates the club's determination to bolster its attacking options. With Marco Silva at the helm, the Cottagers are reportedly in talks to secure Stuttgart forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan, positioning him as an alternative to Chelsea's Armando Broja. This move indicates a clear strategy to provide competition for Raul Jimenez and deepen the squad's offensive capabilities.

Fulham's Attacking Conundrum
Marco Silva's quest for a new attacker is driven by the need to complement and challenge Raul Jimenez. However, the club's pursuit of Chelsea's Broja has hit a snag due to Chelsea's demand for a £5m loan fee, making negotiations complex. "Fulham are interested in signing Broja on loan but Chelsea's demand for a £5m loan fee has made negotiations difficult," as per TEAMtalk's report.

Scouring the Market for Alternatives
In response to the challenges in securing Broja, Fulham have broadened their search, with Silas emerging as a potential target. The DR Congo international's versatility to play as a striker or right winger adds to his appeal. His performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping DR Congo reach the quarter-finals, underscores his impact on the field. "The 25-year-old is currently on international duty in the Africa Cup of Nations," TEAMtalk highlights, showcasing his current form.

Silas: A Potential Key Signing
Silas' track record since joining Stuttgart in 2019 for around £7m from Paris FC is notable, with 33 goals in 120 appearances. This scoring prowess could be invaluable to Fulham as they aim to enhance their attacking options. "Silas signed for Stuttgart outfit in the summer of 2019... and has gone on to make 120 appearances, scoring 33 goals in total," reports TEAMtalk, suggesting his potential impact at Fulham.

The Ekitike Angle
Apart from Silas, Fulham is also reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a loan for Hugo Ekitike. The young striker's openness to a Premier League move adds another dimension to Fulham's transfer strategy. However, with Eintracht Frankfurt currently leading the race for Ekitike, Fulham faces competition in securing his services.

Final Hours of the Transfer Window
As the transfer deadline approaches, Fulham's activity in the market is a space to watch. Their pursuit of Silas, alongside the potential move for Ekitike, indicates a proactive approach in strengthening the squad. "With that in mind, Fulham are definitely a team to keep an eye on before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight," TEAMtalk concludes, pointing to a potentially busy conclusion to Fulham's transfer window.

In conclusion, Fulham's search for attacking reinforcements, as detailed by TEAMtalk, reflects a strategic approach to building a competitive squad. The pursuit of Silas Katompa Mvumpa, alongside the interest in Hugo Ekitike, demonstrates the club's commitment to enhancing their offensive prowess. As the transfer window draws to a close, Fulham's decisions could significantly shape their prospects for the remainder of the season.



https://eplindex.com/103736/fulham-eyeing-bundesliga-sensation-for-attack.html

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Fulham Paying Vastly Reduced Loan Fee For Armando Broja
Fulham are snapping up Armando Broja from Chelsea for a loan fee of just an initial £750,000, according to the Independent.

Chelsea started the transfer window by demanding a fee of £50m to let Broja go and were adamant any loan would have to include an obligation to buy for that amount.

The Blues changed their stance on deadline day and said they would consider simple loans, but only for a fee of £5m.

Now the situation has changed again and Broja is going to Fulham for a vastly reduced loan fee.

It is claimed that Fulham are now paying as little as an initial £750,000 to take Broja on loan to Craven Cottage for the rest of the season.

The deal will also contain possible conditions on the fee which relate to the number of games the striker plays.

Chelsea will be looking to see Broja play regularly in order to keep his value up ahead of the summer.

For Fulham, Marco Silva will now have another striking option to call upon for the second half of the campaign.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/02/01/fulham-paying-vastly-reduced-loan-fee-for-armando-broja/635409/

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Broja set to decide between Fulham and Wolves
Chelsea striker Armando Broja will decide whether to join Fulham or Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan for the remainder of the season after the terms of his exit from Stamford Bridge have been finalised, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.

The Blues have significantly dropped their loan fee and the demand for an obligation to buy in the summer in order to allow the 22 year-old to get more regular football than he would have enjoyed under Mauricio Pochettino. Broja is Marco Silva's preferred option to strengthen Fulham's attack, but the Albanian international has also been the subject of a loan approach from Wolves earlier in the window.

AC Milan made an approach earlier today but their financial constraints scuppered a move to Italy – although this could be revisited in the summer with the Serie A side. Broja, an used substitute in Chelsea's 4-1 thrashing at Liverpool last night, was out for nine months last year with an ACL injury and has scored twice this term – with the one of the goals coming against Fulham at Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/broja-set-to-decide-between-fulham-and-wolves/

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Armando Broja set to undergo medical at Fulham ahead of joining on £4m loan deal from Chelsea
Armando Broja is heading for a medical at Fulham ahead of a potential loan move from Chelsea.

Full story to follow.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13034447/Armando-Broja-set-undergo-medical-Fulham.html

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Donnell joins Airdrieonians on loan
Fulham midfielder Chris Donnell, 20, has joined Scottish side Airdrieonians on loan until the end of the season.

The Australian youth international joins a side placed sitting fifth in the table and who haven't tasted defeat since before Christmas.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/68158561

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Chelsea transfer 'close to agreement' as striker is told to 'decide between' two PL clubs after 'U-turn'
According to reports, Fulham and Wolves target Armando Broja is edging closer towards an exit from Premier League giants Chelsea.

All eyes are on the Broja transfer saga as not much else of note is happening on deadline day.

Earlier this week, Chelsea turned down a straight loan bid from Premier League rivals Wolves for Broja. It has been suggested that the Blues were initially only interested in a permanent exit and valued the forward at around £50m.

Understandably, Premier League clubs have scoffed at this high asking price as Broja has only scored one goal in his 13 league appearances this season.

On Thursday evening, Football Insider revealed Wolves are 'rivalling Fulham in the late-window race' to sign Broja. The report adds.

    'It is believed Chelsea are now open to loan offers for Broja in a U-turn on their original stance on the Albania international's future.

    'Football Insider previously revealed (22 January) that Chelsea want around £50million for the ex-Southampton loanee.

    'West Ham had previously held an interest in the forward but baulked at the Blues' valuation.

    'But sources now say the Stamford Bridge club are now willing to loan the striker out again – but want any deal to include an option or obligation clause.'

The Athletic's David Ornstein has since revealed that 'Chelsea are close to agreeing for Broja to leave the club on loan'.

Ornstein explained: 'The Albania international, 22, must now decide between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers – with both clubs keen to do a deal before the deadline.

'Serie A side AC Milan enquired about the forward today, but due to financial constraints could not proceed. That deal is expected to be revisited in the summer.'

More to follow...



https://www.football365.com/news/chelsea-transfer-close-agreement-striker-told-decide-two-prem-clubs-u-turn

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Armando Broja: Fulham agree loan deal for Chelsea forward until end of the season

Broja is set to join Fulham on a loan deal until the end of the season; the deal is set to include a loan fee worth up to £4m; the winter transfer window closes on Thursday at 11pm in England and 11.30pm in Scotland

Fulham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Chelsea forward Armando Broja on loan until the end of the season.

The loan fee for the forward could be worth up to £4m - depending on appearances and performance.

More to follow...



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/13060605/armando-broja-fulham-agree-loan-deal-for-chelsea-forward-until-end-of-the-season

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Broja 'to join Fulham'
The Independent's Sonia Twigg is reporting that Armando Broja will join Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season after protracted negotiations with Chelsea over the proposed transfer.

The 22 year-old is poised to have a medical at Motspur Park rather than move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a welcome development for Marco Silva, who had made the Albanian international his number one target during the January transfer window. Fulham's need for attacking reinforcements heightened after Raul Jimenez limped out of Wednesday's stalemate with Everton after injuring his hamstring.

Chelsea, who initially valued Broja at £50m and then wanted a £5m loan fee, will receive under £750,000 from their neighbours for the deal – with a penalty fee of up until £4m applicable if the 22 year-old does not become a regular starter under Silva between now and the end of the season. He will eligible to make his Fulham debut at Burnley on Saturday if the deal goes through tonight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/broja-to-join-fulham/

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Armando Broja heading for Fulham medical
Fulham have reached a loan agreement to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja, according to Sami Mokbel.

The Cottagers and Wolves showed interest in signing the 22-year-old striker this month along with other Premier League clubs.

Mokbel says that the player is heading for a medical at Fulham. It would be a complex loan agreement that could see the Cottagers pay £4m for the Albanian striker.

They have agreed a deal in principle to sign Broja. Fulham wanted him badly after Wolves pulled out of the race, as per Lyall Thomas.

Chelsea initially demanded a fee in the region of £50m. They later reduced the asking price to £35m, and now finally they are willing to send him on loan, with a loan fee involved.

While Fulham have not matched the £5m that Chelsea wanted there is expectation that the rest of the process will go smoothly.

"Chelsea striker Armando Broja joining Fulham on loan until the end of the season. Loan fee up to £4million. Player heading for a medical," wrote Mokbel on X.

Much needed
Marco Silva admitted in the press conference that Fulham will look to bring in one or two players before the end of the window, and they have now less than six hours (at the time of writing) to complete all the formalities.

Broja is a natural goalscorer and it has come as a big surprise to many that Chelsea have allowed him to leave. Fulham badly needed attacking reinforcement for the rest of the season, and Broja is a fantastic addition to the squad.

Following a run of just seven wins in 22 Premier League matches so far this season, the Cottagers will hope that Broja can make a big impact at Craven Cottage.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Fulham are pushing for a move for Stuttgart winger Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan.



https://sports-view.co.uk/2024/02/armando-broja-heading-for-fulham-medical

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David Moyes confidant says Brentford and Fulham have been trying to derail West Ham D-Day transfer
A David Moyes confidant says Brentford and Fulham have been trying to derail a West Ham D-Day transfer deal.

As West Ham fans will know, the club has been trying to ship fringe players out to avoid breaking FFP rules over wages-to-turnover.

But London rivals Fulham and Brentford have been putting a bit of a spanner in the works as a crucial deal nears completion.

West Ham agreed a loan with obligation deal to send former Brentford star Said Benrahma to Lyon last night.

The deal will be worth over £15m to West Ham all told. So it is key, especially in terms of enabling the Hammers to bring players in.

Brentford and Fulham were trying to derail West Ham transfer
But Benrahma has been dragging his heels on the move. And it appears Fulham and Brentford could be partially to blame.

Because a David Moyes confidant says Brentford and Fulham have been trying to derail his West Ham D-Day transfer.

Reports from France on deadline day afternoon claimed Benrahma had finally agreed to join Lyon from the Hammers.

But the delay may now cost West Ham the chance to bring in the left-sided attacker Moyes craves.

And he can lay some of the blame at the door of the Cottagers and Brentford it seems.

Because Scottish journalist Alan Nixon, who counts Hammers boss Moyes among his close contacts, and his newspaper The Sun.

They claim both Fulham and the Bees have been trying to hijack the move for Benrahma.

London rivals put spanner in works over Benrahma
"West Ham's Said Benrahma is stalling on a move to French side Lyon after a £15 million deal was sorted," Nixon claims on his Patreon.

"Benrahma turned down the switch before and is still not sure he wants to go...

"Benrahma has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia as well as Marseille and former club Brentford," The Sun reports.

It seems the agreement with Lyon has prevailed, though.

Whether West Ham were confident enough it would be in order to line up a signing of their own remains to be seen.

And we don't have to wait long to find out.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/david-moyes-confidant-says-brentford-and-fulham-have-been-trying-to-derail-west-ham-d-day-transfer/

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Sources: Loan fee and details revealed as Armando Broja 'on his way' to Fulham medical
HITC Sources understand that Chelsea have confirmed a deal agreed with Fulham for Armando Broja.

HITC Football reported this morning that Fulham are continuing talks with Armando Broja as they look to try and seal a deal for the Albanian.

Chelsea made it clear they would allow Broja to leave on deadline day, however, if it is to be a permanent deal they would want a fee worth at least £35million increasing to more than £40million.

Now, the two London clubs appear to have struck a deal, where the striker will head to Craven Cottage on loan.

Armando Broja 'on his way' to Fulham medical
HITC Football can confirm that Armando Broja is on his way to his Fulham medical.

The towering forward will make the short trip to the north bank of the River Thames to Motspur Park to get everything in order for his arrival.

The deal is understood to be a loan – but what are the full details?

Armando Broja to Fulham loan details revealed
The deal between the two clubs will be a loan, with no obligation to buy. The cost will be £4 million maximum. The fee is dependant on how much he plays.

A good deal for both clubs. Chelsea rid of some unwanted weight and Fulham receive a striker to add to their ranks – but how will he fit in?

How Armando Broja fits in at Fulham
Fulham love a boisterous target man at Craven Cottage, and Broja is just that. The Albanian sure does know how to put himself about and will be a fantastic addition to the system, being able to rotate with the ageing Raul Jimenez.

One of the most exciting deals on deadline day coming to fruition – looks like Marco Silva has his man.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2024/02/01/sources-loan-fee-and-details-revealed-as-armando-broja-on-his-way-to-fulham-medical/

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Fulham kid signs for Airdrie as boss Rhys McCabe strengthens for Championship campaign
Chris Donnell has signed a loan deal from the English Premier League club for the rest of this season

Airdrie have signed midfielder Chris Donnell on loan from English Premier League side Fulham on a deal until the end of this season.

The 20-year-old signed at Craven Cottage last summer and caught the eye of the under-21 side, but has been sent out to get game-time.

Donnell was born in Glasgow but moved to Australia at an early age, and has been selected by their under-20 and under-23 sides.

Boss Rhys McCabe told the club's website: "I've watched Chris from afar for a wee while now. He's a big athletic boy with great energy levels and fitness.

"He can play in a variety of positions, midfield and upfront - covering three or four positions fits the model that we're trying to build here, and gives us that different dynamic in terms of changing shape.

"He's a quality player and we're sure he'll do well."

Donnell said: "First and foremost I'm happy to be here - I was excited when I was told the opportunity was there, and I'm just happy to get it over the line.

"I want us to get promoted. I want to get into the play-offs, obviously the boys have done really well and are in a good position, and hopefully I can help to make it a special season."



https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/fulham-kid-signs-airdrie-boss-32024853

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Armando Broja: Fulham close on loan deal for Chelsea striker

Armando Broja made his Chelsea debut in 2020

Fulham are close to securing the services of Chelsea striker Armando Broja on loan for the rest of the season.

Broja, 22, has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this campaign, scoring two goals.

The Albania international was also a target for Wolves and AC Milan this month.

He missed half of the 2022-23 season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022.

Broja is a graduate of Chelsea's academy and has scored three goals in 38 appearances since making his debut against Everton in March 2020.

Fulham sit 12th in the Premier League, two places and six points behind Chelsea, and just six teams have scored fewer than their tally of 28 goals in 2023-24.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68172542

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Chelsea striker Armando Broja on verge of joining Premier League rivals as Blues reduced loan fee demands
Armando Broja looks finally set to join Fulham with Chelsea lowering their loan fee demands, talkSPORT understands.

The centre-forward is undergoing a medical at Craven Cottage to add much-needed firepower to Marco Silva's front-line.

talkSPORT told you how the Cottagers – as well as Wolves and Aston Villa – were keen to sign the striker before the winter window slams shut on Thursday night.

However their initial loan fee demands of £5million were putting off potential suitors for the 22-year-old, who they value at around £35million.

But the west Londoners have had a change of heart, and will allow the Albania international to head off on loan until the summer, with the fee now at around £4m.

Though that figure is based on set criteria which includes Fulham paying penalties if the ex-Southampton loan star doesn't play a certain amount of games when fit.

It had been thought that Chelsea would only allow Broja to leave if they could bring in a replacement.

However it remains to be seen whether a striker will be on his way to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 11pm deadline.

Broja has struggled for form since suffering a serious knee injury in late 2022 which ruled him out of the rest of the season.

Since returning to fitness, he has been used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino.



He has appeared in just 13 Premier League matches – starting six times – with the player finding the back of the net just once.

Fulham boss Silva hinted at a possible swoop for Broja in his recent press conference with Raul Jimenez out injured.

Pressed on whether he will make a move for a striker, the former Everton manager said: "Not just because Raul is injured.

"From last summer, our squad lost as we sold a striker [Aleksandar Mitrovic] for a big amount of money.

"The club is trying to do something. Let's see what can happen."

Speaking directly about Broja, he remarked: "I'm not going to make any comments on players and rumours. I will not talk about players from other clubs."



https://talksport.com/football/1733492/

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Fulham pushing for move for Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan
Fulham are pushing for a move for Stuttgart winger Silas Katompa Mvumpa on loan with an obligation to buy, as per Florian Plettenberg.

After a dismal run of just seven wins in 22 Premier League matches so far this season, Fulham are accelerating efforts to bolster their attack before the transfer deadline.

Their goalscoring woes were further laid bare in the 0-0 stalemate with Everton in their recent Premier League outings where Marco Silva's side missed a flurry of chances to secure maximum points at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers are now in search of reinforcements upfront and have already been linked with several options. Recent reports revealed that Fulham made a loan proposal to sign Armando Broja but the move was rebuffed by Chelsea due to disagreements regarding fees as The Blues were holding on to a higher fee for the centre-forward.

    🚨Exclusive News Silas Katompa Mvumpa: Fulham is pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy in the range of €15m now!

    Offer have been submitted ✔️

    His agent Mehmet Eser from M-Soccermanagement in talks with Fulham.

    Silas, keen on the move but no 🟢 light from @VfB yet.... pic.twitter.com/n0x7pcY16m

    — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 1, 2024

They have now set their sights on DR Congo international, Silas who has recorded 9 goal contributions across all competitions for Stuttgart this season.

Plettenberg reports that offers of a loan with an obligation to buy in the range of €15m have been submitted by the West London side who are in talks with his agent, Mehmet Eser.

He further reports that the 25-year-old is keen on the move but there's no green light from Stuttgart yet.

As the transfer deadline approaches in the next few hours, it remains to be seen if Fulham can get a deal over the line for Silas who is still contracted to Stuttgart until June 2026.

The Cottagers will hope their goalscoring problems are not exposed yet again when they square off against Burnley at Turf Moor on Matchday 23 of the Premier League on Saturday.

Fulham, meanwhile have agreed a loan deal for Armando Broja. The Chelsea striker will now travel to Craven Cottage to undergo his medical.

The Cottager also showed keen interest in Rayan Cherki but it appears he will stay at Lyon after Fulham's approach was rejected.



https://sports-view.co.uk/2024/02/fulham-pushing-for-move-for-silas-katompa-mvumpa-on-loan

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Breakthrough: Fulham strike deal to sign "strong" new striker for Silva
Marco Silva looks set to finally get his man.

In what has been a quiet transfer window for the Cottagers, Fulham have reportedly left it late to reach an agreement in a deal to sign a Premier League forward for Marco Silva. The former Everton boss looks set to finally land a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham transfer news
The London club attempted to replace Mitrovic with the arrival of Raul Jimenez in the summer, but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has only shown glimpses of what he's capable of, leaving the Cottagers without a consistent goalscorer. And whilst this is unlikely to cost them their top-flight status, if Fulham want to set their ambitions a little higher, then welcoming another forward could be the key, especially after Jimenez's injury.

Silva recently spoke about the potential of new arrivals, saying: "Okay, to be honest with you, if you ask me that I'm expecting some or very many things until the end of the market, no. I was clear with you from the beginning of the window.

"Of course, with the decisive games we had before this one, if it was possible to do something we should have done it in the beginning of the window because we had semi-finals to play, FA Cup to play and all that stuff. Of course, the board is trying to do their best. If you ask me if I expect many, many things until the end of the market then no."

The gaffer seems to have quite the poker face, however, with reports suggesting that his side have made a breakthrough to welcome a reinforcement. According to Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph, Fulham are set to sign Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea for a fee of £4m. The news has also since been backed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X:

🚨⚪️⚫️ Armando Broja to Fulham, here we go! Agreement reached on loan until the end of the season for £4m fee to Chelsea.

Broja will complete medical tests tonight in order to sign later.@TurkishAirlines ✈️ pic.twitter.com/9c0tXw4u7O

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2024

Finally getting their man, those at Craven Cottage will now be hoping to see Broja instantly hit the ground running.

"Strong" Broja can rediscover best form at Fulham
So far, it's been a season to forget for Broja at Chelsea, with just two goals and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, albeit in a struggling side at Stamford Bridge. Still only 22-years-old, however, the forward still has plenty of time to realise his potential and discover his best form - something that consistent game time at Fulham should help.

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is certainly a fan of Broja, previously signing his praises: "Well I gave him his debut at Chelsea so I did know him! He's a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy.

"He came into us at the start of the Covid times, trained with us and showed the attributes that I think you're seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton. He's fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he's a very, very good young player so I'm very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well."



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-deal-agreed-for-chelsea-striker-armando-broja/