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

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Fulham suddenly 'pushing' to sign West Ham player – 'Determined' to get him before transfer deadline
As reported earlier on on Thursday, West Ham appeared to have reached an agreement with Lyon for the transfer of Saïd Benrahma, with the latter even booking a plane to bring him to France.

The problem is, Fulham have now joined the race, as Foot Mercato have an article on the Craven Cottage side's last ditch attempt to sign the Algeria international.

While Lyon had come to an agreement regarding a loan with an option to buy, and a medical was already being organised for the West Ham player, they now have to make do with Fulham trying to ruin the party.

Foot Mercato explain the Craven Cottage residents are 'pushing' to sign the winger, and they are 'determined to sign' him before the end of the transfer window.

Lyon have 'done everything' they can to convince Benrahma to pick them, but this late addition from Fulham could change the entire operation.

Whether Marco Silva and those above manage to convince West Ham to let the player simply switch clubs in London remains to be seen, but they certainly are being a pain in the backside as far as the Ligue 1 side are concerned.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-suddenly-pushing-sign-west-ham-player-determined-get-transfer-deadline/

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EPL Index: Fulham's Future Star?

Fulham's Ambitious Move for Lyon's Rayan Cherki: A Strategic Play
In an exciting development that has the football community buzzing, Fulham's bold approach to sign Lyon's prodigious talent, Rayan Cherki, signifies a powerful statement of intent. Simon Jones of the Daily Mail brings to light the Premier League club's keen interest in the attacking midfielder, whose performances in Ligue 1 have not gone unnoticed.

Cherki's Impressive Journey
At the tender age of 20, Rayan Cherki has already crossed the milestone of making over 100 senior appearances, a testament to his exceptional talent and maturity on the field. Since his debut in 2019, Cherki has been a revelation, showcasing skills that belie his years and playing a pivotal role in Lyon's campaigns.

Premier League Interest
Cherki's ability to influence games has attracted attention from top-tier English clubs, with Chelsea previously eyeing him as a potential successor to Christian Pulisic. His flair, vision, and scoring ability make him a sought-after prospect for teams looking to bolster their attacking options.

Lyon's Struggles and Cherki's Future
Despite Cherki's individual brilliance, Lyon finds itself in a precarious position this season, grappling with relegation fears. The club's instability, marked by the rotation of three different managers, casts a shadow over its future, potentially hastening Cherki's departure.

A move to Fulham for a reported fee of £30m could benefit all parties involved. Lyon's strategy to rejuvenate its squad involves acquiring talents like Orel Mangala and Said Benrahma, indicating a reshuffle aimed at revival.

Strategic Significance
For Fulham, securing Cherki's services would be a coup, adding youthful exuberance and creativity to their midfield. It represents not just an investment in talent but a clear vision for the club's future. Cherki's integration into the Premier League, known for its intensity and competitiveness, will be eagerly watched by fans and pundits alike.

In conclusion, Fulham's pursuit of Rayan Cherki is a narrative of ambition, showcasing their desire to compete at the highest levels. As developments unfold, the football world will be keen to see if this move materialises, marking another chapter in Cherki's promising career.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Dissecting Rayan Cherki's Impact
Cherki's Attacking Prowess

As the EPL anticipates the arrival of Rayan Cherki, a deep dive into his performance data and stats, courtesy of Fbref, reveals the extent of his impact on the pitch. The data visualisation places Cherki among the top percentile ranks for attacking midfielders and wingers, highlighting his offensive contributions.

Cherki's ability to find the net from open play is reflected in his non-penalty goals statistics, situating him comfortably in the median percentile. However, it's in the realms of shot-creating actions where he truly excels, with his percentile soaring. This indicates not only his propensity to take chances but also his capacity to set them up, underlining his dual threat as a creator and finisher.

Commanding the Play
Delving into his possession stats, Cherki's proficiency in ball progression is immediately evident. His percentile for progressive passes and carries is among the highest, illustrating his pivotal role in transitioning play from defence to attack. Furthermore, his impressive stats for successful take-ons and touches indicate a player who isn't just involved in the game but is often dictating its flow.

Defensive Contributions
In defensive metrics, while not his primary domain, Cherki still shows commendable effort. The data reflects a player willing to engage in the less glamorous side of the game, contributing to tackles and interceptions when necessary.

Conclusion
Rayan Cherki emerges from this analysis not just as a talent to watch, but as a multifaceted force on the field. His stats encapsulate a player who is just as likely to dazzle with a deft pass as he is to dispossess an opponent. For EPL enthusiasts and statisticians alike, Cherki's blend of technical skill and tenacious play is a promise of electrifying performances to come. With the right development and guidance, these numbers suggest that Cherki could evolve into one of the most complete players of his generation.



https://eplindex.com/103670/epl-index-fulhams-future-star.html

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Fulham eye up Ekitike deal
Fulham have resurrected their interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike as a deadline alternative to Armando Broja, according to the Daily Mail.

The Cottagers are not willing to meet Chelsea's demand for loan fee of £5m for Broja and are busy hammering out a deal to take the French under-20 international to Craven Cottage instead. Ekitike, who has been on Fulham's radar for several seasons, burst on the French scene by scoring eleven times in 26 appearances for Reims before signing for Paris Saint-Germain on loan with an obligation to buy. He helped PSG win Ligue 1, scoring four goals and adding four assists, but has made only one league appearance this term.

PSG, who would not require a loan fee, are seeking a destination for one of their prized assets to play regularly for the remainder of the season and Ekitike has emerged as a plausible option for Silva, who came close to green-lighting a permanent move for the pacey striker last summer. He has interest from a number of Bundesliga clubs but would likely play more regularly at Craven Cottage given the hamstring injury suffered by Raul Jimenez in midweek.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/fulham-eye-up-ekitike-deal/

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Haller spurns Fulham switch
Sebastien Haller turned down a loan move to Fulham last night because he was not unwilling to interrupt his international duties, according to various reports.

The former West Ham forward, currently representing hosts Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations, will remain with Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season despite the Whites approaching the Bundesliga club about the 29 year-old's availability. Dortmund were willing to do a deal – having already been involved in protracted negotiations with Besiktas over the past month – but Haller immediately rejected the proposal having been given permission to speak to the Premier League side.

Haller hit 14 goals in 54 games for the Hammers before getting his career back on track at Ajax, where he scored 47 goals in 66 games, and moving to Germany in July 2022. He has not scored a Bundesliga goal for Dortmund this term and is currently preparing for a quarter final against Mali on Saturday – having converted the third penalty in a second round shoot-out success over Senegal.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/haller-spurns-fulham-switch/

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Fulham see deadline day enquiry for striker turned away – Club decided against letting player go
Fulham made a late enquiry for Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller on deadline day but saw the German side refuse to sanction a deal.

That's according to Sky Germany and journalist Florian Plettenberg, who report that Dortmund have decided against letting the striker go.

Fulham have been short up front this season after the departure of Aleksandr Mitrovic, with the likes of Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius not filling the gap he left behind.

The former has now picked up a hamstring injury which could see him spend an extended period on the sidelines and Fulham are scrambling to find an alternative on deadline day as a result.

That saw them make inquiries with Borussia Dortmund for Haller, who had been linked with a move away from the German side this month.

They were seeking a loan deal until the end of the season, but it seems that was vetoed by Dortmund, who have decided to keep Haller at the club rather than let him go.

That's disappointing for Fulham, who will now need to look elsewhere for the striker that Marco Silva desperately needs to add to his squad.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-see-deadline-day-enquiry-striker-turned-away-club-decided-letting-player-go/

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Fulham are in talks with Lyon over a move for France Under 21 star Rayan Cherki... while they are still keen on West Ham's Said Benrahma

    Lyon star Rayan Cherki, 20, has already made over 100 appearances for the club

Fulham have been in talks with Lyon for midfielder Rayan Cherki and have also showed a late interest in Said Benrahma after asking earlier in the window.

Cherki, 20, has made more than 100 appearances for the Ligue 1 strugglers since making his debut as a 16-year-old.

The attacking midfielder is one of Lyon's stars and has also scored 11 goals in just 19 appearances for France's Under 21 team.

Cherki has long courted attention from Premier League teams and was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer as a potential replacement for Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge.

Despite Cherki's contributions Lyon have struggled this season, with the former giants of French football floundering in the relegation zone having already had three separate managers.


Fulham have been in talks with Lyon for 20-year-old French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki
 

They have lso revived their interest in Said Benrahma after looking at him earlier in January

Fulham have also revived their interest in Benrahma after looking at the Algerian earlier in the transfer window.

This comes despite Benrahma travelling to France ahead of a £17million move to Lyon after they finally reached an agreement for the 28-year-old.

While there are several points still to be ironed out, Lyon are hopeful the transfer can be rubber stamped before the window shuts at 11pm today, with the French side having agreed a loan fee and an option to buy worth £17m.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13033065/Fulham-Lyon-France-21-Rayan-Cherki-West-Ham-Said-Benrahma.html

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Why Chelsea are willing to let Armando Broja leave without a replacement as Fulham and Wolves circle
Fulham have submitted a bid for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

Chelsea are open to the idea of striker Armando Broja leaving the club today with interest from Fulham and Wolves before the transfer window shuts. Broja returned from a 10-month injury layoff this season but has only managed 2 goals in 18 games.

The Blues have struggled for goals with Cole Palmer, a deadline-day arrival from Manchester City in the summer is the club's top scorer with 11 goals. He is followed by Nicolas Jackson with eight and Raheem Sterling with seven.

LondonWorld reported last week that Chelsea were willing to sell the London-born Albanian international for around £50million but were also happy to hold talks for a loan deal if it came with an obligation to buy. Broja's form since his return to full fitness hasn't been brilliant so the Blues have now had to relent on that.

Fulham submit bid
Sources say Fulham have submitted a loan bid for Broja but Chelsea are anticipating another bid from a Premier League club before the window shuts tonight so talks will continue throughout the day. Marco Silva is desperate to bolster their attack after Raul Jimenez suffered a serious hamstring injury.

Why they are willing to sell without a replacement
In the last few days, Chelsea have concluded that the £50million might be too high so they are now willing to sanction a loan move that will guarantee him playing time and they receive a significant fee.

What that will mean is that they get his wages off the bill until the summer and he gets to play regularly and hopefully score some goals that will attract buyers in the summer.

Chelsea are laying the groundwork to buy a proven goalscorer in the summer having scanned through the market this winter and decided it was best to wait till the summer when they take their squad rebuild to the next level.

At the moment, it's just about keeping the wage bill to a minimum level and evaluating the progress under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Securing European football for next season will be seen as a step in the right direction.

The new Chelsea owners have had two transfer windows but believe that it will take at least four to build the squad but will evaluate progress at the end of the current campaign.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-star-armando-broja-linked-to-fulham-and-wolves-4500702

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EXCLUSIVE: Fulham proposal knocked back for Fluminense midfielder Andre
Fulham had a proposal backed back by Fluminense midfielder Andre and now the 22-year-old is set to stay in Brazil until the summer, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The Cottagers reignited their interest in the Brazil international, as we previously reported, but did not offer a good enough package for his current club to accept.

It means that Andre is almost certain to stay in his home nation until the summer window when a move is expected.

It is not clear whether Fulham will return with another offer for Andre during this point but indications are that he will be moving to the Premier League.

Andre is prioritising game-time and wants to be playing in the world's most revered league ahead of any clubs in Europe.

Manchester United made an inquiry to Fluminense last year but opted out when they found out how much he would cost.

Fluminense speaks on Andre future
It comes after club president has confirmed that Liverpool tried to sign midfielder Andre during the last window.

Mario Bittencourt said: "We had an offer for André of €30m from Liverpool and we said 'no' because we had agreed with the player that we wouldn't sell him because we wanted to win the Libertadores.

"Since then, we've had a second offer, from an English club, for well under €30m, which we turned down because we felt it was below what Fluminense expects for the player.

He continued: "The situation doesn't worry us because the relationship with André and Carlos Leite (the player's manager) is very good. They both agreed to stay and both understood that he has to go somewhere he wants to go."

Andre's Estimated Transfer Value ranks at €8.7m while he is contracted to Fluminense until 2026.



https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/tag/exclusive-newsnow/fulham-transfer-news-fluminense-andre-deadline-day-jacque-talbot

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Fulham plot last-gasp move to sign Said Benrahma

Fulham will reportedly look to launch a late deadline-day move for 28-year-old West Ham United attacker Said Benrahma.
According to a report by Foot Mercato, Said Benrahma is the subject of interest from Fulham. The 28-year-old has been closing in on joining Lyon from West Ham United on Deadline Day of the winter transfer window. But the Cottagers are eyeing a last-gasp move to beat Les Gones to his signature.

Said Benrahma at West Ham United: The Story So Far
Said Benrahma has blown hot and cold since joining West Ham United from Brentford. There was much hype and fanfare surrounding the Algerian international when he moved across London. West Ham initially signed him on loan in October 2020 before completing a permanent transfer a few months later.

But the 28-year-old has not lived up to the billing in the last three and a half years. In addition, he has fallen in stature after the arrival of Mohammed Kudus in the summer transfer window. Benrahma has managed only one assist in 22 appearances thus far this season, raking in 1,203 minutes of game time.

But despite struggling to make his mark at West Ham, Said Benrahma remains high in demand. Recent reports had linked him with Everton. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rowe has reportedly emerged as an option to replace the former Brentford attacker at West Ham. The updates this week have pointed to Lyon closing in on signing him. But Fulham might play spoilsport for Les Gones.

Fulham Want Said Benrahma
Fulham might be busy on Deadline Day of the winter transfer window. Reports earlier in the day linked the West London club with Lyon prospect Rayan Cherki. The Cottagers are also keen on signing a striker in the coming hours after Raul Jimenez picked up an injury this week.

But Said Benrahma is also a viable target for Fulham, with the 28-year-old being a versatile attacker. The Algerian international already has Premier League experience and should take little time to adjust to his new surroundings.

But time is running out for Fulham to steal a march on Lyon, with Les Gones already sealing the agreement for his signature. It will be interesting to see if the Cottagers beat the Ligue 1 club to his signature today.




https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/02/01/fulham-plot-last-gasp-move-to-sign-said-benrahma/

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Forward frustrations for Fulham after Everton stalemate underlines their core issue
Despite twice seeing their woodwork rattled and surviving more than one late scare from an Everton corner, it was Fulham who were left feeling frustrated after Tuesday night's goalless draw against the Toffees at Craven Cottage.

Just days after being denied a trip to Wembley by Liverpool in the EFL Cup and subsequently being knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of Newcastle United, failing to find the net against Everton acted as a reminder of early-season issues and provided cause for concern for what may be set to come.

Fulham have failed to score in a Premier League-high 10 matches from just 22 played, and although creating opportunities to score was not an issue against Marco Silva's former side, an injury that forced Raul Jimenez to be taken off at half-time might leave fans wondering where their team's next goal is going to come from.

"Both teams had chances, but we were clearly the most dominant team on the pitch," said Silva. "Second half we really pushed them back, we just missed the moment of putting the ball in the net."

Fulham enjoyed almost 70 per cent of possession in the first half, but they could well have been behind before stirring for the second half.

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno was fortunate to see a deflected James Tarkowski shot hit the crossbar after he had not dealt with an Ashley Young free-kick, and only last-ditch defending from Timothy Castagne prevented the loose ball crossing the line.

Rodrigo Muniz replaced Jimenez at the interval after the Mexican had missed a chance from close-range, yet it was Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin who had the first opportunity of the second half as he headed against the bar.

But the home side controlled the game from that point. Bobby De Cordova-Reid failed to pick out Willian with the goal gaping, and only an exceptional Jordan Pickford save kept out a Tosin Adarabioyo header.

Fulham's moment to snatch victory came and went as Castagne guided De Cordova-Reid's effort on to Pickford's bar, leaving Silva and his side to settle for a point after Everton substitute Beto was unable to take a chance from inside the six-yard box in stoppage time.

"we created far more chances than in recent games and were more dominant on the pitch," claimed the Fulham head coach. "It is clear that the decision making sometimes has to be much better in attack. We need to be more assertive and more calm in some decisions because we arrived in so many dangerous areas. We need to be more ruthless and clinical."

Fulham have won just one of their last six league games following back-to-back 5-0 victories in December, scoring only two goals in the process.

Jimenez still seems the best option to lead the line despite being goalless since the turn of the year, so a prolonged absence could prove problematic.

There is still enough space between themselves and the relegation zone for panic not to set in though, at least according to Silva.

"We are not concerned in what we are doing. Of course, we have to win football matches, and I think the way we played was enough to do it. But the reality is that we didn't score the goal we needed."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/forward-frustrations-for-fulham-after-everton-stalemate-underlines-their-core-issue/

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Man Utd could see Fulham rival them for striker alternative to Armando Broja
Man Utd have reportedly been gifted the chance to make their first signing of the January transfer window if they can fend off interest from Fulham.

Fulham could be set to rival Manchester United for Paris Saint-Germain star Hugo Ekitike. The striker is available for loan this month and several clubs are reportedly weighing up an approach to try and secure his services for the remainder of the campaign.

United have made it no secret that they are in the market for attacking reinforcements. However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe plotting a major overhaul in the summer, the Red Devils have been reasonably quiet in the transfer window and have opted to splash the cash at the end of the season instead.

Outgoings have therefore been prioritised with the aim of raising funds, though United could opt to dip into the market on deadline day now that transfer opportunities are presenting themselves to the club. With United solely relying on Rasmus Hojlund for their goals at present, signing another striker is the ideal outcome this month.

According to TEAMtalk, PSG have been in touch with the Red Devils to offer them the opportunity to sign Ekitike for the remainder of the campaign. The Ligue 1 outfit are desperate to find the 21-year-old a club that can offer him regular game time at the top level, with the Premier League regarded as the ideal destination.

Other clubs have also been offered the chance to sign the ex-Reims star after he was ruled surplus to requirements, having played just nine minutes of Ligue 1 football so far this season.

United could therefore face competition if they do decide to pursue Ekitike, with the Daily Mail reporting that Fulham are now in concrete talks for the France Under-20 international. Marco Silva's side are desperate to sign a No.9 this month, and a recent injury sustained by Raul Jimenez has only fuelled their need for reinforcements further.

Fulham had previously shortlisted Chelsea's Armando Broja as a target, however, those talks have not been productive so far due to the fees involved in striking a deal. The Blues are demanding £50million to part ways with the Albanian international, with loan offers only being entertained if a club is willing to pay £5m for his services.

Interest in Broja has simmered down as a result, with Fulham now pursuing Ekitike. PSG are willing to listen to an offer from the Craven Cottage outfit for the forward and are prioritising finding the striker the ideal club for his development rather than the fees involved in the move.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1862070/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Hugo-Ekitike-Fulham-Armando-Broja

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Fulham transfer: Ambitious deadline day move for ex-West Ham star fails as Silva sweats on Broja
Former West Ham United forward Sebastien Haller is to remain with Borussia Dortmund despite a loan approach from Fulham, it has been claimed.

Fulham are set to be among the busiest clubs on transfer deadline day, with manager Marco Silva keen to strengthen his attacking options in the second half of the Premier League season having sold star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal last August.

The London club also lost Raul Jimenez, a summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers, to a hamstring complaint during Tuesday's goalless draw with Everton.

The Cottagers have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea forward Armando Broja, with reports claiming the two clubs are edging closer to a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

Suggestions on Thursday morning, meanwhile, indicated that Fulham have approached Lyon over a £30million move for creative midfielder Rayan Chekri, with the move likely to hinge on the French club's hopes of securing a loan deal for West Ham winger Said Benrahma.

Benrahma is currently travelling to Lyon to undergo a medical before finalising his switch, yet there are suggestions that Fulham could yet hijack the Algerian's move to the French club.

Fulham's interest in Benrahma comes after the club were reportedly knocked back in an attempt to secure the services of ex-West Ham striker Haller on loan until the end of the season.

A report by The Athletic has claimed that Fulham approached Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening with a view to taking Haller on loan, with the Bundesliga club giving the Cottagers permission to speak to the player.

However, Haller – currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast – "had no desire" to explore a move away from the Westfalenstadion.

Haller had an unproductive spell at West Ham between 2019 and 2021, scoring just 14 goals in 54 appearances before leaving for Ajax three years ago.

The 29-year-old excelled in his time in the Netherlands, scoring 47 goals in 66 games before securing a switch to Dortmund in the summer of 2022.

Haller returned to professional football last year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022 and has failed to score in 11 league appearances so far this season.

The Athletic also reports that former Tottenham Hotspur loanee Carlos Vinicius could leave Fulham on deadline day, having attracted interest from Augsburg and Real Betis.

Vinicius arrived at Fulham from Benfica for £4.25m in September 2022, but has struggled to make an impact at Craven Cottage.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-transfer-deadline-day-west-ham-silva-broja

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AFCON 2023: Here's what Alex Iwobi had to say ahead of Nigeria's quarter-final clash against Angola
Jose Peseiro fielded Alex Iwobi as a central midfielder in Nigeria's games against Ivory Coast and Cameroon as he partnered Brentford's Frank Onyeka in midfield.

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi has revealed his awareness of the threat that Angola pose in Nigeria's journey to success in Ivory Coast, Soccernet.ng reports.

Iwobi, 27, has featured in all of Nigeria's games at the AFCON 2023 tournament, starting three and coming off the bench in the team's 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in their final group game.

The versatile midfielder played a huge part in Nigeria's round of sixteen triumph over Cameroon but is aware that the game against Angola will be even tougher.

"We're trying to see where to explore to see where their weakness is. As the coach said, it's a game where both teams want to go to a semi-final and it will be tough. It was a bit different last time out as we scored two goals but we've been defending well too. So it'll be a hard game but hopefully, we do what we need to do to break into their half," the former Arsenal man said in his pre-match conference.

The former Everton player is known for his prowess in the final third but has been playing in a deeper midfield role for Jose Peseiro, and he explained the coach's instructions.

"I've been told to manage and keep the ball for my team. They don't really need much from me when they're creating up-front. There's Chukwueze, Moses, Lookman and Victor who can do that so we have a lot of creativity. I and Frank have been told to control the game as much as we can, and first of all, to defend as a team. I'm trying to do my job for the team," Iwobi added.

The Super Eagles will face the Palences Negras of Angola tomorrow afternoon by 6:00 PM tomorrow at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/02/afcon-2023-heres-what-alex-iwobi-had-to-say-ahead-of-nigerias-quarter-final-clash-against-angola.html

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Fulham pressure for late signing comes to nothing – Player sticking with original plan
Said Benrahma will join Lyon on deadline day, despite a late effort from Fulham to sign him from West Ham United.

That's according to journalist Loic Tanzi, who reports that Benrahma is in Lyon and will join the French side rather than any dramatic turn of events.

Benrahma has been edging towards a move to Lyon throughout this week after they made a late bid to get him and continue strengthening their squad as they look to pull away from relegation worries in Ligue 1.

A deal has been going through the stages since but faced problems today as Fulham made a late bid to try and secure the player instead.

Marco Silva's side are making late moves in the window to try and bolster their own forward options and a report earlier today indicated they had pushed themselves into the situation around Benrahma.

It seems that is in vain, though, with Tanzi reporting that the winger is in Lyon and will join them. The final details between the relevant parties have been decided despite pressure from Fulham on deadline day.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-pressure-late-signing-comes-nothing-player-sticking-original-plan/

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CM: Milan have a 'good chance' of signing Fulham star on a free transfer
It is looking more and more like AC Milan will have to wait until the summer to strengthen the defence and the management have their eye on two free transfers, according to a report.

According to Calciomercato.com, Milan remain alert in the final few hours of the winter mercato to try and seize an opportunity like Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal, Clement Lenglet of Barcelona (on loan at Aston Villa) or Lilian Brassier of Brest.

A surprise last-minute solution cannot be ruled out, but Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D'Ottavio are planning for the future too and they want to try secure at least one free transfer ahead of June.

Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Adarabioyo – better known as Tosin Adarabioyo – is the main candidate to join Milan for 2024-25. The Fulham defender's deal will expire in July and he has not yet accepted a renewal offer.

Moncada has already had more than one positive discussion with his brother-agent, and there is a 'good chance' that the deal will go through.

In recent weeks, Milan have inquired again about Lloyd Kelly's situation. The Bournemouth captain will also be available on a free but in this case the competition is much stronger, which is why Adarabioyo is favoured.



https://sempremilan.com/cm-milan-good-chance-fulham-adarabioyo

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How much Fulham have told Chelsea they're prepared to pay for Armando Broja on loan
Fulham are still refusing to meet Chelsea's asking price when it comes to Armando Broja.

Blues striker Armando Broja, 22, is the hot topic around Stamford Bridge on today's transfer deadline day.

Journalist Jacob Steinberg claimed via X earlier today that Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are both reluctant to meet the £5 million loan fee that Chelsea are demanding to take Broja until the end of the season.

Apparently, close rivals Fulham have countered with a potential compromise.

Reporting via his Substack this afternoon (1:05pm), journalist Simon Phillips shared an update that he's heard about the Broja transfer saga.

Apparently, Fulham have now told Chelsea they're prepared to pay a £3 million loan fee.

He adds that Marco Silva's side are looking across thee market for alternative striker options, but there's still time for the Broja deal to be done if clubs can find an agreement.

Also, Fulham are willing to agree an option to buy in a loan deal.

Fulham willing to pay £3m for Armando Broja loan
We think a £3 million fee is a lot more reasonable to take Broja for the second half of the season, but will Chelsea be prepared to lower their asking price?

There's the potential for Broja's valuation to soar if he does perform well and score goals at a Premier League rival.

Our main concern is a lack of depth in the No 9 position at Stamford Bridge if this transfer does happen in the final hours of the window.

Broja's not set the world alight during the last few months for Chelsea, but he does provide an option as an out-and-out centre-forward that can lead the line. Is there enough in the group to cope without him for the next few months before the chance to reinvest in the summer?



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/how-much-fulham-have-told-chelsea-theyre-prepared-to-pay-for-armando-broja-on-loan/

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Fulham line up Silas swoop
Fulham have made a loan move for VfB Stuttgart star Silas Katompa Mvumpa this afternoon, according to reports from Germany.

Sky Germany reports that the Whites have offered a loan with a mandatory £12.8m purchase fee in the summer and are now engaged in talks with the player's representatives. Stuttgart have yet to accept the proposal, but they are reportedly open to doing a deal. The Congolese international, who is currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, is keen to move to the Premier League.

Silas made an immediate impression at Stuttgart, firing them to promotion from the second tier by scoring seven goals and adding eight assists after arriving from Ligue 2 side Paris FC. He scored on his Bundesliga debut in the derby against Freiburg – scoring eleven times in nineteen appearances before his campaign was cut short by an ACL injury.

Silas, who can play on the right wing or up front, has scored 33 goals in 120 games for Stuttgart and scored his first international goal in DR Congo's 1-1 draw with Morocco last month at the African Cup of Nations. The 25 year-old has three goals and three assists in the Bundesliga this term.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/fulham-line-up-silas-swoop/

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Fulham have 'submitted offer' for €15m signing – Agent 'in talks' with Silva's side, player wants move
Fulham are working on securing a deal for VfB Stuttgart forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa on deadline day.

That's according to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share fresh updates on the Premier League side's efforts to sign the 25-year-old.

He says Fulham want to take the forward on a loan deal with an obligation to buy set at around €15m. The journalist further adds the London club have 'submitted an offer' to the Bundesliga side.

The DR Congo international's contract lasts until 2026, but Plettenberg says he's keen on making a switch to Fulham. He's represented by M-Soccer Management and his agent, Mehmet Eser, is 'in talks' with the English club.

A deal could go through if the Bundesliga side are prepared to let go of the player, but Plettenberg says there's no green light from them as of now.

Mvumpa has scored five goals and registered four assists from 19 games for Stuttgart this season.

Earlier today, Sky Deutschland reported Borussia Dortmund have turned down Fulham's request to sign Sébastien Haller on deadline day.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-submitted-offer-signing-agent-talks-silvas-side-players-wants-move/

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Fulham fail with approach for Sebastien Haller

Fulham's last-minute attempt to secure the services of 29-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller falls short.
According to a report by The Athletic, Fulham are keen on reinforcing their attack before the transfer window shuts and they have their eyes on Borussia Dortmund's Sebastien Haller. The Cottagers approached the German club to sign the 29-year-old but unfortunately, it hasn't worked out for them.

Fulham have been quite busy on deadline day, they are in negotiations with multiple clubs as they look to bolster their squad in the time that remains. Their priority is to sign a new striker following the injury to Raul Jimenez and they are in talks with Chelsea for the signatures of Armando Broja.

Apart from Broja, they were looking to bring in Haller from Dortmund. The 29-year-old has the experience of playing in the Premier League as he was a part of West Ham United for 18 months back in the day. He featured in a total of 54 matches and scored 14 goals before joining Ajax in the winter of 2021.

After a great spell at the Dutch club, he joined Dortmund in the summer of 2022. But, things haven't gone according to plan for him post that. Despite having major health issues he contributed towards 14 goals last season.

However, that hasn't been the case this term as he struggled to find the back of the net and has had limited game time at the German club. With the 29-year-old no longer a first-team regular, Fulham wanted to sign him on loan until the end of the season.

The Cottagers approached their German counterparts on Wednesday evening regarding a loan move for Haller. Dortmund gave the green light to the move, they were open to the possibility of him leaving on loan and gave the Hammers permission to negotiate with his representatives to secure a deal within the deadline.

If Haller had approved the move further talks would have taken place. But, he has rejected the opportunity to return to England. The 29-year-old is currently out on international duty representing Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations and given how little time remains, he has no desire to move at this stage.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/02/01/fulham-fail-with-approach-for-sebastien-haller/

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Fulham In Talks With Bundesliga Winger's Representatives
Fulham are holding talks with the representatives of VfB Stuttgart winger Silas over potentially signing him on loan but the German club are unlikely to accept an offer.

Marco Silva wants to add to his attacking options before the transfer window shuts down tonight.

Fulham are reportedly trying to hijack Lyon's pursuit of West Ham star Said Benrahma but the club also have other irons in the fire.

According to German broadcaster Sky Deutschland, the Cottagers are exploring trying to sign Stuttgart winger Silas on deadline day.

Fulham are holding direct talks with the player's representatives over potentially taking him to Craven Cottage on a loan deal.

The Premier League side are also prepared to include a €15m option to buy, which would become a mandatory clause based on certain criteria.

Fulham are pushing his representatives to work out a deal to take Silas to west London in the final hours of the transfer window.

However, Stuttgart are unlikely to accept an offer for the Congo winger so late in the transfer window.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/02/01/fulham-in-talks-with-bundesliga-wingers-representatives/635334/