Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 28/02/24...

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool & Arsenal in battle to sign Joao Palhinha
Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Fulham star Joao Palhinha in the upcoming transfer window, as per Football Insider.

After moving to Craven Cottage ahead of last season, the Portuguese has been displaying promising performances for the West London club in recent years.

The midfielder's eye-catching performances in the Premier League has attracted a lot of attention from several big clubs around Europe. Bayern Munich expressed their interest in signing him and were very close to acquiring his service last summer.

But, the deal fell through as the Bavarian club couldn't manage to secure his signature before the deadline. However, Football Insider has reported that although the Bundesliga giants failed to get the deal done last time out, they remain keen on signing him and could reignite their interest during the off-season.

But, the report claims that Liverpool and Arsenal are also 'long-term admirers' of the 28-year-old and they are ready to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich over this deal.

Battle
Fulham's vice-chairman Tony Khan has recently revealed that they are ready to cash-in on Palhinha if they receive a suitable proposal. So, Arsenal or Liverpool could manage to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window if either club formalise their interest.

Palhinha – valued at around £51m by Transfermarkt – still has more than four years left in his current contract. So, Fulham are expected to demand a big fee to let their star man leave.

Liverpool have recently revamped their engine room but it seems they still want to sign a new midfielder to beef up their middle of the park as they have been linked with a few names ahead of the summer window.

On the other hand, it has been suggested that Arsenal want to purchase a new midfielder as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey – who has found it difficult to stay fit in recent years.

Palhinha is a talented player and has already showcased his qualities in the Premier League in recent times. So, he would be a great coup for Arsenal or Liverpool if either club purchase him this summer.

It is going to be interesting to see who will eventually win the race to sign Palhinha if Arsenal go head-to-head with Liverpool over this deal during the off-season.



https://football-talk.co.uk/199358/liverpool-arsenal-in-battle-to-sign-joao-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Who is Sylvester Jasper? The Fulham product observed by Peseiro; insists he's good enough for Super Eagles
Sylvester Jasper, a name that might not ring a bell for the casual football fan, was recently monitored by Nigerian national team coach, Jose Peseiro during Benfica's 4-0 win over Portimonense in a Liga Portugal clash.

Born in England, Jasper's story is one of rich tapestry, woven with threads of three nations.

His eligibility to represent England, the country of his birth, is a no-brainer. However, his Nigerian heritage, stemming from his father, and Bulgarian roots, passed down from his mother, make him a truly "tri-national" player, a rare breed in the beautiful game.

Jasper's football journey began at the youth academies of Queens Park Rangers and Fulham. Both breeding grounds for some of England's finest talents.

He honed his skills there, showcasing his potential as a talented forward. While he never quite amassed game time with the first team at Fulham making just three appearances whilst enduring loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Hibernian and Colchester united, his abilities didn't go unnoticed.
 
He earned international recognition, representing England at the U-15 and U-16 levels, whilst also featuring four times for Bulgaria's U21s.

Despite his English and Bulgarian roots and youth international appearances, the lure of his Nigerian heritage seems to be calling. Jasper, as it would appear, may be open to the possibility of representing the Super Eagles.

However, the then on-loan Bristol Rovers winger disclosed in September 2022 that he is yet to make a decision on his international future alongside the fact that he feels he is good enough to represent either of the three countries he's eligible to play for, if the opportunity ever presented itself.

"I haven't decided what country I am going to be playing for yet," Jasper told Bristol World.

"I could represent England, Nigeria or Bulgaria. I feel like I am good enough to play for all three personally."

So, what makes Jasper such an intriguing prospect? Firstly, his versatility is a valuable asset.

He is comfortable playing across the frontline, offering attacking options on the flanks or as a central striker.  His pace, trickery, and eye for goal are qualities that could bolster any national team.

Secondly, his international ambiguity presents a unique opportunity for Peseiro. With Nigeria boasting a plethora of attacking talents, adding a player like Jasper, who can seamlessly integrate into the squad due to his shared heritage, could prove to be a masterstroke.

However, the competition for a place in the Nigerian national team is fierce. Established names and other emerging talents will vie for Peseiro's attention.

Whether Jasper can convince the coach of his worth and secure a place in the squad remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, though: Sylvester Jasper's story is only just beginning. His tri-national background, coupled with his burgeoning talent, has placed him firmly on the footballing map.

With the watchful eye of Peseiro upon him, the future for this exciting young forward promises to be filled with intrigue and, hopefully, international glory.

Ejim Kaycee



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50614

[WhiteJC]

The Riverside: Premium Experiences

The Club is delighted to share that sales for premium experiences within The Riverside are set to begin.
The Riverside will be home to world-class hospitality offerings, available to enjoy from the 2024/25 season, including restaurants, bars and rooftop experiences.

Sales will first be made available exclusively to 2023/24 Fulham seasonal hospitality members and 2023/24 Season Ticket Holders.

Seasonal hospitality members and Riverside Platinum Season Ticket Holders can expect to receive phone and email communications imminently, with further information to be provided to current 23/24 Season Ticket Holders in the coming weeks.

Fans are encouraged to ensure they are opted-in to receive email and SMS communications; supporters can manage their preferences within their OneFulham Account.



Following this period of exclusivity, experiences will be made available to fans who have joined the Club's Riverside waiting list.

As works continue during the remainder of the current season, we appreciate supporters' patience.

With a new matchday experience like you've never seen before, we look forward to inviting fans to explore the spaces further.
SIGN UP TO THE RIVERSIDE WAITING LIST

Supporters who are not existing seasonal hospitality guests or season ticket holders are invited to join the waiting list.

Register Your Interest

If you have submitted your details on the waiting list since 1st February 2024, you do not need to complete the form again.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/february/27/the-riverside-premium-experiences/

[WhiteJC]

Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, James Milner: Nine Brighton players out ahead of Wolves and Fulham – expected return dates
Brighton have suffered a blow with the news that Kaoru Mitoma is expected to be out for a lengthy period

The Japan winger, who has lit up the Amex Stadium for much of the last two campaigns, has suffered a back injury which could leave him on the sidelines for three months.

He has already missed a chunk of the season due to an ankle injury and his participation in the Asia Cup.

Mitoma's prolonged absence will be a big blow in the Seagulls' quest for a top-six finish in the Premier League, their Europa League campaign – where they play Roma in the last 16 – and their FA Cup challenge, which continues at Wolves on Wednesday.

Boss Roberto De Zerbi said at a press conference to preview the trip to Molineux: "It's a bad, bad situation."

Here's the full list of Brighton walking wounded ahead of Wolves and Fulham...

1. Kaoru Mitoma - back
The Japan international will likely miss the remainder of the season with a back injury

2. Evan Ferguson - ankle
The striker hobbled off against Everton. He will miss Wolves but should return for Fulham

3. Danny Welbeck - unspecified
The veteran striker is likely to miss Wolves but will hope to return in time to face Fulham. De Zerbi said: "Welbeck has a problem and we have to make a check."

4. Joel Veltman - unspecified
The experienced defender was ruled-out to face Wolves by De Zerbi but could return in time in Fulham. "Veltman as well can't play." said the Italian head coach

5. Joao Pedro - thigh
The Brazilian who has 19 goals this term has not featured since the 4-1 win against Palace. Roma on March 7 could be a target for his return

6. James Milner - thigh
The former Liverpool man has not played since the 4-0 loss at Luton. Fulham on March 2 could be possible

7. Jack Hinshelwood - foot
The impressive teenager has not played since scoring in the win against Palace. Could be out for the season.

8. Solly March - knee
Sustained a serious knee injury at Man City earlier this term and unlikely to feature again this campaign. Huge blow!

9. Billy Gilmour - suspended
The Albion midfielder received a harsh red against Everton and is suspended for Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/kaoru-mitoma-joao-pedro-james-milner-nine-brighton-players-out-ahead-of-wolves-and-fulham-expected-return-dates-4535323

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest vs Fulham - WIN tickets to watch this Premier League match at the City Ground
We've teamed up with EA SPORTS FC to offer tickets to see Nottingham Forest play Fulham in the Premier League this April

Nottingham Forest vs Fulham meet for the second time in the Premier League this season on Tuesday 2 April at 7.30pm GMT, and FFT have teamed up with EA Sports to offer one lucky winner two tickets to the match.

In what could prove an especially decisive fixture for the hosts in their quest to survive in the Premier League, a home match against mid-table Fulham presents a great opportunity for three points. With the Premier League's ruling on their breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) still to come, Forest certainly need all the points they can get.

But the Cottagers won't head to the City Ground and roll over for their opponents - a recent win against Manchester United at Old Trafford highlights their credentials away from home, while there might even be a slight outside possibility of them reaching Europe. Finishing above London rivals Chelsea for the second season in a row is slightly more likely, though.



EA Sports FC 24 is available to play on console and PC
EAFC 24 Jack Grealish
(Image credit: EA Sports)

The reverse fixture in December saw Fulham win 5-0, too, meaning Forest will want to exact revenge back on home turf. Steve Cooper is no longer the manager, however, so Nuno Espirito Santo will need to channel his charges in a different way for this Spring tie.

(Competition closes Tuesday 4 March).



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/nottingham-forest-vs-fulham-win-tickets-to-watch-premier-league-match-at-the-city-ground

[WhiteJC]

Fulham star named in Team of the Week just days after pundit's 'rubbish' verdict
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been named in WhoScored's Team of the Week after the win over Manchester United.

We would argue that Fulham haven't actually received enough praise in the last few days.

Few were giving Fulham a chance of winning at Old Trafford with United finding form in recent weeks.

Fulham not only secured a 2-1 victory with a last-gasp Alex Iwobi goal, but were the better side for much of the game.

A superb first-half display should have had Fulham well ahead and Harry Maguire's late equaliser would have been harsh.

Fulham completely deserved the win and more should have been made of an outstanding performance at Old Trafford.

Bernd Leno leaves one pundit red-faced
Pundit Chris Sutton actually slammed one Fulham player on Saturday, branding goalkeeper Bernd Leno 'rubbish'.

Yes, Leno probably should have done better with United's late equaliser.

Leno pushed Bruno Fernandes' shot straight to Harry Maguire for an open goal and will probably admit himself that he should have done better.

'Rubbish' was a harsh tag though as Leno made seven saves against United, making a crucial impact despite that mistake.

What's interesting is that WhoScored have named Leno in their Premier League Team of the Week alongside Fulham teammate Iwobi.

They rated Leno at 8.04 out of 10, better than any other Premier League goalkeeper this past weekend.

That's not bad for a goalkeeper who is allegedly 'rubbish' and Leno's statistical performance will matter more to Marco Silva than criticism from pundits.

Leno has his bad moments, just like any other goalkeeper, but he has certainly been a predominantly positive signing since arriving from Arsenal in 2022.

The German will certainly have the backing of Silva and his defence, and we wouldn't expect to see him being replaced any time soon.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/27/fulham-star-named-in-team-of-the-week-just-days-after-pundits-rubbish-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

BBC pundit seriously impressed with £19.3m Fulham player after Manchester United display
Pundit Garth Crooks has praised Fulham defender Calvin Bassey after his 'excellent' performance against Manchester United.

Wee are three days removed from Fulham's superb win at Manchester United but the delight hasn't quite subsided yet.

Alex Iwobi's last -minute winner at Old Trafford is one which will live long in the memory with Fulham securing a first win at United's famous home for more than 20 years.

Iwobi has received plenty of plaudits and deservedly so.

The former Arsenal man has endured a tough time of late amid fierce criticism in Nigeria having lost the Africa Cup of Nations final to the Ivory Coast.

Iwobi's Nigeria teammate Calvin Bassey didn't receive quite as much abuse online but also came up with a big moment against United.

Calvin Bassey praised
Bassey smashed home the opening goal for Fulham, giving Andre Onana no chance with a powerful finish from inside the box.

Bassey also racked up four clearances, two headers won and one successful tackle in a strong performance.

The centre back joined Fulham for £19.3million last summer, leaving Ajax after just one year in Amsterdam.

Keen to get back on track after shining at Rangers, Bassey had a difficult start at Fulham with a red card in his first start for the club.

We are now starting to see the best of Bassey though and the partnership with Tosin Adarabioyo looks a promising one.

Pundit Garth Crooks has been impressed, telling BBC Sport that he felt Bassey was 'excellent' against United.

Crooks felt that Bassey and Adarabioyo coasted through the game, suggesting that Fulham 'outfought, outmuscled and outplayed' United in their own back yard.

"Outfought, outmuscled and outplayed by Fulham in the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford. If Manchester United players lack inspiration why don't they leave? Or better still Erik ten Hag gets rid of them. If not, as sure as night follows day, Manchester United will get rid of him," said Crooks.

"With no Rasmus Hojlund in the mix due to injury it needed Marcus Rashford to step up to the challenge but he was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, Fulham made six changes to the side that lost to Aston Villa and they still destroyed United, who only seem to turn up when they're in a crisis or their manager's position is under threat."

"This was an impressive team performance by the Cottagers with Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo back in the starting line-up and could have played this match in stocking feet. Nigeria international Bassey's goal was a nice finish to an excellent personal performance," he added.

The problem here is that the Bassey and Adarabioyo partnership may not last too long.

Adarabioyo is out of contract this summer and there has been little indication that he will sign a new deal.

It currently looks like Adarabioyo will leave Fulham on a free transfer this summer and possibly move on to another Premier League club.

That would be a big blow, but hopefully Bassey can kick on and become a real star in the heart of Fulham's back line for years to come.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/27/bbc-pundit-seriously-impressed-with-19-3m-fulham-player-after-manchester-united-display/