Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/03/24...

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Tottenham to return for 2023 target, set to compete with Liverpool for 26-yr-old
Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked with a move away from the English club and the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham are keen on him.

The 26-year-old will be available on a free transfer in June and it remains to be seen where he ends up.

A report from Football Insider claims Tottenham long-term admirers of the defender and they tried to sign him last summer as well. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the player to join them on a free transfer.

They have already signed two quality central defenders this season and the arrival of Adarabioyo could complete their defensive unit for the foreseeable future.

The towering defender has proven himself to be a reliable performer in the Premier League, and he could prove to be an excellent bargain for Tottenham if they manage to secure his signature on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are keen on the player as well and they need to bring in a quality replacement for Joel Matip who will move on in the summer.

The 26-year-old Fulham defender will be tempted to join big clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham in the summer and it remains to be seen where he ends up. Both clubs might be able to provide him with UEFA Champions League football next season. They could provide him with the platform to compete for trophies as well.

Signing the 26-year-old on a free transfer would allow Liverpool and Tottenham to strengthen the other areas of their squad as well.



https://theboyhotspur.com/tottenham-to-return-for-2023-target-set-to-compete-with-liverpool-for-26-yr-old/

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"£15-20m" - Pundit issues Sammie Szmodics verdict as Fulham join transfer chase
Szmodics has enjoyed a fine Championship season despite Blackburn's overall struggles, and that has led to Premier League interest

There may still be three months until the summer transfer window opens, but the rumour mill has already started to gather pace in March.

Many clubs across the Championship will be preparing to make contingency plans depending on their divisional status next term, which in part is down to the enthralling promotion race and relegation battle at either end of the second tier table.

One of those clubs affected are Blackburn Rovers, who are still yet to win a game under John Eustace's management, meaning their second tier status remains far from secure as the club prepares for its final eight matches after the international break.

Although it's been a dismal run of form for the East Lancashire side in 2024, they still possess the most potent attacking threat in the division.

Pundit issues Sammie Szmodics verdict as Premier League clubs circle
That of course comes in the form of the 28-year-old attacking midfielder Sammie Szmodics, who remains the top scorer in the league as it enters a season-defining period.

It's fair to say that without his goals, 21 of which have come in the league this season, Blackburn could've found themselves in even greater danger under the guidance of Jon Dahl Tomasson and his successor, the aforementioned Eustace.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, former England international Carlton Palmer has issued his verdict on whether Szmodics is capable of making the step-up to the Premier League amid recent interest.

"The latest club to be linked with Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics is Fulham," Palmer told FLW. "They have sent scouts to watch him."

"The 28-year-old has netted 21 goals in 36 league appearances for Blackburn (this season) and has received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad under interim boss John O'Shea ahead of matches against Belgium and Switzerland.

"He's scoring a lot of goals in the Championship and Blackburn will be hoping he finds the goals to keep them up. He's also scored six goals in the FA Cup.

"Is he ready for Premier League football? It's always difficult to make the assumption as to whether a player can make the step-up.

"You would say he's in his prime at 28, so he's at the right age to move to the Premier League.

"Will he go there and score goals? That remains to be seen.

"It's always a gamble when a Championship player moves to the Premier League, but he's attracting a lot of interest."

Sammie Szmodics could be an Ivan Toney replacement
Prior to Fulham's aforementioned interest, Nixon initially revealed that Brentford had also sent scouts to monitor the playmaker who leads the second tier's scoring charts alongside Luton Town.

It has been revealed that Ivan Toney is expected to leave for a fee between the £60-£80 million mark, and therefore, the Bees' hierarchy are looking at replacements for the fellow former Peterborough United man.

Palmer believes that Szmodics could be one of those targets, alongside Norwich's Josh Sargent.

"With it looking more and more likely that Ivan Toney will leave Brentford, they (could) see Szmodics as a ready-made replacement," Palmer continued.

"Only time will tell whether he can have the same impact as he's had in the Championship in the Premier League."

"Blackburn will be looking for a hefty fee for him to leave the club.

"I would suggest anything between £15-20m would be the fee required for him to leave in the summer."

Blackburn must learn from Brereton-Diaz situation in Szmodics' potential departure
Although Szmodics is under contract at Ewood Park until at least 2026, the Rovers hierarchy must learn from their previous error which saw Ben Brereton-Diaz leave for Villarreal on a free transfer last summer, denying the club the chance to re-invest in the squad from a hefty sum of money, which the likes of Coventry City have demonstrated so well this season.

Given his exploits this season, Szmodics will be eager to make the step-up to the top flight for the very first time in his career, and more than prove himself at the highest possible level.

The three clubs interested in him would all offer their own perks, although Brentford's success with their 'moneyball'-adopted approach to transfer business would prove beneficial for all parties involved, given the previous examples of players who have featured for the club and gone on to have established top flight careers.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/carlton-palmer-issues-sammie-szmodics-verdict-as-fulham-join-transfer-chase-for-blackburn-rovers-man/

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Boa Morte to leave Fulham at end of season
LUIS BOA MORTE will leave Fulham at the end of the season to become Head Coach of West African country Guinea-Bissau.

Boa Morte – who scored 54 goals in 250 games for the Cottagers as a player – returned to the club as First-Team Coach following the appointment of Marco Silva in the summer of 2021. The duo had previously worked together at Everton.

Fulham won the Championship in Silva's first season and finished 10th in the Premier League last season.

"Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Boa for his efforts since his return to the club, and wishes him the best of luck in this next chapter when he departs following our season finale away to Luton Town," Fulham said in a statement.

Boa Morte, who gained his UEFA Pro Licence from the English FA in 2021, was born in Lisbon to parents from São Tomé and Príncipe in West Africa.



https://trainingground.guru/articles/boa-morte-to-leave-fulham-at-end-of-season

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Fulham make contact for free signing – Power vacuum could benefit Silva's side for summer deal
Fulham have identified AS Roma's Leonardo Spinazzola as a target for the summer, according to ASRomaLive.it.

The left-back has managed a goal and four assists from 28 games this season and his future still needs to be clarified.

Last month, the Serie A side parted ways with general manager Tiago Pinto and are yet to appoint his successor. This has impacted the 30-year-old's renewal and Fulham could take advantage of the situation.

Spinazzola's deal expires in June and Fulham have entered into the picture to sign him on a free transfer. It's claimed the Italy international has been the subject of a new survey from Marco Silva's side. That'll be an effort to get some information, likely over whether he's keen on the move.

Silva has Antonee Robinson and Fodé Ballo-Touré as the two left-backs at his disposal. The latter is on loan from AC Milan and after being restricted to a limited role this season, he could return to the San Siro in the summer.

Robinson has been linked with a move away from Fulham, and if he were to leave, the Premier League side would have to bring in two new left-backs. Therefore, Fulham are monitoring a few options and have reportedly made contact for Spinazzola.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-make-contact-free-signing-power-vacuum-benefit-silvas-side-summer-deal/

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Do Fulham need to sign a striker in the summer?

While we still have a few months left of the season it's always good to plan ahead (well unless your surname is Khan) and look at one of the areas that around two months ago Fulham fans would've nailed on to improve when the transfer window comes around. But given the sudden spike in Rodrigo Muniz's form it begs the question; do we still need to recruit there? I'll have a look at all of our options and come to a conclusion in this article.

A resurgent Rodrigo

There isn't anyone that I am more delighted to have found his feet than Rodrigo Muniz, Fulham's very own Golden Retriever who is adored by all for his Samba moves and overall exuberant personality. But he's now backing it up on the pitch with seven goals in as many games, but is this just a purple patch? While the answer is unknown, I would lean more towards no. It's not like Muniz is just finding himself at the back post with a simple tap-in, he's showing real 'number nine' qualities. His ability to hold up the ball, bring others into play and just overall be a nuisance is showing Marco that he could be the long-term solution to our problems.

Then you've got our other options. Prior to injury, Raul Jimenez also found a little bit of form with goals against Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Aston Villa as well as a brilliant performance against Arsenal. While he's not getting any younger, he's a good option for Marco Silva to have off the bench providing Premier League experience while also being a profile of striker that Silva likes.

I can't really comment on Broja because the Albanian forward joined the club just as Muniz decided to become the next R9. Similarly, to Jimenez he's a decent option off the bench for us who I'm sure will get his chance at some point this season. Long-term, I can't see us going back in for Broja in the summer unless Chelsea are willing to drop his price tag drastically (which wouldn't shock me given they probably need to sell players).

Returning from loan

We've got a few attacking players out on loan but there are only really two who would be in contention to play for us next season. The first of those is Carlos Vinicius and I'll get this one out the way quickly: he's been alright since going to Turkey but I cannot envisage him being at the club past the summer. Thanks for Chelsea at home, but it's time to say goodbye.

The name that I'm sure will be on everyone's mind is Jay Stansfield who's currently on loan at Birmingham City. At the time of writing, 'Stanno' has nine goals in 35 appearances for the club and has impressed Birmingham fans, but will he come straight back and play? I'm not entirely sure if I'm being honest. Marco Silva loves a certain type of striker and Stansfield doesn't fit that mould; he's more likely to feature out wide akin to his Premier League debut against Brentford last season.

The conclusion

This whole article is pretty dependant on Muniz in all honesty. If Rodrigo doesn't score another goal between now and the end of the season, Fulham will probably need to look for a long-term solution. I can't see that happening and I think Muniz has all the tools to be Fulham's number nine. That being said, under the assumption that Muniz ends the season well, Fulham will probably still need one more striker. Silva likes to have three options who are all quite similar, assuming we don't sign Broja and Vinicius goes, Fulham will need to dip into the market but will probably look for a stop-gap option off the bench.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-03-19-do-fulham-need-to-sign-a-striker-in-the-summer/

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Fulham make Spinazzola enquiry
Fulham have made an enquiry as to the availability of AS Roma left back Leonardo Spinazzola, according to reports from Italy.

The 30 year-old is old of contract in the summer and negotiations over a new deal have stalled following the departure of Roma's general manager Tiago Pinto. The Italian international, who has made more than a hundred first-team appearances for Roma, has scored once and added four assists in 28 matches this season – but his future at the Stadio Olimpico is very much up in the air.

Various reports from Italy say that Fulham have asked about Spinazzola's availability, with a view to bringing him to London on a free transfer this summer. The Whites will be looking to strengthen at left back this summer with Fode Ballo-Toure's loan spell from AC Milan not proving particularly successful.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/fulham-make-spinazzola-enquiry/

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Wolves 'chasing' former Leeds United star also linked with Fulham and Crystal Palace
Wolves are reportedly chasing former Leeds United forward Eddie Nketiah - although Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford are also said to be keen.

The 24-year-old has spent the entirety of his professional career on Arsenal's books, although did spent time on loan at Leeds in the 2019/20 campaign. He was recruited to bolster Marcelo Bielsa's attacking options at Elland Road but found regular starts hard to come by.

Bielsa preferred to deploy Patrick Bamford up front, a decision that became difficult to argue with as the Whites charged towards the Championship title.

Nketiah has been in and out of the Arsenal side this season, making 10 league starts over the course of his 28 appearances. He made an electric start to the campaign, earning an England call-up after scoring twice in Arsenal's opening three league games.

However, he could not maintain the momentum and he has not played more than 45 minutes in a Premier League game since December.

According to TEAMtalk, he could leave the Gunners at the end of the season with Wolves among the clubs chasing a deal. He is said to have been informed he can find a new club and he will reportedly not be short of options.

Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham have also been named as interested parties and he would arguably be considered a significant coup for any of them.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/wolves-chasing-former-leeds-united-star-also-linked-with-fulham-and-crystal-palace-4560434

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Fulham want Serie A ace as Liverpool make first move to sign Craven Cottage star this summer
Fulham are interested in signing Roma star Leonardo Spinazzola this summer as Liverpool move in for left back Antonee Robinson.

More players have turned out for both Fulham and Roma than you would imagine.

Maarten Stekelenburg, Vincenzo Montella, John Arne Riise, Stefano Okaka, Pierre Wome, Olivier Dacourt all spring to mind, as does current Roma defender Chris Smalling.

That many players turning out for both clubs is a little strange and there could yet be another name joining that list in the coming months.

Fulham want Leonardo Spinazzola
Reports from AS Roma Live suggest that Fulham have shown an interest in signing Roma ace Leonardo Spinazzola.

Some will remember Spinazzola for some impressive displays at Euro 2020 before suffering a major injury.

The 30-year-old has been in and out of the side this season, recording 14 Serie A starts and six substitute appearances.

Despite predominantly being a left back, Spinazzola is actually right-footed and has regularly shown his speed and technical ability at Roma.

The report claims that Fulham are looking at Spinazzola because star left back Antonee Robinson is attracting huge interest.

It's stated that Liverpool and Manchester City have already made contact with Robinson's agents to try and discuss a summer move.

Fulham allegedly want around £35million for Robinson, who has gone from strength to strength this season.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the likes of Liverpool moving for Robinson this summer – he has truly been that good this season.

Replacing Robinson with a 30-year-old doesn't really get us excited though and we would rather see Fulham try and find another Robinson.

That may be difficult but if big money comes in for Robinson, committing to replacing him with a player who holds little resale value down the line may leave some what a little uninspired.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/19/fulham-want-serie-a-ace-as-liverpool-make-first-move-to-sign-craven-cottage-star-this-summer/

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Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham legend to leave Craven Cottage
The former Premier League winner is to leave his current coaching role to join an international side.

Former Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham star Luis Boa Morte has been appointed as Head Coach of Guinea-Bissau in a return to management. The Premier League legend will leave his current coaching role at Craven Cottage come the end of the season.

The 46-year-old made 296 top flight appearances over an illustrious professional career, which ended in 2013 after a brief stint at Chesterfield. Boa Morte was best known for his time at Fulham but also enjoyed spells at Arsenal and West Ham having broken through with Sporting Lisbon in his home nation of Portugal.

The midfielder won the Premier League with the Gunners in 1998 and the Football League First Division with Fulham in 2001. He was also named the Cottagers' Player of the Year in 2005.

After retiring from playing football, Boar Morte quickly moved into coaching and worked with the Fulham academy. He then moved on to work in the youth set-up at Sporting Lisbon and eventually returning to Arsenal to work as a scout.

His only previous spell in management came at Sintrense in 2017. After leaving the post, he then worked with Marco Silva at Everton before moving with the manager to Fulham.

A statement from Fulham read: "The Club can confirm that Luis Boa Morte will leave Fulham at the end of the season to take up a position as Head Coach of Guinea-Bissau.

"Boa Morte – who already held legend status at Craven Cottage after scoring 54 times in 250 appearances during his playing days – returned to the Club as First Team Coach following the appointment of Marco Silva in the summer of 2021.

"An integral part of the backroom staff that saw us win the Championship in that first season, Boa Morte was then part of the team that helped re-establish Fulham as a top flight outfit as we finished 10th in the Premier League.

"Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Boa for his efforts since his return to the Club, and wishes him the best of luck in this next chapter when he departs following our season finale away to Luton Town."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/arsenal-west-ham-and-fulham-legend-to-leave-craven-cottage-4560631

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"It's difficult, it's hard" – Fulham player disappointed with situation, isn't quite 100% at the moment
Mexico manager Jaime Lozano hasn't included Fulham's Raúl Jiménez in his squad to face both Panama in the Concacaf Nations League and a friendly against Bolivia this month.

The 32-year-old will miss the clash against Panama and this was confirmed by the player himself during an interview with W Radio's Claro Sports.

A hamstring injury forced the striker to miss six games for Fulham for over a month. He returned to action in the Premier League side's 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Lozano has concerns over the former Wolves star's fitness, resulting in his decision to not consider him for the clash against Panama.

"It's difficult, it's hard but I also understand the decision. Jimmy was in contact with me, he told me he wasn't going to be in the squad," he said.

"I hope he continues to count on me, he wants me to recover 100% so as not to force something that could be counterproductive in the end. He told me to stay calm, to keep focused on doing what I have to do at Fulham so that I can be in the next squad."

The Fulham player will be 35 years of age when the 2026 World Cup kicks off in America and has now set a goal to be part of the national team squad for that tournament.

"I see myself in the World Cup. I don't know if I'll be a starter or not, that's what I'm working for, to be an important player, to be there, to contribute what I know, to help the team," Jiménez explained.

"Obviously, we all want to be starters and play every game. I see myself being there, helping the team to have a great World Cup."

The Mexican joined Fulham from Wolves last summer and signed a deal until 2025, with an option for another year. He's scored five goals from 25 appearances so far for Marco Silva's side.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/difficult-hard-fulham-player-disappointed-situation-isnt-quite-100-moment/

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How Rodrigo Muniz became Fulham's main man... with a little help from ex-Chelsea star
Things may well have been very different for Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz had he not taken on board the advice of a former Chelsea player.

Muniz is the talk of the Premier League right now — the in-form striker in the top-flight and its leading goalscorer since the start of February.

But without the intervention of Filipe Luis, he would probably not be in England at all.

Muniz was not a regular scorer for Flamengo in Brazil, but his performances, including a bicycle kick at the Maracana, were attracting interest in the summer of 2021.

He wanted to make a big-money move to Al-Nassr, but Flamengo team-mate Filipe Luis eulogised about his time at Chelsea and urged against leaving for Saudi Arabia.

So Muniz instead joined Fulham for £6.8million as an unproven 20-year-old striker who did not speak English and had everything to prove.

It has taken him more than two years, but he is now proving himself. He has scored seven goals in Fulham's past seven Premier League matches, including a double in Saturday's 3-0 win against Tottenham.

The 22-year-old is starting ahead of Raul Jimenez and Armando Broja. But while his form has seemingly come out of nowhere, becoming Fulham's main man took time.

The Brazilian made only two starts in Fulham's Championship-winning season of 2021-22, spending last term on loan at Middlesbrough, where Michael Carrick often did not even name him in his matchday squads.

Last summer, Marco Silva encouraged him to go out on loan in Brazil, but Muniz stayed. After Fulham sold Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal last summer, Silva rotated Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius and Muniz in the early months of the season.

On his first start in November against Manchester United, Muniz left the pitch in tears with a knee injury that threatened to delay his progress.

When he got back fit, though, a hamstring injury to Jimenez gave him an opportunity which he has seized. He has scored a wide variety of goals and become a much greater physical presence.

Fulham were expected to re-enter the market for a striker this summer, but if Muniz keeps scoring, they might not need to

Fulham staff have been surprised with how quickly his English is progressing, while fans have taken immediately to his upbeat nature.

Muniz's goals have caught the eye, but his all-round game has improved, too. He is winning more aerial duels, holding the ball up better and developing a sixth sense for where to position himself in the box.

Fulham were expected to re-enter the market for a striker this summer, but if Muniz keeps scoring, they might not need to.

After Brazil manager Dorival Junior visited Fulham's training ground in February to watch Muniz and Andreas Pereira, he called up Pereira but overlooked Muniz.

"When I say I work a lot, I work a lot. I need to play like today every day, because the Brazil call-up is coming," he said after the Spurs game.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-rodrigo-muniz-chelsea-fc-b1146228.html

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"Yes, 100%" – Fulham player says he'll reject specific move 'without hesitation', keen to impress for Silva's side
Fulham's Raúl Jiménez has told Claro Sports that he will only consider a move to Club América if he were to return to Mexico in the future.

The Mexico international spent three years at Club América, after coming through their youth system. He arrived in Europe for the first time when Atlético Madrid signed him in 2014.

Jiménez joined Fulham from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, and the possibility of returning to Mexico grows bigger with each season.

"It is something that has crossed my mind [returning to Liga MX]. I have always said that if I return to Mexican football, it would be to América, I don't see myself returning to any other team," he said.

"It's not to close the doors on other places but I have an Americanist background and that's where I'm from."

When asked if he would turn down Club Deportivo Guadalajara, often known by their nickname, Chivas, Jiménez explained: "Yes, 100%, without hesitation. If at some point it were to happen, no thanks, I have other objectives, something else in mind."

The 32-year-old has less than 18 months left on his deal, with an option for another year. The striker has made 25 appearances for Fulham this season, scoring five goals in the process. He hasn't ruled out the possibility of ending his career in Europe.

"Right now, I see myself here in Europe for as long as possible, I have a minimum deal for another two more years here. I want to fulfil them and then see. If I can retire here in Europe, it would also be great, to finish my career and do it in the best way possible, but I'm not closing the doors to return to Mexico," Jiménez explained.

Despite opening the door to return to América, he has insisted that his focus is currently on finishing his contract with Marco Silva's side.

"I have a contract here, I am happy, I know I can continue performing at this level in the Premier League. No approach or anything," the former Wolves star added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/yes-100-fulham-player-says-hell-reject-specific-move-without-hesitation-keen-impress-silvas-side/

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Man City have already contacted £34m Premier League defender's representatives to sign him in the summer
As Manchester City look ahead to the summer transfer window, they have already taken steps to sign Antonee Robinson from Fulham.

Pep Guardiola's men lack a natural left-back option in their ranks, especially after Joao Cancelo's loan transfer to Barcelona, who has admitted that he hopes his move is made permanent.

Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have been utilised as left-backs this campaign but it seems like City are ready to pull the trigger in the summer and sign a natural fit for the position.

Manchester City have made contact to sign Antonee Robinson in the summer
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League since impressing for Fulham last season.

During the Cottagers' 3-0 demolition job of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, the USA international exemplified why he is heralded amongst the best in his position in England, putting in an all-encompassing display, where he provided an inch-perfect assist for Rodrigo Muniz's opener.

Now, AS Roma Live have reported that in an effort to sign Antonee Robinson, Manchester City have already contacted his representatives to get a deal over the line in the summer.

Liverpool are believed to have done the same, with both clubs willing to pay a fee in the region of £29.9 million (€35 million) to £34.4 million (€40 million) to sign the Milton Keynes-born defender, as per Fulham's demands.

Marco Silva's side are claimed to be preparing for the highly-rated left-back's exit, having earmarked Roma's Leonardo Spinazzola as his potential replacement.

Antonee Robinson would help Pep Guardiola's side in multiple ways
Whether Antonee Robinson is at the level to play for Manchester City will likely stir a debate, as the step up from Fulham to playing for arguably the best team in the world is a massive one.

But a traditional left-back like Robinson would allow City to field three attacking midfielders in possession, especially if either Foden or Grealish are deployed as left-wingers as he would be able to hold the width on the left-hand side.

Manchester City have tried to do the same with Josko Gvardiol and Kyle Walker on both flanks and while the tactic has worked to a certain degree, the pair lack the dangerous crossing and ability to bypass defenders like Antonee Robinson does.

As a result, the Fulham defender's profile would certainly suit the Sky Blues.



https://www.manchestercity.news/man-city-are-now-interested-in-signing-34m-premier-league-defender-antonee-robinson-liverpool-are-also-keen/

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Wolves join Crystal Palace, Fulham in Eddie Nketiah chase

Wolves are ready to battle it out with Crystal Palace and Fulham for the services of Arsenal graduate Eddie Nketiah.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all looking to bolster their attack and are keen on having Eddie Nketiah in their ranks starting next season. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old striker has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, and they are ready to sanction his departure.

Arsenal ready to part ways with Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah joined Arsenal's youth ranks in the summer of 2015. He went up the ranks and made it to the first team in the summer of 2019. While the homegrown attacker has produced impressive numbers over the past few seasons despite getting limited game time, he is not in Mikel Arteta's long-term plans.

In the ongoing season, he might have featured in 33 matches but only has 1,360 minutes of first-team football in total. Nketiah has also contributed towards 11 goals. Despite his efforts, he is behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are planning to sign a new world-class striker in the summer. And, they are ready to sanction the departure of their 24-year-old striker to raise funds. Nketiah's game time will be further affected by the arrival of another star forward at Arsenal.

Nketiah on Fulham and Crystal Palace's radar
Arsenal have informed the player to look for a new destination. While he does want to fight for a place in Arteta's team, a move elsewhere will be the best possible outcome for the England international. Meanwhile, Fulham and Crystal Palace have been linked with the Gunners' graduate for a while now.

Both clubs lost their star strikers last summer. Aleksandar Mitrovic parted ways with the Cottagers, while Wilfried Zaha ended his stint at Palace. Neither have been able to successfully replace them and are now looking at Nketiah as a possible option to bolster their attack.

Wolves enter race for Eddie Nketiah
Crystal Palace and Fulham will face competition from Wolves, who have just entered the race. Gary O'Neil has done a great job in his first season at the club, and he is now looking to further bolster his squad in the summer. He wants to bring in competition for Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan.

Wolves have recently had problems up top, with Cunha and Hwang both sidelined with injuries. He has struggled because of a shortage of options and is looking at Nketiah as someone who will bolster his squad and challenge for a place in the starting XI.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/03/19/wolves-join-crystal-palace-fulham-in-eddie-nketiah-chase/

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Raul wants to stay at Fulham
Raul Jimenez has scotched rumours linking him with a summer return to Mexico – insisting he wants to contribute to Fulham's success under Marco Silva.

The former Wolves forward had been named as a possible target for former club Club America in recent South American press reports, but Jimenez told Claro Sports that he is concentrating on performing well at Craven Cottage.

"Right now, I see myself here in Europe for as long as possible, I have a minimum deal for another two more years here. I want to fulfil them and then see. If I can retire here in Europe, it would also be great, to finish my career and do it in the best way possible, but I'm not closing the doors to return to Mexico. I have a contract here, I am happy, I know I can continue performing at this level in the Premier League. No approach or anything."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/raul-wants-to-stay-at-fulham/

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"I don't have words" – Fulham player gets emotional over comeback, 'a dream come true'
Fulham star Andreas Pereira is extremely happy to have another chance to play for Brazil.

The midfielder had only featured for the national team once, in a friendly against El Salvador in 2018, and was now called up again by new manager Dorival Junior.

Pereira today held a press conference, and in a video brought by TNT Sports, the Fulham player highlights how much that comeback means to him.

"I don't have words to say to you and everyone here about how important it is to me and my family. Everyone knows what I went through in Flamengo and how difficult my injury was at Fulham at the end of the season," said Pereira.

"It's very gratifying to know that I'm being followed and monitored. I was very happy with Dorival's visit, he talked to us. It's a dream come true and I'm here to defend Brazil in the best way possible."

When Pereira talks about what he went through at Flamengo, he means the mistake that cost them the Copa Libertadores title in 2021. Now even though there was a lot of drama and he's still disliked by some fans for that, his loan spell in Brazil is what convinced Fulham to sign him from Manchester United for €9.5m in 2022.

The 28-year-old had a major turnaround while playing for Marco Silva's side, and that's what's now giving him the chance to play for Brazil again.

Dorival Junior's side will now play friendlies against England and Spain in preparation for the Copa América, and Pereira must convince those in charge that he deserves a place at the competition.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-dont-words-fulham-player-gets-emotional-comeback-dream-come-true/

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Luis Boa Morte: Fulham coach to take charge of Guinea-Bissau

Boa Morte joined Fulham in 2021 as part of Marco Silva's backroom staff

Luis Boa Morte will leave his role as Fulham first-team coach at the end of the season to take charge of Guinea-Bissau.

The 46-year-old Portuguese joined the Cottagers in 2021 when Marco Silva was appointed as the London club's head coach.

The pair had previously worked together at Sporting Lisbon and Everton, while Boa Morte also played more than 150 games for Fulham between 2001 and 2007.

"Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Boa for his efforts since his return to the club, and wishes him the best of luck in this next chapter when he departs following our season finale away to Luton Town," Fulham said in a statement, external.

Boa Morte's role with the West African nation will be his first coaching position in international football and sees him take charge of a side ranked 118th in the world.

Nicknamed the African Wild Dogs, Guinea-Bissau have never qualified for the World Cup or progressed beyond the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations in four previous attempts.

At this year's Nations Cup in Ivory Coast, they lost all three of their games as they finished bottom of Group A.

Boa Morte's only previous experience as a manager came at Portuguese fourth-tier side Sintrense between 2017 and 2018.

A forward with a strong left foot, he won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 1998 and also played for West Ham and Southampton, as well as having short spells in Greece and South Africa.

Boa Morte made 28 appearances for Portugal, scoring one goal.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/68608053

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Cobblers team news for Derby County - Kieron Bowie, Sam Hoskins, Patrick Brough, Tony Springett and Danny Hylton
Young attacking pair called up by their national teams

Cobblers will plan for the 'worst case scenario' after Tony Springett and Kieron Bowie were called up by their national teams this week.

Norwich City loanee Springett is in the Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad to face San Marino in a European Championship qualifier on Friday while Bowie is with Scotland Under-21s, who play Kazakhstan on Thursday.

It remains to be seen whether or not either will be available to play for the Cobblers when they host promotion-chasing Derby County at Sixfields on Saturday.

"You have to plan for the worst case scenario because we're in the hands of someone else and it's up to the under-21 managers at international level," said manager Jon Brady.

"Sam's feeling better and he's trained today (Tuesday), but otherwise we'll probably be as we were for the weekend."

Brady also confirmed that Danny Hylton is currently fit and it has been a selection decision to leave him out of recent matchday squads. The Town boss says he has no issue with Hylton commentating on Luton Town games at the same time the Cobblers are playing.



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/cobblers-team-news-for-derby-county-kieron-bowie-sam-hoskins-patrick-brough-tony-springett-and-danny-hylton-4561264

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Emotional Pereira delighted by Brazil recall
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira found it difficult to put his emotions into words when he was asked to describe how special his call-up to the Brazilian squad by new manager Dorival Junior was.

The former Manchester United attacking midfielder had recently turned down persistent approaches from Belgium, the country of his birth, because he wanted to represent Brazil, whom he had won a single cap in 2018, again and during a press conference this afternoon he became emotional when discussing his return to the national team.

"I don't have words to say to you and everyone here about how important it is to me and my family. Everyone knows what I went through in Flamengo and how difficult my injury was at Fulham at the end of the season. It's very gratifying to know that I'm being followed and monitored. I was very happy with Dorival's visit [to Motspur Park], he talked to us. It's a dream come true and I'm here to defend Brazil in the best way possible."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/emotional-pereira-delighted-by-brazil-recall/

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Alan Shearer names four Fulham players in his Team of the Week, including one 'unplayable' star
Pundit Alan Shearer has named a staggering four Fulham players – as well as boss Marco Silva – in his Premier League team of the week.

Fulham were sensational against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening and nobody will fancy a trip to Craven Cottage right now.

Rodrigo Muniz stole the show with a brace but Sasa Lukic also found the net to hand Fulham a 3-0 victory.

Marco Silva's side are really ticking right now and it's no surprise to see Fulham dominating Alan Shearer's Team of the Week...

Alan Shearer praises Fulham
Shearer may have had a rather narrow pool of players to pick from due to the FA Cup.

The former Newcastle United striker still picked four Fulham stars as well as naming Silva as the Manager of the Week.

Speaking on the official Premie League website, Shearer went with both Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson in his back line after both Fulham full backs recorded assists on Saturday.

"Delivered a cross that Sasa Lukic couldn't miss from and nearly capped off a brilliant display with a goal," said Shearer on Castagne. "Kept Dejan Kulusevski quiet all evening, produced an assist and could have got another. An excellent performance at left-back," he added on Robinson.

Shearer also named midfielder Lukic in his side alongside fellow goalscorer Muniz, unsurprisingly offering huge praise to the Brazilian.

"Such an underrated player for Fulham. He controlled the midfield superbly and took his goal so well," said Shearer on Lukic. "Simply unplayable. He's really stepped up for Fulham in recent weeks to give them a chance of qualifying for Europe," he added on Muniz.

The former Newcastle United striker was always going to be impressed with Muniz and his goalscoring and few would argue with him being tabbed as 'unplayable'.

Castagne, Robinson and Lukic all deserve their praise as well though with Fulham's team performance rightfully praised.

Shearer on Marco Silva
Shearer also offered praise for boss Silva, who has masterminded some outstanding results of late.

The Match of the Day pundit raved about Silva's 'excellent' tactical ability and feels that the Portuguese boss is 'defying expectations' this season.

"Defying expectations this season and once again showed his excellent tactical skills to mastermind a victory over Spurs," said Shearer.

We have seen West Ham United being linked with a move for Silva as they consider David Moyes' future.

Silva is deservedly earning huge praise for his work at Fulham this season and Shearer's words only add to that with Fulham no doubt hoping that other clubs back off this summer.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/19/alan-shearer-names-four-fulham-players-in-his-team-of-the-week-including-one-unplayable-star/