Thursday Fulham Stuff - 23/05/24...

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Fulham to appoint Goncalo Jose Goncalves after work permit approved – sources
Fulham are set to appoint Goncalo Jose Goncalves in a first-team coaching role, sources have told Football Insider.

The 37-year-old has spent the past few months managing Primeira Liga side Casa Pia after being appointed in February this year.

But he has now agreed terms with Fulham and is set to be announced by the club soon as Marco Silva's new assistant manager at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese had his work permit approved on Tuesday (21 May) by an independent FA commission.

Goncalves will replace Luis Boa Morte, who accepted an offer from Guinea-Bissau to become their new manager at the end of the season.

Goncalo Jose Goncalves to replace Luis Boa Morte at Fulham
Boa Morte returned to Fulham in July 2021 when Silva took over the reins at Craven Cottage before leading the club back to the Premier League.

The Portuguese, who previously spent six years with the Cottagers as a player, has helped his compatriot consolidate a place in the top flight over the past couple of years.

After finishing 10th in 2022-23, that was backed up by a 13th-placed finish in the recent campaign as Fulham steered well clear of the relegation zone.

Silva's side did, however, only win two of their final nine Premier League games as their form was relatively hit-and-miss throughout this calendar year.

It now looks as though Goncalves will be the man to come in and help Silva continue his work in west London.

He previously played under the Fulham boss at Portuguese top-flight club Estoril for three years between 2011 and 2014.

Since retiring as a player in 2021, Goncalves has undertaken coaching roles at Real Massama, Estoril and Casa Pia before being handed the top job by the latter in February.

The Portuguese guided the Lisbon-based club to a ninth-place finish in the Primeira Liga after claiming five victories in his 13 games in charge.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham-to-appoint-goncalo-jose-goncalves-after-work-permit-approved-sources/

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'Almost there' - Fulham and Bournemouth double transfer on verge of confirmation
Fulham and Bournemouth stars have been targeted in the free agent market by a proactive Newcastle United.

Wantaway Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is on the verge of completing a free transfer to Newcastle United as his deal at Craven Cottage comes to an end.

The centre-back has been a key part of Marco Silva's side this term and his performances at the heart of the Cottagers' defence have turned heads in the Premier League and abroad. Fulham were keen to keep the 26-year-old on board, making contract offers, but Adarabioyo has resisted a new deal as his current one comes to an end.

That means that the defender will be able to quit the London club as a free agent and sign for any new suitor without a transfer fee. Several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, had been linked with the star but it is the Tyneside outfit who have long been frontrunners.

It had been reported that the Magpies had offered Adarabioyo a bumper £100,000 a-week deal to bring him to St James' Park earlier this month. It's a key position for the club to recruit in, having lost both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to ACL injuries this season that will keep the stars out of action for a chunk of the 2024/25 campaign.

As well as Adarabioyo, Newcastle United are close to announcing the free transfer signing of another Premier League star in Bournemouth man Lloyd Kelly. Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media platform X today: "Newcastle keep advancing to sign both Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo as free agents, almost there."

Fulham supporters won't be all too surprised to see Adarabioyo leave the Cottage this summer with the player having been left out of the squad for the last four league outings of the season - although Silva confirmed the player was available.

He explained: "He can play. We have three more games to play. If we need him to play and I decide to put him on the pitch, he's going to be on the pitch. Is he going to play again for Fulham? That's my decision. I'm looking for the present. I want to win football matches but at the same time we have to prepare for the future of the club."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/almost-there-fulham-and-bournemouth-double-transfer-on-verge-of-confirmation-4638208

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Esenga & Amissah Sign Pro Deals

The Club is delighted to announce that Jonathan Esenga and Samuel Amissah have signed their first professional deals.

The defensive duo have played key roles for both Ali Melloul's Under-18s side and Hayden Mullins' Under-21s this season.

Jonathan Esenga
Jon broke into the U21s team at the start of the campaign when he was just 16 – and he has gone on to make 10 appearances for Mullins' side in PL2 this season. He starred in last week's Premier League Cup Final win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.

A strong passer and set-piece taker, the left-sided defender was handed his England U17s debut back in October, making his debut alongside Amissah.

"It's a great feeling," said Jon. "I've been at the Club since the age of five. It feels like all the hard work is paying off and hopefully this is just the start of great things to come.

"I've had a sniff of First Team football having been involved in some training and that just makes you want it more. I need to keep working hard daily. I've been trying to take each day, each session and each game as it comes and apply myself 110 per cent.

"It's a real blessing to get to this next stage in my career, and I just thank God as it's all possible through him."

Samuel Amissah
It's been a fantastic season for Samuel, who only made his U21s debut last September. He scored a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory against Derby County on just his second U21s appearance.

A versatile defender who is comfortable on both feet, Samuel has also received international recognition this season and is currently away with England U17s at the European Championships in Cyprus.

"I'm very excited to be signing a professional contract here at Fulham," he said. "It's something that I've been dreaming of since I was a kid. To finally put pen to paper is a really good feeling.

"I want to keep excelling with the 21s and then push on to get as many opportunities with the First-Team as possible.

"I want to thank all of the coaching staff, physios, my family and everybody that's been a part of my journey up to this point."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/22/esenga-and-amissah-sign-pro-deals/

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Fulham news: Keith Wyness has surprise take on stadium drama – 'it doesn't really affect the fans'
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has unexpectedly defended the Fulham development of the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage – claiming the changes will bring "seven days of revenue" to the club.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – urged Cottagers chiefs to use some of the proceeds of the pricey development to subsidise season tickets elsewhere in the stadium.

Fulham's plans for their new Riverside Stand have been unveiled – and met with ridicule from some Premier League fans and pundits.

The new development, which is set to open in late 2024, will include a rooftop pool and bar – as well as two Michelin-star restaurants.

Fulham fans protested earlier this season against season ticket costs rising 18% for the 2023-24 campaign – with a single ticket in the new stand's lower tier costing as much as £180.

Wyness gives unexpected backing to lavish Fulham plans – 'it's a beautiful development'
Wyness welcomed the "beautiful" development but insisted club chiefs should "spread around the love" and improve the experience in the other three stands.

He told Football Insider's Insider Track podcast: "When I looked at the details behind this, it seems that it's going after the Monday to Friday crowd and unlocking more revenue streams, rather than looking at the matchday revenue.

"I understand the hospitality packages are going to start at £3,500 and go up to about £12,000.

"It's certainly significant, but I think these changes are more about bringing seven days a week of revenue to the club.

"It doesn't really affect the fans. However, I've seen a lot of real anger about the other three stands, and the facilities being neglected with all the money piled into the new development.

"You can't keep the fans happy all the time – and you've got to spread around the love.

"I'm all for clubs building revenue streams outside of football, because the facilities need to be utilised as much as possible to bring the most money in.

"It's a beautiful development, albeit a pricey one, but that's to be expected in west London.

"Good luck to Fulham – but don't forget your fans and use that money to help pay for affordable tickets for the rest of the stadium."



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham-news-keith-wyness-has-surprise-take-on-stadium-drama-it-doesnt-really-affect-the-fans/

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Jimenez: 'We can do better next season'
Raul Jimenez was pleased to finish the season strongly with a well-taken brace against Luton Town – but insists Fulham can do better next season.

The Mexican international made the most of a final day start at Kenilworth Road by scoring twice as Fulham officially relegated the Hatters and cruised to a comfortable 4-2 win. Jimenez believes that the strength in depth demonstrated as Marco Silva made six changes to his starting line-up shows the abundance of quality in Fulham's first team squad.

He told FFCTV:

"It was a good game for us. We went onto the pitch, we played our game so I'm really happy with the team performance and my two goals. I finished the season really well, really good for the team but we know that we can do better next season.

It showed that we are ready for when the gaffer needs us. We are all there, available to play and to go onto the pitch and do our best for the team to do better. It puts us into a very good place for next season. It always good to have options there. We have a very good relationship on and off the pitch. We are happy for each other when we score.

It's good for us to finish like this. We started the Premier League this season winning and we finished the season winning. We know that maybe we should have finished higher in the table, but this is football. Sometimes you don't get what we deserve. We must rest now and get ready for next season.

It was a difficult start, but then after that I got what I needed into the team. I did what the team were asking from me. After that, an injury – but after that Rodrigo appeared and he did brilliantly. It has been good for me to work with Marco Silva. He gave me the confidence I needed to be doing what I'm doing. I'm very happy about that."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/jimenez-we-can-do-better-next-season/

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Traore savours first Premier League start
Adama Traore feels there is some light at the end of the tunnel after starring on his first Premier League start for Fulham in the victory at Luton Town on Sunday.

The former Wolves winger scored one and made another as the Whites waltzed to a 4-2 victory at Kenilworth Road and he told FFCTV that the achievement was all the more special after coming through the toughest injury period of his career since moving to Craven Cottage.

"It was good. It was a good battle, I think both teams were trying to win the game today and we enjoyed it, we worked hard and at the end of the day, we have the three points. I am happy with my first start in the Premier League after a difficult situation with my injury, but I am happy with the scoreline, the assist and we keep going.

It's a tough ground to come and they also were pushing today. It was the last game for them, a chance to finish with a smile on their face. But we kept working, we kept doing what the gaffer had asked us to do and at the end of the day, we have the three points.

I'm happy for my first Premier League start. It has been difficult for me because I have never had so many injuries in one season, but I guess this is a learning process for me. I keep work, I keep doing what I do and this has to be the standard for me.

It is very important [to finish the season with a win]. I am happy for the fans, seeing the fans at the end of the game. They were happy, enjoying the weather, which is not always nice in the UK! I am happy that they enjoyed it. The supporters have been amazing. I am happy that we have given them back something for the support that they give us every game."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/traore-savours-first-premier-league-start/

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Leno and Robinson shortlisted for team of season
Fulham duo Bernd Leno and Antonee Robinson have made the shortlist for the inaugural Premier League fans' team of the season.

German international Leno has enjoyed a strong second campaign at Craven Cottage, keeping ten clean sheets as the Whites easily secured another season of top flight football, whilst attacking full-back Robinson has been one of Marco Silva's most consistent performers as well as setting up six goals for his team-mates.

Supporters can select their team of the season, with ten nominees per position, on the Premier League website. Voting is open until Monday 27 May and all participants will be entered into a prize draw, with a chance to win a 2024/25 club shirt of their choice and a £100 club shop voucher.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/leno-and-robinson-shortlisted-for-team-of-season/

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Amissah named in England U17 squad
Fulham defender Sam Amissah has been included in the England squad for the under-17 European Championships.

The cultured centre back, who has shone for both Fulham's under 18s and under 21s sides this season, made his under-17 international debut last year and helped the Three Lions qualify for this month's tournament in March. He is expected to be a key figure in England's bid to win silverware in Cyprus this month.

England's group campaign gets underway against France this evening before they tackle Portugal on Friday 24 May and round off their first round fixtures with a match against Spain on Monday 27 May. The top two nations from each group will progress to the quarter finals.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/amissah-named-in-england-u17-squad/

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Palhinha in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad
Fulham midfielder João Palhinha has been named in Portugal's squad for this summer's European Championships in Germany.

The tough tackling defensive midfielder, who has enjoyed two superb seasons at Craven Cottage since moving from Sporting Lisbon, has become a regular in Roberto Martinez's side over the past twelve months. Palhinha has won 25 senior caps for his country and will be hoping to help Portugal lift the trophy in Munich in July.

Portugal have been drawn in Group alongside Georgia, Czechia and Turkey.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/palhinha-in-portugals-euro-2024-squad/

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Amissah excels in England U17s victory
Young Fulham defender Sam Amissah kept a clean sheet and made a goal as England's under-17s made an excellent start to their European Championship campaign by thrashing France 4-0 last night.

The centre back was an assured presence in the English defence for 75 minutes, playing a key part in England's third goal. He brought the ball out of defence – as he has done so many times for Fulham's academy sides over the course of a strong season – and played a searching pass to Tottenham midfielder Mikey Moore who went on to score his second goal of the evening.

Also on the scoresheet during England's emphatic win were Port Vale's Baylee Dipepa and Arsenal forward Ethan Nwaneri. England's next outing is against Portugal on Friday night. You can follow Sam's progress – and much of the tournament – on the BBC IPlayer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/amissah-excels-in-england-u17s-victory/

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Esenga and Amissah turn professional with Fulham
Promising defenders Jonathan Esenga and Samuel Amissah have signed their first professional contracts with Fulham, the club have announced this afternoon.

Esenga first featured for Fulham's under 21s at the start of the 2023/24 campaign at the age of only sixteen – and made ten appearances in the PL2 under Hayden Mullins. An attack-minded full back, who is also a dead-ball specialist, the teenager caught the eye on Thursday's superb Premier League Cup final thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.

The England under-17 international told Fulham's official website:

"It's a great feeling. I've been at the club since the age of five. It feels like all the hard work is paying off and hopefully this is just the start of great things to come. I've had a sniff of first team football having been involved in some training and that just makes you want it more. I need to keep working hard daily. I've been trying to take each day, each session and each game as it comes and apply myself 110 per cent. It's a real blessing to get to this next stage in my career, and I just thank God as it's all possible through him."

Amissah, currently starring for England at the European under-17 Championships, has enjoyed a successful campaign having only broken into the under-21 team back in September. He quickly made his mark playing above his age group by scoring a late winner against Derby County in only his second match.

A an adaptable and two-footed defender Amissah is considered one of the brightest talents in the club's academy system and had been known to be attracting interest from a number of rival clubs.

He told the club's official website:

"I'm very excited to be signing a professional contract here at Fulham. It's something that I've been dreaming of since I was a kid. To finally put pen to paper is a really good feeling. I want to keep excelling with the 21s and then push on to get as many opportunities with the first team as possible. I want to thank all of the coaching staff, physios, my family and everybody that's been a part of my journey up to this point."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/esenga-and-amissah-turn-professional-with-fulham/

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Santos set to join Fulham
Casa Pia manager Goncalo Santos is set to replace Luis Boa Morte in Fulham's coaching staff, according to reports from Portugal.

The 37 year-old, who was previously captain of Estoril when Silva took his first steps into management, successfully guided Casa Pia to safety having been appointed to his first managerial role in February, with the Lisbon outfit sitting sixteenth in the Primeira Liga table. Casa Pia finished ninth in the final table, winning five and drawing three of the fifteen games under Santos' guidance.

Santos, who has previously been an assistant at Real SC and youth team coach at Estoril, will be reunited with Silva at Motspur Park from this summer as Boa Morte, who said an emotional farewell to the Fulham faithful at Luton Town last Sunday, preparing to take over as the national team coach of Guinea-Bissau.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/05/santos-set-to-join-fulham/

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Fulham, West Ham United in talks to sign Wesley Gassova, Crystal Palace also keen
Fulham and West Ham United have initiated discussions to sign Wesley Gassova, with Crystal Palace also keen on signing the Brazilian wonderkid.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Fulham and West Ham United are interested in signing Wesley Gassova in the summer transfer window. The two London clubs have opened talks to sign the Brazilian attacking sensation. Meanwhile, Corinthians will demand around €25-30 million to part ways with the youngster.

However, Fulham and West Ham United are not the only clubs keen on signing the 19-year-old winger. A report by Goal Brasil has revealed that Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the Corinthians wonderkid heading into the summer transfer window.

Who is Wesley Gassova?
Wesley Gassova is one of the brightest young prospects in his homeland. A native of Sao Paulo, the Brazilian winger has graduated from the Corinthians youth division and is already a regular for the first team. The 19-year-old has turned out 25 times thus far this season, chipping in with five goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the youngster's progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace.

London calling?
The latest report by Goal Brasil has linked Crystal Palace with Wesley. The Eagles are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze. In addition, Jordan Ayew is on the wrong side of 30. So, the Corinthians wonderkid has emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace.

As for West Ham, the Hammers hold a long-standing interest in Wesley Gassova. They have closely monitored the youngster's progress for several months. And recent reports have claimed that West Ham already failed with a bid to secure his services. They have now opened talks to sign the Brazilian wonderkid, who will cost around €25-30 million.

The price tag might not be an issue for Fulham, considering they will recoup a handsome sum when Joao Palhinha inevitably departs from Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, with Willian well into his thirties, Fulham can do with a new winger. Wesley is thus an option worth considering.

While Fulham and West Ham are in the early stages of the talks to secure Wesley Gassova's services, Crystal Palace might not be far behind. In addition, Brighton & Hove Albion and Atletico Madrid will ensure the battle for the 19-year-old goes deep into the summer transfer window.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/05/22/fulham-west-ham-united-in-talks-to-sign-wesley-gassova-crystal-palace-also-keen/

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The Tony Gale Column
A very respectable 13th place finish for Fulham in 2023/24. That's not mid-table mediocrity, I think it's mid-table good football. It's been based on good entertainment this year. We've said it time and time again when we've done the column, that it's front-foot football, and really good to watch. And barely does it change, even when we're playing the best sides. I commentate all over the country and, I'm not saying this lightly, Fulham are one of the best watches around. I always say that if you had a season ticket at Fulham this year, I think you've let yourself in for some good entertainment week on week at the home games, against top opposition. It really doesn't change, Marco Silva doesn't change a lot tactically, he always has a go at teams, no matter who we play. I see so many teams just sit back and defend when they're playing the big sides at home – it does my head in. But seeing Fulham go at it with a relish is brilliant, Spurs being a case in point, the 3-0 victory, and that could have been by more.

That was one of several highly impressive results this season. There's also the four points off Arsenal, and that first win at Old Trafford in decades. Manchester United ain't the Man United of old, admittedly, but so many teams have gone up there this season and treated them like they are. But not Fulham. It was a late goal that won the day, but anybody who went to the game will tell you that Fulham thoroughly deserved it. There were some real good highlights amongst that season. There were some annoying ones, obviously, some defeats that were avoidable. I was commentating on the Burnley game at the Cottage, and it was a game that I thought would suit us down to the ground, because they play out from the back and you can get at them. That's the type of game that we can look back on as points dropped.

Marco has referenced that lack of consistency and how he'd like to improve on that next season, but it is very difficult to attain. Take the Spurs win, for instance, it would be very tricky to deliver a performance like that every week. It's hard to do it, playing the way that he does, because Fulham play with an edge. I love it. The biggest compliment I can pay, is that I would love to play in this Fulham team under Marco Silva. I consider myself a footballing type of central defender, and Marco gives players like that a licence to pass it out from the back, play it through the thirds, and it's good to watch.

I was thinking about who's been Fulham's Player of the Season, and it's really difficult, because there have been so many excellent performances over the course of the year. People will go for Rodrigo Muniz, and rightly so because he's come on bundles, but I tell you who's really surprised me, someone who plays in my position – Calvin Bassey. I think he's done really well. He had a bit of a tough start because he had to play on the right side of central defence because of injuries, and he's a very left sided player. But the way he recovered from that tricky start, by the end of the season he was absolutely immense. His strength and ability on the ball has been very impressive, and I think we've got a defensive stalwart there for the foreseeable future.

In terms of Goal of the Season, the Muniz bicycle kick stands out, and that was a terrific finish, but I'm going to go for Harry Wilson against West Ham. I was doing the commentary, so I'm going to go for that one as I actually saw it live. Muniz's was probably better but, for me, you can't beat seeing a goal live. However, the best strike I saw all season was actually against Fulham, and that was Jeffrey Schlupp. I don't think I saw anyone hit a ball that hard all year! It was in the goal before Leno could move. Even Fulham fans would have said 'wow' when that one hit the back of the net. If you're a football fan, you can't help but appreciate that quality.

We've got a few players off to the Euros this summer, and of them you'd expect perhaps Timothy Castagne and João Palhinha to go far, but I think it's going to be England's year, I really do. If we can get that back four sorted out and keep them fit, then I think we win it. That's our only problem, because going forward we've got probably more options than anyone. We've got such an array of talent, I think we're the envy of the Euros at the moment. I don't think we need two holding midfield players, so I'd play Jude Bellingham slightly deeper as an eight with Declan Rice, put Phil Foden in front of him, and go from there. Those are three of the best midfielders in the world – Rice, Bellingham and Foden, corr blimey.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/may/22/the-tony-gale-column/

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Manchester United and Newcastle United to enter in tug-of-war for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo
Manchester United are locked in a transfer battle with Newcastle United to sign Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, according to BBC.

Adarabioyo is one of several central defenders being considered by Man United.

Newcastle are reportedly in advanced talks with him but the Red Devils have not ended their interest in the Englishman.

Adarabioyo will be available on a free transfer this summer as his current deal with Fulham expires on 30 June.

Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested in acquiring his services.

Signing Adarabioyo is a no-brainer for Man United
Strengthening the defence is a priority for Erik ten Hag, especially with their struggles at the back in the 2023/24 season.

Raphael Varane is set to head Old Trafford's exit door after the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are also facing an uncertain future at United. The 36-year-old rejoined United on a short-term deal that concludes next month.

Lindelof has had a tough season due to injuries and inconsistent form. He is one of those players who United can sell to raise funds.

The situation underscores the urgency for United to secure new defensive reinforcements with possibly three outgoings.

The number could increase to four if Harry Maguire is also allowed to move on.

Adarabioyo has shown strong aerial ability and possesses good ball-playing ability. Standing at 6'5″, his physical presence could be helpful to United in both the boxes.

At 26 years old, the centre-back is entering the prime years of his career.

It also makes financial sense for United to sign him. The Red Devils are expected to have merely £35 million in cash to spend in the summer transfer window.

Adarabioyo represents a cost-effective option. United would not have to pay a transfer fee and they could offer him a much better pay package than his current £40,000-a-week.

It will be challenging for United as the Magpies are leading the race to get his signature. Eddie Howe's side can offer him more playing time than he might receive at Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils must pull out all the stops to secure the defender's signature in the coming summer.

Stats from Capology.com



https://manutdnews.com/manchester-united-and-newcastle-united-to-enter-in-tug-of-war-for-fulham-defender-tosin-adarabioyo/