Thursday Fulham Stuff - 11/07/24...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Wednesday 10/07
Netherlands	1-2	England

[WhiteJC]

Aston Villa make offer to sign former Fulham player – Emery & Monchi need to battle
Aston Villa make offer to sign former Fulham player – Emery & Monchi need to battle

Napoli were able to beat Aston Villa to sign the midfielder on a loan deal from Fulham in the summer of 2021 and they made his stay permanent a year later.

Aston Villa are considering bringing the former Fulham man back to the Premier League this summer.

That's according to Il Mattino, relayed by CalcioNapoli24, who state the Villans have made an official offer to secure the midfielder's services.

Napoli have responded immediately to the Premier League side's request, rejecting the Villans' proposal for the Cameroon international.

It's claimed the 28-year-old is 'untouchable' for the Naples club and their new manager, Antonio Conte, which is why they won't entertain any approaches for him in this window.

Aston Villa, led by their manager Unai Emery and director Monchi, would now face a serious battle if they want to pursue the idea.

The ex-Fulham midfielder's contract at Napoli lasts until 2025, with an option to extend it for two more years.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villas-offer-sign-former-fulham-player-rejected-emery-monchi-warned-hes-untouchable/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham refusing to give green light for exit – Issues appear at the last minute
Despite reports a few days ago that Joao Palhinha had gone through his medical tests in Germany, there's still no final tick for his move to Bayern Munich.

The reports stated the Fulham midfielder had travelled to Munich to go through the tests, and despite there not thought to be a problem in that regard he's still not signed his contract.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports Palhinha was supposed to sign his contract with Bayern Munich this week. He states the parties involved wanted that to happen on Wednesday, so today, but that wish may go unfulfilled.

That's because Fulham are yet to give the green light for that step to be taken. Some details, which aren't explained, still need to be sorted out between the Premier League club and the Portugal international.

Palhinha therefore remains on holiday, and may not fly into Germany today as some had earlier expected.

🚨🔴 João #Palhinha is supposed to sign his contract with FC Bayern this week. The wish of all parties involved is, and has been, for it to happen today, Wednesday. However, it is not 100% certain!

... as reported ...

As of now, there is still no 🟢 light from Fulham because... pic.twitter.com/aXaFBOIoUe

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 10, 2024



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-refusing-give-green-light-exit-issues-appear-last-minute/

[WhiteJC]

Bayern Munich set to complete transfer of incredible €50m midfielder
After securing the services of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, Vincent Kompany is seemingly wasting no time in beefing up his Bayern Munich squad.

According to CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Fulham's Joao Palhinha will put pen to paper on a €50m transfer to the Bavarian giants on Wednesday.

It's no doubt been a long 12 months for the brilliant midfielder, after a move to Bayern collapsed on Deadline Day last summer.

However, all good things come to those who wait, and despite the change of manager, there's been no change in Bayern's desire to land the 29-year-old Portuguese.

Romano states that the player has already completed his medical with his new club so it's just the formality of contract signing that is left to be sorted out.

Joao Palhinha will put pen to paper on Bayern deal on Wednesday
After losing Tosin Adarabioyo this summer too, Fulham need to work hard and fast to replace two of their best players in 2023/24.

Marco Silva will want the Cottagers to remain competitive and not become one of those teams that start the inevitable slide towards the relegation places after losing their best players.

Craven Cottage has been redeveloped to a high standard and with a view to Fulham remaining as a Premier League club.

It isn't clear at this stage who Fulham might be looking at to replace the duo, however, having not drawn out negotiations, it's given them more than enough time in the transfer window to bring in the right players.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/10/bayern-munich-transfer-50m/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal 'name asking price' for Emile Smith Rowe as Fulham and Crystal Palace circle
A look at the latest surrounding the future of Emile Smith Rowe amid talk of an Arsenal exit this summer.

Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is being linked with a move away from the club this summer after his struggles for game time over recent times. The 23-year-old was once the next big thing at the Emirates Stadium, but with Mikel Arteta strengthening his squad significantly over recent years, that has quickly changed.

Smith Rowe had a couple of injury issues last season, but he made just three league starts, spending 18 games on the bench as an unused substitute. With the Gunners expected to strengthen again this summer, it looks as though Smith Rowe will call time on his time at the Emirates Stadium, especially with Arsenal needing to balance the books to stay in line with Profit and Sustainability rules.

There has already been plenty of speculation over Smith Rowe's future this summer, and there is reported interest from Arsenal's Premier League rivals in Fulham, in particular. According to Sky Sports, a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the midfielder, but Fulham are set to ramp up their distance in a bid to get ahead in the race.

Crystal Palace are also said to be interested, while Arsenal reportedly want £25million to commission a sale. That would be a welcome windfall for Edu and Arteta as they look to make space for more signings this summer. There have been reports recently that Smith Rowe has decided to move on from the Gunners in a bid to land regular football.

The 23-year-old will have ambitions to represent England again in the future having already racked up three senior appearances, and his current game time is not going to allow him to do that. A deal of some sort looks set to be struck this summer, and Arsenal will want to bring in a transfer fee over a loan deal. The attacking midfielder is currently under contract until 2026 having penned his most recent extension back in 2021.

What has Smith Rowe said?
Smith Rowe hasn't spoken much about his future recently, but he said back in December amid exit links: "Being at a massive club like Arsenal we know there is so much competition. It is always going to be challenging, it is always going to be difficult to cement your place in the team.

"I think it is just an extra push for me to keep working hard, keep fighting - and hard work pays off. I have just got to keep believing in myself."

What has Arteta said about Smith Rowe?
Amid those transfer links in the winter, Arteta said: "I'm really happy with Emile. He's in the right trajectory. Now, he's settled, he's training really well and you know I'm not going to talk about individual situations.

"Emile is Emile. We know he's got incredible qualities and we're really happy to have him. What he needs now is chances to put all the desire and quality that he has on the pitch. In order to do that we have to give him minutes."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/arsenal/arsenal-name-asking-price-for-emile-smith-rowe-as-fulham-and-crystal-palace-circle-4697443

[WhiteJC]

20-year-old secures new club after Fulham exit – Chance to develop career
The Portuguese media today shares some details about Georgios Okkas' departure Fulham and decision to join Rio Ave this summer.

The winger has just left the Whites as a free agent, having signed a three-year contract with his new club.

Newspaper O Jogo highlights that Okkas arrives at Rio Ave to 'strengthen their midfield' for the 2024/season.

The midfielder was born in Greece, but has Australian nationality and has actually represented the youth ranks of Cyprus' national team.

Okkas had played for Arsenal's and Anorthosis' academies, having then joined Fulham and played in the U-18 and U-21 levels.

The 20-year-old didn't really get any chances to play for the Whites' first team, as in the past couple of seasons he only featured in tournaments such as the Premier League 2, the U-18 Premier League and the EFL Trophy.

Portugal is an interesting place for youngsters to develop their careers, so this should be a worthwhile move for Okkas. Even if he's planning a move back to England one day, the Portuguese league is usually a competition that Premier League clubs are always watching.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/20-year-old-secures-new-club-fulham-exit-chance-develop-career/

[WhiteJC]

Update: João Palhinha will ink deal with Bayern Munich digitally this week
He will sign...at some point. We think?

Update — July 10th, 2:10PM EDT: Palhinha could ink deal virtually
However this is going to work out, João Palhinha is going to sign his deal with Bayern Munich this week — it just might happen while he is in England:



    Excl. | It's all done between João #Palhinha and FC Fulham now!

    Fulham have given him the permission to sign his contract with FC Bayern until 2028 + 1 ...

    Understand Palhinha will sign his contract this evening or tomorrow. It is also very likely that he will sign digitally and not fly to Munich.

    Palhinha, he's a new Bayern player in the next 24 hours. 100 %. Our exclusive news, set to be confirmed soon ✔️

Update — July 10th, 10:40AM EDT: Palhinha not yet ready to sign deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, João Palhinha's arrival in Germany to sign a deal with Bayern Munich has been delayed:

Multiple reports are floating around, which indicate various states of completion for a deal between Fulham FC defensive midfielder João Palhinha and Bayern Munich.

As we know, Palhinha's medical exam has already — allegedly — been performed and that the hold up in announcing a signing was because of some final details that needed to be ironed out between Bayern Munich, Palhinha's camp, and Fulham.

Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano posted information on the deal and indicated a signing was imminent:



    João #Palhinha is supposed to sign his contract with FC Bayern this week. The wish of all parties involved is, and has been, for it to happen today, Wednesday. However, it is not 100% certain!

    ... as reported ...

    As of now, there is still no light from Fulham because some details regarding the exit still need to be resolved with the player's side. That's why Palhinha is not in the air yet. He is on vacation and waiting for updates.

    Therefore, it is possible that he won't arrive in Munich today.

    @SkySportDE


One thing is certain, Palhinha's medical exam is already done and over with, but some final details seem still to be in a state of needing to be ironed out.

How quickly that happens is anyone's guess. It feels like it could take place in two minutes, two hours, or two days at this point.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2024/7/10/24195546/announcement-between-bayern-munich-and-joao-palhinha-transfer-rumors-fulham-kimmich-kompany

[WhiteJC]

Fulham set to table official bid to sign Semih Kilicsoy
Fulham will soon present a bid worth €20 million to sign 18-year-old Turkish attacking sensation Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas in the summer transfer window.

According to Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme, Semih Kilicsoy is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window. And they are ready to cough up €20 million to sign the Turkish attacking sensation from Besiktas.

The rise of Semih Kilicsoy
Semih Kilicsoy has become the latest highly-rated Turkish prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Istanbul, he spent most of his formative years with Besiktas but had short spells with Gaziosmanpasa Venüs and Arnavutköy Yayla Spor.

The Turk progressed through the ranks at Besiktas before making his first-team bow in February 2023. Since then, Kilicsoy has come leaps and bounds at Besiktas, amassing over 2,000 minutes of game time across 35 appearances in all competitions while contributing to 15 goals by finding the back of the net 12 times and providing three assists.

The Turkish international made his international bow last month and has made three appearances for his national side. Meanwhile, the youngster's progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, particularly in the Premier League. Semih Kilicsoy's next destination might be Fulham.

London calling?
Fulham's interest in Semih Kilicsoy is understandable. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window after struggling to fill the void left by the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic last summer. While Rodrigo Muniz stepped up in the final weeks of the 2023/24 season, Raul Jimenez failed to make his mark.

So, Kilicsoy has emerged as a viable target for Fulham, with the West London club ready to intensify the efforts to sign the 18-year-old Turkish attacking sensation. The Cottagers are willing to table a bid worth €20 million to sign the teenage prospect from Besiktas in the summer transfer window.

Fulham's efforts might yield the desired results in the coming weeks, although it is unclear if a bid worth €20 million might be enough for the West London outfit to secure Semih Kilicsoy's services in the summer transfer window.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/10/fulham-set-to-table-official-bid-to-sign-semih-kilicsoy/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham decision could have £40m Man Utd and West Ham transfer consequence
Bayern Munich were expected to finalise a move for the Fulham midfielder this week.

Fulham have still not given the 'green light' for midfielder Joao Palhinha to complete a move to Bayern Munich as the transfer saga looks to have hit yet another hurdle.

The Portugal international was due to complete a move to the German giants last year but a deal collapsed on deadline day with the Cottagers unable to find a suitable replacement in time. Bayern Munich have shown renewed interest this summer.

It had appeared that the two clubs had agreed on a £47 million deal after multiple bids from the Bundesliga club with Palhinha supposedly agreeing personal terms weeks ago. However, the latest update suggests that Fulham have still not signed off on the transfer.

The 29-year-old was expected to be unveiled by Bayern Munich this week after his Portugal side were knocked out of Euro 2024 by France in the quarter-finals. However, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has provided an update.

Taking to social media platform X, Plettenberg wrote: "João Palhinha is supposed to sign his contract with FC Bayern this week. The wish of all parties involved is, and has been, for it to happen today, Wednesday.

"However, it is not 100% certain! ... as reported ... As of now, there is still no green light from Fulham because some details regarding the exit still need to be resolved with the player's side. That's why Palhinha is not in the air yet. He is on vacation and waiting for updates. Therefore, it is possible that he won't arrive in Munich today."

Fulham have shown before that they won't let the player go without a plan to bring in a replacement and once again appear to be digging their heels in. Palhinha only signed a new long-term contract with the club last September with that deal due to run until 2028, if not further with the Cottagers holding the option for another year.

Should Palhinha's departure fall through once again, it could have an effect on the transfer of Manchester United man Scott McTominay. It had emerged last week that Fulham were frontrunners to sign the Scotland international from Old Trafford as a replacement for Palhinha.

West Ham and Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the player, who could leave the North West for a fee believed to be around £40 million. Any Fulham move would surely be dependent on cashing in on Palhinha and a decision not to could be a boost to transfer rivals in the Magpies and the Hammers.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-decision-could-have-ps40m-man-utd-and-west-ham-transfer-consequence-4698360

[WhiteJC]

Quick change as Fulham give approval to signing – Contract to be completed digitally
Earlier on Wednesday, we covered a report from Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg which stated Fulham had been refusing to give the final green light so Joao Palhinha can join Bayern Munich.

Despite the midfielder having already passed his medical with the Bundesliga side, and the transfer fee and personal terms being agreed, the Premier League club were slowing things down.

That was due to having to sort out some final details with the midfielder's camp, although the specifics of that weren't detailed.

Well, now it appears the issues have been resolved, with the same German journalist now saying it's all done and Palhinha has been given permission by Fulham to sign his contract.

That deal will last until 2028, with the option for a further season, and the contract can be signed digitally... meaning Palhinha doesn't need to stray too far from the beach.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/quick-change-fulham-give-approval-signing-contract-completed-digitally/

[WhiteJC]

AC Milan mull Bowat bid
AC Milan have registered their interest in signing Fulham's Scottish under-21 international defender Ibane Bowat, according to the Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

The talented centre half, who has been with the Whites since making the switch from Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2017, has impressed in two loan spells in continental football after helping Steve Wigley's side win promotion back to the PL2 top flight. The 21 year-old made sixteen appearances for Dutch second tier side den Bosch in 2022/23 before having an outstanding season with Austria's TSV Hartberg last year.

The Austrians, for whom Bowat played 34 times, were interested in making the move permanent but a deal hasn't materialised. AC Milan view the left-footed centre back as a potential player for their new B team but have yet to table a formal offer. Bowat has a year left on his current Craven Cottage contract, with Fulham holding a year's extension option.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/ac-milan-mull-bowat-bid/

[WhiteJC]

A look at the 1966 World Cup team England's current crop look to emulate
England will face Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday looking to lift a trophy at a men's major tournament for the first time in 58 years.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at the team which won the 1966 World Cup with a 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley, with Sir Geoff Hurst now the only surviving member of the side from the final.

Gordon Banks
Goalkeeper Banks won 73 England caps and made 628 club appearances in a 15-year career, winning the League Cup with both Leicester and Stoke. Banks is also remembered for his stunning save from Pele's header in England's 1970 World Cup clash with Brazil. After helping Stoke to the 1972 League Cup, Banks lost the sight in one eye in a car crash in October later that same year, which ultimately ended his professional career. He had a brief managerial stint with Telford. In 2016, Banks revealed he was battling kidney cancer for the second time. Banks, who had been Stoke president since 2000, died aged 81 in February 2019.

George Cohen

George Cohen, left, played more than 450 times for Fulham (PA)
Fulham full-back Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having made 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club. Cohen struggled with bowel cancer for 14 years from the 1980s. He later opted to sell his World Cup winner's medal, although Fulham purchased the item to display at Craven Cottage. Nephew Ben Cohen helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Made an MBE in 2000, Cohen died aged 83 in December 2022.

Jack Charlton

Jack Charlton, right, later went on to manage the Republic of Ireland (PA)
The elder of the Charlton brothers, Jack made 629 appearances for Leeds and collected 35 England caps before turning attention to a successful managerial career. After stints with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, Charlton stepped up to lead the Republic of Ireland and guided them to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Charlton became an OBE in 1974 and was awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996, being made a freeman of the city of Dublin in 1994. He died at the age of 85 in July 2020, having been diagnosed with lymphoma and also suffering from dementia.

Bobby Moore

England captain Bobby Moore won 108 international caps (PA)
Widely accepted as England's greatest centre-half and one of the best of all time, World Cup-winning captain Moore died from bowel and liver cancer in February 1993, aged 51. Moore, who won 108 international caps, helped West Ham lift the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season. The defender also had spells at Fulham and in the North American Soccer League before retiring in 1978, with short managerial stints at Oxford City and Southend following. His widow Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund in 1993 to raise money for research into bowel cancer and raise public awareness of the disease.

Ray Wilson

Ray Wilson, right, had won the 1966 FA Cup with Everton (PA)
England's left-back Wilson kept the lowest profile of the 1966 winners. Wilson built a successful undertaker's business in Huddersfield after his football career, eventually retiring in 1997. Wilson lived in Huddersfield and made more than 250 appearances for the Terriers as well as playing for Everton – where he won the 1966 FA Cup – Oldham and, briefly, Bradford. He died aged 83 in May 2018 from Alzheimer's disease.

Nobby Stiles
The midfield enforcer of Ramsey's team, Stiles helped nullify the threat of Eusebio in the semi-final against Portugal – and memorably danced on the pitch with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England's triumph over West Germany. Part of Manchester United's 1968 European Cup-winning team, Stiles, capped 28 times by England, made 392 appearances for the Red Devils, leaving for Middlesbrough in 1971. A career in coaching followed, with two stints at Preston, before a short-lived tenure at West Brom. Stiles also worked for a spell as a youth team coach at United, helping oversee the development of the renowned class of 92, which included the likes of David Beckham and the Neville brothers. In October 2020, Stiles died aged 78 following a long illness, having previously suffered a stroke, been diagnosed with prostate cancer and later Alzheimer's.

Alan Ball

Alan Ball, centre, became an MBE in 2000 alongside fellow World Cup winners, left to right, Roger Hunt, George Cohen, Ray Wilson and Nobby Stiles (PA)
The youngest member of the 1966 side, Ball was just 21 when England were crowned world champions. The midfielder went on to join Everton, becoming part of the Merseyside club's 'Holy Trinity' alongside Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall as they won the 1970 league title. Ball later joined Arsenal, reaching the 1972 FA Cup final. He also had spells at Southampton, in the United States and back at former club Blackpool, as well as Bristol Rovers, before retiring. A 15-year managerial career followed, most notably over two stints with Portsmouth, rivals Southampton and also Manchester City. Ball died in 2007 at the age of 61, having suffered a heart attack while trying to put out a bonfire in his garden.

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton, left, was presented with an England shirt to mark his 80th birthday in 2017 by current manager Gareth Southgate (Nick Potts/PA)
Jack's younger brother Bobby made his career at Manchester United, where he would later sit on the board of directors. Bobby won 106 international caps between 1958 and 1970, and was England's record goalscorer until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney, who also eventually bettered Charlton's club tally. A survivor of the Munich air disaster in 1958, Charlton, who claimed the Ballon d'Or in 1966, helped to rebuild the club in the wake of the tragedy – and scored two goals as United beat Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup. After retiring, he had short managerial stints with Preston and Wigan. In early November 2020, his wife, Lady Norma, confirmed Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, the news coming just two days after the death of Stiles. Charlton's death at the age of 86 was announced on October 21, 2023, leading to tributes from across the sporting world.

Martin Peters

Martin Peters, centre, played alongside Bobby Moore, left, and Geoff Hurst, right, for West Ham (PA)
Renowned as being the complete midfielder, Peters – who scored England's second goal in the final – played alongside Moore and Geoff Hurst at West Ham. He joined Tottenham in 1970, going on to win the UEFA Cup and also the League Cup twice, before moving to Norwich, where he made more than 200 appearances, and later Sheffield United as a player-coach. Following retirement, Peters, capped 67 times for England, worked in the insurance business but retained links with his former clubs in an ambassadorial role. Peters died aged 76 in December 2019, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years earlier.

Sir Geoff Hurst

Sir Geoff Hurst is now the only surviving member of the England team from the 1966 final (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
The only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final until France's Kylian Mbappe in December 2022, Hurst made more than 400 appearances for West Ham, joining Stoke in 1972 and later playing in the United States. After retirement, Hurst, who also worked in the insurance trade like his close friend Peters, had managerial spells with Telford, Chelsea and in Kuwait. Knighted in 2004, the 82-year-old now lives near Cheltenham. Hurst, who won 49 England caps, continues to raise awareness for charity work into the fight against diseases which afflicted several of his 1966 team-mates.

Roger Hunt

Roger Hunt, front right, won 34 caps for England (John Stillwell/PA)
Striker Hunt made more than 400 appearances for Liverpool, winning the title twice as well as the FA Cup, and held the Anfield club's scoring record until being overhauled by Ian Rush. Having won 34 caps for England, later playing for Bolton and having a short spell in South Africa, Hunt joined his family's haulage business after retiring from football. Hunt was made an MBE in 2000, inducted into England's Hall of Fame six years later and lived away from the football spotlight in Lancashire. On September 28, 2021, Liverpool announced Hunt had died aged 83 following a long illness.

Sir Alf Ramsey (manager)

Sir Alf Ramsey remains the only England manager to win a men's major trophy (PA)
Former Southampton and Tottenham full-back Ramsey had cut his managerial teeth with Ipswich, guiding the Suffolk club from the Third Division South to First Division champions in 1962. Ramsey went on to take England to the quarter-finals of the 1970 World Cup, where they were beaten 3-2 by West Germany having been 2-0 ahead. After England failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup, Ramsey left his job with the Football Association and later had spells working at Birmingham as well as Greek club Panathinaikos. Ramsey spent his retirement back in Ipswich. He died in April 1999, aged 79, having suffered a stroke as well as battling Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/look-1966-world-cup-team-210817649.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make £16.8m Kilicsoy bid
Fulham have offered Besitkas £16.8m for Turkish teenage striker Semih Kilicsoy, according to various reports this morning.

The eighteen year-old Turkish international has scored twelve goals in 35 games since making his first-team debut for Besiktas off the bench in a goalless draw with Antalyaspor last February. He helped the Black Eagles win the Turkish Cup and made his international debut in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Italy. He has now made three appearances for the Turkish senior side and was apparently scouted for the past six months by Brian Talbot.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-make-16-8m-kilicsoy-bid/