Friday Fulham Stuff - 26/07/24...

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Fulham 'are close to agreeing a £35m deal for forgotten Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe' as Gunners look to cash in on academy graduate, with Marco Silva's side stealing a march on Crystal Palace

    Fulham are reportedly close to agreeing a £35m deal for Emile Smith Rowe
    The Arsenal academy product has struggled for first-team opportunities
    Smith Rowe is yet to agree personal terms with Fulham ahead of a transfer

Fulham are edging towards completing a £35million deal for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe as the Gunners prepare to let one of their academy products leave, according to reports.

The 23-year-old scored in Arsenal's pre-season victory over Leyton Orient and has travelled as part of a 28-man squad to the United States but now looks set to switch allegiances.

Fulham previously had a £30m bid rejected for Smith Rowe as Arsenal sought to recoup a higher fee on their investment but are now close to agreeing a deal, as reported by The Athletic.

Crystal Palace also showed interest in the forward as the midfielder considered his playing options away from the Emirates, but appear to have been beaten to his signature by Marco Silva's side.

Despite the two clubs being close to an agreement, Smith Rowe is yet to sign off on personal terms and must undergo a medical that could be completed in either America or back in London.


Fulham are edging towards completing a £35m deal for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe
 

Smith Rowe struggled with injuries last season as he made just three starts in the Premier League
 

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been keen to add further attacking reinforcements to his squad

Fulham are also on a pre-season tour of America that should make it easier for the final details between the involved representatives to be worked out.

His expected arrival at Craven Cottage will mark a club-record signing, beating the £25m that Fulham spent on Jean Michael Seri six years ago.

The £35m fee will also match Arsenal's record sale and represents the club's willingness to sell players on the periphery of Mikel Arteta's squad, with Eddie Nketiah also possessing suitors from around Europe.

Smith Rowe is widely regarded by Arsenal supporters as one of their academy's best attacking graduates, but has grown frustrated at a lack of regular playing opportunities.

He currently has two years remaining on his existing deal at the Emirates and struggled with injuries last season while also being pushed out of a starting role due to the impressive performances of Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.


Smith Rowe is widely regarded by Arsenal supporters as one of their academy's best attacking graduates

However, the qualities displayed across 115 senior appearances for the Gunners have convinced Fulham to cash-in on his potential that previously saw him become a breakthrough star in 2018.

Smith Rowe was capped three times by England in 2021 and 2022, scoring one goal, but started just three Premier League matches last season as Arsenal finished Premier League runners-up for the second consecutive campaign behind Man City.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13669931/Fulham-emile-smith-rowe-arsenal.html

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David Ornstein: Fulham Close to £35M Midfield Boost
Fulham Close to Agreement with Arsenal for Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham fans have reason to be excited as the club nears a significant transfer agreement with Arsenal for the promising midfielder Emile Smith Rowe. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, "Fulham are close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal to sign midfielder Emile Smith Rowe," a deal that could reshape Fulham's attacking options.

Record-Breaking Transfer in the Works
Talks between Fulham and Arsenal are centring on a transfer worth up to £35million, a figure that would set a new record for Fulham and match Arsenal's biggest sale. "Talks between the Premier League sides centre on a transfer worth up to £35million — which would be a record acquisition for Fulham and match Arsenal's biggest sale," Ornstein reports. This deal, if finalised, would represent a significant investment for Fulham, reflecting their ambition to strengthen their squad with high-calibre players.

Smith Rowe's Journey and Arsenal's Gain
Emile Smith Rowe, a product of Arsenal's academy, would provide Fulham with a creative spark in midfield. His development at Arsenal has been impressive, although marred by recent fitness issues and fierce competition for places. Since making his debut in 2019, Smith Rowe has scored 18 goals in 115 appearances for Arsenal. However, his playing time has been limited lately due to the emergence of talents like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus. "He has made just three Premier League starts since August 2022 due to a mixture of fitness issues and competition for places in Arsenal's attack," notes Ornstein.

Fulham's Strategic Move
Fulham's pursuit of Smith Rowe showcases their strategic intent to bolster their midfield with a player of proven quality and potential. The 23-year-old was also a target for Crystal Palace, but Fulham have successfully positioned themselves to secure his signature. The Athletic previously reported that a £30million bid for Smith Rowe was rejected by Arsenal, indicating Fulham's determination to land the player.

Next Steps in the Transfer
For the transfer to materialise, Smith Rowe must undergo a medical and agree to personal terms with Fulham. Should these conditions be met, Fulham fans can look forward to welcoming an exciting talent who could play a pivotal role in their Premier League campaign. Ornstein highlights, "Subject to a deal being struck by the clubs, Smith Rowe must undergo a medical and finalise personal terms ahead of completing the proposed move."

Our View – EPL Index
The potential acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe is nothing short of exhilarating. This move signals a significant step forward for Fulham, showcasing their ambition to compete at a higher level in the Premier League. Smith Rowe's arrival could be transformative, providing Fulham with the creative edge they've been longing for in the midfield.

The reported £35million fee, although substantial, is a testament to the club's commitment to bringing in top-tier talent. This investment could pay dividends if Smith Rowe can recapture the form that saw him score 12 goals in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. His ability to unlock defences with his vision and technical skills is something the Cottagers desperately need to break down stubborn opposition.

Moreover, Smith Rowe's experience at a club like Arsenal and his brief international stints add a layer of pedigree to their squad. While his recent fitness issues are a concern, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.



https://eplindex.com/116098/michael-owen-jadon-sancho-can-still-succeed-at-highest-level-despite-ten-hag-drama-3.html

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Fulham 'Close to Agreement' With Arsenal for Emile Smith Rowe

    Fulham close to record deal to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.
    A fee could reach in the region of £35m, which would also be a joint-record sale for Arsenal.
    A medical is set to follow with Smith Rowe to finalise terms with the London club.

 Fulham are close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal for the signing of midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.

With the Gunners continuously strengthening their squad as they hunt to win the Premier League title, some of their fringe players are likely to be sold to help fund their transfer window. Smith Rowe has struggled for game time in recent years, and it could be time for him to move on and seek a new challenge.

 The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of immense talent since coming through the Arsenal academy, but his career has stagnated of late.

Fulham Closing in on Arsenal Star
Smith Rowe could be a record-signing
The Athletic journalist Ornstein provided a late-night Arsenal update, confirming that Fulham are close to reaching an agreement to sign Smith Rowe for a fee which could total £35m. A sale for this figure would be a joint-record departure for the Gunners, while it would also be the largest sum Fulham have forked out for a new signing...

"EXCLUSIVE: Fulham close to reaching agreement with Arsenal to sign Emile Smith Rowe. Talks over move worth up to £35m; would be record recruit for #FFC + match biggest #AFC sale. If deal struck 23yo expected to do medical & finalise terms."

Emile Smith Rowe 2023/24 stats for Arsenal in all competitions

Appearances	19
Goals	0
Assists	2
Minutes played	475

 The news comes shortly after Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal were finalising a deal to bring Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium. It's been a slow start to the transfer window for the north London outfit, but business is starting to flow for Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar.

Although Arsenal supporters will be disappointed to see Smith Rowe move on after he came through the academy, the 23-year-old only played 475 minutes in all competitions last season, so offloading for a reasonable fee makes sense for all parties.

Arteta Has His Say on Smith Rowe
He missed Arsenal's recent friendly
Arsenal are currently in America on their pre-season tournament, playing against Bournemouth in a friendly overnight, where the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw. Arteta spoke after the game, explaining why Smith Rowe wasn't involved...

"Yeah there are things happening in the background at the moment. We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today."

 Selling an academy product will represent pure profit on the books for profit and sustainability purposes, so it was always going to be difficult for Arsenal to reject a hefty bid for a player who has struggled to make an impact at the Emirates.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt



https://www.givemesport.com/emile-smith-rowe-arsenal-transfer-news-fulham/

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Fulham hit QPR for four
Fulham began their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Motspur Park this afternoon.

Harry Wilson hit a first half double after Raul Jimenez had opened the scoring with a penalty and Adama Traore completed the rout after racing through on goal. Marco Silva handed game time to 22 members of his first-team squad as the Whites eased to a comprehensive victory in this local derby.

Jimenez drew a good save from Rangers keeper Joe Walsh in the early stages before Alfie Lloyd threatened after dribbling through Fulham tacklers at the other end, but it was the Mexican veteran who fired Fulham in front from twelve yards after a crude challenge in the QPR box. The visitors might have equalised almost immediately but Elijah Dixon-Bonner blazed over after Daniel Bennie and Hevertton Santos had linked up down the right.

Wilson doubled Fulham's lead on the 25th minute mark with a trademark finish from Welsh winger Wilson. The former Liverpool man cut in from the right flank and found the bottom corner with a low, left-footed strike from distance that gave Walsh no chance. The Championship outfit continued to pour forward in response but both a Santos cross and Dixon-Bonner's ball in eluded team-mates in gold shirts.

Wilson added his second four minutes before half time. He took a searching pass superbly in his stride and smashed a venomous volley beyond Walsh after again leaving his man for dead as he delivered the sort of virtuoso display that could very easily nail down a first-team spot for the start of the season.

Rangers substitute Michael Frey fired wide after latching on a Lyndon Dykes flick on at the start of the second half but the pace and power of Traore soon delivered a fourth for Silva's side. The Spanish winger brilliantly bought a crossfield ball under his goal and surged away from the QPR defenders. Walsh did well to repel his initial effort, but Traore headed home from the follow-up past the grounded goalkeeper.

Fulham could easily have added further goals, whilst Rangers spurned good chances with Alfie Tuck going close twice before Rayan Kolli stabbed wide from a late set-piece.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-hit-qpr-for-four/

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Fulham midfielder to join Northampton Town on loan
Northampton Town are poised to land Fulham midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias on loan, according to The Mirror (live transfer blog, 25.07.24, 08.21).

Northampton Town are set to lure the youngster to Sixfields ahead of the new League One season. Jon Brady's side finished 14th in the table last term following their promotion from League Two.

Dibley-Dias, 20, is highly-rated by Fulham and is the captain of their Under-21's. However, he is now expected to head out the exit door on a temporary basis to get some experience under his belt in the Football League.

According to The Mirror, he has been on the radar of a host of teams over recent times. It is the Cobblers who are in pole position to land his signature now though as they hunt for more additions in this window.

They enjoyed success with Fulham striker Kieron Bowie over the past couple of years and are now raiding Craven Cottage again.

Northampton Town close in on deal
Northampton Town could see Dibley-Dias as someone to fill the void left by Marc Leonard's return to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The New Zealand-born man moved over to England as a child and had early spells in the academies at West Ham and Brentford.

Fulham snapped him up in 2016 and he has since risen up through the ranks of the Whites.

He penned his first professional deal in 2021 and saw it extended last year until 2027.

Dibley-Dias is a key player for the Under-21's side but is yet to play for Marco Silva's senior team.

What now for Northampton Town target?
A temporary switch to Northampton Town would suit all parties involved here.

He is unlikely to get many minutes with Fulham next term in the Premier League due to the abundance of options they have at their disposal in his position.

Dibley-Dias would get plenty of action with the Cobblers which would boost his development.

Brady's side have so far signed Cameron McGeehan, Tom Eaves, James Wilson, Jack Baldwin, Nik Tzanev and Callum Morton to bolster their ranks, with more on the way.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/07/25/northampton-town-to-land-matt-dibley-dias-on-loan-fulham/

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Fulham improve Oosterwolde offer
Fulham have submitted a second bid for Fenerbahce full-back Jayden Oosterwolde, according to Turkish reports this morning.

Oosterwolde caught the attention of multiple English clubs this summer and attempts are being made to take him to the Premier League.

The Whites have already seen an offer worth £15.1m rejected by the Turkish giants and Takvim suggest that the Cottagers have now submitted a second bid of around £18.5m. Fenerbahce sporting director Mario Branco has previously hinted that his side could hold out until an offer reaches £25m – and hopes to start a bidding war between a number of English sides who have expressed an interest in Oosterwolde, including Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and West Ham United.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-improve-oosterwolde-offer/

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David Ornstein says Arsenal are 'close' to agreement on £35m deal as player 'poised' for medical
Arsenal are set to sell one of their academy graduates to a Premier League rival

Arsenal and Fulham are close to reaching an agreement over a deal for Emile Smith Rowe, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic. The move will be worth up to £35m if a deal can be finalised, with the 23-year-old waiting to undergo a medical once the clubs come to terms.

The Cottagers have been targeting the midfielder this summer, who came through the Gunners' academy. He has had loan spells at Huddersfield Town and RB Leipzig and has made 115 appearances for Arsenal since his senior debut. However, he became surplus to requirements last season as he made just 13 appearances in the Premier League while he was named in the starting XI just three times. He made 19 appearances overall with three in the Champions League and one each in the Community Shield, FA Cup and League Cup.

Addressing the situation around the player after a 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shootout win over Bournemouth in California, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted things were 'happening in the background' with Smith Rowe.

"Yeah there are things happening in the background at the moment. We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today," said Arteta.

Ornstein has reported that the £35m deal, if agreed, would be a club-record arrival for Fulham with Smith Rowe set to finalise personal terms once the clubs conclude their talks over the proposed transfer. Speaking more on potential departures, Arteta added: "A lot of players are being linked with potential moves. One way or the other. It's normal. What I really like are the players that we have, the levels that they are showing. Especially the commitment, you can see it today just talking about those two the way they performed."

The Gunners have further pre-season games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17 at the Emirates Stadium.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/arsenal/david-ornstein-says-arsenal-are-close-to-agreement-on-ps35m-deal-as-player-poised-for-medical-4716027

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Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal & Man Utd stars' potential transfers to PL club



Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided and update on the future of Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who have both been linked with Fulham.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Smith Rowe looks likely to leave the Gunners for a move to Fulham, with the deal described as nearly being done after Fulham came back with an improved offer for the England international.

Having lost Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich earlier this summer, it makes sense that Fulham now seem to be making midfield a priority, with Romano noting that manager Marco Silva has also been key to the pursuit of Smith Rowe.

However, it seems Romano is less convinced by the links with Man Utd's McTominay for the moment, even if he has once again stated that the Red Devils could consider selling the Scotland international for the right price.

Smith Rowe and McTominay to Fulham – latest from Romano
On Smith Rowe to Fulham, Romano said: "Fulham have returned with a new proposal for Emile Smith Rowe and now the deal is close. It's not done yet but could be completed soon if the two clubs agree on details. Crystal Palace wanted Smith Rowe too but Fulham are pushing now, with manager Marco Silva fully involved."

On the McTominay Fulham links, he added: "Fulham have also been linked with Scott McTominay and reports of their interest is accurate, though nothing is close or advanced at this stage. For Manchester United it's been a very clear position since last summer: in case of a good, important proposal McTominay can leave. Otherwise they would be more than happy to keep McTominay at the club."

It will be interesting to see if Fulham are happy enough with Smith Rowe or if they will continue to pursue midfielders and if that means they could step up their efforts to sign McTominay at some point later this summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/25/smith-rowe-and-mctominay-fulham-transfer-latest/

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Emile Smith Rowe close to joining Fulham from Arsenal in club record deal
Emile Smith Rowe is moving closer to joining Fulham after Mikel Arteta left the forward out of Arsenal's pre-season friendly against Bournemouth in the United States.

Negotiations over the 23-year-old are continuing but Fulham are understood to be confident of wrapping up a deal. They had a £30m offer rejected last week but returned with a bid worth up to £35m with add-ons – a fee that would which surpass the club record £27m paid for the Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michaël Seri in 2018.

Smith Rowe was not selected for Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in California on Wednesday, with Arteta opting to field a youthful lineup for their opening tour match. The manager hinted after that Smith Rowe, who played only 346 minutes in the Premier League last season, including three starts, having been sidelined with a knee injury at the end of last year, could be on his way out.

"There are things happening in the background at the moment," he said. "We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today."

Smith Rowe won the last of three England caps in 2022 and has since slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal. He is also wanted by Crystal Palace and Arteta's apparent willingness to allow the academy graduate to leave will disappoint some supporters. However, with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for an initial £33.6m set to be announced, Arsenal may turn their attention to other reinforcements, including Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino. Calafiori is expected to complete his medical in the US and link up with the rest of the Arsenal squad after agreeing a five-year deal.

The England Under-17 internationals Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri were among the academy players handed starts against Bournemouth and Arteta was pleased with their impact. "We have a very different context today with so many young players – most of them making their debuts for us," he said. "And I think the senior players had a good game. It was a really competitive match against Bournemouth as we expected. They are a little bit ahead of us in terms of the time that they had to prepare."

Fulham are also set to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon despite the 24-year-old having spent the last few weeks training with Crystal Palace, who had also offered him a deal. The left-back was a free agent after leaving Tottenham, with the north Londoners having paid around £25m to purchase him from Fulham in 2019.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/emile-smith-rowe-close-joining-080019919.html

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Fulham In Advanced Talks To Land Crystal Palace Target
Fulham are closing in on Crystal Palace target Emile Smith Rowe, with advanced talks with Arsenal happening, according to Sky Sports News.

Marco Silva is looking for additions this summer and wants Rowe, but Fulham have been facing competition from Crystal Palace.

Even though the Eagles have already secured Daichi Kamada's services, Oliver Glasner is keen on Arsenal's out-of-favour attacker Smith Rowe.

Fulham are in the lead though and they are now in the process of advanced discussions with Arsenal about signing the player.

It has also been suggested that Fulham and Arsenal are discussing a fee of around £35m for Smith Rowe.

The 23-year-old Arsenal man struggled to book a starting place for himself last season as he made the majority of his 13 Premier League appearances off the bench.

Smith Rowe's priority is to play first-team football and it has been suggested that the player is eager to make the move.

Now it remains to be seen if Crystal Palace will try to make a move before he completes his move to the Cottagers.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/25/fulham-in-advanced-talks-to-land-crystal-palace-target/653453/

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Sessegnon set for Fulham medical
Ryan Sessegnon is set to have a medical at Fulham today ahead of a stunning return to Craven Cottage on a free transfer.

The 24 year-old, who had been training with Crystal Palace, has decided to rejoin his boyhood club having been released by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer. Sessegnon broke into the Fulham senior set up aged sixteen and made 120 appearances, scoring 25 goals, before joining Spurs in a deal worth £25m after the Whites were relegated from the top flight in 2019.

Fulham have beaten a number of English and European sides to secure Sessegnon's signature – with the former England under-21 international able to provide cover for Antonee Robinson at left back and also operate on the left wing. Sessegnon has already agreed terms with Fulham on a two-year contract, with an option for a third year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/sessegnon-set-for-fulham-medical/

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Fulham To Beat Crystal Palace To Signature Of Free Agent
Fulham are set to beat Crystal Palace to the signature of free agent Ryan Sessegnon this summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 24-year-old left-back has been looking for a new club since being released by Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season.

He has been training with Crystal Palace during pre-season with the hope of earning a contract offer from the Eagles.

However, even before Crystal Palace could offer him a contract, Sessegnon has finalised a move to their London rivals Fulham.

It has been claimed that an agreement is in place between Sessegnon and Fulham for him to return to Craven Cottage.

Several other Premier League clubs were also interested in him but the defender opted to return to Fulham.

Sessegnon is a product of the Fulham academy and was considered a bright young talent when Spurs signed him from the Cottagers in 2019.

The left-back will now look to rekindle his career in a familiar setting as he closes in on a return to Fulham.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/25/fulham-to-beat-crystal-palace-to-signature-of-free-agent/653463/

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Fulham have just agreed to sign 'phenomenal' player who left Tottenham just last month
Tottenham Hotspur are now set to see one of their former players who left earlier this summer join another Premier League side.

It has been a summer of departures at Tottenham in recent weeks with Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou working hard to clear the decks in north London.

A lot of players have exited the club as a free agent with only three players having actually been sold so far.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele have finally come off the books at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following five underwhelming years.

Another one of the players who was allowed to leave as a free agent has just found his next club with Fulham set to snap him up.

Fulham set to sign former Tottenham player
Postecoglou promised there would be significant changes made this summer to the squad hinting at a big list of departing players.

More sales could be coming for Spurs with the likes of Bryan Gil now in talks with Girona over a return to Spain.

And Emerson Royal is a player of interest to AC Milan with talks also ongoing over a possible move to Serie A for the Brazilian.

But news of transfer business elsewhere in London on Thursday morning will be of interest to some Spurs fans with one of their former players having just landed a new club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have an agreement in place to sign Ryan Sessegnon after his exit from Spurs.

The defender left the Lilywhites just 38 days ago but has seemingly found himself another opportunity in the Premier League.

Sessegnon had been training with Crystal Palace but it is there London rivals which look to have won the race for the former England youth international.

Ryan Sessegnon handed fresh opportunity to prove himself
Ironically, it was Fulham who Tottenham signed Sessegnon from back in 2019 but it was not a successful move for either party.

Despite being at Spurs for five years, Sessegnon was only able to play 57 times for the Lilywhites due to his injury issues.

Sessegnon has undergone multiple hamstring surgeries during his time at Spurs which saw him play just eight minutes under Postecoglou last season.

But this is a player who has previously been hailed as 'phenomenal' but it is a case of needing to stay fit to show the Premier League just what he is capable of.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-have-just-agreed-to-sign-phenomenal-player-who-left-tottenham-just-last-month/

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Fulham agree Ryan Sessegnon return on free transfer after release from Tottenham
24-year-old scored 25 goals in 100 games during first spell at Craven Cottage

Fulham have agreed a deal to bring Ryan Sessegnon back to Craven Cottage on a free transfer.

Sessegnon is a free agent after being released by Tottenham and Fulham have seen off competition from Crystal Palace to sign the 24-year-old.

Sessegnon scored 25 goals in 120 games for Fulham before leaving for Spurs for £25million in 2019.

Injuries badly disrupted his five years at Spurs, where he managed just 57 appearances, but Sessegnon hopes a return to his former club can help reignite his career.

Sessegnon came through the ranks at Fulham after joining the club at Under-9s.

He made his Fulham debut aged 16 and played a key role as they won promotion from the Championship in 2017-18, a season in which he became the first person from outside the Premier League to be nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.

Sessegnon made just one appearance for Spurs last season, a seven-minute cameo against Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup.




https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ryan-sessegnon-transfer-news-fulham-fc-crystal-palace-b1172825.html

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Arsenal expected to sell Emile Smith Rowe to London rivals with reluctance
Fulham are confident of completing a move for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, talkSPORT understands.

The Cottagers are close to agreeing a club record deal worth £35million with the Gunners reluctantly willing to allow Smith Rowe to leave.

The 23-year-old came through the club's academy and has made 115 appearances, but has struggled to get game time in the last two seasons.

He managed just 346 minutes in the Premier League last season, having been sidelined with a knee injury at the end of last year.

Gabriel Martinelli has cemented his place on the left wing, restricting Smith Rowe to substitute appearances.

The last of his England appearances came in 2022 and he has slipped out of the squad since struggling to find his place in the Gunners starting line-up.

Smith Rowe did travel with Arsenal on their pre-season tour of the US, but he did not feature in the match with Bournemouth overnight.

On Smith Rowe's future, manager Mikel Arteta said: "Yeah there are things happening in the background at the moment.

"We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today."

The £35m fee would surpass Fulham's previous record of £27m they paid for the Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michaël Seri in 2018.

Crystal Palace were among the clubs keen to sign Smith Rowe, but their west London rivals appear to have won the race.

Fulham also look set to beat Palace to another signing too, with Ryan Sessegnon likely to sign on a free transfer.

Sessegnon had been training with the Eagles following his release from Tottenham.

For Arsenal, Smith Rowe could be one of a number of exits from the Emirates this summer with Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson also in talks over an exit.

There will be incomings for Arteta, however, with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori likely to sign from Bologna.



https://talksport.com/football/1981071/fulham-arsenal-emile-smith-rowe-transfer/

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New Contract for Tanton

The Club is delighted to announce that Devan Tanton has signed a new two-year deal, with a Club option for a further year.

Devan has been rewarded after a fantastic individual season for our Under-21s. He featured in 16 PL2 games, played an integral role in our Premier League Cup win and picked up the Johnny Haynes Award, with Academy players and staff alike recognising him for his achievements.

On top of that, the 20-year-old received his First Team debuts at both Club and international level. The full-back made his first Fulham appearance last November as a substitute in our 3-1 win over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.

A month later, Devan made his debut for Colombia, playing 45 minutes in a 1-0 friendly win over Venezuela.

After signing his new deal, Devan told fulhamfc.com: "I'm very pleased to extend my stay at Fulham and I'm looking to continue pushing on. This is reward for a positive individual season and I'm grateful for the Club's confidence in me and how I'm developing.

"Signing this new deal comes with the overall objective of earning a place in the First Team - and I'm now looking to make a name for myself on the professional stage."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/july/25/new-contract-for-tanton/

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Newcastle United rival Fulham, Manchester United in Trevoh Chalobah chase, price tag revealed
Newcastle United are all set to battle it out with Fulham and Manchester United for the services of Chelsea outcast Trevoh Chalobah.

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle United have entered the race for the services of Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea are looking to cash in on their academy graduate for £30 million, and the Magpies are ready to battle it out with Manchester United and Fulham for his signature.

Chalobah came up the ranks at Chelsea at some pace. He was promoted to their first team in the summer of 2021. While the English centre-back broke onto the scene in some fashion, he could not continue the impressive start to his senior career for long.

Chelsea want to cash in on Trevoh Chalobah
The 25-year-old has struggled to stay fit, and it has seen him go down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. While he did bounce back in the second half of last season, the Blues do not consider him to be a part of their plans moving ahead.

The homegrown utility man was left out of their pre-season squad by Enzo Maresca, which is a clear indication that they are ready to cash in on their academy graduate. While Trevoh Chalobah still has four years left on his £50,000-a-week deal, the Blues are willing to let him leave for £30 million.

Chelsea are keen on offloading him and have informed him about their decision. But, the player will only leave if he thinks it is the right opportunity for him. He seeks European football and would prefer to join a club that is competing in Europe next season or has a strong base to be there in the near future. With four years left on his deal, Chalobah will have a big say on his future.

Manchester United and Fulham keen on Chalobah
Multiple top clubs in England are interested in Trevoh Chalobah. Manchester United and Fulham are two clubs who have been linked with him for some time. The Red Devils have Europa League football, and they are looking at Chalobah as someone who will add depth to the heart of their defence and help cover at right-back amidst uncertainty over Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future.

Fulham might not have European football to offer him. But joining them will help him continue in London something, which could surely help their cause. He could come in to replace Tosin Adarabioyo, who has recently joined Chelsea as a free agent.

Newcastle United have entered the race for Chalobah
While Manchester United and Fulham have been interested in Trevoh Chalobah for some time, Newcastle United have just entered the race, and they are looking to lure him to their club. The Magpies are not competing in Europe this season, but their long-term project could help convince Chalobah.

Newcastle United are discussing making a move for him as they need a new right-sided defender, with Jamaal Lascelles set to remain on the sidelines until the end of the year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. While Fulham, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are keen, none of the suitors have formally enquired about the £30 million-rated utility man yet.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/25/newcastle-united-rival-fulham-manchester-united-in-trevoh-chalobah-chase-price-tag-revealed/

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Fulham Want Target Signed Up In Time For Portugal Trip
Fulham are expected to schedule a medical soon for former Tottenham Hotspur left-back Ryan Sessegnon so that he can be available for the club's pre-season tour next week, according to Sky Sports News.

Tottenham released Sessegnon at the end of the last campaign and he has been training with Crystal Palace to earn a contract from them.

His former club Fulham however took the chance first and offered the former England youth international a deal.

Sessegnon broke through as a teenager with the Cottagers and now he is set to return to Marco Silva's side to get his career back up and running.

It has been suggested that the player and the club are now closing in on finalising an agreement.

Now Fulham are hopeful that the deal can be finalised and a medical done as soon as possible so that he can join the team in Portugal next week on their pre-season tour.

The Cottagers are currently in advanced talks with Sessegnon and his agent to wrap the deal up.

Silva will want the 24-year-old in his travelling party as he prepares his Fulham side for the start of another Premier League season.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/25/fulham-want-target-signed-up-in-time-for-portugal-trip/653519/

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Why have Fulham decided to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon?

It's happening. It's actually happening. Our Sess is coming back to the Cottage to don the famous black and white once more. Injury issues, little game time, who cares? This is Ryan Sessegnon, one of our own, and he's coming home. So why have we decided to bring him back? George Rossiter takes a look...

His place in the squad

For all the sentimentality involved in this deal, Sess definitely makes sense as a signing considering the gaps that need filling in Fulham's current roster. A lot of his playing time at Tottenham, and during his loan spell at Hoffenheim in Germany, was spent on the left side of the defence. Admittedly, this was often as a left wing back in a back three or five, a system in which Silva is not likely to ever adapt at Craven Cottage. However, Antonee Robinson is never likely to be displaced as our first choice left back in the near future, so as a man to 'fill in' on the odd occasion, Sess will prove capable of doing so, especially with the departure of loanee Fode Ballo-Toure in that position.

At Fulham, though, Sessegnon is most likely to return to the position he played in primarily during his first spell at the club, on the left side of the front three. He was always a key contributor in the final third in his three seasons in the senior side, contributing eight times in 25 games in his breakout season in 2016/17, before scoring 15 times and adding six assists in our promotion winning campaign under Slavisa Jokanovic. Even the following season where Fulham were relegated, Sess managed six assists and scored twice in a poor Fulham side, which earned him his big move to Tottenham. Were Marco Silva to regenerate that attacking confidence in Sessegnon, he could be a key contributor straight away from the left hand side.

Sessegnon's incredible football brain

If Sessegnon gets fit again, his biggest attribute he brings is undoubtedly his insane ability to read a football game. Seeing his ability to anticipate the flow of a game or where the ball would end up on the pitch at just 16 or 17 years old as he broke through into the Fulham side was astonishing at the time. And unlike fitness, form, strength etc, Sessegnon won't have lost that football brain that made him one of the country's most exciting wonderkids half a decade ago.

On so many occasions in that promotion winning season under Jokanovic, Sessegnon poached a silly number of goals from being in the right place at the right time. Whether it be a knock on from a teammate (e.g. from Johansen in the play-off second leg against Derby), getting on the end of a cross (e.g. at Barnsley away in the dying seconds) or being the first player on the pitch to reach a rebound in front of goal (e.g. in the crucial win away to Millwall), Sessegnon always found himself in the right place at the right time. Sess's ability to see the game better so much better than most others was evident on huge occasions too. Just take the play-off final at Wembley, where his defence-splitting pass took both Villa defenders in his vision out of the game (unlucky John Terry) and found Tom Cairney for the promotion-winning goal. His football brain is at an elite level, it's just about keeping him fit and confident so that he is able to use it again on a weekly basis in the Premier League.

The feel good factor

Despite the recent interest regarding Emile Smith Rowe, this really has been a slow start to the summer transfer window for Fulham. As of July 24th, only Fulham and Liverpool are yet to make a permanent senior signing of all 20 Premier League clubs. This is made all the more frustrating for fans considering the notable outgoings so far this summer. Rodak, Wickens, Ballo-Toure, Tosin, Palhinha, Willian, De Cordova-Reid and Broja have all departed and we are yet to see an incoming to replace them. But Sessegnon coming home? That changes everything.

It's so rare that a player leaves a club and leaves with the best wishes of the fans, teammates and everyone else at the club, but Sess did. He gave everything in a Fulham shirt, he loved the fans, he left respectfully after doing everything he could to take us up and keep us up, even if we did eventually go back down. You could write a whole song book just for the chants sung about Sessegnon in his first spell at the club, and that first game at Old Trafford hearing them sung once again will be a truly special moment. This boy is special, he is so incredibly loved at Craven Cottage and having him come home will help build a huge bond between the fans and the club. The moment he taps the badge after scoring at the Hammersmith End again will be enough to bring thousands of grown men and women to tears.

The Tony Khan effect

Granted, Tony Khan has had his many, many critiques over his Fulham tenure, and his involvement in the transfer market has seemingly minimised in recent seasons. However, this has his fingerprints absolutely all over it. The man absolutely loved the promotion side of 2017/18 that he'd played a part in putting together. Many of that squad spoke of the positive relationships they had with our director of football, which culminated in a holiday paid for by Khan in the summer of 2018 to celebrate promotion to the Premier League.

Sess was a key part of that squad, so bringing him back to the club will be a feel good factor not just for the fans, but for TK too. Assuming Tim Ream's move to the MLS does go through this summer, only Tom Cairney will remain from that team which was equally loved by fans for the style of play under Jokanovic and the 23 game unbeaten run they went on between December and May to burst into the play-off places. Having Sess back will feel like the first signing in a while which has the famous Tony Khan seal of approval.

Marco Silva's revitalizing abilities'

Unlike Khan, Silva has no real affiliation to our Sess, so he must have seen something in Sessegnon to approve the deal. This is especially interesting considering recent reports that, despite speaking to Fulham previously in the transfer window, Sess had been on trial at Crystal Palace in recent weeks with the view to signing for the club. Whether the deal fell through due to Fulham's interest or due to Glasner turning down the chance to sign Sess is unknown, but we are very glad he's choosing to come home.

In a recent article written about why the club may want to make Emile Smith Rowe their club record signing (read more here), in which one key point was made regarding Silva's ability to get the best out of his players. Not only that, but his ability to get the best out of players whose careers look to have dipped form and fitness wise and need their confidence boosting through brilliant man management and effective coaching to get them back to their best. We know Marco is the man for that, as he's shown on countless occasions over the past three years at the club. Whilst Willian and Tim Ream have been the standout names in that regard, taking one young forward in Rodrigo Muniz from a disappointing loan spell in the Championship and making him a potent Premier League number nine shows Silva can work his magic with anyone, however low their career has fallen.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-07-25-why-have-fulham-decided-to-re-sign-ryan-sessegnon/

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Academy prospect Tanton signs contract extension with Fulham
Fulham have announced that Devan Tanton has signed a contract extension with the London based club.

 The Colombia international has signed a two year deal at Craven Cottage with a club option for a further year.

"I'm very pleased to extend my stay at Fulham and I'm looking to continue pushing on. This is reward for a positive individual season and I'm grateful for the Club's confidence in me and how I'm developing," Tanton said, speaking to the club's website.

"Signing this new deal comes with the overall objective of earning a place in the First Team - and I'm now looking to make a name for myself on the professional stage."

Tanton made his senior debut for Fulham during their EFL Cup win over Ipswich in November 2023 and he made his debut for Colombia later that year.



https://www.extratime.com/articles/34207/academy-prospect-tanton-signs-contract-extension-fulham/