Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/08/24...

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Fulham readying bid for Scott McTominay as Erik Ten Hag considers sacrificing midfielder
Fulham are reportedly preparing to make a formal offer for Scott McTominay.

McTominay, 27, faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, and despite the new season kicking off in under two weeks, the Manchester United midfielder could yet be one of the window's big movers.

Despite playing an important role last season, which included scoring 10 goals, according to HITC, the 27-year-old is a candidate to be sold with Erik Ten Hag acknowledging someone must be sacrificed if more signings are to be made.

Fulham want Scott McTominay as Joao Palhinha replacement
Fulham are in the market for a direct replacement for Joao Palhinha after the Portugal international made his long-awaited switch to Bayern Munich earlier in the window. Although also holding talks with Fluminense's Andre, Marco Silva is believed to have turned his attention to Premier League-proven McTominay.

Set to make an offer, Fulham appear determined to land the Scotland international, who United are believed to value at around £40 million.

Manuel Ugarte approach depends on sale
Should an agreement be reached and McTominay become the 11th player to depart the club this summer, interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte could ramp up again. The Uruguay international is a top target for the 20-time league winners but negotiations are only expected to continue should sales go through.

Since being promoted to the club's first-team in 2017, McTominay, who has up to two years left on his contract, has scored 29 goals and registered eight assists in 252 games in all competitions. The academy graduate lifted the 2022-23 Carabao Cup as well as last season's FA Cup.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/31/man-united-transfer-news-scott-mctominay-fulham/

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Birmingham City remain in talks over £6m transfer amid Championship interest
Birmingham City remain in talks with Fulham over a potential £6m transfer for striker Jay Stansfield this summer, as per The Telegraph.

Birmingham City are preparing for life in League One this season.

The Blues were relegated last time around with their fate sealed on the final day of the Championship campaign.

Chris Davies is the man at the helm of the Blues now and his side are looking to make their third tier stay a short one.

Stansfield, 21, spent last season on loan at Birmingham City. He scored 12 and assisted two in 43 Championship games whilst at the club.

Before that he had a spell in League One with Exeter City where he contributed to 16 goals in the third tier.

This summer he has been of interest to several Championship clubs. Hull City are the latest to test the waters with interest, and Cardiff City have also been monitoring the situation.

However, it is Birmingham City who are seemingly leading the way as they pursue a permanent deal for their former loanee this summer. The Blues remain in talks with Fulham despite the Championship interest ahead of a potential £6m transfer.

A statement of intent
Birmingham City have already made several top signings so far for League One this summer.

However, adding Stansfield to their ranks would be an unbelievable coup.

The Fulham forward will be wanting regular game time this season and it seems unlikely he is to get that at Craven Cottage and he would be guaranteed that at Birmingham City.

This one may drag on a bit more though as Fulham must decide whether they'd be open to selling their striker or would they rather loan him to a second tier club this season.

No room for error
Davies is building a third tier super team at the moment.

He is about to embark on his first season in senior management and the pressure is on him. Because of the recruitment and resource available at Birmingham City anything other than them winning the league this year would be seen as quite a disappointing season.

Their aim will simply be to get back to the Championship at the first time of asking and avoid becoming stuck in the third tier like many other bigger clubs before them.

Sunderland and Portsmouth are two big examples of that, but it could be argued the Blues' squad this year is better than any other League One side to come before them.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/07/31/birmingham-city-jay-stansfield-fulham-transfer/

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Fulham set to announce Arsenal signing today
Fulham are set to announce the signing of Emile Smith Rowe on Wednesday, with the player now having completed the formalities of his transfer.

Dom Smith of The Standard reports that Emile Smith Rowe's move from Arsenal to Fulham is expected to be announced on Wednesday, July 31st.

Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports shared a video on Tuesday showing Smith Rowe leaving his Fulham medical with his agent Jordan Wise.

Sheth wrote that the move was at the final paperwork stage before being confirmed, with the player ready to fly to Portugal soon for Fulham's pre-season training camp.

Smith Rowe left Arsenal's training camp earlier this week to complete his move, after the Gunners reached an agreement with Fulham.

Fulham will pay an initial fee of £27m, with add-ons potentially taking the total to £34m.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Marco Silva was key to the deal, convincing Smith Rowe to join Fulham ahead of the many other clubs that wanted him.

Romano added that part of the reason Arsenal accepted the bid was because of very good conditions on the payment terms.

The deal is Fulham's record signing, and one of Arsenal's biggest sales, eclipsed only marginally by the sales of the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool for £35m.

That seems like a good outcome for the Gunners, considering Smith Rowe only played 475 minutes for Arsenal last season across 19 appearances (four starts).

The England international clearly has the talent to star for Fulham, but he'd found himself surplus to requirements in north London.



https://dailycannon.com/2024/07/fulham-smith-rowe-announcement/

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Fulham have now decided who they'd rather sign – Scott McTominay or Man City's Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips has once again found himself being linked with a move away from Manchester City.

During the previous January transfer window, the midfielder joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season in an effort to get some regular game time away from the Etihad Stadium.

Following that, it was reported back in June that Fulham identified the Englishman as a potential transfer target.

However, it has since been claimed (via Sky Sports) that Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is also in the frame for a possible move to Craven Cottage this summer.

Now though, some behind-the-scenes information has come to light regarding which of the two midfielders Fulham are currently leaning towards in terms of making a move to sign.

Fulham view Scott McTominay as a more suitable signing than Kalvin Phillips
According to a recent report from Give Me Sport, Fulham feel that McTominay's style of play would suit them more than Phillips.

The report also adds that the West London club are willing to pay £30m for the Scotsman, although United want at least £40m for him.

Phillips may have to look elsewhere for a new club
With Guardiola saying in a recent press conference (via Manchester Evening News) that he doesn't know what will happen with Phillips in terms of whether he'll be staying at the club or leaving before the summer transfer window closes, this suggests that he isn't seen as a crucial player for City.

Having only made four substitute appearances in the Premier League before joining West Ham on loan last season, it's clear that he still isn't seen as someone who will be getting regular minutes this time around.

Now that Fulham are apparently looking to sign McTominay, it could be in everyone's best interest if Phillips looks to join a side where he'd be a regular starter.



https://www.manchestercity.news/fulham-have-now-decided-who-theyd-rather-sign-scott-mctominay-or-man-citys-kalvin-phillips/

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Five exciting academy prospects you might not have heard of yet

The summer is the most exciting time for analysing a club's academy system. Players are signing their first scholarships or professional deals with a club, while others are leaving the club either for a first senior loan move or to put themselves in the first-team picture. Certain players are already well known to Fulham's fans due to their limited first team involvements – the likes of Jay Stansfield, Luke Harris, Devan Tanton, Adrion Pajaziti and Martial Godo. But what about the next crop of names that are coming through but are yet to get any limelight?

Seth Ridgeon

Ridgeon is yet to receive much attention due to his age, being just15 years old at the time of writing. However, based on his talent and how highly he is rated by coaches at club and international level, Ridgeon has all the potential to be Fulham's brightest academy prospect of the 21st century. The versatile midfielder loves to control games from a range of positions in the middle of the park, equally capable of dictating from deep or chipping in with goals from further up the field. Ridgeon made his debut in the U18 Premier League at just 14, stepping up with ease to a group of players multiple years his senior. In February of this year, he was part of an extremely talented England U16 group that won the Football Federations Cup, scoring two goals and helping win England the trophy.

Tom Olyott

The versatile winger, who made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U19s last year against Bosnia and Herzegovina, had a real breakthrough season in 2023/24, which seemingly went under the radar. Olyott joined in summer 2022, and after a year of bedding himself into the system, really kicked on. The Irishman struck an impressive 17 goals and seven assists last season in the U18 Premier League, leaving him with a record of more than a goal contribution a game. That put him as the fourth-highest goal scorer in the country at that age level, only behind the likes of the extremely impressive Chido Obi Martin, whose move to Manchester United has been heavily publicised recently. If Olyott takes that form into a season playing in PL2 this year, he should gain much wider attention from both our own fans and the wider media.

Jonathan Esenga

Esenga's progress in 23/24 was superb, showing a trajectory that suggests he will be one of the current academy crop with the best chance of making it in the first team set-up. Just last year alone, Esenga went from starting in the U18s to being a regular for Hayden Mullins at left back in U21s at just 16 years old. Now 17, Esenga has been handed a debut for England U17s, gaining international recognition for the vast progress made at Fulham.

Just two months ago at the end of the 23/24 season, Esenga was awarded his first pro deal with the club and will look to kick on in the coming season, especially after spending the summer pre season with the first team. As an athletic left-sided defender who contributes going forward, Esenga will see the gap in Fulham's first team squad in terms of depth at left back behind Antonee Robinson, and see plenty of opportunities to come in the years ahead.

Callum Osmand

Osmand, like Esenga, started to see a rapid rise through the ranks in 2023/24. After signing a first professional deal in 2022 on the back of multiple caps and a goal for the Welsh U17 side, Osmand has really flourished in the last 12 months. Starting the season scoring goals for the U18 side, the attacker was another that quickly graduated to Mullins's U21s in PL2, continuing to score frequently in both league and cup competitions. By the end of 23/24, Osmand had netted more than 30 times in all competitions at youth level. The season concluded with the Premier League Cup final, where Fulham's U21s swept Tottenham aside 4-0, with Osmand scoring an unbelievable first half hat-trick to help his side lift the trophy. Following this ascendency, Osmand will be looking to make himself the main man in Mullins's side in 2024/25, gaining him more first team recognition and chances in the Wales set up, too.

Lemar Gordon

Gordon feels like a slightly younger version of Olyott. A pacey winger, capable of contributing to goals on a frequent basis. Hayden Mullins must be extremely excited at the goalscoring options he possesses going into the coming season, with Osmand, Olyott and Gordon all progressing nicely and gaining experience in graduating from U18s football to the U21s last year. Gordon also shot into the international picture last year too, featuring three times for the England U18s. After joining from Brentford two years ago, Gordon has the potential to be a real fan favourite were he to accelerate to the first team in the coming years.




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-07-31-five-exciting-academy-prospects-you-might-not-have-heard-of-yet/

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Former Leeds United man linked with Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace attracts £16.8m bid
Marseille have reportedly put an improved offer on the table in an attempt to sign former Leeds United loanee Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.

Few players have had their futures under the microscope as much as Nketiah has since the end of the 2023/24 season. He has been unable to nail down a regular place in the Arsenal side and a host of clubs have been linked with a swoop for his services.

Everton, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are among the clubs to have been credited with interest, while there has also been talk of admiring glances from Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City.

However, his future may not be in the Premier League at all. French side Marseille are said to be on his trail and according to The Athletic, an improved bid near the £16.8m mark has been lodged by the Ligue 1 outfit.

It is thought to be similar in value to their previous approach, although is reportedly closer to the formula Arsenal want for the 25-year-old. While it has been claimed Arsenal are likely to deem the offer unrealistic, conversations are said to be ongoing.

Nketiah has spent the entirety of his senior career on Arsenal's books, with Leeds the only other club he has represented as a professional. He joined the Whites on loan in the summer of 2019 and showed plenty of promise in West Yorkshire.

Despite his potential being evident, dislodging Patrick Bamford as Marcelo Bielsa's preferred number nine proved difficult. He returned to his parent club in January 2020 and has not been loaned out by the Gunners since.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/former-leeds-united-man-linked-with-fulham-everton-and-crystal-palace-attracts-ps168m-bid-4724304

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Fulham open to Jay Stansfield U-turn if right transfer offer arrives for academy striker
Youngster has impressed in recent loan spells

Fulham have not ruled out sending Jay Stansfield out on loan again this season.

The 21-year-old striker scored 13 goals on loan last season with Birmingham — who wanted to sign him permanently afterwards — before returning to Fulham this summer.

Manager Marco Silva said at the end of last season that he wanted the England Under-21 international to stay with Fulham for the 2024/25 campaign.

However, Standard Sport understands a decision on where he spends this season is yet to be made, with Fulham open to loaning Stansfield out again if an attractive enough proposal materialises.

A sale has also not been ruled out. While that is not Fulham's desired outcome, any transfer fee would count as pure profit for accounting purposes, given he is an academy product.

Stansfield scored for Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, as the Cottagers thrashed Watford 6-1 at their Motspur Park training ground. He landed in Portugal with the squad on Tuesday for Fulham's pre-season camp in the Algarve.

Silva had wanted Stansfield to stay with Fulham this season after success on loan in the Championship with Birmingham represented the career trajectory that had been planned. The season before, he netted nine goals in League One while on loan at Exeter.

Birmingham beat a host of second-tier clubs to seal his services on loan last season, including QPR.

Silva said of Stansfield on May 10: "He's going to be back with us. Everything we planned [...] was a box [ticked]. He played the season before in League One, and to be able to give a step forward in the Championship and to be an important piece in the attack-line and score important goals [was pleasing]. Jay achieved all the important things.

"Now is the moment for him to come back and be one of the players in our attacking line for next season."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-transfer-news-jay-stansfield-b1173913.html

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Exclusive: Wolves and Fulham race to sign Isaak Touré
Wolves and Fulham are in the hunt to sign Lorient defender Isaak Touré, sources have told Football Insider.

Lorient are ready to sell the 21-year-old this summer following their relegation from Ligue 1 with the £25m rated centre-back available for a cut-price £15m fee.

Toure, who joined Lorient from Marseille last summer, has previously attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle and Burnley after catching the eye in Ligue 1.

Lorient president Loic Fery has mandated FIFA agent Willie McKay to speak to interested clubs about a potential move for Toure this summer.

Wolves and Fulham want Isaak Touré to bolster defence
Both Wolves and Fulham are in need of bringing in a new centre-back following some high-profile departures for the clubs.

Wolves have sold Max Kilman to West Ham for £40 million while Fulham lost centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer to local rivals Chelsea.

Since making the switch from French giants Marseille Touré has gone on to make 24 appearances and score one goal for Lorient but was unable to save them from relegation as they finished 17th.

Touré was a rare bright spark for Lorient last season with his physicality and innate ability to read the game, either club has the opportunity to secure a real prospect.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-wolves-and-fulham-race-to-sign-isaak-toure/

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'Meant to be' – Ryan Sessegnon on ending Crystal Palace trial to seal feel-good return to Fulham
Ryan Sessegnon says that re-signing for his boyhood club Fulham was "meant to be" after he became their first incoming deal of the transfer window.

The 24-year-old had been on trial with Crystal Palace and played in their friendlies against Sutton, Charlton and Bournemouth.

Sessegnon has penned a two-year deal with the Whites following his release by Tottenham Hotspur – with a 12-month option.

Left-footed Sessegnon can play at wing-back or on the wing.

He scored 25 goals and collected 18 assists in 120 appearances for Fulham before he was sold to Spurs in a £25million deal in August 2019. It was his pass which saw Tom Cairney score the Championship play-off final winner against Aston Villa at Wembley in May 2018.

Fulham have seen Bobby De Cordova-Reid turn down a new deal to join newly-promoted Leicester, Tosin Adarabioyo has signed with Chelsea after also rejecting new terms with Joao Palhinha sold to Bayern Munich.

Free agent Willian, 35, is also yet to announce his future plans.

"It's very amazing to be back," said Sessegnon, who had a loan at TSG Hoffenheim in the 2020-21 season. "It's emotional as well. It's where it started for me – where everything began.

"It will always be home for me. Even when I wasn't here, I always knew that in the back of my mind.

"A lot has changed five years on, but a lot has stayed the same at the same time.

"My time at Spurs finished. Becoming a free agent, I had a feeling it was meant to be – to come back here."

Sessegnon came through the academy at Fulham and won Championship Player of the Year as they were promoted to the Premier League.

"I've changed a lot," said Sessegnon. "I was a kid when I started here. I did three years and left as a teenager. I'm coming back as a 24-year-old man.

"I'm a father now. A lot has happened. The year in Germany helped me a lot.

"I'm a different player. I don't really play the same, but there will still be the same types of things that the fans will see.

"I still want to reach my full potential – I'm nowhere near that. I can still push so much more – I still have so much to give."

He will be part of the Fulham squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal.

Fulham face Benfica on Friday and Sevilla three days later.

Sessegnon's time at Spurs was plagued by injuries. He only featured 57 times for the north Londoners. He played once for Spurs last season, seven minutes in an FA Cup third round win over Burnley.

"I'm over that situation," he said. "I'm in a much better place – physically and mentally.

"I had difficult spells at Tottenham with the setbacks and injuries – it's a thing of the past. I want to move forward."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/meant-to-be-ryan-sessegnon-on-ending-crystal-palace-trial-to-seal-feel-good-return-to-fulham/

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Fulham 'confident' of striking a £21m deal for Brazilian midfielder
Fulham are reportedly confident they can agree a €25m (£21m) deal to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre.

Last week, the Cottagers began their transfer business by re-signing academy product Ryan Sessegnon following his exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

They are expected to recruit Emile Smith-Rowe as their second signing of the summer, having reached an agreement to sign the Arsenal midfielder in a club-record deal worth up to £34m.

With Smith Rowe set to be unveiled in the coming days, Fulham are likely to turn their attention to signing a replacement for Portugal international Joao Palhinha.

The defensive midfielder spent two seasons at Craven Cottage before completing a move to German giants Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

Fulham hopeful of securing Andre deal
It was recently reported that Fulham was pursuing a deal to sign Fluminense's Andre after being previously linked with a move in the last two transfer windows.

Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt cast doubt over the potential move, revealing that Fulham were yet to respond to the Brazilian club's counter-offer.

However, according to journalist Bruno Andrade, Fulham are confident they can strike a deal to sign the Brazilian midfielder this summer.

The Cottagers want to agree a transfer for €25m (£21m), while Fluminense are looking to receive €30m (£25m) to part ways with a player who is under contract until December 2026.

Fulham are seemingly prepared to remain patient in their pursuit because they believe Fluminense will drop their asking price as the transfer window wears on.

From Copa Libertadores to Premier League?
Andre has spent his entire career with Fluminense, working his way through the club's youth set-up before making his senior debut in September 2020.

The 23-year-old has made 190 appearances across all competitions, contributing to Fluminense's attacking efforts with four goals and four assists.

The defensive midfielder was a key figure in Fluminens's Copa Libertadores success last year, starting 12 of the 13 matches to help the Brazilian club win the competition for the first time in their history.

Although there is uncertainty surrounding his future, Andre continues to be a regular fixture in the Fluminense side, having started each of the last four matches, including Sunday's 1-0 win over Bragantino.

Andre will be pleased to get valuable game time after recently returning from a knee injury which kept him out for around two months.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-hopeful-of-signing-joao-palhinha-replacement_549380.html?newsnow

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Fulham, Fluminense differing on Andre Trindade transfer fee
Fulham are reportedly hoping to sign 23-year-old Brazilian international midfielder Andre Trindade from Fluminense this summer.

According to reputed journalist Bruno Andrade, Fulham have now hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Andre Trindade. Apparently, Fluminense are demanding a fee of around €30 million for the defensive midfielder. But Fulham are hoping to sign him for €25 million instead.

There is clearly a difference in valuation between the two clubs, and it will be interesting to see if they can sort out their differences and reach a compromise. However, the Brazilian international is keen on joining Fulham, with personal terms not an issue.

Andre is highly rated in South American football, and he was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last year as well. However, the transfer did not work out in the end, and it remains to be seen whether Fulham can bring him to England this time around.

Fulham will need to improve their squad if they want to push for a top half finish next season. The Cottagers have a quality squad and with a couple of intelligent additions, they could scale greater heights and next year.

Andre Trindade would be a superb acquisition for them. The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder will hope to compete at the highest level, and the opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting.

Fulham could use someone like Andre
Andre will add defensive cover to the Fulham midfield, and he will protect the back four. He will also allow the creative players to operate with more freedom next season. Fulham need some defensive steel in the midfield after losing Joao Palhinha, and it remains to be seen whether they can pull the transfer off.

The reported €30 million asking price seems reasonable for a player of his potential. Andre could easily justify the investment in the coming seasons. He is young enough to improve with coaching and experience.

The 23-year-old is quite young, and he will only get better with time. Regular exposure in the Premier League could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his tremendous potential. Andre will hope to secure the move to the Premier League soon, and it remains to be seen whether Fulham agree to meet Fluminense's demands for the player.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/31/fulham-fluminense-differing-on-andre-trindade-transfer-fee/

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Benfica vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham's first official friendly of the summer will take place on Friday night, with Marco Silva's side taking on Benfica in Portugal.

The London club will start their 2024-25 Premier League season against Manchester United on August 16, while Benfica's new domestic campaign will begin on August 11 away to Famalicao.

Match preview
Benfica have had a busy summer in terms of friendlies, playing five times in total, posting three wins and two draws from their pre-season campaign thus far.

The Portuguese giants were last in action on July 28, recording a 5-0 victory over Feyenoord, and they will now play their final friendly of the summer against Fulham before starting their 2024-25 Primeira Liga campaign on August 11 against Famalicao.

Roger Schmidt's side finished second in Portugal's top flight last season, 10 points behind the champions Sporting Lisbon, and they will be expecting to challenge for the title in the coming campaign.

Benfica have made six signings so far this summer, with Vangelis Pavlidis proving to be their standout acquisition, making the move from AZ Alkmaar.

Joao Neves is set to be the team's biggest sale, meanwhile, with the Portugal international closing in on a switch to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Fulham, meanwhile, have played two behind-closed-doors friendlies this summer, beating Queens Park Rangers 4-0 and Watford 6-1, but this will be their first official pre-season match.

Silva's side will also tackle Sevilla during their time in Portugal, before facing Hoffenheim on August 10, with that match set to bring their preparations for the new campaign to a close.

Fulham will take on Man United in their 2024-25 Premier League opener on August 16, while their first home game of the season will be against Leicester City on August 24.

The capital outfit have made one signing so far this summer, securing a return for Ryan Sessegnon following his release from Tottenham Hotspur, but Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of joining the club from Arsenal.

Two vital players have left Craven Cottage, though, with Joao Palhinha making a big-money switch to Bayern Munich, while Tosin Adarabioyo has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract.

Benfica friendly form:

    W    D    W    D    W

Fulham friendly form:

    W    W

Team News
Pavlidis scored a brace against Feyenoord last time out, and the summer arrival is again expected to lead the line for Benfica in this match.

Head coach Schmidt will again make a number of changes throughout the match, but there could be a start for Antonio Silva, with the in-demand centre-back featuring off the bench last time out.

As mentioned, Neves is on the verge of joining PSG, so the midfielder will not be involved, but David Neres should feature in the starting side.

As for Fulham, Sessegnon could be involved after confirmation of his arrival, with the 24-year-old likely to be used off the bench against Benfica.

Rodrigo Muniz is likely to operate in the final third of the field, while Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed should also be in the side.

There has been some speculation surrounding the future of Andreas Pereira, with Chelsea said to be keen on the Brazilian, but the playmaker is expected to stay at the club, and he is set to start on Friday.


Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Bah, T Araujo, A Silva, Beste; Florentino, Barreiro; Mario, Prestianni, Neres; Pavlidis

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Mbabu, Diop, Bassey, Castagne; Reed, Cairney, Pereira; Iwobi, Muniz, Stansfield

We say: Benfica 1-1 Fulham
Benfica were excellent against Feyenoord last time out and will be eyeing another positive result on Friday, but Fulham have brought a strong squad in Portugal, and we are expecting a low-scoring draw here.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/benfica/preview/preview-benfica-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_549382.html

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Smith Rowe completes Fulham medical
Emile Smith Rowe has completed his Fulham medical ahead of a proposed club record move from Arsenal.

Sky Sports News have pictures of the England international leaving his the site of his medical in London this evening. The 24 year-old is set to move to Craven Cottage after Fulham agreed an initial £27m fee with Arsenal – with another £7m possibly payable in performance-related add-ons.

Smith Rowe, able to play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, is expected to join Marco Silva's squad on their pre-season tour of Portugal after the last pieces of paperwork are finalised. Fulham's second signing of the summer may even make his debut in Friday night's friendly against Benfica on the Algarve on Friday night.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/smith-rowe-completes-fulham-medical/

[WhiteJC]

Ridgeon double delivers Fulham U18s victory
The impressive Seth Ridgeon scored twice as Fulham's under 18s beat Cobham in a fiercely contested pre-season friendly tonight.

Ridgeon, a versatile midfielder who has impressed for England's youth international sides, bagged a first half brace to put the young Whites firmly in control at the Reg Madgwick Stadium. The Hammers began brightly with a series of composed passing moves, with Jacob de Sa heading wide from an inviting cross by Derek Hayford. Striker Tom Wingate almost put Fulham ahead with an audacious lob from the centre circle, but his effort flew just over the crossbar.

Wingate played a prominent role in Fulham's opening goal five minutes before half time. He shielded the ball well in the penalty area before teeing up Ridgeon, who rifled a low drive into the corner of the net. Ridgeon, who broke into the under-18 side in stunning style last season, added a second three minutes later with a clinical finish from a fine ball from Harvey Platel.

Fulham threatened a third in the second half with Farhaan Ali Wahid seeing a shot deflected wide and Wingate having an effort blocked, but the home side made it an exciting finale with a brilliant free-kick from Hayford midway through the second period. He bent a fabulous finish over the wall and into the bottom corner and, after Ridgeon failed to complete his hat-trick when he dragged a shot wide after a mazy dribble, the home side almost equalised only for substitute Kallum Peart to blaze over in the closing stages.

COBHAM: Pickford; Maclean, Hurrell, Boyer, Nazzareth, Alexiou, de Sa, Holt, Simpson, Hayford, Osborne. Subs: Gbadmassi, Conrad, Sims, Charles, Peart, Weston, Tossant, Huie-Mossley.

GOAL: Hayford (67).

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): McNally; White, Faux, Cooke, Schutter; Khan, Quashie, Ridgeon; Platel, Wingate, Ali Wahid.

GOALS: Ridgeon (40, 43).

ATTENDANCE: 353.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/ridgeon-double-delivers-fulham-u18s-victory/

[WhiteJC]

Villarreal set to close third Premier League sale in three days, defender agrees deal with Fulham
Earlier this week, Villarreal finalised the sales of Ben Brereton Diaz and Filip Jorgensen. Brereton Diaz has joined Southampton, while Jorgensen has completed a move to Chelsea for a fee in the region of €24.5m. As it turns out, they're about to close another agreement with a Premier League club.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Jorge Cuenca. The 24-year-old defender was not in Marcelino Garcia Toral's plans for the new season, and although there had been speculation about a possible loan move, it's now been decided that he will depart on a permanent basis.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1818704302422053154

Cuenca will travel to London imminently in order to undergo medical tests, having already agreed a five-year contract.

At this stage, it's unclear how much Villarreal will receive for Cuenca's sale. It shouldn't be an insignificant amount, meaning that the Yellow Submarine will have plenty of money to spend in the transfer market over the coming weeks – especially if Alexander Sorloth does complete a €35m move to Atletico Madrid.



https://www.football-espana.net/2024/07/31/villarreal-set-to-close-third-premier-league-sale-in-three-days-defender-agrees-deal-with-fulham

[WhiteJC]

André pulled out of Fluminense match just as new Fulham offer revealed
Earlier today we covered a report from Brazil which explained Fulham believe their €25m offer for André will be accepted eventually.

There was a belief that given there hasn't been the tough fight to sign André which perhaps there should have been, Fluminense would be forced to accept the €25m from Fulham and let the midfielder fulfil his Premier League dream.

However, the Brazilian club were said to still be pointing at that €30m figure they want. Given all of that there was the suggestion this one could drag on further.

Now, there may have been a very interesting development in Brazil. Fluminense face Juventude in the cup on Thursday and André hasn't travelled with them.

There's no reports of an injury, with Victor Lessa pointing out the player trained today.

Obviously there's rumours among some Fluminense fans on social media that this could be related to Fulham.

Another Brazilian journalist André Hernan reports Fulham are presenting a new offer which could reach €30m with bonuses.

Have Fulham now offered €25m plus €5m in bonuses and Fluminense have therefore pulled André out of their next match? It looks like a possibility.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/andre-pulled-fluminense-match-fulham-may-got-way/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham closing in on Cuenca
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Villarreal centre back Jorge Cuenca, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 24 year-old left-footed defender, who won the UEFA Youth League with Barcelona in 2018, has made more than a hundred first-team appearances for several Spanish sides. He has played 60 games for Villarreal, scoring three goals, and is set to take a Fulham medical after the two clubs agreed a fee for his services.

Cuenca, who was named in the UEFA Under-21 European Championship team of the tournament in 2021, is believed to have signed a five-year deal to join Fulham. The 6ft 3in centre half made 29 La Liga appearances as Villarreal finished eighth in the Spanish top flight last season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/07/fulham-closing-in-on-cuenca/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United Will 'Reduce The Number' For Fulham Target
Manchester United will 'reduce the number' they want for one of their players wanted by Fulham when they have brought in a reinforcement, it has been suggested.

The Red Devils are trying to recruit new players for their midfield and Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte has emerged as their priority target.

Players are also being linked with moves away from Old Trafford, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay.

Galatasaray are keen on McTominay, while Fulham would also like to sign the Scotland international.

Manchester United are claimed to be looking for €30m for McTominay, but according to Turkish journalist Ertan Suzgun, the Red Devils will 'reduce the number'.

It is suggested that when Manchester United get their midfield reinforcement over the line, they will drop McTominay's price tag.

McTominay is suggested to be open to moving to Turkey.

A product of Manchester United's youth academy, the Scottish international has played 252 senior matches for his childhood club.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/31/manchester-united-will-reduce-the-number-for-fulham-target/654349/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on Isaak Toure
Fulham are considering the prospect of signing Isaak Toure from Lorient, as the defender is available for a knocked-down price.

According to Football Insider, Fulham are keen on Isaak Toure as Marco Silva is looking for a new centre-back to replace Tosin Adarabioyo. Wolves are also looking at the 21-year-old French defensive prospect, with his club, Lorient, likely to sell him on the cheap after their relegation.

Isaak Toure to Fulham?
Isaak Toure might have silently had a good season personally with Lorient, but he could not prevent his club from relegation into Ligue 2. The 21-year-old French defensive prospect was one of the bright sparks in an otherwise dismal season and could soon be on the move, with a couple of Premier League clubs looking to sign him.

Wolves are keen, as Gary O'Neil wants a replacement for Max Kilman, who joined West Ham earlier in the window. Fulham are also interested in the 21-year-old, as Marco Silva is also looking to replace Tosin Adarabioyo, who left to join local rivals Chelsea.

Lorient are reportedly willing to slash their £25 million valuation of the defender and probably look to sell him for £15 million. It's a fantastic price for a 21-year-old defender who showed plenty of promise during the previous season despite the relegation.

The signing would suit Fulham, as Silva has a good track record in developing young centre-backs. He will fit straight into their setup. With Wolves also chasing the young defender, the Cottagers will face some competition, as they must position themselves as front runners for the Lorient star.

Fulham's transfer plans
Fulham have some essential needs in their squad, namely replacing stars like Adarabioyo and Joao Palhinha. While they have seen some players rejecting approaches like Trevoh Chalobah, the Cottagers still need to get going in search of a defender. As for the midfielder, Silva continues considering some names, including Scott McTominay.

Meanwhile, they have agreed a deal for Emile Smith-Rowe with Arsenal. The attacking midfielder has already completed a medical, and only the formal announcement is pending. They could further reinforce their squad in different positions, but for now, they might focus on that defender and midfielder.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/08/01/fulham-keen-on-isaak-toure/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham closing in on signing of Villarreal defender Cuenca
Fulham are looking to tie up a deal to sign Villarreal centre-back Jorge Cuenca.

The two clubs appear to be close to reaching an agreement for Cuenca, 22, to move to Craven Cottage.

He is in the final year of his contract at Villarreal, who have indicated that they are willing to let him go.

Fulham are keen to sign a centre-back following the departure of Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Madrid-born Cuenca, a former Spain Under-21 international, joined Villarreal from Barcelona in 2020.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-closing-in-on-signing-of-villarreal-defender-cuenca