Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 27/08/24...

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Bukayo Saka's parting message to 'best mate' after he left Arsenal speaks volumes
No one will be happier with the start Emile Smith Rowe has made at Fulham than Bukayo Saka, who played with the midfielder for nearly a decade at Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe is doing exactly what Bukayo Saka told him to do after leaving Arsenal.

The 24-year-old, who joined Fulham in a £27million deal (potentially rising to £34m) earlier this month to end his 14-year association with the Gunners, bagged himself a goal on his home debut as Marco Silva's side beat Leicester to clinch their first win of the season.

Smith Rowe had to settle for a bit-part role at Arsenal after losing his place in the first team back in 2022, but the positive start he's made at Fulham suggests a return to top form could be on the cards, which will be music to the ears of Cottagers fans.

Arsenal superstar Saka will be similarly delighted. The 22-year-old, who counts Smith Rowe as one of his closest pals, told the midfielder to "go and shine" in a heartwarming parting message on Instagram after his move across London was confirmed three weeks ago.

"From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey," Saka wrote, having uploaded several snaps of him and his former team-mate. "It's been an absolute pleasure. Go and shine bro!"

Saka and Smith Rowe spent nearly a decade together in Arsenal's academy. They both made their first team debuts during the 2018/19 season and nailed down starting spots in the side shortly after.

Two years ago, Smith Rowe was asked who his best mate at the Emirates Stadium was and picked Saka. "At Arsenal, I think me and Bukayo are very close," he said.

"We've grown up together through the academy, so being in the first team together makes us both really happy. We're really close off the pitch as well."

Smith Rowe played 115 times for Arsenal, though only managed 30 Premier League appearances in his final two seasons at the club. Injury problems didn't help, but his profile didn't quite seem to suit the philosophy of manager Mikel Arteta, who used Smith Rowe in a variety of positions, including in central midfield and on the wing.

By contrast, Saka has blossomed into a fabulous player under the Spaniard and is one of the first names on Arsenal's team sheet. The forward has over 220 appearances for the Gunners under his belt already, as well as 59 goals.

He scored Arsenal's second in a 2-0 opening weekend victory over Wolves and set up Thomas Partey's goal in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. The results leave Arteta's men third in the table, level on points with league-leaders Manchester City.

Fulham, meanwhile, lost their opening game of the campaign against Manchester United thanks to an injury-time winner scored by Joshua Zirkzee, but goals from Smith Rowe and another former Hale End graduate, Alex Iwobi, helped seal a 2-1 win over Leicester on Saturday, leaving Silva's side 10th.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/saka-smith-rowe-arsenal-fulham-33537324

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Nottingham Forest eye late bid for Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira after their proposed move for Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah broke down

    Andreas Pereira has started both of Fulham's Premier League games this season
    Interest  in Pereira comes after their proposed move for Eddie Nketiah collapsed

Nottingham Forest hold an interest in Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira heading into the final days of the transfer window.

Pereira has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs during the summer with Marseille, Juventus and Chelsea among the teams to have monitored the Brazil midfielder's situation.

And it is understood Forest are the latest team to have emerged as a potential suitor for the 28-year-old ahead of Friday's deadline.

Pereira has been a key player for Fulham since his arrival from Manchester United in 2022.

The attacker has started both of Marco Silva's side's Premier League games this season and having lost Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, the Craven Cottage side will fight to keep Pereira, who has two years on his existing deal with the west London club.

Meanwhile, Forest's move for Eddie Nketiah has collapsed with sources insisting the deal is very unlikely to be revived.

Arsenal striker Nketiah was on the verge of joining the City Ground club last week, with a medical booked.

But the transfer has broken down with indications being that the deal won't be revisited.

Crystal Palace have a long-term interest in Nketiah and considering launching a formal offer for the forward.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13780007/Nottingham-Forest-late-bid-Fulham-midfielder-Andreas-Pereira.html

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Fulham set to hand debuts to new trio as Marco Silva lays out Carabao Cup plan vs Birmingham
Cottagers expected to make changes for second-round tie

Marco Silva has revealed likely debuts for new signings Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca and Sander Berge when Fulham visit Birmingham in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday.

Fulham have been busy in the transfer market this summer, re-signing centre-back Andersen from Palace and securing Villareal's Cuenca in the same position, as well as bringing in Burnley defensive midfielder Berge.

Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal joined the club for a record fee of £34million, and Ryan Sessegnon rejoined the Cottagers upon the expiry of his contract at Tottenham.

Asked whether the new signings yet to make their debuts will do so against Birmingham, Silva replied: "Probably. Let's see. It's a moment when some players are arriving in our football club and some players need minutes as well. It's a moment of the season when if you rotate it's not about fatigue.

"It's more because it's important to have more players in the same level from a physical point of view. Andersen, he was playing game, played the Euros, had some pre-season games, and even the first [league] game of Palace. He is probably going to have minutes as well. And all the others are going to have a chance to play.

"Everybody is ready for the game. [Cuenca] is going to start tomorrow, definitely. He can surprise people who do not know him or La Liga well. We are really pleased to have him here."

Silva also added that he hopes Fulham sign another winger before the end of the window.

"We are working really hard to add another forward player to play in the wide areas of our attack", he said.

"We have to work really hard to get a player in to help us to be more competitive. It has been hard work for us, when you lose some big names like we've lost. It was important for us to be really assertive in the market."

Fulham had been interested in Lyon winger Rayan Cherki, but Silva would not discuss whether he remains a target.

"I'm not going to talk about players from other teams", he said.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-birmingham-carabao-cup-andersen-cuenca-berge-b1178408.html

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Forest planning late Pereira bid
Nottingham Forest will test Fulham's resolve to hang onto Andreas Pereira in the closing days of the transfer window, according to a Daily Mail report this morning.

The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with moves to Marseille, Juventus and Chelsea over the course of the summer but Marco Silva remains determined to hold onto one of his most consistent performers. Fulham turned down an approach and later a bid from Marseille and the former Manchester United man has reaffirmed his happiness at Craven Cottage in an interview with the Evening Standard.

The Mail's Sami Mokbel suggests that Forest are plotting a move for Pereira before Friday's deadline as their attempt to bring Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to the City Ground has fallen through. The 28 year-old has two years left on his current contract and has started both of Fulham's matches so far this season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/forest-planning-late-pereira-bid/

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Pre-Birmingham Press Conference

Marco Silva is targeting another lengthy Carabao Cup campaign, after leading Fulham to our first ever Semi-Final in the competition last season.

Liverpool narrowly edged us out over two legs in January to deny us a Wembley date, and Silva will be paying the competition the same respect this time around, starting in Round Two at Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

"It is really important," he said. "I think we have been showing how other competitions, apart from Premier League, are important for us, too. It is not just one competition.

"Even if you rotate or not, squad players and all that stuff, will not take any of our ambition, because sometimes it's just a moment for us to give some players what they deserve. The ambition for the competition is really, really high, as always.

"We had a great feeling last season, how we were strong, how we played, our ambition, how we really respected the competition and all the teams that we played against, and it's going to be in the same way.

"We are going to start away from home, against Birmingham, and we have to respect them. They are in a different division, but probably they are the one of the main favourites to go up again.

"It's always tough to go there. We have to try to be dominant, like we like, and to express ourselves and to win the game, because we want to play in the next round."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/26/pre-birmingham-press-conference/

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Silva set to ring the changes at Birmingham
Marco Silva is set to hand Sander Berge and Jorge Cuenca their Fulham debuts at Birmingham City in the League Cup tomorrow night.

The Fulham head coach told his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to St. Andrew's that Joachim Andersen, who began his second spell at Craven Cottage after signing from Crystal Palace in a £30m deal on Friday, could also feature in the second city.

Silva said:

 "Probably. Let's see. It's a moment when some players are arriving in our football club and some players need minutes as well. It's a moment of the season when if you rotate it's not about fatigue. It's more because it's important to have more players in the same level from a physical point of view. Andersen, he was playing game, played the Euros, had some pre-season games, and even the first [league] game of Palace. He is probably going to have minutes as well. And all the others are going to have a chance to play.

Everybody is ready for the game. Jorge Cuenca is going to start tomorrow, definitely. He can surprise people who do not know him or La Liga well. We are really pleased to have him here."

Silva reiterated his desire to try and add another winger to his squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

"We are working really hard to add another forward player to play in the wide areas of our attack. I'm not going to talk about players from other teams. We have to work really hard to get a player in to help us to be more competitive. It has been hard work for us, when you lose some big names like we've lost. It was important for us to be really assertive in the market."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-set-to-ring-the-changes-at-birmingham-2/

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Silva braced for Birmingham test
Marco Silva is preparing his Fulham side for a tough test at Birmingham City tomorrow night as he eyes another League Cup run.

The Whites reached the semi-finals of the competition before being beaten by a single goal over two legs against Liverpool last season and the Fulham head coach insisted that the competition remained important to him – even though the Premier League is likely to take priority.

"It is really important. I think we have been showing how other competitions, apart from Premier League, are important for us, too. It is not just one competition. Even if you rotate or not, squad players and all that stuff, will not take any of our ambition, because sometimes it's just a moment for us to give some players what they deserve. The ambition for the competition is really, really high, as always."

Silva insisted that he won't be taking the Blues lightly in Tuesday's televised clash.

"We are going to start away from home, against Birmingham, and we have to respect them. They are in a different division, but probably they are the one of the main favourites to go up again. It's always tough to go there. We have to try to be dominant, like we like, and to express ourselves and to win the game, because we want to play in the next round."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-braced-for-birmingham-test/

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Nottingham Forest emerge as 'potential suitor' for sought-after Brazil international
Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Reds target deals before summer window deadline

Nottingham Forest are reportedly eyeing up Fulham attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira as the transfer window deadline approaches.

The Reds have made nine signings so far this summer as they look to push on in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo. But they are not finished in the transfer market just yet.

According to the Daily Mail, Forest have 28-year-old Pereira on their radar ahead of Friday's 11pm deadline. It is said they have emerged as a "potential suitor" for the former Manchester United man.

However, there could be some competition for Pereira's signature in the final days of the window. Chelsea, Juventus and Marseille have been credited with an interest in the Brazil international, who the Cottagers will "fight" to hang on to.

Forest have already strengthened their midfield ranks this summer with the addition of Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United. They are likely to be without Danilo for a significant spell as the Brazilian is set to undergo surgery on a broken ankle, but it remains an area of the pitch where Nuno is not short of options.

David Carmo became the club's latest addition when he put pen to paper on a five-year deal from Porto on Sunday night. As with fellow summer signing Marko Stamenic, the defender will spend the season on loan at Olympiacos.

Bringing in a striker before the cut-off is the next priority for the Reds. They have been chasing Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah and Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez but amid various stumbling blocks their search for a forward could go to the wire.



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-transfers-andreas-pereira-9509965

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Kieron Bowie doesn't feel Hibs pressure as ex Fulham starlet thrilled to get off the mark
The striker opened his account in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Dundee at Easter Road

Kieron Bowie was over the moon to open his Hibs account but wishes his goal turned out to be the winner.

The £600k summer signing from Fulham stepped off the bench to fire the Hibees in front of Dundee before Simon Murray snatched a late point for the visitors at Easter Road. It was a bittersweet afternoon for Bowie but the Scotland Under-21 starlet hopes his strike is the first of many for the Hibees - insisting he doesn't feel any pressure.

He said: "Yeah, obviously there's anger. But it's mainly disappointment, I think. There's not much you can say. It's self-inflicted, isn't it, really? That's what has happened in the last few games. We have to improve in that area.

"I think when you score to make it 2-1 so late in the game, yeah, you maybe think it's the winner. But to concede a goal so late is not really good enough. Everyone knows that, anyway. There are still a lot of positives to build on from the game. But there are obvious negatives, as well.

"When you score, the emotion, honestly there's nothing better than putting the ball in the back of the net. That's my first. And hopefully there will be many more this season. Do I feel pressure coming here? Honestly, none. I'm just coming in and playing my usual game, hoping to make an impact. That's what I've come here to do."



https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/kieron-bowie-doesnt-feel-hibs-29811389

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First start for £850k signing as star man earns rest - Birmingham City predicted XI vs Fulham
Chris Davies is likely to heavily rotate his Birmingham City team for the Carabao Cup third round tie against Fulham.

Blues play host to the Cottagers on Tuesday night in what promises to be an interesting test against Premier League opposition.

Birmingham are unbeaten in competitive fixtures under their new head coach but their biggest test yet awaits. Fulham, 10th in the top tier as it stands, are 39 places above Davies' side in the English footballing pyramid.

Many would assume playing the strongest possible lineup would make the best sense against such tough opponents but the wider focus is on League One. Birmingham will one day want to challenge for major trophies again but the reality is the Carabao Cup is most likely out of their reach at this stage.

It may seem a pessimistic approach, but rotation has to be expected as a result of Blues' desire to throw everything into achieving promotion back to the Championship. Saturday's clash against Wigan Athletic, also at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, won't be easy and has to be the priority.

Birmingham City predicted lineup vs Fulham
With all of the above in mind, here's the Birmingham lineup we predict will be named against Fulham.

GK - Ryan Allsop

Allsop, only just behind Bailey Peacock-Farrell in the goalkeeping pecking order, is bound to start every cup match.

RB - Alfons Sampsted

The Iceland international will be keen to challenge Ethan Laird at right-back this season and this is a good opportunity to prove a point.

CB - Krystian Bielik

The captain should start against such tough opponents. The 11-time Poland international is probably the closest to Premier League level out of anyone in the squad.

CB - Ben Davies

Davies only arrived on Sunday but should be match fit following a full pre-season with Rangers. He could start as the manager rotates.

LB - Brandon Khela

Khela was the hero in the previous round away at Charlton and deserves another start. The 19-year-old is actually a midfielder but impressed at left-back.

CM - Taylor Gardner-Hickman

The former West Bromwich Albion man appeared off the bench at Leyton Orient and should get a start in the cup. Marc Leonard can then be kept fresh for the weekend.

CM - Tyler Roberts

Roberts is a level above League One when at his best but his minutes have been limited. Midfield is probably the position he's likeliest to feature in.

RW - Koji Miyoshi

The Japanese, who has been benched by Keshi Anderson over recent matches, should get an opportunity to show why he should regain his place.

LW - Ayumu Yokoyama

Blues could go double Japan on the flanks, handing a first start to £850,000 signing Yokoyama. The winger has shown great promise in his brief cameos.

CAM - Willum Willumsson

Willumsson has been edged out of the XI by Luke Harris after a slight knock halted a run of starts. He should get a decent run-out here.

ST - Lukas Jutkiewicz

The Juke could suit this clash well as Blues will probably have to sit deeper than usual and play more long-ball football. Star man Alfie May has earned a rest.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city/birmingham-city-predicted-lineup-fulham-carabao-cup-chris-davies-ayumu-yokoyama-4756506

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Fulham boss Marco Silva has already spotted where Emile Smith Rowe must improve after joining from Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe got his first Fulham goal this weekend after making his move to the club from Arsenal this summer.

Smith Rowe was one of the big transfer stories of this summer and eventually settled on the move to Craven Cottage.

Smith Rowe was one of the big transfer stories of this summer and eventually settled on the move to Craven Cottage.

Of course, any attacking midfielder wants to get off the mark quickly.

And while Smith Rowe has done just that, his manager Marco Silva has admitted the former Gunner is far from his best.

Marco Silva offers honest Emile Smith Rowe assessment
In quotes provided by Sky Sports, Silva spoke of his delight at Smith Rowe getting a goal but insisted there's more to come from the midfielder as well.

"It's always important (to get first goal) when you sign a talent like him, it's important to have the impact," Silva commented.

"We signed him not only just for now but for a long time, it was important for him even though he has experience. Last season he didn't play football, I think it was his first goal in the Premier League in two years as well.

"He settled in the pre-season, it was important to get a little bit more confidence and he scored a good finish. When we sign a player for that position we need them to be decisive, he got the conclusion to finish in the right way.

"He's far from his best from a physical point of view, he's going to improve, he'll adapt more, it was nice to see him be decisive."

Smith Rowe can be key for Fulham
Arsenal fans were split on the decision to sell Smith Rowe and over the course of the season, you get the impression he's going to be a fine signing for the Cottagers.

Alan Shearer was among those to be impressed by Smith Rowe this weekend, while Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has tipped Smith Rowe to be a star at Fulham.

The ball is very much in his court as it stands and as Silva says here, there is even more to come.

If Smith Rowe can hit double figures, and provide a few assists along the way, then Fulham will feel they've done superb business.



https://tbrfootball.com/far-from-his-best-marco-silva-has-spotted-area-where-smith-rowe-must-improve-after-joining-from-arsenal/

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Ex Charlton Athletic and Fulham star on verge of £51m transfer to European giants
Arsenal and Liverpool are waiting in the wings to pounce on a deal should talks with PSG collapse.

Former Charlton Athletic and Fulham player Ademola Lookman is on the verge of completing a £51 million transfer move to a European giant after a stunning season at Atalanta last time out.

The 26-year-old has found himself a hot talking topic as the summer transfer window comes to a close with an imminent exit from Italy expected. Lookman has been playing for Atalanta since being signed from RB Leipzig in 2022.

The forward, who was born in London and played for the England youth set up before electing to represent Nigeria on the international stage, grabbed 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season. That form helped Atalanta to a Europa League win and now the Serie A outfit is reportedly ready to cash in on their star man while he is at the peak of his powers.

Lookman still has another two years left on his contract but has been hotly tipped to join Paris Saint-Germain and make the jump to Champions League football. Atalanta have slapped a £51 million price tag on the player, which could however prove an obstacle in that move, with Premier League clubs waiting should it collapse.

Transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg took to social media platform X on Sunday to provide the latest update. He said: "Ademola Lookman, still very keen to join Paris Saint-Germain as PSG is currently his first choice. 26 y/o versatile striker waiting for decisions. But a possible deal currently stalling as there's no club-to-club agreement and Paris currently not willing to pay the demanded amounts.

"Therefore, PSG deal currently unlikely. Arsenal and other top clubs, still monitoring Lookman's situation. Wait and see."

News of a PSG stumbling block could come as a huge boost for Arsenal. Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been named as a potential suitor by the Liverpool Echo as the window nears a close this summer.

It has been noted that Lookman is represented by the same agency as Gunners star Kai Havertz, which could help the London outfit with any potential negotiations. So far, Mikel Arteta has only added Riccardo Calafiori to his squad with David Raya also making his loan move a permanent deal.

Lookman is a product of the Charlton Athletic youth system and spent four years at the club between 2013 and 2017, before moving to Everton. The winger was named the Championship's LFE Apprentice of the Year in 2016 while at The Valley.

The Europa League winner made a total of 49 appearances for Charlton Athletic, scoring 12 goals and picking up three assists. The Toffees paid a reported fee of £11 million to bring Lookman to Merseyside in January 2017.

Lookman's time at Craven Cottage was a short affair, being loaned to Fulham for the 2020/21 season from Leipzig. He made 35 appearances for the Cottagers with four goals and four assists to his name.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/charlton-athletic/ex-charlton-athletic-and-fulham-star-on-verge-of-ps51m-transfer-to-european-giants-4756801

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Fulham need to be 'more clinical and ambitious' on the road
Media view: Fulham
In preparation for Blues taking on Fulham in the Carabao Cup Round Two, BCFC.com has got the media view on the visiting Cottagers.

They travel to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Tuesday 27 August, kick-off 8pm, and Alan Drewett, a contributor to the HammyEnd•com, has provided the inside track.

How have Fulham started the new season?
We have started the new season with a lot of promise. We lost at Old Trafford through a late goal in a game in which we probably warranted a point, we just couldn't find that clinical edge to our game which will certainly come as the season goes on. We then won our first home game of the season against Leicester City in a game which we dominated large spells of and we look forward to our trip to St. Andrew's for, hopefully, another cup run.

Can you assess the Cottagers' transfer business to date?
We lost Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich in a move which was in the pipeline from last summer but he was vital to how we play and he will prove hard to replace. We have signed Sander Berge from Burnley to fill that void so it will be interesting to see what he can bring to the team. We have resigned Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace which we know a lot about from his first spell with us and we also signed Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal to bolster the defence. Our marquee signing for the summer has to be Emile Smith Rowe who will be vital for our success this season.

From the 2023/24 campaign, what should be left behind and what needs to be carried on?
From last season, we need to focus on being more clinical and ambitious on the road as we seem to let a lot of points slip last season. We have such a good home record in the league so if we can improve our results on the road, there is no reason why we can't be pushing for top 10, even top eight. Since we returned to the Premier League two years ago, Marco Silva and the club have brought in the right players with proven Premier League experience and it is paying off. The transfer strategy we have in place now is successful so we really need to keep that going.

What is the report card on Marco Silva's tenure so far?
Marco Silva has been a breath of fresh air since he took over from Scott Parker and is clearly very ambitious. We have improved a lot under him and the club is heading in the right direction, on and off the pitch. You will find it hard to find a Fulham fan with a negative opinion of Silva and has also shown his loyalty on more than one occasion by turning down crazy amounts of money from Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, Silva sticks around for many more years to come and makes us dream of what could be.

Which player should Blues' supporters keep an eye on?
I expect a much-changed side for our trip to St. Andrew's so a player to keep an eye on would be Josh King. He is an exciting attacking midfielder who will have a big future in the game if he carries on progressing the way he is. A player which you all know very well is Jay Stansfield and I do expect him to start this game and, hopefully, get on the scoresheet.




https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/fulham-need-to-be-more-clinical-and-ambitious-on-the-road

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Marco Silva reveals Fulham transfer target before window slams shut
Cottagers beat Leicester on Saturday in first win of the season

Marco Silva insists Fulham will sign a wide forward before Friday's deadline.

The Fulham head coach has also suggested the club were never close to signing Fluminense midfielder André despite a year-long transfer saga.

Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid both left Fulham as free agents this summer and the Cottagers have not replaced them.

Despite Emile Smith Rowe's ability to play on the left, he was signed from Arsenal as a central attacking player, and Silva insists the club "definitely need" to sign a new winger to provide competition for Alex Iwobi, Adama Traore and Harry Wilson.

"We have to look at different players, because it's not easy. We know the profile we need — that is clear — but, of course, at this stage of the market, it's not always easy for us as a club to find the player we want and say: 'Okay, let's take him'. From a business point of view, it's not always possible.

"You have to have different solutions for the position that we want to fill. It's clear in that attacking line it's one player that we need. Let's see if we are going to get one of the main ones or if we have to go in a different direction.

"We need one, definitely. We lost Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian in that position and didn't sign any player in that position. We are working hard to achieve it."

Fulham were linked heavily with 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andre last summer, in January, and again earlier this summer.

The Fluminense man is now a target for Manchester United, while Wolves are hoping to win the race for him.

Silva was asked about Fulham's interest in Andre.

"You [the media] like sometimes to create your own stories", he said. "Keep creating, keep doing it. I will not mention any player who is not our player."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-latest-transfer-news-2024-b1178435.html

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Silva wants another winger
Marco Silva has reiterated that he would like to add a winger to Fulham's squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

Speaking ahead of this evening's trip to Birmingham City in the League Cup, the Fulham head coach confirmed that the Whites were keen to sign a replacement for Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian, who both left the club on free transfers during the summer.

Silva said:

"We have to look at different players, because it's not easy. We know the profile we need — that is clear — but, of course, at this stage of the market, it's not always easy for us as a club to find the player we want and say: 'Okay, let's take him'. From a business point of view, it's not always possible.

You have to have different solutions for the position that we want to fill. It's clear in that attacking line it's one player that we need. Let's see if we are going to get one of the main ones or if we have to go in a different direction."

He also insisted that the Cottagers were never close to completing a deal for Brazilian international Andre despite being heavily linked with a move for the Fluminese midfielder over the past eighteen months. "You like sometimes to create your own stories. Keep creating, keep doing it. I will not mention any player who is not our player."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-wants-another-winger/

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Up next: Birmingham City (a)
Fulham are swiftly back in action after Saturday's success against Leicester City with a trip to Midlands tonight to take on Birmingham City in the second round of the League Cup. Marco Silva's side reached the semi-finals of the competition last season and, although the Fulham head coach telegraphed the fact that there will be wholesale changes at St. Andrew's this evening, he is still seeking both a professional performance and a strong Cup run.

Blues have responded well to their disastrous relegation from the Championship by making a series of shrewd summer acquisitions and have made a solid start to life in League One. Highly-regarded former Tottenham coach Chris Davies has guided his new side to seven points from a possible nine so far as well as getting past Charlton Athletic in the first round of the League Cup, despite having centre back Dion Sanderson sent off and the Addicks being awarded an early penalty. Luke Harris has made an impressive start to his second season on loan at this level, by scoring one goal and making another in his pair of league starts to date, although the talented Welsh midfielder will have to watch from the stands this evening.

The latest of Birmingham's thirteen new additions, Ben Davies, who arrived on loan from Rangers on Saturday, is available for selection and the centre half could be pressed into service immediately with Sanderson likely to miss a few weeks of football after picking up a foot injury. Lee Buchanan remains troubled by a calf complaint and Alfie Chang will be sidelined for some time with a serious knee problem. Davies has admitted he is looking forward to measuring his side's progress against Premier League opposition with a feelgood factor beginning to spread around the blue half of the second city, with the likes of Keshi Anderson, starring up front. Even if the man who opened the scoring at Leyton Orient on Saturday is rested, there could be an opportunity for the underused Tyler Roberts and George Hall to push their claims for a place in the starting line-up.

The visitors are all but certain to field a much-changed side to the one that delivered their first win of the campaign against the Foxes at Craven Cottage over the weekend. Silva has teed up the possibility of handing his two high-profile signings from last week a chance to impress. No Fulham fan will need any introducing to Joachim Andersen and the Danish defender won't require much in the way of match fitness, having started Crystal Palace's opening game of the season at Brentford, but giving him a chance to form a partnership with another new arrival in Jorge Cuenca, who the Fulham boss confirmed yesterday would start, could be smart with Saturday's trip to Ipswich in mind.

Sander Berge could also be offered valuable minutes in the middle of the park having not played a competitive game so far this season, whilst talented teenager Josh King – so impressive in pre-season – will be pushing for a place in midfield. Both Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney could also be options in the engine room depending on the scale of Silva's planned rotation, whilst Martial Godo – who also caught the eye over the summer after an encouraging loan spell with Wigan Athletic last term – might be in line for an outing on the wing if, as expected, Ryan Sessegnon's first appearance of his second spell with the Whites comes at left back.

The summer saw plenty of column inches filled by the possibility of Jay Stansfield, who scored thirteen goals for Blues on loan at St. Andrew's, making a permanent move to join Birmingham but the England under-21 international was always likely to be part of Silva's plans. He has had to make do with a substitute appearance on the opening night at Old Trafford but could lead the line in surroundings he knows very well. As well as the memories of a personally successful season with City, Stansfield can also reflect on how he scored his first Fulham goal with a superb strike in this competition three years ago.

Silva will need to strike the right balance between ringing the changes and avoiding a banana-skin because a revitalised home side in what have always been intimidating surroundings will be all too eager to take a top flight scalp.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Benda; Castagne, Sessegnon, Andersen, Cuenca; Berge, Reed; Wilson, Godo, Cairney; Stansfield. Subs: Borto, Tete, de Fougerolles, King, Pajaziti, Iwobi, Osmand, Jimenez, Muniz.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/up-next-birmingham-city-a-4/

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'Contract agreed' - Fulham and Everton beaten to £30m marquee signing by Crystal Palace
The Arsenal academy graduate appears to have finally agreed a move after a long summer of transfer rumours.

Crystal Palace are on the verge of completing the marquee signing of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal in what will be a significant blow for several Premier League clubs, including Fulham and Everton.

The transfer race for the 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's most drawn out sagas of the summer window with the Gunners driving a hard bargain to green light an exit for their academy product. Nketiah bagged five Premier League goals last season but only made 10 league starts.

Last week, it had appeared that Nottingham Forest had muscled their way to being frontrunners with a £30 million bid accepted by Arsenal but that move collapsed with Nketiah not convinced by a switch to The City Ground. Earlier this summer, Marseille appeared to be on the verge of signing the player but couldn't negotiate the Gunners down from their £30 million valuation.

Now, in a fresh turn of events, it is Crystal Palace who are set to sign Nketiah. That's according to The Athletic, with the outlet reporting that the Eagles have tabled a £25 million bid with £5 million in add-ons for the player.

The striker is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace, who had been heavily linked with a January move for the forward. The deal comes amid growing reports that Odsonne Edouard could make a return to Celtic this summer, a move which may gather pace following the arrival of Nketiah - Jordan Ayew has also left Selhurst Park this summer, joining Leicester City.

In June, The Sun exclusively reported that Fulham had been in pole position to complete the transfer at that point with Wolves and Everton also named. Those links had continued to bubble on as the weeks ticked by in the summer window.

Nketiah featured on the bench for Arsenal in both of the side's two opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign this season but did not see any minutes against Wolves or Aston Villa.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/contract-agreed-fulham-and-everton-beaten-to-ps30m-marquee-signing-by-crystal-palace-4756890

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Former Premier League referee gives verdict on controversial VAR decision in Fulham vs Leicester City
Leicester City faced off with Fulham in a Premier League fixture on Saturday, August 24th.

Steve Cooper will have been looking to build on his side's positive start to the season when they kicked off at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Leicester City drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Jamie Vardy cancelled out Pedro Porro's first-half opener at the King Power Stadium to secure the Foxes a massive point.

And after Fulham lost their opening clash, the Midlands outfit likely fancied their chances over the weekend.

However, it was not to be as Leicester suffered their first defeat of the season. Cooper made a key mistake vs Fulham, opting to switch from a back-four to a back-five, which made his team very vulnerable on the flanks.

Gary Lineker expressed his worry over Leicester following the match as well, after goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi saw Fulham pick up a 2-1 win.

Dermot Gallagher explains Fulham vs Leicester City VAR call
After going 1-0 down in the 18th minute, Leicester were given a lifeline shortly before half-time thanks to VAR.

Wout Faes's goal was originally ruled out for offside before referee Darren Bond was sent to the monitor and deemed Jamie Vardy to have not interfered with Bernd Leno's efforts to make a save.

It was an interesting decision as Vardy did look to be in the goalkeeper's line of site initially.

However, speaking on Sky Sports, former referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why VAR made the right goal on Saturday.

He said: "It's excellent work from the VAR. When you see it, [Vardy] clearly plays no part in the incident.

"He's peeling away and plays no part. It's a good header for the goal and VAR has on this occasion done a massive service for the game.

"The referee was led brilliantly by VAR Jarred Gillett."

Leicester City form is concerning
Leicester may have been helped out by VAR against Fulham but it was still not enough to secure them a point.

The Foxes were also lucky to come away with anything from the Spurs match, having been penned back in their own half for much of the 90 minutes.

Leicester were always expected to struggle on their return to the Premier League but the manner in which they have played so far is concerning.

After a League Cup clash with Tranmere Rovers, Leicester face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday and another very tough outing is expected.



https://www.leicestercity.news/news/former-premier-league-referee-gives-verdict-on-controversial-var-decision-in-fulham-vs-leicester-city/

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Transfer Deadline Day: What every Premier League club needs ahead of the window closing on Friday
The transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday August 30 for Premier League clubs; Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea are among the teams expected to be active in the final days of the market; Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa could make late moves

Fulham
Fulham still want at least one forward or wide player and they have agreed a deal with Lyon for Rayan Cherki, but the 21-year-old has been considering his options.

Marco Silva is keen to replace Willian and, if a winger comes in, that should be Fulham done for the window.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/13203823/transfer-deadline-day-what-every-premier-league-club-needs-ahead-of-the-window-closing-on-friday

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Birmingham City 'agree' £1m QPR transfer ahead of Fulham Carabao Cup clash
Birmingham City are said to have landed a QPR star as they prepare to face Fulham on Tuesday night.

Birmingham City are said to have agreed a deal with QPR ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Fulham on Tuesday night. The Midlands club have enjoyed a solid start to their first season back in League One, picking up seven points from a possible nine and remaining unbeaten.

Blues have made some impressive signings as they bid to return to the Championship at the first time of asking, and they are now set to wrap up their 10th signing of the summer with Friday night's transfer deadline coming into sharp focus. According to The Athletic, Birmingham have agreed a £1million deal to sign QPR forward Lyndon Dykes.

The 28-year-old was left out of QPR's squad to for Saturday's draw with Plymouth Argyle, and Marti Cifuentes was asked whether the forward would still be at the club come the end of the window. He responded by simply saying "I don't know."

Dykes joined QPR for around £2million in 2020, scoring 35 goals in 155 league appearances following his move from Livingston. The 36-time Australia-born Scotland international now looks set to drop down to League One at the age of 28, although it's no secret that Birmingham are paying very friendly wages as they bid to return to the second tier.

Dykes appeared in 41 of QPR's 46 league games last season, scoring six times and providing one assist. and so his departure will surprise some, especially with the Hoops taking a loss of £1million on their investment. But with the signings of forwards Rohan Vaughan and Zan Celar, Cifuentes appears to want to go in a different direction, overhauling much of his squad this summer with 11 permanent signings and two incoming loans.

The move involving Dykes is likely to be confirmed in the next day or so, but it will not be done in time for the forward to appear in Tuesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Fulham.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/qpr/birmingham-city-agree-ps1m-qpr-transfer-ahead-of-fulham-carabao-cup-clash-4757198