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

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'A potential banana skin' – Birmingham City vs Fulham prediction: The72
The72's writers offer their Birmingham City vs Fulham prediction ahead of the Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday.

Birmingham City host Premier League side Fulham in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Birmingham City have Premier League opposition in the latest instalment of Carabao Cup action with Fulham making the journey north to St. Andrew's.

They have been side to watch in the third tier over the summer. The Blues seemed to react well to relegation from the Championship and have since built a squad that has them favourites to be promoted this season.

So far this season the Blues have won two and drew one, winning back-to-back games since their point on the opening day. Chris Davies' side do have a tough test against Wigan Athletic this weekend, but they won't want to take their eye off the ball in the cup.

As for Fulham, they'll be looking to find joy in the cup after kicking off their Premier League campaign.

Marco Silva's side won their first league game in the top flight last weekend, beating Leicester City away from home and they will be looking to make it two from two this evening.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game...

Thomas Kelly-Hansford
"Fulham are strong favourites coming into this one, but I think it could be a potential banana skin for the Premier League side.

"Birmingham City have a free hit here and they know a result against Silva's men would breed a lot of confidence into them that they could take into the league.

"Fulham will likely rotate and whilst on paper their rotated squad should still comfortably dismiss of a League One side, Birmingham City will likely get chances and if they can take them then this really is anyone's game.

"I think this one could go all the way with the Blues proving a real nuisance, but ultimately losing on penalties."

Prediction: Birmingham City 1-1 Fulham (P)

James Ray
"Birmingham City have built a strong side but there is a big gulf between the Premier League and League One. Fulham will be out to prove that, and I can see them doing so.

"The Cottagers might be one to watch this season and while Birmingham have build a side above League One level, they haven't been the most convincing thus far despite getting some results.

"It should be a fairly competitive game and the Blues will definitely be out to prove a point and show just how good they are. However, I can't help but feel they'll come up short and get beaten in relatively comfortable fashion.

"I'll say the visitors win 2-0."

Prediction: Birmingham City 0-2 Fulham



https://the72.co.uk/2024/08/27/birmingham-city-fulham-prediction/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham pick up first Premier League win of the season as head coach Silva talks about their dominance
Marco Silva felt his Fulham side were good value for their 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday.

The Whites collected their first points of the 2024-25 Premier League season with club-record signing Emile Smith Rowe scoring the opening goal at Craven Cottage.

Alex Iwobi struck in the second half as Fulham bounced back from their their 1-0 loss at Manchester United on the opening day.

Whites head coach Silva told Match of the Day: "It was a tight score, but it is clear the best team – the most dominant team, the team that did more to score – won the game.

"A top level for our first 30 minutes. The way we started the game was dominant. The quality, the connections, the way we arrived so many times around the box. We created some good chances.

"In the second half, it was not the same quality of football. But we won so many corners and so many shots. Rodrigo [Muniz], I don't know how many shots he had this afternoon. Normally, with these type of chances, he is going to score one or two.

"There were very good moments from us. I didn't see chances from Leicester, to be honest."

Smith Rowe has started both Premier League matches since arriving from Arsenal.

The Croydon-raised midfielder is still building up his fitness and was replaced in the 69th minute by Harry Wilson.

"It is not best to think about whether he is the club-record signing or not," said Silva.

"We recognise his quality. I'm sure he is going to be important, as he was today. I'm sure he is going to be even more important in the future. He is getting the minute in the tank that he needs.

"Last season, he didn't almost play and he didn't have a normal pre-season, so it is going to take a bit of time for him to be in the best shape he can be."

Fulham continued a big summer of spending with the additions of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge and Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen last week.

Danish international Andersen, 28, has signed a five-year contract with the Eagles receiving around £30million. The west Londoners have an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

Berge, 26, has cost an initial £20m and is contracted until the summer of 2029. He said: "The DNA of the club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed and play nice football. That suits me."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/fulham-pick-up-first-premier-league-win-of-the-season-as-head-coach-silva-talks-about-their-dominance/

[WhiteJC]

Match Preview: Stansfield returns as Blues face Fulham in the Carabao Cup
Birmingham City are back at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park following three consecutive away wins as they play Premier League Fulham in round 2 of the Carabao Cup.

The game could mark the return of Jay Stansfield to B9, the young striker is popular among Bluenoses as he scored 13 goals and was one of very few bright sparks last season.

Last Time Out:
Birmingham City continued their unbeaten start to the League 1 season with a close 2-1 win away at Leyton Orient. The game started with high energy pressing from both sides and Blues opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Keshi Anderson. A poor pass from the Orient goalkeeper was intercepted by the Blues winger, who played it to Alfie May. The number 9 got to the ball before the onrushing keeper which left Anderson to finish from a tight angle to put the away side ahead.

However, Leyton Orient's pressing paid off 7 minutes later as they equalised, Bailey Peacock-Farrell was pressured into a poor pass straight to midfielder Zech Obiero, he then squared the ball to Ethan Galbraith who struck into the bottom left corner.

A frantic start to the game continued as Birmingham City were back ahead in the 20th minute. Another defensive mix-up resulted in Alfie May being through on goal. The striker rounded the goalkeeper and scored his third goal in as many League 1 matches. Leyton Orient went close from a corner just before half-time but Blues went into the break ahead.

The second half was less entertaining as substitute Ayumu Yokoyama's curling strike was the closest Blues came to extending their lead. Dan Agyei forced a smart stop from Peacock-Farrell as a result of a counter attack as the home side mounted the pressure on Blues. Birmingham City continued to defend their lead and the final chance of the game was through Orient forward Charlie Kelman. His strike rolled just the wrong side of the post and Blues took all 3 points back to the Second City, matching their best away winning streak since 2015.

The Opposition:
Marco Silva's Fulham will be aiming to maintain or improve on a successful season in the Premier League as they finished 13th last campaign. Ambitious signings of Emile Smith-Rowe and Joachim Andersen will boost their chances of achieving this target. The Cottagers recorded their first win of the season at the weekend with a 2-1 at home to Leicester. Smith-Rowe opened his account on his Craven Cottage debut and another former Arsenal attacker scored the winner as Alex Iwobi won them the game.

However, I expect the London side to make multiple changes as they will want to rest key players for a trip to Ipswich on Saturday, this will likely include Jay Stansfield leading the line against Blues. Despite rumours of a return to Birmingham City, Marco Silva has firmly said that the 21-year-old marksman is very much in their plans for the the upcoming season, disappointing many Bluenoses. It would certainly hurt if Stansfield was to score infront of his former Blues faithful.

Team News:
This midweek fixture in the Carabao Cup will certainly pose a tricky test for Blues but Chris Davies will be confident that his side can continue their unbeaten streak in front of a home crowd. There is a possibility that the manager rotates in multiple positions to give those players a chance to prove that they deserve a place in the starting 11.

Luke Harris is illegible to be involved against his parent club, while Dion Sanderson has picked up a foot injury that will leave him sidelined for a few weeks. New signings Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Ben Davies could well make their first starts for Blues, the former impressed after coming off the bench on Saturday.

Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Allsop, Sampsted, Bielik, Davies, Cochrane, Leonard, Gardner-Hickman, Miyoshi, Willumsson, Yokoyama, May

Score Prediction:
I predict a close but exciting game. It will be interesting to see if Blues are successful when playing their high-pressing style against a Premier League outfit. I think that the game will finish 1-1 and Blues will win the penalty shootout, therefore progressing to Round 3 of the Carabao Cup.



https://bluesfocus.co.uk/2024/08/27/match-preview-stansfield-returns-as-blues-face-fulham-in-the-carabao-cup/

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham Matchday Preview
🆚 Birmingham City
🏟 St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park
🏆 Carabao Cup
🗓 Tuesday 28th August
⏰ 8pm (BST)
#️⃣ BIRFUL

The opposition

Last season was a disastrous one for Birmingham as they were relegated to the third tier for the first time in 30 years, but 2024/25 has begun promisingly. After claiming a late draw in their opener at home to Reading, they've taken maximum points from two away trips since, beating Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient by one goal margins.

They booked their place in Round Two of the Carabao Cup with another slender away win, defeating Charlton Athletic 1-0 despite playing the final 12 minutes with 10 men after a red card for Dion Sanderson.

Team news

🔵 Fulham loanee Luke Harris is ineligible to feature against his parent club, while Sanderson, Lee Buchanan and Alfie Chang are injured. Defender Ben Davies is in line for a debut following his loan move from Rangers at the weekend.

🤍 Marco Silva will be making changes to his side for the trip to the Midlands. In his pre-match press conference he confirmed that Jorge Cuenca will start, while our other summer arrivals will also be hoping for some game time.

Tickets

Fans will be able to purchase tickets on the night, cash or card, from the Kop Ticket Office. These are priced from just £10 for adults and £3 for juniors.

Coverage

This match will be televised on Sky Sports, while FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim & Jamie Reid.

Weather

🌧 There is a small chance of rain by kick-off, though it remains mild, with temperatures around 19 degrees.

Format

If the score is level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be played.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/27/birmingham-matchday-preview/

[peachcobbler]

I know people want one more signing but I want this window closed ASAP. Andreas and Robinson are ours leave us alone

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva explains why Fulham made 'rare player' Emile Smith Rowe their 'main transfer target'
Cottagers made club-record agreement for Arsenal academy graduate

Emile Smith Rowe became Fulham's "main target" once Arsenal confirmed they were willing to sell him, Marco Silva has revealed.

The 24-year-old ended his 14-year association with Arsenal this summer when he joined Fulham for a club-record fee of up to £34million.

Smith Rowe has hit the ground running, netting in pre-season and scoring in Fulham's 2-1 league win over Leicester on Saturday.

"He is a rare player", the Fulham boss said yesterday. "We were in the market for a player with his profile; we wanted someone that can play there between the lines, can give us a little bit more creativity in that space, a player that can arrive in the box. He has the capacity to do it.

"We defined him as the main target for that position when we felt Arsenal was opening to selling him. We worked hard to get him in. His technical quality and creativity is what we need from a player in that decision."

Silva added: "He knows he has to improve many things, in terms of the [pace] of the Premier League. He has to be ready to play 80, 90, 100 minutes at the same intensity. He has to do off the ball the hard work that the Premier League demands.

"When the player has quality and the right mindset to learn, it's just a matter of time. He's going to improve in all aspects."

Silva, whose side visit Birmingham in the Carabao Cup second round tonight, is keen to share the burden of responsibility among his attacking players this season.

"I don't like to individualise on just him", he said. "It's not fair to put all this pressure on one player, just because he came from Arsenal and spent a good amount of money on him. We should share the responsibility.


"He's a very good boy. He's a little bit quiet and shy — probably too quiet — but he's already settled at our football club. Even if he's not the most loud guy, I just want him not to be quiet on the pitch."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-smith-rowe-silva-transfer-b1178484.html

[WhiteJC]

Silva: Smith Rowe is 'a rare' talent
Marco Silva has revealed that he made Emile Smith Rowe Fulham's major summer transfer target when it became clear that Arsenal would sell the England international.

Smith Rowe followed a stunning pre-season – where he scored twice in his first two games – with the opening goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Leicester City at Craven Cottage. The Fulham head coach reiterated the attacking midfielder's importance during yesterday's pre-match press conference:

"He is a rare player. We were in the market for a player with his profile; we wanted someone that can play there between the lines, can give us a little bit more creativity in that space, a player that can arrive in the box. He has the capacity to do it. We defined him as the main target for that position when we felt Arsenal was opening to selling him. We worked hard to get him in. His technical quality and creativity is what we need from a player in that position.

He knows he has to improve many things, in terms of the [pace] of the Premier League. He has to be ready to play 80, 90, 100 minutes at the same intensity. He has to do off the ball the hard work that the Premier League demands. When the player has quality and the right mindset to learn, it's just a matter of time. He's going to improve in all aspects."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/silva-smith-rowe-is-a-rare-talent/

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham City v Fulham injury news as four out for Carabao Cup clash
Birmingham City entertain Premier League side Fulham at St Andrew's in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Birmingham City team news
Left-back Lee Buchanan suffered a calf injury in the last fortnight of pre-season, and is expected to return after the international break. Speaking to BirminghamLive, head coach Chris Davies said: "His return to training date is mid September, which then means he needs to get at least a couple of weeks under his belt, so we are looking towards the end of September for him to be available all being well.

"From what I hear and see, he is progressing on track. It's a niggly injury in the calf but he is progressing on track and I'm really looking forward to getting him back.

"I felt like he had a couple of niggles in pre-season, I didn't get the chance to have a really good look at him so I'm looking forward to him being fit."

Academy midfielder Alfie Chang remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a long-term knee injury. He picked up the injury last August, and is in to the final stages of his rehabilitation now, with there still a 'little way to go' before his training schedule intensifies.

Birmingham City could hand a debut to Ben Davies who signed on a season-long loan from Rangers, becoming their 13th signing of the summer. Blues are also in talks to sign Lyndon Dykes, and he is expected to undergo a medical after a £1m move was agreed. He played against Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup, and so he would be cup-tied, whilst there's an 12.00 pm cut-off the da before a game to register any new players.

Luke Harris is on a season-long loan from Fulham, and will be ineligible to play against his parent club. Dion Sanderson was missing against Leyton Orient through injury, and would be out for a 'few weeks'.

Out: Alfie Chang, Dion Sanderson, Luke Harris, and Lee Buchanan.

Fulham team news
Jay Stansfield is set to make his return to Birmingham after a decent loan spell there last season. The 21-year-old was regarded as Birmingham's best player in an otherwise dismal campaign after being relegated.

Stansfield got 13 goals in 47 games for Blues last season, and Birmingham were interested in signing him on a permanent deal this summer, but Marco Silva said he'd be staying at Craven Cottage. The three-time England under-21 international was an unused substitute at the weekend in Fulham's win over Leicester City, but made a cameo appearance off the bench against Manchester United on the opening weekend.

Earlier this month, Fulham signed Sander Berge from Burnley for a reported £25m, and he's in line to make his debut. He had been dealing with a slight quad issue according to Burnley boss Scott Parker before his departure, but he is expected to overcome that.

Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca could also make their debuts. Andersen joined from Crystal Palace, meanwhile Cuenca has arrived from Villareal. Asked if the trio will make their debuts, Marco Silva responded by saying: "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."

Carlos Vinícius and Kevin Mbabu meanwhile have yet to make a match day squad this term. Vinícius was subject of an offer from Las Palmas and is also wanted by Corinthians. Clubs from Spain, Holland, Turkey and Germany are all reportedly interested in signing Mbabu meanwhile.




https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city/birmingham-city-fulham-injury-news-carabao-cup-dion-sanderson-luke-harris-4757689

[WhiteJC]

Former Fulham man Jon Thorsteinsson should be a success in the 2. Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin
Last season, Jon Thorsteinsson was arguably OH Leuven's best player. The Icelandic midfielder, formerly of the Fulham academy, was their biggest threat going forward and a driving force behind them staying in the Pro League. Despite reported interest from the Premier League, Thorsteinsson is now taking his services to the German capital. OH Leuven's loss should certainly be Hertha's gain.

The Icelandic international leaves Belgium with an impressive record at OH Leuven. He played 76 times and scored 20 goals from out wide. In his first season he scored 12 goals and grabbed four assists, while last year he scored seven goals and grabbed seven assists. Thorsteinsson is direct and always looking to create a score, which was crucial for a side in Leuven who struggled to find a striker who could regularly find the back of the net. Without Thorsteinsson on the pitch, the side often lacked a spark or a goal threat. Thorsteinsson can play out wide or more centrally as a striker or just off the striker, which he often did for OH Leuven in the Pro League. When out wide, he was able to beat his man with his strong dribbling ability, while when more central his eye for goal was a great asset for a side that lacked the forward capable of doing the same.

His style of play should certainly suit the2 Bundesliga, which is one of the toughest leagues in European football. He will suit the physical nature and directness of the league, one which has seen the likes of Hamburg and Schalke 04 struggle to get out of in recent seasons. This year, the league boasts both those sides, as well as Hertha and 1. FC Köln. Add in my Fortuna Düsseldorf and a strong Hannover side, it really is going to be an exciting season in the German second tier. In Thorsteinsson, Hertha should have a player who can make a difference and, in my opinion, be a success in their quest for a return to the Bundesliga.




https://getfootballnewsbene.com/former-fulham-man-jon-thorsteinsson-should-be-a-success-in-the-2-bundesliga-for-hertha-berlin/

[WhiteJC]

Zepa and Wingate guide Fulham U18s to PL Cup win
Second half strikes from Macauley Zepa and Tom Wingate ensured Fulham's under 18s made a winning start to the Premier League Cup with an impressive win over Middlesbrough at Motspur Park this afternoon.

Ali Melloul's young side bounced back from a disappointing London derby demolition at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend by dominating this contest in the New Malden sunshine. A well-drilled Boro defensive unit kept the Cottagers at bay until well into the second half with visiting goalkeeping Felix Elliott using his feet to make instinctive save from Wingate at the end of a prolonged spell of Fulham pressure.

Wingate went close again ten minutes before half time when his instinctive header from a fine Jayden Quashie cross flew fractionally wide of the target. Middlesbrough's defence, expertly marshalled by Oliver Martin and McCartney Woodhouse, stood firm until ten minutes into the second period when a moment of magic from highly-rated winger Macauley Zepa broke the deadlock. The French forward drifted infield onto his right foot and squeezed a shot between Elliott and his near post to give the young Whites the lead.

Wingate got the goal his determined display deserved ten minutes later. The striker steered in Luca Picotto's corner to make sure of all three points.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): Underwood; Walters, Picotto, Cooke, Slade; Quashie, Ridgeon, Lubega; Zepa, Ali Wahid, Wingate (Platel 79). Subs (not used): Varney, Khan, Hall, Faux.

BOOKED: Zepa.

GOALS: Zepa (55), Wingate (65).

MIDDLESBROUGH UNDER 18s (4-3-3): Elliott; Muwena, Acheampong (Scott 72), Martin, Woodhouse; Greenup (Parker 79), Palmer, James; McPartland (Palmer 59), Smith, Nino (Ogunman 79). Subs (not used): Lloyd.

BOOKED: Palmer, Martin.

REFEREE: Scott Crowhurst.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/zepa-and-wingate-guide-fulham-u18s-to-pl-cup-win/

[WhiteJC]

Four things we learnt as Fulham claimed first win of the season against Leicester
Fulham earnt their first points of the 2024/25 season with a win against newly-promoted Leicester.

Fulham put their opening day defeat at Manchester United behind them on Saturday when they beat Leicester 2-1.

New signing Emile Smith Rowe grabbed his first Fulham goal before Wout Faes equalised for the Foxes just before half-time.

Alex Iwobi put The Cottagers back in the lead with 20 minutes remaining, and Fulham stayed 2-1 up until the final whistle.

Here are four things we learnt:

    Smith Rowe's career is back on track

Emile Smith Rowe always showed great potential at boyhood club Arsenal, but injuries and strong competition stopped him from achieving everything he should have.

The attacking midfielder was part of The Gunners' youth academy since 2010, and made his professional debut in 2018.

In 2019 he was loaned to RB Leipzig, and then in 2020 loaned out again to Huddersfield who were in the Championship at the time.

Now in 2024 he has moved across London to Fulham and has impressed in his first two games.

He was crucial in Saturday's clash, linking up well with Iwobi and Adama Traoré, the latter assisting Smith Rowe's goal in the first half.

After the game, Fulham manager Marco Silva said that Smith Rowe "is only going to get better."

    Sasa Lukic is more important than people realise

One of Leicester's strongest parts of their game last season was their midfield.

With Wilfried Ndidi and Harry Winks in the middle of the park in the Championship, they consistently outperformed teams in that area.

However on Saturday, an underrated part of Fulham's team dominated the midfield, and that man is Saša Lukić.

Since January last season, Lukic has been an excellent player for the Whites but was overshadowed by the performances of João Palhinha.

Now, when there is more responsibility on him, he is showing that he is a more than capable midfielder in this Fulham side.

With Sander Berge joining the club, keep an eye out for a very solid Fulham midfield.

    Antonee Robinson is key at both ends

Left-back Antonee Robinson won Fulham's Player of the Season award last year.

The American has been superb down the left-hand side, both defensively and when overlapping.

Now, in the 2024/25 season, he is continuing on the faith shown to him by Marco Silva.

His assist for Alex Iwobi was nothing short of an elite midfielder's pass and he showed he is going to be important to Fulham's season again.

His raw pace allows him to both get forward and track back when vulnerable, and his crosses are always appreciated by striker Rodrigo Muniz.

    Silva's sublime adaptations

With Leicester playing in a very deep setup, the onus was on Fulham to break down a solid defence.

Last season saw Fulham take wins against big teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham, games where they had to counter-attack and did not always have the ball.

Saturday's game showed that the Whites can also break teams down over a long period of time.

Even though chances were missed by the likes of Muniz and Adama, their ability to create opportunities against a low block is encouraging.

The ability to adapt to different play styles in the Premier League is crucial if Fulham want to push into the top half this season.



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2024/08/26/fulham/1194022-four-things-we-learnt-as-fulham-claimed-first-win-of-the-season-against-leicester.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham struck gold on "insane" star who's worth more than Smith Rowe

    Marquee signing Smith Rowe is already making an impact with his talent and impressive performance.
    They could make their money back by selling a star player who is attracting interest from top clubs like Manchester United.

Fulham have had a busy summer transfer window once again. The Cottagers have brought five new faces to the club as they look to strengthen Marco Silva's side to improve on the 13th-place finish last campaign.

 A large aim for the window for Fulham this summer has been to strengthen things at the back. To help with that task, Silva has brought back two former players to the club.

The first is academy graduate Ryan Sessegnon, who joined on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Tottenham Hotspur. Joachim Andersen, who spent a season on loan at the club in 2020/21, signed from Crystal Palace for £30m.

 The other defensive signing saw Villarreal centre-back Jorge Cuenca make the move to Craven Cottage for an undisclosed fee. The Cottagers also signed Sander Berge from Burnley for a fee of around £25m.

It has certainly been a hectic few months for Fulham in the transfer window, and they have added some talented players to their squad. However, their marquee signing this summer has been Emile Smith Rowe, and he has begun to make waves already in his short time at the club.

Smith Rowe's move to Fulham
The marquee signing at Craven Cottage this summer has certainly been Smith Rowe, who joined the club from Arsenal. The Hale End academy graduate made the move from North to West London for an initial price tag of £27m, although that is a deal that could rise to £34m with add-ons.

 The past few seasons have not been easy for the talented attacker, who has struggled with injuries and regular minutes as a knock-on effect of those fitness issues. Last term, the England international played just 13 times in the Premier League and three games in the Champions League.

However, his season in 2021/22 was phenomenal, with Smith Rowe showcasing his sparkling talent. The Fulham number 32 scored ten goals and registered two assists in 33 Premier League games that season, his best return. It was a campaign that showed off his slick close-quarter dribbling and exceptional control of the ball.

 It is certainly an enterprising and ambitious signing from the Cottagers, and Smith Rowe is already repaying their faith. The Hale End graduate scored in his first home game against Leicester City, finishing off a tidy move to give his side a 1-0 lead.

The investment of up to £34m for such a talented attacking midfielder certainly seems like a superb addition to the Fulham squad.

It may also be the case that the club can make their money back on the attacker, through the sale of another highly valued player, who could leave this summer.

Antonee Robinson's value in 2024
The player in question here is American left-back Antonee Robinson. The 27-year-old has impressed during his time at Craven Cottage, after joining the club in 2020. Football analyst Ben Mattinson called Robinson "insane", and that is certainly a thought shared by Silva.

The Fulham boss played the American, who has 46 caps for his country, in all but one of the 38 Premier League games last term, and he got six assists in that time. He has started this season excellently, too, registering an assist against the Foxes last Saturday afternoon.

That said, he has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with a report from GiveMeSport in the last few days suggesting Manchester United are interested. As per an earlier report, he is valued at around £40m, meaning the Cottagers would make back the money they paid to sign Smith Rowe.

Perhaps surprisingly, Robinson is not one of Fulham's highest earners and is in the seventh-highest pay bracket at Craven Cottage, one of four players to earn £50k per week as per Capology.

Fulham 2024/25 highest earners (excluding summer deals)

Wage per week	Player(s)
£130k	Bernd Leno
£100k	Raul Jimenez
£80k	Alex Iwobi
£70k	Issa Diop
£65k	Adama Traore, Timothy Castagne
£63k	Sasa Lukic
£50k	Antonee Robinson, Reed, Tete, Pereira

Data from Capology

 Given the fact the full-back is a key attacking outlet and works hard off the ball, selling him this summer is a risky move. However, they have the chance to recoup the fee they paid for Smith Rowe, meaning it could be a lucrative deal for Fulham to do this summer.

Whether he sticks around or does move away, they've certainly struck gold on this signing, one they completed for just £2m.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-struck-gold-on-robinson-worth-more-than-smith-rowe/