Thursday Fulham Stuff - 28/11/24...

[WhiteJC]

Limited Availability: Arsenal Tickets

Tickets are now limited for our upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday 8th December, kick-off 2pm.

Don't miss out on securing your seat in SW6 for our London derby against the Gunners, with tickets also now on General Sale.

Marco Silva's Fulham side will be looking for a repeat of last season's dramatic 2-1 New Year's Eve win against Arsenal at Craven Cottage.

Now available to all supporters, with Season Ticket Holders and Members also able to purchase additional seats, fans can secure up to four tickets per person.

Further matchday information can be found here.

Be there for all the action and secure your seat today!

Supporters can secure their seats online, over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/november/27/limited-availability-arsenal-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Loupalo-Bi fires Fulham U21s past Sparta Prague
A brace from Aaron Loupalo-Bi fired Fulham's under 21s to a 3-1 win over Sparta Prague in the Premier League International Cup at Motspur Park last night.

The Whites, who drew their opening game in the competition against PSV earlier in the season, made a strong start and hit the front just six minutes in. Josh King won the ball off the visiting defence high up the pitch and burst in the box. The midfielder's shot was parried by Joeri Jesse Heerkens, but Loupalo-Bi swooped in to rattle the rebound into the net.

King was running the show from the Fulham midfield. One mazy dribble created a shooting opportunity that whistled wide of the target before he hammered an effort against the frame of the goal from the acutest of angles. Fulham's second came from a decidedly more route one approach. A long kick from Alex Borto was nodded into the path of Terrell Works by Loupalo-Bi and the winger raced clear of the Sparta defence and rolled an assured finish into the far corner of the net.

It could have been three before half-time but Jon Esenga's penalty was brilliantly saved by Heerkens after Lemar Gordon had been brought down in the box. The full back put that behind him to create Fulham's third with a lovely cross for Loupalo-Bi just after the break – with the striker guiding another excellent finish past an overworked Sparta goalkeeper.

Sparta kept pushing until the end despite the tie being beyond them. Full back Petr Hodous drilled an effort into the side netting before captain Mayas Jedlicka headed in a consolation goal after climbing highest at a corner. Borto prevented a grandstand finale by thwarting Matyas Poturnay after the Fulham defence had fallen asleep at a set-play and Hayden Mullins' side were able to celebrate a comfortable victory.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Borto; Gofford, Esenga, Amissah, Nsasi; Donnell, King (Quashie 69); Works (Osmand 69), Gordon (Ali Wahid 88), Sekularac; Loupalo-Bi (Nwoko 69). Subs (not used): Underwood, Picotto.

BOOKED: Amissah.

GOALS: Loupalo-Bi (6, 47), Works (33).

SPARTA PRAGUE UNDER 21s (4-4-1-1): Heerkens; Hodous, Uhrincat (Felt 45), Jedlicka, Rebbo; Okeke, Saal (Poturnay 45), Vana (Tesar 45), Osmani (Hruska 63); Siler; Michi (Weber 90+1). Subs (not used): Nalezinek, Vanek.

BOOKED: Heerkens, Hodous.

GOAL: Jedlicka (78).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/11/loupalo-bi-fires-fulham-u21s-past-sparta-prague/

[WhiteJC]

Defender said to have agreed four-year deal to sign for Fulham – Keen on London return
There's a claim in the Nigerian media that Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has agreed to sign for Fulham.

The Nigeria international will become a free agent in the summer when his contract expires with the Istanbul side and he's been linked with a return to England in recent weeks.

Score Nigeria have reported on the latest developments regarding Osayi-Samuel's future with Fenerbahce following reports the Super Lig side are looking to extend his contract.

There have been recent claims in Turkey that Jose Mourinho is keen for the player to remain in Istanbul and that his club have offered him an improved contract, along with a substantial signing on fee.

However, according to the Nigerian media outlet the right back has agreed to sign for Fulham on a four-year deal, wanting a return to London to be reunited with his partner.

He previously had a spell with Queens Park Rangers and has also been linked with Crystal Palace.

Osayi-Samuel has made 12 appearances for Fener this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/defender-said-to-have-agreed-four-year-deal-to-sign-for-fulham-keen-on-london-return/

[WhiteJC]

'Not allowed to leave' - Genk chief confirms Fulham-linked Arokodare is going nowhere in January
KRC Genk Head of Football Dimitri De Condé has ruled out the possibility of the club partying ways with any of their star players including Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare in the January transfer window.

Arokodare has recently been linked with Fulham who want to bolster their attacking department in the mid-season transfer window.

The Cottagers have Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz as options in the center forward department but are still interested in getting another striker, hence the reported interest in Arokodare.

Genk grabbed his services from Amiens in January 2023, after the departure of Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu to Southampton.

He struggled with injuries for the rest of the campaign but was able to put his early setback aside to help the Blue-White advance to the Jupiler Pro League play-offs last season, scoring 12 goals.

The 24-year-old has taken a huge leap in his form this campaign, notching nine goals in 15 games in the Belgian top-flight which must have caught the interest of Fulham.

Speaking to TVL Sportcafé via voetbalnieuws, De Condé revealed that Genk have no intention of letting their star striker leave in January.

"Tolu is not allowed to leave. He is also very grateful to our trainer and will not leave Fink and Genk just like that," De Condé said.

Arokodare is one goal adrift of Kasper Dolberg who is the Jupiler Pro-League leading top-scorer with 10 goals for RSC Anderlecht.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=53818

[WhiteJC]

Southampton and Fulham can land 'incredible' Euro 2024 ace under £10m with Aston Villa also keen
Premier League trio Aston Villa, Southampton and Fulham are all keen on Werder Bremen ace Romano Schmid with offers of less than £10 million potentially enough to bring about a Bundesliga departure.

Four years after Aston Villa held talks to bring Milot Rashica to England – prior to the winger's ill-fated £9.4 million move to Norwich City – the Midland giants are hot on the heels of another talented young attacker impressing in the green of Werder Bremen.

Romano Schmid, a key part of the Austria side which captured hearts at the European Championships, is in line for a potential switch to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

TBR can confirm that Aston Villa, Southampton and Fulham are three of the clubs who have the former Red Bull Salzburg prospect on their radar.

Schmid's representatives are pushing for a move across the channel, as well, while informing the 24-year-old that he will be allowed to leave the Weser Arena for below the £10 million mark.

Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton like Romano Schmid
A high-octane and all-action attacking midfielder, there is a reason why Schmid became so integral to Ralf Rangnick's trademark crash-and-bang, high-pressing football at Euro dark horses Austria.

Sky Germany, meanwhile, reports that Schmid's contract at Werder Bremen runs until 2026. As such, the Bundesliga outfit must decide quickly whether to cash in now – while his value remains relatively high – or risk letting Schmid edge dangerously close to free-agency.

"It's incredible how much Romano has developed in the last year," former Man United interim boss Rangnick said over the summer, after Schmid scored in a thrilling 3-2 win over the Netherlands, per Laola 1.

"I'm very happy for him that he was rewarded for his top performance with a headed goal."

Schmid, who's intensity both on and off the ball would appeal to Unai Emery, Marco Silva and Russell Martin, scored four goals and set up seven more in the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign.

He also averages 1.5 tackles per game in Germany's top flight. An impressive return for an attack-minded player, which highlights his high-pressing nature.

Werder Bremen ace prides himself on his creativity
"I'm taking a more positive approach," Schmid told the Werder Bremen website back in 2023. "I push forward and demand the ball more. Even when things aren't going our way, I still try to lead the way.

"For me personally, it's also really important that I'm directly involved in the goals. That's where making the second assists is crucial. One of my greatest strengths is initiating goal-scoring opportunities by playing in teammates for them to make the assist."

If Aston Villa were to win the race, Schmid would likely compete with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers for one of the roles behind Ollie Watkins.

Southampton have struggled for goals and creativity since promotion meanwhile despite hitting the target twice in Sunday's heart-breaking loss at home to Liverpool.

Fulham are keen to add more goals to their own side, meanwhile. TBR understands that Marco Silva's Fulham are eyeing Genk striker Tolu Arokodare after nine goals in 14 games. Brazil international Igor Jesus is another Cottagers target



https://tbrfootball.com/southampton-and-fulham-can-land-incredible-euro-2024-ace-under-10m-with-aston-villa-also-keen/

[WhiteJC]

Why Saturday's defeat to Wolves could be a needed reality check

Jon Harland says that our surprise loss should remind us not to take anything for granted as fans.

An ice-cold pint of lager in Copenhagen, an Aperol Spritz in Florence, or perhaps a shot of vodka in Warsaw; the way things were going before the international break, many Fulham fans were dreaming of some epic away days across the continent next season.

Perhaps this was a small section of supporters, myself included, getting a tad overexcited – but with good reason. We were seventh in the table (and really should have been higher), on a good run of form, and playing scintillating football.

I had a spring in my step strolling through Bishop's Park on Saturday. We were finally back at the Cottage and poised to make it three wins on the bounce against a struggling 19th-placed Wolves side who hadn't won an away game since February. In my mind there was no other possible outcome other than a routine three points and a good time had by all.

Cunha believe it

The Fulham faithful were left shellshocked at full-time as the travelling fans basked in the glory of an unexpected 4-1 drubbing that sent the Cottagers crashing back down to earth.

But does this loss to an inferior side at home prove that even mentioning European football back at Craven Cottage was overambitious after all? Should we be more modest in our expectations? And is the reminder to guard against hubris actually a positive thing?

Putting things into perspective

While the sting of this loss lingers, it's important to look at the bigger picture.

It might be an obvious comment, but one negative result will not derail our season. The last game also comes with caveats: the Whites hit the woodwork three times, Matheus Cunha morphed into prime Pele, and we were forced to see out the game with 10 men. The fanbase has legitimate reason to remain optimistic.

But this defeat serves as a sobering reality check; we're a marvellous side, but so are other teams in the division. Achieving a top 10 finish, let alone a European spot, will be exceedingly difficult – but well within reach.

We as fans, and especially the players, cannot underestimate any fixture. Hopefully this is a kick up the backside that will act as a catalyst for positive performances and eliminate complacency.

A defining month ahead

As we enter the festive period, Fulham play seven games in December with some tough tests thrown in.

Away trips to Spurs, Liverpool, and Chelsea are daunting given current form. Although there are some winnable home games among Brighton, Arsenal, Southampton, and Bournemouth, an average of a game every four days will be tricky to handle.

If our Portuguese genius utilises the squad depth effectively and we enter the new year relatively unscathed, potentially with a couple of scalps in the bag, then we could find ourselves in a promising position, especially with January's favourable run of games.

Five points currently separate second and 10th, with Fulham sitting ninth. It's essential we don't get cut adrift from the pack.

Stand up if you still believe

Sure, Saturday's heavy home defeat may suggest that I was – and possibly still am – getting ahead of myself with what this Fulham team can achieve.

But why not? What's the point of supporting a football team if you can't get a bit overzealous at times – as long as it doesn't devolve into delusion? And this iteration of Fulham has given us every right to dream.

It won't be like this forever. It's unlikely we'll be able to hold onto players of this quality for long, with players like Antonee Robinson already linked to big moves. Keeping a manager of the calibre of Silva for much longer also seems unlikely. So it's vital that we savour the good times and don't take this team for granted.

Who knows what the rest of the season holds, but there's a feeling that if we manage to iron out a few creases, we're on the verge of something great.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-11-27-why-saturdays-defeat-to-wolves-could-be-a-needed-reality-check/

[WhiteJC]

Dan Leivers: "Lads Excited for FA Youth Cup Challenge Against Fulham"
 Notts County's academy manager Dan Leivers has spoken ahead of the Under-18s' FA Youth Cup third-round clash with Fulham at Meadow Lane on Sunday.

The young Magpies are eager to face a Premier League club's Category 1 academy side with kick-off set for 12:30 pm.

"They're really excited" said Leivers. "Obviously looking forward to playing against a Premier League team and a Cat 1 Academy in our own stadium. It's the one they all hope to get so it's nice to get it this time in the third round."

Notts County's youth team have impressed, reaching this stage overcoming tough opposition in the first two rounds. Leivers reflected on their route beginning with a hard-fought victory over Kempston Rovers. "We travelled down there, and it was a really difficult environment to play in with a lot of people watching the game" he explained. "The lads took that test well and played under a lot of pressure and noise. The goalkeeper had around a hundred people behind the goal at him all game. We're proud of how they handled that experience."

The second round saw Notts County defeat Burton Albion, a familiar opponent. "The boys had a fantastic performance and impressed with how they managed the game and took their chances" said Leivers.

Reaching the third round is a landmark for the academy. Leivers, who last guided the Under-18s this far nine years ago, knows how rare such opportunities are. "It's a massive achievement and really difficult to get this far in the cup. The amount of time since we did it shows how hard it is."

Leivers credited coach Tigran Tadevosyan for preparation. "The game plan he's put together in both rounds has given us the best chance."

Fulham, currently second in the Premier League Under-18 division, present a formidable test. "We know they're difficult to play against" admitted Leivers. "Tigran went to watch them play Villa on Saturday so he's done his homework on the best way to give us a chance."

Despite the challenge, Leivers remains optimistic. "It's us that aren't expected to win so the pressure is on them. We know when we're at our best we've got players that can handle it & hurt people."

Sunday's match offers fans a rare chance to support the youth team. "We'd welcome as much support as possible to cheer the lads on" said Leivers. He highlighted first team faces like Themba Nyirenda & Zach Denman who have made senior debuts.

While progression would be a dream, Leivers emphasised broader goals. "We want to win but if we see things improving in our players and put on a good performance that's success for us" he explained. Leivers concluded underlining the club's ethos: "Leave everything on the pitch and see effort and heart from the boys. These things can lead to success."

The match promises an exciting test for the young Magpies & a proud moment for the academy. Fans are encouraged to show support for what could be a memorable occasion.



https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/dan-leivers-lads-excited-for-fa-youth-cup-challenge-against-fulham-r3571/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Fulham Consider Signing 'One of the Most Skilful Players on Earth'
Fulham are contemplating whether to take advantage of the financial issues at Lyon when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year as Rayan Cherki still has admirers at Craven Cottage despite missing out on his signature during the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Cottagers showed plenty of ambition before August's deadline, with Emile Smith Rowe becoming the most expensive acquisition in the west Londoners' history thanks to completing a switch worth up to £34million from Arsenal, but boss Marco Silva will have another opportunity to bolster his squad in January.

The Portuguese tactician is devising plans during discussions with Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan, and a chance to get a deal over the line for Cherki may have opened up due to Lyon being provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of the season as a result of their financial mismanagement.

Cottagers Remain Interested in Signing Cherki
West Londoners could profit from Lyon's financial problems
 Fulham are weighing up whether to offer Cherki a route out of Lyon during the fast-approaching winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, as admiration has refused to go away despite him seeming to have reservations over a move to the capital when they looked at concluding a deal during the summer.

The attacking midfielder is preparing to enter the final 18 months of his contract, which allows him to pocket close to £64,000-per-week at the Groupama Stadium, and his current employers' desperation to secure cash has improved the chances of him embarking on a fresh challenge in January.

GMS sources have been informed that Cherki could be put on the market due to Lyon considering a mid-season fire-sale to help get themselves out of the financial mess they have found themselves in, resulting in Fulham continuing to keep tabs on his situation as they make plans to improve their squad.



 The Cottagers are already aware of what it would take to persuade Les Gones to sanction the 21-year-old's departure halfway through the campaign as they are open to holding negotiations in the region of £25million, but the west Londoners are in serious danger of facing stiff competition for his services.

Although it is thought that Cherki had doubts over joining Fulham during the summer due to his personal ambition and wanting to compete at the top of the European game during the early stages of his career, GMS sources have learned, Lyon's situation could force him to entertain the possibility of moving onto pastures new.

Silva Faces Battle with Premier League Rivals
Newcastle also checking out possibility of landing Frenchman
 GMS sources have been told that Fulham could be involved in a tussle with one of their Premier League rivals to win the race for Cherki as Newcastle United are also checking out the possibility of profiting from Lyon's struggles after being on their radar for a prolonged period of time.

The Frenchman, who won an Olympic silver medal during the Olympic Games earlier this year, has enjoyed 460 minutes of action in Ligue 1 since the campaign got underway and also highlighted his pedigree in the final third of the pitch by getting his name on the scoresheet during a 1-1 stalemate against Reims.

Cherki's performances have caught the eye of Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell and other key personnel at St James' Park, GMS sources understand, but there are concerns that he may not be a good fit for the side when it comes to the team's shape and they would also need to carry out detailed checks into his personality.

That could play into Fulham's hands if they choose to head to the negotiating table with a bid for the playmaker, who has previously been described as 'one of the most skilful players on Earth' by former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf, but he has been linked with numerous big-name clubs.

GMS recently revealed that Cherki has been floated as an option for Liverpool as there is ongoing uncertainty over Mohamed Salah's long-term future and boss Arne Slot may be forced into the transfer market in an attempt to find a suitable replacement for the Egyptian fan favourite.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 27/11/2024



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-weighing-up-january-move-rayan-cherki-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

Sunderland 'watch' Celtic striker ahead of transfer window but face competition from Burnley and Fulham
Sunderland have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old Celtic striker play in Europe

Sunderland are one of several clubs showing an interest in 18-year-old Celtic striker Daniel Cummins having watched the player's most recent youth game.

Football Insider's Peter O'Rourke claims that Wolves, Fulham, Ipswich, Sunderland and Burnley watched Cummings score his fifth goal in five in Europe recently ahead of the January transfer window.

The Celtic supporter signed his first professional contract during the summer of 2022. Last season, Cummings made his breakthrough in the Lowland League Celtic B team, where he established himself as a prolific goalscorer the following season and has netted 32 times in 43

In May 2023, the attacker scored the decider in a 6-5 win against Rangers in the Scottish Youth Cup final, attracting national headlines and has started this season averaging more than a goal per game with the B team while also playing for Celtic's youth teams in the league and in Europe.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-watch-celtic-striker-ahead-of-transfer-window-but-face-competition-from-burnley-and-fulham-4886526

[Bassey the warrior]

Exclusive: Fulham Consider Signing 'One of the Most Skilful Players on Earth'
Fulham are contemplating whether to take advantage of the financial issues at Lyon when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year as Rayan Cherki still has admirers at Craven Cottage despite missing out on his signature during the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Cottagers showed plenty of ambition before August's deadline, with Emile Smith Rowe becoming the most expensive acquisition in the west Londoners' history thanks to completing a switch worth up to £34million from Arsenal, but boss Marco Silva will have another opportunity to bolster his squad in January.

The Portuguese tactician is devising plans during discussions with Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan, and a chance to get a deal over the line for Cherki may have opened up due to Lyon being provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of the season as a result of their financial mismanagement.

Cottagers Remain Interested in Signing Cherki
West Londoners could profit from Lyon's financial problems
 Fulham are weighing up whether to offer Cherki a route out of Lyon during the fast-approaching winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, as admiration has refused to go away despite him seeming to have reservations over a move to the capital when they looked at concluding a deal during the summer.

The attacking midfielder is preparing to enter the final 18 months of his contract, which allows him to pocket close to £64,000-per-week at the Groupama Stadium, and his current employers' desperation to secure cash has improved the chances of him embarking on a fresh challenge in January.

GMS sources have been informed that Cherki could be put on the market due to Lyon considering a mid-season fire-sale to help get themselves out of the financial mess they have found themselves in, resulting in Fulham continuing to keep tabs on his situation as they make plans to improve their squad.



 The Cottagers are already aware of what it would take to persuade Les Gones to sanction the 21-year-old's departure halfway through the campaign as they are open to holding negotiations in the region of £25million, but the west Londoners are in serious danger of facing stiff competition for his services.

Although it is thought that Cherki had doubts over joining Fulham during the summer due to his personal ambition and wanting to compete at the top of the European game during the early stages of his career, GMS sources have learned, Lyon's situation could force him to entertain the possibility of moving onto pastures new.

Silva Faces Battle with Premier League Rivals
Newcastle also checking out possibility of landing Frenchman
 GMS sources have been told that Fulham could be involved in a tussle with one of their Premier League rivals to win the race for Cherki as Newcastle United are also checking out the possibility of profiting from Lyon's struggles after being on their radar for a prolonged period of time.

The Frenchman, who won an Olympic silver medal during the Olympic Games earlier this year, has enjoyed 460 minutes of action in Ligue 1 since the campaign got underway and also highlighted his pedigree in the final third of the pitch by getting his name on the scoresheet during a 1-1 stalemate against Reims.

Cherki's performances have caught the eye of Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell and other key personnel at St James' Park, GMS sources understand, but there are concerns that he may not be a good fit for the side when it comes to the team's shape and they would also need to carry out detailed checks into his personality.

That could play into Fulham's hands if they choose to head to the negotiating table with a bid for the playmaker, who has previously been described as 'one of the most skilful players on Earth' by former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf, but he has been linked with numerous big-name clubs.

GMS recently revealed that Cherki has been floated as an option for Liverpool as there is ongoing uncertainty over Mohamed Salah's long-term future and boss Arne Slot may be forced into the transfer market in an attempt to find a suitable replacement for the Egyptian fan favourite.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 27/11/2024



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-weighing-up-january-move-rayan-cherki-craven-cottage/

Didn't he already say no?