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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 16/01/25...

Started by WhiteJC, January 15, 2025, 11:41:41 PM

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WhiteJC

Results
Wednesday 15/01
Everton   
0-1
   Villa
Leicester   
0-2
   Palace
Newcastle   
3-0
   Wolves
Arsenal   
2-1
   Spurs

WhiteJC

'Stand out' player convinces Crystal Palace and Fulham – Duo could table offers
Crystal Palace and Fulham are in the picture for FC Midtjylland's Ousmane Diao, according to a report.

The centre-back arrived at the Danish club from Portuguese side CD Mafra last summer and signed a contract until 2029.

Crystal Palace, Fulham and FC Porto have been following the defender, who has made 28 appearances so far for Midtjylland.

According to Africa Foot, the 20-year-old 'stands out' for being one of the best defenders in the Danish league and has managed to 'captivate' the Premier League duo and the Portuguese club with his performances.

The report adds Crystal Palace, Fulham and the Dragons are keeping an eye on Diao and will continue to follow him until the end of this season. They add these three clubs could possibly consider making offers for the Senegal U23 international, likely in the summer.

Midtjylland invested €3m to buy the young defender who is one of the brightest talents coming out of his country.

The outlet points out Transfermarkt value him at €4m, but the Danish club could demand more to sanction a move, either in the winter market or the next window.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/stand-out-player-convinces-crystal-palace-and-fulham-duo-could-table-offers/

WhiteJC

Report reveals £8m clause that could be of interest to Man United and Chelsea
Fulham manager Marco Silva reportedly has a release clause worth £8million in his contract at Craven Cottage, which West Ham weren't willing to pay.

The Portuguese tactician has impressed in his time in charge of Fulham, getting the team to play some fine attacking football and establishing themselves as a safe Premier League side clear of the relegation zone.

It's easy to see why Silva might be of interest to other Premier League clubs, with Manchester United apparently considering him when they sacked Erik ten Hag, according to talkSPORT.

The report also claims West Ham considered Silva before they instead hired Graham Potter as their candidate to replace Julen Lopetegui.

It seems the Hammers were not too keen on paying the £8m clause required to get Silva out of Fulham, according to talkSPORT.

Will Marco Silva land a top job in the future?
Silva has clearly done impressive work at Fulham, and that's bound to earn him some admiring glances from elsewhere, but it seems he's yet to work his way onto the very top of club's lists.

United ultimately decided to go for Ruben Amorim when it came to replacing Ten Hag, while Chelsea hired Enzo Maresca in the summer when it came to replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

West Ham were obviously content to go with Potter instead, so it remains to be seen if Silva will ever do quite enough to make that next step up.

Tottenham are also mentioned in the report from talkSPORT, so perhaps that could be one worth watching if things don't improve soon under current Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

Fulham fans will be relieved, though, that the £8m clause seems to put them in a strong position to keep hold of their manager, who is surely one of their most prized assets.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/01/15/marco-silva-clause/


WhiteJC

Thelo Aasgaard scores twice as Wigan set up FA Cup tie with Fulham
Wigan set up a glamour FA Cup fourth round tie with Fulham after a confident 2-0 win at Mansfield.

Thelo Aasgaard scored two quality goals at the start of the second half to send the 2013 winners through to the next round.

Mansfield were left counting the cost of some wasteful finishing during a first half which they had controlled.

Sam Tickle comfortably saved Hiram Boateng's shot during a cagey opening 20 minutes.

The Wigan shot-stopper was forced into saves from Matthew Craig and Stephen McLaughlin as Mansfield enjoyed a good spell midway through the half.

Johnny Smith wasted a great chance for the visitors when he fired tamely wide from a good position on 32 minutes.

But Aasgaard put Wigan ahead after heading home Smith's perfect cross on 48 minutes.

And the Norwegian doubled the advantage after curling a beauty into the top corner six minutes later.

George Maris blazed wide in the closing minutes to end any hopes of an unlikely comeback.



https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/432590/thelo-aasgaard-scores-twice-as-wigan-set-up-fa-cup-tie-with-fulham/

WhiteJC

Brighton confirm Evan Ferguson could leave amid Arsenal and West Ham transfer links
Highly-rated striker has struggled for form and fitness since last season's ankle injury

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler admits striker Evan Ferguson could leave the club on loan this month.

The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham.

Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking options amid a recent lack of goals from Mikel Arteta's side, while the Hammers have lost strikers Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug to injury.

New Irons chief Graham Potter handed Ferguson his debut during his time on the south coast and has confirmed the club may look to sign a new forward.

Ferguson has started only twice in the Premier League this season, scoring only once, after an ankle injury suffered towards the back end of last season derailed his progress.

"We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together," Hurzeler said.

"This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent [Facundo] Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.

"We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it's tough, it's intense, especially for young players. It's the perfect environment to adapt.

"In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it's always very helpful.

"So, that's why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it's more about what is best for the player."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/evan-ferguson-transfer-news-arsenal-fc-west-ham-fulham-brighton-premier-league-2025-b1204898.html

WhiteJC

Positives and Negatives: West Ham 3-2 Fulham

Jack Stroudley looks back at a disappointing evening in East London.

Well, that was bleak. If it wasn't bad enough having to go to the London Stadium on a Tuesday night, seeing Fulham lose 3-2 and be the latest side to suffer a new manager bounce at the hands of former Chelsea gaffer Graham Potter was the cherry on the cake. Fulham suffered their first defeat since November at the hands of the Irons and their first on the road since October, nevertheless, here are the talking points from a dismal and dreary night in East London.

Positives

I'll keep this short and sweet, there wasn't any. Alex Iwobi's had two crosses that evaded everyone and went in I guess? Fulham were poor, West Ham weren't much better but punished us in ways I'll explain in the negatives. Strap in.

Negatives

Sloppiness costs Silva

I don't want to sit here and slate West Ham too much who capitalised on our mistakes while not playing well themselves, and I guess that's where we'll start. All three goals were highly avoidable with two of the three coming as a result of some good press from the West Ham front-line. Andreas Pereira will get criticism for the first for a poor pass but the ball to him from Bernd Leno shouldn't go unnoticed either, unnecessarily forcing the Brazilian into trouble who has to get rid – unfortunately for him he got rid to a claret and blue shirt.

Like London buses, goals came in pairs for West Ham and after a poor header back from Joachim Andersen, the Irons were in again and after a well worked move, the ball fell to the path of Tomas Soucek in a bizarre and uncharacteristic three minutes for Marco Silva's side. Just as we got into the game again, Bernd Leno undone that hard work on what was a night to forget for the German. Some good press from West Ham forced him to play it to Lucas Paqueta who restored the hosts lead. On a night where I don't really think the hosts were spectacular, we made it easy for them. Frustrating.

Devoid of ideas

Fulham had spells of the game where they had the possession we thought we would, but we created little-to-nothing during those spells. Harry Wilson hit the bar early on and the previously mentioned Alex Iwobi crosses ended up in the net, Adama Traore missed a late sitter but other than that Fulham failed to trouble Lukasz Fabianski. Pereira gets a lot of slack from Fulham fans rightly or wrongly and he like most in a white shirt weren't at it last night, but we need to start having a conversation about Emile Smith Rowe.

Our club record signing wasn't at it again and to be completely transparent hasn't been at it for large portions of the season. I know there's been fitness issues but when a club of our stature is spending that kind of money on a marquee signing, he has to hit the ground running – and for large chunks of the season he's failed to do so. Yes Fulham scored two, but I don't think either were intentional and shows the need to spend in the transfer market on another creative player, let's just hope we can get it done.

Meandering to mid-table

This might and will seem slightly reactionary following our first loss since November, but such is the competitive nature of the Premier League. We're simply not winning enough games to keep up with the chasing pack for those allusive European spots. Results for Bournemouth and Manchester City leave us four points off seventh (with both Newcastle and Aston Villa given opportunities to extend their gap on us later this week).

If you'd have told me we'd be in ninth at this stage of the season I'd have taken it, but given the context of how our campaign has gone so far and the plethora of nearly moments if we don't buck up our ideas it will be yet another 'what could've been' season.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2025-01-15-positives-and-negatives-west-ham-3-2-fulham/


WhiteJC

Hammers feast on Fulham gifts
Graham Potter couldn't have wished for an easier opening night as the new West Ham manager at the London Stadium. Fulham, on a nine-match unbeaten run, gifted the Hammers three goals in a comedic defensive display and failed to make their periods of dominance pay as they lost a five-goal thriller in east London. Potter's new side made light of the lack of a striker as Carlos Soler capitalised on a dreadful ball across his own box from Andreas Pereira to give the hosts the lead against the run of play, Tomas Soucek punished some sloppy Fulham defending to make it 2-0 minutes later before Lucas Paqueta pounced on a poor back pass to restore the two-goal lead after Alex Iwobi had halved the visitors' arrears.

It left Marco SIlva seething silently on the touchline – but, in many ways, this was the story of Fulham's season. The Portuguese head coach has taken his side further than many would have imagined following the departure of Joao Palhinha, but faced with another winnable fixture that might have put them in the European conversation, the Whites wilted. All three goals were dreadful examples of Fulham's failure to play the percentages, but the first arrived after the visitors had enjoyed more of the ball and spurned several opportunities to take the lead.

Silva's side – showing five changes from the strong eleven that saw off Watford in the FA Cup last Thursday – began brightly and might easily have been ahead in the fifth minute. Iwobi floated a cross in from the left that Harry Wilson cracked against the crossbar as he found a pocket of space in a crowded penalty area. Robinson then found himself free down the inside left channel after a flowing Fulham break but his shot flashed across the face of goal and wide.

At that point, the Hammers hadn't even touched the ball in the Fulham penalty area. When they did through, Max Kilman, the ball ended up in Bernd Leno's net – but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. Fulham still seemed in control and there seemed little danger when Pereira collected the ball on the edge of his own box, but the Brazilian aimed a risky pass across the area and, with Leno out of position, gave Soler the simple task of slotting a sidefooted finish into the unguarded net.

That miscalculation was bad enough, but things got even worse two minutes later. Mohammed Kudus latched onto a long ball, played in Solar and the Spaniard's cross reached Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the far post. The full back's cut back was side-footed home by a gleefully Soucek – and the Hammers suddenly had conjured up a two-goal lead. Fulham still threatened themselves and Raul Jimenez nodded against the bar at the back post after heading Iwobi's cross towards the net before the half-time whistle.

The visitors, no doubt fired up by a blunt Silva team talk, reduced the arrears within five minutes of the restart. Iwobi linked up with Robinson down the left and whipped in a cross that eluded Jimenez's attempted flick, beat Lukasz Fabianski in the West Ham goal and ended up in the far corner. That forced Potter to introduce Danny Ings, who had scored West Ham's equaliser in stoppage time at Craven Cottage last year. Within moments, Ings pressurised Bernd Leno as the goalkeeper pondered how to distribute the ball at the back and the German's uncharacteristic error saw him feet only the feet of Paqueta, who rolled the easiest of finishes into the net.

Fulham were still putting a ropey West Ham defence under pressure and made a game of it again with twelve minutes left. The hard working Iwobi worked the space to deliver another dangerous cross, which Wilson tried and just failed to flick goalwards with his head, but the ball beat a committed Fabianski and ended up nestling in the back of the net. That gave the visitors hope that they might nick something after all. Fabianski made a fine save to deny Jimenez and, two minutes into added time, substitute Josh King beat his man to deliver a cross from the by-line that was scrambled away from Jimenez and fell to Adama Traore at the back post. The Spaniard somehow blazed over from four yards out when it looked simpler to score – summing up a frustrating night at the Olympic Stadium for the Whites.

WEST HAM UNITED (4-2-3-1):  Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Emerson (Cresswell 81), Mavropanos, Kilman; Alvarez, Rodriguez (Scarles 81); Kudus (Ings 62), Soucek, Soler (Irving 72); Paqueta. Subs (not used): Foderingham, Coufal, Guilherme, Casey, Orford.

BOOKED: Paqueta, Soucek, Wan-Bissaka.

GOALS: Soler (31), Soucek (33), Paqueta (67).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Andersen, Bassey; Lukic, Pereira (Cairney 68); Wilson (King 85), Iwobi (Muniz 85), Smith Rowe (Traore 68); Jimenez. Subs (not used): Benda, R. Sessegnon, Diop, Cuenca, Reed.

BOOKED: Castagne, Lukic.

GOALS: Iwobi (51, 78).

REFEREE: Craig Pawson (Sheffield).

ATTENDANCE: 62,456.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/hammers-feast-on-fulham-gifts/

WhiteJC

Silva: Defeat is 'completely our fault'
Marco Silva slammed Fulham's poor defending and lack of ruthlessness as the Whites' nine-game unbeaten run went in smoke at West Ham this evening in a night self-sabotage at the London Stadium.

Silva's side dominated the first half against West Ham United, but Graham Potter's side held a two-goal advantage at the interval following a dreadful error from Andreas Pereira and sloppy defending that saw the visitors concede two goals as any many minutes. Their spirited attempts at a fightback were undermined by a poor pass out from the back by Bernd Leno that gifted the hosts a third goal shortly after Alex Iwobi had halved Fulham's deficit.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"We were punished by our mistakes. The way we lost the game tonight is our own fault, it's clear. We came here from the first minute and took control of the game, creating enough chances to be leading the score. Of course, we made a mistake in our build-up and straight away they scored the second goal in our defensive transition.

I think it's clear that the result didn't reflect at all what both teams did on the pitch. The best team didn't win the game, the team that created more didn't win the game. But in football you need to be strong at both ends and we cannot make it so easy for the opposition to punish us."

Silva bemoaned Fulham's failure to take their chances as well.

"Of course, we were not clinical. Some moments we rushed the decision too much. We should have shown a different quality in certain moments in our attacking line. We scored two goals, hit the crossbar two times and had a chance with Raúl and Adama. I'm talking about six clear moments to score. But the biggest problem of the game was not that, it was that we gave two goals away to a team like West Ham playing at home and we have to analyse it like that.

"It's a really disappointing night for us. It's been a very good season so far for us but we should be in a different position because of the way we have been performing, the way we deserve more in the games. We are giving some goals away easily and games that we are so dominant in we should have won. But the reality is we didn't and it's completely our fault."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/silva-defeat-is-completely-our-fault/

WhiteJC

Club could wait until window end to sign Fulham player – They're not going away
Over the past few weeks, the Brazilian media have repeatedly discussed Palmeiras' desire to sign Fulham's Andreas Pereira in the winter market.

On Tuesday, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira confirmed they are keen on securing the 29-year-old's services. She also insisted her side are in a rush and doing their best to close a deal for the midfielder.

Globo Esporte relay Leila Pereira's comments and then provide their take on the Brazilian club's interest in the Fulham player.

Palmeiras have already sent an offer of around €20m plus bonuses. The report states they are yet to hear from Marco Silva's side but hope the move will go through eventually.

The winter market in England will close on February 3rd, while the one in Brazil closes at the end of next month.

Therefore, the South American club could even wait for the English window to close, to complete the move for Andreas Pereira. Palmeiras are not going away and will try to push to sign the Fulham player until the end of the Brazilian window.

The former Manchester United man has made 20 appearances for Fulham this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-could-wait-until-window-end-to-sign-fulham-player-theyre-not-going-away/


WhiteJC

Fulham to face Wigan Athletic in FA Cup fourth round
Fulham will face Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup after the Latics won their rescheduled third round tie 2-0 at Mansfield Town.

Two superb goals from midfielder Thelo Aasgaard secured victory for Shaun Maloney's side at The One Call Stadium. Wigan's win sets up a fourth round trip to The Brick Community Stadium for Fulham, whose last visit there was a 1-1 draw in the final game of the 2019/2020 campaign, which culminated in the Whites winning promotion via the play-offs.

The exact date and time of the tie is awaiting formal confirmation following discussions between the two clubs and the FA.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/fulham-to-face-wigan-athletic-in-fa-cup-fourth-round/

WhiteJC

ExWHUEmployee: West Ham Want to Sign Fulham Star for Potter
West Ham United are eyeing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz to bolster Graham Potter's frontline in January, ExWHUEmployee has claimed.

The Hammers are said to be long-term admirers of the Brazilian forward, who has struggled for regular Premier League minutes this season and would reportedly welcome an opportunity for more game time.

According to ExWHUEmployee, West Ham's interest in Muniz dates back to Julen Lopetegui's tenure – the Spanish tactician was reportedly a fan of the striker, and the East London club have maintained their interest after appointing Graham Potter.

A loan with an option to buy is seen as the most realistic way to land Muniz mid-season if negotiations between the clubs take place before the transfer window closes on February 3.

West Ham Keen on Rodrigo Muniz
'Lopetegui was said to be a fan'

According to ExWHUEmployee, Muniz has resurfaced as a target for West Ham in January and would reportedly be open to a move for regular Premier League minutes:

"A target that has resurfaced and one I mentioned on the Podcast is Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham who ironically came on as a sub against us last night.

"Lopetegui was said to be a fan of the deal and that interest has continued. A loan with an option to buy seems most likely in these negotiations.

"The Brazilian has been in and out of Fulham's team since he joined but is said to welcome the opportunity for more game time in the Premier League."

Muniz has started just five Premier League games under Marco Silva this season, despite showing glimpses of promise in the 2023/24 campaign, where he netted nine goals in 26 top-flight appearances.

The Brazilian striker has scored four times in 22 appearances across all competitions this term and remains below Raul Jimenez in the pecking order.

West Ham are expected to sign a new striker in January after losing Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio to injuries, and they appear to have multiple names on their radar.

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Brighton forward Evan Ferguson remains their top target, although it remains to be seen whether the Seagulls would entertain his departure on loan in January.

Rodrigo Muniz's Fulham Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
Games             20
Goals             3
Assists             1
Expected goals             2.4
Expected assisted goals             0.6
Minutes played             607



https://www.givemesport.com/west-ham-want-to-sign-fulham-star-for-potter/

WhiteJC

Aston Villa, Fulham in transfer tussle to sign Anthony Caci
Aston Villa and Fulham will compete with several other clubs to sign 27-year-old French full-back Anthony Caci from Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05.

According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Aston Villa and Fulham are interested in Anthony Caci. The two Premier League clubs are keen on signing a full-back in the winter transfer window. However, they will face stiff competition from well-known European outfits like Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, and Valencia.

Who is Anthony Caci?
Anthony Caci has established himself as one of the most underrated full-backs in the Bundesliga since joining FSV Mainz 05 from RC Strasbourg in July 2022. A native of Forbach, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at five clubs and graduating from the youth division at RC Strasbourg.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for FSV Mainz in the last two and a half years, turning out nearly 100 times thus far while chipping in with four goals and ten assists. Meanwhile, Caci's progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.

European bigwigs like Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, and Valencia are keen on signing the versatile French full-back. However, Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Fulham will aim to beat the competition to his signature. Meanwhile, FSV Mainz might not be able to resist a "good offer" for him.

Premier League move on the horizon?
Aston Villa's interest in Anthony Caci is understandable. The Villans have been scouring the market for a right-back heading into the winter transfer window, with Unai Emery keen on adding an alternative to Matty Cash to his squad. So, several candidates, including Andres Garcia, have emerged on Aston Villa's radar, with the FSV Mainz 05 star a viable target.

As for Fulham, it is surprising that the Frenchman has emerged as a target for the West London club. Marco Silva has two right-backs in his squad, while Antonee Robinson is the undisputed first-choice left-back. However, with Robinson a target for several Premier League bigwigs, Caci might be a long-term replacement for the USMNT international.

While Aston Villa and Fulham will aim to beat the competition to Caci's signature, the lure of SL Benfica and Borussia Dortmund might be too hard to resist. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the versatile 27-year-old French full-back.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/15/aston-villa-fulham-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-anthony-caci/


WhiteJC

West Ham want Muniz
West Ham United are interested in signing Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz to solve their striker crisis, according to the Standard.

The Brazilian came off the bench last night as the Whites' were beaten 3-2 in Graham Potter's first game in charge at the London Stadium. The newly-appointed Hammers boss is without the services of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug leaving Danny Ings as United's only fully-fit senior striker.

West Ham have held a long-standing interest in Muniz having first asked about his availability during Julen Lopetugui's ill-fated tenure in E20 and are understood to be looking at a potential loan deal for the former Flamengo forward. But Fulham are not interested in allowing the 23 year-old to leave Craven Cottage during the January transfer window, unless a suitor bids significantly higher than their valuation or a loan contains a substantial obligation to buy clause.

Muniz started the season as Marco Silva's first choice striker but has lost his place to Mexican veteran Raul Jimenez. He has scored nineteen goals in 82 appearances since signing from Flamengo for £6m in August 2021. Muniz, who had an unsuccessful loan spell at Middlesbrough in 2022, was named the Premier League's player of the month last March and scored the winner as the Whites won at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years last month.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/west-ham-want-muniz/

WhiteJC

Fulham now considering offer to sign "dominant" gem they're captivated by
Still looking to welcome their first signing of 2025, Fulham are now reportedly considering a first offer to sign a 20-year-old defender who they've been captivated by this season.

Fulham transfer news
Much of the Cottagers' transfer window has been centred around the future of Andreas Pereira amid links to Brazilian club Fluminense. It looked as though the attacking midfielder was edging closer and closer to a departure before Marco Silva poured cold water on the rumours.

 The Fulham boss told reporters: "Completely false. Normally I don't speak about this type of situation, but I think it's a moment for us to be clear: it's completely false that there was an increased offer or something like that.

"I spoke with the board yesterday – and completely zero. We are a bit surprised at how this news has come from nowhere. What we can control is ourselves and our work and what we can do."

With that said and the midfielder seemingly set to stay put, those at Craven Cottage have the chance to turn their attention towards potential incomings. According to Africa Foot as relayed by Sport Witness, Fulham are now considering an offer to sign Ousmane Diao from Midtjylland having been captivated by the young defender's performances.

Potentially valued at over €4m (£3m) by the Danish club, Fulham will have to spend if they are to welcome their first signing of the January transfer window. Still just 20 years old too, that £3m+ valuation could quickly turn into a bargain deal in years to come.

Given that Issa Diop was the only centre-back to make Silva's bench in a 3-2 defeat against West Ham United, welcoming further depth in that role certainly wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if Fulham have their sights set on shock European qualification this season.

"Dominant" Diao is one to watch
When looking at Fulham's defensive options, what they lack is a young prospect to eventually play an important role. As things stand, it's the more established options in Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen and Diop taking centre-stage, but there's certainly room for a younger player to arrive and make his mark to hand Silva a welcomed boost within his backline.

Dubbed a "complete and dominant" centre-back by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Diao is certainly one to watch for the rest of the season and beyond, especially if Fulham make their move.

As an established Premier League side these days, Fulham are better placed than they have been for a long time to swoop in and welcome impressive young talents of Diao's calibre. And with that in mind, they should be an interesting side to watch in the coming weeks.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-considering-offer-to-sign-ousmane-diao-theyre-captivated-by/

WhiteJC

Crystal Palace, Fulham in transfer tussle to sign Ousmane Diao
Crystal Palace and Fulham are in a three-way battle with FC Porto to sign Senegalese defender Ousmane Diao from FC Midtjylland.

According to Africa Foot, FC Midtjylland defender Ousmane Diao is on the radars of Crystal Palace and Fulham. FC Porto are also in the mix for the 20-year-old African defensive prospect, with the Premier League duo keen to sign him this month.

FC Midtjylland have a big prospect on their hands, with Ousmane Diao attracting big interest from elsewhere this month. The Danish side could receive offers for the 20-year-old African defensive prospect, with Fulham and Crystal Palace eager to make an approach for the Senegalese star.

The defender has been immense for Midtjylland since arriving last summer, having made 28 appearances in all competitions, including six in the UEFA Europa League this term. The Danish side paid €3 million to sign him from Portuguese second tier side CD Mafra and will demand significantly more to sell him.

FC Porto have an interest, but the big talking point comes with the attention of Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Fulham. The Cottagers are looking for an additional defender to shore up the backline, as Diao's profile suits what Marco Silva wants from a young centre-back that he will be able to develop for the future.

Fulham have the funds available to make a big offer to test Midtylland's resolve, and the player could push for a move if a proposal arrived. Crystal Palace could potentially make an even more compelling pitch as they are in dire need of a new defender this month.

Crystal Palace to chase Ousmane Diao
Crystal Palace have been forced into the market for a new centre-back and have been linked to a few names. Chelsea are recalling Trevoh Chalobah after contemplating it in the last few days, and following through in executing the idea on Wednesday. Hence, they are now in the market to get a replacement, as losing Chalobah will have come as a huge blow for the club.

Chalobah's move does make Palace's stance on Marc Guehi stronger, and they will certainly not entertain offers from anywhere for the England international. Adding someone like Diao would make sense, as he could be viewed as a cheaper alternative to some other targets while also likely being readily available for a transfer this month. However, the big challenge will come in the form of competition from Fulham and Porto.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/15/crystal-palace-fulham-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-ousmane-diao/


WhiteJC

Celtic Touted as Perfect Fit for Endo by Former Liverpool Star
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has weighed in on the future of Wataru Endo, suggesting Celtic would be a better destination than Fulham if the Japanese international leaves Anfield this January.

Endo, who joined Liverpool from Stuttgart last summer, has found first-team opportunities limited. Speculation has mounted over a potential move away from Merseyside, with some reports linking the defensive midfielder to both Fulham and Celtic.

Speaking to BestOffShoreSportsbook, Hamann praised Endo's ability and explained why Celtic's style of play would suit the player better than Fulham's.

"I think Wataru Endo is a very smart player and he is at his best in a good team where you can rely on the players ahead of you.

"Celtic are of course more dominant than Fulham so I think they would be a better option for him.

"Having said that, the Liverpool squad is functioning and I would be keen for him to stay at the club. He is a great reader of the game and passer of the ball.

"I can see a lot of teams being interested and I wish him all the best whatever happens."

While Hamann's endorsement of Celtic is intriguing, a move to Glasgow seems unlikely.

Endo's transfer fee, reported to be in the region of £10 million, coupled with his Premier League-level wages, would likely be a stumbling block for the Hoops.

Additionally, with Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate well-established in the midfield, and players like Arne Engels growing into their roles, it's unclear if Celtic would make such a significant financial outlay for a 30-year-old midfielder with Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo also pushing for a place in the line up.

The rumour mill on social media has hinted at Celtic being interested in Endo, but there's been no concrete evidence to support the claims.

Fulham, with their Premier League status and financial clout, would be a more realistic option should Endo decide to leave Liverpool. However, as Hamann suggests, Celtic's style of play might offer the midfielder a better opportunity to shine if a deal were somehow to be struck.



https://celtsarehere.com/celtic-touted-as-perfect-fit-for-endo-by-former-liverpool-star/

SP

#16
In today's i newspaper, Daniel Storey has written about FFC, 'A wonderful club tarnished.'

Haven't read it all yet but mentions a civil war & a big ticket row. Will read it properly later.

https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-civil-war-club-cherished-3481230