Sunday Fulham Stuff - 07/09/25...

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Fulham vs Leeds United early injury news as 1 player ruled out and 3 doubts
All the early injury news surrounding Fulham and Leeds United as their Premier League fixture comes into view.

Fulham return to action next Saturday when they face a Leeds United side who produced a solid performance last weekend, holding Newcastle United to a draw.

The Cottagers, meanwhile, performed well against Chelsea but ultimately lost after seeing a goal harshly disallowed. It will be an interesting clash at Craven Cottage, and here we have taken a look at the early injury news surrounding both teams as the fixture comes into view.

Ethan Ampadu - Doubt
Ampadu is a doubt with a knee injury he picked up against Arsenal. Farke said after the injury: "Bad news with him, sadly. For the next few games, we will have to play without him. He has an MCL injury and will definitely be out until at least the international break. I hope to have him back after the international break."

Ao Tanaka - Out
Tanaka also has a knee injury, but his timeline is said to be a little longer and he will miss this one. Farke said of the injury: "MCL injury. He will also be out for a few weeks. It's difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return, but also definitely not before the international break.

"It's quite a similar injury to Ethan Ampadu's injury and, of course, it's tough to take that two of our key players in central midfield are out within a few days with the same injury after a tough tackle. That's football. We have to get on with it and find some solutions."

Gabriel Gudmundsson - Doubt
Gudmundsson limped off during Leeds' draw with Newcastle and will be a doubt here as a result, at least until Farke provides a clearer explanation.

Issa Diop - Doubt
Diop has a small injury and it was hoped he would return last time out. Silva said before the game: "Some knocks, nothing really serious apart from Timothy (Castagne) a little bit. Issa (Diop), too. But I really believe they are going to be available." Diop did not return on time, so he will go down as a doubt for now, but he should be back.

Silva felt his men were hard done by at Chelsea, with a controversially disallowed goal making all the difference. Silva said: "Outstanding first half from ourselves. Very, very good one. We dominated all the first half. We were clearly the best team on the pitch.

"Really pleased the way we matched, and were better than, Chelsea in all the moments of that first half. Brave on the ball and made life very difficult for Chelsea to press us high, the way we knew that they were going to come.

"We always found the spare player, most of the times that was Alex Iwobi, and we built many good moments in our offensive organisation. Off the ball, brave, finding the right moments to press them high or to be more compact. And was a very good first half that didn't end in the way we wanted, with the goal conceded. Second half, we didn't perform at the same level.

"Of course, players, they are human beings and have emotions, even if I told them at half-time to try to be as balanced and have emotional control, to focus just on our job to play football, to try to be better in the opposition side. [But it's] very difficult after the second decision – completely unbelievable for that penalty – for them to keep the same principles that we want to keep. But my job is to try to convince them that we have to do it.

"We performed so well first half, we should keep the same type of performance, even if all the circumstances come against us and make the life difficult for ourselves. Very proud. The first half, very, very proud, and that has to be our image, and we have to move on."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-leeds-united-injury-news-5299553

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'I didn't want to go to Fulham at first, but I don't regret it' Bryan Ruiz reveals truth behind Craven Cottage transfer
The Costa Rica forward arrived at Fulham from FC Twente in 2011

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During his four seasons at Fulham, Costa Rican striker Bryan Ruiz was something of an enigma, at his best a classy, silky, creative fulcrum, but would often struggle with consistancy.

Following his 2011 transfer from FC Twente, he would net 13 times in 108 appearances, a spell which was punctuated by a loan stint at PSV Eindhoven for the second half of the 2013/14 campaign.

Boss Martin Jol bought Ruiz to West London, but as the club cycled through managers following the Dutchman's departure in 2013, Ruiz saw his Fulham career stop and start.

Bryan Ruiz on his Fulham career
"Even before my third season at Twente started, there were already plenty of options for me to leave," Ruiz tells FourFourTwo as he looks back at his time at Craven Cottage.

"Sevilla made an offer, which I was excited about because I'd always dreamed of playing in La Liga. But that didn't match what Twente wanted. I remember on the last day of the transfer window, Fulham called with an offer.

"Honestly, I didn't want to go at first, but Martin Jol, who'd been Ajax's manager, convinced me to go to England to see the city and the club. When I got there, I saw Fulham's facilities, got a feel for English football, and since the manager knew me from the Eredivisie, I felt confident about the move.

"I don't regret it – I had some great moments at Fulham and got to play in the best league in the world."

Rene Meulensteen was Jol's replacement in December 2013, during a campaign which saw the team relegated to the Championship, making it a tough season for Ruiz, ahead of an important summer.

"The World Cup was around the corner," Ruiz continues. "Costa Rica were already qualified, so for me it was crucial to play those last six months. But I got three minutes in Rene's first two games.

"I told him I'd understand if he didn't want to use me, but I needed to know so I could stay fit for the World Cup. He told me, "Bryan, you're a great player, but your style isn't what I need right now to save the team from relegation." I think he wanted to play a more direct style. So I asked my agent to look for options and I ended up going to PSV for six months.

"Fulham had big names like Dimitar Berbatov, Mousa Dembele and John Arne Riise – it was a strong squad, not one you'd expect to be fighting relegation. But it didn't start well, so they changed the manager and he had a different idea. We all wanted the best for Fulham; it was a big shame."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/i-didnt-want-to-go-to-fulham-at-first-but-i-dont-regret-it-bryan-ruiz-reveals-truth-behind-craven-cottage-transfer

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Fulham exit plan already working out – Player gets just what he wants
Andreas Pereira's move back to Brazil from Fulham is already paying off with a call-up to the national team, stepping in after striker Kaio Jorge was ruled out with injury.

The midfielder, who has just signed for Palmeiras after leaving the Premier League side, has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the clash with Bolivia on 9 September.

Although he has not yet made his debut for Palmeiras, Andreas is fully registered and has been training with Abel Ferreira's squad.

His selection for Brazil reinforces the idea behind his return – that regular minutes at a top Brazilian club could put him back in the spotlight.

His quick recall to the Seleção reinforces the reasoning he explained when completing his transfer. "It is important for me to stay in the national team cycle. It's about doing my job well at Palmeiras so I can be called up. I have a dream of going to the World Cup in 2026," he said at his presentation, as we reported at the time.

Andreas is no stranger to the national team, having already been called up in previous years and even finding the net for Brazil. This latest inclusion shows he remains firmly on Ancelotti's radar.

By choosing Palmeiras to regain rhythm and visibility, the midfielder has ensured his name remains in Ancelotti's plans – proof that the strategy behind his move is working exactly as intended.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-exit-plan-already-working-out-player-gets-just-what-he-wants/

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Suggestion player and agent used club to get more money from Fulham transfer
Fulham summer signing Kevin used Sporting Club de Portugal's interest in him to secure bigger fees from Marco Silva's side.

That's according to Record and journalist Rui Malheiro, who covers Sporting's transfer window this summer and the failure to sign Kevin.

The Shakhtar Donetsk winger was linked with a move to the Portuguese side at the end of the summer transfer window as their protracted efforts to sign Jota Silva from Nottingham Forest continued.

Any deal would have been a club record one, though, and they were eventually thwarted in their efforts, with the player joining Fulham in a £34.6m deal. That was also a club record deal at Craven Cottage.

The 22-year-old penned a five-year deal with Marco Silva's side, with the option to extend it by a further year as well. But according to Malheiro, they could have potentially gotten more favourable terms had it not been for Sporting's interest.

"Sporting's last-minute move on the transfer window was thwarted," he said.

"Betting on Kevin, who was on his way to Fulham, was a bold move, even if the reasons behind the Lions' desire to secure the most expensive acquisition in all time in the Brazilian game are understandable.

"However, the move only served to allow the player and his agent to secure higher fees than expected from (Fulham)."

It now remains to be seen if Kevin can justify the bigger fees for him at Craven Cottage this season. He arrives with a growing reputation after scoring 17 goals in 57 games for the Ukrainian side and now needs translate that to England.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/suggestion-player-and-agent-used-club-to-get-more-money-from-fulham-transfer/

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Fulham Set to Offer Star New Contract Amid Serie A Interest
Rodrigo Muniz Set for New Fulham Deal After Summer Interest from Atalanta

Fulham's quiet confidence in Rodrigo Muniz may be about to pay off. After fending off a strong push from Atalanta during the summer, the Cottagers are now preparing to reward the Brazilian striker with an improved contract. As reported by Give Me Sport, Marco Silva and senior figures at the club are set to begin discussions on new terms for a player who has emerged as one of the most important figures in the squad.

Muniz's Rise and Summer Stand-Off
Rodrigo Muniz was one of Fulham's standout performers last season, scoring 11 times in all competitions. Yet, as Give Me Sport revealed, his current deal does not reflect his influence within the squad. "GMS sources have been informed that Fulham are ready to focus on holding discussions over an improved contract with Muniz, who found the back of the net 11 times in all competitions last season, and they persuaded him to remain in west London by convincing him that he can become one of the first names on the team sheet."

This persuasive stance came after Atalanta launched a serious move for the 23-year-old, who was intrigued by the possibility of Champions League football in Serie A. However, the Italian side failed to meet Fulham's £43million valuation and, crucially, Muniz was made to feel like a central pillar of the club's project in west London.

Silva's Clear Vision for His Number Nine
Marco Silva has not been shy in making Muniz's importance clear. The Brazilian forward has grown into Silva's tactical setup, offering strength, mobility and composure in front of goal. That blend is not easy to find and Fulham, who have been proactive in the transfer window, know exactly what they have on their hands.

With Samuel Chukwueze and Jonah Kusi-Asare arriving on loan from AC Milan and Bayern Munich respectively, and Kevin joining from Shakhtar Donetsk for a record £34.6million fee, Fulham have added flair and future potential to the ranks. Yet amid all the new arrivals, Muniz remains the dependable option in Silva's system.

"GMS sources have been told that Fulham are aware that they need to show their commitment to Muniz after they blocked a move to Atalanta, meaning that he is on course to be given the chance to secure a significant wage increase if he can be persuaded to put pen-to-paper when a new contract is put in front of him."

Fulham's Broader Ambition and Recruitment Strategy
There were also tentative links to Raheem Sterling on deadline day, with Give Me Sport reporting that "the Cottagers were open to recruiting Raheem Sterling if the financial package was suitable, having been alerted to the fact that he has been frozen out at Chelsea." It was a move that didn't materialise, but the interest alone underlines Fulham's growing ambition.

Muniz staying, and likely earning improved terms, will be seen as an internal win for Fulham's hierarchy. "Members of the Fulham hierarchy have accepted that Muniz's low salary does not reflect his importance to Silva," reported GMS, and rightly so. Losing him, particularly after allowing Aleksandar Mitrović to depart last season, would have left a significant void.

Long-Term Signal of Trust in Talent
Muniz may not yet be a global name, but Fulham's resistance to letting him leave, and now their readiness to reward him with a new contract, is symbolic of a club that is serious about its project and structure. Whether or not he signs immediately, the intent shown by Silva and the board will likely go a long way in solidifying that trust.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Fulham fans will rightly see this as a strong show of faith in one of their emerging heroes. Rodrigo Muniz has slowly grown into a Premier League-level striker, and this potential new contract feels overdue. His commitment in staying despite interest from Atalanta, a club offering European football, speaks volumes about the culture Silva is creating at Craven Cottage.

There's also a wider message here. Fulham's recent windows have shown ambition, but not recklessness. The Kevin signing broke the club's transfer record, yet the club held firm over Muniz's valuation. That balance of spending big while protecting key assets shows the leadership behind the scenes is functioning with real clarity.



https://eplindex.com/136019/fulham-set-to-offer-star-new-contract-amid-serie-a-interest.html

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Fulham sweating over the fitness of key defender ahead of Leeds United challenge
Big centre-back Issa Diop was left out of Fulham's matchday squad against Chelsea

There is just under a week to go until Leeds United return to Premier League action. Next up for Daniel Farke's side is a trip to Fulham.

It has been a difficult start to the campaign for the Cottagers. They are third-from-bottom in the embryonic table and have yet to record a win this season.

Marco Silva's team went into the international break on the back of a controversial 2-0 defeat at Chelsea. A big blunder from video assistant referee Michael Salisbury saw Josh King wrongly have a goal chalked off at Stamford Bridge. The strike was incorrectly disallowed following a VAR intervention for a foul by United summer transfer target Rodrigo Muniz in the build-up.

Fulham's loss to Chelsea followed back-to-back draws with Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United. They recorded a comfortable home win over Bristol City in the Carabao Cup prior to the Blues encounter.

It remains to be seen if Silva will be able to call upon Issa Diop against the Whites. The centre-back is a big injury concern, having sat-out the Blues clash after sustaining a minor knock in the Robins tie.

United, meanwhile, will be hoping Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka shake off their respective knee injuries and are passed fit to play. Key defender Joe Rodon is expected to be available for selection, despite withdrawing from international duty with Wales this week.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/fulham-sweating-over-fitness-key-32426592

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Fulham set to open contract talks with Rodrigo Muniz
Rodrigo Muniz was linked with a summer move away from Fulham, but the Cottagers now want to tie him to a new contract.

Rodrigo Muniz was heavily linked with a move to Italy in the summer transfer window, but the transfer did not go through. According to a report by Give Me Sport, Fulham will now open contract talks with the striker, and it remains to be seen whether the two parties can agree on a new deal.

Muniz did quite well in the Premier League last season, and he was linked with multiple clubs. The striker was valued at £43 million by Fulham. However, no club was willing to pay up for him this summer. It will be interesting to see if he decides to commit his long-term future to the club. A new contract would mean that Fulham will be able to raise his asking price. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Can Fulham convince Muniz?
There is no doubt that Rodrigo Muniz is a quality player with a bright future. He could be an asset for Fulham in the long run. Keeping the Brazilian at the club should be one of their priorities. They are looking to build a team capable of fighting for a top-half finish, and they need players like him.

The 24-year-old is undoubtedly the best striker at the club right now, and the fans will be delighted that the club have managed to hold on to him. Muniz is still quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a top-class player with the right guidance.

Given his performances last season, it is no surprise that Fulham want to offer him a new deal. They are prepared to give him a big pay rise as well. The striker has thoroughly deserved it, and it will be interesting to see if he is ready to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Fulham will be looking to establish themselves as a solid Premier League team, and they need to keep their best players. Keeping Muniz at the club should be a top priority for the Cottagers, and they must do everything in their power to convince the striker to sign the new contract with them.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/09/06/fulham-set-to-open-contract-talks-with-rodrigo-muniz/