Thursday Fulham Stuff - 20/11/25...

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Five strikers Fulham could sign this January
We look at five number nines Fulham could look to for firepower during the window.

It's been a bit of a messy international break. Poor form and contradictory reports regarding Marco Silva's future in the media have stirred up all sorts of conversations. One thing is for sure though: we are struggling up front.

Raul Jimenez is playing superbly, but lacking goalscoring form and fitness. Rodrigo Muniz has undergone surgery and is out for months rather than weeks.

Jonah Kusi-Asare, on the surface at least, does not yet have the trust of the management. So while Fulham's January business is often light, it may be a position we simply have to recruit in. Here are five names we could look at.

1. Franculino
Though perhaps unachievable, Franculino feels like the option in Europe who could just jump into any side right now and provide goals.

The Guinea-Bissau international was relatively prolific at youth level with Benfica, but has exploded since moving to Denmark. Midtjylland have a reputation for developing young players, including our very own Joachim Andersen, and Franculino has thrived at the club too.

The forward is currently the top scorer in the Europa League, which is quite something even at these early stages considering the calibre of player and club in the competition. His scoring record in Denmark, though, is astonishing. Some 14 goals and a three assists in just 14 Danish Superliga games so far this season is out of this world, no matter which European top division you play in.

This feels like a name that Fulham, if they wanted to be ambitious, could jump on now before he becomes unaffordable in a year or two's time.

2. Josh Sargent
Since Norwich were last relegated to the second tier in 2022, Josh Sargent has established himself as not just one of the league's best goalscorers, but as one of the best players in the Championship full stop. He was always known as a good all-round forward from his time in Germany at a young age, but now is adding goals on a frequent basis, with 13+ in each of the last three seasons, while being on track to do the same this season even in a struggling Norwich side.

The Canaries' poor form may pave the way for Sargent to look elsewhere. Sure, a new manager bounce is likely to come from the appointment from Phillipe Clement, but he's going to feel as if, at 25 and in superb goalscoring form, the time is right to have another crack at the Premier League. And why not Fulham?

Unlike Farke's Norwich sides, we're not a team that's going to be left bottom of the league not creating chances, and Sargent fits into the history of Americans at the club, already amassing 29 caps for the USMNT. With a home World Cup on the horizon, playing at a higher level and testing himself as a goalscorer in his prime will surely appeal more than ever for Sargent.

3. Troy Parrott
The man of the moment, it's fair to say (and no, Jack Collins hasn't paid me to write this). With his recent exploits for the Republic of Ireland, Parrott's name is on everyone's lips. Two goals against Portugal followed by an era-defining hat-trick against Hungary has the Irish asking where his statue should be built. The reality is though, since moving away from Tottenham, Parrott has been building towards this success, via loans in the English pyramid and a breakthrough in the Eredivisie.

Across nearly 180 senior games up front now, Parrott is averaging basically a goal every other game at club level, consistently having good goalscoring seasons to the point where he is now one of the best marksmen in the Netherlands.

As well as his international heroics, Parrott is already notching up more than a goal contribution a game this season for AZ Alkmaar, including scoring seven in five to help the Dutch side cruise through the Europa Conference League qualifying stage. Of course, his market value will be sky-high right now, but what other strikers in Europe feel as risk-free right now?

4. Yuri Alberto
A Brazil international, with his single cap coming in March 2023, Yuri Alberto would very much be in the Rodrigo Muniz mould. He's a relatively young at 21, scoring at a respectable level in South America, and has lots of room to grow under the coaching of Marco Silva. Sound familiar?

Yuri Alberto may not have William Estevao levels of super stardom in Brazil at the moment with Corinthians, but the likes of Muniz, Igor Jesus etc, are showing that the pathway from Brazilian football to the Premier League is extremely doable for a number nine.

Alberto already has European experience following a brief stint with Zenit St Petersburg, including game time in the Europa League. Considering recent reports linking Alberto with Roma among other European clubs, and coming off the back of a 2024 season that saw 20 goal contributions in the Brazilian Serie A, Alberto might surprise some with how quickly he could adapt were he to come to the Cottage.

5. Jonah Kusi-Asare
You didn't see this one coming, did you? The fifth option I'm putting forward is the man we apparently already have an option to buy. Yes, he doesn't seem to be in Silva's imminent plans. No, his showing against Wycombe didn't set the world on fire. Yes, he's a raw talent who we have seen very little of and may not show any signs of improvement in the Premier League. But how will we ever know if he doesn't get a chance?

The boy isn't a complete nobody who we've plucked from the middle of nowhere; he's a striker from an elite European club. He's rated so highly that Bayern insisted on a buy-back clause in any permanent deal.

JKA is young, but we wouldn't have signed him were the potential not there. We've also seen about 20 minutes of him. Jonah will be getting to know his teammates and growing within the Fulham environment on a daily basis.

With more opportunities, you do not know just how much he could thrive, and with him already being in the building with a potential deal in place, he could prove to be the safest and most intelligent signing of anyone on the list.

Necessity is the mother of invention and all that...



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/five-strikers-fulham-could-sign-this

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Fulham set to approve January sale of 'very special' star West Ham want to sign – Sources
Fulham are expected to entertain offers for Adama Traore in the January transfer window, and TEAMtalk understands West Ham United are very much in the mix to sign the winger.

The Cottagers are looking for a squad refresh as manager Marco Silva seeks up to three signings to boost the side for the second half of the season after an underwhelming season so far. Down in 15th place and with just three wins to their name, January is being viewed by Fulham as a window of opportunity.

Silva is being offered a new contract at Craven Cottage, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

However, as TEAMtalk reported on November 15, Silva wants assurances that he will be backed in the January window before penning an extension.

Sources close to Fulham insist there is no friction between Silva and the club's hierarchy, despite what has been reported elsewhere. If Silva gets the assurances he needs, he will likely stay.

As part of any changes to the team, departures are likely, and Traore is one of the Fulham players with his future in doubt.

West Ham have an interest in him, and it is expected they will touch base before the window opens to gauge the chances of a transfer opening up.

Nuno eyeing January reunion with Fulham ace
Traore's contract expires at the end of this season and the chance to cash in on him is a genuine consideration for Fulham.

But the Cottagers have not yet green-lighted transfer plans of their own as they seek for clarification over their manager's future.

Silva is asking the club to back him in the transfer window, but there has been an expectation from Fulham that he puts pen to paper on a new, improved three-year contract before they commit to any significant spending.

As for West Ham, they are in desperate need of reinforcements as they look to bounce back from a dismal start to the season.

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows Traore very well. The Spanish international made 131 appearances under the coach during their time together at Wolves, notching 10 goals and 18 assists in the process.

Traore could give Nuno another option on the right-wing, even though the Hammers already have a top player in Jarrod Bowen playing in that position.

Both Bowen and Traore can also play as a centre-forward when required – an area that West Ham will be desperate to add to in January.

"Adama is unique all over football , there is no player like him," Nuno said when asked about Traore in 2021. "The moment we and the team-mates realise how good Adama can be, I hope I will be here to see it.

"He is very special. I am always hoping for that special thing to happen but it is there, there is no doubt about it."



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/approve-january-sale-very-special-star-west-ham-want-sign

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Fulham planning move for "unbelievable" manager amid Marco Silva future update
Fulham are now planning to make a move for Brendan Rodgers, amid a new update on Marco Silva's future at Craven Cottage.

Silva is going through a tricky period in the Premier League, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton prior to the international break, which leaves his side in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

With the 48-year-old's contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been speculation about his future, but it seems as though the club hierarchy is keen to keep hold of him, having recently tabled a new contract offer.

However, with the former Everton boss still yet to put pen to paper, there could still be a twist in the tale, and it has now been revealed that an ex-Premier League manager is set to be approached, having recently resigned from his previous role.

Fulham set to sound out Brendan Rodgers amid Marco Silva uncertainty
According to a report from Football Insider, Silva's future in west London is still in major doubt, which means Fulham are now set to sound out Rodgers over a move to Craven Cottage, with the Northern Irishman still out of work after leaving Celtic last month.

The Cottagers are planning to hold talks with the 52-year-old, who is vastly experienced in the top flight, having managed Swansea City, Leicester City and Liverpool in the past.

Having offered Silva a new deal, there is still a chance he remains in west London, but there are some issues to iron out, with the manager eager to be backed in the transfer window, following a quiet summer, during which Kevin was the only major addition.

It would be a shame to see the Portuguese manager move on, given the fantastic job he has done at Craven Cottage, stabilising Fulham as a top-flight club after guiding them to promotion from the Championship.

Marco Silva's Fulham record

Games	198
Wins	90
Draws	37
Losses	71
Points per game	1.55

That said, should Silva decide to leave, Rodgers could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an "unbelievable" manager by Jamie O'Hara as a result of the work he did during his time at Leicester.

The ex-Foxes boss won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the King Power Stadium, two of 13 trophies he has lifted as a manager, having also been extremely successful at Celtic.

However, while the Cottagers' current league position is concerning, their current manager has proven time and time again that he is capable of keeping them in the top flight, so it would be a risk to replace him.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-planning-brendan-rodgers-move-manager-marco-silva-future-update/

[WhiteJC]

Internationals: Captain Harry hits a hat-trick
Harry Wilson marked his first appearance as Wales captain in stunning fashion, scoring a hat-trick as his side swept aside North Macedonia in a commanding 7-1 victory.

The Fulham forward was inspirational from the outset, opening the scoring from the penalty spot before David Brooks and Brennan Johnson added further goals to give Craig Bellamy's team a 3-1 advantage at the break.

Wilson's influence continued after half-time. A classy backheel from our Welsh wizard created the chance for Dan James to convert, and our number eight soon followed it up with a superbly struck free-kick into the top corner.

His memorable night got even better when he calmly dispatched a second penalty, before Nathan Broadhead capped off an extraordinary evening at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The emphatic win secures home advantage for Wales in their play-off semi-final in March. However, they were denied top spot in the group due to Timothy Castagne's Belgium, who booked qualification in style with a 7-0 triumph over Liechtenstein.

In Group C, Joachim Andersen and Denmark also missed out on finishing top following a dramatic World Cup Qualifier against Scotland. The Danes twice came from behind, only for Kieran Tierney to edge Scotland ahead in the 93rd minute. With Denmark pushing for another equaliser, Kenny McLean struck a late fourth for the hosts at Hampden Park.

Elsewhere, Raúl Jiménez found the net in Mexico's 2-1 friendly defeat to Paraguay. After going behind early in the second half, Raúl calmly converted a penalty to level the match, though Paraguay restored their lead just two minutes later.

Josh King was also on the scoresheet, netting England Under-21s' third goal in a convincing 4-0 win over Slovakia that keeps them top of their Euro qualification group.

Finally, Jonah Kusi-Asare registered an assist for Sweden Under-21s, setting up the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over Armenia.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/november/19/internationals-captain-harry-hits-a-hat-trick/

[WhiteJC]

The early Fulham and Sunderland team and injury news with four doubts and four ruled out
Sunderland face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon to face Fulham in the Premier League.

The Black Cats will be hoping to build on a stellar start to the campaign that has seen them amass 19 points from their opening 11 matches, climbing up to fourth in the table in the process. For their part, the hosts are currently 15th in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

But who will be available to Regis Le Bris and Marco Silva this weekend, and who is likely to sit this one out? We've taken a closer look at the team news for both sides below...

1. Omar Alderete - available
Alderete is expected to be available after coming through the concussion protocols which have forced him to miss a number of recent fixtures. Sunderland were hoping he could use the international break to top up his match fitness with Paraguay, but he was sent off during a touchline fracas in a friendly against the USA over the weekend, and has subsequently been afforded a few extra days of rest instead.

2. Rodrigo Muniz - out
The striker has undergone surgery during the international break after sustaining a hamstring injury against Everton last time out. A statement from Fulham's official website reads: "The club can provide an update on Rodrigo Muniz's injury. Rodrigo underwent scans and the club sought specialist opinion following our game at Everton last weekend. He will have surgery to his hamstring over the coming days, and is expected to return to action early in the New Year. Everyone at Fulham wishes Rodrigo all the very best for his surgery and during his rehabilitation."

3. Antonee Robinson - major doubt
Had resumed part training before the international break after injury but did not link up with the US squad. Not yet back in full training ahead of the Everton game before the break, the left back remains a major doubt for this one.

4. Habib Diarra - out
Diarra suffered a groin injury in training prior to Sunderland's clash with Aston Villa in late September, and after undergoing surgery is expected to return some time in December - hopefully in time for the derby against Newcastle United.

5. Romaine Mundle - doubt
Mundle suffered a recurrence of his lingering hamstring complaint during pre-season training, and consequently had to undergo surgery. Is now very close to a return having resumed full training and though Sunderland will be cautious to avoid another setback, he could be in contention for some involvement at Craven Cottage.

6. Dennis Cirkin - available
Has resumed full training and stepped up his comeback with minutes in the U21s over recent games. With competition fierce he might have to wait to return to the squad but his return is massive for Sunderland ahead of Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku heading to AFCON next month.

7. Leo Hjelde - major doubt
Still recovering having required surgery on both of his achilles over the summer. Back training but not expected to be involved here.

8. Aji Alese - out
Returned to training having been absent since January, but a small setback means he's still not back in contention for the time being.

9. Reinildo Mandava - doubt
Travelled with Mozambique during the international break, but was absent from both match days squads in recent days. No concrete reason given as yet, but there will be concerns until his fitness status is confirmed.

10. Sasa Lukic - out
Prone to a booking or two, Lukic received his fifth card of the campaign against Everton just prior to the international break, and will miss Saturday's clash against Sunderland.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham-sunderland-team-injury-news-5408641

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Fulham player slammed for criticising fans – Urged to quit if he can't handle pressure
Journalist Sergio Dipp has slammed Fulham's Raúl Jiménez for being critical of Mexico supporters, and Infobae have relayed his comments.

The striker started both friendlies for Mexico, against Uruguay and Paraguay, this month.

Last weekend, the Fulham player was on the pitch for 79 minutes in Mexico's goalless draw against Uruguay at the Estadio Corona. This draw meant Mexico have failed to win their last five matches.

It's been extended to six games following their defeat to Paraguay earlier today [UK time].

After the clash against Uruguay, home supporters booed the Mexico players. This didn't impress the 34-year-old, and he made his frustration public. He criticised El Tri fans for booing the players.

"...truly sad; maybe that's why they always take us to the United States," he said.

The Fulham frontman's reaction has annoyed Dipp. He didn't hold back when being critical of Jiménez and believes fans weren't at fault for their reaction.

"I thought Raúl Jiménez had thicker skin and broader shoulders. It's very simple. Don't want them to boo you? Win. Win, play well, I'm not even saying score a lot of goals, convince them, score a goal," he said.

"The fans in Torreón are perfectly within their rights because this national team isn't entertaining. They're not scoring, they're not winning, and we're not even talking about winning big; they haven't won in five [six] straight games..."

Snipe aimed at Fulham player
Jiménez scored in Mexico's 2-1 loss to Paraguay to take his overall tally to 44 goals from 123 matches. The journalist has urged him to leave the national team if he can't handle pressure.

"If Raúl Jiménez doesn't like pressure, I invite him to resign from the national team and give his place to another Mexican who actually has the thick skin to represent Mexico; after all, he hasn't done anything in three World Cups," Dipp sniped.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-slammed-for-criticising-fans-urged-to-quit-if-he-cant-handle-pressure/

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Fulham consider bringing player back to club – Nottingham Forest also keen on transfer
Fulham are interested in bringing Jerome Opoku back to the club but could face competition from Nottingham Forest.

That's according to Africa Foot. They report that Fulham have been monitoring their former man for some time.

Opoku is currently impressing for Basaksehir FK in the Turkish Süper Lig. He's established himself as a key player under manager Nuri Şahin.

His consistency has not gone unnoticed by Fulham. According to Africa Foot, they are in 'urgent need' of reinforcements for their defence. They see Opoku as an ideal candidate to help stabilise their backline.

They're not the only interested party, though. Opoku has also earned attention from Nottingham Forest. In fact, Sean Dyche has apparently mentioned him directly to those above him at the City Ground.

The interest comes after Everton made an offer for him in the summer transfer window. The belief is that Opoku could now become 'one of the hottest topics' in the January transfer. A return to England, where he began his career with Fulham, certainly isn't being ruled out at this point.

There's no mention of an asking price or potential transfer fee for now. But his current deal does run until 2027, so there may be an urgency to sell on that point. Fulham and Nottingham Forest are in the mix either way and he's a name to keep an eye on as a result.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-consider-bringing-player-back-to-club-nottingham-forest-also-keen-on-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

From Portugal: What's really going on with Marco Silva and Fulham
Portuguese newspaper Record have pushed back against recent English claims that Marco Silva is at risk of being sacked. They offered a very different picture of the situation at Fulham.

According to their report, the club have in fact placed a contract renewal on the table. A three-year extension with a significant salary increase. Fulham want the 48-year-old to continue leading the project.

The piece states that Shahid Khan is personally driving the effort to keep Silva, despite the team sitting 15th in the Premier League. The club remain convinced he is the right coach, and see him as central to their medium-term plans.

Silva has not yet accepted the offer. But Record explain that he wants guarantees of strong January investment before committing... even after expressing clear frustration with the club's summer window.

The report also says Silva retains a high market value. He recently turned down an approach from Nottingham Forest and rejected several offers from Saudi Arabia. He wants to stay in the Premier League.

This development appears to contradict the dismissal rumours circulating in England. Indeed, Record directly address those claims to make clear it wildly contradicts what they've been told.

This also arrives shortly after the interview given by his assistant, Gonçalo Santos – which we covered recently – in which he highlighted Silva's long-term influence at Fulham and argued that the team's progress has come from his stability and vision rather than any lack of direction.

For now, Record insist that negotiations are active, Fulham want him to stay, and any uncertainty around Silva's future is tied far more to recruitment promises than to pressure over results.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/from-portugal-whats-really-going-on-with-marco-silva-and-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham considering Brendan Rodgers as Marco Silva replacement
Fulham could consider appointing Brendan Rodgers in the scenario of either sacking Marco Silva or the Portuguese boss leaving Craven Cottage.

According to Football Insider, Fulham have begun considering some options to replace Marco Silva in the scenario that the Portuguese tactician leaves the club. Brendan Rodgers is an early contender for the role at Craven Cottage, as Silva needs assurances to sign a new deal while also finding solutions to turn the team's form around.

Marco Silva is in an indifferent situation at Fulham, after enjoying the last few years in a comfortable mid-table position. The Cottagers are currently 15th in the Premier League standings, which has called for an immediate upturn in form from the coach and the players.

The West London outfit have big ambitions to make it to one of the European competitions at the very least, and they have come close to achieving that under Silva. However, the lack of big transfer activity during the summer has made Silva a bit unsettled at the club, as he seeks assurances over future transfers from Fulham.

Fulham and Silva remain in talks over a new deal, and there is a situation that could see things go south. For instance, the Portuguese manager needs to bring about an upturn in form immediately, or else he might face the sack. The other scenario for him to commit to a new deal will put pressure on the club to assure the Portuguese boss over future transfers.

Considering the two scenarios where Fulham could sack Silva or the Portuguese tactician could leave at the end of the season when his current deal expires, they are already looking at some options. One of those is 52-year-old former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers on Fulham's list
Rodgers recently resigned from his role at Celtic following a run of dreadful results, and he remains available in the market. Given the variety of reports on his next destination since the summer, the 52-year-old former Liverpool manager could have plenty of suitors, with Everton recently linked with a move.

Nottingham Forest were also interested in Rodgers as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, while Manchester United were also briefly linked when Ruben Amorim was put under pressure. As for Fulham, they could view his experience in the game as a big upside and make the move if they end up parting ways with Silva in one form or another.



https://thehardtackle.com/news/2025/11/19/fulham-considering-brendan-rodgers-as-marco-silva-replacement/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham news: Cottagers ready to 'sound out' FA Cup-winning boss amid Marco Silva uncertainty
Fulham have reportedly identified Brendan Rodgers as a potential successor for Marco Silva.

There was already uncertainty surrounding Silva's situation due to the fact that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

However, the speculation has grown stronger following Fulham's recent dip in form, which has seen them lose four of their last five Premier League games.

The Fulham board are still said to be keen to keep Silva at the helm, with BBC Sport reporting that a new contract is on the table for the Portuguese coach.

It remains to be seen whether Silva will put pen to paper on the proposed deal, or whether he will look for a new challenge at the end of the campaign.

Fulham eyeing Rodgers as Silva successor
With that in mind, Fulham are seemingly keeping their eye on the managerial market in case Silva leaves next summer or even before the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, the Cottagers are considering Rodgers as a potential candidate, with the 52-year-old waiting for his next role after leaving Celtic last month.

The report claims that Fulham will 'sound out' Rodgers to establish whether he would be open to replacing Silva in the Craven Cottage dugout.

However, Fulham's underwhelming summer transfer window could deter Rodgers from taking on the role in the event of Silva's departure.

Silva was left disappointed by the club's lack of transfer activity, similar to the frustration Rodgers felt at Celtic following an unsatisfactory window.

Could Rodgers play waiting game?
Rodgers would be a strong option if Fulham need to find a new manager, although their current priority should be to do everything they can to persuade Silva to extend his stay.

From Rodgers's perspective, he may be looking to return to the Premier League after overseeing 312 top-flight games across spells with Liverpool and Leicester City.

Rodgers, who won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021, could decide to take his time to make sure his next role is the right one for him.

The former Celtic boss will surely want to take over a side that can offer European football or at the very least, have ambitions of playing in UEFA competition.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/silva-successor-fulham-ready-to-sound-out-fa-cup-winning-boss_585979.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham ready to re-sign Jerome Opoku
Fulham are contemplating a move to bring former player Jerome Opoku, as Marco Silva eyes defensive reinforcements in January.

According to Africa Foot, Jerome Opoku is appearing to be a target for Fulham ahead of the January window. The Basaksehir centre-back was a former player at the London outfit, with his improved performances in Turkey attracting the Cottagers towards re-signing him, while Nottingham Forest are also keen.

Fulham fans could be excused if they do not remember a certain Jerome Opoku, considering the centre-back never really made it to the first team action. The centre-back left the club on a free after coming through their ranks in the youth system and made his move to Portugal.

He's since joined Turkish outfit Basaksehir, managed by Nuri Sahin, and has established himself as one of the top defenders in the league. His displays have attracted interest from Fulham ahead of January, as the Cottagers now contemplate re-signing the former player.

Opoku is contracted with Basaksehir until 2027, which could potentially make a deal in January viable, as the Cottagers are not the only team in the mix. Nottingham Forest are also interested, and it could stem from the presence of Sean Dyche, who was interested while managing Everton earlier in the year. David Moyes was also keen earlier in the summer, but never made the move as Michael Keane stayed put.

As for Fulham, they are in the market for a new defender, preferably on the left side of the centre-back position. Nathan Ake was linked recently, while there are other players being considered by Silva for the position, including the idea to bring back former player Oopku.

Fulham are keen to sign a new defender
Fulham are eager to bolster their backline after a disastrous start to the season, particularly with their defence. The Cottagers are eager to stabilise the ship in January, using the window as a measure to strengthen the squad to gain momentum to finish higher on the table.

As for Opoku, he could be tempted to make a return to his boyhood club, Fulham. Nottingham Forest may also offer a good enough project, as he could be open to the prospect of playing in the Premier League, something he never achieved while coming through the ranks at Fulham.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/11/20/fulham-ready-to-re-sign-jerome-opoku/