Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 24/12/25...

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CAF Africa Cup of Nations

Tuesday 23/12
Nigeria	2-1	Tanzania

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Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 327
Date: 22nd December 2025
Opposition: Nottingham Forest
Score: 1-0
Goal scorer: Raúl Jimenez
Weather: unseasonably mild
Atmosphere: suitably festive
MOTM: Raúl has attracted a lot of comments lately – most of them somewhere between admiring and sympathetic – in the absence of other options, he's been playing 90 minutes of football at least once a week at the ripe old age of 34 while jetting backwards and forwards to Mexico and maintaining his status as a national hero. He's been running himself into the ground while doing his best for Club and country. But Monday night was a reminder that Raúl doesn't need anyone to feel sorry for him. His perfectly placed penalty maintains his 100% spot kick record in the Premier League and he almost scored twice from open play. There's a lot of life in the old striker yet.
Moment of the Match: After a strong if somewhat scrappy first half, things started to descend into chaos in the second. Fulham needed to take back control of the game. Marco had the perfect solution and the ideal man for the job. For the first time in too long, we got to see what Tom Cairney can do. He entered the action and immediately took command. From that Moment, the result was sealed
Post match drinks: Craft Beer Co where we knew all the other customers and most of them were wearing Fulham Christmas jumpers
"Silva bells, Silva bells, its Christmas time in the city."
The city is looking particularly sparkling this Christmas but would Fulham's star shine bright? As we blogged this time last year following the dire 0-0 draw with Southampton, the match before Christmas is often a trying affair for the Fulham Family.
Things started well. Following his error-prone performance on Wednesday, Kevin has recovered his early season effervescence and was dancing around with the ball stuck to his feet, Harry was looking threatening, ESR was bustling with urgency and Raúl, as mentioned above, was charging around the pitch and battling for every ball.

But despite all this promise, there was a lot of huff and puff (pastry mince pies) but nothing in the way of shots on target. Attacks were fast and frequent but somehow, as good as they all were, the forwards couldn't link up and almost every final ball was too long, too wide or too easy to intercept. Raúl's header and Sasa's shot came close but troubled the side netting, not the goalie.
At the other end, Andersen and Cuenca were cementing a good partnership and whilst Leno had little to do, he did it well.
However, the lively start went flat after a while like champagne poured too early. Both sides constantly lost the ball and there were lots of breaks in play for brutal fouls and medical emergencies – with both Kevin and Joa needing on-pitch attention it felt like a Casualty Christmas special.
The breakthrough was sudden and unexpected. Kevin, alternately delightful and frustrating, skipped into the box with the ball. Defenders swarmed around him but he outfoxed them all. He was undoubtedly fouled but we've seen so many similar incidents waved away that we were surprised when the referee – who was in a very good position – blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. When VAR confirmed the decision we wondered if they'd been mixing their double pivots with double brandy. The carrot-clad goalie and his teammates protested while Raúl nonchalantly twirled the ball in his hands. Then he placed it with care, did a stuttering run-up and slotted it home.
Raúl makes scoring penalties look very easy. Nobody does it better.
The decline in standards from both sides continued in the second half and the lead felt increasingly precarious, especially when Leno and co were faffing around at the back (or playing out from the back, as they call it). Meanwhile, everyone seemed to think that the aim of football is to give the ball away as much as possible. Antonee Robinson was so rusty that he was passing to Forest as a matter of course. Emile was only passing backwards and Saša was trying fancy flicks. There's a time and a place for that, but when Fulham have a one goal lead, that's not it. When even the great Kenny Tete started making mistakes, you knew Fulham were on the ragged edge.
Subtly at first, and then with greater urgency, the Hammy End began to sing Tom Cairney's name. Fortunately, Marco had been thinking about him too, and Tom brought calmness and creativity just when it was needed. Fulham were no longer a receding white tide – we were probing forwards again and limiting Forest to pot shots. Fortunately, their corners and free kicks had been borrowed from the Fulham set piece playbook so were wildly unsuccessful.
The subs kept on coming – Josh looked fast and incisive, Diop reassuringly solid, Jonah competent and intelligent and Adama.... didn't do anything wrong. Game management was good if unstylish. What was most noticeable about the players who finished the match is that, whilst this was a combination who have never played together before, they looked like a united team – all trying to help each other, look out for each other and play for each other.
The game was a painful watch at times and another example of Fulham getting dragged down to an opponent's level rather than imposing our game on them. But after defeat in the Cup and with so many players missing, this was a very big 3 points and an important clean sheet. Fulham's football might have been scrappy but Fulham's fighting spirit was unassailable.
Random musings:-
- We hate it when an opponent makes us attack the Hammy end in the first half

- Father Christmas toured the ground at half time. Given our dearth of players we were worried he might come off the bench

- Forest's dirty white tracksuits looked cheap and very unflattering

- Joa's finger – eugh!

- The ref went from letting any challenge go to giving yellow cards for nothing. Except when Josh got flung into the Johnny Haynes stand – apparently that was fine

- There were a couple of Moments in the first half when ESR and Kevin combined. And it was breathtaking

- With more time in the team and more confidence Kevin is going to fly. He's already creating chances for himself and others. He just needs to make better decisions

- Having criticised Kenny for giving the ball away sometimes we have to add, for balance, that he was terrific at blocking and intercepting – no one got past him
They say that winning ugly is the sign of a good team. That was the ugliest game of football ever so what does that say about Fulham....?
In any season, Christmas is a staging post. We are 13th with 23 points. Its probably about where we should be but recent good results mean we're looking up the table not down.
Have a happy and peaceful Christmas and lets see what January brings.....



https://werdsmith.com/p/kRc3nSbBaUD9Bf

[WhiteJC]

Harry Wilson breaks silence on Leeds United deal and reveals how close he came to leaving Fulham
Leeds United came within an inch of signing Harry Wilson on deadline day in the summer window and now, the Wales attacker has broken the silence on his near move from Fulham to Leeds.

Reports emerged on deadline day that Leeds had targeted Wilson for a late move. Leeds wanted to bring in an attacker after Facundo Buonanotte made the bizarre decision to join Chelsea on loan from Brighton.

Leeds were confident of a deal and after the deadline, managing director Robbie Evans said Wilson was keen on a move to Elland Road. But a move depended on Fulham signing three targets on deadline day.

They wanted Tyrique George – now a target for Leeds. Kevin – a player Daniel Farke admitted he wanted at Leeds and Samuel Chukwueze. They got Kevin and Chukwueze, not George. It saw them keep Wilson.

Harry Wilson finally talks about Leeds move to Sky Sports
Since Leeds missed out on Wilson, the versatile attacker's form has been a constant thorn in the side for Leeds supporters. He's had a hand in eight goals during his 16 Premier League appearances for Fulham.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilson explains how a Leeds move was close and at many points on the final day of the season, he thought it would happen. But eventually, of course, Wilson remained in West London.

"It was the first time it had happened to me. I'm used to watching it on Sky Sports, so to be part of it was different. My phone was going off every two minutes. It was going to happen, then it wasn't happening.

"Then it was back on, then it was off. It wasn't a certain few days or 24 hours. I didn't know where I was going to be. It was a bit of a relief when the window closed and I could concentrate on the football."

The situation regarding Harry Wilson's future at Fulham
Wilson is out of contract next summer and Fulham are keen to tie down the former Liverpool man to a new deal before non-English sides can approach him on January 1. Clubs will be interested in January.

A move to Leeds seems almost impossible, despite his availability. Fulham would rather lose him on a free, probably, than let him join Leeds given the two sides are direct rivals in looking to avoid the drop.

But Dean Jones thinks Wilson will sign a new deal. He believes any hope that interested parties may have in doing a deal for the former Derby loanee is small, Wilson is expected to sign on the dotted line.



https://www.leedsunited.news/transfers/harry-wilson-breaks-silence-on-leeds-united-deal-and-reveals-how-close-he-came-to-leaving-fulham/

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Player Ratings: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Scores after our narrow win at the Cottage

Never has an uglier win been so beautiful to witness. After learning that football is a cruel mistress up in Newcastle, I was delighted to grind out three points that will make that Turkey and Cranberry Sauce taste all the sweeter on the big day.

As ever, here's some scores on tonight's players...

Bernd Leno

Did what he had to do tonight, but was never truly tested by Forest. Seems to have an air of confidence about him that he didn't a few weeks ago, which makes his omission in the cup all the more baffling. 6/10

Kenny Tete

Immense performance tonight from Kenny up against the tricky Calum Hudson-Odoi. Great in the tackle and showed some fantastic skill going forward. 7.5/10

Jorge Cuenca

What I love about Jorge is that you don't really notice him too much in a match. Gets on with his job, passes the ball neatly, and progresses into midfield when given the space. Whilst Iwobi and Chukwueze have been a clear miss, the Spaniard has slipped into Calvin Bassey's position with complete ease. Sort of enjoyed him squaring up to Nikola Milenković towards the end of the match, he plays the game with passion which is nice to see. 7/10

Joachim Andersen

Great shift from Joachim tonight, particularly with that dislocated finger that looked nasty. Might find Igor Jesus in his pocket when he gets home later, he gave the Brazilian absolutely nothing to work with. Some nice diags as per usual too. 8/10 MOTM

Antonee Robinson

It's fantastic to have Antonee back, whilst Sessegnon has been excellent, there's just no comparison in terms of what they provide going forward. This whole team just works infinitely better when Antonee's bombing down the left wing giving some width. 7.5/10

Sasa Lukic

Thought Sasa looked good in the middle of the park tonight, it was the kind of match which suited him. Got a bit lucky to avoid a yellow card in the first half and after this it gave him licence to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Should have done better with his chance in the first half that he dragged wide, but otherwise it was a positive display by the Serbian. 7.5/10

Sander Berge

I really like Berge, but he's not as good without Alex Iwobi alongside him. Took a necessary tactical booking for a foul on Morgan Gibbs White that meant he had to be hooked for Tom Cairney. Fulham actually improved a lot when TC came on, which marks Sander down slightly. 6/10

Harry Wilson

H is the man on form, but he just didn't get going at all for Fulham on Monday evening. Whereas against Burnley everything he touched turned to gold, against Forest he just didn't really touch the ball at all. Not a big deal, not every week is going to be a Harry masterclass. Hope that knock he picked up isn't anything serious. 5.5/10

Emile Smith Rowe

Thought ESR had another good game tonight. Received the ball well in tight spaces and floated all over the pitch in the way I imagined he would when we signed him. He didn't quite make 90 minutes, but 85 is still a significant step up in minutes for Emile. You'd imagine that '10' spot in the team is now firmly his to lose, and Josh may have to settle for cameo appearances on the wing. 7/10

Kevin

Oh boy, that was another tough evening for Kevin. I saw that the BBC match report said he "shone" in front of Brazil's assistant coach Paul Clement, but I'm not sure that would be my description. The ball seems to just get stuck in his feet like he's playing football on sand, whether that's trying to beat a man out wide or when he gets played through. Clearly we know from his early impact that there is a player in there, but Marco needs to find a way to give him a confidence boost.

The saving grace though is that he did win the penalty, and that was a very smart bit of play from Kevin, just getting his foot ahead of Douglas Luiz. That saves his score, because without that, I genuinely think this was no more than a 4/10, but ultimately, that moment won us the game. 5/10

Raul Jimenez

Another fitness defying performance from our Mexican striker who genuinely covered every single blade of grass. I'm not sure if Marco has told Raul to try and conserve his energy, but if he has, Raul did not listen. He was everywhere tonight, winning headers, taking throw-ins, even trying to stop throw-ins being taken.

He took his penalty very well, especially given the protracted delay before taking it, and Raul probably should have got 1-2 more goals had his near-post headers been a tad more accurate. 7.5/10

Tom Cairney (subbed on 66 minutes)

This sub made me extremely nervous, but it actually turned out to be a brilliant move from Silva. Before TC came on, Fulham could not keep the ball for love nor money, but Tom just calmed everyone down. I know he's not getting any younger, and it's a bit of a luxury to have, but he's worth his weight in gold when he comes off the bench and shows that little bit of TC class. 7/10

Other Subs: King, Kusi-Asare and Diop all came on too late to fairly judge.

Marco Silva

Think you've got to say that Marco got things pretty spot on tonight. In fairness, with the AFCON absentees the starting XI sort of picks itself, but the set-up of the game was good - giving Forest very few chances to assert themselves on the counter.

The second half game management was also exquisite, things were running away from us until the 66th minute when that TC sub made all the difference. The fact that Forest made almost no meaningful efforts on goal in the second half is down to our tactics to stifle the game, and that all comes from Silva and his team. 8/10



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-fulham-1-0-nottingham

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player responds positively over joining specific club
Fulham's Adama Traoré has left the door open to a move to Club América.

TUDN reporter Gibrán Araige had a brief chat with the winger and asked him about the possibility of joining the Mexican club.

The Fulham player expressed his admiration towards Club América and has 'responded positively' over the potential transfer.

"I like Mexico, first I have to visit it, you have to take me, then you never know," he said.

Araige immediately asked the 29-year-old how he would look in Club América's yellow jersey.

Responding to that, Traoré explained: "Beautiful, always beautiful."

The Spaniard's comments have come as a surprise to the Mexican club's fans.

He has just over six months left on his contract with Marco Silva's side. A potential move to Club América, at least in the winter market is 'highly unlikely' for multiple reasons.

According to TUDN, his arrival in Mexico is currently distant, mainly because the winger is attracting interest from Europe. Last month, we covered claims from Spain about Sevilla's interest. Recent claims have mentioned West Ham United as an option in January.

Club América, for their part, are focusing improving other positions like their midfield and attack.

Traoré's Fulham teammate, Raúl Jiménez, could be an option for the latter. Last week, the 34-year-old striker said he would like to return to Club América.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-responds-positively-over-joining-specific-club/

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Fulham star has bone popped back into place on pitch after suffering gruesome injury during win over Nottingham Forest
Fulham defender Joachim Andersen suffered a gruesome injury during the Cottagers' Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest. The Denmark international tangled with Reds forward Igor Jesus during a top-flight contest at Craven Cottage. He was left sporting a nasty blow to his left hand, with one of his fingers having to be snapped back into place. WARNING: This article includes graphic images of an injury that some people may find disturbing.

Playing through pain: Andersen breaks finger
Andersen lined up at the heart of Fulham's defence against Forest, with usual centre-half partner Calvin Bassey away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria. He was able to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

The 29-year-old played through pain in order to complete 90 minutes. There were less than 24 on the clock when he was left wincing and in need of medical attention. He tangled with Brazilian striker Jesus and took a blow to his hand.

Tough guy: Andersen strapped up and plays on
Television cameras showed how the ring finger on Andersen's left hand had been bent out of place. Jesus was apologetic, as he stood over the Fulham star while he was treated, with a fixture in west London being halted for several minutes.

Andersen was able to continue after seeing his broken digit realigned, with strapping being applied. He was only off the field for a matter of seconds, with no time being wasted in putting his body on the line.

Sky Sports commentator spoke of how Andersen was unable to look at his hand after realising what he had done. Ex-Chelsea and England goalkeeper Rob Green was on co-commentary duty and - having suffered plenty of hand injuries himself down the years - was able to feel the Fulham star's pain.

Jimenez spot on: Mexican maintains faultless penalty record
Andersen was taking in his 81st appearance for the Cottagers when helping them to a much-needed win. Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

He has matched Manchester City legend Yaya Toure as the only man in the Premier League era to successfully convert 11 spot-kicks - with there still no blots on his copybook from 12 yards.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva told reporters afterwards of seeing his side pull 10 points clear of the relegation zone: "The result, 100%, is a massive three points and a massive win. It wasn't our best performance, but I don't remember one chance for Forest all game. They had the possession but didn't create and we managed the game well. It was a professional performance from our team."

He added on nerveless Jimenez being a guarantee of goals from the penalty spot: "He's reliable. The calmness, the quality, the braveness to wait until the last moment for the goalkeeper to move."

Silva said that Wales international midfielder Harry Wilson "looks like he's going to be okay" after picking up a knock when putting in a tackle and being forced from the field with six minutes left on the clock.

With injuries being picked up and three players away at AFCON with Nigeria, Silva has admitted that he will be looking to dip into the January transfer market for new recruits. He has said: "We have been speaking not just now, the last month and a half, probably. After the last summer, things that we were supposed to do, we didn't.

"The African Cup we knew was going to happen, but of course the injury of Rodrigo as well created a completely different scenario for us. We know what we need. Let's see."



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/fulham-star-has-bone-popped-back-into-place-on-pitch-after-suffering-gruesome-injury-during-win-over/bltdba593b5c1e4dbf3?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Harry Wilson injury update ahead of West Ham vs Fulham
Marco Silva has played down the severity of Harry Wilson's injury after Fulham's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Raul Jimenez's penalty in the closing stages of the first half sealed the win for Fulham at Craven Cottage, which has put Silva's side 13th in the Premier League.

Wilson, meanwhile, appeared to injure his left knee during his attempt to tackle Forest defender Neco Williams in the second half.

The 28-year-old required treatment from Fulham's medical team but was able to continue for a few minutes before he was replaced by Adama Traore.

Wilson will now be assessed ahead of Fulham's next Premier League game away to West Ham on December 27.

'It looks he's going to be okay,' Silva said of Wilson after Fulham's win over Forest.

'I think it was like a big knock there, it was not something that he twisted but now it's, of course, painful.

'But let's see, tomorrow we have a session, we are going to assess the players from tonight and see how he's going to heal.'



https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/23/harry-wilson-injury-update-ahead-west-ham-vs-fulham-25725376/?ito=newsnow-feed

[WhiteJC]

Games for the weekend 27/12...
We travel acroos town to the London Stadium to take on West Ham for a 3 o'clock kick off

After a hard fought win against Forest on Monday hopefully the lads won't have "over indulged" and will be raring to go.
Raúl scoring from a pen', I didn't realise that he's never missed a Premier League penalty, 11 from 11 matching Yaya Toure's record, this was the first penalty for Fulham this season and only the second this calendar year!
Anderson's finger looked nasty and Harry looked to have twisted his knee shortly before Adama replaced him.
Young Kusi-Asare came on in the 85th minute and, I think, looked lively and caused Forest a few problems. Surely he must get more game time over the coming weeks?
Kevin had a really good game, it can't be long before he gets his first goal? and hopefully more will follow.

Historically we've not had too good a record against West Ham starting in 1898 when we were in the Southern League Second division when we lost 2-1 and 0-1. To date we've had 34 wins, 52 losses and 25 draws.
We lost our only FA Cup final 0-2 in 1975 to them even though we had Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery, Fulham were in the Second Division (now the Championship), whilst West Ham were in the First Division (now the Premier League).
Interestingly the West Ham team were the last "all English" team to win the FA Cup, Fulham hold the record for the most games played to reach the final.
Our record, for the previous 6 games, is reasonable with 2 wins, 3 losses and a draw.

I'd start the same 11 that started against Forest, so my team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest
Saturday 27/12
Brentford v Bournemouth
Forest v Man City
West Ham v Fulham

Sunday 28/12
Sunderland v Leeds
Palace v Spurs
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3315

[WhiteJC]

Silva outlines the significance of Fulham's dull but efficient triumph over powder-puff Forest
It may end up as the least memorable match at Craven Cottage all season, but its importance cannot be overlooked.

Fulham ensured a struggling Nottingham Forest just below them in the table were further distanced, thanks to a penalty from Raul Jimenez in first-half injury time.

It was a game bereft of quality and excitement but for Whites boss Marco Silva, it was ideal. It felt vital, going into the festive programme, that they gained more breathing space so they can start looking up the table rather than down.

"It's a massive three points for us...a massive win," said the Fulham boss. "The last away win from ourselves against Burnley is going to have a bigger impact when you are back home and you have to get three points again.

"We spoke about it before the game - the importance to be back in winning ways at home after the two games against [Man] City and Palace that we deserved more and didn't get.

"Of course I have to say it wasn't our best performance in terms of quality on the ball. First half we had some good moments but I don't remember in the whole of the game, one chance for Nottingham Forest. They had the possession but they didn't create and we managed well the game."

Silva continued: "Tom Cairney gave us the calmness on the ball and the other players that came on gave us the energy we needed to press on the opposition a bit more. It was a professional performance from the team and we kept a clean sheet which was very important.

"It was massive with five key players out. It's not just the three players in the African cup, it's also Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz. But the team responded very very well against a side with a lot of quality who are playing in Europe and spent a lot of money.

"We don't look up or down the table, we always want to look at the next game as the most important one. There are going to be three points at West Ham for us to fight for and try to get a third win in a row."

The Portuguese had words of praise for his match winner, who does not always grab the limelight but is having to shoulder extra workload in the absence of the injured Muniz.

"Raul is a great penalty taker," Silva said. "Not just in a Fulham shirt. He's been showing that when he was playing in Portugal. The calmness and quality and braveness to [wait] until the last moment [to shoot]. He's very reliable.

"He needed a goal. The reality in terms of confidence is he's not at his best, but in the last four games at home he scored twice and they gave us two wins. In terms of work ethic and commitment, he's always giving his maximum for the shirt. He's 34 years old playing 90 minutes week in, week out and deserves these type of moments."



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/silva-outlines-the-significance-of-fulham-s-dull-but-efficient-triumph-over-powder-puff-forest

[WhiteJC]

David Ornstein Shares Shock Marco Silva Contract Update at Fulham
Fulham have offered Marco Silva a contract that would make him one of the top six highest-paid managers in the Premier League, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

Ornstein suggests Silva, whose current deal expires in June 2026, is expected to make a decision later in the season, with Fulham still hopeful the 48-year-old tactician will stay.

The West London club also have a list of potential replacements if Silva decides to depart for a new challenge after five seasons, having joined Fulham in 2021.

Marco Silva Yet to Accept Fulham Offer
Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports, revealed that Silva 'tends to leave his decisions quite late', so Fulham are not panicking over the Portuguese manager yet to agree a new deal:

"Fulham, I understand, have offered him a new three-year contract to tie him down to, approaching a decade at the club, if he was to sign and commit to that and stay for it all.

"He tends to leave his decisions quite late, so I don't think Fulham are panicking at this point in time.

"The offer they've made would take him into the top six of earners for managers in the Premier League. That's my information.

"And the club have a list of potential replacements if Marco Silva doesn't sign."

Silva took charge at Craven Cottage in the summer of 2021 and led Fulham to the Championship title in his first season.

Under the 48-year-old, Fulham have finished 10th, 13th and 11th in the Premier League and set a club-record points tally last season with 54.

This term, the West London side are 13th after 17 games, four points off sixth-placed Sunderland.

Silva Among Longest-Serving PL Managers
With Silva counting his fifth season at Craven Cottage, the Portuguese tactician is one of the top three longest-serving Premier League managers right now.

Only Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta have spent longer in their positions than the 48-year-old, who has managed 205 games in charge of Fulham.

In history, only five Fulham managers have overseen more games than Silva, with Phil Kelso, Bedford Jezzard, Jack Peart, Alex Stock and Ray Lewington all ahead.

Four-and-a-half seasons at Fulham is also the longest Silva has ever spent in a managerial role, having overseen significantly shorter stints at Everton, Watford and Hull City previously.

Tottenham Keeping an Eye on Silva
Amid their difficult start to the season under Thomas Frank, Tottenham were recently linked with interest in appointing Silva as their new manager.

The North London club have secured just two wins from their last 10 Premier League games, including a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham last month.



https://www.givemesport.com/david-ornstein-marco-silva-future-fulham-contract-offer/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester City open to Nathan Ake sale in January
Manchester City may allow 30-year-old Dutch defender Nathan Ake to leave in the winter transfer window amid his links with Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United are keen on signing Nathan Ake. The versatile Manchester City defender is also a target for Bournemouth. Meanwhile, the Citizens are ready to cash in on the versatile Dutch defender in the winter transfer window, as they want to replace him with a new centre-back.

Nathan Ake and his situation
Nathan Ake has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in a deal worth £41 million in August 2020. The 30-year-old has been reliable at the back for the Citizens, but he has never been an undisputed first-choice starter, with his game time dwindling in the last two seasons. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has been a utility man for Manchester City, as he can play as a centre-back and a left-back.

The versatile Dutch defender has made over 150 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with ten goals and three assists. However, the lack of regular game time may lead to Ake's departure. The Netherlands international has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?
West Ham United will dip into the market for a centre-back in the winter transfer window, as Max Kilman faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid his links with Crystal Palace. Additionally, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have been inconsistent at the back. So, Ake is a viable target for West Ham.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's interest in Nathan Ake is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window as they prepare for Marc Guehi's impending departure. The English international has entered the final months of his Crystal Palace contract, compelling the South London club to look for a replacement.

As for Fulham, Marco Silva has several centre-backs in his squad, and it is unclear why the Cottagers want to sign another central defender next year. Nevertheless, Ake is a target for Fulham, and a January approach may be on the cards. Meanwhile, Manchester City will be open to the 30-year-old Dutchman's departure in the winter transfer window.

With Ake ready to leave Manchester City in the winter transfer window, a move across the Premier League may be on the cards. Meanwhile, Manchester City will aim to replace the versatile Dutch defender with a new centre-back in the coming weeks.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/23/manchester-city-open-to-nathan-ake-sale-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Five Things We Learnt From Fulham 1–0 Forest
Fulham 1–0 Forest. Hardly a classic, but an organised home display sees Fulham move 10 points clear of the relegation zone, and within three points of Europe.

Here's five things we learnt from Fulham 1–0 Forest.

Cuenca & Andersen: Structured & Solid
Jorge Cuenca and Joachim Andersen laid the foundations for a defensive display that left 'Dyche-ball' redundant.

Cuenca kept up his impeccable record of starting production — he wasn't dribbled past once on Monday night.

Jorge's block to deny Callum Hudson Odoi was the show piece block, but Cuenca made numerous game-saving blocks last night. The 26 year old's mix between no nonsense defending and ball playing ability afforded Fulham the luxury of having a centre half next to Joachim Andersen who doesent automatically trigger the press.

Cuenca's status as a Premier league quality centre half is unquestionable.

Sky Sports' MOTM, and deservedly so. Joachim Andersen played the joint most passes in the final third (4) in the Fulham team last night — the Dane's opening minute diag to Kevin deserved hockey assist status — but Joa's defensive display wasn't nothing to be sniffed at either.

A proper captain's display, another home clean sheet built on the organisation that Joachim Andersen instigated. Andersen's save of Antonee Robinson's blushes 10 minutes in was as good as a goal.

I'd say Joachim Andersen has been our player of the season through the first half of this season. I call that £30m well spent.

Sasa Lukic: A Complete №8 Display
70% of the world is covered by water, the other 30% is covered by Sasa Lukic.

For the second game running Sasa was just what your want from your №8.

Lukic was energetic, tough tackling, and forward thinking in the middle of the pitch for Fulham. Lukic completed the most tackles (5), won the most duels (9), and created the most chances (3), on the Cottage turf on Monday night — an all round midfield display.

Without Alex Iwobi, I worried that Fulham would greatly struggle for central creativity in the Nigerian's absence, but thats been far from the case.

Sander and Sasa are quietly putting together a string of strong performances in the middle of Silva's side.

Kevin: Persistence Pays Off
Does it always come off? No, but I love Kevin's persistence of taking on his full back, and in the closing stages of the first half it paid off, even if he was a tad lucky.

While his game needs polishing, — the Brazilian's lack of composure when baring down on goal cost Fulham twice yesterday, but Fulham needed a moment of magic from Kevin and we ultimately got that.

There is nobody else in the Fulham squad who would persists in challenging the opposition full back like Kevin Santos. If he can add a modicum of end product to his game, the league should be on notice. Last night showed why we should give Kevin time.

Overall, after a drab Newcastle display, last night's display was a step in the right direction.

Raul: Best Performance of the Season
After numerous games where it looked like Raul could barely move, Jimenez was the feisty focal point Silva's side have been lacking for weeks.

The 34 year old held up play admirably, got stuck in off the ball, and was unlikely not to have a hatty after two headers went just wide after being crossed in by Fulham's two full backs in the latter stages of either half. Don't understate the value of an assured penalty taker, either — Raul's record from the spot is remarkable.

Through the pain, an honourable performance from RJ. A true workhorse.

Silva's Subs Success: Cairney & King
Like many games recently, Fulham were slow out the traps after the restart. Passes were wayward, Fulham were losing control of the game. Enter Tom Cairney...

TC rolled back the years, dictated play for Fulham, and ultimately, put FFC back in the driving seat. Vintage TC.

Like master, like prodigy, Josh King came on and gave Fulham some more attacking vigour in the final third, and proved a massive asset to manage the game in the closing stages.

Josh beat defenders, played some tidy passes, and drove Fulham up the field when Fulham lacked any spark in the final third. It's great to see King back at his best after a few underwhelming displays.

Marco's in game management has come under a lot of criticism in recent weeks, and although early second half worries persist, Marco got it spot on to correct those issues last night.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/five-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-1-0-forest-35394ed88a31

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Hammers need to 'improve' as they prepare to face Fulham in the PL
West Ham Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has said the Hammers need to improve as they prepare to face Fulham at in the Premier League.

 The Hammers have not won in six league games after winning back-to-back matches in November.

They currently sit 18th in the relegation zone and have conceded 35 goals, the second highest in the league so far.

Speaking at his weekly press conference Santo said: "We need to improve. Since day one, since I arrived it was clear to me that we need to improve a lot of aspects in our team - defensive and offensive. We are trying and sometimes it works, sometimes we score and sometimes we concede more than we should."

 On the January transfer window, he said: "Now is not really the moment to focus on and speak about it, but the club is working and when the transfer window opens, we can assess it."

West Ham are also without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf as they compete at the Africa Cup of Nations for DR Congo and Senegal respectively.

 Nuno said: "I was watching the game of Aaron (vs Benin), I think they were leading. At 3pm (vs Botswana) Malick will get involved. I wish them all the best and to stay healthy."

Santo also praised Fulham counterpart Marco Silva for the good work he has done there. The Cottagers are 13th in the table and have won their last two league games.

On Fulham and their season, he said: "[They've been] Good. We saw the game yesterday and they are playing good so, a tough opponent. Like all the games in the Premier League, [it will be] very intense, very demanding and it will require a lot of positive actions from us. Tough opponent ahead."



https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/25721721.hammers-need-improve-prepare-face-fulham-pl/

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Fulham preparing formal offer for January transfer – €30-35m expected, convincing to do
Fulham are preparing a formal offer for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi to reignite their interest in him.

That's according to Eindhovens Dagblad. They report that Fulham are preparing another attempt to sign the striker from the Dutch side.

According to their information, Fulham were already interested in Pepi last season. They've been following his development with great interest since.

Now they're preparing a formal offer for the January transfer window. That is expected to be worth €30-35m. Whether PSV would accept such a bid isn't clear at this point.

On one hand, a no thank you would be logical. They're not all that keen on selling their striker in the middle of a campaign which may end with another league title. Pepi has been key to that in recent weeks, with four goals in five games.

He appears to have shaken off injury issues and is completely ready to return to the level he was at before his injury. He also appears to be winning the confidence of manager Peter Bosz. Selling him now would make little sense, even if Fulham do offer a top price.

Pepi may also fancy staying. He would prefer to be playing regularly in the Netherlands and scoring goals to ensure a place in the USA's squad for the World Cup. They can also offer Champions League football, another boost. Fulham appear ready to make an offer to sway that thinking either way.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-preparing-formal-offer-for-january-transfer-e30-35m-expected-convincing-to-do/

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West Ham learn Wolves striker price tag and prepare offer for 'unstoppable' Fulham winger - round-up
Nuno Espirito Santo's January transfer targets at West Ham are becoming clearer as the window looms large.

West Ham are getting their ducks in order ahead of a crucial January transfer window that could prove make or break in the London outfit's fight for Premier League survival over the back end of the campaign.

Nuno Espirito Santo has improved results since taking over from Graham Potter but the Hammers remain in the relegation zone this Christmas. The side have shipped 35 goals and only scored 19, in a worrying beginning to the campaign.

The recent form of relegation rivals Leeds United has not eased worries but Nuno is expected to be backed by the board in January. Niclas Fullkrug is on his way to AC Milan, freeing up some space in the squad to add extra firepower and creativity.

West Ham learn Jorgen Strand Larsen asking price
Several players have been touted as potential incomings to do that and, after Wolves were beaten 2-0 by Brentford last weekend, one of those is Jorgen Strand Larsen. Rob Edwards' side seem destined for the drop and there have been plenty of reports of West Ham potentially offering the 25-year-old a way out of Molineux.

Strand Larsen has just one top flight goal in 15 Premier League appearances this term but his form last season has not been forgotten despite that poor run. The Norway international plundered 14 league goals in his first season in the division last time out.

The forward is under contract at Wolves until 2030, which mean that negotiation power is at Molineux. The Guardian reports that a £40 million offer for Strand Larsen will be considered, but that West Ham are reluctant to fork out that sum.

The London club have struggled with recruiting strikers in recent years - the £27 million splurged on Niclas Fullkrug the most recent painful reminder of a painfully misjudged outlay.

Hammers prepare offer for Fulham winger known by Nuno
A more realistic deal could be a swoop for Fulham forward Adama Traore. The pacey winger has been linked with West Ham ever since Nuno took on the job, having worked with the manager when both at Wolves.

The 29-year-old is not a regular in the starting XI at Craven Cottage with the form of Harry Wilson making it hard for the forward to earn himself minutes. Adama has started just two top flight matches this term and been handed only eight minutes in the Cottagers' last six outings.

Adama would certainly bring the drive and tenacity that Nuno is looking for at the London Stadium, even if his output in terms of goals and assists has underwhelmed throughout his time at the Premier League - the player has been labelled 'unstoppable' by Pep Guardiola. David Ornstein has suggested that a bid could be on the way for Adama.

Speaking to NBC Sports, he said: "I do think we could see some exits on the horizon [from Fulham]. West Ham, we're hearing, could be coming in with an offer for Adama Traore. Of course, Nuno Espirito Santo managed him at Wolves. And Harry Wilson, despite his form, there are a lot of clubs looking at him."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-transfer-roundup-larsen-adama-5453909

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Tottenham and Fulham boost as 'fantastic' Crystal Palace star stretchered off with injury
Oliver Glasner has been handed a team selection dilemma ahead of upcoming London derbies against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham.

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham look likely to face a Crystal Palace side without key centre-back Chris Richards after the defender was stretchered off against Arsenal.

The Eagles fell to defeat at the hands of the Gunners but made it dramatic, levelling in injury time and taking the tie to penalties. It was eventually Maxence Lacroix, who had scored an own goal to put Arsenal ahead, who saw his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Richards, who has started every Premier League game so far this season and only not completed the 90 minutes on one occasion, was carried off after 74 minutes at the Emirates Stadium in worrying scenes.

The 25-year-old joined Crystal Palace from Bayern Munich for €12 million in 2022 and has been praised for his improvement under Oliver Glasner. The Eagles have conceded just 19 goals in the league so far this term, fewer than Liverpool and Manchester United, who both sit above them in the division.

Crystal Palace star stretchered off against Arsenal
Speaking about Richards in October, Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah praised his teammate. He said: "Someone who I'll probably give a big shout-out to, I think, who through this run has been fantastic is Chris Richards. I think his consistency levels have been amazing.

"Every game he's always there, he's always fighting, he's always winning his duels. I think he's had a really good run in the team and he's been, as with the other players, pivotal to the success that we've had."

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham set to face Eagles side without Chris Richards
With a squad already stretched given their involvement in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup, as well as in the Premier League, the absence of Richards comes as a big blow for Crystal Palace. A firm timeline on any lay-off remains to be known, but the need of a stretcher is not a good sign for the USA international.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, reporter John Murray said: "There's a lot of blood on the top of Richards' foot. It looks like a serious cut. How has that happened?

"The lower part of his sock is white hence why we can see the considerable blood coming through. This is another blow for Palace, who can scarcely afford it."

Upcoming opponents Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham will now prepare to face a makeshift Eagles back five. Glasner turned to Nathaniel Clyne from the bench against Arsenal, who could fill in again at centre-back in the coming weeks.

Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon before then welcoming Fulham to south London on New Year's Day.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/tottenham-fulham-boost-crystal-palace-richards-injury-5454587