Monday Fulham Stuff - 29/12/25...

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Results

Sunday 28/12
Sunderland	1-1	Leeds
Palace	0-1	Spurs

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Fulham table pre-January bid for Man City star who is 'most likely' to leave
Fulham have moved in with a pre-January offer to sign a Man City forward who Pep Guardiola has likened to Phil Foden, according to reports.

Marco Silva is keen to strengthen his attacking options next month and avoid a repeat of last summer's transfer failures, with only Aston Villa ending the previous window having spent less money.

 The Portuguese has also made clear his desire for fresh faces in the winter, telling Sky Sports in November that January signings are an absolute necessity.

"It is not just clear from my side but everyone in the club, what is necessary and what we are going to try and do in the next window," the Fulham boss said.

"Let's see what we can do in the market because it will be important to act in the window.

"As I mentioned, we are preparing in the present. We have been speaking every single day. Myself, with the CEO of the club, it is clear.

"It is not just because of last summer. We have some injuries that create different scenarios and AFCON, we are going to lose three players."

Reports suggest that Fulham have already held talks with Raheem Sterling and his representatives ahead of January, with Silva looking to offset the major losses from AFCON.

Defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi and winger Samuel Chukwueze have all departed to represent Nigeria at the tournament in Morocco, leaving Fulham even more short of quality across multiple positions.

 Silva endured considerable frustration during the summer when marquee signings Chukwueze and Kevin both arrived on deadline day, by which time Fulham had already stuttered through their opening three games without a single win.

The delayed arrivals prevented Fulham's new players from integrating properly into the squad during pre-season preparations, and Silva openly voiced his frustration at the club's recruitment policy.

Now, with Adama Traore heavily linked to joining West Ham next month, the need for a new forward in particular is pretty evident.

Fulham make pre-January offer for Man City forward Oscar Bobb
According to CaughtOffside, the player most likely to depart Man City next month is Norwegian international Oscar Bobb, and it could well be to Craven Cottage.

 The 22-year-old represents another attacking talent to have lost prominence under Guardiola following his return from a serious leg fracture that derailed his entire 24/25 campaign.

A loan move has been heavily touted for the winger, and Fulham have apparently tested the water already.

It is believed that Bobb has an offer 'on the table' from Fulham ahead of January, but they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and Seville, who have also made proposals.

He was expected to have even more minutes under his belt at City by now after making his senior debut over two years ago, but that crushing leg break last summer really put his development on hold.

Now, a host of sides, including Fulham, are offering him the chance to build his career elsewhere.

Despite being tipped for the exit door, Bobb is a player who Guardiola rates very highly.

"Now I realise when I saw him in the first half and the second I realise how much we missed him last season," Pep said in August.

"He's sharp and quick and like Phil [Foden] with his qualities.

"I'm so happy he is back. I don't know how long it is since he played 90 minutes maybe one year but he is so strong, so disciplined in defensive issues, incredible threat in small spaces.

"Hopefully he can be healthy. All I ask for him is to be healthy and strong in his head and I'm pretty sure he is going to help us in that position.

"He is another quality player from the Academy. In the last decade it has been unbelievable how many good players this club has created, there is an incredible team helping the Academy and I have a feeling right now in the EDS there are a lot of good players."

https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-table-january-bid-oscar-bobb-who-is-most-likely-to-leave/

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Player Ratings: West Ham 0-1 Fulham
The scores after our win at the London Stadium

Three league wins in the row, all without some of our best players. It's been a Christmas to remember for FFC, here are the scores on the doors after our win in East London

Bernd Leno

Made a good save early on from Bowen and then had very little to do for the rest of the game apart from a few long shots straight at him. Clean sheets on the reg for Bernd, he's really turned things around in recent weeks. 7/10

Antonee Robinson

Meep meep, roadrunner Robinson is back to his best. Back and forth the entire game, giving Fulham endless options on that left hand side. Looked good going forward but also had some key contributions defensively up against West Ham's most dangerous player in Jarrod Bowen. 8.5/10 MOTM

Jorge Cuenca

What a cool customer Jorge is. With two clean sheets since stepping in for Calvin Bassey, if CB arrived back from the AFCON tomorrow, there's no way he automatically gets his place back. The only mistake I can think of was when Jorge got turned by Calum Wilson, but even then he recovered enough to make the shot difficult. Also, I love his bursts into midfield which give us an extra dimension when attacking. 8/10

Joachim Andersen

After a MOTM performance against Nottingham Forest, this wasn't quite as strong from Joachim. He picked up a clumsy yellow card in the 51st minute as a result of a heavy touch bringing the ball out of defence which meant he was walking a tightrope for the remainder of the second half. Ultimately kept a clean sheet and he played a couple of lovely raking passes to Jedi, but just not as assured as Monday. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete

I'm Kenny Tete's biggest fan, but I thought he had a tough game. Seemed hesitant to go forward even when presented with open space and his passing just wasn't as crisp as usual. He did pull off an incredible block on Bowen at the end of the first half, but ultimately it was in vain as the linesman's flag was up. Understandably pulled for Timmy Castagne towards the end of the game which suggests he might have been dead on his feet. Nothing too alarming, it wasn't vintage Kenny today. 6/10

Sander Berge

Thought Sander looked good in midfield once again. Still wish he'd occasionally have a crack at goal rather than always spreading it wide, but we all know that's under strict Marco instructions. Didn't do anything particularly noticeable today, but he was solid as ever. 6.5/10

Sasa Lukic

Another good display from Sasa who was a busy lad in the middle of our pitch. Popped up everywhere and rarely gave it away. Two strong performances in a row in absence of Iwobi and on current form it would be another selection headache for Silva if the AFCON ended tomorrow. Only shame is that he missed another decent chance today with the header in the second half that went well wide. 7/10

Emile Smith Rowe

Ooh Emile, this is what we always wanted to see. Another strong display from ESR who is really making this team tick when we go forward, but also working hard off the ball. Ideally, we need some more goal involvements in the coming games, but you can tell that his confidence is high. Was subbed for TC late on, probably just to offer something different, but he should be proud of the way he's wrestled back a place in this team. 7.5/10

Kevin

I received some flack for my criticism of Kevin on Monday, but I stand by the fact that the Brazilian is having a tough time at the minute.

I want him to succeed, but surely even the biggest Kevin fans would have to agree that this was a bad day at the office. I think it's got to the stage where Josh King should come in at LW and then Kevin can make an impact off the bench. He just hasn't looked effective as a starter all season.

He will come good next year, but I think this is another Smith Rowe situation where the lack of a proper pre-season is having a big impact on his ability to perform. I also wonder if Kevin is struggling to adapt to Robinson's fairly unique runs, he doesn't seem in sync with Jedi the same way that Willian was.

Please don't hate me but... 5/10

Harry Wilson

I was worried that Harry's injury that he sustained against Forest would rule him out, but in fact he was fit enough to last the full 90. Harry barely featured on Monday, but he was much more involved at the London Stadium. Possibly should have done a little better early in the second half when his cross evaded everyone, but ultimately he took the big chance when Scarles gifted him the ball inside the area. He put it on a plate for Raul, making it 7 G/A in his last 6 league games. 7/10

Raul Jimenez

Gonna have to eat some humble pie, because when the Muniz injury was announced after the Everton game, I thought we were done for playing Raul up top every week. Once again, our Mexican centre forward worked tirelessly and then managed to bag the crucial goal. It does feel like this sticking plaster won't last forever, but let's not worry too much about the future when it's proving effective in the here and now. 8/10

SUB: Josh King

Looked lively when he came on and I do actually think he can do a job for us on the wing. Sure, we all want to see Josh centrally, but I think better to have JK on the wing than on the bench, especially whilst Samu Chukwueze is at the AFCON. Just a classy operator, and had a nice connection with Robinson. As I said above, should start against Palace. 7.5/10

OTHER SUBS: Cairney, Diop and Castagne all came on too late to judge.

Marco Silva

The regular writer of this column has been tough on Marco's and look, I understand why there has been criticism. His game management against City and Palace arguably cost us 4-6 points. I also still think the Lecomte call in the cup was baffling.

However, these last three league games have been Silva at his best. Gritty, hard-fought victories. Won on the pitch but also won in the analysis room. We weren't great today, but when five of our best players are out, the fact we have won three on the spin should mean Marco deserves huge credit. The defence has been organised and meaningful chances created by both Forest and West Ham were very limited.

Without Marco, I really believe that this season we would be down fighting it out with West Ham, but as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve we can all enjoy a cheeseboard and a glass of fizz knowing we are a whole 13 points clear of safety.

Silva is clearly only going to sign this new deal if he gets backing in January. With big players returning, and if there's some certainty secured over Marco's future, there is no reason we can't eclipse last season's record points total. That was a big one for him today. 8.5/10



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

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Five Things We Learnt From West Ham 0–1 Fulham
West Ham 0 – 1 Fulham. Swashbuckling champagne football? No. Three league wins and three away league wins on the spin? Yes. Fulham get the job done in East London with a threadbare thin squad.

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't inspiring, but in a game that completely changes the outlook of our season, Fulham dug deep and gritted out a massive win away from home.

In a period of games against relegation rivals, that felt pivotal in deciding the direction of Fulham's season, we have claimed maximum points.

This win is what seals Fulham as safe in the top flight. No team has ever gone down with 26 points at the halfway point of the season.

With us level on points, although Palace have a game in hand, to the UECL spot in eighth, a fourth consecutive away win to kick off the new year would allow Fulham to begin 2026 inside a European spot – unbelievable considering where we were at the start of November.

Does that mean it was a perfect performance without some major causes for concern? Absolutely not.

Persistent periods of poor passing and a lack of creative cutting edge need to be addressed in the window or on the training pitch.

Here's five things we learnt in West Ham 0–1 Fulham:

No Longer Soft: Lukic & Berge
After a few months in which Lukic and Berge become shorthand for soft, boring, and lukewarm, Sasa and Sander have seriously bucked up their ideas.

In the past few games Fulham's midfield two have been the energetic, tough tackling, and box crashing duo that Fulham have lacked since Joao Palhinha left.

Lukic's late arrivals into the box have proved a consistent provider of chances, while Sander Berge's increased mobility and physicality, alongside Lukic's energy and industry, have helped Fulham gain more of a foothold in physical midfield battles in recent weeks.

At the London Stadium, the Serb and the Norwegian helped Fulham transition the ball through the lines and stifle much of the quality of Matheus Fernandes and the overrated Lucas Paqueta – they broke up the midfield and help make it a ugly, physical battle

If Fulham could add the skill set of a ball playing No.8 to provide added options to our midfield, and we could have control in all facets of the midfield.

Andersen & Cuenca: A Well Oiled Machine
For the second game in a row, Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca looked like a well oiled machine.

Calm, composed, and organised, Andersen and Cuenca dealt with a late physical deluge with relative ease.

The two look a proper partnership, and with Calvin Bassey's recent erratic performances, Bassey will need to win back his starting role when he gets back from AFCON.

ESR or Kevin Should be Dropped for King
Throughout much of the game, Fulham lacked any drive or cutting edge from anybody that ventured inside and controlled possession.

Fulham's primary ball controllers, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin, looked off the pace again and, let's face it, when Josh King came on, King looked more effective in 10 minutes than Smith Rowe or Kevin looked in a combined 151 minutes.

In fairness, Kevin at least attempted to be direct and impact play, it's just the end product simply has to improve. ESR, however, looked a complete non-factor in E20.

After a recent deserved rotation of Josh King's minutes, the 18 year old has earned his way back into the starting XI – Kevin or ESR need rotating.

Raul Jimenez: One of Fulham's Most Underrated No.9s
Fulham's most underrated top flight striker, strikes again.

Did Raul bully his opposite numbers? No, but Jimenez's presence deep in play helped Fulham gain an added presence in a dogged midfield battle.

The 34 year old was often tracking back 20–30 yards to hassle opponents or link up play. His lack of work on the toes of centre halves is often caused by deeper central options being creatively anonymous.

I get it, its easy to miss a traditional, bully-boy centre forward, like Aleskander Mitrovic, but you won't realise how good the Mexican's technical play, work rate, and willingness to play through the pain barrier are, until it's gone.

Make That Seven G/A in Seven: Harry Wilson, He's Done It Again
Harry Wilson's positioning out wide stretched the West Ham defence and caused the Hammers many issues – the Welshman was full value for his assist.

Make that seven goal involvements in his last seven league games. In a time were Fulham needed an attacker to step up, in the absence of Samuel Chukwueze, Harry Wilson has stepped up time and time again.

Harry looks full of confidence every time he gets on the ball, and combine that with the wealth of talent Wilson has so obviously always had, and its no wonder Harry Wilson has been on the best wingers in the Premier League in first half of the season.

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Some of the best business Fulham may do this winter is resigning Harry Wilson to a new deal



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/five-things-we-learnt-from-west-ham-0-1-fulham-ffbb9c782966

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Ibrahima Konate has one game left to avoid suspension vs. Fulham
Liverpool's lack of centre-back depth is evident currently, so Ibrahima Konate avoiding suspension is vital for the Reds in their next game.

The Premier League champions have struggled defensively this season, conceding more set-piece goals (12) than any other team, including one in Saturday's 2-1 victory at home to Wolves.

Failure to sign Marc Guehi in the summer was a big blow, while highly-rated youngster Giovanni Leoni is out for the campaign with a torn ACL.

It has meant Konate and Virgil van Dijk have simply had to stay fit in order to prevent Liverpool's season from becoming even more of a struggle.

Konate has been improved of late, following a woeful spell of form earlier in the campaign, but he is only one yellow card away from picking up a one-match ban.

If the Frenchman avoids a booking at home to Leeds on New Year's Day, however, the five-card threshold resets, meaning he will avoid a suspension for the trip to Fulham on January 4.

Konate would then have until Matchweek 32 to avoid reaching 10 yellow cards, which would trigger a two-match ban.

Will Liverpool sign a new centre-back in January?
Konate is in a precarious situation, but he will hopefully be savvy enough to ensure that he gets through the Leeds game unscathed.

But this shows the need for Liverpool to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window, considering there are only two fit options there currently.

It seems unlikely that Guehi will be available, though, with the England defender more likely to leave Crystal Palace on a free transfer at the end of the season.

While he may be the No. 1 option for the Reds, they cannot afford to be picky and must look at alternative targets next month, potentially signing Guehi in the summer, too.

The likes of Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck are among those to have been loosely linked with moves to Liverpool.

Granted, January is unlikely to see as many top-quality options become available, but the Reds' recruitment team must find a solution.

Failure to sign a central defender would be negligent, especially as Konate is known for his injury-prone nature and Van Dijk is now 34 years of age.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2025/12/ibrahima-konate-suspension-risk-leeds-fulham-reset/

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Legend of the Match Result: West Ham
Jorge Cuenca has wrapped up a stellar week for himself and the Club by securing the Royal Caribbean Legend of the Match trophy from our win at West Ham United.

The reliability of Calvin Bassey at left centre-back has meant Cuenca has had to be patient since arriving two summers ago, but his teammate's absence while competing at AFCON has given him a chance, and boy is he taking it.

The Spaniard played all 180 minutes of our clashes with Nottingham Forest and West Ham this week, helping the team to secure consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season.

"We have been so solid today," Cuenca told FFCtv after the late win at London Stadium. "We have been working so hard, and I think we deserve it.

"Maybe they are not the most beautiful of games for the people who are watching, but for us they are massive three points – today and the game before – that is what is important for us and we want to keep going."

A substantial 40.1 per cent of fans gave Cuenca the nod for Legend of the Match, putting him ahead of match-winner Raúl Jiménez (29.2%), Harry Wilson (9.6%) and Antonee Robinson (8.5%).

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/28/legend-of-the-match-result-west-ham/

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Fulham target £40m-rated striker for January move - a year after West Ham failed to seal transfer for him
Fulham have rekindled interest in USA international striker Ricardo Pepi at PSV Eindhoven.

Coach Marco Silva is eager for the club to give him greater options up front with Raul Jimenez now 34 and Rodrigo Muniz coming back from a hamstring injury.

They have discussed Fiorentina's Moise Kean, who worked with Silva previously at Everton, but are looking at Pepi once again after trying for the 22-year old last summer.

The PSV forward, nicknamed 'El Toro', hails from El Paso, Texas and although he was born in the USA he grew up watching Mexican football and even supported the Mexico national team as a boy.

He is rated around £35million to £40m by PSV and West Ham had an offer around £25m rejected a year ago.

Pepi has scored nine goals so far this season on the back of 17 in 28 games last season when he also picked up a knee injury.

But key will be whether PSV can be persuaded to sell. Pepi also wants to be settled with a World Cup place to play for.

Italy international Kean has some support within the Fulham backroom and scouting staff but that opinion is not shared by all.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15417575/fulham-ricardo-pepi-transfer.html

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Chris Richards injury update ahead of Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Chris Richards remains an injury doubt for Crystal Palace after watching from the stands as Oliver Glasner's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Richards has been a pivotal figure in the Eagles' defence so far this season, starting all of their first 17 Premier League games this season.

However, a midweek injury against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup meant the United States international required stitches in his foot and was unable to feature in Sunday's league defeat to Tottenham at Selhurst Park.

The fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Glasner's side over the festive period, with the visit of Fulham next up on New Year's Day.

Asked after his side's defeat to Spurs if Richards could feature in the midweek clash with Fulham, Glasner said: 'We don't know if he's available for Fulham.

'His foot got stitched, but it's still swollen. It's going in the right direction, but you have to wear a boot and kick a ball, and with the wound right there, it's very, very painful.

'And so again, it can be that he misses Fulham, it can be that he is available.'

A scrappy first senior goal from Archie Gray saw Tottenham claim a much-needed win to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank, but it was another wasteful display from Palace, who are now winless in five games in all competitions.

'Both teams, I think, shouldn't lose the game, creating enough to score goals but we missed all of our chances and were punished by a set-play showing exactly what we need to improve,' Glasner conceded post-match.

'I can't remember and you [journalists] are watching Crystal Palace longer than me, but I can't remember that a Crystal Palace side dominated a Tottenham side like they did today.

'But then leaving the pitch with a defeat makes it frustrating for all of our players because they are feeling the same and I don't blame anyone for missing the chances but we have to accept right now we lack a little bit of finishing quality in the team.'

The upcoming January transfer window comes at a crucial time for Palace who appear stretched and jaded after a jam-packed start to the season which has seen them play 30 times already before the turn of the year.

'Again, I think, to be honest, if you watch our game today, it's pretty clear what we need and that it's a decision of Crystal Palace [transfers],' Glasner said when asked about the club's plans for the transfer window.

'If you're constantly underperforming in scoring goals ... Yeah. I can do, what we can do is encourage the players, supporting them, be positive.'



https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/28/chris-richards-injury-update-ahead-crystal-palace-vs-fulham-25885035/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Fulham want £40m-rated Pepi - Monday's gossip
Fulham want PSV's £40m-rated striker Ricardo Pepi, Liverpool are set to rival Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham have been offered Leon Goretzka by Bayern Munich.

Fulham have rekindled interest in PSV's 22-year-old USA striker Ricardo Pepi, who the Dutch club value at around £40m. (Mail), external

Liverpool are set to rival Manchester City and step up their £65m pursuit of Bournemouth's 25-year-old Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo. (Telegraph), external

Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign 30-year-old Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka by his club Bayern Munich. (Teamtalk), external

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are battling it out for the signature of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, 19, but face competition from La Liga giants, Real Madrid. (Talksport), external

Tottenham are targeting a new attacker in January, with Manchester City's Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, 26, Porto's Spain striker Samu Aghehowa, 21, and Juventus' Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz, 20, all potential options. (Standard), external

Sunderland are interested in signing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, and 21-year-old Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester City would be willing to sell defender Nathan Ake, 30, in January if they receive an offer in excess of £21m. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Eintracht Frankfurt have opened talks over a potential move for Nottingham Forest forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, 23, who they view as a serious option, should a move for Newcastle United striker Will Osula, 22, not develop. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Ajax have identified Burnley defender Quilindschy Hartman, 21, as one of their main targets for the upcoming January transfer window. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Liverpool have a bid on the table in the region of £60m for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 23. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Serie A side Girona want to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with Aston Villa no longer expected to pursue a move for the German international. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Real Madrid will not consider loaning out 18-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono in January with Xabi Alonso keen to keep him around. (Fabrizio Romano), external

West Ham could let Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta leave the club in January if an acceptable offer is made for the 28-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea expect to have a quiet January transfer window and although the Blues are keen to add a new centre-back, new arrivals are more likely to join next summer. (Standard)



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c80x824390jo