Saturday Fulham Stuff - 03/01/26...

[WhiteJC]

From the press box: Tete and King likely out of Liverpool clash
Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown from the first Silva press conference of 2026.

...And we're back again! I'm writing this 22 hours after our game against Crystal Palace kicked off. Talk about quick turnarounds.

When you attend a post-match press conference at around 20:30 and then a pre-match press conference at 13:30 the next day, not an awful lot changes in terms of news - but it was a chance to get some more clarification on the injuries to Josh King and Kenny Tete.

Established last night, Tete suffered a hamstring injury during the game, while Josh King has a knee injury, keeping him out of the matchday squad.

Here's what Silva had to say:

"They are probably going to be out of the next game - we will keep assessing them. They don't look long term, but you never know. Next week, I can be more sure.

"Right now, we have some more hours, not many until the game and we are going to have another session, we are going to keep assessing them, recover the others, some normal knocks from the last game too.

"But in these two situations, probably they are going to be out for Liverpool.

"Sess is training with the team. He had another good session this morning, but it's probably too early for him to be in contention for the Liverpool game. Let's see what's going to happen for the next one."

Given that, and the five other players unavailable, the starting XI may pick itself on Sunday.

OK, so let's turn our attention to Liverpool. The current Champions, but a side we won four points from last season. They're unbeaten since 30 November, but were frustrated by Leeds at Anfield last night.

Of course, they're missing main character Mo Salah, and big summer signing Alexander Isak but still have plenty of firepower at their disposal.

Fulham have had to dig deep in the last few weeks, and 10 points from the last four games has been a superb return. It probably should've been 12!

If Fulham secure back-to-back wins against Liverpool, Silva's side would sit just three points behind the Reds, what a start to 2026 at Craven Cottage that would be by the way!

Three home games in seven days for Fulham. A few points and a place in round four of the FA Cup would be a welcome return.

This Chirstmas/New Year/January period has been and still will be a slog. But, Silva is getting the maximum out of the limited resources he has at his disposal. If Fulham are able to do some business in the next few weeks, that will ease the strain on the squad.

It's a hectic start to the year, on top of that the window is open, so I have been and will be busy keeping up with that ongoings, and potential incomings and outgoings at Fulham Football Club. For more, follow me on X and subscribe to my Patreon!

Tonight's embargoed section is worth staying up for.

Up the Fulham.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-tete-and-king

[WhiteJC]

Fulham duo to miss Liverpool game but Sessegnon close to return
Kenny Tete and Josh King are expected to miss Fulham's game against Liverpool.

Tete was substituted during the second half against Crystal Palace after picking up a hamstring injury.

King, meanwhile, was not in the squad for that match because of a knee problem.

"We'll keep assessing them but looking ahead for the Liverpool game, probably they are going to be out," said boss Marco Silva.

"Right now, we have some more hours, not many until the game, and we are going to have another (training) session, we are going to keep assessing them, recover the other, normal knocks from the last game too.

"But in these two situations, probably they are going to be out for Liverpool."

Fulham already had five key players missing, with Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi involved in the African Cup of Nations and Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz out injured.

But Sessegnon seems to be close to a return.

Silva revealed on Friday: "Sessegnon is training with the team. He had another good session this morning.

"It's probably too early for him to be in contention for the Liverpool game. Let's see what's going to happen for the next one."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-to-miss-liverpool-game-but-sessegnon-seems-close-to-return

[WhiteJC]

The monster West Ham and Fulham swap transfer deal that could smash the January window
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to boost his squad as he looks to keep them in the Premier League

West Ham are in the bottom three in the Premier League along with Wolves and Burnley. They are four points from safety behind Nottingham Forest in 17th after 19 fixtures. They drew 2-2 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion last time out after goals by Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.

The Hammers turned to Nuno Espirito Santo as their head coach earlier this season. He was picked as their replacement for Graham Potter, who was sacked after a poor run of form. The east London outfit are looking to bring in some new faces in the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

West Ham target Fulham winger Adama Traore
According to The Telegraph, West Ham want to sign Fulham winger Adama Traore this month. They are keen to strike a winter agreement with the attacker. He is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is due to become a free agent in June as things stand.

Traore, 29, could be seen by the Hammers as someone to boost their attacking department. If he joined, he would provide more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch. In addition, he is rapid and his speed would be a useful weapon for Nuno's side.

The ex-Spain international, who made eight caps before his last one in 2021, is an experienced player and would be worth a gamble by West Ham. He knows the league inside out and has proved in the past that his pace can cause problems to opposition defenders. The forward has made 75 appearances for Fulham since his move to Craven Cottage in 2023 and he has scored four goals.

Nuno knows him already from their time at Wolves together. He has managed to get the best out of him in the past and he is an individual who he knows well and trusts. As well as his time at Molineux, he has also had spells in the past at Barcelona, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

West Ham should propose swap deal to Fulham
James Ward-Prowse has struggled for game time at West Ham recently and needs to leave for a change of scene. With that in mind, they should offer him to Fulham as part of a swap deal for Traore. It would suit both parties involved and ensure that neither are left short changed.

The 31-year-old isn't getting minutes with the Hammers and must consider a departure soon for the sake of his career. He moved to the London Stadium in 2023 for around £30 million but his switch to the capital hasn't gone to plan. The Portsmouth-born man was loaned out to Nottingham Forest last term.

Ward-Prowse returned to West Ham for pre-season but hasn't been able to make the impact he would have wanted to. Prior to his transfer there, he was a key player at Southampton. He rose up through their ranks and went on to play 410 games altogether, finding the net on 55 occasions.

If he joined Fulham, he would give Marco Silva another option to pick from in midfield. He is dangerous from set-pieces and may feel he has a point to prove at the top level. He would battle it out with the likes of Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge, Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed for a place in their starting XI and he wouldn't be a bad addition at all.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-fulham-transfer-swap-deal-adama-traore-january-window-premier-league-5460904

[WhiteJC]

West Ham United make enquiry for Raheem Sterling, condition for move revealed
West Ham United have knocked on Chelsea's door to sign outcast Raheem Sterling on loan in January.

Raheem Sterling is expected to part ways with Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window as he is not a part of their plans. According to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham United have already enquired about his availability.

The Hammers are looking to secure his services on loan, but it seems the Blues have no interest in a temporary move. They want to get him off their books on a permanent basis.

Sterling made quite a name for himself while playing for Manchester City before joining the Blues in the summer of 2022. While he was an integral part of their plans in the initial years, Enzo Maresca's arrival saw him go down the pecking order. They ended up sending him out on loan to Arsenal for the 2024/25 season.

While he was back at the club last summer, Maresca had no intentions of having him around. Chelsea were actively looking to offload him, and the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham were all interested in his services. But a move didn't materialise.

Sterling ended up staying at the London club, but they decided against having him in their squad, and he has been training alone ever since. While Maresca has been sacked, Sterling still has no future at Chelsea.

The player is frustrated by the lack of minutes, but he is in no rush to switch clubs. The 31-year-old winger wants to maintain stability and security in his next move.

West Ham are keen on signing Sterling
His priority is to continue in London, just like it was during the summer, because of his family. West Ham United seem to retain interest in the veteran forward. While they are in talks to sign Adama Traore from Fulham, they are also keeping tabs on Sterling's situation.

While he hasn't played any football this season and his wages could be a hurdle, the Hammers are still trying to sign him. They have already asked Chelsea about a potential loan deal. But it seems the Blues have turned it down and made it clear that he will only leave on a permanent deal this month.

It is a massive blow for West Ham, who are unlikely to sign him permanently. Meanwhile, the player seems to have his heart set on a move to Fulham. The Cottagers do seek more firepower in the final third and the potential departure of Traore could make room for Sterling, but there is still no clarity over how keen the Cottagers are to sign him.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/03/west-ham-united-make-enquiry-for-raheem-sterling-condition-for-move-revealed/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham told to pay £35m to sign 10-goal striker
Fulham Eyeing Move to Sign £35m Forward

Fulham's January planning has a clear headline target. Dean Jones for TEAMtalk reports that Marco Silva's side remain interested in PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, with two factors set to decide whether this develops into a deal this month.

Jones writes: "Fulham are facing an uphill battle in their quest to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, with sources telling TEAMtalk the two conditions for a January transfer to happen." In short, Fulham need to get closer to PSV's valuation, and Pepi may need to apply pressure, a dynamic captured by the report's focus on the player 'pushing for move'.

PSV stance shaped by a title run
TEAMtalk states: "Pepi has been told that PSV want to keep him until the end of the season, even as they wait for Fulham to come back with a renewed bid." The league context makes that easier to defend, with the report adding: "PSV are 11 points clear at the top of the Eredivisie table after 17 rounds of matches and do not want to risk a collapse in the second half of the season."

PSV also hold firm financially. Jones notes: "Sources have told us that PSV are not in a situation where they need to cash in and that the player has been made aware of their stance." That removes the usual January pressure point, and leaves Fulham needing either a premium fee, or a player led nudge, ideally both.

Fulham bid latest and what changes next
Fulham's first offer has already been turned away. TEAMtalk reports: "Fulham made an initial £26million (€30m, $35m) proposal for the USA international striker, which was rejected by the Dutch giants, and they are now looking at a second offer." The second bid is where intent becomes unmistakable.

The report is direct on the number that matters: "We understand a deal will only be able to open up if the player pushes for the move to Fulham and the next offer is closer to their £35m (€40.1m, $47.1m) valuation." If Fulham go near that figure, they are buying more than goals, they are buying a striker with resale value and genuine upside.

Pepi profile and Marco Silva fit
Pepi's production explains the attention. TEAMtalk notes: "Pepi, who has scored seven goals in seven Eredivisie starts and three goals in four Champions League appearances for PSV this season, is interested in a switch to the Premier League," and that is the sort of line Fulham supporters cling to in January.

The World Cup angle still matters. The report adds that Pepi "also knows his build-up to the World Cup will continue comfortably if he stays at PSV for now." Fulham's pitch, then, has to be minutes, role, and momentum, with Silva offering a clear pathway to become the focal point in a side that believes it can climb.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
This report has me buzzing as a Fulham supporter, because it sounds like ambition with a plan. Pepi feels like the profile we have needed, young, mobile, and already delivering in big competitions. When TEAMtalk says he "is interested in a switch to the Premier League," it is hard not to picture him feeding off the service we create, and giving us that ruthless edge in the box.

PSV's stance is tough, and "PSV want to keep him until the end of the season," so Fulham will need to move decisively. Still, if it really hinges on the player 'pushing for move', that is where belief grows. If Pepi wants this, Silva can sell him the idea of being the main man, not a squad option, and that matters for a 22 year old eyeing the World Cup.

We are "11th in the Premier League table with 27 points from 19 matches," and we are "only three points off the European places in the table." That is exactly why this feels worth stretching for. One clinical striker can turn fine margins into points. If the club back Silva near that £35m level, it signals Fulham are ready to build, not simply survive, and that is the energy I want to see at Craven Cottage.



https://eplindex.com/140900/report-fulham-told-to-pay-35m-to-sign-10-goal-striker.html

[WhiteJC]

Paris FC interested in signing Issa Diop from Fulham
According to a report from L'Équipe, Paris FC are interested in signing Fulham defender Issa Diop (28) during the winter transfer window. The newly-promoted club have identified the Frenchman as a potential option to bolster their defensive options.

The Parisian club have already made contact with the West London outfit regarding a potential move for the former West Ham United defender. However, despite contact being established, no official offer has been submitted to the Premier League club. It also remains to be seen whether Diop would be interested in leaving Craven Cottage to move to the French capital. The centre-back's current contract is set to expire in 2027.

Diop one of two targets for Paris FC
The 28-year-old is not the only name under consideration by the Ligue 1 club. PFC are also considering Besiktas defender Felix Uduokhai as a potential option at centre-back. The German defender's contract is also set to expire in 2027.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2026/paris-fc-interested-in-signing-issa-diop-from-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham Exclusive – Fulham Greed Pushes Traore Deal to Brink of Collapse
West Ham Transfer Stalemate as Fulham Shift Goalposts On Traoré

Fulham have moved the goalposts in negotiations for Adama Traoré, despite the winger having just six months remaining on his west London contract.

After West Ham United believed a deal had been agreed last week, Claret & Hugh can reveal the transfer is now in serious doubt.

Speaking to a senior West Ham source tonight, C&H were informed that Fulham are now demanding a £7m transfer fee — a significant escalation from the original terms.

West Ham had agreed to cover Traoré's full wages for the remainder of the season, along with a modest fee. However, with the Hammers clearly desperate for attacking reinforcements, Fulham now believe they hold the upper hand.

A top club source told Claret & Hugh moments ago:
"We've offered him full wages for six months, but Fulham smell blood and want a big fee. As it stands, the deal looks unlikely."

The move had been viewed internally as a low-risk, short-term solution — particularly given Nuno Espírito Santo's strong relationship with the player from their time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But unless Fulham soften their stance, West Ham appear unwilling to be held to ransom for a player approaching the end of his contract.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-exclusive-fulham-greed-pushes-traore-deal-to-brink-of-collapse/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss insists West Ham have not made an offer for Traore
West Ham have not made Fulham an offer for Adama Traore, Marco Silva has insisted.

The winger, who will turn 30 later this month, has been strongly linked with a move to the London Stadium.

But Fulham boss Silva says his club have not received a bid – and also suggested the Hammers should "stop the noise".

"The club has received zero offers for Adama, not even one on the table, not even something to think about," said Silva.

"He's a good lad, we really like him, but zero offers."

Traore has been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular following his move to west London in 2023.

He has started just 20 league matches for the Whites since arriving, although he has been an important squad player, making 17 appearances in all competitions this season.

Reports have suggested that a move across the capital is on the cards.

But Silva claims that is not the case – and that in any case Traore would not be allowed to leave without a replacement being signed.

Silva said: "For someone to come and take a player that is in our squad, they should put an offer in.

"They should not create a noise around the player, but should do something if you really want a player.

"If you want any player from Fulham, you should contact Fulham and stop the noise. Simple as that.

"I don't know if West Ham want the player or not, but just to be clear, because of all this noise around, for us it (reports of a possible move) is not true at all.

"If you don't have any bid from West Ham regarding Adama, for us it's just noise, nothing more.

"And yes, for Adama to leave, we have to be in conditions to go and to put a player in.

"We are looking to strengthen the squad. Someone has to be coming in the door for one player to leave our group."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-insists-west-ham-have-not-made-an-offer-for-traore