Thursday Fulham Stuff - 15/01/26...

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CAF Africa Cup of Nations (semi finals)

Wednesday 14/01
Morocco	0-0	Nigeria

Morocco win 4-2 on pens

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Disaster avoided but gem gets away - how Leeds United's summer targets are doing at Fulham
Leeds United were admirers of two Fulham players over the summer, who have since had very different seasons

A few weeks ago, Leeds United were within touching distance of Fulham but five unbeaten Premier League games later and the Cottagers - Saturday's opponents - are now ninth.

What makes this more impressive is the fact Marco Silva has had to deal without Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi for the last few weeks due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria. They will also be absent this weekend.

Their rise also shows how tightly-knit the Premier League is this year and how teams can climb themselves into a good position with a burst of form, as Leeds themselves know. United, of course, were interested in two of their players this summer.

Neither of them ultimately came to Elland Road despite one being very close to joining. Here we break down how the seasons of Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson - who both lined up against Leeds in September's angoising defeat - have panned out so far.

Rodrigo Muniz
Muniz was Leeds' top striker target for most of the summer window, having initially been discouraged in their first approach to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Talks had been held with the Brazilian's representatives with Muniz showing an openness to joining.

However, Fulham stood firm and the assumption was that they would not allow Muniz to leave until they had a replacement. The attacker would have likely cost north of £30million.

But with Fulham dragging their feet and a premium striker yet to be secured, Leeds pivoted and sanctioned an agreement with Calvert-Lewin after a breakthrough in talks for the England international was found.

Instead of shelling out a hefty sum, Leeds acquired a free agent who has netted nine times. As for Muniz himself, he has endured a torrid time with injury.

After scoring his sole goal on the opening day against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker has played just eight further times due to injury. After sustaining a muscle injury that saw him miss five games across September and October, the 24-year-old picked up a serious hamstring setback in November.

He was required to undergo surgery on the muscle, which is always a complex operation. He has yet to return to action since then and is not due back until late February.

Harry Wilson
Wilson sits at the other end of the scale, enjoying his best season in white and perhaps across his career. Seven goals and four assists in 20 Premier League games only tells half of the story of his impact on Fulham's season.

The right winger was on the cusp of moving to Leeds on summer deadline day, with terms signed and a deal sheet at the ready. However, Leeds chiefs outlined that the Cottagers pulled the plug in the final embers of the window, leaving United empty-handed and regretful.

Recounting the day to Sky Sports last month, Wilson explained: "My phone was going off every two minutes. It was going to happen, then it wasn't going to happen. 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."

He has since been pivotal to Silva's set-up with his six goals and four assists in 12 games the underpinning reason for Fulham's Premier League surge. Fulham have lost just three times across this period.

Wilson's future, though, remains up in the air. While he will not be leaving Craven Cottage this January, he has six months left on his Fulham contract and is bound to have suitors this summer, Leeds potentially among them.

Speaking about his thoughts for what might come next, Wilson, 28, said: "What's going to put me in the best position is somewhere where I'm playing, getting the minutes, playing well.

"Hopefully scoring and assisting, I've been able to do that the last couple of months. Whatever happens after that happens. This next contract has got to be right for me and my family. We'll see what happens."



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/disaster-avoided-gem-gets-away-33222383

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Brazilian set for key meeting this week after Fulham express interest in signing him
A Fulham transfer target is poised to sit down for crunch talks over his future in the next few days, with Marco Silva's side expressing a serious interest in signing him.

Fulham contending for Europe again despite all odds
Fulham are mounting a serious push for European qualification this season, sitting just two points off a Europa League spot and four points from Champions League football right now.

 Silva's side have emerged as genuine contenders for Europe following their impressive recent form, which is in spite of the fact they were last summer's second-lowest spenders behind Aston Villa.

The Whites sit 9th in the Premier League table with very genuine ambitions of securing a top-six finish.

Their strong performances, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the west London derby, have thrust them into the European conversation.

Fulham last competed in European football during their memorable 2009/10 Europa League campaign, reaching the final before losing to Atlético Madrid, and very nearly got there last campaign.

Silva is preparing to strengthen his squad in January to maintain their push for Europe too. The manager has reportedly identified three key positions requiring reinforcements — central midfielder, winger and striker (Sky Sports).

Reports suggest Fulham are keen on Deportivo La Coruna forward Yeremay as one possible target, while others believe that they're firmly in the mix to sign exit-bound Man City winger Oscar Bobb.

 The Cottagers are also apparently planning ahead following speculation that Rodrigo Muñoz could depart, with the Brazilian recovering from surgery and his future uncertain beyond this season.

In midfield, Fulham apparently have their eyes on another Brazilian.

Gabriel Sara set for Galatasaray meeting as Fulham express interest
Indeed, according to Turkish journalist Yakup Cinar, that man is Gabriel Sara.

 The former Norwich City star bagged 10 assists in all competitions last season for the Süper Lig champions, but has largely failed to hit those heights this term.

Sara has remained a regular of Galatasaray's starting eleven, but it is now believed that he's set for a key meeting with club chiefs this week to determine his future.

This comes with both Fulham and Sunderland 'seriously interested' in the 26-year-old, so an exit could be on the cards for him this winter.

Sara's proven experience in England could be a major draw for Silva.

The ex-Canaries star racked up 21 goals and 17 assists in just under 100 appearances for Norwich before leaving Carrow Road, with ex-teammate Kenny McLean calling him the 'full package'.

"Everyone can see his ability but he is now controlling games," McLean said in 2023.

"He's everywhere off the ball. That was a big thing when the new manager came in and he was really drumming that into him to be more aggressive, get against people and he is doing that.

"It was just consistency with him. For me, right now, he is the full package."

Depending on the fee involved, he could be an astute back-up for Fulham to provide much-needed depth centrally.



https://www.footballfancast.com/gabriel-sara-key-meeting-this-week-fulham-interest-in-signing-him/

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Predicting the next manager of every club from Arsenal to Fulham – who gets Amorim and Maresca?
Ruben Amorim, Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino all return to the Premier League in our guesses for the next managers of everyone from Arsenal to Fulham.

With the Premier League manager rankings for 2025/26 receiving an extensive update, it is time now to look further ahead at the successors to those current incumbents.

Some clubs have an almost transparent succession plan, whereas others are slightly less easy to predict.

Fulham
Marco Silva being the sixth longest-serving manager in the 92 does not sit right. It seems safe to assume he knows quite a bit more about the Premier League than when he was roundly mocked upon his arrival in 2017, but such longevity also makes Fulham arguably the hardest club to predict here.

A curveball: Enzo Maresca. The list of the best available managers has had some eye-catching updates this month alone and when Pep Guardiola decides to stay loyal to Manchester City upon their 115 relegations through the English football pyramid and towards the Earth's core, Maresca will be freed up again to consider his options.

And look, it's a short trip down Fulham Road.



https://www.football365.com/news/predicting-next-manager-arsenal-fulham-amorim-maresca

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Leeds United vs Fulham: How to watch, date, time, live stream and TV channel
Fulham travel away for the first time in four matches when they take on Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Daniel Farke's side sit just a couple of places above the relegation zone and are still searching for their first league win of the calendar year, while Marco Silva's men arrive unbeaten in 2026.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the top-flight encounter.

What time does Leeds United vs. Fulham kick off?
The match begins at 15:00 (UK time) on Saturday afternoon.

Where is Leeds United vs. Fulham being played?
The Premier League encounter will take place at Leeds' iconic Elland Road, a ground that can hold just under 38,000 fans.

Fulham's last visit to Elland Road came in 2022, when they claimed a 3-2 victory thanks to a late Willian goal.

How to watch Leeds United vs. Fulham in the UK
TV channels
The game will not be available to watch live in the UK due to the 15:00 blackout rule, which prevents games from being shown live on UK TV between 14:45 and 17:15 on Saturday.

Online streaming
The blackout also means there will be no official live-streaming of the match available in the UK.

Highlights
Unable to watch in the UK, viewers will have to settle for highlights that will be shown on various platforms.

Match of the Day will show extended highlights of all Premier League fixtures from 22:30 on Saturday evening, while shorter highlights will be available shortly after full time via the Sky Sports App and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

What is at stake for Leeds United and Fulham?
Despite being only a couple of places above the relegation zone, there are eight points separating Farke's side and 18th-placed West Ham United.

The hosts will be hoping to extend that gap to 11 points on the weekend and increase their chances of Premier League survival.

Farke's side have lost just once in their last nine in all competitions, but with five stalemates in that time, they will be desperate to turn draws into wins.

As for Fulham, they ended 2025 with successive wins and are yet to lose in 2026.

Their impressive form has lifted them to ninth in the Premier League and secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup, with the Cottagers potentially ending the weekend as high as fifth.

A dramatic late draw at home to Liverpool was followed by a huge win over their West London rivals Chelsea a few days later.

As a result of their form, Fulham head to Elland Road as favourites and will be targeting their 10th league victory of the campaign.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/news/how-to-watch-leeds-united-vs-fulham-date-time-live-stream-and-tv-channel_589806.html

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Goal of the Month Result: December
Harry Wilson's unreal effort against Crystal Palace has been voted as our Goal of the Month for December.

After being found by an incisive Alex Iwobi pass, Wilson played the slickest of one-twos with Raúl Jiménez before bending the ball beyond Dean Henderson with the outside of his boot.

Speaking after the game, which ended in disappointment thanks to Marc Guehi's header at the death, Wilson said: "It would have felt a hell of a lot nicer if it had led to the three points, but it was a really nicely worked goal.

"I think when you play against Palace, with a five at the back and the two in front, it takes a move like that – quick, intricate passing – to open them up.

"Alex's pass into me was great, I knew Raúl was there for the one round the corner and gives a perfect set-back for me to just use the outside of my left foot and find the far corner.

"It was a nice goal, one that I really enjoyed, I'm just gutted that it didn't lead to any points."

Despite a high calibre of strikes in December, the Palace effort was a runaway victor with 72.5 per cent of the vote. Wilson was involved in all of the top three, with Smith Rowe's perfect header from his excellent assist against Manchester City coming second with 8.6%, ahead of Wilson's clinching goal at Burnley (5.4%).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/14/goal-of-the-month-result-december/

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West Ham reignite talks for unique Fulham star with contact also made for 49-cap England international
West Ham United are hopeful Fulham will become more open to a transfer for Adama Traore as negotiations restart behind the scenes, sources have revealed to us.

The Hammers are seeking players with Premier League experience as they look to strengthen their squad in the fight against relegation. Sources close to Fulham acknowledge that a deal is likely to develop and that fresh talks are expected to take place.

West Ham made initial contact before the transfer window opened and believed they could move quickly to secure an agreement, reuniting the winger with his former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

However, Fulham were reluctant to allow Traore to leave during a busy and important period, with Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi both away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Marco Silva has continued to use Traore in recent matches, but once Fulham return to full strength the situation is expected to become more flexible.

Traore is not viewed as part of Fulham's long-term plans beyond this season, though Silva is keen to receive assurances that he will be adequately replaced should he depart this month.

We revealed on January 3 that West Ham are still confident they will land the Spaniard but are exploring backup options just in case.

Sources confirmed to us back in October that Nuno is plotting a stunning reunion with Traore to help West Ham get closer to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Traore is not the only experienced star the Hammers are interested in, as they have initiated a broad approach of scouring Europe for potential reinforcements.

We can confirm that they have also made an enquiry for Monaco's former Tottenham Hotspur star Eric Dier.

The versatile star, who can operate either in defence or midfield and who has won 49 caps for England on the international stage, left Spurs for Bayern Munich in January 2024, before moving to the south of France in May 2025.

However, he could return to the Premier League this month.



https://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/west-ham-transfer-news-adama-traore-talks-fulham-eric-dier-enquiry-sources

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Leeds United (A) Digital Tickets
Supporters are advised that digital tickets for our away match v Leeds on Saturday 17th January have begun to be distributed in batches via email this evening (Wed 14th Jan). This process is expected to be completed by the end of Wed 14th Jan.

Digital tickets will be in use for this fixture and all supporters must download their digital match pass to their Apple or Google Wallet before arriving at Elland Road. This process is the same as downloading home season and match tickets.

Please check your email inbox (including Junk or Spam folders) to locate your email, which comes from [email protected] with the subject line: 'Your Digital Ticket - Leeds United v Fulham'.

Supporters who have purchased multiple tickets for this fixture will receive multiple emails with each one containing a unique ticket download link.

Step-by-step guidance on how to download a digital pass can be found below.

TICKET DOWNLOAD INFORMATION

If supporters have any difficulties downloading or locating their ticket, please contact the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm) or by calling 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/14/leeds-united-a-digital-tickets/

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West Ham and Fulham dealt Chelsea transfer blow by Liam Rosenior amid 'conversation' claims
Liam Rosenior arrived as Chelsea head coach last week and will be looking to put his stamp on the club

Liam Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in the Chelsea managerial dugout last week and faces the biggest test of his Blues reign thus far when his side host Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have gone on a challenging run of form in the league and will view the cup as the perfect opportunity to instil renewed confidence into the side, while seeking a first trophy win of the Rosenior era.

Off the pitch, the Blues head coach has some important squad decisions to make, amidst the circumstances of the January transfer window. He will have the opportunity to assess his squad and bring in the reinforcements he deems necessary this month, while offering an exit to players he does not feel will fit into his system at Stamford Bridge.

Two Chelsea stars have hit headlines following claims by Rosenior on Tuesday, in what could be a blow to their Premier League rivals.

Rosenior to have 'conversations' with exiled Sterling and Disasi this month
Rosenior has suggested that there is a potential way back for Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi at Chelsea, telling reporters he will have "conversations" with the pair who were exiled under Maresca.

Reported by Sky Sports News, Rosenior said: "I will have conversations with them. We're in January, as you know. Raheem's had an outstanding career. I've got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I've really, really liked as a player for a long time.

"Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. I'm being genuinely honest. I have got to work through a list of priorities. I will do in the next few days."

Sterling has not played for Chelsea since May 2024, having not featured once in a competitive match under Maresca, and departed on loan for Arsenal last season. Disasi, meanwhile, last featured for the Blues first team in January 2025 but has played for the Chelsea Under-21 side this term.

Rosenior update will come as a blow to Fulham and West Ham
This news will come as a blow to Chelsea's London rivals Fulham and West Ham United, both of whom were hoping to secure one of Chelsea's exiled stars this January.

Sterling has been linked with Fulham over the past couple of transfer windows and was 'leaning towards' a move to the Cottagers this month according to the Standard, after West Ham's attempt at a loan move was rejected. The 31-year-old has been training alone this season and reports continued that both Sterling and Chelsea were only willing to sanction a permanent deal or loan with unconditional obligation to buy. The situation may, however, have changed with Rosenior's arrival.

West Ham have also made a second ploy to sign Disasi after seeing a move fail to materialise on summer transfer deadline day. The Hammers are struggling in the bottom three and Nuno Espirito Santo may look to the five-cap France international to help shore things up at the back.

Amidst prospective cross-London moves for both stars, Rosenior's words about his plans to speak to both players have thrown a spanner in the works for Fulham and West Ham respectively. Both Sterling and Disasi have looked a long way from the Chelsea first team in recent months but it remains to be seen whether they will be given a clean slate and a fresh chance to perform under Rosenior.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/west-ham-fulham-chelsea-transfer-blow-conversation-premier-league-sterling-disasi-5475360

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Exclusive: Walsall agree to sign Fulham starlet Aaron Loupalo-Bi

Walsall have won the race to sign Fulham striker Aaron Loupalou-Bi on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

Several EFL clubs have shown interest in the young striker, but League Two promotion hopefuls Walsall have agreed a deal with Fulham to bring him in until the end of the season.

Mat Sadler's side recently shelled out an undisclosed fee to sign Alex Pattison from Bradford City, and Loupalo-Bi is now set to become their second addition of the winter window imminently.

The 20-year-old has been playing for Fulham's U21 side so far this season, and has notched 14 goals and three assists for them in all competitions.

The promotion race is heating up in League Two once again, and Walsall find themselves firmly in the mix in the middle of the January window.

The Saddlers currently occupy the third automatic promotion spot on goal difference, and the race for promotion is finely poised, with just four points separating them and eighth-placed Notts County at the moment.

The League Two outfit have now moved to add more firepower to their group in the form of Fulham hitman Loupalo-Bi.

He spent time on loan in the National League with Dagenham and Redbridge last season, and managed one goal and one assist in 20 games in what was his first ever loan spell.

Loupalo-Bi has also been playing against senior opposition this season, as he has four goals from seven games for Fulham's youth side, across both the Vertu Torphy and the National League Cup.

Walsall will be hoping that his prior experience of the men's game can see him hit the ground running at the Bescot Stadium.

https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-walsall-agree-to-sign-fulham-starlet-aaron-loupalo-bi/