🌞Summer Silly Season Transfer thread 2026

[Neutral Zone Ultra]

Mastantuono has officially gone to Fiorentina now, so we can chalk that one off the list.

[copthornemike]

We need a midfielder that brings goals and assists

Who isn't?
Everyone is looking for one of those!

[jayffc]

We need a midfielder that brings goals and assists

Who isn't?
Everyone is looking for one of those!

We got Palacios - and are hopefully getting Pitarch ....bosh. And Even Shea Charles Got 6 G/A last year without being an ever present

[WindyCity]

Yes he (Berge) seems reluctant to pull the trigger at times but just wonder if he was just following instructions from Silva.

I've seen this "hypothesis" proffered before in this forum, that Berge is/was under instructions not to have a go when available to do so.  Total bunk in my view.  I can't imagine ever that a coach would instruct any player not to shoot the ball when they have a chance.  Not buying at all......

[Surlyc]

Yes he (Berge) seems reluctant to pull the trigger at times but just wonder if he was just following instructions from Silva.

I've seen this "hypothesis" proffered before in this forum, that Berge is/was under instructions not to have a go when available to do so.  Total bunk in my view.  I can't imagine ever that a coach would instruct any player not to shoot the ball when they have a chance.  Not buying at all......

I absolutely can imagine that. Coaches like Pep are notorious for emphasising the team over the individual and getting the shots from the right people.

I don't mind Berge not having shots in his stats. What I mind is how often our tactics used to end up with Berge in the position to shoot, which implies a big flaw in the tactics.

[Chi_FFC]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

[WindyCity]

Yes he (Berge) seems reluctant to pull the trigger at times but just wonder if he was just following instructions from Silva.

I've seen this "hypothesis" proffered before in this forum, that Berge is/was under instructions not to have a go when available to do so.  Total bunk in my view.  I can't imagine ever that a coach would instruct any player not to shoot the ball when they have a chance.  Not buying at all......

I absolutely can imagine that. Coaches like Pep are notorious for emphasising the team over the individual and getting the shots from the right people.  I don't mind Berge not having shots in his stats. What I mind is how often our tactics used to end up with Berge in the position to shoot, which implies a big flaw in the tactics.

Thanks for the response and your commentary.  Respectfully disagree though.  I just don't buy it.  Any outfielder on the pitch at any given time can tickle the twine.  There were a handful of times last season when Berge had some good forward movement with the ball and found himself at top of the box and could easily have had a distance go, but simply passed off to the side.  Additionally, the problem with a player that refuses to shoot the ball also allows defenders to give him space and cover other players, knowing he's no danger to score a goal.  I have noticed many times over past couple of seasons where Berge has acres of space in front of him, and it almost seems like he's not sure what to do with it.  Anyway, my point being that Berge needs to shoot when he has chance, as does, more importantly, the entire team, which I don't think takes enough shots when opportunity knocks, whether close in on tough angles or from distance.

[AustrianGeezer]

Yes he (Berge) seems reluctant to pull the trigger at times but just wonder if he was just following instructions from Silva.

I've seen this "hypothesis" proffered before in this forum, that Berge is/was under instructions not to have a go when available to do so.  Total bunk in my view.  I can't imagine ever that a coach would instruct any player not to shoot the ball when they have a chance.  Not buying at all......

Most games it looked like qe tried to carry the ball into the goal. I absolutely belief silva told some of the boys to hold off of shooting

[Carborundum]

Berge's shooting / not shooting / heading ability all irritate me.  But perhaps not as much as the high proportion of his passes that go to the back five. 

His debut sticks in my mind.  Nine outfield players were playing lovely crisp stuff that he simply could not compute and join in with.  He received the ball, he dithered, the opponents regrouped.  He was the footballing equivalent of the person you don't want to be sat with at the office Christmas Party.  Debuts are difficult and don't necessarily mean too much - Steffjo's was comically bad, but in a "calm down and you will be fine" way.
Berge's, well I feared that I was looking at someone who is not a natural passer and I was right.  He just isn't.  This matters so much in the premier league.  The athleticism is such that usually only quick ball can cut through.  His role is where quick forward ball can stem from.  He doesn't provide it sufficiently. I won't be at all surprised if he isn't a Fulham player by the end of the January window, maybe sooner.  Selfishly, I want to watch a midfield better at passing forwards.

Ironically I've seen Berge smash a goal in at the Cottage with aplomb.  Wearing a Burnley shirt.  So whilst I know he can do it, I know it in the way that I now consider Harrison Reed deadly from 30+ yards out.

[Twig]

Unpopular opinion but I don't think 9 mil for Lukic is that bad. He's almost 30 and on the last year of his contract, we've basically recouped what we paid for him and I can only see his value depreciating from here.

He probably doesn't have the speed or legs to suit AA high press tactics

I agree but would add that the £9 mil is almost pure profit. What did he cost, c. £5 mil (my memory isn't that great). Deduct amortisation and there will have been about £1 mil left on the books so c. £8 mil profit!

[Angus Telford]

We were in serious need of reducing our average age so this window has been quite successful in that regard. I don't mind if we replaced all who's left with young uns. We still have plenty of age and experience.

This.
Pretty sure our average age will still be on the older side when the window closes.
Lukic is a good player but not exceptional and won't get any better. I'd rather our squad players are mostly young players we're developing.

[Volz]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

[Deuce]

As others have stated, I dont think anyone should underestimated the importance of experience (especially from the prem) in a football team.

People slate Berge, but he is the type of player that a lot of people dont see the footballing value in. His positioning, decision making and such. I actually think his value for us rises as we are letting other positions experienced players leave
 

What worries me is that we are putting all our eggs in one basket, which is AA. I mean, in late May the club wanted Silva to stay. Now a couple of months later and the club is all in for shaping our side entirely based on players that AA likes. That is exactly the lack of overarching strategy that me and others have been worried about for several years.

I get the backing of a manager, and Im all for it, but clubs have made smaller changes and been relegated for less. Not sure I like us throwing out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak.

With that being said, I do like our (sudden) shift towards youth. I hope we arent too extreme.

[WindyCity]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion here, but, again, I disagree with this 'don't shoot instruction'.  I'm all for playing 'team' football, doing what's best for the team, but part of that thinking is that when you have a shot, regardless who you are, you take it, and maybe you end up benefitting the team.  By the way, I'm not totally slagging off Berge, he does have some benefit, interrupting passing lanes and the like, but his offensive game is non existent, rarely shoots, creative/risky passes also very rare.
If it ever comes out that MS actually instructs certain players not to have a go, then I'll stand corrected, and also stand very disappointed that a professional coach would order such instruction. 

[St Eve]

Parker told the entire team not to shoot. He even dropped one our best centre forwards ever

[KentFulham]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

He didnt shoot under Marco becsuse Marco plays Parkerball

[FFC007]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

He didnt shoot under Marco becsuse Marco plays Parkerball

Magathball was more attacking than Parkerball.

[TheScoop]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

He didnt shoot under Marco becsuse Marco plays Parkerball

Most goals by Fulham in a Premier League season.

22/23 - 55 - Marco Silva
23/24 - 55 - Marco Silva
24/25 - 54 - Marco Silva

Most goals ever in a Championship Season

Man City - 108
Fulham - 106 - Marco Silva

[Volz]

I believe I've posted these stats here before re Berge. In 22-23 with Sheffield United (in the Championship) he took 54 shots, in 23-24 with Burnley (in the PL) he took 25. With Fulham in 24-25 he took 3 and last season he took 14.

He shoots when he is playing for Norway, he shot when playing for every other team he had played for. Combine that with the insane number of passes that we always used to have when around the box under Marco's latter days with few players other than Iwobi, Raul and Wilson taking the shot I would believe it is pretty damn sure that Marco wanted and instructed the players that the right person needs to take the shot don't waste the opportunity wait for the opening.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion here, but, again, I disagree with this 'don't shoot instruction'.  I'm all for playing 'team' football, doing what's best for the team, but part of that thinking is that when you have a shot, regardless who you are, you take it, and maybe you end up benefitting the team.  By the way, I'm not totally slagging off Berge, he does have some benefit, interrupting passing lanes and the like, but his offensive game is non existent, rarely shoots, creative/risky passes also very rare.
If it ever comes out that MS actually instructs certain players not to have a go, then I'll stand corrected, and also stand very disappointed that a professional coach would order such instruction. 

I am usually very cautious on commenting too much on fellow countrymen as I really do not want it to look like i am vigilantly defending them for no other reason than shared nationality.
I can be critical when needed, but I'm usually very forgiving in general as well if I see there is a will and intention.

Now I do agree with those critical to Berge when it comes to headers specifically. That is objectively a weak area for him. I don't think it is something he can be trained to get much better at though. Some players, regardless of height, are just restricted on that by instinct. I used to play CB when i was younger and that was always my weak area as well, i just never got comfortable with it. Thankfully this was very much amateur level.

Then you you have players like Mac Allistar that, from height alone, looks like he should barely bother. Still he fights like a gladiator and goes for it every opportunity he gets. Even Wilson had his share of goals on headers.

I always appreciate well articulated opinions though, especially so with other views than mine. So I have no issue with yours here, Windy.

[itombomb]

Yeah, Berge is objectively a very good player. The fact he is absolutely useless defending corners despite being 6'5 is nevertheless incredibly frustrating.