Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 22/04/26...

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Results

Tuesday 21/04
Brighton	3-0	Chelsea

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Fulham and Spurs coming up in the League, Sunderland just gone and Forest in Europe
There are an interesting number of games coming up over the next few weeks. First up is Fulham in London on Saturday, followed by the first leg of the semi final against Forest. We then have Spurs at Villa Park.

It's a hard ask, but imagine we win all three? I fancy, although I've not really looked, if we did, we'd have secured top five and will give us a great opportunity for a European final. And things feel good again don't they.

And this is so easy to write after the event, we aren't going to win every game in a season and there are going to be periods when things just don't go for us. And we have to take the rough with the smooth. It's actually the only thing we're supposed to do.

But isn't it refreshing that with five games to go in the season, I'm writing and you're thinking about us securing Champions League football for next season and competing for a silverware in Europe. It's not to say that anything is certain yet, the margins are thin and while we were a little unlucky at the weekend to concede two goals so quickly, we were also fortunate to get the winner.

And that save from Emi. The overall team performance to put us in the place to be able to win. And Sunderland were decent. But we were composed and Ollie just seems to be getting into his groove at just the right time. And Rogers, I think could be the key man between now and the end of the season.

It just feels like, a bad start to the season and the poor little run we have just had are all part of the plan. It's like the manager designed it this way. He probably didn't, but what he did do is get us out of the slumps and it's such a wonderful time to be an Aston Villa fan.

The game is still broken. We can't compete with Clubs that are generating so much more in revenue by buying their way to the top table, but we are showing it's not about how much you spend. We are showing that football wins in the end. Proper football.

Right, I just wanted to write something and it's done. Now it's time to spread my wings in the big city for the day.



https://www.thevillablog.co.uk/aston-villa-blog/avfc-opinion/fulham-and-spurs-coming-up-in-the-league-sunderland-just-gone-and-forest-in-europe

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Only Marco Silva's players can convince him to stay
We could be entering the last five games of the Marco Silva era.

My first-ever article on Fulhamish cut through to the Fulham core. It concerned the transfer of our then best and most important player - Aleksander Mitrovic - to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The message I adopted then was: "Don't panic; we will have success without him". I take that same tack with Marco Silva.

Marco is a top-class manager; he has established Fulham back in the top flight, delivered record-breaking points totals and results against rivals that will live long in the memory. He has delivered some of the best football Fulham have ever produced. He's achieved on-the-pitch stability, something that evaded the club for the best part of a decade.

But I want to remind everyone of what Fulham has given him too. Back in 2021, Marco Silva was in the doldrums of management. Everton sacked him after an embarrassing defeat to rivals Liverpool. After that, he did not work for almost two years. He was looking for work, but because of his merry-go-round club swapping record and inconsistent results, he was not trusted. At the time, Fulham had been yo-yo-ing around a bit themselves. The appointment suited both parties because both club and manager wanted to achieve the same goal: an established top-level status.

Both parties have now achieved that goal.

To highlight their shift in stature as a re-established Premier League club, Fulham are now unlikely to replace Marco with a relatively unproven manager who has spent two years out of the game. They're unlikely to turn to a Marco Silva before his Fulham renaissance.

So, Fulham have offered Marco a deal; Marco hasn't signed it. According to the latest reports, he has not yet decided his future. Presumably because Fulham aren't elevating him to manage at a higher level yet. So, that leaves us with a very likely conclusion. Without European football next term, Marco will be saying goodbye.

If Fulham a) don't make Europe and b) haven't moved heaven and earth to keep Marco, it begs the question: will the hierarchy decide that it would be better to move heaven and earth for someone new? A manager with new ideas, confidence in the system and positive energy. Cast your mind back to Marco's beginnings at Craven Cottage. Harry Wilson was signed 24 days after Marco was appointed. Mitrovic was given a new lease of life. Fulham smashed the Championship.

Marco is not Carlo Ancelotti, who permanently replaced the Portuguese manager at Everton. Without that elite-level prestige, has Silva now hit a ceiling with Fulham? To progress from mid-table to European qualifiers, you need a run of consecutive wins. Under Silva, Fulham only managed to win more than four Premier League games in a row once. He has not yet proved he can consistently manage momentum. There is, of course, still some time for him to prove he can.

Over five years, Marco managed to shake the club into transfer action. The club responded to his injection of urgency. Under Silva, Fulham have spent £294m (23 loans and 17 permanent deals). He has been equipped with one of the best Fulham squads in modern times, which he has had a say in building. If Marco were to depart, he'd be a victim of his own transfer success. His inheritor would have some squad.

Lastly, Marco has taken Fulham from D to B+ (and sometimes to A). If Fulham don't make Europe, all in Fulham colours may conclude that he cannot take us any higher. After three Premier League seasons, even Marco may not deny that. When I examine the person - not the manager - sometimes I see exhaustion. I worry another year of inconsistency and unfathomable refereeing decisions would potentially drain his footballing will power.

When I started to write about Marco's contract renewal in late 2025, I expressed serious doubts that an agreement would be reached for numerous reasons. Namely, the release clause in his contract, inconsistent form, his frustration with the boardroom, and the opportunities with other clubs.

But now I realise that if Marco goes at the end of 2025/26, it may be for reasons that I have not written about at all. It is just two parties looking across the table. Looking each other in the eye. "Help me, help you" - maybe it's that simple. They've achieved together. They've helped each other. They could each take their next upwards step - independently. Without achieving European football, the end would still be an amicable and beloved no fault separation.

So as this season draws to a close, and if Fulham's European chances have significantly dwindled, I hope Fulham announce any departure in time for a celebratory last game (speeches and all).

I also hope Fulham have at least started to line up a high-calibre replacement.

I implore the fanbase to remind themselves of where Marco started, what was promised, and what has been delivered. Fulham could go again with a new face if necessary. We will have further success without him. We just need to keep calm and carry on if and when the time comes.

In the meantime, Fulham's European chances seem to be the only instrument capable of persuading Marco to stay. So ultimately, only his players possess the necessary powers to convince him. It is still to play for. But we will find out how persuasive they're being sooner rather than later.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/only-marco-silvas-players-can-convince

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Which Premier League players are out of contract this summer?
When Harry Maguire signed a new Manchester United contract this month, the experienced England defender removed himself from the list of this summer's potential free agents.

Some big Premier League names have already announced their intention to leave when their deals expire - including Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva, Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier and Maguire's team-mate Casemiro.

But the future of many senior players remains uncertain, with fewer than five weeks of the league season remaining.

From returning loanees to stand-out performers who are likely to be in demand elsewhere, BBC Sport takes stock of more than 60 players who could be on the move come June.

Arsenal
There isn't too much of note for Mikel Arteta to worry about.

Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein, 24, who made his sole senior appearance for the Gunners in a League Cup fixture in 2022, is the only player out of contract. Hein has been on loan at Werder Bremen this season, following similar spells at Reading and Real Valladolid.

Aston Villa
Unai Emery has no immediate contract worries, with all of his first-team squad contracted until at least 2027. There was a suggestion Ross Barkley, 32, was out of contract this summer but it is understood the former England midfielder signed a three-year deal when he joined from Luton Town in July 2024.

Bournemouth
Head coach Andoni Iraola is one man who will definitely be leaving Vitality Stadium in a few weeks. And his replacement, Marco Rose, will be desperate for defender Marcos Senesi to stay in Dorset.

The impressive Argentine, 28, has started every league game this season bar one - for which he was suspended - but has already rejected three new offers from the Cherries, amid reported interest from Juventus and a host of Premier League clubs.

Third-choice keeper Fraser Forster, 38, has not featured for Bournemouth since signing a six-month deal in January.

Brentford
Brentford boss Keith Andrews can avoid having to replace a considerable amount of Premier League experience this summer by triggering a trio of extensions.

Jamaica left-back Rico Henry, 28, has turned in some sparkling displays in the Bees' push for Europe and the club have an option to extend his stay for an additional year, as they do with midfielders Mathias Jensen, 30, and Josh Dasilva, 27, who was given a short-term deal in October as he recovers from three injury-ravaged seasons.

Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton stand to lose a huge amount of top-flight know-how this summer.

James Milner, 40, now the leading appearance maker in Premier League history, is undecided about his future but remains influential.

Defenders Adam Webster, 31, and Joel Veltman, 34, could also become free agents. Webster, sidelined with a serious ACL injury since July 2025, has spoken publicly about wanting to stay.

Winger Solly March, 31, another long-serving player beset by serious knee injuries, has struggled for game time in the past three campaigns.

Lewis Dunk's contract was due to be up this summer, but BBC Sport understands the 34-year-old has triggered a one-year extension.

Burnley
Burnley's relegation to the Championship will be confirmed if they lose to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, 37, has played every minute of this league campaign and the Slovakian's experience could prove invaluable in the second tier.

World Cup-bound DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe, 28, and veteran striker Ashley Barnes, 36, a bit-part player in his second spell at the club, could also become free agents in June, along with third-choice keeper Vaclav Hladky, 35.

The Clarets have an option to extend the contract of versatile midfielder Josh Laurent, 30, for another year.

Chelsea
Given the BlueCo ownership's policy of tying down players on extremely long contracts, it's perhaps no surprise that no senior Chelsea players find themselves as free agents this summer.

Crystal Palace
Head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will depart this summer, so Palace's hierarchy will have to decide on the futures of three of their 2024-25 FA Cup winners.

Japan's Daichi Kamada, 29, and Colombia's Jefferson Lerma, 31, have played regularly in midfield this season but both face becoming unattached midway through the World Cup, although the Eagles have a one-year option on Lerma.

Ex-England defender Nathaniel Clyne, 35, in his second spell at Selhurst Park, has been used sparingly this term.

Everton
David Moyes has the option to extend Idrissa Gueye's contract by 12 months and given the 36-year-old Senegal midfielder's recent performances, it would seem a prudent move.

Ukraine's Vitalii Mykolenko, 26, is another understood to have an option for a one-year extension, while his defensive colleague Michael Keane, 33, has been in fine form as he fights for his future.

Club captain Seamus Coleman, 37, has played just 11 Premier League minutes in what is the Irishman's 17th first-team season. Tyler Onyango, 23, picked up a hamstring injury in his second loan spell at Stockport County and seems likely to become a free agent.

Fulham
Harry Wilson, 29, may have missed out on a third major tournament with Wales, but the attacking midfielder has been one of the league's most eye-catching players this season.

The Cottagers' top scorer nearly joined Leeds United on deadline day last summer, but - with 10 goals and six assists this campaign - clubs nearer the top of the division may come calling.

Manager Marco Silva, himself out of contract, has the option of a one-year extension for left-back Ryan Sessegnon, 25, while forward Raul Jimenez, 34, has scored nine goals before a World Cup campaign with co-hosts Mexico.

Fulham also retain one-year options on midfielder Luke Harris, 21, currently on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, and goalkeeper Steven Benda, 27, on loan at Feyenoord.

Leeds United
Back-to-back wins mean it looks increasingly likely Leeds will avoid the drop, so boss Daniel Farke will have to tie up a few loose ends with his goalkeepers.

Karl Darlow, 35, is currently the Whites' starting keeper, but the Welshman's deal is up in June, as are those of back-ups Illan Meslier, 26, and Alex Cairns, 33.

Right-back Sam Byram, 32, has made just one brief league appearance this term and seems likely to leave Elland Road for a second time.

Liverpool
France centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who won the title with the Reds last season, is one of the most prized players on this list. After Sunday's Merseyside derby, the 26-year-old told the BBC an agreement on a new deal was "close".

Andy Robertson, 32, has won two league titles and the Champions League since joining in 2017, but will leave this summer. BBC Sport understands Tottenham are in advanced talks with the Scotland left-back, who they tried to sign in January.

Contracts are also up for defender Rhys Williams, 25, and third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman, 29, who made his first Premier League appearance for the club as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Everton.

Manchester City
Club legend and captain Bernardo Silva, 31, will bring the curtain down on a glorious career at Etihad Stadium this summer having won 18 trophies - so far - in nine seasons. The Portugal playmaker remains a class act and will not be short of offers.

Another mainstay of City's recent success, England centre-back John Stones, could also be leaving. A thigh problem kept the former Everton man, 31, out of action for nine weeks and Pep Guardiola's options in defence mean he has started just one league game since August.

Manchester United
Having found form and netted four goals since announcing in January he would leave this summer, there were some calls for United to reconsider the future of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 34, but that ship has sailed.

Netherlands left-back Tyrell Malacia and England winger Jadon Sancho, both 26, look set to depart Old Trafford. The Red Devils are unlikely to exercise a one-year option on Sancho, who has spent this season on loan at Aston Villa.

Veteran third-choice keeper Tom Heaton, 40, and midfielder Dan Gore, 21, a regular starter in his second loan spell at relegated League One side Rotherham United, are also out of contract.

Newcastle United
League Cup-winning stalwart Kieran Trippier, 35, has confirmed he will leave St James' Park after a four-year spell.

Fabian Schar, 34, another starter in last season's cup final win, is also out of contract, as are Sweden defender Emil Krafth, 31, currently out injured, and Matt Targett, 30, chasing promotion with loan club Middlesbrough.

Back-up keepers Mark Gillespie, 34, and John Ruddy, 39, could also leave.

Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, 33, signed a short-term deal in January which expires this summer. Scotland keeper Angus Gunn, 30, could also become a free agent, while experienced Ivory Coast centre-back Willy Boly, 35, has played just one League Cup game since signing a one-year extension last June.

Sunderland
Burkina Faso winger Bertrand Traore, 30, and left-back Dennis Cirkin, 24, could depart. The club have a one-year option on Traore, as they do with local boy Harrison Jones, 21, although the latter is likely to leave.

Another academy graduate, Dan Neil, 24, has already confirmed he will exit the club upon returning from his loan spell with Championship promotion-chasers Ipswich Town.

Deals are also up for rarely-used goalkeeper Simon Moore, 35, and right-back Niall Huggins, 25, on loan at Wycombe Wanderers.

Tottenham Hotspur
Mali captain Yves Bissouma, 29, played a key role in Tottenham's Europa League triumph last season, but has had a stop-start campaign and was widely expected to leave in January before picking up an injury.

The club's longest-serving player, Wales left-back Ben Davies, 32, sustained a broken ankle in January and it remains to be seen if he will extend his stay.

Relegation could also leave many Spurs stars open to offers, even if their contracts have plenty of time to run.

West Ham United
Winger Adama Traore, 30, has been used exclusively as a second-half substitute since joining on a short-term deal from Fulham in January, but the club do have an option to extend.

The Hammers were poised to terminate the contract of ex-England striker Callum Wilson, 34, before he scored a late winner against Tottenham in January. His future now is unclear.

Former Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, 41, has missed most of the season with a back injury and is yet to hold talks about an extension.

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves will be preparing for life in the Championship this summer and their only order of business is the future of experienced right-back Matt Doherty, 34. The Republic of Ireland mainstay has made 330 league appearances across two spells at Molineux but just 10 of them have come this season.

Elsewhere in football...
There is plenty of talent in Europe and beyond for English clubs to cast their eye over.

Robert Lewandowski may be 37 but the evergreen Poland striker is still a class act and Barcelona are yet to confirm if he will stay beyond the summer. Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, 26, currently out with a calf problem, has 90 Serie A goals to his name and the Serb's contract talks seem to have stalled.

Germany winger Julian Brandt, 29, is leaving Borussia Dortmund having made more than 300 appearances, while his compatriot Leon Goretzka, 31, is ending his stay at Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

Spain right-back Oscar Mingueza, 26, is yet to sign new terms at Celta Vigo, Morocco left-back Souffian El Karouani, 25, has an impressive 16 assists for Utrecht this season, while former Chelsea centre-back Malang Saar, 27, is out of contract at Ligue 1 title challengers Lens this season, although the French club have a one-year option.

Other former Premier League stars who may find themselves looking for a new club include Saar's Lens team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin, 29, Al-Ittihad's Brazil midfielder Fabinho, 32, and Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger, 33, although reports in Spain indicate the German will sign a one-year extension.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

Additional reporting by Shamoon Hafez, Alex Howell, Nizaar Kinsella, Nick Mashiter and Simon Stone



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c33l0gxm2ndo

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U21: Date confirmed for West Ham Play-Off tie
A date has been confirmed for Fulham Under-21s' Round of 16 PL2 Play-Off match against West Ham United.

The tie will take place on Friday 24th April, 7pm kick-off at Motspur Park. The tie will be decided on the night, with extra-time and penalties if required.

Hayden Mullins' side finished fourth in the PL2 table, while West Ham finished 13th.

The two sides met a couple of months ago, with our Young Whites running out 5-0 winners at Motspur Park, with Jonah Kusi-Asare and Farhaan Ali Wahid both bagging braces.

An away trip to either Ipswich Town or Brighton awaits the winner of our tie.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/april/21/u21-date-confirmed-for-west-ham-play-off-tie/

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Under-16s to play in cup final at the Cottage
Fulham Under-16s will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League Cup Final at Craven Cottage on Saturday 2nd May, 12pm kick-off.

There is free entry for all supporters for the Final – and you can book your tickets, here.

Fulham secured their spot in the Final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton at Motspur Park last month. U15 player Matthew McCloud scored in extra-time to set up a showdown with Spurs.

This is an exciting group, with many U16 players stepping up to play U18 football this season. Khai Vally, Mikel Obeng-John, Kayden Sessegnon, Archie Taylor, Kyle Grant, Teddy Driscoll, Leo Hamilton, Benji Oluyemmy and Chase Kapotwe have all featured for Andrew Joslin's side this season.

Supporters will be housed in the Johnny Haynes Stand for this fixture.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/april/21/under-16s-to-play-in-cup-final-at-the-cottage/