Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 19/08/26...

[WhiteJC]

Premier League Move 'Is Close' For Star Amid Everton And Fulham 'Insisting On' Deal
Everton and Fulham are 'insisting on' signing Genoa's full-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy before the transfer window closes and a Premier League return 'is close'.

The right-back came through Arsenal's academy before moving to Genoa in 2024, where he has gradually become a regular member of the Serie A side's squad.

Norton-Cuffy featured 27 times in Serie A last season, accumulating 2,215 minutes and contributing three goal involvements.

The 22-year-old's performances made him the subject of interest for Premier League clubs including Everton during the winter transfer window, but he ended up staying in Italy.

Juventus were also weighing up a move for the right-back at the time, but their interest ultimately did not lead to a deal.

Norton-Cuffy again emerged as a transfer target for Premier League clubs last month, with Everton and Fulham 'interested' in the Genoa star.

Now with fresh developments emerging, according to Italian journalist Orazio Accomando, the Premier League pair are 'insisting on' signing Norton-Cuffy, with Everton and Fulham stepping up on their interest.

It is also suggested that, for Norton-Cuffy, a Premier League return 'is close', though where he will end up remains unclear.

Everton are looking to strengthen their right-back position following the departure of Seamus Coleman and the Genoa star has emerged as an attractive option for the Toffees.

Fulham, who are set to start their new era under Alvaro Arbeloa, are also looking to strengthen their squad and make an addition at right-back.

It was suggested last month that Everton and Fulham would need to offer a substantial sum to convince Genoa to let go of Norton-Cuffy, who still has three years left on his contract with the Italian side.

It remains to be seen which of the Premier League pair are able to secure the signature of Norton-Cuffy as the new season approaches.

Meanwhile, Everton are also looking to strengthen their attack and are interested in Assane Diao, but the Toffees would need 'something unpredictable' to happen to sign the Como winger.

Elsewhere, Fulham have been boosted in their pursuit of Ethan Nwaneri, with the midfielder not being a target for AC Milan despite reports to the contrary, but the Cottagers face competition from Everton again for the Arsenal star.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/08/18/premier-league-move-is-close-for-star-amid-everton-and-fulham-insisting-on-deal/723984/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League season preview: Each club's pre-season preparations analysed ahead of new campaign's kick-off this Friday
How have all 20 Premier League sides' pre-season preparations gone ahead of the new season? How ready are clubs for the new campaign? Watch Arsenal vs Coventry live on Sky Sports Premier League on Friday from 7pm, kick-off 8pm

Football hasn't stopped this summer, so to make sure you're up to speed with how every Premier League team is shaping up ahead of the new season we've taken a look at their preparations for the new campaign.

From new managers and new signings to pre-season form and emerging talents, here's the lowdown on how the top 20 are looking...

Arsenal: Tzolis could prove a bargain
A lot of Arsenal's transfer talk has surrounded Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola this summer, but has Christos Tzolis given Mikel Arteta a reason to think differently?

There was not a great deal of fanfare when the Greek winger moved for £34m from Club Brugge early in the window, but Tzolis has shown quite a lot of threat since arriving.

In six pre-season games, Tzolis has six assists and one goal - including making two in the Community Shield against Man City. He is by no means flashy - he completed none of his dribbles in the win in Cardiff, for example - but he is very effective.

That pre-season form mirrored his form last season - getting 51 goal contributions in 52 games for Club Brugge. A set-piece threat too; if he gets anything close to those numbers in the regular season, then Arsenal have found themselves a £34m bargain.
Sam Blitz

Aston Villa: Turbulent summer at Villa Park
The doom and gloom mood of pre-season following the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans was momentarily lifted with the performance of Aston Villa against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final.

New signing Joao Gomes and 17-year-old Brian Madjo have impressed in pre-season and stood out once again against PSG, despite the loss.

However, Unai Emery was dealt another blow when reports emerged of injuries for both players as they approach the season opener against Brighton. They will now join both Amadou Onana and new signing Johan Manzambi on the sidelines.

It has been a summer of change at Villa Park and navigating key player exits is difficult enough. Injuries and the absence of any form of pre-season for Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins due to their extended World Cup breaks now mean both the line-up and performance itself could throw up a few surprises at the Amex Stadium.
Pat Rowe

Bournemouth: Settled summer offers promise for biggest-ever season
After a free-scoring pre-season under new head coach Marco Rose there are hopes that life after Andoni Iraola can be just as bright for Bournemouth despite a first season in Europe to contend with.

The Cherries' succession plan is as strong for players as it is for managers and Rose will tinker with rather than overhaul Iraola's work and getting their transfer business done early has helped his squad settle ahead of their most testing season.

An injury to Eli Kroupi Junior's foot injury will stop him from carrying on his superb form from last season for the foreseeable but there is already intrigue about the prospect of Alvaro Rodriguez, a summer arrival from Elche.

There are concerns over a lack of depth in central defence, especially with 22-year-old Antonio Silva expected to slot straight in to replace Marcos Senesi. But the ex-Benfica man has plenty of pedigree, making 20 appearances for Portugal already and 41 in the Champions League.
Ron Walker

Brentford: Hopes of going one better after European near-miss
Goal difference alone prevented the Bees from qualifying for Europe in May, but that's been forgotten now.

They've spent over £60m this summer, breaking their transfer record to sign Mali international midfielder Mamadou Sangare from Lens, while also adding proven Premier League players Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony to bolster the attack.

Keith Andrews' side blew Eintracht Frankfurt away with a 7-0 win at the Gtech last Saturday, which set tongues wagging about what might be possible this term. Reaching Europe is sure to be the target internally - and this could well be the campaign they go one better.
Dan Long

Brighton: Conference League or bust for Seagulls
It was a blow to Brighton to lose Danny Welbeck in the summer - but few fans will begrudge him the move at this stage of his career after he gave a lot to the club. Likewise, Brighton will feel they got brilliant money in for Jan Paul van Hecke and Carl Rushworth - the latter of which could be challenging James Trafford for the England jersey in the coming years.

In terms of incomings, it's the usual case of 'trust the process' with Brighton's recruitment team. The incredible hit rate has slowed a little in recent times, but the club have generally rebuilt pretty well year on year.

Aims for the season? Nothing matters other than winning the Conference League. Having watched Crystal Palace lift the trophy last season, anything other than victory in Istanbul in June would be disaster.
Simeon Gholam

Chelsea: Work to do to replicate Alonso style
Xabi Alonso appears to be replicating his successful 3-4-3 formation, which delivered the Bundesliga title for Bayer Leverkusen, at Chelsea after testing the system in pre-season.

Alonso had fielded a 4-2-3-1 in their first three friendlies, but after switching to a back three against AC Milan - their best performance of the summer in a 3-0 win - it seems he could stick with it heading into their opening match against Fulham on Monday Night Football.

Maxence Lacroix was at the heart of the back three in their final pre-season game against Real Sociedad while Morgan Rogers started on the left of a dangerous frontline including Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Marco Palestra struggled at left-wing back with Pedro Neto operating on the other side. It remains a work in progress.
David Richardson

Coventry: Encouraging signs in pre-season
A friendly win over Monaco was an encouraging way to finish pre-season and a clean sheet for 'keeper Carl Rushworth, who has signed on a permanent deal after his impressive loan last year, will add confidence to the backline which was the meanest in the second tier.

That belief could be tested with an extremely difficult opener at Arsenal on Friday night but after 25 years away expect Coventry and their fans to relish their Premier League return.

They'll hope the creative Gustavo Hamer and powerhouse Taiwo Awoniyi can give Frank Lampard's side threat at the other end to cheer. But can they continue their front-foot approach at the highest level?
Peter Smith

Crystal Palace: World Cup hits preparations for 'tinkerman' Sage
Crystal Palace started pre-season with a new manager in Pierre Sage, but the Frenchman's attempts to implement a new playing style have been hampered as a host of first-team players were focused on the World Cup, rather than an opening 5-1 win over Swindon Town.

The reappearance of Matheus Franca, a forgotten Brazilian youngster, has been one of the rare positives as he scored a hat-trick against Swindon and has featured regularly.

A 3-0 loss to Bromley would not have offered much optimism to Sage, who then had to endure a stinging defeat by the same scoreline to former club RC Lens in a swift reunion at the Como Cup. Palace defeated FC Famalicao on penalties before scoring their first goals of the tournament, albeit in a consolation 3-0 victory over Saudi side Alula SC.

The returning Ismaila Sarr should be a key player for Sage, and he was on target with Franca in a 2-1 win over Fulham, but a 3-0 loss to Freiburg has left the new Palace boss to admit that he needs to temper his desire to tinker.
Richard Damerell

Everton: Right-back a problem... but right back in the mix for Europe?
Everton's summer business has been steady with the addition of highly rated Hayden Hackney plus Christian Norgaard from Arsenal offering extra bite and quality in midfield.

But strength in depth remains an issue elsewhere with the potential requirement of Jake O'Brien or even James Garner to cover at right-back for another season unless the Toffees can add some more quality at right-back.

They were linked with Daniel Munoz and expressed an interest in Djed Spence before his move to Inter Milan, but have yet to get a new face through the door. That has not been a problem on the right of their attack, where Brennan Johnson has added some extra pace which the counter-attack minded David Moyes will look to exploit at every opportunity.

Can Everton put their end-of-season drop behind them to reach Europe this time around? Moyes might not always be flavour of the month at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but you can never rule it out with him around.
Ron Walker

Fulham: The Los Blancos of London under Arbeloa?
Alvaro Arbeloa's arrival from Spanish giants Real Madrid has injected some Castilian culture into Craven Cottage. Rather than looking to the domestic market to fill the void left by Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, Arbeloa tapped into La Fábrica, Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

In a stunning double transfer, Fulham completed a £42.8m deal for two of Real Madrid's brightest young players: striker Gonzalo Garcia and attacking midfielder Cesar Palacios. In behind them, £30m signing Shea Charles will provide a solid anchor in midfield. Fulham are evolving their squad nicely.

Arbeloa has also looked to put his Spanish stamp on the team's tactical identity. In pre-season, they've adopted a high-intensity, high-pressing approach. This new style of play has excited Fulham fans. But with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United among their early opponents, Los Blancos will need to settle into their new identity pronto.
James Cole

Hull: Will goals stop Tigers from roaring?
Hull were shock play-off winners in the Championship last season, defying the odds and a transfer embargo to seal a return to the Premier League.

Once again, they have their doubters this summer but predicting how they will fare has been further complicated by a flood of new arrivals - and with more expected in the final days of the window.

An injury to one of those new additions, goalkeeper Jack Butland, is a major blow, with the former England stopper likely out until Christmas due to arm surgery.

But the Tigers will hope they have secured some savvy buys, a la Sunderland last season, with Nobel Mendy, Konstantinos Tzolakis and 18-year-old Aussie centre-back Lucas Herrington ones to watch. Goals, though, could be an issue - they hit the net just once in their final three friendlies.
Peter Smith

Ipswich: Proven quality over Championship potential on top-flight return
Ipswich return to the top flight looking a very different entity to the one which was relegated in May 2025. Victories in their last three pre-season fixtures have featured encouraging displays from new additions and a hint at how they will potentially set up with a back three under new boss Gary O'Neil.

Experienced Premier League players rather than upcoming domestic and Championship talent have been targeted, while Daizen Maeda's arrival from Celtic comes after goalscoring feats north of the border.

Brazilian striker Emersonn is still largely an unknown quantity despite two goals in his last two pre-season starts. There are potentially more additions to come before Sunderland visit Portman Road on Saturday.
Adam Williams

Leeds: Can Calvert-Lewin push Farke's side forward again?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been on fire in pre-season, with three goals and two assists - is he set for an even better season than he had last term?

The Leeds striker had a pretty good campaign last time out with 14 Premier League goals - but it was even more impressive because he didn't have a pre-season, as he completed his Elland Road move on the eve of last term.

Having had a relatively full pre-season and with his injury woes behind him, plus the likes of Harry Wilson now in the team to support Leeds' attacking threat - is Calvert-Lewin going to lead Daniel Farke's wish for the Whites to be more competitive?
Sam Blitz

Liverpool: How will Iraola cope with new level of scrutiny?
Andoni Iraola has probably been under more scrutiny during pre-season at Liverpool than in three years in charge of Bournemouth. From recruitment to the balance of the squad, from the style of play to the ability to maintain it for 90 minutes, eyes are on him.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz will surely improve, but it still feels like a rebuild. The Liverpool fans are ready to embrace his rock and roll football. But can Iraola, coaching in Europe for the first time in his career, deliver the results that will sustain that support?
Adam Bate

Man City: Maresca wants to use throwback wingers - but there's a problem
Much of Man City's tactical approach under Enzo Maresca will mirror that of predecessor Pep Guardiola. They share similar philosophies. But a key change can be seen in how the Italian wants to use his wide players as more traditional wingers. Throwback to a bygone era of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane and it's something close.

Maresca has got two of the best wide ball carriers in the league in Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku; the intention is to use them as such. But an issue has arisen. Does Maresca have a midfield capable of servicing this system?

It was clear against Arsenal in the Community Shield that they do not. Semenyo landed five assists in pre-season but cut an isolated figure in that palling 3-0 defeat. With Bernardo Silva gone and Rodri's exit close, City's midfield reshuffle needs some serious work in order to get the team functioning and flowing as Maresca wants.
Laura Hunter

Man Utd: Progression on the pitch - but new personnel still required?
Manchester United ended their Premier League preparations with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, but the good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.

Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves.

It was quite clear last season that United would largely defend on the edge of their own box. What we've seen in pre-season has been a deviation - or, perhaps, progression. United are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition.

The game was a perfect illustration of why United need to invest seriously in a left-back: not just because Luke Shaw will need to be rotated with the increased number of games that comes with European competition, but also due to the way United clearly want to play going forward.
Danyal Khan

Newcastle: What awaits Jaissle after another tough summer?
Eddie Howe called for this summer to be different for Newcastle. It certainly has been, though not quite how he intended.

The now ex-head coach had hoped for early incomings and strong investment in a side which suffered after a messy transfer window 12 months ago but instead the loss of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali left the Magpies playing catch-up again while Bruno Guimaraes' departure was the final straw for Howe to walk.

Matthias Jaissle, another graduate of the Red Bull franchise, replaced him with an expectation of attractive, attacking football but his more pressing concern will be that four of his five new signings, costing almost £140m combined, are aged 20 or under.

That loss of experience on the pitch and in the dugout suggests another season of transition on Tyneside, but with the club still maintaining aims of a Premier League push within four years Jaissle and his players will have to come good sooner rather than later.
Ron Walker

Nottm Forest: Tricky Trees pruned to Glasner's wishes
Oliver Glasner arrives at Nottingham Forest having won three trophies in two seasons with Crystal Palace and is looking to put his stamp on things at the City Ground. Forest have switched to his favoured system and are quietly reshaping the squad to his needs.

Ousmane Diomande appears to be the standout signing and - for now at least - the key men remain. Forest fans would settle for Premier League progress after their European adventures but do not rule out fireworks from owner Evangelos Marinakis late in the window.
Adam Bate

Sunderland: Few new additions despite European demands
Sunderland spent over £180m revamping their squad for their return to the Premier League last summer - and there was method in the madness. The Black Cats stepped up admirably, qualifying for Europe for the first time in over half a century.

A year on, the only first-team signing they've made so far is that of 34-year-old Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier on a free from Lille, though Dayann Methalie is also set to join and become their record signing for £25.7m. That has been more than paid for already, with in excess of £30m recouped from the sales of fringe players.

The most significant moment of the summer, however, was when Granit Xhaka opted to stay at the club despite interest from Chelsea, who tabled an £8m bid for him to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. Their captain was pivotal in 2025/26 and will be going forward, too.
Dan Long

Tottenham: New signings impress as captaincy decision looms
An unbeaten pre-season for Tottenham has maintained optimism around Roberto De Zerbi's side after a big summer of spending.

The six new arrivals have all impressed in pre-season, with the new £185m midfield pairing of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes both scoring.

New defenders Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke looked a solid centre-back pairing in Saturday's clean-sheet win over Hoffenheim - and their display was even more encouraging considering Micky van de Ven did not play a pre-season minute, raising concerns he might not be fit for the Brentford trip.

Pedro Porro, Mohammed Kudus and Destiny Udogie also failed to feature in pre-season, meaning new left-back Andy Robertson, who impressed against Hoffenheim, should start this weekend.

With Porro's late World Cup-winning arrival means Archie Gray could be set to start at right-back, where he has played all of pre-season.

The 20-year-old has also been captain in pre-season after Cristian Romero's exit, so it will be interesting to see who De Zerbi gives the captaincy to for their first competitive match of the new campaign.
Declan Olley



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13572964/premier-league-season-preview-each-clubs-pre-season-preparations-analysed-ahead-of-new-campaigns-kick-off-this-friday

[WhiteJC]

Fulhamish's 2026-27 preview
It's the hardest season to predict in recent memory - but we had a go anyway.

Fulham begin the Arbeloa era in the Premier League on Monday in the SW6 derby. What will happen in that and the proceeding 37 games? Team Fulhamish give their two pence worth.

Sammy James

The key word ahead of the season for me is excitement. There is a real sense of anticipation around Fulham because we just don't know what we're going to get.

Don't confuse excitement for confidence though; I do suspect that at times this is going to be a really tough and frustrating season. I think the football will be exhilarating at times, but in every game in preseason we have looked like we are capable of very silly mistakes.

The lack of upgrades in defence and goal are worrying, but I do think we are very strong in both midfield and attack, albeit we could do with a bit more depth. As I wrote about recently, I think expectations among fans have become very high in the last few years and for me, finishing upper mid-table should be seen as a good return.

If we can get at least five points out of our opening five fixtures, I think we should be able to keep the relegation battle at an arm's length for the entire campaign, which would be more than fine by me.

Final position: 12th

Player of the season: Sander Berge

Top scorer: Rodrigo Muniz

Best result: We break the Manchester City losing curse.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Ryan Sessegnon to be a regular right-winger by Christmas.

Jack Collins

We're all about to embark on a giant leap into the unknown, and that is in equal parts absolutely terrifying and hugely exciting.

We have stepped outside of our comfort zone, the quiet place of Marco's consistency of approach, Harry scoring goals against Brentford and Raul slotting penalties away; and enter now into the brave new world of Álvaro Arbeloa's high-octane pressing game, Gonzalo Garcia shooting when he gets a sight of goal, and César Palacios' dancing feet.

While I am not naive enough to suggest that the huge elements of risk here carry their own baggage, and a difficult start could be deeply problematic; I also think there's plenty of reasons to be optimistic, and I think once the midfield settles down games will become less frantic than Saturday's appetite-whetter against Stuttgart.

As well as the new boys, I'm expecting a couple of returnees to really find their groove this season as well - Oscar Bobb has a huge opportunity to nail down the starting spot he never got at City, Josh King should kick on from last season's campaign and add real end product this time around, and Sander Berge can build on a terrific World Cup to be the anchor for the chaos unleashed in front.

While obviously there is hope that we can push on and challenge for Europe, I do think a successful season from my perspective would be everybody coming through unscathed safely in mid-table, good campaigns from the new boys, no hint of a relegation dogfight, and with plenty to build on in a more settled summer in 2027. Anything above and beyond that and I'd be over the moon. Let's do this thing.

Final position: 12th

Player of the season: Sander Berge

Top scorer: Gonzalo Garcia

Best result: I think with Pep gone, we might end the City curse.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Most goals conceded outside the bottom three; and over 3000 minutes combined for our academy products.

George Cooper

Honestly, who knows? I was more nervous before we made recent signings, especially Shea Charles, who I expect will fit into our side perfectly and is exactly what we need.

I was also impressed with what I saw in the friendly against Stuttgart, though you can't read too much into preseason games. I don't think we should expect too much from our team this term through this transition period. Achieving safety, allowing Arbeloa's culture and new signings to embed, and preparing to compete the following season would constitute success.

However, I do think we're in for an exciting season from our front line. I think Kevin will build on last year and become a real star for us, with enough minutes. I also firmly believe this will be the year Josh King cements his place in the team and begins to really turn heads in the league. I'm also excited to see what Garcia has to offer, and expect him to be our first-choice striker over Muniz. That said, I think our defence will struggle without reinforcements, which will ultimately prevent us from finishing in the top half.

Final position: 14th

Player of the season: Kevin

Top scorer: Gonzalo García

Best result: Beating Chelsea at home in the first game of the season.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: back-to-back goal of the season awards for Fulham (Kevin wonder goal).

Elizabeth Barnard

2026/27 feels impossible to predict: it's the first season in five years without the stability of Marco Silva at the helm, and I genuinely believe we could finish anywhere between sixth and 19th.

It had gone a bit stale under Silva towards the end, despite everything he had done for the club, and now does feel like the time to take a risk. I'm excited by the age profile of the squad, and the incoming signings, but I am obviously worried that it could all go horribly wrong and that we could be rudderless and desperate by October. Whatever happens, I absolutely cannot wait for that opener against Chelsea on Monday.

Final position: 14th

Player of the season: Kevin

Top scorer: Kevin

Best result: Monday night under the lights to shock Xabi Alonso's Chelsea.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: We crash out of one of the cups in humiliating fashion, and we make it to Wembley in the other.

Drew Heatley

Everyone is talking about "uncertainty" being the word of this season, but I think it's "potential".

We have a squad full of young, hungry players with points to prove. Sure, it's uncharted territory, but that's what many of us asked for in May.

Football is like a movie. We spend thousands of pounds across the course of a season and, recently, we already knew how the film was going to end. Now, we have no idea. So we'll get more bang for our buck - for better or for worse.

On top of our new, high-profile youngsters like Garcia, Palacios and Charles, we have our more "seasoned" starlets who are already embedded - Kevin, Bobb, and King. Just writing that gets me excited.

Yes, Arbeloa's squad isn't fully formed yet, but the good thing about getting players in earlier is that there's still time to shore up other areas, like defence and goalkeeper. I'm sure our work isn't done yet.

I'll finish by adding "patience" to my words of the season. Rome wasn't built in a day - and there may be a few storms to weather on the way. But our trajectory as a club is very much on the up. Strap in!

Final position: 10th

Player of the season: Cesar Palacios

Top scorer: Gonzalo Garcia

Best result: I think we turn Arsenal over at the Emirates.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Arbeloa sells Leno in January and brings in one of Madrid's young 'keepers, alongside his old mucka Iker Casillas as his personal goalkeeping coach.

Dan Goga-Cooke

This time last season I wrote: "I'm sensing a season of deja-vu. Same players, same manager, same system, probably similar ultimate outcomes." I predicted us to finish 12th and Harry Wilson to be top scorer and player of the season; proof that last season was quite predictable and therefore, for some people, a bit boring.

This season, literally none of that applies. New players, new manager, new system. It's a change that I think has simultaneously raised our ceiling and lowered our floor; which makes it impossible to know where we'll land.

The philosophy behind what we've done this summer is spot on for long-term growth. Out with the old, in with the youth is sensible, especially when paired with a manager whose only real experience is managing young players.

I think it's going to be a fairly turbulent season that sees us swing from world beaters to bottom feeders, sometimes within the space of a few days. It will take Arbeloa time to learn all of the tricks of the trade and it will take his players time to adapt to his physically demanding philosophy.

As a result of this lack of consistency, I can see a player like Shea Charles really shining. Some big tackles, smoothness in possession and the odd goal is something that I think the fanbase will warm to; the sort of player who will always get credit, even in losing causes. Honourable mention to Sander Berge, who I have never stopped defending, and I have a feeling he might finally repay my faith in him this season.

I can see this being our "worst" season since we've been back in the big time but, unless it's catastrophic, I think it'll be important to view it as one step back to take a leap forward in the years to come. I like the foundations that are being built, it might just take a bit of time.

Final position: 14th

Player of the season: Shea Charles

Top scorer: Gonzalo Garcia

Best result: Someone is going to get a pasting this season in a game where it all clicks. I'm predicting a 5-0 demolition in a league game.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Arbeloa, in the same season, will be the bookmakers favourite for next manager to be sacked, but will also win manager of the month.

Jack Kelly

Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham. I'm still getting used to saying that.

I'm excited; I like the system, and our business. It's going to be a tough season, for sure. Most neutrals have instantly wrote us off, because it's the easy opinion. I think we will have a good season, perhaps cause a few upsets across the campaign. Watching Fulham this season is going to be fun. I think we could score plenty, but could be vulnerable when hit in transition. We're a new RCB away from being almost there as a squad, and I expect further depth to be added. If things don't start well, I'm not going to panic. Early points, and I think people will sit up and take notice. The blend of youth and experience - I believe will work well and I think the new signings will thrive in this team.

Another season of consolation, I think most would be happy with that. There's a bit of fear of the unknown and with the Premier League being incredibly unforgiving, the unpredictability does make me nervous. But, I believe Fulham will have a solid season, and Arbeloa will be a success in SW6.

Final position: 12th

Player of the season: César Palacios

Top scorer: Gonzalo Garcia

Best result: I think we hit a team with a 5-0 away win this season. Let's say Hull 0-5 Fulham!

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Fulham will break the losing streak against Manchester City this season.

Joe Sansom

I have gone through every single emotion this summer, ranging from fear to excitement, and ultimately I'm sat here on the dawn of a new season switching daily between the two.

One thing that is without doubt is it's exciting to have a fresh start. Judging by the wider footballing community's Fulham predictions this season, you'd assume that we would be going up against Super League quality opposition in the fight to stay up as opposed to Coventry, Hull and Ipswich (with zero offence intended to any of them), let alone our existing Premier League counterparts who have also gone through a Summer of change, or even those that now have to factor in European football.

I see this as a transition season, but one that marks the start of an ambitious new era on and off the pitch. I think we will be middle of the road once again, with some big scalps and some frustrating defeats, but hopefully a more exciting style of football will breathe some much needed optimism back into the club and the fanbase. A cup run would help too...

Final position: 12th

Player of the season: Gonzalo Garcia

Top goalscorer: Gonzalo Garcia

Best result: A win at home to Man City to break our long-standing hoodoo against them.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Fulham will make it to Wembley this season.
Jack Stroudley

This feels like the first season in forever where nobody has a clue what's going to happen. Alvaro Arbeloa and his merry men of Spaniards have rocked up in SW6 to try and upset the mid-table applecart. I'm impressed by the ambition to bring in a big name number nine, and I think we'll be just fine.

Final position: 12th

Player of the season: Josh King. This is his time to kick on.

Top scorer: Gonzalo Garcia. He'll adapt to the Premier League like a duck to water.

Best result: Fulham win in the FA Cup quarter final.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Fulham finally get a Wembley day out. Albeit against a top six side in a semi-final where we crash out.

Ben Jarman

Whether Marco walked or not, moving on from a proven manager that extracted a lot from the squad to an unproven coach is a bold move from Fulham. Yes, there were slumps towards the end of the season, but there were some great times.

Arbeloa-ball has shown patches of promise in preseason, and the arrival of Shea Charles is fantastic. He should have a big future regardless of who is in charge. Throwing all of our eggs in the Real Madrid B basket and having a quiet window when the squad needed a refresh is concerning. But I am looking forward to Josh King breaking out in the middle of the park. I think we'll lag behind in the Premier League and go deep in one of the cups.

Final position: 16

Player of the season: Calvin Bassey

Top scorer: Alex Iwobi

Best result: Winning away at Old Trafford on the last day to deny them something big.

Most left-field Fulham prediction: Fulham sack Arbeloa and Newcastle sack Matthias Jaissle with some weird managerial swap happening halfway through the season.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulhamishs-2026-27-preview

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Face 'Key Moments' In Chase For Spanish Star
Girona defender Arnau Martinez, who appears set to leave the club this summer window, now has Fulham in the picture for a potential transfer as his situation enters 'key moments'.

The Girona academy graduate was tipped to leave last summer, with Crystal Palace coming close to bringing him to England.

However, that move failed to materialise, and the versatile 23-year-old remained at Girona, playing out a season which ultimately ended in relegation for the Catalan side.

With another summer transfer window now under way, interest in Martinez has resurfaced after he impressed last season with two goals and three assists in 35 appearances.

Among the clubs interested are Valencia, Real Betis, Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and Lazio, with the starlet having already got minutes in Girona's first La Liga 2 match of the season.

Los Che have submitted an offer to the Spanish second-tier side, who view the proposal favourably, while Martinez also appears fully on board and is keen for a swift resolution.

According to Spanish journalist Nacho Sanchis, Fulham are also in the picture for the 23-year-old amid 'key moments' being entered for the player's future.

It is understood that new manager Alvaro Arbeloa has personally called Martinez regarding a potential move to Craven Cottage this summer.

Last season, the Cottagers finished eleventh, but with ambitions of climbing further up the table this term, they have made necessary reinforcements in Shea Charles, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios.

The west Londoners have more business in the pipeline, pushing to bring Brooke Norton-Cuffy from Genoa, while also looking to snap up Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal to strengthen their midfield.

The first match sees rivals Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage for a Monday night kick-off, with the Cottagers set to begin life without their top goalscorer from last season, Harry Wilson, who departed for Leeds United.

With less than two weeks remaining until the window shuts, it remains to be seen whether Fulham will make a firm offer for Martinez and make him their own, or whether his future lies elsewhere.



https://insidefutbol.com/2026/08/18/fulham-face-key-moments-in-chase-for-spanish-star/724017/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham bid for defender on the table – Negotiations continuing elsewhere
Fulham have made an offer for Real Betis defender Natan, while also continuing negotiations with Rennes for Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

That's according to journalist Santi Aouna. He reports that an offer is now on the table for the Brazilian centre-back.

Natan offer from Fulham
Fulham have made an offer for the 25-year-old Real Betis centre-back. There is no mention of the nature of that bid. He is currently valued at €25m by the likes of Transfermarkt.

Sport Witness covered a report on him last month. At that point, it was Leeds United making a renewed bid. They had previously seen a €27m bid rejected by Betis. So, it is easy to imagine that the asking price is above that figure.

Journalist Álvaro Borrego provides information explaining why a deal may be difficult for Fulham, however.

According to him, if Natan remains in Spain, from November he will be able to start the process of becoming an EU citizen. That plays a crucial role in his thinking.

Being an EU citizen will increase his market value, as it reduces the barriers to his signing. Betis also know that, believing they can sell for more in future if he has that status. That's why, for now, the defender's idea is to stay in Spain. Only a 'mindblowing' offer would change that. He insists no such offer has arrived as yet.

Rennes talks ongoing too
Efforts for Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal have been ongoing for most of this month. Sport Witness covered a report ten days ago explaining that they had made an attempt for the Rennes centre-back.

Foot Mercato reported at the time that Fulham had already seen a bid rejected. That report stated that the player was giving Alvaro Arbeloa's side hope as he was tempted by the switch to Craven Cottage.

However, Stade Rennais were resisting. They need to sell some players to improve their finances but have no plans to part ways with Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal this summer.

It seems, then, that they face frustration on that front as well. Which is perhaps, why, as Aouna also reports, that Unique Sports have offered Leonardo Balerdi to Fulham this summer.

He currently plays at Marseille, who desperately need sales to balance their books this summer.  Selling the 27-year-ol could help with that and it seems Unique are now offering him around.

He is now a name to keep an eye on too as Fulham's search for a new centre-back continues.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-bid-for-defender-on-the-table-negotiations-continuing-elsewhere/

[WhiteJC]

Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi offered to Fulham, Abdelhamid Ait-Boudlal talks ongoing
Olympique de Marseille are stepping up their attempts to offload players as the end of the transfer window nears. Foot Mercato understands that the French club have offered Leonardo Balerdi to Fulham FC.

Balerdi is one of the most bankable players in OM's squad and one that they are desperate to sell, as the club looks to abide by promises made to the DNCG and UEFA with regard to player sales. The Argentina international is coming off the back of a difficult season, during which he was stripped of the captain's armband. At a pre-season friendly at the Vélodrome last week, he was booed by his own fans as his mistakes gifted Atletico Madrid victory.
 
Fulham submit Natan offer
Foot Mercato now understands that Unique Sports, whom OM have mandated to offload players within their squad – have offered Balerdi to Fulham. It is hoped that these efforts will give rise to a bid. All the while, the publication adds, the Premier League club continue to hold talks to sign Abdelhamid Ait-Boudlal. Thus far, Stade Rennais have shown themselves to be reluctant to strike a deal. Fulham have also submitted an offer for Real Betis' Natan.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2026/marseilles-leonardo-balerdi-offered-to-fulham-abdelhamid-ait-boudlal-talks-ongoing/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham chasing double deal with bid made as Arbeloa also offered a third signing
Fulham have spent the summer building a younger, more energetic squad for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, but their work is far from finished.

The Spaniard arrived at Craven Cottage after Marco Silva ended a successful five-year reign to take charge of Benfica.

 Silva had established Fulham as a solid mid-table club who regularly vyed for Europe, despite having to make do with a far inferior budget compared to the big boys, so replacing him was always going to mean more than simply changing the man in the dugout.

The Whites must also ensure that Arbeloa is backed to the hilt ahead of his debut Premier League season as a manager.

Jonah Kusi-Asare was the first senior arrival after Fulham converted the young striker's loan from Bayern Munich into a permanent transfer.

The biggest statement followed in early August, when Gonzalo García and César Palacios arrived from Real Madrid.

García cost around £34 million and gives Fulham another option through the middle after Raúl Jiménez left at the end of his contract.

Palacios joined for roughly £8.5 million and offers versatility in attacking midfield, with both players already familiar with Arbeloa from their time in Madrid.

Fulham then committed another major fee to lure Shea Charles to west London.

The Northern Ireland international joined from Southampton in a package worth up to £30 million, adding height, energy and defensive discipline to a midfield that lost Sasa Lukic.

 However, there have also been important departures.

Harry Wilson followed Jiménez through the exit door, while Issa Diop joined Sasa Lukic at Ipswich in July.

Diop's sale left Arbeloa with Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey and Jorge Cuenca as his recognised senior centre backs, making another defensive addition a clear priority before the deadline.

Fulham chase Natan and Ait Boudlal double deal with Arbeloa offered Balerdi
 Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has now reported that Fulham have submitted an offer for Real Betis defender Natan.

The 25-year-old Brazilian would provide a natural left-footed option and arrives with experience of football in Brazil, Italy and Spain. Betis signed Natan permanently from Napoli last year and tied him down until 2030.

He helped Betis reach the 2025 Conference League final and made UEFA's team of the season, while Aouna also says Fulham are still speaking to Rennes about Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

An earlier £20 million approach for the Moroccan was reportedly rejected, but discussions have not ended.

Leonardo Balerdi is the third name in the picture.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-chasing-double-deal-with-bid-made-as-arbeloa-also-offered-a-third-signing/

[WhiteJC]

Everton eyeing late move for Timothy Castagne
Everton are plotting a raid on rivals Fulham for 30-year-old Belgian full-back Timothy Castagne.

Everton are exploring a late move for Fulham right-back Timothy Castagne as David Moyes looks to solve a problem position before the summer transfer window closes. According to a report by The Athletic, Everton are continuing to sound out right-back targets and have identified Castagne as one of the players who could help address their issues in the position.

Castagne brings the experience of over 170 Premier League appearances and established reliability, a trait Moyes has prioritised as the Merseyside outfit hunt for a proven option at right-back.

Following the departure of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman, they are in desperate need of a new full-back. Nathan Patterson has fallen out of favour and is not currently viewed by Moyes as a dependable starting option. A summer exit may also be on the cards for the Scot.

The situation forced Moyes to consider unconventional solutions last season, with central defender Jake O'Brien among those deployed on the right; but cover of that kind is temporary. As a result, a natural right-back is the priority heading into the final days of the window.

The Belgian international joined Fulham from Leicester City in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth around £15 million and has since established himself as a dependable member of their squad. The 30-year-old has made 105 appearances for the Cottagers, contributing towards seven goals.

He was also regularly involved last season, featuring 36 times and accumulating more than 2,300 minutes across competitions. His experience and reliability align with Moyes's priority for a dependable starter rather than another developing player.

Can Castagne end up joining Everton?
There is also a potential opportunity for Everton because Castagne's contract situation could work in their favour. His current Fulham deal expires next summer, meaning the Cottagers must decide whether to retain him for the final year of his contract or consider offers now and avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in 2027.

Fulham's own plans could further complicate the situation. The West London club are understood to be looking for a new right-back themselves and have been linked with Raoul Bellanova, thus potentially opening the door for Castagne to leave if they can secure a suitable replacement.

Everton could therefore see an opportunity to make a late approach for the Belgian full-back, although the outcome will depend on the Cottagers' willingness to sanction a sale and whether they can strengthen their own squad first.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/08/18/everton-eyeing-late-move-for-timothy-castagne/