Fulham’s 2023-24 campaign saw them finish lower than in their first season back in the Premier League, where they finished as high as ninth place.
This year, the Cottagers slumped to 13th after a poor run of Premier League 2024 results towards the end, but they’re still way above the relegation zone, which is always good news.
However, the early Premier League 2024 odds have them as one of the distant candidates for relegation because of their recent transfer activity, where they’re on the verge of losing more players than they should.
Cashing in on their key players at the right time is one thing, but letting some of them go that easily is never a good look for the club, especially with their fans dreaming of more success.
Unfortunately, this has been the case for them lately, and SBOTOP is here to recap some of their potential transfers this summer.
Fulham set to complete record sale of Palhinha
Joao Palhinha was supposed to go to the Bavarians as early as last summer before the 2023-24 season began, but talks between Bayern Munich and Fulham broke down during the summer transfer deadline day because the latter couldn’t find a replacement in time.
The Cottagers, of course, were happy that the Portuguese enforcer stayed and played for them for one more season. However, it was only a matter of time before Bayern Munich knocked on their door, especially since Palhinha was keen on the move.
Before Bayern Munich made their new enquiry, West Ham United and Manchester United expressed interest in getting Palhinha. However, the 28-year-old had already made up his mind that going to Bayern Munich was his next career move.
And finally, after a long wait, Bayern Munich will get their man. Fulham reportedly agreed on a deal to sell Joao Palhinha for a club-record fee worth up to £47.4 million (£43.2 million initial fee + £4.2 million in bonuses).
Palhinha is also expected to sign a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena, which will see him play his prime years in Bavaria, reinforcing their midfield.
The pending sale of Palhinha will leave a gaping hole in Fulham’s midfield, and Sasa Lukic, Harrison Reed, and team captain Tom Cairney will be tasked with filling in the Portuguese’s shoes.
Fulham could lose Decordova-Reid for nothing
Another Fulham player that could be on the move is Bobby De Cordova-Reid, the Cottagers’ second-leading scorer last season with seven goals and four assists.
The Jamaican forward was approached by Leicester City recently, as the Foxes aim to retool their roster ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, their first season back in the English top-flight.
Leicester City approached Decordova-Reid, despite their financial limitations, because he is out of contract this summer. Fulham offered Decordova-Reid a two-year extension, but the 31-year-old reportedly declined.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid has been one of the most important players for Fulham because of his versatility. Under Marco Silva last season, he has shown the ability to play as a left winger or as a centre-forward.
If Decordova-Reid ultimately leaves Craven Cottage, Fulham will be under more pressure to re-sign Willian, who is also a free agent at this time and is offered a one-year extension.
Meanwhile, Harry Wilson, Alex Iwobi, and Adama Traore will look to fill the void potentially left by Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
Theoretically, Adama Traore could be the perfect plug-in replacement for Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but the 28-year-old still needs to work on his passing and finishing skills.
Fulham eyeing Scott McTominay
As things stand, Fulham could lose Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid all in one window, so they should start looking for reinforcements already.
And according to reports, the Cottagers are looking at Scott McTominay to bolster their midfield and attack.
Manchester United are prepared to sell the Scottish ace, who was one of the team’s leading scorers with 10 goals and three assists across all competitions last term. McTominay has one year left on his contract with the Red Devils, and they cannot afford to lose him for free next summer.
Unfortunately for the Cottagers, they are not the only ones keeping tabs on McTominay, as Premier League rivals Southampton, Newcastle United, and West Ham United are also interested in the Scot’s services.
Marco Silva and co. haven’t put out an official bid yet for Scott McTominay. But with the money they could get from the Joao Palhinha sale and the money saved from letting go of Bobby De Cordova-Reid and his wages, Fulham are in a great position to acquire the Manchester United star.
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