Fulham Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Summer 2022, Edition 5
Written by Cameron Ramsey on 13th July 2022
In our latest round-up, Cam gathers all that’s arisen in the previous week or so to get us all up to speed – for now, at least.
Fulham’s transfer movements have been far from expedient, but with two new boys through the door, our summer transfer window is well underway and a frantic few weeks is anticipated as Marco Silva vies to strengthen his squad even further. Acquiring João Palhinha and Andreas Pereira is a terrific start, but as we know all too well, the Premier League’s the planet’s most demanding division and we need reinforcements in virtually every given department and we need them to integrate, fast.
The heat’s cranking up and we’ve another spicy rumour supplement to fan the flames that have circulated from the media. Conjecture, speculation, it’s impossible to resist when club notifications ping onto our phone screens from nowhere, and in the coming days, hours, possibly even minutes, somebody within this article could very well be next to be run through Geoff Pruce’s beloved pun laboratory.
Eric Bailly – Manchester United
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United’s Eric Bailly was frozen out by Ralf Rangnick last season and now, with Erik Ten Hag at the helm, the Ivorian defender could be available this summer. Sky Sports revealed at the beginning of the month that Fulham have supposedly enquired about the centre-half, with the view of signing 28-year-old on loan with the option to buy next year.
Bailly hasn’t been able to nail down a consistent starting spot at United and his appearances have been sporadic as a result. Fulham are still thought to be in the market for two reputable central defenders, although it is unclear whether Bailly would be willing to sacrifice top-half Premier League football for a potential relegation scrap.
Ruben Vinagre – Sporting CP
Portuguese outlet Record are under the impression that Fulham are one of three teams that are tracking Sporting CP left-back Ruben Vinagre. Vinagre spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Sporting from Wolverhampton Wanderers and although the Lions have only just signed him permanently, it is thought that the club’s manager, Ruben Almorin, will not include the 23-year-old in his plans for the upcoming season.
Vinagre only featured 18 times for the Liga NOS outfit last season and the Whites, as well as Nottingham Forest and Turkish Super Lig champions Trabzonspor, are said to be interested suitors, however the latter party will only seek to acquire the full-back on a temporary basis if negotiations are activated.
Leo Dubois – Olympique Lyonnais
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter four years at Lyon, Leo Dubois is nearing an exit from the Ligue 1 side as it’s emerged – as per French publication L’Equipe – that Fulham are hoping to land the France international on loan. Dubois, 27, is under contract at Les Gones until 2024 although the club’s head of recruitment, Bruno Cheyrou, has indicated that the right-back is free to depart this summer because of staunch competition for game time where his position’s concerned.
Lyon would prefer to remove Dubois from their books for good, and will demand a minimum of €8m for the former Nantes defender. Serie A side Fiorentina have also been cited in the running for Dubois’s signature, although it’s thought the Viola will primarily focus their efforts on Shakhtar Donetsk’s Dodô.
Issa Diop – West Ham United
After rebuffing Fulham’s initial £12m bid for in-demand defender Issa Diop, the Evening Standard suggests that West Ham United are confident of persuading the newly-promoted Whites to stump up £20m in order to prise the towering Frenchman away from the London Stadium once and for all.
Diop, 25, will be used sparingly at the Hammers next term if he’s to remain in east London, and Fulham are allegedly keen on offering the strapping central defender a top-flight lifeline. In truth, Diop has not reached his full potential at West Ham and many there are doubtful over his ability to fulfil it. The defender’s form has been patchy but with a fresh challenge with a renewed sense of responsibility, Diop could rise to the very top of his personal game and when he’s motivated, he’s an immovable rock at the back. I’ve a gut feeling and it’s bleating for us to get this done as soon as possible.
Sofiane Boufal – Angers SCO
Subject to a tweet pushed by Moroccan outlet
Gerardo Arteaga – KRC Genk
Embed from Getty ImagesRenowned Spanish publication Marca have disclosed that Fulham, Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion are monitoring Genk’s Gerardo Arteaga, a Mexico international left-back that is also said to be attracting notable interest from across the continent, not just from England exclusively.
The 23-year-old is contracted to the 2021/22 Belgian Pro League runners-up until 2023 and his current employers also have the option to extend by a further two years. Arteaga is a progressive defender that fits the mould of the typical modern full-back, so he could complement Fulham’s approach if the Whites initiate talks.
Pedro – Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Fulham lured Rodrigo Muniz away from Brazilian top-flight side Flamengo last summer and now, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, the Whites could raid the Rubro-Negro yet again, this time for 25-year-old striker Pedro.
Pedro has previously plied his trade in Europe before, having represented Fiorentina, although his stint at the Italian side was less than momentous. the 25-year-old joined Flamengo in January, 2021, and in 123 games across all competitions, the revitalised hitman has bagged 46 goals. Pedro’s resurgence has also alerted Crystal Palace.
Yusuf Yazici – Lille OSC
The latest report concerning Lille’s Yusuf Yazici – published by RB Sport – declares that the Turkey international is travelling to England to hold talks with both Fulham and Nottingham Forest. Yazici’s agent broadcast that his 25-year-old client is reviewing options, SW6 could be an destination for the midfielder.
“Yes, Fulham and Nottingham Forest are interested in Yusuf,” Adam Chebedzhi said. “Now, the clubs are negotiating.” Valued at €12m or so, Yazici could be a relatively cost-effective option for Fulham, given his profile and reputation. The vibrant No.10 spent the back end of the previous campaign on loan at CSKA Moscow and in 12 games, the former Trabzonspor star dispatched 8 goals. He also contributed substantially towards Lille’s emphatic 2020-21 title triumph.
