Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Conceição, Souza, Saelemaekers

Only Liverpool and Fulham haven’t managed to sign a new player this summer in preparation for next season. Yawn. As we jab Tony Khan and co. with the pointiest stick in existence, Cam’s got the latest rumours from the press and there’s a few that could tickle your fancy.

Francisco Conceição – FC Porto

Exclusive information fed by Graeme Bailey via HITC suggests that Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Fulham will rival Chelsea in the race for FC Porto’s exciting attacker Francisco Conceição. Featuring for Portugal in this summer’s Euros, Conceição’s burgeoning expertise were showcased to the world and as he also performed excellently at club level last term – and indeed in seasons gone by – a switch to the English capital could very well be an option for the 21-year-old winger.

Despite his age, Conceição is a much travelled youngster, having begun his career at Greek outfit PAOK. He came to prominence at Ajax and in Portugal, he also represented Sporting CP’s youth ranks, as well as Padroense FC’s. Son of Porto manager Sergio Conceição, Francisco featured heavily for Dragões during the 2023/24 campaign but that wasn’t down to fatherly favouritism. With an output of 8 goals and 8 assists in 43 games, Conceição’s efforts warranted involvement and now his release clause has risen from £25m to £38m, any interested party will have to cough up and they’ll have to be serious about it.

Semih Kılıçsoy – Besiktas JK

Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme recently revealed that Fulham are allegedly prepared to splash €20m on Besiktas hotshot Semih Kılıçsoy. The 18-year-old striker made his senior debut for Besiktas in February 2023 and since then, the teenager’s gone from strength to strength at the Super Lig giants.

In over 2,000 minutes on the pitch across 35 outings, Kılıçsoy has scored 12 goals whilst providing 3 assists and as he’s also been capped by his nation, Türkiye, 3 times, he’s certainly destined for greater stages than the Turkish top-flight. Perhaps the young attacker’s valuation is slightly inflated but he is just one of a number of aspiring Turkish talents at this moment and he is certainly going to be a name to watch out for in the not-so-distant future.

Vinicius Souza – Sheffield United

Trusted informant Rudy Galetti is adamant that Fulham will revive negotiations with Sheffield United for Brazilian midfielder Vinicius Souza, after an initial bid of €18m was apparently rebuffed by the Championship side.

It’s not yet known what the supposed improved figure will be but if the Whites are indeed smitten on Souza, they’ll have to act fast. AC Milan are also cited as a could-be destination for the 25-year-old so if we’re to fend off genuine European heavyweights such as the Rossoneri, we’ll have to put our money where our mouth is.

Cameron Puertas – Union Saint-Gilloise

A playmaker with a staggering return last season, Union Saint-Gilloise’s Cameron Puertas could be headed for pastures new in the coming weeks and Fulham – according to Foot Mercato – are suitably impressed, and with very good reason.

Puertas chalked up 37 goal involvements as Union SG secured the Jupiler Pro League title – a tally that shouldn’t be dismissed – and as well as the Whites, Borussia Monchengladbach are also said to be in the running for the Swiss-born Spanish citizen. The Belgian champions will supposedly demand €15m for their star asset, a shallow sum by today’s lofty estimation, so if Marco Silva’s shopping for a genuine provider of opportunity at a cut price, Puertas should be high on his list.

Richard Rios – Palmeiras

The name Richard Rios has been doing the rounds on various platforms and a report published by Fichajes proposes that Fulham are hot on the Palmeiras midfielder, and that the Brazilian outfit will demand €21m for the Colombia international.

A key component of the Colombia side that reached the Copa America final this summer, Rios, 24, has certainly turned heads over the last few weeks and as Fulham are on the lookout for Joao Palhinha’s replacement, Rios has been placed in the frame. A powerful tempo setter, Rios would take to the Premier League more than naturally and though many may not be familiar with his game, they soon will be.

Jayden Oosterwolde – Fenerbahce SK

An ‘X’ page centred around Fenerbahce content called Cubuklu Sports is under the impression that Fulham and SSC Napoli have both tabled bids between €17-18m for Jayden Oosterwolde, however Fenerbahce’s manager, Mario Branco, has basically rubbished the supposed offers.

Branco’s been quoted as saying “don’t be wasted with offers below €30m”, so he evidently believes his starting left-back is worth much more than what has been pledged already. The Whites will want to add a new left-back to their selection this summer but if we’re expected to reach that particular figure, we’re obviously best to focus our search elsewhere.

Samuele Ricci – Torino

Italian Serie A side Torino have allegedly rejected a bid from Fulham for Samuele Ricci, as per Tuttosport, as they are evidently unwilling to sell the midfielder for anything less than a ‘monstrous’ sum. It’s said the Whites sent a proposal of €20m plus add-ons for Ricci, but it was instantly snubbed.

If a club were to present an offer of over €30m, Torino could be swayed, but it’s unlikely Fulham will improve their initial bid for the 22-year-old. Defensively minded, Ricci could potentially fill the Palhinha-shaped void in our midfield but as we’ve identified other options that are perhaps better suited, we shouldn’t dwell on this refusal too much.

Alexis Saelemaekers – AC Milan

A host of Premier League clubs – per Calcio Mercato – are apparently set to spar it out for AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers. As well as Fulham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion are all monitoring the potential availability of the 25-year-old Belgian, and his performances whilst he was on loan at Bologna last season have certainly got his admirers clucking.

Milan value their man at €20m and are actively seeking to sell the former Anderlecht star. Bargaining with the Italian club could prove to be worthwhile with this in mind, and as the Whites will hopefully want to replenish their wide options, Saelemaekers could be an attacker that gains more mentions as the window progresses. As ever, though, the Whites will have to get a wiggle on.