Fulham had a tough 2023-24 campaign apart from some good results. They finished 10th in the Premier League in the 2022-23 season and were expected to push upwards but it wasn’t the case as they finished 13th in the table.
The Cottagers had an inconsistent start to the season and then managed to string out some good results. They beat Nottingham Forest 5-0, West Ham United 5-0 and Newcastle United 3-0 in three straight games in December and appeared set to have a big second half of the season but that wasn’t the case.
Marco Silva’s side also reached the EFL Cup semi-finals but lost 2-1 against eventual winners Liverpool. In the FA Cup, they lost 2-0 against Newcastle in the fourth round.
Fulham saw Aleksandar Mitrovic force a move to Saudi Arabia last summer and signed Raul Jimenez to replace him. However, he struggled to make an impact and so did loan signing Armando Broja. The likes of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey put in good performances but the Cottagers will be looking to improve their squad further this summer.
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Transfer Strategy
Fulham aren’t known to be the biggest spenders in the English top flight but they still spend a significant amount amidst the mid-table clubs. Depending upon the players sold and the squad, they like to add around 4-5 players each summer, which includes one big signing.
They only recently returned to the Premier League and have managed to stay in it. They will now be looking to push on for a consistent top-half finish and even challenge for the European places. Hence, one can expect one big signing this summer.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeping
Fulham have Bernd Leno as their first-choice goalkeeper and are likely to continue with him. Marek Rodak and Steven-Andreas Benda sit behind him in the pecking order. The Cottagers could look to improve their depth but given the work needed in other areas of the pitch, it’s unlikely.
Defense
Tosin Adarabioyo, who was a big part of Fulham’s defense, left on a free transfer and joined Chelsea this summer. Hence, they need to sign a big replacement for the centre-back. Moreover, Antonee Robinson is attracting plenty of interest from clubs across Europe. If he’s sold, they’ll need another addition.
Midfield
Fulham arguably need the biggest signings in midfield currently. The likes of Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed have failed to make a big impact. Arguably their best player, Joao Palhinha looks set to leave this summer after being close to a Bayern Munich move last time around.
Hence, the Cottagers will need to make some good additions in midfield, not just to replace Palhinha, but also in the attacking midfield department.
Attack
In attack, the likes of Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius have failed to impress for Fulham. However, Rodrigo Muniz stepped up towards the end of the season and is likely to be the first-choice striker next season.
However, Willian has reportedly declined a contract extension offer and is set to leave this summer. Hence, they will need to find a replacement.
On paper, Fulham’s attack looks potent and well-balanced with the likes of Adama Traore and Harry Wilson. However, they will need to step up big time next season.
Top Targets
Fulham have been linked with a potential move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scot was linked with a departure last season as well but ended up staying at the club. With the Red Devils looking for a big overhaul, he could be one of the players to leave this summer.
Two other midfielders they have been linked with are Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
The Cottagers are also reportedly considering cashing in on striker Carlos Vinicius. This could see them looking for a striker. They have been linked with Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah. The Englishman became third-choice at the Emirates last season behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and is likely to leave.
They have been linked with midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who currently plies his trade for Olympique Lyon.
Financial Capabilities
Fulham spent over €70 million in the last two summer transfer windows. However, they also brought in around €52 million from the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic for Al Hilal last summer.
Unlike some other clubs like Aston Villa or Chelsea, the Cottagers aren’t in trouble based on the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. However, they will still need to operate smartly to comply with the rules given their disappointing 2023-24 campaign.
Joao Palhinha looks set to leave and could bring in a big fee. However, the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Willian potentially leaving as free agents could be a big blow to the club.
They could, hence, look more towards free agents and loan moves themselves. Most of their links, as aforementioned, though, have been with players who are likely to cost a fair bit. It will be interesting to what business Marco Silva’s side do this summer.