Summer Transfer Window 2015

Rumor swirling that Sidwell might be on his way back. Always liked Sidders even though this move wouldnt exactly stoke the fires of excitement.

 

This season recap helped put some numbers to my perception of Stafylidis backing up Bettinelli on more than one occasion:

By the numbers, Stafylidis also performed well in tackles and interceptions.

Full recap: www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/may/21/fulham-in-numbers

 

It might get me going a little bit...

I think Sids would be a great signing. He's got the experience and fight to help lead a team out of this league. At 32, I think he still got enough left in the tank, especially considering he only made 12 appearances for Stoke this season. Reel him in Riggsy!

 

An update on who we've been linked with so far this summer:

- Jazz Richards, Swansea: I think we all know this guy. Seems to be fairly in-demand, which surprises me somewhat.

- Tom Cairney, Blackburn: Talented young midfielder, used to be a sure signing for me on Football Manager.

- Jamie O'Hara, Blackpool: I thought this guy had fallen off the map, but apparently he was just hiding at Blackpool (was their player of the season).

- Matt Mills, Bolton: Center back and captain for them last season. Reportedly close to moving to Forest.

- Jamie Murphy, Sheffield United: Apparently a striker or wing player. I know nothing about him to be honest.

 

Rumors swirling about of Bryan to Sporting Lisbon.

http://www.soccernews.com/bryan-ruiz-on-sporting-radar/172036/

Would he be willing to take a pay cut to leave? SL finished 3rd last season in Portugal which puts them in Champions League playoff qualification, so that might be something he would want to try. Obviously it would be great if we can get another team or 2 in the bidding to drive up the price, but unless Ruiz would want to restructure his deal (less money, but for more years) there won't be a bunch of clubs lining up for his services.

 

Looks like Jazz Richards will be our first signing of the window: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...swansea-city-full-back-jazz-richards-9426554?

To be honest I'm not sure what to make of this one. On the one hand, it's a position of need and a player that was sought after by several top championship teams. A fee of £500,000 also seems like a decent price. On the other hand, opinion seemed to be split on him last season.

 

I hope this is true and it's a smart move. Obviously, Jazz works hard and fits in with his teammates at Motspur otherwise there wouldn't be a move to sign him permanently. Let's see how he plays as a Fulham player, not as a guy on loan.

 

Players exiting:

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/12/player-departures

Really sad to see Hoogland and Roadallega go. A bit shocked about Chris David.

There was this bit at the end too:

There are two of note that I think fall into that category: Burn and Kačaniklić

 

Apparently Jazz acquitted himself quite well against the Belgians last evening in Cardiff.

 

A lot of football people seem to rate Jazz highly. Makes me wonder if the criticism he (and our other outside backs) got during the season was largely due to the formation. Our outside backs were asked to overlap in attack and defend the flanks in our own third. That's a tough ask for even the best players in that position.

I think with an offseason to gel with his teammates (and hopefully a new formation), he'll be a good player for us. Hopefully we can finally get this transfer over the line.

 

Bristol supposedly want Matt Smith. Makes no sense if we keep Ross without giving them a full season to gel.

 

Since I've been a supporter, Fulham's never been a club to jump into the transfer market on the front end. Rumors of selling, and not buying, are nothing new to me. Pinch me on 7/31 and let's see where things sit.

COYW

 

I'd be extremely surprised if we sold Smith, mainly because I don't think Bristol City would be able to pay what it would take to get him from us.

News now that Dembele is considering a move to Everton. It's been in the news now for a while that Everton are interested, but now there are quotes from Dembele that he's considering his future.

 

Looks like we're chasing Jamie O'Hara formerly of Blackpool.
http://www.london24.com/sport/footb...m_forest_for_experienced_free_agent_1_4115655

And have made a bid for Brentford defender James Tarkowski.
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spor...rentford-transfer-news-rumours-fulham-9480551

And it looks like there's a chance to sell Mitroglou to Fenerbahce
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spor...ews/fulham-50-50-over-chances-landing-9481023

 

We've made our first two signings!

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/19/double-deal-sealed?

Two players we've been linked with for a while, Andy Lonergan and Ben Pringle. Both have come on free transfers and signed two year deals with a club option for an additional year. This seems like great business for us, leveraging the "big club" status we still have in the Championship to sign players that should improve our squad.

Admittedly, I don't know much about either player other than what I've read recently, but Lonergan sounds like he'll be a definite upgrade from PJs as a backup GK and someone who has the experience to start if needed.

Pringle seems like an excellent signing, again, especially on a free. I've heard multiple reports that he was Rotherham's best player last season, including in the two games against us. Looks like he's an energetic attacking minded midfield player. My only concern here is that he might take time away from LVC, but having squad depth is a good problem to have.

 

I don't know anything about either player, but adding depth through free transfers can't be bad. Also, I think the club has been linked to rumors for O'Hara since 2010...

COYW

 

The Patrick Roberts saga continues to drag on, with new reports that we're holding out for £10m from City. Apparently we've offered him a contract for £5,000/week, and he has no interest in signing for that.

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/spor...ews/fulham-dig-heels-over-manchester-9500953?

Personally, I would offer the kid £20,000/week and see if we can keep him. It's a lot for a young player, but I want to keep hold of our talent!

There also appears to be a lot of interest in Moussa Dembele from Italy, with a number of clubs rumored to be interested, including Sampdoria and Genoa. If he leaves this summer, I hope Fulham swears off ever signing a Dembele again...

 

Why can't we unload this guy? Stekelenburg joins Southampton on a season long loan:

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/22/stekelenburg-joins-saints