Fulham are poised to strengthen a squad left in tatters by their exit from AFCON as they approach the January transfer window, with Marco Silva’s side keen to add to their options.
Silva will play an important Boxing Day game against West Ham at the London Stadium before facing Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day. Los Blancos will be desperate to climb out of the bottom of the table with a busy festive schedule that will seriously test the team’s depth.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Fulham. Fulham have been particularly hard hit by the African Cup of Nations tournament, which begins on December 21 and runs until January 18, depleting Silva’s options across multiple positions during one of the toughest periods of the season.
The west London club lost three key players from Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad, with defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi and winger Samuel Chukwueze all departing to represent their country in Morocco, leaving a gaping hole throughout the squad that Silva must urgently address.
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The Cottage are keen to sign a new forward.
Fulham’s manager last week again expressed his frustration at the club’s lack of summer transfer activity, suggesting they should have been better prepared for AFCON.
They finished last summer as one of the lowest-spending teams in the Premier League, second only to Aston Villa in that regard, but it’s clear Silva is not too impressed with their reinforcement strategy.
Bassey has been a constant presence in Fulham’s backline this season, appearing in all 17 Premier League games, but the team lacks his vital cover.
Iwobi was also an integral part of the midfield, starting every league game and contributing four goals, but his absence will significantly reduce the team’s creativity going forward.
Chukwueze has impressed in recent days with a string of strong performances on the wing ahead of his international call-up, but Adama Traore’s possible departure to West Ham next month threatens to further limit the team’s options.
The Spanish winger is in the final year of his contract and has attracted concrete interest from the Hammers, meaning Fulham will be actively exploring potential replacements for Traore alongside the absent African player.
Fulham in talks with Crystal Palace rival Raheem Sterling
As reported by journalist Simon Phillips via his Substack, Fulham are now turning their attention back to Chelsea’s exiled big-name Raheem Sterling as a potential solution.
Fulham are thought to have resumed talks with Sterling over a potential move to Craven Cottage in January, seeing the experienced England international as the ideal solution to their attacking problems.
The 31-year-old, who has fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge this season, is the epitome of a proven Premier League performer who can play in a front three, even if he hasn’t played a single minute since being loaned to Arsenal last season.
Crystal Palace have also expressed an interest in Sterling as manager Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his forward line, but sources say the Eagles’ pursuit is not as advanced as Fulham’s discussions.
“Fulham are once again in talks with Raheem Sterling and are looking to redeem some of the players they lost in the AFCON,” Phillips wrote.
“Sterling vs Fulham is definitely one to keep an eye on. Crystal Palace are interested as well, but it’s not that serious at the moment.”
The England international has made around 400 appearances for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea, scoring 123 goals in the Premier League, making Sterling’s pedigree a real draw.
Sterling has been described as a “fantastic” player and “leader” by players who played alongside him, including former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
However, the forward is also paid around £325,000 a week at Chelsea, so Fulham’s big challenge will be how to overcome that huge salary.
Perhaps a loan with an option/obligation to buy, with Chelsea paying half of his salary, might be the right approach here.
Fulham prepare to make £31m bid for ‘incredibly prolific’ Champions League striker
The Cottages are preparing an offer for the centre-forward.
