Slavisa Jokanovic will consider whether to keep Lucas Piazon at Craven Cottage on a permanent basis over the next few weeks after Fulham were handed first refusal on the Brazilian forward following Chelsea’s decision to let him leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 23 year-old, who has been frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities since joining the Blues back in 2011, has enjoyed a superb season on loan at Craven Cottage as Fulham qualified for the Championship play-offs. Piazon, who spoke on his arrival at Fulham of his desire of laying down roots at a particular club rather than being continually farmed out on loan by Chelsea, has forged a special bond with Fulham’s fans – and his commitment to the cause was shown by his earlier than expected recovery from a broken jaw that see him return to the side for the run-in.
Piazon, who gleefully extended his initial six-month loan in December, has made 32 appearances for the Whites, scoring six goals and four assists, and after a strong display at Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, he is staking a strong claim to start against one of his former clubs, Reading, in Saturday’s play-off semi-final first leg. Jokanovic is also keen to try and sign his other Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalas – only securing the permanent services of the Czech international centre back – will require a hefty transfer fee.
