Ryan Sessegnon and Fulham always felt a fabulous fit. An eager – if earnest – schoolboy burst on the scene at sixteen after a pre-season that demanded an elevation to the senior squad. Even having to return home to get his boots when he was asked to train in front of Slavisa Jokanovic didn’t phase the boy he had blazed such a trail through the age group sides that his name was being whispered knowingly by scouts up and down the country. Fulham fans don’t need reminding how he looked like he’d played in the Championship all his life – but it is worth emphasising how much he has already done.
Sessegnon’s eye for goal was obvious from the early days, even if Jokanovic wanted his full backs to bomb forward. It was no surprise that he became a left winger who came alive in the penalty area, flourishing in a second full season in senior football, when the young kid from Roehampton was virtually unstoppable. The hat trick at Sheffield United on his fiftieth appearance from his boyhood club was epic – and he was only denied another at Newcastle United when Jokanovic ordered Tim Ream to take a late spot-kick at St. James’ Park to try and keep his young starlet out of the spotlight. There was little chance of that.
The teenager seemed to thrive on the big occasion. It was Sessegnon who brought Fulham back into the Championship play-off semi-final with a poacher’s finish in the Hammersmith End to wipe out Derby’s first leg advantage and, of course, nobody will ever forget the way he threaded that peach of pass through for Cairney to win the final. He might have struggled in the top flight the following year, but so did everyone else – and an emotional return to SW6 now gives Sessegnon the chance to rejuvenate a career that had so much potential at the point when he left for Tottenham.
There were glimpses of that promise in his injury-hit spell at Spurs, including a goal at Bayern Munich on his first Champions’ League start, but his most consistent performances came on loan at Hoffenheim, and his dreadful run of injuries – culminating in two hamstring operations – made it almost a forgone conclusion that he would be released at the end of his contract. Any such signing is a risk when the player has been afflicted by fitness issues, but on a free transfer and with plenty to prove, this seems like a move that makes sense for both parties. Sessegnon will return a place he loves with the overwhelming support of a fanbase that already reveres him, whilst Fulham need cover for Antonee Robinson as well as another option on the left flank, which always felt like his natural position.
The return of a Motspur Park academy graduate means this afternoon’s announcement stirs all the emotions, but there’s also a practical point to make. Silva has already proven that he can get more out of players other teams have cast aside or improve raw youngsters beyond recognition. Sessegnon is still only 24 and has all the attributes to be a success. He’s a hard working, humble and determined footballer. He’ll be desperate to prove he belongs in the Premier League. Imagine if he can have half the impact he did in his first spell at the Cottage. It will be a sight to see.
Beautifully put Chloe – if he is going to rediscover his form and fulfil his potential, then back home is feels like the perfect place to start
Good luck sess
Lets get Carvalho back and the band will be reunited.
Morning everyone I hope I’m wrong but I think he will get playing like he was before and then be on his bike.
In my mind I think he’s was a traitor to the shirt and should not put on the famous white shirt
Marco will improve him no end
You always get one don’t you? Alan why would you slate a player that provided so much enjoyment to us the fans he was then sold for a club record fee at the time every player has ambition and at the young age he was saw his chance to hit the big stage you can’t blame him for that.
Welcome back Sess and good luck you really are one of our own.
Alan you really need to do one
I think it a good move, he still only young and if there is a club where players can thrive without all the noise of over expectation then that place would be Fulham. We have a record of doing this for many players over the years.
I wish him only the best, he needs a leg up and what better place to get that than at home!!
Welcome back Sess
Please don’t let me tell you, I told you so
If he does well and leaves again, then so be it. We’ll make more money from the deal. We’re already 25m up.
So good to see Sess back and I hope Marco can work his magic helping to get him to realise his full potential.
Welcome home son.
Alan, we won’t after this message we will not be listening to you.
Dude he stayed when got promoted when could of easily left then and only left when relegated again for massive fee at the time that helped the club, had few bad injuries and wants to rejuvenate his career and the club want to help him. If he moves on again so what! That’s football, don’t begrudge palinha for doing same when gave his all while here and won’t begrudge sess either. While he wears the shirt he is one of our own so back him or don’t bother supporting Alan
Alan, cheer up. Welcome back Sess. We’re all right behind you.