Tim Spiers in The Athletic covers Marco Silva’s disappointment with Fulham’s summer signings.
Spiers, a former Wolves correspondent for the Express and Star, says the Portuguese head coach is just one of a quarter of the Premier League bosses who are unhappy at their club’s recruitment during this transfer window. He writes, rather perceptively:
“Not that there was a huge amount wrong with Fulham’s 2024-25 squad (from which they lost Wilian, whose contract expired, and Reiss Nelson, who went back to Arsenal after his season-long loan, although there are suggestions Fulham would like him back). However, it was clear to anyone who watched the Cottagers stutter to a finish of 11th in May, having been four points off a Champions League spot in March (and in an FA Cup quarter-final), that the squad needed both beefing and freshening up. Evolution, not revolution, but something…
“There are also concerns that Muniz is about to be sold, with Leeds United among the clubs to have expressed an interest this summer. Muniz is a rare example of Fulham, a club that tends to buy ready-made first team players, developing a young talent. To lose him would be a blow…
“It’s not all bad by any means — 18-year-old academy graduate Josh King had a fine game at the Amex, showing composure, poise and some serious quality as he continuously dovetailed with Alex Iwobi, drove Fulham into the box and marked himself out as a Premier League star in the making — while Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney were tied down to new contracts.
“Fulham won’t go down, but unless the next two weeks are fruitful, it’s asking a lot for them to go up the table, no matter how good their backup goalkeeper is.”
Cuts out the natural emotions a supporter feels but only a repeat of everything everyone has said to date.
I would be very disappointed if Muniz was now to be sold and equally disappointed if we don’t see 3-4 additions.
We should sell Traore to forest (pure profit) and Pereira and use that money for Kevin and Reiss Nelson. No need to replace Andreas as we have ESR, King and Wilson to cover that role. Also a young Left back as cover, a 3rd striker option and a Defensive midfielder and we would be done.
What does this strategy say about our ambition ….zilch. l agree that with what we’ve got and a few additions of our youngsters we have the makings of a good squad but it’s too thin and come the ACoN we will suffer from strength in depth. A pity as l thought we should the aiming a little higher ie Europe.