After securing our highest-ever league finish, I’m sure Fulham’s thoughts have already turned to strengthening the squad for next season. Everybody will have an idea of where we need to add bodies and quality to the squad, especially with the prospect of the Europa League adding games to the schedule and the Africa Nations’ Cup depriving us of key personnel in the new year. I would imagine there’s at least one thing we are all agreed upon – a new striker is a must.
I must have written reams and reams on Bobby Zamora. While he’s contributed to our best season in the top flight, he’s been woeful in front of goal. Somebody suggested to me on Sunday that it’s because he’s a confidence player. Perhaps they are right. But then you would have to question Roy’s continued faith in someone who has clearly been affected by his failure to finish off good chances. If Villareal are still interested – and prepared to pay good money for his services – Bobby might be on the move again this summer.
Whether he goes or not (and personally I think it would take an attractive proposition to persuade him to leave a lucrative contract behind), another forward will be needed. Nevland can’t be expected to buzz around the pitch for 90 minutes week in, week out and Kamara seems best when you want to change things up. Ideally, you would want someone who could offer us a different option but has experience of playing in Europe.
How about the prolific Nikola Zigic? It is not as presposturous a notion as on the previous occassions we’ve been linked with the Serbian striker. His club, Valencia, are in serious financial trouble and will have to offload players to keep themselves solvent. At least, the departing squad members won’t need to put in performances at weddings. Zigic has been scoring goals for fun since he joined Racing Santander on loan and is now being touted around Spanish sides. Espanyol are keen on taking him in a swap deal.
Here’s the best bit. He’s interested in a move to England. He’s ridiculously tall so good in the air, but not as limited as your conventional English front man. Personally, I think he’d be a much better option than Peter Crouch, whose name has been mentioned on a few messageboards. Crouch is on a hefty wage at Portsmouth and would still command an inflated transfer fee. Andy Carroll – another suggestion from relegated Newcastle – looks a good prospect but is very raw and you’d wonder about pitching him into the Premier League on a regular basis.
Signing Zigic would be a real statement of intent. Let’s do it, Roy.
