Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted that Fulham’s summer transfer business ‘is definitely not done’ and has warned the club’s board not to make him improvise in the Premier League with the new season a week away.
The Cottagers have spent upwards of £70m on new signings since being promoted in May but after their pre-season preparations ended with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo at Craven Cottage this afternoon, Jokanovic identified key positions where his still small squad needs strengthening. The Serbian believes Fulham require reinforcements in defence, an alternative to Kevin McDonald as an anchor in front of the back four and back-up for Aleksandar Mitrovic up front before the window shuts on Thursday.
Speaking after the final whistle, Jokanovic said:
Our business is definitely not done. I’m not the first who complains about transfer business… I’m not complaining. We need some additions. We need backups in some positions. I lost a complete defensive line from last season: Ryan Fredericks, Tomas Kalas, Denis Odoi is suspended, Matt Targett is not here. Only Tim Ream is in the squad. [Maxime] Le Marchand has come from Nice, he’s definitely part of the team but we need to try to strengthen in the next few days ahead of us.
I mentioned many players in the defensive line, I bring [in] only one. You have the opportunity to check the game, you’ll have some kind of opinion about the squad. This is the situation. We have time ahead of us, but we must be fast.
I’m confident we’re going to be working hard. I’m confident this team is working hard. These players need more help. That’s simple. My defensive line is not complete. The club know and they’re ready to make movement. I don’t have a player who can play in McDonald’s position. After Mitrovic? That player doesn’t exist. We can improvise – it wouldn’t be the first time for me – but if you’re improvising in the Premier League the price can be expensive
Getting Matt Targett is a must.Pay the 15m asking price.