After the recent news of Jean-Michel Seri being released, a move that left a hole in many fans heart. I would like to say it was a pleasure watching the Ivorian International and wish him luck in the future.

Even though we are allegedly set to sign Al Musarati from Braga, a very talented creative midfielder. I do have doubts and believe that we are still light in the middle of the park. With reports of us looking to offload Josh Onomah, that leaves Fulham with only three midfielders; Nathaniel Chalobah, Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney, all who are no strangers to the treatment table. So I have gone ahead and picked out six midfielders who I believe Fulham should be looking at.

The first player on my list is Spanish Midfielder Martín Zubimendi who plays for Real Sociedad, he is becoming one of the quickest uprising Midfielder in the league after his superb performances since the COVID-19 season. He has previously played under Xabi Alonso with the Sociedad B side. Zubimendi is a right footed defensive playmaker. A well built player with physical attributes, he does lack pace and mobility which doesn’t stop the player from putting in a shift for the team. He is very coordinated in his playset to be able to escape pressure, he is able to use both of his feet to control the ball and pass the ball. For a team like Fulham, he fits the style of playing from the back in a formation like 4-3-3 being his strong suit. His positioning at Fulham would help Reed push up the pitch more, while he is positioned behind the first pressing line. This is the sort of midfielder to replace Seri but with Real Sociedad so set on his €60 million release clause could Marco tempt them in a cut deal with MJF from AEW going on loan?

My next player is Algerian international Hicham Boudaoui, he is predominantly a right winger but can operate as a central midfielder. He thrives under pressure with close control of the ball (one on one), his change of pace down the wing as well as middle of the park and his non stop work rate which is seems to be missing at Fulham. He can put in the shift to win back possession in dangerous areas which he can convert into counter attacking football. The 22 year old still has a lot to learn with room to develop but with his exciting present he is definitely the next big star for African football.

Sander Berge, a Norwegian international, and a player that is known to English football having played with Sheffield United in the Premier League. During the 2021/22 season, he played his way in the Championship racking up 6 goals and 4 assists in 33 games. A towering figure in the middle standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he could be perfect partner for potential new signing Al Musarati. The two midfielders are very similar; massive frames and adept at defending both aerially and on the ground. Berge is a player that we could utilise in the box at set pieces in defence and attack. The Norwegian possesses three key components to excel him as a potential Fulham legend; brilliant passing, dribbling and ball control. Sander Berge would be an ideal signing.

Bryan Heynan, a Belgian, would be a stellar signing for the Whites. He can operate in a number 6,8 and 10 role. He is a central midfielder who can play deeper than the rest and is quite ambidextrous with his right foot being his preferred foot. He is a very progressive midfielder who loves to get forward with the ball at any given chance. He likes to play the risky passes behind the oppositions defensive line and he isn’t afraid to pop a shot on goal either. In my book, he’s a hidden gem with the potential to be the next Mousa Dembele.

Luka Ivanusec, 23 year old Croatian attacking midfielder. He is very productive in the middle, likes to pick up the ball from deep and his eagle eye vision on top of technical ability sees him able to thread through balls for on running attackers. A very keen dribbler who can cut in from the left onto his right, with this ability he can ease pass players with the ball. He’s capable of creating opportunities for the team to press forward in an counter attacking football style.

Mahmoud Dahoud is a questionable one many would say. I do understand he hasn’t had the best time at Dortmund since moving to the black and yellows in 2017. At the time of his arrival he was one of the brightest prospects in the country, a German international tipped for big things. His career became stale due to being cast aside and falling down the pecking order. He is very aware in stopping passing lanes and screening the runs of opposition strikers. The best suited style for him would be an architectural midfielder rather then the box to box midfielder.

Honourable mentions Lewis O’Brien, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Tyler Adams, Seko Fofana and Jean-Paul Boëtius