Fulham are close to completing a loan deal to bring Brighton centre back Shane Duffy to Craven Cottage, according to the Athletic.
The 30 year-old Derry-born defender, who has won 55 caps for the Republic of Ireland, made twenty appearances for Albion last term – scoring a single goal – and spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Celtic, with whom he won the Scottish Cup. The 6ft 4in centre half came through Everton’s academy, making ten senior appearances, before joining Blackburn in 2014 following loan spells at Burnley, Scunthorpe and Yeovil.
Duffy established himself as one of the best defenders outside the top flight in two and a bit seasons at Ewood Park, making 69 appearances and scoring seven goals. He joined Brighton for £4m in August 2016, helping them win promotion from the Championship in his first season, and quickly became an integral part of the Seagulls’ defence. He forged a fine partnership with Lewis Dunk – missing just one league game – as Albion comfortably avoided relegation, finishing fifteenth. Duffy, who played a vital role in establishing the Seagulls as a top flight side, has racked up 150 appearances, scoring nine goals, and becoming a fans’ favourite on the south coast – having been voted the club’s player of the season in 2019.
Fulham’s move for the experienced defender on the eve of their opening game of the season was necessitated by a failure to bring in centre backs to supplement Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream over the summer.
Talking about lowering the standards. Irish international is absolutely NOT a selling point.
What on earth are you talking about Rasmus? He’s not some random unknown… would be a great signing.
He’s a seriously experienced Premier League CB and at 30 is hardly ancient. As one of four CBs competing for two places he’d be an excellent signing. Still need one more of course but if he’s a loan he’s hardly impacting our ability to buy, say, Diop.
It also takes the urgency out of the situation – there’s still nearly four weeks of the window left.
Anyone remember Aaron Hughes? He sounds as if he’s got a similar pedigree and experience. Now Aaron didn’t do too badly did he? If Duffy can produce similar performances he will have been an astute acquisition.
As Tony suggested , at this point he’s definitely a good addition. Not what we dreamed of maybe but I’ll give him a chance if he comes in. We probably wanted someone with a higher profile but sometimes you pay a fortune and get a player who probably could play at a bigger club and doesn’t set the world alight. In contrast you get these guys who have been around a while quietly racking up top level experience and they just ‘fit’ your club perfectly. Fingers crossed he’s the latter
We seem to have been searching for an age …it was obvious we needed a replacement for the two centre backs we let go….and to replace Ream….get on with it TC.
This guy’s a real conundrum. He is obviously a stopgap only. One thing’s for sure, he gives 100% every game.
Unfortunately, he’s not the most skilled centre back and can hardly be described as someone who likes to play out from the back.
At times, when he was at Celtic, he looked like a clown in football boots. On other occasions, he marshalled the defence admirably.
He has a host of critics but they are way outnumbered by his supporters who love the fact that he gives blood for his team.
If this one happens, expect some fun and fireworks as he shows no regard for the opposition and is just as happy kicking them as he is kicking the actual football.
Although not the ideal signing. The club desperately requires another central defender now. Although he does not suit our style of play, as he passing ability is poor, He is an old fashioned experienced CB and is good in the air. Even if he only plays in the first few matches, and then gives us back up because of injury or as defensive reinforcement from the bench, so for me in the circumstances and timing, it is batter than signing nobody in this position. Hopefully we will sign another higher quality central defender before the transfer window closes (probably about 15 minutes before!!
Old school defender. Ball or kneecap. I approve.
We are too soft at the back , skilled but not really willing to stick the head in where it hurts, while Duffy might not the most skilled every time he plays for Ireland he gives it 100% and gets stuck in . To stay up we need to fight and he will
Didnt see that coming and I believe Duffy available tomorrow
Experienced and now hear at least we have 3 CBs now for injuries and cards. He may not be the best play out from the back but should be dependable. All things considered great timing for the moment.
So let’s welcome him and give him a chance