Fulham are set to open talks with utility man Bobby Decordova-Reid over a long-term contract at Craven Cottage, according to a report from Teamtalk tonight.
The versatile Jamaican international has made 34 Premier League appearances as Marco Silva’s side have upended the pre-season predictions to sit in the top half of the table on their return to the top flight. Decordova-Reid filled in initially at right back after injury robbed Silva of Kenny Tete earlier in the season, but he has also featured on the right and left wing and most recently in the number ten role. The former Bristol City forward has also scored four times this season.
The 30 year-old, who initially joined Fulham on loan from Cardiff City in August 2019 before sealing a permanent transfer the following January, saw the Whites trigger a one-year extension option on his existing deal earlier this season to ensure that they didn’t lose his services in January. The Cottagers are ready to reward Decordova-Reid for his outstanding performances this season as well as recognising his importance to the squad as a key member of Silva’s leadership group.
Decordova-Reid, who has won eighteen caps for his country since receiving a first international call-up nearly four years ago, is understood to be happy at Fulham and keen to continue plying his trade at Craven Cottage.
We need to replace Decordova with a better quality player and should not offer him a new contract. We need also to replace Ream another weak link in the Fulham team.
We must keep Paulinho at all cost, he is our engine room and we would not be where we are in the league had we not bought him. It is time to shed the deadwood players and invest in quality replacements.
I’m surprised by some of the hostile reactions to the news that Fulham are looking to tie Bobby Decordova-Reid down to a longer contract.
He’s been brilliant this season. His versatility and leadership make him a valuable member of the squad, who can cover a number of different positions without complaint, and he’s scored some vital goals for us this year. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with extending his contract – and he deserves it.
We also need to deepen the squad. Not saying he’s a first choice winger (and we should be looking to upgrade) but his flexibility gives us options and depth. For some/most games he may not even make the bench next year, but to be top half we need quality in depth even if they don’t play week in week out.
Every squad needs a BDR and we need 22 first team squad. There will be new faces in and continuity and leadership are important. Also agree he can cover 3 or 4 positions which is invaluable.
But I do agree it’s cover not start. We definitely have a better right back, better right midfielder, better number 10 and better forward than BDR. You could argue we have 2 better in each of his positions. So as a squad player he has a role to play, but, I’d be worried of our ambition if it is more than that.