Fulham have cemented themselves as contenders for continental qualification under Marco Silva and signings could be on their way at Craven Cottage this summer to bolster his talented squad.
Fulham take break from push for European qualification
FA Cup weekend is nearly here and Marco Silva will be feeling optimistic as his side travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford with a place in the last eight of the competition at stake.
The long-serving boss has done a remarkable job in establishing the Cottagers as a Premier League force once again, leading the West Londoners to 13th last campaign despite losing Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack.
This campaign, Fulham have emerged as contenders to seal European qualifcation. Sitting five points outside the top four, they have won four in five domestically and wouldn’t be a side to count against in the race for European football when evaluating the form of others around them.
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Fulham’s next five fixtures – all competitions |
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Manchester United (A) |
FA Cup |
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Brighton & Hove Albion (A) |
Premier League |
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Tottenham Hotspur (H) |
Premier League |
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Arsenal (A) |
Premier League |
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Liverpool (H) |
Premier League |
Conceivably, Shahid Khan would be willing to invest in the playing squad should their aspirations turn into reality between now and the end of the campaign. Recently, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze has been profiled as a Fulham replacement for Adama Traore.
Following his burst of form this campaign, the Spain international has interest from several La Liga sides, which could signify the need for a successor during the off-season if he leaves once his contract expires at Craven Cottage.
Following the theme of right-sides stars, Fulham could be set for a new look on that flank following new insight from none other than David Ornstein.
David Ornstein: Fulham have Scottish Premiership star on radar
In a Q & A with subscribers from The Athletic, Ornstein stated Fulham are among Celtic defender Alistair Johnston’s admirers as the Cottagers look to firm up their defensive line this summer.
He explained via transcription from Johnston’s homeland: “I know Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is generating attention from clubs in England, with Fulham among his admirers.
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The 28-year-old is viewed as a key target for the summer, and the first steps have been taken to get a deal done.
“The Canada international recently signed a new contract at Parkhead and isn’t known to be unhappy – but there there was firm interest in January. From what I hear it’s not only Fulham but also Ipswich and others who are looking at him.
“Johnston was named in the Best FIFA Men’s XI last year, so this is probably no surprise and I’d expect more suitors to emerge from the Premier League and across Europe in the summer.”
Enjoying a wonderful campaign north of the border, Johnston has registered four goals and nine assists in 38 appearances as Celtic remain in contention for another domestic clean sweep. The former CF Montreal right-back has also created 36 chances on league duty this term, forming a handy partnership with in-form winger Nicolas Kuhn.
Labelled “fantastic” by Brendan Rodgers, the Canada international signed a new contract last November tying him to the Scottish Premiership champions until 2029. The Bhoys would be in a strong position to negotiate should Fulham follow up on their interest.
However, the lure of Premier League football is something every successful performer in Scotland will have in the back of their mind. Would the 51-cap Canada star trade in Parkhead for Craven Cottage? Only time will tell.
