Players Fulham Should Look to Buy in the Summer Transfer Window

05 August 2020 18:06

There they are, the final inductees into the 2020/21 Premier League season: Fulham.

No newbie club, no surprise package. Instead, the Cottagers return to the top flight at the first time of asking, following a miserable season two terms ago that saw them drop back into the second tier.

It wasn't pretty, far from it, but they overcame Brentford in the Championship playoff final with two goals from an unlikely source. No matter how they did it, they're back.

Under a new manager they'll look to avoid a repeat of 2018/19, where a monumental outlay on a swathe of players failed to ensure their survival. That said, additions will still need to be made.

Who are they, though? Where do they need to strengthen? Let's take a look at some of the options.


Matty Cash - Defender

It was a new position for Matty Cash this season at right-back, but the Nottingham Forest man dazzled in the role having dropped back from his regular slot on the wing.

Playing 90 minutes in all but seven matches of the 2019/20 Championship campaign, his effortless segue into a defensive role has caught the eye of top flight sides, with rumours of a bid around £10-15m capable of prizing him away from the City Ground.

Right-back is an area that is of paramount importance for Parker, with Denis Odoi now 32 and question marks remaining over Cyrus Christie's suitability for the Premier League.


Harrison Reed (On Loan) - Midfielder

Unable to get regular playing time with Southampton, Scott Parker saw it fit to bring Reed to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan deal last summer.

It proved to be a masterstroke, as the defensive midfielder excelled alongside Tom Cairney, cementing his place in the side just six matches into the campaign. Injury was the sole reason he didn't make more than 25 appearances, with his presence in midfield key to the style of play Parker wants to play.

A permanent deal looks likely to be sorted out before any other business, as Fulham prepare to spend £8m on the 25-year-old. Don't go exploring the European market to the extent you did last time Fulham, it didn't work. Get this done.


Max Arnold - Midfielder

Some more creativity is needing in this Fulham side. On paper, the front three may looking inviting, but it's Aleksandar Mitrovic who contributes most of the goals, so someone in behind to free up the forwards is essential.

Wolfsburg may be in the Europa League next season, but convincing Max Arnold to leave his only professional club may be achievable with the allure of Premier League football. He set up 12 goals for his teammates last term - his best return to date - and at only 26 is coming into the prime of his career.

How bold Fulham want to be in the transfer market will depend on certain clubs' asking prices, but Arnold could be a valuable addition.


David Brooks - Forward

Those pointing at Bournemouth's failings this season have often overlooked one key element, their lack of David Brooks through injury for almost the entire campaign.

His time at Dean Court last season caught the attentions of many, as seven goals and five assists in his first foray into the top flight was a more than credible return for a player who played in a variety of positions previously for Sheffield United.

Fulham need more wingers. Their current crop didn't register enough goal contributions, whereas Brooks has shown that the step up in division isn't too drastic for him. The Cherries are down, Brooks won't want to be. Fulham should pounce on the opportunity.


Ryan Sessegnon - Forward/Defender

Return of the prodigal son?

Ryan Sessegnon's move to Tottenham has been, well, underwhelming. He was one of the few bright sparks of the Cottagers' dismal top flight campaign two seasons ago, prompting Spurs to fork out £20m to bring him across London.

He's not exactly favoured by Jose Mourinho it seems, therefore taking him back to familiar territory on a loan deal could well benefit both parties. Sessegnon needs to play, Spurs want him to play - just not in the first team yet, I hasten to add.

Furthermore, his versatility down that left-hand side could be invaluable for Parker next season; adding full-back cover as well as another option in forward areas. Would go down well in west London.


Alfredo Morelos Or Jonathan David - Striker

Moves for either of these players hinge on Lille, with the French looking at both strikers as potential replacements for the departed Victor Osimhen.

While a proven striker, Mitrovic can't bear the brunt of the goalscoring all by himself. Another frontman needs to be brought in this summer to share that load. Fulham's other four regular forwards scored just 20 goals combined in the Championship this season, Mitrovic scored 26.

Alfredo Morelos scores goals. Lots of them, in fact. He does, however, have a fairly abysmal disciplinary record, something that can't continue if he's to make the step up in his career.

On the other hand, Jonathan David knows how to find the back of the net without needless cautions and sendings off, but as mentioned, who Lille sign will impact any move of these two. Both score goals though, and Fulham need some of those.


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Source: 90min