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Fulham are ready to tackle the January transfer window and strengthen a team devastated by the departures from the CAN, with Marc SilvaPlayers are eager to strengthen their options.
Silva faces a crucial Boxing Day match against West Ham at the London Stadium before meeting Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, with the Whites desperate to move away from the lower parts of the table during a congested festive schedule which will seriously test their squad depth.
The timing could hardly be worse for Fulham, who have been hit particularly hard by the African Cup of Nations which began on December 21 and runs until January 18, depleting Silva’s options in several positions during one of the most demanding periods of the season.
The west London club lost three key players to Nigerian side the Super Eagles, with defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi and winger Samuel Chukwueze all heading to Morocco to represent their country – leaving gaping holes in the squad that Silva urgently needs to fill.
Fulham boss once again expressed frustration at the club’s lack of summer transfer activity last week, and suggested they should have been better prepared for the AFCON.
They finished last summer as one of Premier Leagueleast spenders, second only behind Aston Villa in this regard, and it is clear that Silva remains very unimpressed by their recruitment strategy.
Bassey has been an ever-present in Fulham’s rearguard this season, featuring in all 17 Premier League matches, and they lack vital cover for him.
Iwobi has also been indispensable in midfield, starting every league game and contributing to four goals, with his absence creating a notable drop in their creativity going forward.
Chukwueze had recently impressed with a series of good performances on the wing before his international call-up, while the potential departure of Adama Traore to West Ham next month threatens to narrow the team’s options even further.
The Spanish winger is in the final year of his contract and is attracting concrete interest from the Hammers, meaning Fulham are actively exploring potential replacements for Traore alongside the absent Africans.
Fulham in talks with Raheem Sterling to rival Crystal Palace
Now, according to journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Fulham have turned their attention to the great outcast of Chelsea. Raheem Sterling as a potential solution.
We believe Fulham reopened talks with Sterling over possible January move at Craven Cottage, seeing the experienced England international as the ideal solution to their attacking problems.
The 31-year-old, who has fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge this season, represents a proven Premier League player capable of operating within the top three, even if he has not played a single minute since his loan spell at Arsenal last season.
Crystal Palace have also expressed interest in Sterling as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his own forward line, although sources indicate the Eagles’ pursuit is not as advanced as Fulham’s discussions.
“Fulham are once again in talks with Raheem Sterling and are looking to compensate for the loss of some players at the AFCON,” Phillips wrote.
“Sterling to Fulham, one to watch for sure. Crystal Palace are also interested but not as serious at the moment.”
The England international has scored 123 Premier League goals in almost 400 appearances for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea, with Sterling’s pedigree a real attraction.
Sterling has also been called a “brilliant” player and a “leader” by those who played alongside him, such as the former Chelsea midfielder. Conor Gallagher.
However, the attacker is also present £325,000 per week At Chelsea, Fulham’s big task is therefore to get around his colossal salary.
Perhaps a loan with option/obligation to buy, in which Chelsea covers half of his salary, could be a suitable solution in this area.
