Fulham have pinpointed Heerenveen star Oliver Braude as a potential summer acquisition as boss Marco Silva prepares for Kenny Tete to walk away from Craven Cottage and join Premier League counterparts Everton as preparations are made for next season, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although Harry Wilson is keen to be rewarded with a new long-term contract in the aftermath of the Cottagers triggering a 12-month extension option written into his current terms, the west Londoners have set their sights on giving their squad a refresh in the remainder of the transfer window.
Tete is on course to head through the exit door, thanks to reaching a verbal agreement to sign for Everton on a three-year deal when he officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month, and Silva has been working with members of the recruitment department to fill the void that will be left by the Dutchman.
Cottagers Showing Interest in Deal for Braude
West Londoners in danger of facing competition for right-back
Oliver Braude in action for Heerenveen
Fulham are eyeing a move for Braude to replace the outgoing Tete, according to GMS sources, but they are in serious danger of being dragged into a bidding war if they decide to up the ante in their pursuit as he has been getting admiring glances from Premier League rivals and clubs across Europe.
The Cottagers are aware that they would have no issues meeting the 21-year-old right-back's wage demands as he is on a contract which allows him to pocket less than £2,500-per-week at Heerenveen, meaning he is being viewed by suitors as a cut-price option as they assess the market.
GMS sources have been informed that Braude is firmly on Fulham's radar after enjoying an eye-catching 2024/25 campaign in the Eredivisie, but that has resulted in Premier League counterparts West Ham United, Everton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa also keeping tabs on his situation.
Oliver Braude's statistics for Heerenveen this season
Tete is edging towards embarking on a fresh challenge on Merseyside, having been looking at potential destinations as he ticks into the final days of his £50,000-per-week contract at Craven Cottage, and that has led to the west Londoners prioritising the addition of a right-sided defender.
Fulham are among a host of Premier League outfits weighing up whether Braude is ready to make the switch from Heerenveen, GMS sources have learned, while there has also been plenty of interest from sides across the continent at a time when he is being tipped to move onto pastures new.
Silva Considers Braude Swoop Despite Doubts
Recruitment departments have concerns over 21-year-old's size
Oliver Braude in action for Heerenveen
GMS sources have been told that Braude's ability and durability in duels have resulted in Fulham chief Silva continuing to contemplate heading into negotiations despite some recruitment teams having concerns over whether his size could result in him struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.
The Norway under-21 international is 5ft 9in, leading to some scouts having fears that he could be targeted by opponents when they put crosses into the penalty area, but he would provide Timothy Castagne with competition for a regular starting berth after being described as 'explosive'.
Fulham are viewing Braude as an intriguing prospect as they ready themselves for Tete's departure, GMS sources understand, while there is confidence that he is ready to take his career to the next level as he has shown confidence and ability beyond his years during his time at Heerenveen.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Cottagers have also refused to rule out offering Joao Palhinha a route back to familiar surroundings if it becomes clear that reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are prepared to offload him 12 months after his arrival at the Allianz Arena.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 23/06/2025
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