The dream XI Fulham could assemble if rumours are trueThe dream XI Fulham could assemble if rumours are true
The dream XI Fulham could assemble if rumours are true | The dream XI Fulham could assemble if rumours are true
Fulham are pushing to return to Europe for the first time in 15 years
Fulham are a team that has gone from strength to strength in recent years under the guidance of Marco Silva and in their third year back in the top-flight currently find themselves as outside contenders for European qualification.
The Cottagers last competed in Europe during the 2009/10 season when they defied the odds to reach the final of the Europa League while beating the likes Juventus, Wolfsburg, Shakhtar Donetsk and Hamburger before ultimately falling short against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid.
The likes of Clinton Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, Aaron Hughes, Damien Duff and Mark Schwarzer were all central to Roy Hodgson’s side at the time as Fulham went from fighting relegation in 2007/08 to competing against some of Europe’s elite sides.
This time around the likes of Alex Iwobi, Raul Jimenez, Emile Smith-Rowe and Antonee Robinson are some of the names with their sights set on football on the continent next term. But what is Fulham’s starting XI likely to look like next term. Here we take a look at the possible line-up if all the transfer rumours come true.
Liverpool defender arrives
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno: Former Arsenal shot-stopper Leno has been an ever-present for Fulham for the past three seasons and has a wealth of experience in Europe from both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen earlier in his career.
Left-back: Antonee Robinson: With 10 assists this season, Robinson is one of the best attacking fullbacks in the league on current form. The capital side will need to do everything they can to qualify for Europe to keep him while fending off interest from Liverpool as the USA international looks to make an impression ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Centre back: Joe Gomez (new signing): The Liverpool defender is reportedly seeking a move away from Anfield after a lack of first team action with Fulham showing interest in the 15-time international.
Centre back: Calvin Bassey: The Nigerian international has started nearly every game this season and is expected to remain a regular with Joachim Andersen also proving competition.
Right-back: Vladimir Coufal (new signing): The experienced Czech defender knows what it takes to go deep into European competitions after winning the Conference League with West Ham while reaching the latter stages of the Europa League. He is out of favour at the London Stadium and has told Sports Witnessthat he was interested in an approach from Fulham earlier this season.
Fulham land ex-Manchester United prodigy
Central midfield: Angel Gomes (new signing): Ex-Man Utd wonderkid Angel Gomes is out-of-contract at Lille and is thought to be seeking a move away this summer. Fulham, West Ham and Tottenham have all shown interest but Marco Silva’s men currently look the most likely to achieve European qualification which could be crucial in the run up to the World Cup in 2026.
Central midfield: Sander Berge: Sander Berge has impressed in a Fulham shirt since leaving Burnley and has provided a real sense of height, physicality and workrate at the heart of midfield. He has experienced reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League with Genk and will be pining for more football on the continent.
Central attacking midfield: Emile Smith-Rowe: Ex-Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith-Rowe has shown signs of returning to his best after an injury-hit end to his time at the Emirates. Five goals and two assists in the league are positive early signs for the 24-year-old, who will hope to improve his numbers even further next term.
Right midfield: Alex Iwobi: Nigerian international Alex Iwobi has enjoyed his most productive season to date with seven goals and four assists this term.
Left midfield: Adama Traore: A player with bags of pace and flair, Adama Traore may not be the most consistent but he is capable of changing any game at his best.
Striker: Raul Jimenez: Mexican star Raul Jimenez has enjoyed his best season in years and has registered double figures for the first time since 2019/20 when he was at Wolves.
Fulham XI: Leno, Robinson, Gomez, Bassey, Coufal, Gomes, Berge, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi, Traore, Jimenez. Valuation: £242m.
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