📰 “Silva Doubles Down: Fulham Launch ‘Next Step’ Campaign with Early Signings”…

📰 “Silva Doubles Down: Fulham Launch ‘Next Step’ Campaign with Early Signings”…

It’s Time Fulham Took That Next Step’ – Silva on the Club’s Ambition”

Craven Chronicle | June 21, 2025

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has issued a bold statement of intent ahead of the 2025–26 season, declaring that the time has come for the West London club to challenge for European football.

Speaking during a post-season press conference at Motspur Park, Silva outlined his vision for the next phase of Fulham’s journey—one built on progress, purpose, and pride.

“We’ve built stability. We’ve built identity. Now, it’s time Fulham took that next step,” Silva told reporters. “This club doesn’t want to just survive—we want to compete, grow, and be counted among the top teams.”

⸻

🛠️ A Club Rebuilt

Since Silva’s appointment in 2021, Fulham have:
• Achieved two top-half Premier League finishes
• Recorded a club-record 54 points in the 2024–25 campaign
• Developed a core group of standout performers, including Rodrigo Muniz, Antonee Robinson, and João Palhinha (who may yet return in a dramatic re-signing)

With his contract extended through 2026, Silva is being entrusted to guide the club to its long-awaited continental comeback.

“The fans have given us their belief. The players have bought into the system. We’re not far off—one or two smart moves this summer, and we’ll be in that European conversation.”

⸻

🌍 Transfer Hints and Summer Plans

Sources close to the club suggest Fulham are targeting three high-impact signings, with positions prioritized in midfield, attack, and central defense.

Among the names linked:
• João Palhinha (loan or buyback) – a blockbuster reunion with the fan-favourite midfield enforcer
• Rayan Cherki (Lyon) – an exciting attacking midfielder with flair and vision
• Ricardo Pepi (PSV) – a young striker to compete alongside Muniz and Jiménez

“Recruitment is key,” Silva noted. “We’re aiming for quality—not just depth, but players who can change games.”

⸻

💬 Fan Reactions

Fulham supporters have responded with optimism to Silva’s rallying cry:

“@CottageVoice: YES! About time we talked like a big club. Europe’s coming.”
“@Fulham1879: Silva’s built a team we can believe in. Let’s take the leap.”

⸻

⚫⚪ Final Word

Fulham’s journey from relegation yo-yo to stable Premier League outfit has been impressive. Now, under Silva’s guidance, the next chapter is about ambition, belief, and reaching beyond expectations.

“There are no guarantees in football,” Silva concluded. “But I promise you this—Fulham will play every game next season like we belong in Europe.”

🔥 Silva Sets the Tone in Pre‑Season Kickoff

At the first training session of the new season, Marco Silva delivered a powerful rallying cry:

“We’ve been talking. Now we begin to act. Every player, every drill, every day—this is our stepping‑stone to Europe.”

His message was met with visible energy on the training pitch at Motspur Park, as the squad embraced a heightened level of intensity.

⸻

🛍️ First Wave of Signings Announced

Silva’s ambition got tangible today with Fulham’s board confirming two marquee signings:
1. Rayan Cherki (midfielder, age 22) – signed on a three-year deal from Lyon. Known for his creativity and vision, Cherki joins as Silva’s key playmaking option.
2. Erik Dakhova (center-back, age 26) – a commanding defender from Dynamo Kyiv, bringing leadership and aerial strength to the back line.

Silva emphasized quality over quantity:

“We want players who fit our style—and these names do exactly that.”

⸻

⚽ Star Man Rodrigo Muniz Suspended

In a surprising twist, striker Rodrigo Muniz has been handed a two-match suspension for an incident during the club’s training scrimmage. Silva addressed it firmly:

“Without discipline, there’s no progress. Rodri knows what’s expected—he’ll be back soon, stronger and ready.”

⸻

🗣️ New Captain Named: Kenny Tete

The coaching staff announced Kenny Tete as the new vice-captain, recognizing his leadership in the dressing room and on the pitch. Silva praised him:

“He’s earned our respect—in every challenge, he’s been there.”

⸻

📅 Key Dates & Next Fixtures
• July 10: First pre-season friendly vs. Crystal Palace (away)
• July 18: Opening of the “Next Step” fan festival at Craven Cottage with Silva Q&A and open training session
• August 9: Premier League opener against Leicester City, Silva’s first true test of the season’s message

⸻

🌟 Outlook & Expectation

This update confirms it: Fulham are not just talking about Europe—they’re actively planning for it. With Silva’s clarity of vision, two early signings, leadership appointments, and a disciplined edge, the momentum is clear.

“It’s early days,” Silva noted, “but we’re starting with the right steps… now we march.”

⚫⚪ Fulham FC – Mission & Goal (2025–26 Season)

🔥 Campaign Theme: “The Next Step”

⸻

🎯 MISSION STATEMENT

“To evolve Fulham into a consistent top-tier competitor through disciplined football, smart recruitment, and a fearless pursuit of European qualification—on and off the pitch.”

⸻

⚽ PRE-SEASON GOALS (Summer 2025)
1. Integrate New Signings Early
• Ensure players like Rayan Cherki and Erik Dakhova adapt tactically and mentally to Silva’s system.
2. Sharpen Tactical Identity
• High pressing, disciplined defending, and quick counter-attacks drilled into every match.
3. Elevate Physical Conditioning
• Full fitness before August to reduce early-season injuries.
4. Build Squad Chemistry
• Unite core veterans (Tete, Cairney, Robinson) with younger talents and newcomers.
5. Fan Engagement & Support
• Open sessions, fan festivals, and behind-the-scenes access to bring supporters closer.

⸻

🏆 SEASON GOALS (2025–26 Campaign)

✨ 1. Secure Top 8 Finish in the Premier League
• To be in serious contention for Europa League or Conference League qualification.

🔄 2. Maintain Squad Depth & Rotation
• Balance domestic league, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup without burnout.

🎯 3. Improve Head-to-Head Record vs Top Six
• Focus on beating at least 2 top-6 clubs (historical weakness turned into priority goal).

📈 4. Achieve 60+ League Points
• Would mark a club record and virtually guarantee a top-8 position.

👶 5. Promote at Least 2 Academy Graduates to Senior Bench
• Sustain long-term growth by investing in youth development.

🛡️ 6. Improve Defensive Record
• Aim to concede fewer than 40 goals (compared to 47 last season).

⸻

Marco Silva:
“This season, we stop settling. Fulham must compete, must grow, and must believe. Europe is not a dream—it’s our target.”

Theme: “The Next Step”
Manager: Marco Silva
Target: European Qualification

⸻

🔧 PRE-SEASON MISSION (JULY 2025)
• 🛠️ Prepare Early: High intensity from day one
• 🤝 Integrate New Signings: Rayan Cherki, Erik Dakhova
• ⚙️ Sharpen System: Faster transitions, tighter pressing
• 🧠 Build Mentality: Resilience, unity, European focus
• 🎉 Fan Connection: Fan Fest, open training, community trust

⸻

🎯 SEASON GOALS (2025–26)
• 🥅 Top 8 Premier League Finish
• 🏆 Reach at Least One Domestic Cup Semi-Final
• ⚽ Score 60+ League Goals
• 🛡️ Concede <40 Goals (Club defensive record)
• 🌍 Qualify for Europe (UCL, UEL or UECL)
• 🚀 Promote 2 Academy Players to Senior Bench

⸻

Marco Silva says:
“This isn’t a rebuild. This is a breakthrough. We’re no longer outsiders—we’re contenders.”

🏆 FULHAM FC – Achievements So Far (2021–2025)

Manager: Marco Silva
Period Covered: July 2021 – June 2025

⸻

✅ REALISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS (True to Life)

1. 📈 Championship Winners (2021–22)
• Fulham won the EFL Championship with 90+ points
• Scored over 100 goals, the highest in the league
• Promoted to the Premier League under Marco Silva’s first season

2. 🏅 Premier League Survival & Stability
• 2022–23: Finished 10th — Fulham’s highest top-flight finish in over a decade
• 2023–24: Finished 13th and stayed clear of relegation despite a tight table
• Consistent performers under Silva’s system with a clear tactical identity

3. 👏 Player Development
• Rejuvenated careers of Aleksandar Mitrović, Antonee Robinson, and Andreas Pereira
• Promoted youth talent into matchday squads (e.g., Luke Harris)

⸻

🚀 ACHIEVEMENTS (Creative Additions for Storytelling)

4. ⚽ 2024–25: Record-Breaking Premier League Campaign
• Finished 11th with a club-record 54 points
• Most wins (16) and clean sheets (11) in a Premier League season
• Rodrigo Muniz became first Fulham striker in 10 years to win Premier League Player of the Month

5. 🌍 European Push Established
• Silva launched the “Next Step” vision: Top 8 and European qualification by 2026
• Signed high-profile young talent like Rayan Cherki and Emile Smith Rowe
• Club invested in facilities, scouting, and analytics

6. 🏟️ Fan Engagement Milestones
• Record season ticket renewals in 2025
• Launched the “Craven Cottage Next Gen” fan zone
• Open training days saw over 15,000 attendees in pre-season 2025

⸻

🔮 Legacy So Far

Marco Silva has transformed Fulham from a yo-yo side into a respected mid-table force, laying a clear roadmap toward European football. With smart recruitment and a consistent playing identity, Fulham are no longer outsiders—but contenders.