📰 Season of Change: Fulham Embrace New Chapter in Transfer Market…

📰 Season of Change: Fulham Embrace New Chapter in Transfer Market…

 

Fulham Football Club have signaled the dawn of a new era as manager Marco Silva spearheads a dramatic squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With several senior players departing and a strategic recruitment plan now in motion, the Cottagers are embracing what insiders describe as a “season of transformation.”

🔁 Major Departures Set the Tone

The exits of experienced figures such as Willian, Carlos Vinícius, and Kenny Tete mark the end of a chapter. Tete, a fan favorite and long-time servant of the club, is reportedly set to sign with Everton on a free transfer, while Willian’s departure was confirmed last week following the expiration of his contract.

“These players have been valuable, but the club is evolving,” said head coach Marco Silva. “Our goal is to refresh the group and build a squad ready to compete with consistency.”

🧩 Midfield Reinvention?

Perhaps the most intriguing development is Fulham’s renewed interest in João Palhinha, the combative midfielder who left for Bayern Munich last summer. After a turbulent year in Germany, Palhinha is reportedly open to a return to West London — potentially on loan.

“João is someone we deeply admire. If the opportunity arises, we’ll evaluate it carefully,” Silva commented.

🔄 New Names on the Radar

Fulham are also chasing Oleksandr Zinchenko, with reports suggesting a £10 million bid is being prepared. The Ukrainian international would bring much-needed versatility to the side, able to slot into both midfield and left-back roles.

Meanwhile, up front, the club is monitoring youthful attackers including Jhon Durán (Al Nassr), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), and Yuri Alberto (Corinthians), as Fulham look to inject energy and dynamism into their forward line.

🎟️ Fans React to New Direction

With season tickets now on general sale, supporters are watching closely as the club navigates the window. Some have expressed sadness over familiar departures, but many are excited by the new direction.

“It’s time for fresh energy,” said lifelong fan Trevor Henson outside Craven Cottage. “If Silva gets the signings right, we could be pushing higher up the table this year.”

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🔮 What’s Next?

With over six weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, Fulham’s recruitment team, led by Tony Khan, has made it clear: this is not business as usual. With multiple deals still in the pipeline, fans should expect more announcements in the coming days.

“This isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a reimagining of who we are as a football club,” Silva concluded.

📰 Official: Oleksandr Zinchenko Joins Fulham in Surprise Move from Arsenal

June 24, 2025 – Craven Cottage, London

Fulham have officially announced the signing of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal for a reported fee of £11.5 million, marking a bold statement of intent in their summer rebuild.

Zinchenko, 28, was unveiled at Craven Cottage this afternoon wearing the No. 17 shirt, flanked by head coach Marco Silva and Fulham director of football Tony Khan.

🗣️ Zinchenko: “This is the start of something exciting. I’ve spoken to the manager, and I believe in the vision here. I want to be a leader on and off the pitch.”

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🔎 Versatile, Experienced, and Hungry

Zinchenko brings a wealth of Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City and Arsenal, where he lifted multiple trophies under Pep Guardiola. Known for his calmness on the ball, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he is expected to slot into Fulham’s midfield but could also provide cover at left-back.

🗣️ Marco Silva: “Oleks is exactly the kind of player we need in this next chapter—intelligent, experienced, and with the mentality to drive us forward. He’s a statement signing for the club.”

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🖼️ Unveiling Moment

Zinchenko posed with the Fulham shirt on the Craven Cottage pitch earlier today, waving to supporters and holding up a scarf that read:
“A New Chapter Begins”
📸 (Image caption: Zinchenko smiles with Fulham’s white-and-black shirt, flanked by Tony Khan and Marco Silva)

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🔮 Next Up?

Zinchenko may not be the last addition. Fulham are still in discussions over a potential return for João Palhinha and are tracking several young forwards to bolster their attack.

With Zinchenko’s arrival, Fulham’s new era is officially underway—bringing experience, leadership, and ambition to a squad undergoing radical transformation.

📰 Official: João Palhinha Returns to Fulham on Season-Long Loan from Bayern Munich

June 25, 2025 – London / Munich

In a sensational move, João Palhinha has returned to Fulham on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, with an option to buy set at £26 million. The Portuguese midfielder, who previously starred for the Cottagers in the Premier League, returns after a turbulent season in Germany.

Palhinha was officially unveiled at Craven Cottage this morning and greeted warmly by fans and teammates alike.

🗣️ Palhinha: “This is home. I never wanted to leave Fulham the way I did—and now I’ve come back to finish what I started.”

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🔁 A Welcome Home

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder joined Bayern last summer in a £43 million deal but struggled for regular game time under three different managers. His return is seen as a major coup for Marco Silva, who played a pivotal role in bringing him back.

🗣️ Marco Silva: “João embodies everything we want Fulham to be—strong, committed, and ambitious. His leadership will be vital for the season ahead.”

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📸 First Pictures & Welcome Message

Palhinha was pictured holding a sign reading “Unfinished Business” as he stood on the Craven Cottage pitch in Fulham’s new 2025/26 kit. A club video showed highlights of his previous tenure, set to dramatic music, with the tagline:
“One of Our Own – Returns.”

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🎙️ Press Conference Highlights

Q: João, how does it feel to be back?
🔁 “It feels like a second chance. I had a great time here before, and the fans gave me so much love. I owe them everything.”

Q: Why didn’t it work out at Bayern?
🔁 “It was a different environment, different expectations. I respect the club, but I wasn’t playing my best football. I needed to feel trusted again.”

Q: What are your goals this season with Fulham?
🔁 “Push higher in the table. Bring consistency. And maybe… bring a trophy home.”

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📅 Looking Ahead

Palhinha is expected to rejoin full training this week and could feature in Fulham’s first preseason match against Girona next weekend. His return, paired with the recent signing of Zinchenko, hints at a midfield overhaul that could elevate the Cottagers’ ambitions well beyond survival.

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⚫⚪ “He’s not just back. He’s here to lead.” — Fulham FC

📰 MATCH REPORT: Fulham 3–1 Girona – Palhinha & Zinchenko Shine in Preseason Opener

June 30, 2025 – Craven Cottage, London

Fulham kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign in impressive fashion with a 3–1 win over La Liga outfit Girona. On a sunny evening at Craven Cottage, fans got their first glimpse of a new-look Fulham midfield — and they weren’t disappointed.

Returning fan favorite João Palhinha and summer arrival Oleksandr Zinchenko dominated the middle of the park, as Fulham laid down a marker for what’s to come this season.

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⚽ Scorers:
• Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz (12’), Zinchenko (38’), Wilson (71’)
• Girona: Dovbyk (64’)

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🧠 Tactical Fluidity, Midfield Control

Marco Silva set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Palhinha anchoring the midfield and Zinchenko operating as a hybrid playmaker alongside him. The chemistry was immediate. Palhinha’s aggressive ball-winning allowed Zinchenko to dictate the tempo with short passes and quick switches.

🗣️ Marco Silva post-match: “This is exactly what we imagined — João protects, Oleksandr creates. It was a strong start.”

Zinchenko capped his debut with a thunderous strike from 25 yards to make it 2–0 just before halftime — met with a roaring ovation from the home crowd.

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🎯 Player Highlights
• João Palhinha: 90% pass completion, 6 interceptions, 3 tackles
• Oleksandr Zinchenko: 1 goal, 4 key passes, 3 dribbles
• Rodrigo Muniz: Constant threat with his movement and pace

🗣️ Palhinha: “To wear this shirt again, to score a win at home — it’s emotional. We’ve got work to do, but we’re building something special.”

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👀 What’s Next?

Fulham travel to Germany next week to face Eintracht Frankfurt in their second preseason friendly, where fans can expect minutes for younger players like Luke Harris and possibly a debut for the rumored forward target, Ricardo Pepi.

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📸 Caption This!

Zinchenko and Palhinha were pictured arm-in-arm after the final whistle, smiling under the banner reading:
“New Era. Same Cottage.”