Palmeiras advance Pereira talkspublished at 18:22 BST 27 August 2025
18:22 BST 27 August 2025
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Brazilian side Palmeiras are in advanced talks to sign Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira for about £10m.
The 29-year-old is hoping to return to his homeland with just a year left on his Whites contract, but the west London club have an option to extend it by a further season.
However, despite Fulham's openness to accept Pereira's exit with the emergence of academy talent Josh King, manager Marco Silva is reluctant to sanction outgoing transfers without new signings coming in.
When asked about Pereira before Wednesday's Carabao Cup second-round tie against Championship side Bristol City at Craven Cottage, Silva said: "Players have to come in and join our football club. I won't talk about players leaving the club. He is still our player.
"We have no choice but to add players. I'm involved in decisions and who comes in."
Emile Smith Rowe - who scored against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday - is also capable of playing in the number 10 role.
Fulham remain keen to add players to Silva's squad before the end of the transfer window and are weighing up moves for multiple wingers, notably Shakhtar Donetsk's Kevin, Chelsea's Raheem Sterling and Philip Otele of Basel.
Silva on 'difficult' transfer window, Smith Rowe and 'serious' cup tie published at 14:59 BST 26 August 2025
14:59 BST 26 August 2025
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Championship Bristol City at Craven Cottage (19:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns after Sunday's draw with Manchester United: "Players are still recovering. Just that."
When asked if the club need to do business before the end of the transfer window, Silva said: "We have to. When you leave things to the final stages, it's not in your control anymore. With time, you can take better decisions and not make mistakes. Numbers - we have no choice but to add players. I'm involved in decisions, who comes in. "
On the window as a whole: "I don't want to go into why it's been difficult."
On if Fulham have to sell to buy in the final week of the window: "Not the case - it's never been like this."
Silva offered an update on the future of Andreas Pereira, who has been linked with a move away: "Nothing new. Players have to come in and join our football club. I won't talk about players leaving the club. He is still our player."
He is taking the Carabao Cup seriously: "It's very important. We are serious in it. We have been knocking on the door to arrive in the final stages of the cup competitions. When you already achieved the semis the next step is to reach the final but you have to go step by step."
On Emile Smith Rowe, who came off the bench to equalise against United on Sunday, Silva said: "Was an important goal for us, and for him. He's had a very good pre-season. He's capable to arrive in certain areas. We will keep him as fit as we can. At his best level, he's so so important for us."
Silva has been pleased with the impact of youngster Josh King, who has started both Premier League games so far this season: "The quality that he has - he is very talented. He has many good things which will make him a very good player. When he was 16, you could see it in Josh. He's very humble, with the right mindset, likes to learn."
'Marco was seemingly sold a plan - and we are not delivering on it'published at 12:42 BST 26 August 2025
12:42 BST 26 August 2025
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Two points from Fulham's two tough opening fixtures is a solid start - and, frankly, one I did not expect.
But it is foolish to suggest that everything is rosy in SW6.
Our "passive" summer, in the words of Marco Silva, will almost certainly come back to bite us.
This start has come through the sheer togetherness of this small squad, and Silva's familiarity with the limited number of tools available to him.
Before Sunday's draw with Manchester United, Silva pulled no punches about our lack of action in the transfer market.
"We have to [make signings], we don't have another chance. Luckily, the window is still open. If not, we have a big problem on our hands. It's not normal at this stage of the season that we have just signed one free agent player."
There are arguments about adhering to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), of course. And no-one is suggesting that we break any regulations in the name of bolstering the squad. But Marco was seemingly sold a plan - and we are not delivering on it.
The reasons why are known only to director of football Tony Khan and his team.
Many have speculated that Fulham are reluctant to fulfil the wishes of a manager who is in the last year of his contract and could leave.
Only a certain few are privvy to any contract discussions, but with Marco airing his transfer frustrations annually, you would think any chance of the Portuguese coach agreeing a new deal is slim.
And that is the biggest shame of all. Silva is one of the best managers we have had in my lifetime, and I really believe Fulham could have returned to Europe under him.
But now, because of a lack of backing, I am more concerned about staying in the league.
Yes, it is a solid start - but let's see if we can keep it up.
'The wrong way round' - pundits criticise 'dubious' VAR callspublished at 11:03 BST 25 August 2025
11:03 BST 25 August 2025
Media caption,
Match of the Day pundits Rob Green and Troy Deeney criticised the "dubious" VAR decisions that the officials got "the wrong way round" in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
United were awarded a penalty on Sunday when Calvin Bassey dragged Mason Mount to the ground in the 33rd minute at Craven Cottage.
The foul was not given on the field but referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the screen by the video assistant referee and the decision was overturned.
Bruno Fernandes blazed the spot-kick over the bar, but the penalty award left some watching perplexed, given United full-back Luke Shaw appeared to commit a very similar foul just yards away on Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz at the same time.
Ruben Amorim's side went on to take the lead in the 58th minute from a corner, with Leny Yoro's header deflecting off Muniz.
As the ball came in, though, Yoro appeared to push Bassey in the back with both hands, but this time VAR did not intervene.
At first glance, the penalty decision is a simple one with Bassey grabbing Mount and throwing him to the ground.
Given the Premier League's stated aim to crackdown on pulling and holding at corners this season, in part brought in to help avoid time being wasted by referees delaying set-pieces being taken to warn the players involved, it was no surprise it was given.
The complication comes from the fact Shaw also seemed to be grabbing Muniz, just behind the Bassey and Mount incident.
The United left-back had both arms wrapped around the Fulham forward and both ended up on the ground.
But the penalty was still awarded because Bassey was deemed to have committed a foul first.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:37 BST 25 August 2025
08:37 BST 25 August 2025
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans
Paul: Even though Fulham are hampered by the uncertainty of the ongoing transfer window, they gave a good account of what they are about. They need to be more direct in their transition and always take the attack to the opponents.
Simon: Their goal should have been disallowed for a shove in the back. For the last 70 minutes we were the better side. Nobody fears Manchester United any more - we just needed a winner!
Bill: Played much better after conceding the first goal. Much better organised than United.
Man Utd fans
Mark: After a bright first 15 minutes, we descended into our usual woeful self. No passion, style, determination - just a clueless mess of hoping for the best. There are players who don't deserve to be in the starting line-up and it looks like we've wasted our money in the transfer market yet again. The simple fact is we're just a poor mid-table team with no signs whatsoever of the descent ending soon.
Stephen: Is it just me or are there no wide men who can put crosses in the box? It seems they prefer to pass it backwards rather than cross it first time. I feel sorry for the front men.
Srikanth: Performance against Arsenal was not seen against Fulham. The first half was decent but, otherwise, Fulham fully deserved to draw or win. Based on this display, I'm not sure if we can get above 10th place this season.
Analysis: Work to do, but Silva can rely on Lenopublished at 19:12 BST 24 August 2025
19:12 BST 24 August 2025
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Marco Silva is one of the Premier League bosses for whom judgement on his side should be reserved until after next month's international break, by which time he will know which members of his squad are staying put.
Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz was included in Silva's starting line-up on this occasion despite interest from Serie A outfit Atalanta and, closer to home, Leeds.
Former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira was omitted altogether and Fulham did seem to struggle in the creative element of their game.
Unlike their opponents, though, Fulham's goalkeeping position is secure.
In a frantic period of injury time, United's Altay Bayindir came for a corner, then checked and finally ended up in no man's land as Joachim Andersen failed to take advantage by missing the ball with his intended header as it whizzed across goal.
Seconds later, United tried to exert pressure on Fulham with a superb ball to the edge of the six-yard box.
Bernd Leno showed no hesitation as he decisively came to punch well clear of his area.
Fulham have work to do before the window closes. But in Leno they have someone Silva can rely on.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd: What Silva saidpublished at 19:08 BST 24 August 2025
19:08 BST 24 August 2025
Media caption,
Marco Silva spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Fulham's draw against Manchester United: "I am proud of our players, proud of our fans and our football club. Sometimes the face speaks more than the words. A balanced game - Manchester United started better than us.
"We lost most of the duels - first and second balls. They had two clear chances from Matheus Cunha, and we had a big one from Josh King as well.
"From 25 minutes of the first half, we built very well. We started to build the game the way we like to build.
"We should have been more clinical. Not the best game for us in that aspect of the game.
"The reaction from them was top. The players that came in had a massive impact, like last week. It shows how we work together and the will and desire of the players. I am very pleased for them. It speaks more about our players than myself, because if you don't have the right characters in your squad and the right guys.
"Last season there were 17 goals from players off the bench, by far the best team in the Premier League, I suspect.
"It is not a coincidence."
On Man Utd's goal: "That goal... I think everyone in the world saw what happened there. Everyone that watches the game on TV and everyone who saw it in the stadium saw it."
On the transfer window: "Of course, I am praising our boys, but we are short in numbers in many positions. I said before the game the plan that we had didn't go through.
"We have so many things to do. The players need competitions inside."
Did you know?
Following Emile Smith Rowe's equaliser (94 seconds after coming on), four of the six quickest substitute goals since the start of last season in the Premier League have been scored by Fulham players.
I cannot speak too much or I will get a fine - Bassey unhappy with Man Utd goalpublished at 18:56 BST 24 August 2025
18:56 BST 24 August 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Calvin Bassey spoke to Sky Sports after Sunday's draw against Manchester United: "Especially the second half we pushed could have deserved more. We had some good moments. We did well to get back into the game. Of course, they have missed a penalty as well.
"I think it is harsh. I understand why it is given. Where my foot is, I am trying to stay strong. I have sort of pulled him over my foot. Referees have got to protect us as well. I am strong. If it is someone stronger, it doesn't look as bad. You have seen it given, and you have not seen it. Everything looks worse in slo-mo.
"Something to learn for me and all the boys - to be a bit more streetwise."
On Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty: "I say it is justice. I didn't think it was a pen, and then he missed it, so sort of a let off."
On Leny Yoro pushing him in the build up to Man Utd's goal: "It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball and it is an advantage to him. It should have been disallowed.
"When the referee looks back at I think they will be disappointed. I cannot say too much, otherwise I will get a fine! It is a foul. When you go up to a jump, any little touch can put you off. What do you want me to do? Jump on the floor. It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball?"
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Man Utdpublished at 11:05 BST 24 August 2025
11:05 BST 24 August 2025
Like a lot of people, I try to be balanced about Manchester United. They lost last week, but I do think they will be better this season. Well, they can't be any worse.
I really like Bryan Mbeumo, and I especially like Matheus Cunha - I think he's got loads going for him.
Fulham were fortunate to get something against Brighton but I think they'll improve in front of their own fans.
Fulham don't play with any fear and will take the game to Manchester United, which gives me a sneaking feeling United will exploit them and win this one.
But then again, I always predict Manchester United games wrong. I want to be positive about them, but I'm not sure I can be. Plus, I think I predicted Fulham wrong for every one of their matches last season.
I'm leaning towards a Manchester United win, so, because of that, I'll go for a draw.
Fulham v Man Utd: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:12 BST 23 August 2025
13:12 BST 23 August 2025
Tom White BBC Sport journalist
Fulham were one of just three clubs that Manchester United completed a Premier League double over last season, with the other two coming against relegated pair Southampton and Leicester City.
Marco Silva believes their task this term has been made all the harder because of United's acquisitions in this summer's transfer window.
"Last season, they had a lot of great players," said Silva before the game. "This season, they've kept almost all of them [and] they have been able to spend heavily in the market. Two they signed from Premier League [sides]. And they signed a striker that all the market was looking for."
By contrast, the Whites have made just one senior signing this summer with goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte joining from Montpellier, and they were once again indebted to their substitutes against Brighton on the opening day when striker Rodrigo Muniz scored in the 96th minute to rescue a point.
Silva's compatriot and counterpart Ruben Amorim suffered his 15th loss in his 28th Premier League game as manager of Manchester United last weekend. However, the green shoots of optimism were on show against Arsenal at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils dominating their visitors and new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both impressing.
Amorim said he was "proud" of his team despite the defeat, highlighting the fact that they were creating more chances. "We have more options, so you see that we play in a little bit of a different style with Cunha - and then at the end with [Benjamin] Sesko, because he is a different player and we can use that."
Despite the positivity, United are seeking to avoid losing their opening two games of a Premier League season for a third time. They did so in the inaugural campaign in 1992-93 but went on to win the league that year, and most recently in the 2022-23 campaign under Erik ten Hag, when they ended up third.
Proof, perhaps, that defeat on Sunday may not yet prove fatal for Amorim.
Silva on Fulham's transfer issues, Muniz and injuriespublished at 14:56 BST 22 August 2025
14:56 BST 22 August 2025
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team news Silva said Ryan Sessegnon and Antonee Robinson have trained but need further assessment, adding: "If not, Calvin (Bassey) did a great job at left-back and we know we are more than covered in that position."
Silva reiterated the lack of signings this window compared with last season when they had acquired players by this stage, stating: "We had a plan, and the plan did not go through."
The manager also suggested this is through no fault of the market but their own, as it is getting more competitive and the club has to be "ready for it". He added: "We as a club cannot be pleased at all. The Premier League demands much more from you."
On Rodrigo Muniz's future: "He is under contract with us. I am very pleased with real interest from others in Rodrigo. It is a good sign, and we cannot be scared. After this, it is up to us to be resilient and to resist and be strong and sometimes to say no and other times to negotiate. From me, it is clear that I don't want to lose Rodrigo. He is in contention for the game, I count on him and let us see what is going to happen. Rodrigo is likely to stay with us."
On the Africa Cup of Nations stretching squad depth: "Of course not (enough cover). We have three wingers, one is going to be out for seven to eight games. It is just an example of how short we are in certain numbers. Many things in terms of numbers are short. Afcon has an impact on our decisions."
Silva also stated that "it is very important" to start the season well at home and "the connection" with the fans is "crucial".
On Manchester United: "We are playing against a great side. I know last season is not the way they wanted. This season, they have spent heavily in the market and signed a striker that all in the market were looking for in Europe. For us, it is a very important and it is going to be a very demanding Premier League game."
Have Fulham shown a 'lack of ambition'?published at 11:25 BST 22 August 2025
11:25 BST 22 August 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Former Fulham defender Stephen Kelly says there has been a "lack of ambition" to improve the playing squad for Marco Silva this summer.
Fulham are yet to spend money on a signing this transfer window, despite unveiling a fully operational new stand and taking steps forward off the pitch.
Speaking about the potential impact this could have on both the manager and the players, Kelly highlighted how a lack of backing in the transfer market can create uncertainty and unrest within a team.
"There's been a real lack of ambition to improve the squad, which is surprising," Kelly told the BBC's Sportsworld. "It surprised me as well because the new stand is going to be fully open this season, so the club is making moves in the right direction in different ways.
"I think as a manager, if you don't get reinforcements, you feel like you're not backed and you probably feel under-appreciated, and that can cause problems. I think as a player as well, you sometimes think 'well, are they backing the manager, are they looking to stay with this guy', because if they're not going to give him the signings he wants, then what does that say?
"He (Silva) will feel slightly aggrieved that he's done really well by the club, not far from a European place. I don't think it's a lack of funds, and he's got to be feeling, 'why am I not being given the resources to improve the team. Do they not think I'm the right one?'
"I find it a strange situation, especially with the ambition the club was portraying to have in the last few seasons."
Fulham weigh up move for Basel winger Otelepublished at 14:50 BST 21 August 2025
14:50 BST 21 August 2025
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham are exploring a move for FC Basel winger Philip Otele before deadline day.
The Cottagers have looked at multiple players and have recently sent scouts while asking for the conditions about what it would take to sign the 26-year-old from the Swiss Super League club.
Otele is believed to be available for about £15m and is a cheaper option to other targets like Arsenal's Reiss Nelson and Shakhtar's Kevin.
The Nigerian has two goals and two assists in the Swiss top flight this season having played in Lithuania, Romania and UAE. He also had a trial at Arsenal at the age of 14.
Negotiations for Kevin are not believed to have progressed this week as Shakhtar continue to hold out for over £43m. It remains unclear whether the Ukrainian club are willing to negotiate.
Atalanta hold interest in Rodrigo Muniz, who is valued highly at Craven Cottage.