Fulham have become unfamiliarly accustomed to mid-table security under Marco Silva of late. Can the Cottagers continue their top-flight consolidation despite another big exit?
Fulham – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25
Last season: 13th
Title odds: 500/1
TFF prediction: 12th
Fulham Transfers 2024/25
In: Ryan Sessegnon, Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca.
Out: Joao Palhinha, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Marek Rodak, Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo, Terence Kongolo.
Fulham fans would have dreamt of this level of Premier League consolidation just a few years ago, with the club’s recent yo-yo existence ended under Marco Silva. The Cottagers are entering a third consecutive Premier League season for the first time in over a decade after ending last term comfortably clear of trouble.
Rodrigo Muniz’s emergence as Fulham’s focal point surprised but the big Brazilian has announced himself as Aleksandr Mitrovic’s successor. The 23-year-old scored nine goals in 18 league starts after his introduction to the side and has the potential to be the long-term spearhead for the West Londoners.
However, for the second successive summer, Fulham will have to deal with the departure of a key figure. Following Mitrovic’s move to the Saudi Pro League 12 months ago, Fulham have seen Joao Palhinha depart for Bayern Munich after a lengthy pursuit. The Portugal international has led the Premier League for tackles in each of the last two campaigns and replacing his ball-winning expertise will be paramount for the Cottagers before the transfer deadline.
24/25 ready. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/KVBL9LX54w
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 14, 2024
Brazil international Andre has been a long-standing target while Fulham have also submitted a bid for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay. That duo could provide a perfect combination of tenacity and dynamism to replace Palhinha’s prolific ball-winning.
Elsewhere, Jorge Cuenca has arrived as the replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo but another centre-back signing is required as Tim Ream prepares to move to MLS. The West Londoners have made an approach for former loanee Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace.
The headline recruit, however, is Emile Smith Rowe. Signed from Arsenal for a fee of £34m, the ‘Croydon De Bruyne’ is aiming to get his career back on track after a frustrating period. His technical talent and potential could make the midfielder a real fan favourite at Fulham.
Key player: Rodrigo Muniz
Who would have thought it? Rodrigo Muniz’s transformation last season was one of the surprises of the campaign. The burly Brazilian had struggled on loan at Middlesbrough in 2022/23 but took his chance when introduced to Marco Silva’s side. A return of nine goals from 18 league starts was impressive for a player who has found his feet in England. A maiden Brazil call-up has even been mooted if his purple patch can continue.
One to watch: Emile Smith Rowe
Full of flair, Emile Smith Rowe has the chance to arrest his career decline at Craven Cottage. The reaction to his sale from Arsenal supporters is an indication of the esteem he was held at the Emirates – and not just for being an academy product.
Smith Rowe has already shone in pre-season for Fulham with goals and has demonstrated an encouraging connection with fellow Arsenal alumni Alex Iwobi. The 24-year-old can push back into the England conversation with a run of form and, crucially, fitness at Fulham.
Smith Rowe sliiiding in for his second Fulham goal. 😎 pic.twitter.com/is6fvnakEG
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 10, 2024
