Why Fulham must sign Mauricio Isla on loan from Fenerbahce
Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri is confident he’ll be backed by his chairman in the transfer market after seeing Fulham get knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two side Oldham.
The Cottagers fell prey to Oldham at home on Sunday, which compounded more misery on Claudio Ranieri who replaced Slavisa Jokanovic in November. Yet, results have hardly improved for Fulham as they continue to battle against relegation.
Reinforcements are necessary for the Cottagers if they are planning to stay in the top-flight. Without new additions, Fulham’s path looks rocky and is going straight back to the Championship. And after conceding 47 goals in 21 league games, it’s a no-brainer for Ranieri to strengthen his backline.
Ranieri has given Timothy Fosu-Mensah the green signal to cut short his loan spell and return to Manchester United. Fosu-Mensah joined Fulham on a season-long loan but has found first-team football hard to come by. And the possibility of terminating the Dutchman’s loan spell could free up positions in their squad for January reinforcements.
Truth be told, Fosu-Mensah could do Fulham a favour by returning to Manchester United as he has hardly played under Ranieri. Plus, United are short of defenders at the moment and his presence would give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a timely boost as well.
By ending Fosu-Mensah’s loan spell early, Fulham must make a move for Fenerbahce star Mauricio Isla.
Mauricio Isla, 30, started his career in the youth system of Universidad Católica before joining Udinese in 2007. Since then, the Chilean has spent his entire career in Italy, enjoying spells with Juventus, QPR, Marseille, and Cagliari before joining Fenerbahce in 2017.
A right-back by trade, Mauricio Isla can play in a variety of positions across the backline and also as a right midfielder. He is a skilful player known for his versatility and work ethic. The 30-year-old is a tactically versatile, hard-working and tenacious player – a dream for any manager.
Blessed with a good technique and engine, the Chilean could be a resourceful addition for Fulham. Due to Isla’s flexibility, stamina, athleticism and 1 vs 1 defending, Ranieri would be able to deploy him in the defence.
The 30-year-old is a vastly experienced player and would be a better bet than the current defensive options at Fulham.
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Should Ranieri manage to land Isla on loan at Craven Cottage, the move would represent a significant piece of business.