Three Signings That Would Improve Fulham Next Season
Fulham’s disappointment at not making the play-off final this year was palpable, and as for the fans it was doubly disappointing as it seems they will have to build on the squad without stars Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney.
Given that they will most likely be losing a wide man and an attacking midfielder, they will surely look at these areas when heading into the transfer market but I’m sure a defender is on the shopping list too. Here are three players they will do well to get hold of:
Tom Lawrence (Ipswich Town)
The man from Wrexham managed 9 goals and 9 assists from 34 Championship appearances this season, contributing to a goal once every 156 minutes which, for a player playing in the lower reaches of the league, is an excellent record. His pass completion rate of 71% is perfectly acceptable and he may prove to be as good a replacement for Tom Cairney as is realistic for the club to get.
Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle)
The former Bordeaux winger is due to leave Newcastle this summer but has had a very solid year for the champions and still has more to give. Gouffran never seems to be on top of any particular charts, but chipped in with 5 goals, 3 assists, and a pass completion rate of nearly 80% in the Championship during the season.
Gouffran is a bit of a man for all seasons and for those wishing to make a big promotion push over the next year, really should be thinking carefully about a bid for the Frenchman.
Harlee Dean (Brentford)
Signing Dean would be to the annoyance of near neighbours Brentford, but he is just what Fulham need right now. The centre-half has improved so much in recent seasons and has played a key role at the heart of their defence.
Dean would most likely be available at a fair price too, with Brentford having always shown willingness to do business if there is a solid bid on the table. The big defender has spent 6 seasons at Griffin Park now and may feel he is stagnating a little; the sale of Scott Hogan another unfortunate reminder that Brentford aren’t a club looking to build significantly towards a promotion push.
Fulham are a club with serious top level ambition and can give Dean the chance he feels he deserves to play big league football.