Sam Cole gives his verdict on five names linked to Fulham during this summer transfer window. This time we Focus on Florentino Luis, Eberechi Eze, Mattia Perin, Rhian Brewster and Matty Cash…
FLORENTINO LUIS
Portuguese publication Record are reporting that Fulham have made a loan offer for Florentino Luis with an obligation to buy at the end of his spell. This would include a €1.5 million loan fee with €25 million paid next summer to buy the player outright. AC Milan and Leeds and also keen on the player.
Florentino Luis is a 21-year-old defensive midfielder who plays for Benfica. Luis has represented Portugal’s youth teams from U15s to U20s, getting in the team of the tournament in both the U17s and U19s European Championship triumphs. He has also made an impact on a senior level having made 32 appearances for Benfica including starts in both the Champions and Europa League.
Luis would fit straight into our team in holding midfield but could prevent a move for Harrison Reed from happening. The Lisbon born midfielder is an excellent ball-winning midfielder combining his tactical awareness with his positional sense. He is also a very good passer of the ball and very comfortable in possession.
I think Fulham would have a fantastic player on their hands if they signed Florentino Luis but it would be a big risk. The fee we have to pay at the end of the season is huge especially if we get relegated. The obvious risk of him struggling to adapt also comes to mind making Reed my number one choice at defensive midfield. Not only will he be cheaper but he also has experience playing in England which could be crucial.
Worthwhile Signing – 6/10
EBERECHI EZE
Sky Sports are reporting that Fulham have entered the race to sign Eberechi Eze with us the most likely to meet QPR’s £20 million valuation. West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are the other sides interested.
Eberechi Eze is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for QPR. Eze has been at the club since 2016 and has made over 100 appearances for the first team. This season he has been QPR’s best player contributing to 22 goals with 14 goals and 8 assists in the Championship.
Despite being an attacking midfielder by trade, Eze can play in any of the forward positions spending most of this season playing as a left-winger. This is where I could see him fitting into our team. Unfortunately, the money spent to sign Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro on permanent deals look to be wasted as neither player performed well in the Championship lasts season. This means we don’t have many good options out wide. I think Eze solves this problem with his pace and direct dribbling bringing the potential to cause defences issues.
I think Eberechi Eze would be a brilliant signing for Fulham and could add a lot to our front line. The only doubts I have are over QPR’s valuation and whether he can adapt to the Premier League. It is a risk I think we should take as a player like Eze could push us towards Premier League survival.
Worthwhile Signing – 8/10
MATTIA PERIN
Italian publication Gazzetta Dello Sport is reporting that Andrea Pirlo wants to sell Mattia Perin for a fee of £11 million with Fulham looking to conclude a deal for the player. Atalanta and Roma are also interested in a move.
Mattia Perin is a 27-year-old goalkeeper who plays for Juventus. Perin has been at the club since 2018 spending the second half of last season on loan at Genoa. He has played 207 times in Serie A keeping 59 clean sheets and has 2 caps for Italy.
Perin made a name for himself in his early days at Genoa as a talented shot-stopper with some people touting him to being Gianluigi Buffon’s predecessor. Unfortunately, injuries and sitting on the bench at Juventus stopped him from reaching his full potential but he is still a good goalkeeper with lots of experience. The problem lies with Marek Rodak. He deserves to be our number one next season after an incredible campaign in the Championship and I don’t think Perin is better than him.
I think that Mattia Perin would be a pointless signing for Fulham as we already have a brilliant goalkeeper at the club. Despite having more experience and a lot of quality I think Rodak is a better keeper and we should save the money to invest elsewhere.
Worthwhile Signing – 4/10
RHIAN BREWSTER
The Mail Online is reporting that Fulham are one of many Premier League clubs that want to take Rhian Brewster on loan. The other interested clubs are Aston Villa, Brighton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace. It is thought that the player wants to stay at the club and fight for a first-team place.
Rhian Brewster is a 20-year-old striker who plays for Liverpool. Brewster spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea scoring 11 goals in 22 games helping the Swans reach the playoffs. These numbers are very impressive considering that was his first experience of senior football.
Brewster is a natural striker who can also play out wide. Last season at Swansea he would often swap positions with Andre Ayew and play out wide despite being deployed as a striker. This was so that he could have a bigger impact on the game and create more scoring chances. He is brilliant at finding space and has brilliant movement inside the box. The weaknesses to his game are his decision making and his physical weakness. Like many young players, Brewster doesn’t lack confidence but this hinders his play as he often shoots when he should play a pass. he also struggles physically and is easily shrugged off the ball. Brewster would struggle for game time at Fulham due to Aleksander Mitrovic being a significantly better option up front.
I think while Brewster has a lot of potential and ability I don’t think he is the right fit for Fulham. Aleksander Mitrovic’s talent would limit his minutes but I would be happy with him as a depth player.
Worthwhile Signing – 5/10
MATTY CASH
Football Insider is reporting that Fulham have entered the race to sign Matty Cash with Nottingham Forest valuing the player at £15 million. The other clubs vying for his signature are West Ham, Sheffield United and Aston Villa.
Matty Cash is a 23-year-old right-back who plays for Nottingham Forest. Cash has been at the club since 2014 and has racked up 141 appearances. He has been one of the standout defenders in the Championship this season scoring 3 and assisting 5.
Cash was moved to right-back this season a position he made his own but he used to play either in midfield or on the right-wing. He is the definition of a modern full-back with lots of energy and a desire to get forward. When he finds himself in forward positions his end product is very good either whipping in a cross or having a shot. He still has some defensive deficiencies he needs to iron out but he is the best right-back in the Championship. With questions about Denis Odoi’s future and Cyrus Christie not Premier League quality Cash could give as a great option in that position.
I think that Matty Cash would be an excellent signing for Fulham and strengthens a position in need of some better quality. The fee for cash is slightly high and he still has work defensively but I think he is the best option.
Worthwhile Signing – 9/10
