We continue our transfer rumours series, looking through five of the latest transfer rumours to be linked with Fulham. This time Josh Walford and Sam Cole focus on Jonathan Tah, Jean-Clair Todibo, Juan Foyth, Craig Dawson and Gerard Deulofeu…
The views of Sam Cole (@SamCole2468)
JONATHAN TAH
The Telegraph are reporting that Fulham are mulling over a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. Despite interest from Leicester City earlier in the window, they have moved on to other targets leaving Fulham free to chase the defender.
Jonathan Tah is a 24-year-old centre back who plays for Bayer Leverkusen. Tah has played 150 games in the Bundesliga for both Hamburg and current club Leverkusen as well as having nine caps for Germany. Tah also had a year spent on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf in the 2014/15 season where he played 23 times in the 2. Bundesliga.
Tah is an aggressive centre back that likes to attack the ball. Despite this possibly leaving his defence exposed he makes up for that with an excellent reading of the game, so he chooses his moments well. He is also comfortable on the ball making him a very complete defender. We are crying out for some competence at the back and Jonathan Tah would definitely give us that. He has had a lack of game time in recent matches at Leverkusen however I believe that is due to the strength of January signing Edmond Tapsoba and nothing he has done wrong.
In conclusion, I think Jonathan Tah would be an excellent signing that would really bolster our defence. With Marlon inbound from Sassuolo, Tah would be the perfect partner making up for the former Barcelona players lack of size. The only stumbling block could be the high transfer fee however if it means staying up it would be worth it.
Worthwhile Signing – 9/10
JEAN-CLAIR TODIBO
RMC Sport are reporting that Fulham have submitted an €18 million for Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo. Everton and Rennes are also interested in the player with the player likely to leave the club.
Jean-ClairTodibo is a 20-year-old centre back who plays for Barcelona. Todibo started his career at Toulouse making ten appearances before joining Barcelona in January 2019 where he has so far played five times. He was loaned to Schalke till the end of the season in January 2020 playing ten times and winning the clubs Player of the Month in March.
Todibo is an aggressive centre back who is fantastic on the ball. His passing range and dribbling are both very impressive and would fit into Parker’s system. He is also very sound defensively, especially shining in his interceptions per 90 and defensive duals per 90. His weaknesses are that his aggressive playing style makes him vulnerable to a team with a good press however he often makes up for this with a fair bit of pace. He also lacks game awareness meaning he can often be found out of position against a well-coached side. It would be a large risk to sign Todibo especially given his lack of experience and areas that he needs to improve on.
In conclusion, I think Jean-Clair Todibo has the potential to go to the very top of the game however he would be too large a risk for Fulham to take. We are in a relegation battle so need some experienced heads that are the finished product and can’t afford to drop points trying to develop players. He has a lot of ability and his style of play would suit us but would be better off at a team established in their league.
Worthwhile Signing – 5/10
JUAN FOYTH
Sky Sports are reporting that Fulham are interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Juan Foyth on a permanent deal. It is thought Tottenham would be open to offers for the player.
Juan Foyth is a 22-year-old centre back that plays for Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine joined Spurs in a deal worth £8 million from Estudiantes in August 2017 and has gone on to make 32 appearances for the club. He has also played represented his country at both youth and senior level with ten caps for the senior team.
Foyth is a ball-playing defender who excels in a possession-based system. He is a very good dribbler and is very good at tackling and intercepting the ball. Despite being a ball-playing defender Juan could still improve in aspects of his passing and his ability in the air is average. This signing would be very similar to the potential Todibo where we would need to develop him while trying to pick up points.
In conclusion, I think the signing of Juan Foyth would be too much of a risk with areas of his game that still need developing. He has certainly come a long way at Spurs and his ability to play at right back is useful, but he isn’t what we need. However, I would prefer this signing to the Todibo transfer due to his experience of playing in the Premier League.
Worthwhile Signing – 6/10
The views of Josh Walford (@joshwalford99)
CRAIG DAWSON
Craig Dawson is an English centre back currently playing for Watford FC who were relegated from the Premier League last season. Dawson, aged 30, has vast experience in the topflight with West Bromwich Albion. He joined the West Midland’s side from Bolton back in the 2012/13 season and enjoyed seven years in the Premier League. When West Brom were relegated, he decided to join Watford so he could continue playing Premier League football.
Dawson is one of a number of centre backs that Fulham are supposedly tracking in this summer transfer window. I’m positive Scott Parker will certainly be looking to strengthen our defensive options after a leaky start to our Premier League campaign. Thus far we have shipped seven goals in the first two games, with Arsenal beating us emphatically 0-3 on the opening day and Leeds putting four past us in a narrow 4-3 defeat. Dawson can boast a number of successful Premier League outings, however, and more recently his CV has begun to display a few blemishes; being relegated with both West Brom and Watford in consecutive seasons. It is no secret that we need to tighten up at the back if we are to have any chance of survival. At 30 years old Dawson is an experienced centre back who knows the Premier League, I think we could sign a lot worse.
Worthwhile Signing – 6/10
GERARD DEULOFEU
Gerard Deulofeu is a Spanish Winger who preferably plays from the left but can also play anywhere across the front three. Deulofeu was also a part of the Watford squad who were relegated from the Premier League last season. The Spaniard was developed through the Barcelona academy and was an exciting prospect making his international debut aged 20. He has had multiple loan spells with a variety of clubs which include Everton, Sevilla and AC Milan. Deulofeu joined Watford from Barcelona for a fee of around £12 million in the summer of 2018.
The tricky winger enjoyed his first full season with Watford notching 10 goals in 30 appearances in the Premier League. This impressive season also saw him become the first Watford player to score a Premier League hat-trick, he did so back in February 2019 in a 5-1 win over Cardiff City. Last season wasn’t as inspiring, Deulofeu only managed four goals in 28 appearances, however, you do have to note that Watford as a whole struggled throughout their campaign. Despite having decent depth in the wing positions, the common feeling amongst fans seems to be that we need to add quality and goals from this position. Deulofeu certainly has the potential to be a top-quality player and at only 26 you would think he still had his best years in him. The concern would be whether he could reproduce the consistency he showed in the 2018/19 season.
Worthwhile Signing – 6/10