Do Fulham need to sign another striker this month?

It's reported a centre-forward is on Marco Silva's January shopping list, but is it necessary?

Copyright Leighton Rudd 2025

Marco Silva has never disguised his frustration with Fulham’s summer recruitment, repeatedly lamenting what he described as a “passive” transfer window.

Despite a familiar flurry of activity on Deadline Day in the summer, Silva felt the club’s hierarchy had left his squad short in key areas.

Speaking ahead of the January window, the head coach was again pointed, insisting “It’s clear what we need” and stressing that the board were aligned on addressing the shortcomings from the summer by strengthening the squad this month.

While Silva has never publicly detailed the specific positions, it’s understood that a central midfielder, a winger and a centre-forward are top of the shopping list.

Unsurprisingly, Fulham have since been linked with three players fitting those profiles this week: Oscar Bobb, Arthur Atta and Ricardo Pepi.

Depth in midfield and out wide would be hugely welcome. But do Fulham really need Pepi – or indeed another striker – for the remainder of the season?

Assessing the centre-forward situation

With Rodrigo Muniz sidelined for at least a few more weeks after a serious hamstring injury in November, the burden of leading the line has fallen almost entirely on 34-year-old Raul Jimenez. Jonah Kusi-Asare remains too inexperienced and untrustworthy to offer reliable cover, playing just 30 minutes across five league appearances.

In the short term, with Muniz set to miss the next four games, another centre-forward would clearly help manage Jimenez’s workload. That context makes Fulham’s pursuit of PSV bagsman Pepi a curious one.

Fulham had a £26m bid rejected from the Dutch club in late Decembe and are expected to return with an improved bid this month, despite Pepi suffering a broken forearm on 10 January, ruling him out for two months. This signing would not solve any short-term issues.

At 23, Pepi would be a long-term investment and a potential successor to Jimenez, whose contract expires in the summer. But his arrival, alongside Muniz’s return, would eventually leave Fulham with three senior strikers, all expecting regular minutes.

AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott has also been linked, offering a more immediate option, but the same issues would emerge once Muniz is fit.

The problems with three first-team strikers

Jimenez would undoubtedly welcome cover, but he has done more than enough in recent weeks to show he remains capable of leading the line in the top flight. With a World Cup approaching in his home country, maintaining match sharpness will be a priority.

Pepi, too, would be conscious of the upcoming World Cup as a US international, and would likely only agree to a switch to SW6 this month with the promise of significant minutes. With PSV valuing the striker at around £35-40m, it would make little sense for a marquee signing to arrive as third choice.

Muniz’s status also complicates matters. Handed the number nine jersey and tied down to a long-term deal, the Brazilian has started the majority of matches when fit since 2024/25 and is clearly viewed as more than a backup option.

Even if Jimenez were to leave in the summer, leaving Muniz and Pepi — or an alternative — as Fulham’s two senior strikers, the question remains whether the club would look to add a third.

Convincing a forward of genuine starting quality to accept that role would be difficult, unless Fulham turn to youth, a route that risks repeating the Kusi-Asare situation. Three strikers would be justified if Fulham qualified for Europe next season; without that added fixture load, the debate becomes far more nuanced.

An alternative

One alternative would be for Fulham to delay any move for Pepi — or another striker — until the summer and instead recruit a wide player capable of operating through the middle of a front three.

It is a model that neighbours Brentford use effectively. Igor Thiago leads the line, but Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara, while not specialist number nines, are both trusted to deputise when required.

A similar approach under Silva could solve both short and long-term issues. It would provide immediate cover out wide, ease the burden on Jimenez, while creating competition, rotation, and cover upon Muniz’s return.

Looking ahead to next season, if Fulham once again operate with two recognised centre-forwards, supported by an adaptable wide player capable of filling in centrally if needed, it provides solutions in an injury crisis, while avoiding the risk of a frustrated third choice striker short on minutes.

Ultimately, if Silva believes three strikers are necessary, the club and supporters should trust his judgement – particularly if it helps persuade the 48-year-old to commit his future to Craven Cottage.