Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Berge, Lukic, Andre
Written by Cameron Ramsey on 30th January 2023
We’re prepared for a typically frantic end to the January transfer window and before we’re linked with a Swedish winger from an obscure Polish outfit, Cam’s got the latest scoops from Twitter and the tabloids.
Last-minute cash splashes, it’s a Fulham thing, and as Deadline Day inches closer and closer, new transfer rumours are spilling onto our timelines unexpectedly and some of the could-be additions within this piece are proper certified ballers. Time is of the essence, so let’s get down to it.
Sander Berge – Sheffield United
Late on in the transfer window, another intriguing central midfielder in Sander Berge has been touted for a potential switch from Sheffield United to Fulham, as per Sky Sports News, although Chelsea and Liverpool are also thought to be tracking the £20m-rated Norway international.
Berge was coincidentally omitted entirely from matchday matters as the Blades forced an FA Cup fourth round replay with Wrexham, and the 24-year-old’s sudden absence has naturally raised suspicions. An intimidating presence in the centre of the park, Berge would certainly reinforce Fulham’s midfield and as he’s attuned to Premier League football, he’s got to be a prime option to consider.
Sasa Lukic – FC Torino
The Daily Mail have disclosed that Fulham are adamant in their pursuit of Torino’s Sasa Lukic, a Serbia teammate of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s at the 2022 World Cup, and his Turin-based employers are fortunately willing to allow the 26-year-old to depart before the January transfer window slams shut.
Torino are vying to replace Lukic with Hellas Verona’s Ivan Ilic, and if the fellow Serbian joins Toro, Fulham’s alleged bid of £8m could very well be accepted and that, in today’s market, is a lucrative bargain. Lukic is multifaceted, he can occupy the midfield as an eight or a six and with three goals and an assist in 19 outings, there’s reward in his honest efforts.
Joshua Brenet – FC Twente
Subject to a report published by The Express, Fulham are exploring alternatives if Arsenal’s Cedric Soares remains in north London, or indeed heads elsewhere, and FC Twente’s Joshua Brenet is a right-back that’s supposedly being monitored for good measure.
The 28-year-old’s been capped twice by the Netherlands and testing his skill set in the Premier League is apparently a ‘dream’ of his as well. The effective ball-carrying fullback has been linked with Fulham before, as in 2018 the Daily Mail divulged that Brenet – then of PSV Eindhoven – was a £4m target of the Whites and Swansea City, but the then PSV coach, Phillip Cocu, was subsequently reluctant to sell.
Andre – Fluminense FC
It is 90min’s understanding that Fulham have tabled a bid – allegedly worth £18m – for Fluminense’s animated midfielder Andre, however the Brazilian Serie A outfit are understandably opposed to the prospect of parting ways with their star performer midway through the season.
Described as a highly motivated, aspiring midfield leader, Andre has previously caught the attention of Liverpool and FC Barcelona although as the 21-year-old’s recently put pen to paper on a contract renewal that ensures his employment until 2026, it appears unlikely that he’ll wave goodbye to The Maracana in the next few days.
Jacob Christensen – Nordsjaelland
Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have revealed that Fulham are keeping tabs on Nordsjaelland’s Jacob Christensen and the Danish midfielder’s arrival is thought to be ‘close’. Christensen’s contract at his current club expires in the summer and the 21-year-old is heralded as an up-and-coming Nordic talent.
Known simply as Jaxe, Christensen is a defensive-minded midfielder and while he hasn’t found the back of the net this season, he does have three assists to his credit. As it stands, his team currently lead the Danish Superliga and he is a crucial component within Johannes Hoff Thorup’s table-topping set-up.
Beto – Udinese Calcio
Well-known transfer informant Alfonso Leocádio broadcast via Twitter that among other potential signings, Fulham are also eyeing Udinese’s Portuguese striker Beto, and this comes as a somewhat tenuous surprise because there is no mention of our supposed interest in the 24-year-old anywhere else.
It could very well be fictitious, a fabrication but nevertheless, the possibility of landing an attacker of Beto’s ability is enticing and I really hope there’s legs to it. He’s bagged seven goals so far for Udinese, Andrea Sottil’s men sit seventh in the Serie A standings but compellingly, the 6ft 4in target man has been associated with a move away from the Stadio Fruili this January so as silly season really ramps up, never say never.
Rory MacLeod – Dundee United
Posting on his Patreon page, journalist Alan Nixon earmarked Fulham as a main suitor in the hunt for Dundee United’s 16-year-old starlet Rory MacLeod, and as the Whites share a sporting partnership with the SPL side, we could very well be in pole position.
It’s said that as well as Fulham (courtesy of The Sun), West Ham United, Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion as also admirers of the fledgling winger’s exploits. He has featured nine times for The Terrors in all competitions this season, he’s a Scotland U17 international and as he obtains even more game time in the Scottish top flight, his rise up the footballing pyramid will surely be fast-tracked as he’s regarded as a very promising youngster with a uniquely mature attitude.
