Fulham Rumour Round-Up: Bassey, Salisu, Jiménez

Marco Silva and his men are stateside, the gaffer hasn’t completely and comprehensively pledged his future to Fulham but preparations for the upcoming season are in full swing and the rumour mill keeps on churning out gold. As Sammy and Coops jet off across America, live shows aplenty, Cam’s ear’s to the ground at home and he has all the latest scoops for you to digest and savour.

Mehdi Taremi – FC Porto

As far as mooted rumours go, this particular link is relatively tenuous but trusted Fulham fan, and Rank Squad football transfer reporter Dean Jones understands that if Aleksandar Mitrovic finally jets off to Saudi Arabia, FC Porto’s Mehdi Taremi could be a possible replacement. Taremi is an Iran international striker who’s registered 80 goals and 49 assists in 147 appearances for Dragoes.

An excerpt from a recent Ranks article (via FulhamFanNews) affirms the Whites’ supposed curiosity in the 31-year-old. Jones said: “players often get what they want, I hope Mitro isn’t going on strike to force this. Mehdi Taremi was one who was mentioned to me who we might look at, I don’t mind that at all.”

Calvin Bassey – Ajax

Fulham’s pursuit of Ajax’s Calvin Bassey is rapidly picking up speed and momentum and an article published by The Guardian outlines the bones of the matter in detail. A figure of €21m has allegedly been tabled by the Whites for the versatile left-sided centre-back and now negotiations hinge purely on personal arrangements.

The Nigeria defender, 23, is capable of covering at left-back and during his spell at Scottish giants Rangers, he won the SPL title and he also featured heavily during the club’s historic run to the Europa League Final in 2022. Bassey joined Ajax last summer but following an underwhelming maiden campaign in the Eredivisie, many have reservations over his underlying ability but if we do indeed land him, I’m convinced he’ll develop into a sturdy enforcer because he possesses all the necessary attributes. One less than flattering season will not define him.

Moussa Dembele – Free agent

A reunion could be on the cards if NewsFoot24’s exclusive information’s correct. The French outlet has knowledge that Fulham will seek to reacquire free agent Moussa Dembele if Mitrovic departs, however the 27-year-old striker apparently has admirers across the globe.

Graduating through Fulham’s youth ranks, Dembele headed for the exit door at Craven Cottage in 2016, with Celtic being the destination. His contract at Olympique Lyonnais ran dry earlier this summer and in 172 outings for the Ligue 1 side, he bagged 70 goals. He also spent half a season on loan at Atletico Madrid in 2021. I don’t think this would be a poetic return to SW6 and if we’re searching for alternatives to Mitro, there’s certainly better options out there which we could explore so this, in my opinion, is a non-starter.

Beto – Udinese

Fulham are amongst a host of teams which are vying to tempt Beto from Udinese, according to Sky Sports (via L’Interista). The Portuguese striker is supposedly being tailed by Inter Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur as well as the Whites and basically, this is a prospect I like very, very much.

At 6’3, Beto’s a domineering presence in the final third and he also knows his way to goal. Last season, he offered 10 goals and two assists for his side in 34 appearances, he’s an excellent finisher within the danger area and his impact would not be too dissimilar to Mitro. If the price suits our budget, we have to seriously consider Beto because at 25, he still has time on his side and with the right coaching, he could morph into an unstoppable monster in front of the target.

Mohammed Salisu – Southampton

They may not have gotten a great deal right in recent weeks but talkSPORT have disclosed that Southampton have accepted a £15m bid from Fulham for Mohammed Salisu. It’s possible that the 24-year-old centre-half could sign on the dotted line imminently, and this seemingly has no bearing on whether Bassey joins the Whites as well. AS Monaco are thought to be in for Tosin Adarabioyo, so reinforcements will need to be purchased in preparations for any predicted withdrawals.

The Saints were relegated to the Championship last term and the Ghana international defender was a regular participant during their doomed campaign. Crucially, Salisu is comfortable at either RCB or LCB, so the lack of restraint in his positioning would definitely be a plus. The jury’s out, plenty are dubious of the former Real Valladolid man’s skill set but his potential, and sell-on value, should be accounted for. If Salisu and Bassey happen, they would both be worthwhile additions and I’ve no real reservations.

Mike Trésor – KRC Genk

Hailed as KRC Genk’s top playmaker, Mike Trésor could be on the move this summer as it’s emerged – subject to Belgian site HLN – that Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Burnley are monitoring the 24-year-old’s availability. The Belgium representative was a livewire last season, stats simply do not fib. In 42 games in all competitions, the attacking midfielder created 24 goals and he also dispatched 8 of his own as well so with his head up, scanning for inroads, he’s lethal. He’s also known to drift out to the left, so if he’s crowded out centrally, he can pick opposition apart from a wider vantage point.

With two years left on his contract at the Jupiler Pro League side, Trésor’s signature could be costly but whatever Genk value him at, it would surely be a rewarding investment. Quite obviously, Trésor’s destined for a highly fulfilling career and if there’s truth to this, we should test The Smurfs’ resolve because Andreas Pereira would finally have a reason to remain sharp and motivated if Trésor’s in close contention.

Raúl Jiménez- Wolverhampton Wanderers

Literally out of nowhere, Sky Sports announced that Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shaken hands regarding a £5.5m deal for Raúl Jiménez and the purchase appears to be progressing at a breakneck speed. It’s believed the 32-year-old striker will undergo a medical on Monday and if there was ever an indication of Silva staying put after all, it’s this entirely. Jiménez’s form since fracturing his skull in November, 2022, hasn’t been prolific whatsoever, he only found the back of the net three times last season, all of which coming in the Carabao Cup, but a change of scenery could be the perfect tonic to revive his career.

Psychologically, getting away from the club where his horrific injury happened could lift weight off his shoulders and Silva, as we know, has a track record of rejuvenating players which are perceived to be well past their best. If he joins, and if the Mitro saga ends as expected, Jiménez surely won’t be the only No.9 we bring in and if he’s happy to deputise or indeed push for a starting spot, it make things very interesting indeed, especially if he returns to the heights of his personal game.