As the January transfer window has drawn to a close, many Fulham fans have been left unenthused at the business the Whites have done this window. We were in need of a right-back and a right winger, the latter gap leading to Willian returning to the club. But with no further additions, where does this leave the club?

The Willian conundrum

The addition of Willian has left fans divided. With links on deadline day to Samuel Chukuweze of AC Milan, many were more excited at the prospect of the young Nigerian joining the club. Chukuweze has previously played at the Cottage for Villareal in a pre-season friendly and looked to be a tricky attacking prospect. However, this deal was quickly put to bed by Peter Rutzler.

Willian has re-joined as a free agent and could prove to be a shrewd addition on a short-term deal, bringing creativity and helping to unlock those low blocks we have slightly struggled against this season. On the other hand, he represents a lack of ambition from the Khans as he has been a free agent for a while and could have joined earlier on, as was indicated by the fact he was supposedly training with the club for four weeks, and he doesn’t represent an investment in the future for the club or a big money signing that could propel the club to European football, reflecting the business done by some teams around Fulham this transfer window.

The right-back situation

The Whites were also in the market for a right-back this transfer window, as a result of a long-term injury to Kenny Tete. This didn’t come to fruition, leaving Timothy Castagne is our only fit right-back. Timothy does possess quality, as we all know, but this is a precarious position as should Castagne get injured or go on a run of very bad form, we only have Devan Tanton, recently recalled from Chesterfield, in that position. Tanton possesses quality as a young player but, returning from League Two, a move into Premier League football straight away potentially, could be a big ask for the youngster.

Overall, it’s been an underwhelming month and we’ve been left light in key areas. A bright spark? The signings of Seth Chingwaro and Brodie Dair are ones to watch out for in the future. Positives to cling onto.