Fulham have now turned their attention to Eric Bailly to bolster their defence as the club have grown frustrated with their efforts to sign defender Issa Diop, it has been claimed.
So far in the transfer window, Fulham have added depth and quality to their midfield with Andreas Pereira and Joao Palhinha coming in, as well as a Premier League-proven goalkeeper in Bernd Leno.
However, one area they have yet to address is the centre-back position, which is a big area of need as they currently boast the likes of 34-year-old Tim Ream, Terence Kongolo, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
While they have not yet signed anyone at the back, they have been linked with Issa Diop from West Ham United, but are yet to get anywhere with the east London club, and due to these frustrations, noted insider ExWHUemployee has suggested they have now turned their attentions to Bailly, who is surplus to requirements at Manchester United this season.
Ex told The Transfer Show: “Fulham, who were after Issa Diop at West Ham, apparently made an enquiry for Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly after getting frustrated with West Ham with not getting Issa Diop deal over the line.”
TIF Thoughts on the Bailly rumour…
In order to aid their Premier League survival hopes, Fulham will need to bring in some experienced players who know what it takes to stay up and compete in the top flight of English football.
Despite the fact that Bailly failed to feature extensively for United last season – only making seven appearances across all competitions with a total of 487 minutes – he has played at the very highest level of the game and therefore could be an asset to the team.
He would also be a good pick-up judging by his underlying numbers from the 2020/21 season, where he featured more prominently for the Red Devils, as he ranked in the 98th percentile for shots blocked, the 95th for interceptions, and in the 96th for successful pressures.
The Ivorian – hailed “immense” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – is still just 28 and still has time to find his feet again in the Premier League, and a move to Craven Cottage would make sense for both parties as Fulham would get a discounted player with experience and Bailly would get the chance to consistently feature once again.
Who would you rather sign?Bailly
Diop
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