The Athletic’s Jack Collins recently revealed his confidence in Fulham securing the signing of top summer target Justin Kluivert before the window shuts, despite reports suggesting negotiations have stalled.
After bolstering their midfield and defence by securing deals for the likes of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira and Issa Diop, the club are now turning its attention to their attack, with links to the likes of Willian and Neal Maupay.
However, their top target is someone Premier League fans will know the name of, but may not have seen too much of before, in Kluivert. The son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, currently with Roma, has spent his football career across the continent and has now been linked with a move to England.
However, Foot Mercato has claimed Roma are demanding a €4m (£3.4m) loan fee as well as an obligation to buy agreement worth €10m (£8.4m).
During the most recent Fulhamish podcast, Collins claimed he is hopeful of the side’s chances to sign the 23-year-old, as he has recently turned down a move to Ligue 1 side Nice – where he spent time on loan last season – among other clubs in Europe in favour of the Cottagers.
Collins said: “The rumours last week were that Kluivert has turned down Nice, he wants to come to the Premier League; he wants to come to Fulham. He wants to join Marco Silva’s project.
“So 1) that’s encouraging, and 2) I think Roma will have to come back to the table, because otherwise, they’re going to be left short this season, especially competing on numerous fronts with Europa League football.
“So I would be surprised if that one doesn’t at least have another go, but I think that one will happen.”
TIF Thoughts on Kluivert to Fulham…
Kluivert could be a great pickup for the west London side, as he is still young and has played for some top clubs in Europe including Roma, Ajax, Nice and RB Leipzig, so adding a player with this kind of experience at such a young age could only help their chances of Premier League survival.
The Dutch youngster is still a raw product, but after picking up six goals and seven assists in all competitions for Nice last season, he has shown he can put the ball in the net while creating for his teammates.
While it appears there are sticking points in what is good deal overall for both clubs, getting this over the line could be integral for the Cottagers, and forking out for a player of Kluivert’s potential could be worthwhile as he is still young enough to cash in on if it doesn’t work out.