Fulham's Finest

Well, there’s nothing to write about, so I’m going to just write about stuff that I make up. Looking ahead to the summer (boy, with the weather 50 degrees and raining outside here in upstate New York, it’d be sure nice to look ahead to the summer), here’s what I’d love to see the team do, and what is looking likely at the moment.

I’m guessing MAF will allow for about £10 million of extra money to be alloted to transfers, in addition to anyone that’s sold. Seems like a reasonable number to me. First here’s who I think will be sold, and then we’ll tally the money and spend it to our liking. I love spending money!

Side note: as correctly pointed out by Fulham Kid, many of these players are out of contracts, and therefore would be free. But I decided to keep their “hypothetical value” to represent their cost because rating them on potential contract is too complicated.

Say goodbye to: (most of these are pretty obvious, lots of players who suck and don’t play, but think they’re good)

-Zoltan Gera: No explaination necessary.
To: Serie A
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £3.5 million

-Kagisho Dikgacoi: He’s on loan and likes it better elsewhere.
To: Crystal Palace
Price: £1 million

-Diomansy Kamara: Same as Dikgacoi
To: Leicester City
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £2 million

-Eddie Johnson: He’s barely played, and is apparently unhappy. Also on loan
To: Preston
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £800K

-John Pantsil: Basically the same situation as Gera. Guy did himself in with own goals. Although he could be saved by the idea that he’d get another shot with Salcido wanting to leave. He’s also said in the past he’s willing to change positions to finish his career at CC. He’s not a lock to leave like the others are, but he’s about 95%.
To: West Brom
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £3.5 million

-Carlos Salcido: He’s playing well and earned a spot back in the starting XI. However, he’s homesick and has made it public he wants to go back to Mexico.
To: Mexico
Price: £3 million

I don’t see any more sales than that. Lots of changes to the backups, but that’s pretty usual. As much as I wish they would sell Andy Johnson (and there have in fact been rumors about that), I just don’t see Hughes parting ways with Johnson. I also personally wish Fulham would go shop Schwarzer to get David Stockdale in at first team goal, but I don’t believe that will happen either, especially all the talk with Schwartzer wanting to extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

Now for the fun part! Here’s how I would like Hughes to use the £23 million we now have. That’s a lot of money, so I’m going to enjoy this do I think they’ll end up using all of the £23 million if they get that much? No. But I like it so here we go. Also, let it be known I’m much more into quality over quantity. Especially since there are a few holes but otherwise this team’s base is very solid.

Already secured:

-Dan Burn
-Eidur Gudjohnson (loan -> permenant)
-Alex Manninger

Kyle’s £23 million Wish List:

-Johan Elmander: I’ve already posted how I want him to come to CC. He’s not signing a new contract at Bolton, and although it’d be somewhat of a bidding war with clubs like Liverpool, manager Kyle is winning this one. It’s taking a big chunk of the money out, but he would be great next to Zamora.
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £8.5 million

-Artjoms Rudnevs: This one is more realistic, so I’ll go for it. He’s been rumored to be in at Fulham in the summer, and he’s young and relatively inexpensive. I like the move.
Price: £2.5 million

-Gary Cahill OR Steven Taylor: It is of my belief that, with a bunch of defenders leaving, signing one of these would give Fulham an absolute brick wall in defense. They are both center backs, but Hughes has the ability to play the side, plus he and Hangeland aren’t getting any younger. Both these 25 year olds would not only provide a solid defense, but they could be the future of the defense along with Briggs and Burn. Both players have proven their worth in the PL and Newcastle and Bolton could be looking to add a little cash. It would be a very smart signing in my opinion. Cahill is more expensive, so I believe Taylor is the better value, but both offer significant upside to the price. Someone I was very tempted to spend money on was Matthew Upson, the captain for West Ham. But these two youngsters’ age was the deciding factor for me.
Price: Cahill – £8.5 million Taylor – £5.5 million

-Sebastian Larsson: The Birmingham City and former Arsenal midfielder was spectacular in winning the Carling Cup. He’s been touted by many clubs and officials, and is an extremely good value. This buy would round out my spending to lock down the midfield, which has given Sparky so many injury problems this season. Depth at midfield is an absolute must, and this move would secure that. Also, Larsson is still 25 and very experienced, having played for Arsenal before Birmingham City. The only issue with this move is it would create almost a logjam at midfield, with 7 capable starters (Larsson plus Duff, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Etuhu, and yes, I’m including Dembele). I think it’s time Danny Murphy steps aside, as he’s not as consistent as he used to be, but as is the same with Mark Schwarzer, it’s tough to just throw aside club loyalty for youthful replacements.
Price: Free
Hypothetical value: £6 million

The lineup after the purchases:

Starting XI – Schwarzer/Stockdale, Hangeland, Taylor/Cahill, Hughes, Baird, Duff, Dempsey, Larsson, Sidwell, Elmander, Zamora
Bench – Dembele, Gudjohnson, Murphy, Etuhu, Kelly, Halliche, Schwarzer/Stockdale
Youth in the wings – Dalla Valle, Briggs, Burn, Rudnevs

I could see Briggs or Burn coming up very soon, as the defensive bench is very thin. Dalla Valle also will be up very soon, which could put a striker or two in a tough spot. I see Gudjohnson making way for him if someone had to hit the road.

That would be a pretty sweet team, no?

Give me your thoughts. Obviously all those players I mentioned Fulham buying are all who I would go out and get, not what will probably happen. It’s just kind of my transfer best-case scenario, if you will.