Roma winger Justin Kluivert is set to undergo a medical at La Liga giants Valencia after his £12 million move to Premier League newcomers Fulham fell through, as reported by Sky Sports (1 September, 4.02pm).
Fulham have certainly been made to work hard for their transfer targets this summer. But while Manor Solomon would finally arrive after months of protracted negotiations, there will be no happy ending for Kluivert.
The Dutch international agreed a potential £12 million move to Craven Cottage in August, per Foot Mercato. This was a deal, however, with more hurdles than the Olympics final. First, there were disagreements over a loan fee, or indeed how the deal would be structured; an option-to-buy or an obligation.
And those pesky work permit regulations proved to be the final straw. According to The Times, talks between Fulham and Roma finally collapsed this week, Kluivert failing to qualify for a work permit under new Brexit rules.
Justin Kluivert joining Valencia as Fulham miss out
At least the former Ajax wonderkid won’t find himself stuck on the Roma bench for the next few months. Sky Sports say that Kluivert is now jetting out to Spain. After links with Espanyol, he will undergo a medical with Valencia instead.
A Los Che side now under the management of Gennaro Gattuso have already brought Edinson Cavani to the Mestalla.
“I would like to believe that Roma will take care of it,” said Kluivert’s legendary father, Patrick, when asked about the prospects of a late-summer move away from the Stadio Olimpico.
“I hope the club will provide (an opportunity to leave). Justin has his own history to write and deserves a club that will play him consistently. It’s crucial for his development.”
Fulham at least, appear to have tied up a deal for free-agent Willian. They are also frontrunners to sign Dan James from Leeds United.
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