Justin Kluivert has agreed a move to Premier League high-flyers Fulham but Roma are demanding a costly £3.3 million loan fee for the Serie A misfit, as reported by FootMercato.
Three games, one win, two draws and five points; Yep, Marco Silva will take that.
Especially when you consider Fulham did not have anything to show from their first three matches of the 2020/21 season.
The improvements are clear to see, with summer arrivals Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira slotting in brilliantly. There was even an assist from another newcomer, Kevin Mbabu, in the dying stages of Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 London derby victory over Brentford.
Will Fulham finally sign Roma winger Justin Kluivert?
No one at Craven Cottage will have any intention of resting on their laurels, however. And, after losing Manor Solomon to a long term injury – one that could keep him out of action until the New Year – bringing in another left-sided attacker is a top priority heading into the final week of the window.
According to FootMercato, two-time Dutch international Kluivert has ‘agreed to join’ already. Finding an agreement with Roma, however, is proving to be a far more difficult task. Especially with the Giallorrosi demanding a £3.3 million loan fee, plus an obligation-to-buy clause that takes the cost of the overall deal to nearly £12 million – providing The Cottagers avoid yet another immediate return to the Championship, that is.
Fulham, however, appear to have their own ideas. They would rather sign Kluivert on loan with an option to buy; allowing them to back out of the deal if the one-time Ajax wonderkid struggles for form again, having endured difficult spells not just at Roma but also at RB Leipzig and Nice after exploding on to the scene in Amsterdam.
“I’d like to believe that Roma will take care of it,” admits the winger’s father, legendary striker Patrick Kluivert.
“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 are also expected to bring in free-agent Willian after he terminated his contract at Corinthians. The agent of Bologna winger Musa Barrow, meanwhile, admits that the Cottagers have shown an interest in him too.
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