Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday were both beaten in the Championship semi-finals.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney
Fulham may have to brace themselves for offers for Tom Cairney this summer, after their failure to gain promotion from the Championship.
The 26-year-old scored 13 goals and created another 12 from midfield this past campaign, and Newcastle United are said to be one of several top flight admirers.
Cairney’s boots would be sizeable ones to fill, but could an almost forgotten Sheffield Wednesday player, Almen Abdi, be the man to do it?
So, why him?
Sheffield Wednesday’s Almen Abdi [left]
Fulham were reportedly keen on the Swiss international a year ago, before his £3 million move to Wednesday, with Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic having managed him at Watford. Abdi may have endured a frustrating debut campaign at Hillsborough, but has played top level football in both England and Italy and is a proven Championship performer, where he has scored 24 goals and creating 14 in 100 appearances.
Would Wednesday sell him?
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal
Another central midfielder is said to be on Carlos Carvalhal’s shopping list, and with Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee often preferred in Abdi’s attacking role, a summer move for the 30-year-old perhaps cannot be ruled out. Wednesday are desperate to make it third time lucky next season, but with a potential £10 million of this summer’s budget already spent on Jordan Rhodes, they may have to wheel and deal with Abdi a possible victim.
Chances of a move?
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic
7/10 – It would need Cairney to depart first, but interest from both Jokanovic and Abdi is probable if/when that happens. Wednesday are said to be after a central midfielder themselves – albeit, perhaps a more defensive-minded one – and may be happy to move the Swiss on if it helps to fund his replacement.
Should Fulham move for Abdi this summer? And should Wednesday sell?
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