Fulham have lost Ryan Fredericks but will reportedly try to sign Turkish ace Gonul instead.
Fulham would have been very disappointed to lose Ryan Fredericks.
It was expected that the flying right-back would sign a new deal at Craven Cottage after playing a major part in Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League. But, less than a fortnight after victory against Aston Villa at Wembley, Fredericks has joined West Ham United for free.
It will not be easy to replace Fredericks, who assisted nine goals last season and was a key part of Slavisa Jokanovic’s side due to his pace and aggression on the flanks. So there will be a lot of pressure on Gokhan Gonul if Fulham get their man.
Gonul is a defender with huge experience, having accumulated 64 caps for Turkey while winning the Super Lig three times, once with current club Besiktas in 2017 and twice during a nine-year stay at Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce.
And although his best days may be behind him and he would not offer the speed of Fredericks, Gonul retains that attacking instinct that once earned him the nickname ‘the Turkish Cafu’ during his time with Fenerbahce.
He set up three goals in 24 league starts last season as Besiktas finished fourth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
