Timo Baumgartl turned down a move to Fulham on transfer deadline day as he thought he’d be better suited staying at PSV Eindhoven, according to Dutch publication ED.
While it may not be enough to save their Premier League skin, the Cottagers have given Scott Parker and co some hope of turning things around after a miserable start to the season.
Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo have arrived in west London from Lyon and Manchester City respectively to strengthen a back line that has conceded three goals a game on average since 2020/21 began.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, rocks up with a point to prove and a place in England’s European Championship squad in his sights.
So, while Fulham’s squad suddenly looks much stronger today than it did a week ago, Parker didn’t get all his targets through the door.
A £9 million, former Germany U21 international, Baumgartl was expected to join from Dutch giants PSV until the deal fell through at the eleventh hour.
According to reports, the ex-Stuttgart youngster saw “insufficient opportunities for a sporting development” at Craven Cottage and felt he would be better off staying at the Phillips Stadium – regardless of the fact he is struggling for starts at PSV.
Perhaps Baumgartl felt with his reputation taking a hit on the PSV bench, joining a Fulham side already needing a miracle in the Premier League wouldn’t exactly be a step in the right direction regarding his development.
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