Former West Ham United winger Andriy Yarmolenko should aim higher than Premier League newcomers Fulham as he looks for a new challenge, Ukrainian legend Serhiy Rebrov tells Championat.
In truth, things have gone quiet around Yarmolenko since his West Ham contract expired nearly two weeks ago.
Reports from Ukraine had suggested that Fulham – Championship champions last season – had emerged as one of the early frontrunners for the 32-year-old veteran. The Cottagers are prioritising alternative targets for the time being, however, with Yarmolenko hardly at the top of Marco Silva’s summer to-do list.
And Rebrov, who is now at the helm of United Arab Emirates-based outfit Al-Ain, believes Yarmolenko should be aiming higher than a side who will be priortising survival over anything else in 2022/23.
Will Andriy Yarmolenko end up at Fulham?
“He can play in Europe. It is important for him to find the best option for himself and start preparing for the season. But it’s up to Andriy,” says Rebrov.
“I’m sure he’s still ready to play at a high level. He needs to pick the right team. Andriy is an ambitious guy. He wants to fight for titles and win every match.
“If this is an offer from a team that sets the task of staying in the Premier League then, for me, this is not an offer for Andriy Yarmolenko.
“But again, it’s up to him.”
Rebrov admits he would relish the prospect of working with the former Borussia Dortmund winger at Al-Ain. There is also interest from the MLS, while some of Turkey’s biggest clubs have also been linked.
“Does Al Ain have a chance to sign Yarmolenko? There is a chance,” Rebrov adds.
“We are considering players for specific positions. The club is trying to work very carefully in the transfer market. Of course, I would love to work with Andriy.
“I’m sure a player of his level will get many offers, not only from the UAE.”
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