Premier League newcomers Fulham are in talks with Thomas Strakosha but there is a problem relating to the signing-on bonus the Lazio goalkeeper is asking for, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The Greek-born Albania international will be a free-agent in July, after opting against extending his contract at the Serie A giants.
But ‘free-agent’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘cheap’. It is not exactly uncommon for players coming to the end of their contracts to demand wages or signing-on fees far in excess of what they would usually command, with those interested suitors often forced to green-light eye-watering pay-packets in lieu of a transfer fee.
There’s a reason why Juventus were forced to hand Aaron Ramsey £400,000-a-week following his departure from Arsenal, after all.
La Repubblica broke the news late last week, suggesting that Fulham had entered negotiations with 27-year-old Strakosha.
The report even suggested that Lazio’s long-serving glovesman could be unveiled at Craven Cottage within a matter of days, the Championship champions seemingly fighting off competition from Southampton, Newcastle United and recently-relegated Watford.
Fulham in talks to sign Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha
There is still one obstacle that must be overcome, however.
TMW claim that negotiations with Fulham are ongoing. But there are ‘problems’ regarding a signing-on bonus. Fulham believe the fee Strakosha wants is currently ‘too high’. Talks are set to continue in the coming days, however, and there is a belief that a compromise can still be reached.
This feels less like a road block, more a pesky pothole. A bump in the road leading Strakosha to West London.
“I’m not an expert in goalkeepers but I’d give him 10/10,” former Lazio youth coach Alberto Bollini said of Strakosha, who was valued at £25 million just 12 months ago.
“He has extraordinary athleticism. He is tenacious and has a cool head.”
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In addition to Strakosha, Fulham are also in talks to sign Manor Solomon from Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk for a bargain £7 million. The Cottagers have already snapped up Harry Wilson on a permanent deal and fellow Welshman Neco Williams could follow in his footsteps, with parent club Liverpool closing in on Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay.
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