Saman Ghoddos has been in prolific form for Ostersunds this season – which is more than can be said for Rui Fonte at Fulham.
Fulham might have been left bloodied and bruised in the play-off semi-finals last season but at least they could take solace in knowing they were top of the class when it came to entertainment.
No one scored more than Fulham’s 72 Championship goals last season, level with Norwich City and champions Newcastle United. With Tom Cairney pulling the strings, Ryan Sessegnon raiding from the left, Sone Aluko scheming and Chris Martin scoring, The Cottagers were a better defence away from fighting for automatic promotion.
In the first two months of 2017/18, however, it’s fair to say the Fulham side that exhilarated the masses last season was nowhere to be seen. So far, The Cottagers have hit the net just 18 times in 15 league fixtures and sit in mid-table, closer to the relegation zone than the top – and summer signing Rui Fonte has been a huge disappointment.
The 6ft 1ins striker arrived at Craven Cottage to replace Chris Martin following his return to Derby County. So far, however, Fonte has scored just once in ten Championship games from a centre forward position.
And the fact that Fulham sent scouts to watch Ostersunds forward Saman Ghoddos in action during the Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night rather reflects just how poor Fulham, and Fonte in particular, have been in front of goal this season.
Considering that the Iran international has posted 19 goals in 36 games for Ostersunds in 2017, you can see why both Fulham and QPR are interested. And The Cottagers sudden interest in a player who would cost around £4.6 million, according to Ostersunds’ director in Aftenbladet, is certainly daunting news for Fonte.
After all, the arrival of Ghoddos would surely put his place under threat.
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