Fulham have propelled themselves right into promotion contention, but failure to secure their place in the Premier League next season could trigger an exodus at Craven Cottage.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has previously won promotion with Watford
After being in and around the Championship play-off places in recent months, a run of five wins in their last six games has boosted their promotion credentials significantly.
The Cottagers sit in sixth position with three games to go, but more importantly have a three point lead and superior goal advantage over seventh place Leeds United. Fulham’s destiny is in their own hands and it is theirs to lose.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic will be targeting his second promotion from the Championship after he achieved the same feat at Watford.
However, if his side fail to gain promotion then this could prompt Premier League interest for his standout players. We take a look at three players that could find themselves playing in England’s top tier, and not in a Fulham shirt.
Ryan Sessegnon
Sessegnon has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season at Fulham and has been the name ob everyone’s lips down at Craven Cottage.
The left-back is just 16 years old and has shown maturity beyond his years along with his unquestionably natural ability to play a big role in Fulham’s season. He has played in 24 league games and scored five goals, including a brace in an away victory at Newcastle United.
He has played further up the pitch in an attacking left midfield in recent weeks and he can now add versatility to his ever growing list of traits. This has sparked interest from Premier League clubs as they try to secure one of English football’s brightest talents. Fulham would like to keep hold of Sessegnon but could be powerless to a substational bid from one of English football’s powerhouses in the summer.
Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon in action
Tom Cairney
Cairney has excelled in his second season with Fulham and he is the club’s second leading goalscorer with 11 goals behind fellow midfielder Stefan Johansen.
The 26-year-old has the same number of assists to his name and his impressive form in the Championship earned him a call-up to the senior Scotland squad where he earned his first cap against Canada.
Cairney had previously played for fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers where he also made a big impression and after his exploits at Craven Cottage, he will be keen to show that he can cut it in the Premier League.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates scoring
Stefan Johansen
The Norwegian midfielder only moved to Fulham in the summer, following a spell at Scottish League champions Celtic. However, he has made a name for himself in England’s second tier.
As previously mentioned, he is the club’s top goalscorer with 13 goals but has also contributed with eight assists from midfield. The signing of Johansen was seen as a major coup considering he had experience of playing European football with Celtic and is a regular for the Norway national side.
It may only be his first season in England but judging by his performances for the West London club, the 26-year-old looks destined to play at a higher level and it is more than likely to happen sooner rather than later.
Fulham’s Stefan Johansen celebrates scoring
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