Fulham’s last stint in the Premier League looked promising before a ball was even kicked. The Cottagers spent a ton of money to sign a number of really exciting players.
The Lilywhites signed Jean Michael Seri for a club-record £25 million from French side Nice on a four-year deal. (Telegraph) The Ivorian’s arrival brought in a wave of excitement around Craven Cottage and many expected them to survive a daunting season in the Premier League.
However, things didn’t quite work out as planned. Fulham were in deep trouble and the club were forced to bring in Ryan Babel in the January transfer window to help them survive.
The Dutchman scored five times and provided four assists in 16 appearances but that wasn’t enough to keep them up. Fulham went down that campaign and Babel returned to Turkey.
Seri was also loaned out to Galatasaray last year on a season-long loan deal. The Ivorian impressed in Turkey and the Super Lig giants want him back next season, but they cannot afford to trigger his £16 million clause to buy him permanently.
However, Galatasaray have come up with a plan to bring Seri back to the club next season, and Fulham now have a decision to make.
Galatasaray’s unorthodox swap offer
Turkish outlet Skor have claimed that Gala have offered Fulham a chance to sign Ryan Babel on a permanent deal for free, but only if they sanction another season-long loan deal for Seri.
The report claims that a deal can be struck as early as this weekend with Seri himself keen on a return to Turkey for another season. It will be interesting to see how Scott Parker and co react to the offer. Babel will bring in tons of experience to the Lilywhites squad but he is 33 already.
Fulham will certainly be reluctant to offer the Dutchman a long contract which could ruin the deal. However, if Babel and the Cottagers can come to an agreement over his contract, a deal could easily be sealed before the start of next week.
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