It has been a turbulent summer at Fulham that the Cottagers still hope to emerge from relatively unscathed.
A transfer saga regarding Aleksandar Mitrovic rumbles on ahead of their opener Everton as Marco Silva’s side look to emulate last year’s incredible return to the top flight.
Here, Standard Sport reporter Dom Smith previews the Cottagers’ 2023-24 campaign...
What has changed in 11 weeks?
At one point it looked like Fulham might lose manager Marco Silva and top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic after both were linked with moves to Saudi Arabia. Mitrovic’s future remains uncertain, but Silva has pledged his future to the club. Keeping hold of midfielder Joao Palhinha also looks key.
Transfer business
Defender Calvin Bassey, a £19m signing from Ajax, looks an exciting buy. In Raul Jimenez, they have brought in a proven centre-forward for £5m. But the Mexican has scored just six Premier League goals since fracturing his skull in November 2020. Fulham have lost Manor Solomon, while Mitrovic still wants to leave.
Tactic to look for
The fluidity of Solomon, Willian and Andreas Pereira made Fulham wonderfully hard to contain in the first half of last season. With Solomon now at Tottenham, Harry Wilson looks set to step up as their third playmaker behind the striker. Can he be as effective?
Success would be… Surviving comfortably. Fulham were as high as sixth last season and finished 10th at the end of an impressive first season back in the top flight, but this could be a more difficult campaign. An unhappy Mitrovic and a pre-season shoulder injury for Palhinha are a worry.
