Fulham transfer news: "We were far too passive in the market"

Marco Silva is far from satisfied with Fulham’s activity in the transfer window. With the Premier League fast approaching, the Portuguese coach had hoped for more action from the club’s hierarchy. To date, the Cottagers have only made one signing: Benjamin Lecomte, the former Montpellier goalkeeper.

“All managers always want more people to strengthen their squads, and I’m no exception. But there are certain positions where it’s not just about trying to improve — we need numbers, we need depth. Do I believe I’ll still get reinforcements? There’s no other alternative,” he said.

Silva acknowledges that, due to the lack of new signings, Fulham isn’t “where I’d like us to be.” With considerable gaps still in the squad, the London club kicks off its Premier League campaign this Saturday (16 August) against Brighton at the Falmer Stadium.

“It’s not the ideal scenario, I won’t lie. I have to say we were very, very passive. If you ask me whether I expected this, of course not. But it’s the market, it is what it is. But I repeat: we were very passive and it was unexpected.”

At the end of his statement, the Portuguese boss hinted at an understanding with the club’s directors. Before the 2025-26 season, he wanted fresh faces at his disposal.

“Even knowing Fulham has a history of players arriving a little late, that’s not the point this time because there was a plan. And unfortunately, it hasn’t been fulfilled yet. Let’s hope that before the transfer window closes, we can reinforce the positions we need,” he concluded.

Brazilian forward could be Fulham’s next signing

Fulham’s second summer signing could be Brazilian. The Cottagers have made a €37 million (£31.1m) offer for striker Kevin of Shakhtar Donetsk.

An explosive player with acceleration and dribbling skills, Kevin has made 55 appearances for Shakhtar, scoring 16 times and providing ten assists since arriving in Europe. According to Fabrizio Romano, Shakhtar want €50 million (£42.1m) to sanction his sale.

Kevin Shakhtar Donetsk — Kevin of Shakhtar Donetsk pictured in July 2025. (Foto by Imago)

Fulham’s early fixtures and Premier League outlook

Marco Silva guided Fulham to 11th place last season, keeping them comfortably away from relegation, while never threatening European places.

With Silva still at the helm and the board showing a cautious approach in the transfer market, expectations are for another mid-table campaign in 2025-26 — safe but unspectacular.

After opening against Brighton, Fulham will host Manchester United at Craven Cottage, one of the Premier League’s most active clubs in this transfer window.