Report: Wolves’ £3M Bid Sparks Fulham Contract Race
Fulham, a club synonymous with the ebbs and flows of footballing fortune, faces another pivotal moment. This time, it’s centred around the future of Harrison Reed.
Journey Thus Far
Hailing from the southern coasts and originally stamped with Southampton’s seal of approval, Reed’s journey to west London was layered. A £6 million move in summer 2020, preceded by a productive loan spell, placed him firmly in the Cottager’s scheme of things. Since then, 150 appearances, three goals, and 11 assists. Numbers don’t lie, and they show Reed’s impact at Craven Cottage.
The Contract Chronicles
Despite these enviable numbers, Reed’s weekly wages have remained consistent at £30,000. But with the clock ticking down on a deal that’s set to end in 2024 (though Fulham do have the ability to extend this by a year), the question emerges – what next?
It’s reported by the Evening Standard that Fulham and Reed are currently deep in discussions over a new contract. The stakes? An improved deal and the prospect of anchoring Fulham’s midfield for the foreseeable future.
More than Just Fulham’s Glances
Wolves, known for their sharp eye for a bargain, tried tempting Reed with a £3 million offer. It’s a testament to Reed’s importance to Fulham that this offer was swiftly deemed inadequate and refused. And while Reed did have an eye on Molineux, his heart seemingly remains at Craven Cottage, provided the terms are right.
But it’s not just Wolves who’ve been casting admiring glances in Reed’s direction. Everton, ever in search of that missing piece to complete their midfield jigsaw, has shown interest too.
2023: A Pivotal Year in Reed’s Career
This year is vital for Reed. With every appearance, whether it’s a start or off the bench, as seen in the recent west London derby against Brentford, he demonstrates his worth. He’s cemented his position in the Cottagers’ lineup, having already graced the pitch in all five of their games this term.
Conclusion: The Ball’s in Fulham’s Court
Reed’s future has myriad potential paths. A lucrative contract at Craven Cottage? A move to another English top-flight team? As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Harrison Reed’s tale in the English football tapestry is far from over. And as always, Fulham stands at the crossroads of decision, holding the strings to their next act.
Virgil van Dijk BANNED vs. Wolves for red card reaction
Virgil van Dijk has been handed a further one-game ban in addition to a fine thanks to his comments after being shown a red card at Newcastle.
Liverpool’s captain was dismissed in the first half in the dramatic 2-1 win at Newcastle last month for his last-man challenge on Alexander Isak.
Van Dijk was immediately astounded by the decision of referee John Brooks to brandish a red card, and his protests to both Brooks and fourth official Craig Pawson earned him a charge from the FA.
The No. 4 labeled the decision a “f***ing joke” before leaving the field and having admitted to acting in an ‘improper manner’ towards a match official, he has received his punishment.
While having served the one-match ban for the red card against Aston Villa, he will now miss the trip to Wolves on September 16 after receiving a further one-match suspension.
Van Dijk has also been fined £100,000 for his use of abusive and insulting words towards officials.
An FA statement read: “The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission.
“Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.”
The audio recording of conversations between the VAR, referee and players as Van Dijk was sent off was recently released, with VAR official Stuart Attwell and his assistant heard making various checks.
Brooks was adamant he made the right call from the off and at the end of the conversation Van Dijk was heard saying it was a “f**king joke.”
With Ibrahima Konate still working his way back from injury, it is likely that Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will again start together in central defence at Wolves.
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