AS Roma outcast Justin Kluivert edging closer to Fulham

Fulham are in negotiations with AS Roma for the signing of Justin Kluivert, who wants a new adventure after a strong last season with OGC Nice.

Justin Kluivert, 23, has failed to cut the mustard in Serie A with AS Roma since joining from Ajax in the summer of 2018. In his first two campaigns with the capital club, the winger made 68 appearances, managing a meagre tally of just nine goals and ten assists.

The Dutchman spent the last season on loan at OGC Nice and showed signs of his old form, supplying six goals and as many assists in 31 matches across all competitions. Now back at Roma, Kluivert, however, is not part of Jose Mourinho’s plans and has been left out of the pre-season camp. As a result, the 23-year-old wants to quit the Giallorossi amid interest from Fulham and a Serie A club.

Fulham are reportedly pressing the most to sign Kluivert, with negotiations well underway and the player convinced of his destination. The Cottagers want to get a deal for the Dutch attacker as quickly as possible following the news that Harry Wilson is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly fixture with Aston Villa last week.

Marco Silva eyeing more signings

Fulham have completed the signing of defender Shane Duffy on a season-long loan from Brighton, adding to the likes of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Manor Solomon, Bernd Leno and Kevin Mbabu.

The newly-promoted side remains in talks with West Ham over Issa Diop, who is manager Marco Silva’s top defensive target. They have also been linked with Manchester United’s Eric Bailly and Leicester City’s Jannik Vestergaard.

The Londoners cannot afford to wait too long into the transfer window to make more additions to their squad that looks threadbare ahead of Premier League’s opening weekend encounter against Liverpool. Marco Silva wants to make “at least five or six” signings more to boost Fulham’s hopes of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking.

Justin Kluivert could be an exciting acquisition for the Cottagers

Fulham’s immediate need is to strengthen their defensive options with Silva currently having only two central defenders. In addition, the Portuguese tactician also wants an attacker to improve his forward line after losing Harry Wilson for eight weeks to an injury, thus, making Justin Kluivert a good fit at Craven Cottage.

Kluivert is an exciting young player who can play across the frontline, providing a sense of versatility to the Fulham boss. He is quick, creative and can score goals, and maybe that would make him a particularly effective player in the final third in Silva’s system. With solid technique and ball control too, the ex-Ajax man can add a lot of value to the Premier League newbies.

Thus, Fulham must try wrapping up the Kluivert deal as soon as possible.