Fulham 2024-25 Premier League preview: Signings, key player and one to kick on

Last season’s league position: 13th

Top-scorer: Rodrigo Muniz (10)

Most appearances (all comps): Andreas Pereira (42);

Players in: Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal, undisclosed), Jorge Cuenca (Villarreal, undisclosed), Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham, free)

Players out: Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich, undisclosed), Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea, free), Bobby De Cordova- Reid (Leicester, free), Marek Rodak (Al-Ettifaq, free), Tim Ream (Charlotte, free), Luke Harris (Birmingham, loan)

KEY PLAYER
RODRIGO MUNIZ
The Brazilian needs to show that his red-hot scoring spell in February and March – eight goals in as many matches – was not just a blip. If the 23-year-old cannot deliver again then the Whites will be light in terms of firepower.

ONE TO KICK ON
ADAMA TRAORE
Injury meant that the powerful winger featured just five times before returning to the squad in February and produced some encouraging displays. The former Wolves man has been bright in the friendlies and his serious burst of pace is a really useful weapon to have in the locker.

AREA WITH STRENGTH IN DEPTH
The full-back positions. Antonee Robinson was excellent last season – winning the club’s Player of the Season accolade. Timothy Castagne will be first choice on the right and Kenny Tete is a very good back-up option.

AREA FOR CONCERN
That holding midfield role that Joao Palhinha proved such a destroyer in. Almost impossible for Fulham to replace the Portuguese international’s quality.

YOUNGSTER WHO CAN KICK ON
Marco Silva tends to go with experience in his side and so not really an easy one to answer. Lots of supporters would like to see Jay Stansfield tested at the top level but seems far more likely the striker will get a Championship loan move instead. Any early opportunities he does get – like the EFL Cup – could be key in persuading the boss he is worth keeping around.

PLAYER WHO COULD LOOK FOR AN EXIT
Andreas Pereira has been linked with a move but Fulham would surely be loathe to lose such a key man. The number 10 is contracted until 2026.

VERDICT ON THE BOSS
Fulham fans sing about Marco Silva being “a genius” – and with good reason. The list of players who have significantly improved once they start working with him far outweighs any duds. You get a shudder down the spine thinking about if and when he decides to leave. Quality.

OPENING FIXTURES
August 16 – Manchester United A (Premier League) 8pm
August 24 – Leicester City H (Premier League) 3pm
August 31 – Ipswich Town A (Premier League) 3pm