As the window slammed shut on 30 August, Fulham were still working away to secure their final player of the window. The rumours circled and it seemed that Ernest Nuamah was on his way to the Cottage. However, as Fulham fans will now know, Ernest went missing during his medical. It’s been reported the player wasn’t keen to leave Lyon, who were trying to shift him against his will. Fulham and Lyon understandably called off the deal. No matter how good a player might be, if his heart is not set on the move then it is better to call it off altogether. Fulham did dodge a significant fee by looking elsewhere, and after recording a net spend of just £19m, it could be a good dodge for all sorts of reasons.
A logical, if late, move
Fulham chose instead to look at a name that had been floating around for some time in Reiss Nelson. Ipswich were keen, but Fulham successfully hijacked the arrangement at the last minute to bag him on a season-long loan. Nelson had to wait for confirmation over the deal, and did so at his brother’s house (incidentally his brother lives in the Fulham area). When Fulham came knocking, no doubt it was a happy household (and not just at the thought of a short commute).
The loan deal currently has no options attached; it was a quick fix to a problem that arose in the final hours of Friday night. In hindsight, Fulham will be optimistic and grateful for the way things unfolded. Marco Silva had been very open about the need for one more wide attacking option after losing both Bobby De Cordova Reid and Willian. Additionally, this is a player with 50 Premier League appearances – and we know Marco prefers Premier League players.
Threatening at the Emirates
Another recruit from North London, Nelson is a dynamic option. His time at Arsenal showed us the player he could be. Arteta’s new recruits have meant his opportunities have been limited at the Emirates. Make no mistake though, Nelson isn’t just here to mix with his old Hale End Academy graduates – he’s here to play. Used as an impact player by Arteta, he’ll hope he can get more opportunities to make an impact with Marco Silva. Who can forget his injury time winner for Arsenal against Bournemouth? A time when Arsenal were becoming a real force in 2022. Equally, he aided the Gunners with a helpful brace against Nottingham Forest when Bukayo Saka went off injured. He’s shown he can cut it at this level.
However, last season, he only made 15 league appearances and rarely featured in the cup games. What is clear to see though is his attacking threat. He has an eye for goal, and regularly shoots from both inside and outside the box. He can do a Willian-like shimmy to find half a yard, plus he is quick off the mark. These are the kind of traits Marco will have identified when recruiting for this position. Nelson may not be totally match fit for 90 minutes as of yet, but if he’s given the opportunity from the bench, then we could well be seeing an all-ex-Arsenal attacking midfield if things progress. We’ll win the hearts of all the Gunners this season, but ultimately both Emile and Reiss still have some work to do to prove their worth to the Fulham Faithful. Particularly if the latter of the two wants to make his move permanent.
Hit the ground running
Fulham know, like many of their signings this summer, that there’s a real player in there. Nelson just needs to acclimatise to the Fulham way. He’ll feel at home among former Arsenal teammates, which will hopefully make the change less jarring for him compared to his other loan spells, at both Hoffenheim and Feyenoord.
During his time at Hoffenheim he made a very fast start with six goals in seven appearances, before Julian Nagelsmann dropped him for being late to training. Feyenoord was slightly more successful, but during both spells Nelson found himself injured for large parts of each season, which hindered his game time.
Injuries and potential attitude problems aside, Nelson will have to have a big impact this season to compete within the Fulham squad. Nelson will by no means walk into that first team. However, his presence in training and his ability to operate well in tight areas will only further his cause. Whatever happens, Marco has more competition in the squad and a player with a point to prove. All in all, this loan deal feels much better than the signing of a player who cries during their medical and costs nearly £20m. As the season goes on, I have a feeling the Fulham fans will recognise this and hopefully be rewarded by brilliant performances on the pitch. All hail (Lord) Nelson.
Be the first to comment