Fulham need to go all out for Real Sociedad striker
By Matt English
After fighting for promotion to the Premier League, Fulham are lining up a big money move for a new striker.
Bringing in a striker on loan and having him score 12 goals in just 18 appearances seems like a dream come true. That dream was a reality for Fulham last season after Aleksander Mitrovic joined the club in January.
The Serbian was a revelation for the club in the Championship and was a main reason Fulham are now in the Premier League once again. Unfortunately, Newcastle and Fulham have not agreed on a permanent deal yet, so Mitrovic remains at his parent club.
Fulham know they have just a few weeks left until the season starts, which is why they have shifted focus to a new striker. Real Sociedad forward Willian Jose is the club’s new target, and it is not hard to see why they want him.
Willian Jose has scored 27 goals in the past two seasons for Sociedad in La Liga. The arial ability he possesses alone will be ideal for Fulham’s tactics.
Fulham use a traditional 433 formation that focuses on the wingers, especially teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon, creating chances out wide.
Sticking Willian Jose in the middle of the two wingers would allow him to thrive as a target striker. It would not be much of a system change for him either, as Sociedad often played a similar style.
With the addition of Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice as well, this Fulham team is looking quite strong heading into the new Premier League season. Signing Willian Jose before the campaign starts needs to be a priority, though.
It will not only show initiative for the newly promoted side, but also give the new signing time to adjust to the training and physicality in England.
Fulham will certainly be missing out by not being able to sign Mitrovic, but landing Willian Jose would not be a bad second option.
Sociedad will be a bit remiss to let Willian Jose go, but they are certainly making big moves this window. They have already sold defender Alvaro Odriozola for £27 million, so this Willian Jose sale would push them well over £50 million from player sales alone.
In short, this is a move Fulham need to make. The Premier League is one of the most physical in the world and having Willian Jose leading the line will make their lives much better.
The Brazilian striker will have a lot to prove moving to a new league, but with the supporting cast he will have around him, it is hard to see him failing.
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Do you think Willian Jose will thrive at Fulham?