Fulham Tie Down Key Midfielder To A New Contract: A Huge Boost For Jokanovic?

Fulham have officiated the contract extension of midfielder Kevin McDonald. The 29-year-old has signed a two-year extension that will keep him at the club till 2020. Additionally, Fulham also have the option of extending his contract for one further year, largely depending on his performances.

McDonald played a vital role in the club’s promotion back to the top flight and is delighted to have signed a contract extension with the Cottagers.

“I feel settled here, it’s a great place to play, it’s got everything needed for a Premier League club, and thankfully that’s what we are,” McDonald told Fulham’s website.

“Hopefully we can kick on this season. It’s been a great couple of years and, having extended my contract, I couldn’t be happier.” – he added.

This will be a huge boost for Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic as he seeks to lead the newly promoted side to a positive campaign. And given the influence McDonald has had in the past couple of years, he is definitely a reliable choice for the 49-year-old manager.

McDonald initially joined Fulham back in 2016 when he moved from Wolves for a fee of €1.5 million. He made as many as 43 Championship appearances during his first season at the club, scoring three goals whilst mustering four assists. Although the Cottagers still failed to gain promotion to the top-flight during that corresponding season, the 29-year old’s influence in midfield was clearly evident.

In the following season, the former Wolves midfielder was once again a crucial part in Fulham’s senior side, making 42 appearances. He scored three goals, which included strikes against Barnsley and Millwall on the way to Fulham finally getting promoted last season.

His impressive performances earned him a third-place finish in the club’s Player of the Season awards in both his campaigns at Craven Cottage. And as the West Londoners brace themselves for a new challenge of playing in the English top flight, Kevin McDonald will undoubtedly play a key role.

The 29-year-old will mostly be deployed at the heart of the 4-1-4-1 formation with new signing Jean-Michael Seri and club captain Tom Cairney partnering him in a slightly advanced position. He will be tasked with the responsibility of screening the defence whilst also complementing his midfield partners.

Alternatively, he could also operate alongside Cairney in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Seri being deployed as the number ten. And given his qualities in the centre of the pitch, one would expect him to establish a regular spot in the Fulham starting eleven next season.

Stats Courtesy: Whoscored