Transfer Story
According to Dutch football magazine Voetbal, Fulham have enquired over the possibility of signing Jetro Willems. The Eintracht Frankfurt left-back has been a subject of a move away from the Bundesliga after losing his place midway through last season with the Cottagers growing keen on acquiring his services.
However, the source believes that the newly promoted Premier League side could face stiff competition from AS Roma, who are eager on signing him after initially failing in an attempt during January.
Player profile and what will he add
Willems moved to Bundesliga last summer as a part of Niko Kovac’s project at Eintracht Frankfurt. He made a quick impact as well becoming a regular fixture in the starting lineup throughout the Bundesliga Hinrunde 2017. But, the 24-year-old fell out of favour in the second half of the campaign that saw him featuring in only seven games since the turn of the year.
And following the departure of Kovac to Bayern Munich earlier this summer, Willems’ future at Frankfurt is in severe doubt with new coach Adi Hutter unlikely to include him in his plans next season.
As for Fulham, the addition of someone like Jetro Willems will be revitalising given his plethora of qualities in wider positions.
Generally advertised as an attacking fullback, the Dutch fullback is blessed immense technical prowess, which makes him a handy presence in the final third. In fact, Willems is more of a wing-back rather than a fullback.
He can also operate further up the pitch, if necessary, while his crossing accuracy is what makes him such a unique component. Indeed, Willems is a cross-machine, who averaged a stunning total of 1.5 key passes per game last season.
Additionally, Willems had a tally of 3 attempted tackles, almost one interception and over 2 dribbles per game, making him a complete package in wider positions.
Why do Fulham need Jetro Willems?
The addition of Jetro Willems is imperative for Fulham given their lack of reliable options in the left-back department.
In fact, they have no recognised left-backs in their current roster after Matt Targett returned to Southampton following the end of his season-long loan deal.
As a result, the Cottagers are in complete disarray at the moment as far as their fullback department is concerned. But, the acquisition of Willems will provide Slavisa Jokanovic with a reliable option at his disposal, as the former boasts incredible talent and has the necessary qualities to thrive in the Premier League.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
