Fulham eyeing a transfer swoop for Dutch star: Just what Ranieri needs

According to Dutch site De Telegraaf, Fulham are keen to sign Besiktas attacking midfielder Ryan Babel on loan for the rest of the season.

Babel’s contract with the Turkish outfit is due to expire at the end of the season and he hasn’t agreed a new deal yet.

Besiktas are reportedly prepared to loan him out and, Fulham have emerged as one of the interested parties to secure his signature.

Ryan Babel: Player Profile

Babel emerged through the youth ranks of Ajax and after his dazzling performances for the Dutch outfit, he was signed by Liverpool in the summer of 2017 for a transfer fee of £11.5m.

However, his spell at the Anfield was an ill-fated one and subsequently, he made a move to Hoffenheim after three-and-a-half inconsistent seasons in the Premier League.

Spells with Ajax, Kasimpasa, Al Ain and Deportivo La Coruna followed before his move to Besiktas in the January transfer window of 2017.

Intriguingly, he has resurrected his career and has become an instrumental figure for Besiktas as well as for the Dutch national side.

Babel scored his career-best 15 goals for his current employers last season and has managed to turn his career around.

Why he’d be a good signing for Fulham

The Cottagers have struggled in the English top division after their promotion from the Championship and have picked up just 14 points from 22 league games so far.

Ranieri’s side haven’t been able to string a good run of results and remain five points away from safety.

Fulham have been over-reliant on Aleksandar Mitrovic lately to cater to their goal-scoring needs, and signing Babel would add another outlet for goals.

Babel is a versatile forward, as he is capable of plying his trade as a winger as well as a striker, and has shown he is clinical in front of goal in recent seasons.

The 32-year-old is excellent in linking up with his teammates in the final third with his quick passes and vision.

Babel should be able to add guile, attacking flair and freshness to the Fulham attack, and his addition might help the Cottagers in their quest for survival.