Fulham are reportedly leading the race to sign AS Roma full-back Rick Karsdorp ahead of the January transfer window.
The Dutchman, 27, has fallen out with manager Jose Mourinho, and as a result, AS Roma have transfer-listed the full-back. The player has returned to Roma training this week after skipping the squad’s visit to Japan citing “mental fatigue” following his bust-up with Mourinho in November.
According to reliable Sky Sports Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Fulham are set to send a formal offer to Roma for Rick Karsdorp after the World Cup. The Cottagers are the only club showing concrete interest in the player at the moment, while Torino and Lille are open to taking the right-back on loan for the rest of the season, Di Marzio adds.
Karsdorp joined Roma in 2017 from Feyenoord, but he only managed to become a regular starter in 2020 following a loan spell with his former club Feyenoord. His current contract runs until 2025, but I Giallorossi are open to selling him for cheap next month as Mourinho doesn’t want the Dutch full-back in his squad anymore.
Rick Karsdorp to Fulham—Good option?
Newly-promoted Fulham surprised many with their exciting displays under Marco Silva and currently sit ninth in the table. They recruited well in the summer transfer window and most of their new arrivals have performed really well.
However, one of the Cottagers’ new signings who has failed to make a mark is Kevin Mbabu, who was signed from Wolfsburg to compete with first-choice right-back Kenny Tete. Mbabu deputised in Tete’s injury absence at right-back, playing six times in the Premier League so far. However, the Switzerland international’s performances haven’t been consistent, leading to Silva wanting to recruit a new right-back next month.
Roma’s Rick Karsdorp has emerged as an option for the Cottagers. Karsdorp has played nine times in Serie A this season but has failed to register a goal or an assist. The three-cap Netherlands international is an attacking and energetic full-back who has the tools to succeed in the Premier League. He has solid experience at the highest level and could make an immediate impact at Fulham.
If Silva can help Tete get back to his full fitness and speed in the second half of the campaign, then Rick Karsdorp could be the ideal player to provide competition at right-back. Karsdorp will expect to oust Tete from Silva’s first XI eventually but he will move to Craven Cottage to play second fiddle to his compatriot for the time being.
With Torino and Lille also interested in his services, Fulham must quickly look to wrap up the AS Roma outcast’s signing.