Fulham have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, who is also a target for Fenerbahce and Sporting CP.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, newly-promoted Premier League club Fulham have expressed an interest in signing Real Betis and Portugal midfielder William Carvalho in the summer transfer window.
Carvalho has been with Real Betis since 2018 when he joined from boyhood club Sporting CP. The 30-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for Los Verdiblancos and has made 135 appearances for the La Liga outfit so far.
Carvalho was a regular in the starting XI in the 2021/22 campaign, making 49 appearances and chipping in four goals and five assists, helping Betis win the Copa del Rey and finish fifth in La Liga. While the midfielder is a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s setup, his contract expires in the summer of next year.
On top of that, Real Betis need finances and will be forced to cash in on some of their players, with Carvalho likely to be shown the doors. His potential availability has alerted several clubs across Europe. Arsenal and Newcastle United have been linked with the 30-year-old, while Fenerbahce are also keen and have reportedly submitted an offer.
Now Fulham have also entered the race to sign Carvalho as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. The Cottagers earned promotion in an emphatic fashion as they won the EFL Championship and manager Marco Silva is already working towards strengthening his squad to ensure that the Londoners are in a position to avoid a drop back to the second division.
Defence is an area where Fulham are seeking reinforcements, while there is a need for a reliable holding midfielder as Jean Michael Seri’s contract is set to run out at the end of the month. A player of Carvalho’s experience and proven pedigree can be an excellent addition for Fulham and help solidify the team in the centre of the park, alongside Tom Cairney.
But, given that Fenerbahce have already made an offer and Carvalho’s former club, Sporting CP, are also interested, Fulham will have a battle on their hands to convince the Portuguese international to move to Craven Cottage in the summer.