Fulham now planning to hand massive new contract to “great” £50m player

Fulham are reportedly expected to hand one of their most influential players a new contract, according to a promising new update regarding his future.

Fulham still eyeing European finish

The Cottagers face a massive game this weekend, taking on Chelsea in a match that not only represents a west London derby, but is also a key fixture in the race for European football in the Premier League.

Monday’s 1-0 defeat away to Bournemouth leaves Marco Silva’s Fulham side sitting ninth in the table, meaning they are now trailing sixth-place Chelsea by six points.

Realistically, only a win will do for the Cottagers at home to the Blues this weekend, but even if they do fall short in the quest to be in Europe next season, it has still been a positive campaign overall.

The key is for Fulham to build on this season, and the right players will need to be signed this summer, in order for them to find another gear, such as Werder Bremen full-back Felix Agu who has been linked in recent days. Now, a key update has emerged regarding a player who it is vital to keep hold of.

Fulham plot new contract for Rodrigo Muniz

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Fulham are “ready to hand” striker Rodrigo Muniz a “bumper” new deal at the club, in order to tie him down, amid interest from Nottingham Forest and West Ham.

“They think they’ve got a real gem there, there’s also a real chance Brazil’s number nine at the World Cup might end up being Muniz. He thinks he’s got a great chance. A bumper new deal, because there are other teams sniffing around him, West Ham and Forest. His goal-scoring record has been great. He’s in line for a big new deal at Fulham. They’re very happy with and want him to commit.”

Sealing a contract extension for Muniz is vital, with the £50m-rated star a vital figure throughout the campaign, scoring eight goals in as many Premier League starts, also coming off the substitutes’ bench 23 times in the competition.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has heaped praise on the Brazilian, with the former England captain knowing a thing or two about what makes a top striker.

“He really was a handful. Tough to play against, horrible to play against in fact. That’s always a good thing for a centre-forward, that’s what you have to be. “He was strong, he ran the channels, he brought players into the game and he really upset the Bournemouth defenders in every way, in everything he was doing.”

The fact that Bailey mentions Muniz starting for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup says so much about his ability, showing why Fulham will do all they can to retain his services. To lose him now would be a major blow, especially as he is still only 23 years of age.

Fulham vs. Chelsea, Premier League: You choose the starting lineup

There are six games left in the Premier League season, six “finals” as Enzo Maresca put it the other day, as we attempt to somehow turn the narrative around and finish in the top five Champions League-paying positions.

The first of those finals is away, just down the road, at Craven Cottage. That’s not very far to travel, so perhaps that will help us find three points away from Stamford Bridge for the first time since early December.

Helpful in that regard might be the return to fitness of Roméo Lavia, though his involvement will be limited and carefully managed in the latest attempt to keep his injuries from recurring (similarly to Reece James’s situation). Otherwise, the injury and fitness situation is just as it was midweek, which is to say good on paper but maybe not so good on the actual pitch. So hopefully we care a bit more and try a bit harder this time.