Fulham might have secured the promotion to Premier League but it seems that it was not enough to keep hold of their star right back Ryan Fredericks who has departed the club and joined West Ham United on a free transfer.
Before it was being reported that the move might hinge on Fulham’s promotion run and if they secure a move to the English Topflight, Fredericks would have signed a new contract at the club. However, now the deal has fallen through as Fredricks has signed a four year long deal with the East London club.
The right-back was a crucial part of Cottagers run to Premier League promotion and they will soon have to look for replacements in the transfer market as they prepare to take on the challenges of the English top flight. Fredericks made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers and managed to provide eight assists in the process. He was good on the attacking front as well and did his defensive duties diligently.
Slavisa Jokanovic will have a huge task to replace him and we look at three possible options he can go after.
Joel Ward
The Crystal Palace fullback has failed to get much game time this season as Roy Hodgson preferred Martin Kelly over him in the right back position. The 28-year-old is a veteran of 163 Premier League games and can provide Fulham with the much-needed stability in the right back spot. His contract is set to run out by the end of this month and the Cottagers can snap him up for free.
Kyle Naughton
The Swansea City right-back was one of the few players who had a decent run of games as the Swans got relegated to the Championship. Naughton was a regular feature down the right last season as he racked up 39 appearances in all competitions. An experienced head like him will certainly bring in a lot of calmness and strength in the back four and with Swans already relegated, he could be available on a cut-price deal. The player himself could want a move which will allow him to play at the top level for another season.
Andre Wisdom
Derby County managed to finish sixth and qualify for the playoffs but they struggled to go past Fulham in the semi-finals. Andre Wisdom was a regular for them down the right and he managed to make 34 appearances in all competitions. The defender has a prior experience of playing in the Premier League with Liverpool and can be a decent addition to Jokanovic’s squad.
