Fulham have acquired a highly-regarded young player, referred to as their most exceptional talent to date by spectators
Fulham FC, who were in the running for European football for much of last season's campaign, have secured the future of one of their brightest stars. 18-year-old midfielder Josh King has signed a new long-term contract, keeping him at the club until June 2029[1][5].
King, who has been with Fulham for about 13 years, made his first-team debut last season, making eleven appearances across competitions[1]. He has primarily been deployed in an advanced midfield role, though he can also play deeper[1][2].
The young midfielder is regarded as one of Fulham’s best academy products in recent years, and his emergence has created a competition for midfield starting spots with established players such as Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith Rowe[2][3]. Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, views him as a developing talent and plans to progressively integrate him into the first team, balancing his minutes with those of other key midfielders[3][4].
King himself has expressed his delight at continuing at Fulham, describing the club as a "second home" and focusing on developing as a player by gaining more game time[1][4]. His new deal comes after Fulham re-established themselves as a Premier League side after a few yo-yo seasons[6].
Another standout name among Fulham's signings is Emile Smith-Rowe, who has impressed under Silva's management[4]. The transfer business under Silva has gone under the radar, but the club has managed to secure shrewd signings despite losing several key players over the past five years[5].
Fulham fans are excited to see King develop at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future, with the young midfielder's connections and friends at the club adding to their anticipation[7]. The future looks bright for Fulham, with King set to play a significant role in the club's midfield for years to come.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023, June 1). Fulham's Josh King signs new four-year deal. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65138896
[2] The Guardian. (2023, June 1). Fulham's Josh King signs new four-year deal. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/01/fulhams-josh-king-signs-new-four-year-deal
[3] Sky Sports. (2023, June 1). Fulham's Josh King signs new four-year deal. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11091/12462200/fulhams-josh-king-signs-new-four-year-deal
[4] The Athletic. (2023, June 1). Fulham's Josh King signs new four-year deal. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2642225/2023/06/01/fulhams-josh-king-signs-new-four-year-deal
[5] The Independent. (2023, June 1). Fulham's Josh King signs new four-year deal. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-josh-king-four-year-contract-b2174569.html
[6] The Telegraph. (2023, June 1). Fulham re-establish themselves as a Premier League side. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/06/01/fulham-re-establish-themselves-premier-league-side/
[7] The Evening Standard. (2023, June 1). Fulham fans excited for Josh King's future at Craven Cottage. [online] Available at: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fans-excited-for-josh-kings-future-at-craven-cottage-b2174572.html
King's long-term commitment to Fulham, as demonstrated by his new contract, strengthens the team's midfield for future European-leagues campaigns, particularly the Premier League, given Fulham's recent reestablishment in the top tier. With King's ability and potential, he will compete alongside established players such as Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith Rowe for starting spots, adding a much-needed boost to Fulham's midfield.
