Fulham and Palace to Battle for Signing of Bundesliga Attacking Midfielder | OneFootball

Fulham and Crystal Palace in Battle for Nadiem Amiri: Who Will Win the Race?

As the summer transfer window approaches, Fulham and Crystal Palace are both looking to strengthen their squads. One player high on both clubs’ radar is Nadiem Amiri, the Mainz attacking midfielder who has been in superb form this season. With his €18 million (£15.1m, $20.5m) asking price within reach, Amiri could be the perfect addition to the Premier League, and it looks like the race to secure his signature is heating up.

Amiri’s Impressive Season and International Recognition

Amiri, a seven-time capped Germany international, has had a standout season with Mainz, contributing directly to 18 goals across 47 appearances, nine goals and nine assists. His form has earned him a recall to the Germany squad, though he will miss the upcoming Nations League semi-final against Portugal due to a minor injury. This season’s success has placed Amiri firmly on the radar of several top clubs, including those in the Bundesliga, but it’s Fulham and Crystal Palace that are leading the charge in the Premier League.

With no release clause in his contract, Amiri’s €18 million price tag seems relatively modest for a player of his calibre. According to TEAMtalk, clubs from across Europe have expressed interest, but it’s understood that Fulham are pushing hardest for his signature. This comes as Marco Silva’s side look to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich for £46 million last summer. Amiri, 28, could be a direct replacement for the long-serving Tom Cairney, who has also been the subject of transfer speculation.

Photo: IMAGO

Fulham’s Push for Amiri: Strengthening the Midfield

Fulham’s need for a quality midfielder is clear. With Palhinha gone and other midfielders such as Harrison Reed potentially heading out of the door, Reed linked with a reunion with former manager Scott Parker at newly-promoted Burnley, the club is actively looking to bolster their engine room. Fulham have made it known that they are pushing for Amiri, understanding that his technical ability and international pedigree would provide an upgrade in the centre of the park.

Amiri’s experience in the Bundesliga and his versatility make him a prime candidate to slot into Fulham’s midfield. His vision, passing range, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively could make him an immediate starter for Silva. However, Palace’s interest also presents a challenge for Fulham.

Crystal Palace: A Strong Contender for Amiri

While Fulham may be pushing hardest, Crystal Palace have also earmarked Amiri as one of their key transfer targets. The Eagles are looking to add depth to their midfield, and Amiri would provide an ideal solution. His work ethic, technical skills, and experience would make him a valuable asset to the Premier League side. With Palace’s strong focus on youth development and the continued evolution of their squad under manager Oliver Glasner, Amiri could fit seamlessly into their plans.

However, Palace are not alone in their pursuit. Fulham’s ambitions, bolstered by recent financial backing and an eye on European football, could give them an edge. If both clubs make similar offers, the decision may come down to which club Amiri believes offers the most promising future, with Fulham’s Premier League stability likely being an appealing factor.

Photo: IMAGO

Story of Amiri’s On/Off Leeds Move

Amiri’s name may be familiar to some Premier League fans due to his ill-fated move to Leeds United two summers ago. At that time, Leeds were keen to secure the midfielder, reportedly agreeing a £6m fee and personal terms with Amiri. However, the deal fell through after Amiri requested a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave if Leeds didn’t secure promotion. The deal collapsed, and Amiri returned to Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Mainz, where he has since thrived.

His time at Mainz has revitalised his career, and now the player is set for a potential move to the Premier League once again. Whether Fulham or Palace will be his next destination is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: Amiri’s talents are likely to be a valuable asset to whichever club secures him.

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For Fulham fans, the prospect of signing Nadiem Amiri is an exciting one. The club has done well in recent years, but the midfield remains an area that needs strengthening. Amiri, with his impressive technical ability and experience, could provide the kind of creativity and control that Fulham have lacked at times. His international experience and versatility would make him an ideal fit for Marco Silva’s midfield, allowing the team to operate with more fluidity and dynamism.

For Palace, Amiri would also represent an excellent signing. Oliver Glasner has been working to solidify his midfield, and Amiri’s arrival could provide a real boost. His ability to operate in different roles and contribute to both attack and defence would add depth to the Eagles’ squad. However, Fulham’s financial power and ambition might make them a more attractive destination for the player, giving them the edge in this transfer battle.

Ultimately, whichever club lands Amiri will be making a significant acquisition. His style of play, combined with his European pedigree, makes him an excellent addition to the Premier League, and both Fulham and Palace would be wise to move quickly to secure his services.