Fulham: Kenny Tete's decision to stay marks beginning of bright new future for Cottagers | OneFootball

After spending three years in the top flight, Fulham must now push for fresh progress

Fulham's ability to ward off competition for right-back Kenny Tete and secure his future at the club is indicative of the strong foundations they've built since earning promotion to the Premier League three years ago.

The 29-year-old this week signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at Craven Cottage until 2028, with the club option to extend by a further 12 months.

Tete, whose contract expired at the end of June, had been expected to move to Everton, who offered the Dutchman a deal. But he instead decided to stay in London, where his family are settled, after being convinced of the club's direction under the stewardship of Marco Silva.

Tete has been an important part of Silva's side since joining from Lyon in 2020, helping Fulham to promotion to the Premier League in 2022.

The Dutch right-back has made 119 appearances for the Whites and was an integral part of Fulham's strong start to last season before an injury away to Liverpool in December left him out for four months.

Through collaboration between the director of football, Tony Khan, and Silva, Fulham have been keen to establish some stability after a succession of years spent bouncing between the Championship and the Premier League.

Shrewd, data-driven signings such as Tete's have played a big part in Fulham's recent success - they're entering their fourth successive season in the Premier League, and it's why the club were keen to tie him down to a new deal, with an offer on the table at the start of June.

“Under Marco’s great leadership, Kenny is an integral player in the team. We are all very keen for him to stay with us, and I’m pleased that is now a long-term commitment, as we continue to prepare for another successful Premier League campaign," Khan said, highlighting the joined-up thinking behind the scenes that led to Tete being awarded a new contract.

Fulham were adamant they wanted to keep Tete and made that clear to him throughout negotiations, with the club presenting data to highlight his importance to the side.

Tete started all but one of Fulham's opening 15 league games last season before suffering a knee injury against Liverpool. He returned to fitness in April and started the final six league games of the campaign, underlining his importance to the team despite an injury-hit season.

Tete said after Fulham's final Premier League game of the season against Manchester City that he wanted to stay at the club but said that without Silva's influence, he might not have signed a new deal.

"If someone pushes that much for you, (it motivates you to stay). I'm really thankful for that. Without him, I don't know if I'd be here.

"Fulham, who finished 11th last season, have yet to make a signing this summer, but they're also not seeing the core of their team ripped apart like Bournemouth and Brentford, two teams that finished above them last year.

The Whites are calm about their lack of movement in the transfer window and believe their solid foundations, reinforced by Tete's new contract, mean they're in a better position than those around them to build on last season.