Just a week ago the Chronicle confirmed that Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks was a summer target of Rafa Benitez’s, however, in typical NUFC style, it’s just been confirmed that the 25-year-old has signed a four-year-deal with West Ham on a free.
The 25-year-old has just enjoyed an impressive season in the Championship – bagging 9 goals from right-back and helping Fulham to promotion – however he failed to agree a new contract at Craven Cottage, leaving him available for nothing this summer.
The Chronicle claimed that the signing of a new right-back was one of Rafa’s top priorities this summer and revealed that Fredericks was a player on his wish-list, but it’s West Ham who have signed him (sounds familiar doesn’t it!).
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of right-back Ryan Fredericks.https://t.co/XZ9UHwKTw5
— #ImForever (@WestHamUtd) June 5, 2018
He’s got bags of pace and was described as the best right-back in the Championship last season, but being a London lad it’s no surprise to see him opt for West Ham – especially when they’re bound to have offered a bigger wage packet than us.
I won’t lose sleep over this one, but let’s hope missing out on targets doesn’t become a theme this summer..
This supposed transfer to NUFC was only reported by these Newcastle United website, not the big news outlets.
Every major newspaper in England had been reporting that it was only West Ham who were after Fredricks.
A lot of these websites simply make claims that have no substance at all!
G. Linka(Quote)
This wasn’t a rumour in the Sun or Daily Star, it came from the Chronicle…
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-fulham-star-ryan-14721444
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
To be fair, the Chronicle isn’t exactly a news source that I would take as gospel news!
Because they tend to print articles that you need to take with a pinch of salt!
Anyway, thanks for the reply.
G. Linka(Quote)
Last season we were allegedly linked with 300 players. About 290 of those had zero substance to them. I tend to think that we’ll know who Rafa is truly after when they sign. He tries to keep his targets close to his chest.
Bobbybee(Quote)