‘We have to sign players’: Marco Silva issues Fulham transfer plea before deadline day

Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted the club “have to” sign players before next Monday’s transfer deadline, as frustration grows over a lack of summer business.

Speaking ahead of Fulham’s Carabao Cup tie with Bristol City, Silva stressed that speculation over his future and that of his players should not distract from the urgent need for reinforcements. The Portuguese coach, who has less than a year remaining on his contract, has only seen one arrival so far — veteran goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.

“I think my situation and my future, and the future of the players can never be something that can be a distraction at all. Fulham is the main thing for all of us,” Silva told reporters. “When you are at this level, you have to think first of all about the club, and that is the main thing for us.”

Despite reiterating that midfielder Andreas Pereira remains a Fulham player — after being left out of the squad against Manchester United — Silva made it clear the squad is threadbare and in desperate need of late-window additions.

With just days remaining in the market, Silva was blunt about Fulham’s situation:

“We have to [sign players]. This is the situation,” he said. “It’s not to put any more pressure at all. It’s because we don’t have other solutions.”

The Fulham boss admitted that while he has been part of the club’s planning, he is no longer involved in direct negotiations. “If it’s going to be what we did plan or not is another thing. When you leave everything for the final stages, some things are not under your control anymore. Some targets are not there anymore.”

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Fulham are at risk of repeating mistakes from past windows:

“Silva has been consistent in his message: plan early, act early. Leaving everything until the final week means you lose control and end up scrambling. Fulham’s squad is thinner than last year, and while links to Chukwueze and Nelson are exciting, nothing is over the line.”

He added: “If Fulham want to avoid a relegation scrap, they need at least two attacking reinforcements. Silva’s frustration is clear — and justified.”

Fulham have less than a week to deliver reinforcements for Silva. Talks are ongoing with AC Milan over Chukwueze, but alternatives like Nelson or Kelsy could be pursued if that deal stalls.

Whether Silva receives the backing he is demanding will shape Fulham’s season — and could determine his long-term future at the club.

👉 Do you think Fulham will back Silva with two or more signings before Monday’s deadline — or are they heading into the season undercooked?