SPORT HE’S GOTTS POTENTIAL COTTAGE SPY!
FULHAM KEEPING AN EYE ON KONGOLO AFTER WINNING PROMOTION TO TOP FLIGHT
HUDDERSFIELD Town are readying themselves for fresh interest in defender Terence Kongolo following Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League.
The London club defeated Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to seal an immediate return to the top flight under Scott Parker.
It’s a victory which will earn Fulham around £135m – they are already receiving parachute payments, like Town, following last season’s relegation – and they will be looking to make additions to the squad.
In January, Fulham signed Dutch international Kongolo on loan for the rest of the season in a deal which was believed to be with a view to a permanent transfer.
His move to Craven Cottage was ruined early by a foot injury which required surgery, but the 26-year-old is now well on the road to recovery following a period of rehabilitation during and after lockdown – including checks from the medical staff at PPG Canalside.
Town’s record £17.5m signing, Kongolo has already been linked with a return to Holland with AZ Alkmaar, but Fulham’s promotion could re-open the door for a move to the capital.
Having spent £100m in a failed bid to survive in their last Premier League season, Fulham could see Kongolo as a squad option well within budget.
His performances with Town in their own survival season of 201718, after signing initially on loan from Monaco, were impressive and he maintained a solid level despite Town’s struggles through the relegation campaign which followed.
He fell out of favour under Danny Cowley last term, leading to his move south in January – but when back to full fitness he will be in the prime of his career as a central defender and eager to take on a fresh challenge.
While new Town head coach Carlos Corberan has been handed the final say in any squad re-shaping at the John Smith’s Stadium, the club are open to offers on World Cup player Kongolo as they work to reduce their budget and plan with a new vision in the second tier.
Kongolo made 11 appearances for Town last season but only two for Fulham, being injured after going on as a late substitute against Blackburn in early February. His Fulham debut had come in the FA Cup against Manchester City.