2 quality replacements for Tom Cairney who Fulham can target should he leave the club in the summer

2 quality replacements for Tom Cairney who Fulham can target should he leave the club in the summer

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney seems to be a man in demand. The Scotland international is being chased by Premier League outfit Leicester City according to a report from the Sun (h/t Leicester Mercury), along with fellow top-flight club Newcastle United.  

The 27-year-old has been one of Fulham’s top players in the past couple of seasons under Slavisa Jokanovic and his performances in the EFL Championship haven’t gone unnoticed.  

Newcastle United tried hard to recruit Cairney last summer but were rebuffed by Fulham. However, they could test Fulham’s resolve once again but will face competition from the Foxes this time out.

Fulham currently sit 3rd in the EFL Championship and look certain for a playoff spot finish. It is unlikely to see Cairney leave Fulham if they manage to earn promotion to the Premier League. However, if they fail to make it through, the lure of top-flight football could prove too hard to turn down for the Scottish playmaker.  

In case that happens, here are two replacements that Fulham could look to sign.

Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers)

The 31-time capped Australian international is playing some of his best football for QPR this season, which has led to interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Fulham too should consider him as an option should Cairney depart at the end of the season.  

Luongo has grown into a pivotal player at the Loftus Road since moving to the club in 2015 and is enjoying his best campaign to date. So far, the 25-year-old has contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in 36 appearances for QPR. Capable of slotting in anywhere in the midfield, Luongo has gathered a fair amount of experience in English football and has proven himself at this stage.

Alejandro Pozuelo (KRC Genk)

The 26-year-old Spaniard is enjoying a fine season in the Belgian top-flight with Genk and could prove to be an able replacement for Cairney at Fulham.

Pozuelo, in the ongoing campaign, has come up with returns of 6 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances across competitions and has established himself as a key player for the Belgian outfit. Primarily a central attacking midfielder, the Spaniard relishes the No.10 role and can also be effective in a withdrawn role in the middle or on the left flank.