Why Joseph Attamah could be a smart signing for Fulham

Back in January, Daily Mail had claimed that Fulham were interested in signing Istanbul Basaksehir defender Joseph Attamah. However, no deal materialised and the Cottagers eventually got relegated from the Premier League at the end of 2018/19 campaign.

Joseph Attamah, 25, joined Istanbul Basaksehir back in 2016 from fellow Turkish club Adana Demirspor. He could only manage 11 appearances in the Super Lig last season. The Ghanaian defender is currently on loan at Caykur Rizespor and has been a regular fixture at the club, starting nine out of 12 games.

With Attamah impressing for Caykur Rizespor, Fulham must reignite their interest in the defender when the transfer market reopens.

Fulham made it two home wins in the space of four days as they defeated Derby County 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday. Goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Reid and Tom Cairney lifted the Cottagers up to third in the Championship table.

It is the third win in succession for Scott Parker’s side, who have bounced back in the best possible manner following their hapless 3-0 defeat to Hull City at the beginning of November.

Interestingly, it is also their first clean sheet since late October. The recent upturn in form for Fulham has also relieved some pressure off Parker’s shoulders, as his side are just four points adrift of automatic promotion places.

The Cottagers’ winning mentality could be huge going forward but Parker should be wary that his squad needs more quality and depth to continue their hunt for promotion. The winter transfer window would provide Fulham with the opportunity to strengthen the squad and Parker must make the most use of it.

As the west Londoners managed their first clean sheet since late October in their 3-0 win over Derby, the defence appears to be an area Parker could do well by strengthening in the New Year. Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson have been Parker’s first-choice central defenders and while they have done a decent job, the Cottagers have managed just seven clean sheets this season.

For a team that is aiming for promotion, it doesn’t bode well. To put things into perspective, Fulham need a new central defender and Joseph Attamah would be a good fit.

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Attamah is a central defender by trade but he is also comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder, as seen this season, where the majority of his appearances for Caykur Rizespor has come in the holding role.

As per WhoScored.com, the Ghanaian has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances and 1.2 aerials won per game, whilst attaining 82.7% pass success rate.

Verdict

There is no question that Attamah has the potential to be an inspired signing for Fulham. And with the Cottagers aiming for promotion at the first time of asking, the 25-year-old could perhaps make a huge difference.