Alfie Mawson has signed for Fulham on a four-year contract following his departure from Swansea City. The transfer fee is rumoured to be around £15m.
Alfie Mawson Completes Transfer To Fulham
Potential
The young English central defender is full of potential. England’s senior team are yet to give a cap to the defender, who may well get a chance at the upcoming Euro 2020. Although Southgate has previously called him up to the squad, he did not feature. At 6ft 2in, he is a tall centre-half, strong on the ground and in the air. He is also a threat at set pieces and going forward. His impeccable volley against Leicester was as good as any centre-forward’s finish. His defensive skills are solid, with a desire to win the ball and throw his body in front of crosses and shots. This is something that Swansea fans witnessed week in and week out as Mawson completed all 38 league appearances last season.
Clearly, he is an emerging player capable of pushing to the heights of the English game. His move to Fulham ensures he plays in the highest league to attract the eye of Southgate. Furthermore, he also gives himself a good chance at first team football every week with his move to Fulham rather than a top-four club. He may be capable of competing at that kind of level, but he would struggle to knock the best centre-backs out of their places in the league. Thus, his potential to grow is preserved.
Swansea’s Loss is Fulham’s Gain
Clearly, Mawson is above the Championship standard. Swansea thus proved unattractive for the player, who was establishing a name in the Premier League. The transfer sum for Swansea can’t really acquire a defender of his potential and quality. Nevertheless, it does make room for another player. Swansea are pursuing Brentford’s Ryan Woods (midfield) and Manchester City’s Bersant Celina (attacker). Whilst the club lose a great defender, they may well gain some important players for the current and future squad. Thus, the individual must be sacrificed for the collective if the club wishes to bounce back to the top division.
Fulham, meanwhile, gain a solid player indeed. Mawson fits into the short passing, out from the back ideology of the club. He is good on the ball and would work well alongside Denis Odoi and Tim Ream. With the likes of Ryan Sessegnon on the flanks, he would have great outlets to pass to. The club can assemble a really strong defence to help their return to the Premier League.
As the cliche goes, good teams start from the back. Indeed, having that defensive core is so important when the threats of Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku come calling. Mawson has plenty of experience with these players and thus should help to aide his defence if required. Furthermore, he should have the hunger to keep his new club afloat and to challenge for a good finish. He certainly won’t want to experience relegation again. As a whole, Fulham look in decent shape to compete at their new level.
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