Why Fulham should go all out for Marlon Santos to bolster their defence
According to claims from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t The Sun), Fulham have been credited with an interest in Brazilian centre-back Marlon Santos, who currently plies his trade with Sassuolo in the Italian Serie A.
As per the report, the Cottagers are set to prioritise defensive reinforcements after conceding seven goals in their first two top-flight fixtures this season, with Scott Parker’s side currently in talks to sign the 25-year-old.
West Ham and Southampton had previously been linked with the former Barcelona star before he completed a move to Italy a couple of years ago. (h/t The Sun)
Profile
Marlon Santos started his professional career with Fluminense in his native Brazil and made 46 senior appearances for his boyhood club before earning a move to Barcelona back in the summer of 2016.
However, the former Brazil U-23 international made only 3 first-team appearances in his debut season at Camp Nou, although he featured regularly for the club’s reserve team. Marlon was loaned out to French club Nice for the 2017-18 campaign, where he made 27 appearances in all competitions.
The centre-back was transferred to Sassuolo in 2018 and has since made 41 appearances for the Italian club in all competitions, with the 2019-20 season being the best of his career in Europe so far.
Santos would add more quality to Fulham’s backline
Fulham’s lacklustre start to the 2020-21 Premier League season is reminiscent of their unsuccessful battle against relegation in the top-flight a couple of years back.
Scott Parker’s side conceded 81 goals in that campaign and finished rock-bottom of the standings as Fulham’s lack of defensive stability ultimately cost them their Premier League status. And there seems to be a feeling of deja vu about their start to the current season – the same set of defenders failing to rise up to the challenge in the top-flight.
Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Joe Bryan, and Maxime Le Marchand were all a part of that notorious backline from 2018-19, with Michael Hector the only fresh addition to their club’s central defensive cavalry this term. However, the former Chelsea man has endured a pathetic start to his top-flight career after impressing in the Championship.
Suffice to say, Fulham are in need of defensive reinforcements before the deadline. Marlon Santos presents a decent option with considerable experience in two of Europe’s top leagues. The Brazilian enjoyed a successful season at a mid-table club like Sassuolo in the Serie A last term, which is a clear indication of his talent and promise.
The 25-year-old also ticks the box as a young defender with potential and one who could be a good long-term replacement for ageing players like Denis Odoi and Tim Ream, both of whom have failed to impress in the Premier League.
Read more
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Verdict
Marlon Santos is certainly worth a punt for Fulham given his decent track record in France and Italy. The Cottagers need to stop the defensive debacle at the earliest before it’s too late. Completing a deal for the Brazilian should, at least, give them some hope.
