Fulham FC are setting their sights on a new era at Craven Cottage, with Heerenveen’s young star Oliver Braude emerging as a prime target to bolster the squad. As the club braces for the departure of right-back Kenny Tete, whose contract expires at the end of June 2025 and who is set to join Everton on a free transfer, manager Marco Silva is wasting no time in identifying a dynamic successor. Braude, a 21-year-old Norwegian talent, has caught the attention of Fulham’s recruitment team with his standout performances in the Eredivisie, and the Cottagers are poised to make a move that could signal their ambition to blend youth with Premier League experience.
The recently linked Oliver Braude 👇
— FulhamFanNews (@FulhamTransfer) June 23, 2025
▫️Small stature but tenacious
▫️Reads the game well
▫️ Carries the ball well
The Premier League is a huge step up but young talent like this is exactly what #FulhamFC need
⚫⚪#FFC #Transfers #PremierLeaguehttps://t.co/0QMeJQr9AY
A New Chapter at Right-Back
Kenny Tete’s imminent exit leaves a significant void in Fulham’s backline. The 29-year-old Dutchman, a reliable presence since joining from Lyon in 2020, has been a cornerstone of Silva’s defensive setup, bringing tenacity and experience to the right flank. However, with Tete opting to reunite with David Moyes at Everton on a three-year deal, Fulham are compelled to act swiftly. Enter Oliver Braude, a versatile and tenacious full-back whose performances for Heerenveen have sparked interest across Europe, including from Premier League rivals West Ham, Bournemouth, Everton, and Aston Villa.
According to exclusive reports from GiveMeSport, Fulham have pinpointed Braude as the ideal candidate to fill Tete’s boots. The Norwegian’s eye-catching 2024/25 campaign in the Netherlands, highlighted by his ability to win duels (six in a single match against Feyenoord) and make crucial clearances (four in the same game), underscores his readiness for a step up. His small stature belies a fierce competitive edge, with posts on X praising his ability to read the game and carry the ball forward with confidence. For Fulham fans, this could mark the arrival of a player capable of growing into a long-term asset.
Exclusive: Fulham have pinpointed Oliver Braude as a potential recruit to fill the void left by the departing Kenny Tete. Written by @Danny_Rust10 & @DeanJonesSoccer https://t.co/CYiQofnudN
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) June 23, 2025
Why Braude Fits Fulham’s Vision
Marco Silva’s philosophy at Fulham emphasizes balance, with full-backs expected to contribute both defensively and in attack. Braude’s skill set aligns seamlessly with this approach. Despite his youth, he has shown maturity beyond his years, combining defensive solidity with an ability to push forward and support wingers—a trait that could complement players like Alex Iwobi or Harry Wilson on the right. His tenacity, as noted by @FulhamTransfer on X, makes him a natural fit for the Premier League’s physical demands, even if the leap from the Eredivisie represents a significant challenge.
Fulham’s interest in Braude also reflects the club’s broader strategy of investing in young talent with high potential. Recent transfer activity, including rejecting a £32m bid from Leeds for striker Rodrigo Muniz and pursuing a double deal with Arsenal for Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko, suggests a squad refresh aimed at building a competitive side for the future. Braude, still early in his career, could develop under Silva’s guidance into a player capable of commanding a starting role for years to come.
Top 7 League U21 Fullbacks: Passes completed 🎯
— DataMB (@DataMB_) June 18, 2025
🇳🇱 1368 — Jorrel Hato (Ajax, 19)
🇳🇴 1211 — Oliver Braude (Heerenveen, 21)
🇭🇺 1145 — Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth, 21)
🇪🇸 1145 — Alejandro Balde (Barcelona, 21)
🏴 1063 — Rico Lewis (Manchester City, 20)
📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/mgtCepj8mT
Challenges and Competition
Securing Braude’s signature won’t be straightforward. His performances have attracted a host of suitors, with GiveMeSport sources indicating interest from multiple Premier League clubs and teams across the continent. Fulham’s advantage lies in their clear pathway to first-team football, especially with Tete’s departure creating an immediate opening. However, the Cottagers will need to act decisively to fend off competition and convince Braude that Craven Cottage is the ideal destination for his next step.
Additionally, posts on X from Dutch sources, such as @SanderVries_LC, suggest that Heerenveen are yet to receive formal confirmation of Fulham’s interest, though they acknowledge Braude’s development makes him a likely transfer target. This uncertainty could complicate negotiations, particularly if Heerenveen demand a premium for their rising star. Fulham’s recruitment team, led by Silva, will need to navigate these hurdles carefully to land their man.
A Fanbase Ready for Renewal
For Fulham supporters, the potential arrival of Oliver Braude represents an exciting opportunity to embrace a new face in a squad that has shown resilience but craves fresh impetus. The club’s recent history, from Tom Cairney’s legendary status to the emergence of young talents like Harvey Elliott (now at Liverpool), demonstrates a knack for nurturing players who can make an impact. Braude, with his blend of grit and flair, could become the next success story at Craven Cottage.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on Fulham’s pursuit of this Norwegian gem. If Silva can secure Braude’s signature, it could signal the start of a new chapter for the Cottagers—one where youth, ambition drive the club forward in the Premier League. For now, fans can dream of a right-back ready to take on the mantle and make his mark in west London.
