Parker eyes Fulham old boy but must overcome major obstacle

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Fulham are reportedly keen to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham this summer after he returns from a loan spell in Germany.

Sessegnon, 20, leapt to the attention of the football world as a teenager for the Cottagers. After coming through the west London club’s youth set-up, he made his senior debut aged just 16. That came in an EFL Cup match against Leyton Orient in August 2016 and he enjoyed 30 appearances in all competitions that season. The youngster scored seven goals and then added 16 from 52 outings the following campaign.

Able to play as a left-back or left winger, Sessegnon made 26 starts with Fulham back in the Premier League in 2018-2019. That prompted Spurs to make a move and the north London outfit paid £25m for his services.

The deal also saw Josh Onomah move in the opposite direction. Injury prevented the Roehampton-born ace from making his Tottenham debut until November 2019.

In what was a disappointing season, he managed just four top-flight starts among six outings. Jose Mourinho decided to loan him out, with Sessegnon penning a one-year deal with German club Hoffenheim.

And it seems to have been a productive move, with 10 Bundesliga starts and 16 appearances. Injury has halted his progress in recent times but the England Under-21 star has gained some top-level experience.

It is not known if Mourinho sees him in Spurs’ long-term plans and it may be that another loan stint beckons. Sergio Reguilon is the Portuguese tactician’s first-choice left-back.

The Mirror are reporting that Fulham chief Scott Parker is keen to see him back by the Thames. Whether or not that would be on a permanent basis or on loan is not specified.

Scott Parker: Experience helping Fulham grow

Scott Parker: Experience helping Fulham grow

Scott Parker believes his Fulham side have learnt from their experiences this season and are in a 'very good place' in their battle for survival.

But Fulham will need to maintain their Premier League status to stand any chance of landing their target.

Sessegnon will not warm the Spurs bench

When fit, Sessegnon has looked at home in the Bundesliga. He will be keen to prove that he can cope with the demands of the Premier League when returning to Spurs.

But back in February, the starlet made it clear that he wants to play and not sit on the bench. That might not be possible at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Therefore a move away seems the likely scenario, with Craven Cottage an option. Parker’s men have seven games to save themselves and give the club the best chance to recruit talented players.

READ MORE: Parker makes prediction about Fulham struggler’s confidence