Fulham's £35m club-record transfer deal in danger of Champions League club hijack after late 'interest'
The Brazilian has already scored four Europa League goals this season
Portuguese champions Sporting CP are hoping to hijack Fulham’s big deal to sign Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk at the eleventh hour. Fulham had agreed £34.6m figure agreed to sign the 22-year-old at the end of last weekend and remain hopeful that they can get the deal over the line before the window closes at 7pm.
The figure agreed for the winger is expected to surpass the club's current transfer record - the initial £27m they paid to sign attacker Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal last summer. His signing would be a boost for Fulham boss Marco Silva, who previously complained about the club's slow pace in the transfer market. The former Everton and Hull City boss previously told reporters the Cottagers had been "passive" in the summer window, having only added French goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier.
The Athletic reported earlier today said that the winger is set to arrive in the capital later today. However, personal terms have not yet fully been agreed and it’s not clear whether proceedings have been affected by Sporting’s declaration of interest.
Why Fulham are keen to sign Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk
Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo, simply known as Kevin, is a 22-year-old winger that has been making waves in Ukraine’s top-flight for Shakhtar Donestk. He was born in Sao Paulo and spent time learning his trade as a youngster with Desportivo Brasil and Palmerias before moving to Europe for the first time in 2024 to join Shakhtar.
He’s made a combined total of 57 appearance since making the move and has scored 17 goals and contributed 10 assists in that time. In his debut season, he helped the club finish third in the top-flight while also gaining experience in the Champions League and helping Marino Pušić’s side achieve glory in the Ukrainian Cup.
Kevin primarily operates as a left-winger and is renowned for his exceptional ability to take on defenders as well as his ability to create opportunities for his team-mates. He’s started this season in sensational form with five goals in his opening five matches, including three across two legs against Turkish side Besiktas in a Europa League qualifier and the winner against Servette to ensure his side competed in the Conference League this term.
He’s not been included in the squad for any of the league games this season and is beleived to have his heart set on a move to a top European club. Fulham have shown ambition since reaching the Premier League and finished 11th last term while recording their highest points tally of the Premier League era.
However, Sporting could present a real obstacle to overcome in persuading the player as the capital side can guarantee the winger opportunites to shine in the Champions League and have funds to spend after the big-money sale of Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal earlier in the window.