Sometimes you have to look for the deeper meaning in something.
It might not strike you straight away, but if you pay close enough attention, then you can see it.
According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Fulham are interested in bringing in Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, initially on a loan deal, but with an obligation to buy at the end of the campaign.
Now the report claims that Benfica manager Jorge Jesus does not want to move the midfielder on in any capacity, be a loan or a permanent transfer, but that’s not the important part of this story, or at least it isn’t to me anyway.
What struck me about this report is Luis’ age, only 21-years-old.
This to me is sending a message, and that’s that the Khans really do have plans for Parker to stay here for a long time, and they’re doing it be bringing in the young talent. We currently have the 7th oldest average squad in the Premier League, and last year the 12th oldest in the Championship.
How much will Fulham spend this winter?
Less than £10m
More than £10m
Now if you take a look at targeting Luis, 23-year old Matty Cash, 20-year-old Rhian Brewster, 22-year-old Grady Diangana amongst others, and the signing of 23-year-old Antonee Robinson, there’s a clear philosophy in place here, we’re building for the future, the long-term future.
If that means years in the Premier League, or building a squad that is still in its prime to try and attack the Championship if we go down, we have got something clear and obvious in place.
Now it’s just a case of how many of those deals we manage to get over the line, and how secure our future will be as a result of it.