Rodallega among nine released by Fulham
by Dan | Jun 12, 2015 | Uncategorized | 0 comments
Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega is the most high-profile of nine players who will be released by Fulham at the end of their contracts.
The former Wigan Athletic forward joined Fulham on a free transfer in July 2012 but struggled for regular first-team opportunities until new manager Kit Symons restored him to the starting line-up once he took over from the sacked Felix Magath. The 29 year-old made 90 appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals.
Midfielder Chris David, who spent the second half of last season on loan at his old club FC Twente, has also been released having featured prominently at the start of Magath's reign. Brought to the club by Martin Jol in January 2013, David was handed his Fulham debut by Rene Meulensteen in an FA Cup tie at Norwich City by Rene Meulensteen, before scoring an injury-time equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace when Fulham were already relegated. He barely featured under Symons, playing for Fulham's under-21 side before being loaned out.
Three of Magath's summer signings have also left Craven Cottage. Goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly departs having made just four appearances since an August move from 1860 Munich. The experienced Hungarian international was eclipsed by the emergence of Marcus Bettinelli, who firmly established himself as Fulham's number one. Full-back Tim Hoogland, who arrived on a free transfer from Schalke, has been released after an injury-hit season which had began with much promise. The German defender made 25 appearances and scored four goals but was sidelined with knee, groin and back problems, which saw on-loan Jazz Ricards and Academy graduate Jack Grimmer step in.
Moroccan winger Adil Chihi, who made a single substitute's appearance against Cardiff City, will also be on the move when his contract expires at the end of the month. Fulham are also releasing Academy graduates Josh Passley, Soloman Sambou, Jonathan Buatu and Noe Baba. Full-back Passley was also handed a club debut during Meulensteen's brief tenure at Craven Cottage but spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, whilst midfielder Sambou's development was hindered by injuries and the promotion of fellow youngsters Lasse Vigen Christensen and Emerson Hyndman into the first-team squad.