Fulham manager Kit Symons, unsurprisingly, has revealed his desire to retain the services of the in-form Hugo Rodallega.
The 29-year-old joined the Cottagers upon the expiry of his Wigan Athletic contract in the summer of 2012, but endured two fairly ordinary seasons in the Premier League with his new club. During the 2012-13 campaign he scored three goals in 29 appearances, and last season, which ended in relegation for the capital club, he only made 13 outings and hit the back of the net just twice.
This season, though, Rodallega has proved to be a key man for Fulham as they look to make an instant return to the top-flight. Although this looks unlikely following a poor start which cost Felix Magath his job, their plight would be much worse without their Colombian star who has scored eight goals in 14 Championship matches, helping them move away from the relegation zone.
However, the forward is out of contract at the end of the season, so could in theory begin talking to clubs from oversees as soon as the New Year arrives. But speaking ahead of the visit of Watford on Friday evening, manager Symons – who has led Fulham to seven wins since succeeding Magath – has hinted that Rodallega is likely to be offered fresh terms due to his importance to the team.
“You want to keep your best players and he’s one of our best players and he’s absolutely on fire at the moment and long may that last,” said Symons. “Since I’ve been in charge Hugo’s been brilliant. He’s playing his football with a great big smile on his face which is the way I like the game to be played. So he’s an obvious one to pick out but the response from everyone has been excellent.”
Has Rodallega found his level in the Championship, or could he still do a job in the top-flight? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
