Premier League side Fulham have confirmed their retained list, following the 2025/26 campaign with them providing a key update on the future of a National League loan star who impressed with Woking.
Fulham are currently without a manager, following Marco Silva’s departure earlier this summer after ending their Premier League campaign in 11th place, narrowly missing out on European football.
With the club changing once again, the next step for Fulham is a focus on recruitment and this begins with confirmation of their retained list.
Future of Woking loan star confirmed
Whilst many football fans will focus on the confirmed departures of Mexican forward Raul Jimenez and German goalkeeper Steven Benda, there is one standout name that will be of attention to National League and lower-EFL supporters.
The player in question is forward Olly Sanderson, with the player now back at Craven Cottage following an impressive loan stint with National League side Woking.
However, his future has been confirmed following a post on the club’s social media, which stated that the 22-year-old had been offered a new contract by Fulham.
Sanderson is out of contract this summer but due to the contract offer by Fulham, he isn’t eligible for a free transfer this summer as he would be the subject of a compensation fee.
The 22-year-old joined the Cardinals on a season-long loan last summer, featuring 42 times across all competitions for Jermain Defoe’s side and scoring 19 goals and providing two additional assists.
He’s also previously had spells with Bradford City, Harrogate Town and Sutton United.
What’s next for Sanderson?
Sanderson has had two standout loan spells in the National League already in his career, but admittedly for sides that haven’t challenged for promotion.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old has also had stints in the EFL but hasn’t managed to replicate that form. In the fifth tier, he managed 31 goal contributions in 64 matches, whilst in the EFL it’s only 11 contributions in 45 appearances.
It is also rare for a player like Sanderson to find himself potentially without a club going into pre-season given the success of his stint with Woking, but this does leave him with a big decision to make.
He could opt to stay at Fulham where he would likely earn an attractive wage package but will almost certainly spend another season out on loan, or he could take a risk and find a permanent new home.
Whilst there are many positives in terms of finding a new home for his development, the contract offer from Fulham means his new side would have to pay a fee to sign Sanderson if he opts against staying at Craven Cottage, which in turn could price some interested sides out.
Either way, the 22-year-old is likely to want to build on an impressive loan stint, which likely implies that he may have eyes on another EFL move this summer.
