3 Fulham Academy Players to Look Out for in the Future

The Fulham squad needs to get younger, with the average age being 27.6, making it the third oldest in the Premier League, so here are three players from the Academy that should be regulars in the first team in the coming years.

Josh King

First on the list is probably the one that Fulham fans have the highest expectations of, and for good reason! Josh King, 18, a cultured midfielder, comfortable as an 8 or as a 10. 

Joining at U9s level, King has risen through the ranks, and has often played above his age group. The 2023/24 season was hugely successful for King, having signed his first professional contract, whilst also winning Fulham’s Academy Scholar of the Year award. 

King made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Birmingham City as a second-half substitute, and later made his Premier League debut in December 2024 against Brighton. Having made a great impression on Marco Silva, he was rewarded with a first start, under a month later, against Southampton where he won the Player of the Match award. King ended the 24/25 season with 11 senior games under his belt, with the majority being from the bench.

Back in February, Silva said: “I really believe he is going to be a really important player for this football club.”

On the International stage, King has been a regular in the England Youth Setup, having captained the England U16s and being instrumental in the U19s, with 2 goal and 1 assist in 9 appearances, most recently scoring in England’s incredible 5-5 draw against Germany.

With Tom Cairney and Andreas Pereira linked with moves away from the club, King is set to play a bigger part in the 25/26 season, with Fulham hopeful of extending his contract, with it expiring in 12 months time.

Luc de Fougerolles

The Canadian International, born in England, Luc de Fougerolles is a versatile defender, being able to play centrally and on the right. 

Fulham fans would’ve first seen Luc de Fougerolles play in the Premier League Summer Series pre-season tournament in 2023, where de Fougerolles had to fill in at centre-back. This was due to the lack of options at centre-back, as Shane Duffy left upon contract expiry and injuries to Tim Ream, Tosin and Joao Palhinha, who dislocated his shoulder whilst filling in in defence. 

Despite being a right-back by trade, Silva trusted de Fougerolles to fill in and his calmness whilst being on the ball made it seem like he was a seasoned pro. He made his professional debut against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup, where he won the Player of the Match award. 

de Fougerolles hasn’t been involved in the senior team as of recent due to injury issues, which kept him out of the majority of the 24/25 season. 

Most recently, he’s impressed for the Canada National Team, who he has four caps for, having gotten an assist during an international friendly in a 4-2 win against Ukraine. 

A pathway into Marco Silva’s team would most likely be as a right-back, with Kenny Tete’s contract not sorted out and Timothy Castagne being seen as the “weak link” in the Fulham team, whilst filling in for Tete’s injury. An opportunity at centre-back will also be there, with Issa Diop linked with a move away, in order to find more regular game-time. 

His Fulham future is in jeopardy, however, with his contract up at the end of the month. He has been offered a contract by the club and would be a big loss if he wasn’t to sign on!

Seth Ridgeon

Finally, a player who most people wouldn’t have heard of yet but will soon find out. Seth Ridgeon, 16, is a versatile midfielder, who can play as a 6, 8, or as a 10.

Ridgeon’s ceiling is probably the highest out of the three due to the levels he has already played at. He made his debut for the U18s at the age of 14 and his debut for the U21s at 16.

In the 24/25 season, Ridgeon had 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 games, and has found his feet under U21 manager Hayden Mullins.

Despite his young age, Ridgeon has been a regular starter for the U21s, having created an impeccable midfield partnership with the Captain, Matt Dibley-Dias, which was a huge reason for Fulham’s second place finish in the Premier League 2 in 24/25.

Ridgeon has also made a name for himself in an England shirt as the U17 Captain. He’s a key part of the U17s, having made 10 appearances and having 4 goal contributions to his name. Despite being eligible for Sri Lanka, surely Ridgeon will be part of the England senior team in the future.

A pathway into the first team is similar to Josh King’s, with both of them playing in similar positions. A midfield duo of Seth Ridgeon and Josh King, if they both reach their full potential, would be an absolute joy to watch.