Fulham striker addresses future amid summer exit talk

Fulham forward Raul Jimenez has insisted that he plans to remain with the club despite rumours of a potential exit.

Jimenez spent six years with Wolverhampton Wanderers before he joined Fulham last summer for a reported £5.5m fee.

The Mexico international started the campaign as Fulham's first-choice striker, but he ultimately lost his place to Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz.

Jimenez did at least enjoy a positive end to the season, scoring a brace in Fulham's final-day win over Luton Town to finish the campaign with seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances.

However, his double against the Hatters did little to mask what had been an underwhelming season for the experienced forward.

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Jimenez provides update on Fulham future

According to W Deportes, Jimenez has held talks with Club America about a possible return to the club where he began his career.

The report also claims that Turkish giants Besiktas and Trabzonspor are showing an interest in signing the 33-year-old.

Jimenez has now poured cold water over those transfer rumours, insisting that he is planning to stay at Craven Cottage this summer.

"It is something that has crossed my mind (returning to Liga MX)," Jimenez told Claro Sports. "I have always said that if I return to Mexican soccer, it would be to Club America, I don't see myself returning to any other team.

"It's not to close the doors on me in other places, but I have an Americanist background and that's where I'm from. Right now, I see myself here in Europe for as long as possible, I have a minimum contract for another two more years here. I want to fulfil them and then see.

"If I were to retire here in Europe it would also be something very cool, to finish a career and do it in the best way, but I am not closing the doors of returning to Mexico."

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Does Jimenez have a role to play at Craven Cottage next season?

While Jimenez has made his stance clear, Fulham could still be persuaded to part ways with the Mexican if they receive an enticing offer.

Should he stay at Craven Cottage, Jimenez will likely have to settle for a substitute role rather than being a regular starter.

Jimenez is still expected to find himself behind Muniz, while the Cottagers are also hoping to bring in a new striker ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is still looking to find a prolific marksman to fill the void left by Aleksandr Mitrovic's departure last summer.