Is it time to 'pass the torch' to Muniz?

BBC News

a day ago

It had to be him.Amid continued interest from Atalanta, Rodrigo Muniz's every move has been scrutinised. Reports early last week asserted he had "said his goodbyes", leading to fans analysing everything from his media day team shots to his team-mates' Instagram posts.Separate rumours claimed Rodrigo asked not to play in our final pre-season match against Eintracht Frankfurt last week in order to avoid the risk of injury. But these whispers have proved to be false with the Brazilian named on the bench against Brighton.Muniz is said to be looking for two things in order to stay at Craven Cottage: an improved contract and increased game time.It is hard to argue against either. He has proved himself to be an integral element of Marco Silva's plans in the last two seasons, scoring 21 goals in all competitions since the start of 2023-24, sharing the goal-scoring load with Raul Jimenez. But at 34, his Mexican strike partner is 10 years his senior, with only a season or two left at this level. Time to pass the torch.Then there is money. Rodrigo came to Fulham as an unproven 20-year-old back-up striker in the Championship and was paid accordingly. But four years on those terms haven't changed.An offer is said to be on the table, so the ball is in Muniz's court. Let's just hope the club's contract reflects his importance to us.If Muniz does go, we would have to replace him immediately. And while there are options to fill his gap on the pitch, off it will prove far harder. Rodrigo has endeared himself to Fulham fans with his UK sightseeing trips, samba dancing and love of fishing. He would be missed.But for now he is still ours - and he is still proving his worth.Signing of the summer? It would have to be him.Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external