Cheltenham Town have been heavily linked with Fulham academy graduate, Terry Ablade. The Finish youth striker will likely be unveiled on Deadline Day.
Ablade was purchased by Fulham in 2018 as a future prospect, from FC Jazz. The 22-year-old had appeared 24 times as a youngster and scored five goals. Fulham tried to develop the striker through their youth set-up, offering Ablade 40 appearances in the under-18 side. 12 goals in that team urged Fulham to promote him through the ranks, but ultimately moved out on loan in search of professional exposure.
AFC Wimbledon picked up Ablade for a half-season deal in the 2021/22 season. The 22-year-old only managed 12 games and failed to score, but returned to Fulham and bagged eleven times in 32 matches between 2020 and 2023 in their academy side.
After two recent loans to Carlisle United and Partick Thistle, Fulham recalled Ablade but found no space for the striker in their academy and subsequently released the prospect this summer. Cheltenham look set to hand the 22-year-old a permanent home as they try to avoid League Two relegation this campaign.
A New Profile
Michael Flynn’s side currently sit in 24th place and desperately need some attacking reinforcements. Two goals in the first six matches simply isn’t sustainable when 12 have already been conceded. Lee Angol and George Miller look like strong candidates to drag Cheltenham through this rough patch, but Ablade could add some much-needed firepower as well as competition in the forward ranks.
Writer’s View
Cheltenham’s reliance recently has been on Ethon Archer, with the youngster seen as an exceptional prized asset. The fourth tier side are in trouble this season if their overall squad performance doesn’t improve. Ablade could be a step in the right direction.
The former Premier League academy striker could add much-needed firepower to the striker department, as well as the availability of rotation. Cheltenham look light in the forward area and a switch to a two-striker formation could happen more frequently for Flynn’s side.
Ablade needs this for his career too. At just 22, the Fulham talent should be settling at a club that can prioritise his development while also handing him the correct opportunities. A deal is set to be announced in the coming hours.
