Emile Smith Rowe Yet to Start for Fulham as Josh King Takes League Spot

Emile Smith Rowe is yet to start a Premier League match for Fulham in 2026-27, despite making an impact in the club’s cup run and retaining the backing of former Cottagers midfielder Danny Murphy.

Smith Rowe’s league role under scrutiny

The 26-year-old has been used solely from the bench in the league so far, with teenage attacking talent Josh King currently ahead of him in the battle for creative positions. Alex Iwobi and Oscar Bobb are also being deployed behind Fulham’s centre-forward, limiting the openings available to Smith Rowe.

Murphy believes the former Arsenal midfielder has the ability to contribute far more regularly. He said Smith Rowe is an intelligent player who consistently affects matches, creates opportunities and produces positive moments whenever he is selected.

The ex-Fulham player admitted there may be factors behind the scenes that explain the limited league involvement, questioning whether the coaching staff have concerns over training standards, physical durability or the ability to complete 90 minutes. However, Murphy said he has seen no obvious sign that Smith Rowe lacks fitness, energy or commitment.

Murphy also suggested Alvaro Arbeloa may view Smith Rowe primarily as a No. 10, leaving him in direct competition with King rather than considering him for a wider attacking role. He remains surprised that a player of Smith Rowe’s quality has not established himself more firmly.

Cup displays offer a route back

Smith Rowe has started both of Fulham’s Carabao Cup ties this term. He scored in the 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon and played his part in a hard-fought 3-2 third-round victory away to West Ham.

Those appearances provide his clearest opportunity to force a change in the league pecking order, particularly as Fulham have created chances despite their difficult start to the campaign. Murphy pointed to the side’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool as an example, arguing that Fulham still carried a meaningful attacking threat.

1. Smith Rowe emerged from Arsenal’s Hale End academy after loan spells and made 115 senior appearances for the Gunners.
2. He won three England caps across 2021 and 2022.
3. Fulham signed him for a then club-record £34 million ($46m) in the summer of 2024.
4. After a promising opening spell, he scored three Premier League goals last season and has periodically fallen down the squad order.
5. His two League Cup starts this season have produced one goal and a place in Fulham’s fourth round.

What happens next for Fulham’s record signing

Smith Rowe is approaching 90 Fulham appearances in all competitions, but his immediate task is to turn cup influence into a stronger claim for league minutes. With King’s emergence and Iwobi and Bobb also competing for advanced roles, opportunities may remain limited unless Fulham alter their attacking balance.

There is no immediate contractual pressure on either player or club. Smith Rowe is tied to Fulham until the summer of 2029, leaving time for him to regain a regular role and deliver on the potential that made him one of Arsenal’s most highly rated academy graduates.

• Smith Rowe has made only substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
• He has started both Carabao Cup matches, scoring against AFC Wimbledon.
• Josh King is currently ahead of him in the No. 10 competition.
• Murphy believes Smith Rowe remains capable of adding creativity to Fulham’s first team.
• The midfielder’s contract runs through to summer 2029.