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Fulham have completed the signing of defender Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for a fee reportedly worth up to £30m.
The 28-year-old Denmark international swaps the No5 shirt at Selhurst Park for the same number at Craven Cottage, which he previously wore at during a successful loan spell from Lyon in 2020/21 in which he was even handed the Cottagers’ captaincy.
Andersen is understood to have agreed a five-year deal, with a club option to extend until 2030, which will see him earn more than he was on at Palace on a contract which still had two years left to run.
Velkommen hjem, Joa! 🇩🇰
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 23, 2024
Palace boss Oliver Glasner is understood to be plotting a move or Benfica’s 22-year-old defender Tomas Araujo to replace Andersen in the Eagles backline.
Andersen told the Fulham website: “It’s really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it’s a good feeling.
“Of course, I know the club, I know how Fulham are playing, I know many players, I know some staff, so I didn’t need anyone to convince me because I knew a lot of things already.
“I had some good talks with the manager (Marco Silva). I know the playing style he likes to play, so it was just a decision I needed to make myself, with my wife and family, and see what’s the best for me, and I think this is a good step for my career.”
Fulham owner Tony Khan added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Joachim back to Fulham, but this time as a permanent move.
“He is a formidable and experienced defender, he proved to be a steady leader for us during his previous loan, and I know that he’s excited to join us again.”
Here to stay. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/wKBXlUrVI3
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 23, 2024
Returning hero
Andersen made his professional debut as an 18-year-old at Eredivisie club Twente Enschede in 2015 and impressed enough to earn a move to Serie A side Sampdoria two years later.
After helping the Genoa-based club to two top-half finishes, he was snapped up by Lyon of Ligue 1 for more than £20m – their record signing at the time.
He played 29 times in all competitions as the French side reached the last four of the Champions League – often in the same backline as current Fulham right-back Kenny Tete.
He joined Fulham on loan the following season, captaining them 17 times in the Premier League and finishing second in their player of the season vote.
Although the Cottagers were relegated, Andersen remained in the top-flight after a £17m move to Palace, playing 113 games across the past three seasons.
He has also won 36 caps for his country and helped Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 as well as featuring at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Fulham host Leicester on Saturday (3pm) while Crystal Palace are at home to West Ham at the same time.
Our new number 5️⃣. pic.twitter.com/MpyLE9JIIl
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 23, 2024
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