Fulham Sign Crystal Palace Defender Joachim Andersen
Fulham have secured the signature of centre-back Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for approximately £30m. Andersen, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Fulham, rejoins the club on a five-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year. This is prepared by SSP.
The Cottagers were persistent in their pursuit of the 28-year-old Danish international throughout the summer, having had an initial bid turned down as Palace sought a fee closer to £40m. Ultimately, they provided a lucrative deal that included a significant pay raise for Andersen.
Speaking on his return to Craven Cottage, Andersen expressed his enthusiasm: "It's really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it's a good feeling. I know the club, how Fulham are playing, many players, and some of the staff; no one had to convince me."
During his initial loan spell with Fulham, Andersen made 31 Premier League appearances and scored one goal. Following his loan, he joined Crystal Palace from Lyon in the summer of 2021 and made 112 appearances for the Eagles. Andersen also participated in Denmark's Euro 2024 campaign, playing every minute until their last-16 defeat by Germany.
Palace chairman Steve Parish conveyed his respect for Andersen's contributions to the club: "Joachim has been immense for the club over his three years at Palace, playing a part in some of our most memorable recent results. He leaves with the utmost respect of everyone at the club, and we wish him well for the future."
Fulham both welcomed Andersen back and saw the arrival of Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal, marking a defensive overhaul following the departures of Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream on free transfers. Head coach Marco Silva anticipates positive impacts from these acquisitions: "It's very close, I must say. It's difficult for me to talk about it as it's not official yet, but it's very close, and things have happened. Joachim's a great signing, filling leadership and maturity, and bringing something important to us."
Crystal Palace now looks to Marc Guehi to assume leadership roles, with boss Oliver Glasner stating, "Marc [Guehi] will lead the team as captain against West Ham on Saturday. I expect everyone to be a Crystal Palace player until someone tells me different."
Furthermore, Fulham set their sights on strengthening their midfield with the addition of Norwegian player Sander Berge, who joins from Burnley as a replacement for Joao Palhinha. Coach Silva commented on Bourg's versatility: "Sander can play as a six, just like Harrison Reed and Sasa Lukic. He has quality and value, he’s going to be a very good player for us both on and off the ball, and during set-pieces."
Overall, Fulham looks primed for the upcoming season with these strategic additions, hoping to leverage their new and returning talents effectively.