Fulham sign Charles from Southampton for £30m

3 hours ago 2

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles in a deal worth up to £30m.

The 22-year-old becomes the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer of all time after signing a five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

The fee consists of £26m up front with a potential further £4m in add-ons.

Charles, who started his career at Manchester City, also attracted interest from Leeds United but has opted to join Fulham to replace Sasa Lukic following the Serbia international's £9m move to Ipswich Town last week.

"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really," Charles told Fulham's official website.

"It's a great club, with a really good vision - the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.

"I hope to really kick-start my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it's perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well."

Charles becomes Fulham's third signing since former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as manager.

The previous highest fee for a Northern Ireland player was the £15m Newcastle paid to sign Jamal Lewis from Norwich in 2020.

Charles also becomes Fulham's third most expensive signing - behind striker Gonzalo Garcia, who joined from Real Madrid earlier this month, and winger Kevin from Shakhtar last summer. Both deals were worth about £34m.

Since Arbeloa's arrival - following the departure of Marco Silva to take charge of Benfica - Fulham have signed two players from Madrid, Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios, before the capture of Charles.

The Cottagers travel to Malaga on Wednesday and fae German club Stuttgart on Saturday, 15 August before hosting Chelsea on Monday, 24 August in their Premier League opener.

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