Fulham have completed the signing of centre-back Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £30m. The Cottagers had been pursuing the 28-year-old throughout the summer, but their initial bid was rejected as Palace were holding out for a fee closer to £40m. However, the two clubs have now reached an agreement, and Andersen has signed a five-year contract with Fulham, with the option to extend for a further year.
For Andersen, this move to Fulham feels like a homecoming, as he had already spent the 2020-21 season on loan with the club. He expressed his excitement about returning, saying, “It’s really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it’s a good feeling.” Having already experienced playing for Fulham, Andersen is familiar with their style of play, the players, and the staff, which made the decision to join them an easy one.
During his loan spell with Fulham, Andersen made a total of 31 appearances in the Premier League, contributing with one goal. His performances were impressive enough to catch the attention of Crystal Palace, who signed him permanently from Lyon in the summer of 2021. Andersen went on to feature in 112 games for Palace, showcasing his defensive abilities.
Andersen’s time with the Danish national team has also been noteworthy. He played every minute of Denmark’s Euro 2024 campaign, which unfortunately ended in a last-16 defeat against hosts Germany. His performances at the tournament further demonstrated his quality and reliability as a centre-back.
While Fulham celebrates the arrival of Andersen, Crystal Palace is facing interest in their other centre-back, Marc Guehi, from Newcastle. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish has stated that it is “unlikely” for both players to leave the club this summer. Palace manager Oliver Glasner emphasized Guehi’s importance to the team, confirming that he would lead the team as captain in their upcoming match against West Ham.
Overall, Fulham’s signing of Joachim Andersen brings a sense of familiarity and continuity to the club. Having already proven himself during his loan spell, his permanent transfer solidifies Fulham’s defensive line and adds to their Premier League aspirations. Andersen’s experience with both Fulham and Crystal Palace, as well as his international performances, make him a valuable addition to the team. It remains to be seen how he will perform in the upcoming season, but fans of Fulham can certainly be optimistic about his impact.