Fulham have completed a deal to bring in left back Joe Bryan from Bristol City for a fee believed to be around £6m.
The Whites’ swooped for one of the Championship’s most impressive full backs last night – which might Bryan’s proposed move to beaten play-off finalists Aston Villa collapsed in acrimonious fashion. The Premier League new boys had identified Bryan, who had an excellent season as the Robins narrowly missed out the play-offs, as one of their potential targets earlier in the season and return to sign the 24 year-old after it became clear that Southampton were unwilling to allow Matt Targett leave St. Mary’s.
An attack-minded full back, Bryan has made more than 200 senior appearances at Bristol City and famously scored the opening goal as Lee Johnson’s side beat Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-final last term. His arrival means that teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon can continue to play as a left winger and Bryan, who was part of the Bristol City side that won promotion from League One and the Football League Trophy in 2014/2015, is in line to make his Fulham debut against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Bryan told Fulham’s official website:
Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me. The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can’t turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime. I’m used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in.
Fulham’s director of football operations, Tony Khan, added:
I’m pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship. He’s a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club.
