Fulham have completed the capture of Lyon defender Joachim Anderson on a season-long loan deal, the club have confirmed tonight.
The Danish international centre back, who came through the youth academies of Copenhagen and Midtjylland, made his breakthrough as a youngster at Twente, where he made his debut as an 18 year-old. Andersen had made 49 appearances in two seasons before he signed for Sampdoria in 2017. He helped his new side finish in the top half in his first season and established himself as a first-team regular during the next campaign, making 32 appearances as Samp finished in ninth place.
That form persuaded Lyon to make him their record signing, splashing out around €30m and Andersen was part of the side that reached both the Champions’ League and French Cup semi-finals in a strong first campaign, where he linked up with Kenny Tete.
The 24 year-old told Fulham’s website tonight:
I’m really happy to make this move. I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League and playing for a nice club like Fulham. It’s a league I’ve been following since I was a child and it’s a big, big dream to play in the Premier League, so I’m looking forward to it.
Make no mistake, this is a great signing for Fulham. It may come across, initially, as just another loan stop gap but this guy could be exactly what we have been lacking for so long; a real powerful presence, good in the air (finally) and with a cultured right foot. He is a leader on the field, something we have missed since Scott Parker hung up his boots. This guy is real captain material.
A central defender signed at last after so many players turned us down. Not surprisingly due to our poor start. One more please I believe we can still sign another player registered to an English club.Sorry Tony Khan you should have acted earlier it was common knowledge the centre of our defence was our major weakness.
Why did Lyon let him leave? What happened?
2 centre backs signed on the last day of the transfer window. Typical Fulham leaving it to the last minute again. This should have been sorted out weeks go. Anyone with a brain cell could see how weak we were in defence last season.
He is the new Brede Hangeland!