Fulham have agreed a fee of around £2.3m for Roma left-back John Arne Riise, according to reports in Italy.
The former Liverpool defender is expected to sign a three-year contract with Fulham next week and team up with his younger brother Bjorn-Helge at Craven Cottage. Riise was considered surplus to requirements by the Italian side after they moved to sign the Sporting Gijon full-back Jose Angel last week. Roma were keen to cash in on Martin Jol’s interest in the 30 year-old, who had a year to run on his existing deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Riise made more than 200 appearances in seven years at Liverpool, who ironically beat Fulham to his signature ten years ago this week. The Norwegian defender was set to join Fulham, then newly-promoted to the Premier League, before the Merseysiders tabled a late offer. The player himself has confirmed the transfer by posting this message on his Facebook page:
“Then it was time to give thanks for staying in Rome. I have had three wonderful years in Rome, the suit but now I see that is to come to the club enough away. This time it’s Fulham standing at the door and I look forward to playing with my little brother Bjørn Helge Riise and my good buddy Brede Hangeland. Thanks for all the support in Rome and wish you all good luck in the coming seasons!”
Plenty of media outlets have been speculating that Carlos Salcido will soon return to Mexico once Riise has completed his transfer. Fulham have previously turned down bids from Monterrey for their current left back and Matthew Briggs has been deputising for Salcido, who is recovering from his Gold Cup exploits, during our early European fixtures.
