Fulham have this morning confirmed that they have completed the capture of Everton defender Luke Garbutt on a season-long loan.
The Whites successfully fought off competition from a number of their Championship rivals, including QPR, Rotherham and Ipswich Town, for the England under-21 international’s signature. The young left back is highly rated as the long-term successor to Leighton Baines at Everton and, after making his first team debut against Southampton last season, went on to make twelve senior appearances for the Toffees. Garbutt, who has also enjoyed loan spells at Cheltenham Town and Colchester United, started all three of England’s matches at this summer’s European Under 21 Championships.
The former Leeds academy graduate told Fulham’s official website this morning:
When I got the call saying Fulham wanted me on a season long loan, I spoke to the manager and the staff here and I liked what they had to say and their plans for the season. They’ve shown their faith and trust in me. I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and obviously the main objective is to get promoted this season.
Garbutt strengthens Fulham’s squad in a problem position, where Kit Symons has been alternating between the previously out-of-favour Swiss full-back Kay Voser and Irish youth international Sean Kavanagh during pre-season. He recently signed a new long-term contract with Everton, having turned down the chance to discuss a potential Bosman transfer to Liverpool earlier in the summer.
