Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has joined Fulham on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The French international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, came through the PSG youth academy and honed his skills at the famed Clarefontaine development centre. The 27 year-old, who was part of the French squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, has also won domestic titles in France and Spain. He helped Lens win Ligue 2, starred as Lens reached the League Cup final and then lifted Villarreal to fourth in La Liga and a run to the semi-finals of the Europa League in successive loan spells.

He has won back-to-back titles with PSG in recent years and made nine appearances for Real Madrid last season. Areola could well become Fulham’s number one, despite Marek Rodak’s exceptional performances after breaking into the side last season.

Areola told Fulham’s official website:

“I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me. Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be.”

Fulham’s director of football operations Tony Khan said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he’s played in France’s national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

We’re excited that he’s joining us, and he’ll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!