"A good step for my career" - Joachim Andersen explains £30m Crystal Palace exit

Fulham have completed the signing of defender Joachim Andersen from fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace.

The Denmark international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal until 2029 and joins the Cottagers for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth around £30m.

Andersen returns to Craven Cottage having previously spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at the club from Lyon.

The 28-year-old moved to Crystal Palace on a permanent deal the following summer and made 113 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists.

Palace supporters were hoping to see Andersen, who helped the club secure a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, feature regularly under Oliver Glasner in his first full season in charge of the club.

© Imago

Andersen leaves Palace "with the utmost respect"

However, Andersen has opted to move across London to re-join Fulham and become Marco Silva's fifth summer signing after Emile Smith Rowe, Sander Berge, Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca.

Reacting to the Dane's departure from Crystal Palace, chairman Steve Parish said: "Joachim has been immense for the club over his three years at Palace, playing a part in some of our most memorable recent results.

"He leaves with the utmost respect of everyone here, and we wish him well for the future."

Commenting on his return to Fulham, Andersen told the club's official website: "It's really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it's a good feeling.

"Of course, I know the club, I know how Fulham are playing, I know many players, I know some staff, so I didn't need anyone to convince me because I knew a lot of things already.

"I had some good talks with the manager. I know the playing style he likes to play, so it was just a decision I needed to make myself, with my wife and family, and see what's the best for me, and I think this is a good step for my career."

They say never fall in love with a loan player... 🤍 pic.twitter.com/GotGV5BGYd

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 23, 2024

Khan: 'Andersen is a formidable and experienced defender'

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Joachim Andersen back to Fulham, but this time as a permanent move! Joachim is a formidable and experienced defender, he proved to be a steady leader for us during his previous loan, and I know that he's excited to join us again!"

Andersen, who will wear the No.5 shirt at Fulham, is set to compete with fellow centre-backs Cuenca, Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey for regular starts in Silva's side.

It remains to be seen whether Andersen will be available to make his second debut for the Cottagers in Saturday's Premier League clash at home against Leicester City.