Fulham have announced the signing of Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge from Burnley.
Man United had been linked with a move for Berge after he was identified as a potential alternative to Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.
However, Fulham have dashed Man United's hopes of signing Berge, having announced the Norway international as their latest summer addition.
The West London club have agreed to pay Burnley an initial £20m fee, plus a further £5m in performance-related add-ons.
Berge, who has been handed the number 16 shirt, has signed a five-year contract with the Cottagers, with an option for the club to extend by a further 12 months.
Through the Cottage door. 🚪
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 22, 2024
Welcome, Sander! ⛰
Berge delighted to seal Fulham move
After being relegated with Burnley last season, Berge has secured a swift return to the Premier League and has expressed his delight in becoming part of Marco Silva's squad.
Berge told FFCtv: "It feels fantastic. It's been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I'm finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.
"Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I've played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it's fantastic how they play, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1.
"The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me."
© Imago
Berge bolsters Fulham's midfield options
The former Sheffield United man has become Fulham's fourth summer addition following the signings of Jorge Cuenca, Ryan Sessegnon and Emile Smith Rowe.
Berge can play as a defensive midfielder or a number eight and his arrival will strengthen an engine room that had been weakened by Joao Palhinha's switch to Bayern Munich.
The 26-year-old could be closely followed through the door by Joachim Andersen, who is believed to be on the verge of completing a move from Crystal Palace.
Berge could make his Fulham debut in Saturday's Premier League clash against newly-promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage.
Silva's side will be looking to get off the mark after falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat in their opening game against Manchester United.
![Marco Silva, who talked up Fulham s attackers after they netted four times to confirm Luton's relegation from the Premier League in a 4-2 victory at Kenilworth Road, May 5, 2024 [on August 8, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Marco Silva, who talked up Fulham s attackers after they netted four times to confirm Luton's relegation from the Premier League in a 4-2 victory at Kenilworth Road, May 5, 2024 [on August 8, 2024]")
