Joachim Andersen: Fulham sign Crystal Palace centre-back for about £30m

Fulham have signed centre-back Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for about £30m.

The Cottagers pursued the 28-year-old throughout the summer and had an initial bid rejected as Palace sought a fee closer to £40m.

The Denmark international has joined Fulham – who he played for on loan in 2020-21 – on a five-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year.

“It’s really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it’s a good feeling,” Andersen said.

“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.”

During his loan spell with the Cottagers, Andersen made 31 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal.

Andersen featured 112 times for Palace after joining from Lyon in the summer of 2021.

He played every minute of Denmark’s Euro 2024 campaign, which ended in a last-16 defeat by hosts Germany.

Andersen’s Palace centre-back partner Marc Guehi has attracted interest from Newcastle, but Eagles chairman Steve Parish said it was “unlikely” both players would leave this summer.

“Marc [Guehi] will lead the team as captain [against West Ham on Saturday],” Palace boss Oliver Glasner said.

“I expect everyone to be a Crystal Palace player until someone tells me different.”