Fulham have signed goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Arsenal in a £8m transfer deal.
Leno’s move to Fulham ends a four-year spell at Arsenal in which he made 125 appearances and helped the Gunners win the 2020 FA Community Shield.
The 30 year-old however fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta last season who favoured Aaron Ramsdale as first-choice goalkeeper, which led Arsenal to sell Leno now with one year left on his contract than risk losing him on a free transfer in summer 2023.
Leno has signed a three-year contract until June 2025 with option for his contract to be extended for a further 12 months.
Speaking to FFCtv about his move across London, Leno said: “It feels amazing to finally be here. I can’t wait to join the team, to train and play with the team.
“I’m relieved that everything is done. I’m just happy to be here. It took a little bit of time but in the end we made it, and that’s the most important thing.”
Fulham Vice-Chairman and Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan added that Leno had been a goalkeeper who they “pursued steadfastly” throughout the summer and is “very excited” to sign the experienced goalkeeper.
Leno began his senior career at VfB Stuttgart where he impressed in three seasons for their reserve team after graduating through their academy, which caused Bayer Leverkusen to swoop for the German who went on to make 304 appearances between 2011-18 before he moved to Arsenal.
Khan therefore is aware of Leno’s experience and what he can add to Marco Silva’s squad as he explained: “He has played at the highest level, and he’ll bring this experience and his leadership to our team. He’ll be a great addition to Marco’s squad, who are all excited for the season ahead!”
Leno could make his debut for Fulham at Craven Cottage in their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Saturday 6 August at 12:30pm BST, with the match broadcast live on BT Sport.
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