Fulham have announced the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton as Alvaro Arbeloa continues to strengthen his squad.
Sources have told ESPN that Northern Ireland international Charles, 22, is moving to Craven Cottage in a deal worth £27 million, plus £6m in add-ons.
The midfielder will become the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer in history after signing a five-year contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for a further 12 months by the club.
“I’m buzzing to finally get it over the line,” he told the club’s website. “The Club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really.
“It’s a great club, with a really good vision — the manager explained that to me. To be here is a massive privilege.
“I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career. At such a good club as well, it’s perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well.”
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Charles made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in 2023 for a season, before making the move to Southampton where he spent three seasons. He was previously on loan at Sheffield Wednesday for the 2024-25 campaign.
During the summer transfer window, Leeds United were also showing interest in him.
Manager Arbeloa, who was appointed at the start of July, has also signed two Real Madrid players — Gonzalo García and midfielder César Palacios.
Arbeloa had a spell in Europe as interim Real Madrid boss during the second half of the 2024-25 season.
Fulham are set to play Stuttgart in Spain on Aug. 15, before hosting Chelsea in their Premier League season-opener on Aug. 24.
