Fulham have confirmed the signing of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles in a deal worth up to £30m according to BBC Sport.
The 22-year-old becomes the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer of all-time after signing a five year contract at Craven Cottage.
The fee consists of a £26m fee up front with a potential further £6m in performance-related add-ons.
Charles, who started his career at Manchester City, also attracted interest from Leeds United but has opted to move to west London to replace Sasa Lukic following the Serbia international’s £9m move to Ipswich Town last week.
“I’m buzzing to finally get it over the line. The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really,” Charles told the club’s official website.
“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.”
Charles becomes Fulham’s third signing since the appointment of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa following his spell as interim Real Madrid boss during the second half of 2024-25.
Charles also becomes Fulham’s third most expensive signing behind striker Gonzalo Garcia, who joined from Real Madrid earlier this month, and winger Kevin from Shakhtar last summer. Both deals were worth about £34m.
Since Arbeloa’s arrival – following the departure of Marco Silva to take charge of Benfica – Fulham have signed two players from Madrid, Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios, before the capture of Charles.
The Cottagers travel to Malaga on Wednesday and host face German club Stuttgart on Saturday, 15 August before Chelsea are their visitors on Monday, 24 August in their Premier League opener.