Fulham have signed a Norwegian midfielder who previously played for Burnley.
Man United were linked with a transfer for Berge after he was touted as a potential replacement for Manuel Ugarte at Paris Saint-Germain. Fulham, on the other hand, have dashed Man United’s ambitions of signing Sander Berge, by announcing the Norwegian international as their newest summer recruit.
The West London club has agreed to pay Burnley an initial cost of £20 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Berge, who has been assigned the number 16 shirt, has agreed to a five-year contract with the option to extend it by another year.
Berge delighted to seal Fulham move
Berge, who was relegated with Burnley last season, has secured a speedy return to the Premier League and expressed his excitement at joining Marco Silva’s side.
Berge told FFCtv: “It feels great. It’s been a little back and forth over the last few weeks, but I’m now sitting here in the shirt in this wonderful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which is fantastic.
“Fulham has always been an exciting team for me. I’ve played against them in both the Championship and the Premier League, and their 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 formation is amazing.
“The DNA of the Club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football, and I think that suits me.”
Berge bolsters Fulham’s midfield options
The former Sheffield United player is Fulham’s fourth summer signing, joining Jorge Cuenca, Ryan Sessegnon, and Emile Smith Rowe.
Berge can play as a defensive midfielder or a number eight, and his addition will bolster an engine room that has been damaged by Joao Palhinha’s move to Bayern Munich.
The 26-year-old could be swiftly followed through the door by Joachim Andersen, who is rumoured to be on the verge of leaving Crystal Palace.
Berge might make his Fulham Premier League debut on Saturday against newly promoted Leicester City at Craven Cottage.
Silva’s side will be seeking to rebound from a close 1-0 loss to Manchester United in their first encounter.
