Fulham are close to securing a deal to bring Joachim Andersen back to Craven Cottage from Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic.
After a long-drawn-out negotiation process, the two clubs agreed a deal worth around £30 million, including add-ons.
The Danish defender impressed during a loan spell with Fulham in the 2020/21 season and is now set to return to the west London side.
Marco Silva’s side have been actively searching for defensive reinforcements following the departures of Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea and Tim Ream to the MLS.
Andersen has been a pivotal figure for Palace since joining from Lyon in 2021, playing a crucial role in the backline.
However, with Fulham offering a substantial fee, Palace have been persuaded to part ways with the 28-year-old.
The Cottagers hope to complete the deal swiftly as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Andersen is a seasoned defender with leadership qualities and is expected to bolster Fulham’s defensive line.
He will become their fourth summer signing following the addition of Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca, and Ryan Sessegnon.
The Eagles already have a replacement lined up for Andersen as they are closing in on a deal for Wolfsburg centre-half Maxence Lacroix.
The French international defender worked with manager Oliver Glasner and is reportedly keen on a reunion with the Austrian.
At the moment, it is unclear if the move for Andersen will affect Marc Guehi. The Eagles have rejected four bids from Newcastle United for the England international centre-back, insisting on £65 million paid upfront.
Newcastle have reportedly started looking for alternatives to Guehi. They are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.
This development could be a welcome boost for Palace. The Eagles are wary of losing their centre-back pairing in the same window in which they lost their top playmaker, Michael Olise.
