Shea Charles joins Fulham in £30m Southampton move

What Shea Charles brings to Fulham in £30m transfer

The 22 year-old has signed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

The fee is made up of £26m up front, with a further £4m possible in performance-related add-ons.

Charles, who began his career at Manchester City, had also attracted interest from Leeds United before opting for west London.

He arrives as one of the standout deals of the summer transfer window, replacing Sasa Lukic following the Serbia international’s £9m move to Ipswich Town.

Charles becomes Fulham’s third signing under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Speaking to the club’s official website, as reported by BBC Sport, the midfielder said he was determined to make his mark in the top flight.

"I’m buzzing to finally get it over the line," said Charles. "The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really. I hope to really kickstart my Premier League career.

The outlay makes Charles Fulham’s third most expensive signing, behind striker Gonzalo Garcia and winger Kevin, as Arbeloa continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new season.