Statement released as Leeds United target completes £30m transfer to Premier League rivals
Leeds United were locked in early-summer talks for the target but couldn’t reach an agreement.
Leeds United summer target Shea Charles has joined Fulham in a deal believed to be worth £30million.
Charles was the subject of two transfer bids from Elland Road, but neither reached Southampton’s £30m price-tag and were subsequently rejected. Last month, after reaching a standstill in negotiations, Leeds drew a line in the sand.
While Leeds’ final offer remained on the table, with the Whites open to re-igniting talks, it remained short of Southampton’s valuation. Earlier this month, Fulham emerged as a potential suitor and a deal worth £26m plus £4m in add-ons was agreed.
The midfielder’s move to a Premier League rival was confirmed on Tuesday morning. A Fulham statement read: “The club is delighted to announce the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
“A versatile player, the 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, tying him to Craven Cottage until June 2031, with a club option to extend by a further 12 months. He will wear the number 19 shirt.”
Speaking after his transfer was confirmed, Charles said: “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. 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.”
Since withdrawing from talks for Charles, Leeds haven’t been linked with any alternative midfield options. Instead, their focus turned to the goalkeeper position and a club-record £40million deal for James Trafford was announced last week.
Charles will be at Elland Road with his new team when Fulham come to West Yorkshire on December 19. He becomes the fourth summer arrival at Craven Cottage, following teenager Jonah Kusi-Asare from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid pair Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia.