Fulham have signed right-back, Kevin Mbabu from VFL Wolfsburg in a £6.4m transfer on an initial three-year contract.
Mbabu returns to the Premier League after a six-year absence following his loan move to Young Boys from Newcastle United, which was converted into a permanent transfer in 2017 before he went on to produce three goals in 82 appearances across three seasons at Wolfsburg.
Speaking to FFCtv about his move back to England’s top-flight, Mbabu commented: “I’m happy to be here as a Fulham Football Club player. It’s a relief and now I can focus on my goals and the Club’s goals, and help the team to be successful.”
On his ambitions for this season, the 27 year-old iterated that survival is a priority as he added: “The first step is to stay in the Premier League, stay stable in the league, and then why not aim for the top-10?”
Mbabu has signed a three-year contract until June 2025 with an option for a further year, with Fulham paying an initial £4.7m transfer fee plus £1.7m in add-ons taking the overall transfer fee to £6.4m.
Fulham owner, Tony Khan meanwhile is “very happy” to have finally signed Mbabu, having previously pursued the player without success in recent years.
On what Mbabu will add to the team this season under manager – Marco Silva, Khan continued: “He brings great physical tools to our Club in addition to his vast experience, and he’s determined to prove himself in the Premier League,” with belief that he will bring defensive quality.
Mbabu began his career with FC Servette before joining Newcastle in January 2013 but largely played in the Magpies’ youth squad, although he made five senior appearances which all came during 2015-16 season.
Newcastle therefore decided to send Mbabu on loan to Young Boys where he impressed and netted five goals in 100 appearances in total across three seasons, during which he helped the Swiss club to two league titles.
On the international stage, Mbabu made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2018 and has since gone on to make 22 appearances in total without scoring once.
Mbabu could make his competitive debut for Fulham on Saturday 6 August at home to Liverpool at Craven Cottage, in a 12:30pm kick-off live on BT Sport.
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