Fulham have signed defender, Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal until end of 2022-23 season.
Soares’ move comes amidst a difficult season for the 31 year-old full-back who has made just four appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, albeit without scoring after he managed one goal in 26 appearances last season.
Under the terms of this loan deal, Fulham will cover the full costs of Soares’ wage salary – albeit with no option to buy on a permanent transfer at end of season.
Speaking to FFCtv about his loan move across London, Soares commented: “I feel great. I wanted this deal to happen, so we all pushed in the same direction, and I’m really happy and pleased to be here.
“Me and my family are really, really happy for this move. It’s a great move and I can’t wait to start.”
Soares will also reunite with current Fulham manager, Marco Silva, who coached Soares during their time together at Sporting Lisbon in 2014-15 season, which saw the club win Tace de Portugal title at the end of the campaign.
Fulham vice-chairman, Tony Khan added that he is “excited” to welcome Soares to the club on loan as he hopes that the Portuguese international can bring his “great experience” to boost Fulham’s prospects of a top-ten finish and potential European qualification for next season.
In order to bring Soares in on loan, Fulham converted Shane Duffy’s loan deal into a permanent contract, with Duffy having ‘helpfully’ signed a short-term contract until end of season.
Khan therefore is delighted with Fulham’s transfer activity in January as he said: “We’re very happy with the work that we’ve done in this window, and look forward to the rest of the season ahead!”
Soares will be eligible to make his Fulham debut in an away tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday 3 February, in a 8pm GMT kick-off live on Sky Sports.
Leave a Reply