Fulham have signed Shea Charles from Southampton, with the Northern Ireland international putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Craven Cottage. The 22-year-old's deal runs until June 2031, with Fulham holding the option of a further year, and makes him the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer in history.
The fee is understood to be in the region of £27m, with a further £6m in add-ons. It continues a busy summer for Alvaro Arbeloa, who was appointed Fulham head coach at the start of July and has been reshaping the squad since.
Charles made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in 2023 before moving to Southampton, where he spent three seasons, including a loan year at Sheffield Wednesday in 2024-25. Leeds United had also been interested in signing him during the summer window.
"I'm buzzing to finally get it over the line," Charles told Fulham's website. "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."