{"id":252345,"date":"2026-07-10T18:10:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T18:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/10\/fulham-surge-into-contention-for-25m-star-in-first-signing-for-arbeloa\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T18:10:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T18:10:13","slug":"fulham-surge-into-contention-for-25m-star-in-first-signing-for-arbeloa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/10\/fulham-surge-into-contention-for-25m-star-in-first-signing-for-arbeloa\/","title":{"rendered":"Fulham surge into contention for \u00a325m star in first signing for Arbeloa"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Fulham<\/a> are looking to make the first signing of the Alvaro Arbeloa era, having confirmed the appointment of the former Real Madrid manager earlier this week. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Speaking after his arrival, Arbeloa<\/a> said: “It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London. I feel a great sense of responsibility and I’m deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Having brought in a successor to Marco Silva, the Cottagers’ next task will be strengthening the squad in the transfer market, and they have now entered contention to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Football FanCast’s Verdict<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Credibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Fulham are known<\/a> to be keen on signing a midfielder, alongside a centre-forward and winger. With Sander Berge attracting interest, strengthening in the middle of the park may be particularly important, so Charles could be a savvy addition.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Finances<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Amid interest from Premier League rivals Leeds United<\/a>, the Northern Irishman has been valued at around \u00a325m, so the Cottagers may have to shell out a relatively big fee to get a deal done.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Insight<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

The midfielder has only ever made one appearance in the Premier League, but he is experienced at Championship level, picking up four goals and seven assists in 106 matches.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Impact<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Like Berge, the Southampton star primarily flourishes in a defensive role, so he could be brought in as a direct replacement for the Norway international.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Fulham keen on signing Southampton’s Shea Charles<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

A report from Sky Sports has revealed Fulham have now entered the race to sign Charles<\/a>, alongside Leeds and Crystal Palace. <\/p>\n

\n
\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The 22-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at St. Mary’s, but the Saints have an option to extend it by an additional year, putting them in a strong negotiating position.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Shea Charles could be “outstanding” addition to Arbeloa’s midfield<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Should the 35-cap Northern Ireland star become Arbeloa’s first signing, he could be a fantastic addition, having been praised by international boss Michael O’Neill<\/a>, who said: “I thought Shea was outstanding, I have to say. Out of possession, the amount of balls he recovered and won from being second favourite. And then to use the ball the way he does.”<\/em><\/p>\n

In the Championship last season, the Southampton star showcased his defensive solidity by averaging 2.1 tackles per 90, whereas Berge averaged 1.8 tackles per 90 for Fulham in the Premier League. <\/p>\n

\n
\n \"sander-berge-norway\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Importantly, the Manchester-born midfielder is also a well-rounded midfielder, as evidenced by his attacking talents, picking up six goals and two assists in 38 matches across all competitions last season. <\/p>\n