Fulham have completed the signing of centre-back Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace for a fee in the region of £30 million. 

The 28-year-old made 113 appearances for the Eagles in three campaigns with the club.

Last season, Andersen was pivotal as Crystal Palace recorded their joint-highest Premier League finish, starting all 38 matches.

Andersen, who joined Palace for £18m from Lyon in 2021, has signed a five-year deal in West London with an option for a further year.

Craven Cottage is familiar territory for the Denmark international, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Fulham.

Crystal Palace chairman and co-owner Steve Parish said: “Joachim has been immense for the club over his three years at Palace, playing a part in some of our most memorable recent results.

“He leaves with the utmost respect of everyone here, and we wish him well for the future.”

The Inside Scoop

Andersen’s exit is one of mixed emotions. Crystal Palace have lost their anchor in defence to a mid-table rival. It is certainly one that will disappoint and maybe even frustrate supporters.

However, it is the right move for business. Andersen’s value will only depreciate – he is 28, and departed with just two years left on his deal.

For Palace, to bank the profit and reinvest in a younger asset, once again, proves the success of acquiring value-appreciating talent.

Despite losing such a prominent part of the spine, Andersen’s exit allows Oliver Glasner to add a centre-half better suited to his system, with the Dane capable of being erratic.

As seen against Brentford on Sunday, Palace lack pace in defence. If the club can secure a faster centre-half, namely Maxence Lacroix, then the backline will be in a stronger position.

Glasner gave the green light to Andersen’s departure, so long as he is replaced with a quicker defender.