ENGLAND: Fulham sign duo on a free

Fulham’s Martin Jol has already added to his squad for next season with the free transfers of Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk midfielder Derek Boateng.

After a difficult season brought on by a number of high-profile departures, Dutch boss Jol has moved quickly to sure up their squad for next Premier League campaign.

Venezuelan defender Amorebieta, 28 has signed a four-year deal at Craven Cottage after eight seasons in La Liga with Bilbao, while Ghana international Boateng, 30 has joined on a one-year deal with an option for a further season.

Fulham have now signed up three players for next season, having taken up an option to permanently sign German midfielder Sascha Riether from Cologne after a successful season-long loan spell.

However, Amorebieta’s arrival is arguably the most impressive addition so far as the west Londoners beat off reported interest from Arsenal, Everton and Zenit St Petersburg. The 28-year-old defender made more than 250 appearances for Bilbao and will be a welcome addition to what has at times been a shaky Fulham defence.

“I’m delighted to have signed a four-year deal with Fulham and I’m looking forward to competing in the Premier League next season,” Amorebieta told FulhamFC.com. “I’m impressed with the talent already at the club and I look forward to meeting the players for pre-season training in July.”

The long awaited move for Derek Boateng is finally complete, manager Martin Jol has been a long-time admirer of the Ghana international and has attempted to bring him in on several occasions before. Boateng’s transfer had to be put on ice previously due to contract disputes with his Ukrainian club, but a deal for the 30-year-old has finally completed his move from Dnipro.

“I’m very happy that I have signed and I want to thank the chairman, the manager and the board at Fulham Football Club,” Boateng said. “I’ve been working hard to come here and I’ll do my best for the club. It’s been a long road for me but now I’m here I’m so happy and I can’t wait to start and give everything I have.”

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