Fulham FC have sent out a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Premier League after announcing the double-signing of midfielder Jean Michael Seri and defender Maxime Le Marchand, who both join the club from French side Nice.
The acquisition of 26-year-old Seri on a four-year deal – with the option to extend that by a further 12 months – is believed to be worth £25m, and comes just one season after he agreed to join Barcelona, only for the deal to fall through.
Having also been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in recent transfer windows, the signing is a major coup for a club such a Fulham that is returning to the top flight after a four-year absence, and gives manager Slavisa Jokanovic a significant boost to his squad ahead of the star of the new campaign.
“It was a long day yesterday so it was great to get the move finalised,” said Seri, who made more than 100 appearances for Nice in three years and has also spent time with Portuguese sides Pacis de Ferreira and Porto’s ‘B’ team.
“Now, I’m ready to get started and looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to know them, the head coach and his staff better.
“I’m delighted to be here, it’s a new adventure that starts for me and I’m hoping it will all go well.”
Having announced the arrival of Seri, Fulham immediately followed it up by unveiling his Nice teammate Le Marchand, with the 28-year-old also leaving the Ligue 1 side after three years in which he featured predominantly at left-back.
“I’m very happy to sign for Fulham, this is a big club that’s very popular,” Le Marchand said.
“I’m also happy to have joined up with a good friend, Jean Michael Seri. I know that there is a lot of hard work ahead and I hope to bring my very best to this team.”
