Fulham have shuffled things around in their squad to accommodate the loan signing of Cedric Soares from Arsenal, who a few days ago would not have been able to join.
Fulham have left it late, but they’ve made the most of the entire transfer window, competing two signings on deadline day. First came Sasa Lukic, who executive Tony Khan said they’ve “followed for years”.
While that deal was being completed, another was in the works – that of Cedric.
While it’s not quite been years in the making, this is one that’s taken its time. In late December, reports emerged of Fulham’s interest in the full-back.
While not long ago, Arsenal were wary of letting him go, they seemed to have changed their tune of late.
As such, it would not appear that any stumbling blocks were in the way of Fulham’s snare of Cedric. That was other than the fact they wanted to take him to the club on loan.
That might not sound a problem, but that they already had two players – Shane Duffy and Dan James – on short-term deals meant they were unable to loan another in.
Indeed, the Premier League rules state you can only have two loanees from English clubs.
Fulham shuffle the pack to accommodate Cedric
However, it seems the Cottagers were very keen to get the move done on deadline day. So much so that they have decided to make Duffy’s stay permanent, so they have space for Cedric as a loan player.
Duffy has completed his permanent move from Brighton on a short-term contract until the end of the season, paving the way for Fulham’s final new signing of the window.
Therefore, Cedric has become the Cottagers’ second January snare, with both coming on deadline day.
He’ll stay with Fulham until the end of the season, although reports indicate they will not have an option to buy.
Still, as his new challenge begins, the full-back told Fulham’s website: “I feel great. I wanted this deal to happen, so we all pushed in the same direction, and I’m really happy and pleased to be here.
“Me and my family are really, really happy for this move. It’s a great move and I can’t wait to start.”
Khan added: “I’m excited to welcome Cedric Soares to Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season.
“Cedric has great experience against top competition, in international matches and in the Premier League. I’m pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Arsenal to bring him to Fulham, and I’m excited for Cedric to flourish under the great coaching of Marco Silva!
“We’re very happy with the work that we’ve done in this window, and look forward to the rest of the season ahead!
“Come on Fulham!”
