Arsenal goalkeeper Leno has joined Fulham
Bernd Leno switched London clubs on Wednesday (AEST), leaving Arsenal to join Fulham in a move that could rekindle his FIFA World Cup prospects.
After losing his Gunners first-team spot to Aaron Ramsdale last season, the 30-year-old sealed a move in a reported £8million deal.
He joins Fulham, who will return to the Premier League in the new season, as the latest addition to Marco Silva’s squad ahead of the season’s start this weekend.
Last season’s runner-up Liverpool visits Craven Cottage on Sunday (AEST).
Leno, who did not make Germany’s squad for Nations League games at the end of last season, has nine caps for his country, but his opportunities have always been limited due to Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer’s hold on the national team number one jersey.
Fulham’s new signing has signed a three-year contract and told the club’s FFCtv channel, “It feels amazing to finally be here.” I can’t wait to join the team, train with them, and play with them.
“I’m relieved that everything has been completed. I’m just relieved to be here. It took some time, but we got there in the end, and that’s the most important thing.”
Former Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Leno said he had “four incredible years” with Arsenal.
He appeared in 49 first-team games in the 2020-2021 season and 125 times overall during his Emirates Stadium career, but a mere eight appearances last season suggested his time at Arsenal was up.
His most recent appearance for Germany came in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in September, Hansi Flick’s first game as national team manager.