Fulham hi-jack Aston Villa’s deal for Championship left-back

 

Fulham have completed their second deadline day signing after announcing the arrival of Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan on a four-year deal with an option to a further 12 months. 

 

The Cottagers confirmed Sergio Rico’s loan signing from Sevilla after Thursday’s 5pm deadline and have now followed that up by announcing Bryan’s move.

 

The 24-year-old was widely expected to join Aston Villa but Fulham hi-jacked the move after failing to re-sign Matt Targett from Southampton.

 

Fulham have signed Bryan in a deal worth £6m and his arrival solves a problem position for the club, who faced the prospect of dropping Ryan Sessegnon back into defence for the upcoming campaign.

 

“Playing against Fulham in the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me,” he told the club’s official website.

 

“The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can’t turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime. I’m used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot straight in.”

 

 

Bryan came through Bristol City’s youth academy and developed into one of the best defenders in the Championship last season, even netting a stunning goal against Manchester United in the League Cup.

 

He played a direct hand in eight league goals for City last term, scoring an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.34 in the process. In the last three Championship campaigns, only three players have been booked more times than Bryan (21).