Joachim Andersen was joint Player’s Player of the Year for Crystal Palace last season and widely seen as one of the Premier League’s more underrated defenders, usually going about his business in a calm and effective way.
Therefore, it would have been no surprise to see widespread transfer interest in the 28-year-old this summer. What was a surprise, though, was when it became clear he’d be signing for Fulham.
The defender has been speaking to various media in Scandinavia, and Tipsbladet have brought together his quotes. One point was the new Fulham player sharing his irritation that Crystal Palace weren’t prepared to commit to him in the long term in the same way Fulham were immediately eager to do so.
Marco Silva’s side have given their new player a five-year contract, and Andersen is quoted as saying: “I was a little disappointed that Palace could not offer me such a deal, in relation to the length. It was really a cold and cynical move from Palace so they could also make the last coins from me. But that’s how it is, it’s business from Palace’s side.”
Quite a few people have questioned the move, wondering why the defender, at a time in his career when he could perhaps aim higher, has taken what is widely perceived to be a sideways step.
On that, Andersen said: “Yes, I can easily understand that. I can understand that people may wonder a little, but there are many concerns in a switch and there are many considerations. Actually, I just think that Fulham have shown me a lot of trust. It is a big investment on their part. Of course, Palace get a great offer, which they accept.
“I am 28 years old and I had two years left, so that they could get such money, it is clear that they are thinking about it. It was of course a difficult decision, but I think I have made the right one.”
The Denmark international also explained he very much enjoyed his earlier spell at Fulham and that played a part in his decision making.
