Fulham needed a safe pair of hands on their return to the EPL - so they recruited Leno

Fulham have concluded another key piece of business ahead of the new season as they secured the signature of Arsenal's goalkeeper Bernd Leno on a three-year contract. Even though his mistakes often made him less than reliable while at the Emirates, Fulham coach Marco Silva identified Leno as the guy to improve his team's chances of remaining in the Premier League this time around.

The Cottagers paid $3.6 million to land the 30-year-old German international, but the fee could rise up to around $10 million if all conditions are met. Approximately $1 million will be paid based on Leno's performances this season, $2.4 if Fulham beat the drop this season and another $2.4 if they survive the 2023/24 season in the top flight. Fulham also have an option to extend the goalie's contract by a further 12 months.

"It feels amazing to finally be here. I can't wait to join the team, to train and play with the team. I'm relieved that everything is done. I'm just happy to be here. It took a little bit of time, but in the end, we made it, and that's the most important thing."

Leno was the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal between 2018 and 2021 but lost his place in the first team shortly after the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale last year. The former Bayer Leverkusen man made just four Premier League appearances last season, also featuring four times in English cup competitions. Leno claimed 37 clean sheets for Arsenal in his 125 appearances across all competitions.

Marek Rodak and Paulo Gazzaniga shared goalkeeping duties for Marco Silva's side as they were promoted last season, with the first choice for the majority of the campaign. Leno should be an upgrade on both of them, but much will depend on his concentration during matches. If he can stay clear of silly howlers, then Fulham have got a great deal on their hands.

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Manuel Neuer's stranglehold on the national team's No.1 jersey has meant opportunities for other German goalkeepers have been limited over the years. However, Leno has still represented his country on nine occasions and was in the squad for last summer's European Championship.

Leno will become Fulham's fourth permanent first-team signing of the summer after the arrivals of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira and Kevin Mbabu. They have also brought Manor Solomon in from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a temporary deal.

PREMIER LEAGUE - matchday 1

Friday

22.00: (4.60) Crystal Palace (3.70) Arsenal (1.85)

Saturday

14.30: (11.0) Fulham (6.00) Liverpool (1.30)

17.00: (1.40) Tottenham (4.90) Southampton (9.00)

17.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.80) Nott.Forest (5.70)

17.00: (2.35) Leeds (3.25) Wolverhampton (3.40)

S17.00: (3.90) Bournemouth (3.40) Aston Villa (2.10)

19.30: (5.70) Everton (3.80) Chelsea (1.70)

Sunday

16.00: (2.05) Leicester (3.60) Brentford (3.80)

16.00: (1.57) Man.Utd. (4.00) Brighton (7.00)

18.30: (9.50) West Ham (5.50) Man.City (1.35)

***odds are subject to change