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Louis SealeyPublished Aug 22, 2024, 1:56pm|Updated Aug 22, 2024, 1:57pm
Midfielder Sander Berge has explained his decision to join Fulham after being linked with a shock move to Manchester United.
Berge, 26, caught the attention of several clubs this summer despite being relegated from the Premier League with Burnley last season.
The Norway international was able to impress in Vincent Kompany’s struggling Burnley side and was voted the Clarets’ player of the year.
Berge featured in all but one of Burnley’s Premier League games last season but was left out of both of their opening Championship games this term ahead of his departure.
He completed a £35m move to Craven Cottage after emerging as a surprise transfer target for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag earlier in the summer.
As recently as two weeks ago United were said to be considering an offer for the Norwegian, with Ten Hag keen to strengthen his options in midfield before the summer transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
Asked why he decided to join Fulham amid interest from Manchester United, Berge told the club’s official website: ‘Fulham has always been a team that’s excited me.
‘I played them both in the Championship and the Premier League and it was always fantastic how they play.
‘The DNA of the club is to be dominant, to be aggressive and to play nice football and excite people. I think that suits me.
‘Fulham have had some great success recently and they have so many quality players.
‘It’s a club I always saw myself playing for so sitting here now is very exciting. It feels fantastic.
‘It’s been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I’m finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great.’
Berge has signed a five-year deal at Craven Cottage and becomes Fulham’s fourth summer signing following Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon.
On the signing of Berge, who has 46 caps for Norway, Fulham chief Tony Khan said: ‘I’m excited to welcome Sander Berge to Fulham.
‘Sander has tremendous experience playing in the Premier League and in international competition, and we believe that he’ll be a great addition to our squad, as we look forward to our first home game of the season this weekend.’
Fulham lost 1-0 to Manchester United on the opening day of the new season and return to action on Saturday against Leicester City.
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