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Johnson seals Fulham move
LONDON (AFP) - Striker Andrew Johnson on Thursday finalised his transfer from Everton to Fulham for 10 million pounds on a four-year contract.
The 27-year-old England international will play alongside fellow new signing Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage after finding himself all but frozen out on Merseyside following the arrival of Ayegbeni Yakubu from Middlesbrough last summer.
"I have made no secret of my wish to add Andy Johnson to my squad at Fulham," coach Roy Hodgson told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.
"I believe that he has all the qualities needed to assist us in next season's campaign and I am more than delighted that we have secured his services for the long term.
Fulham's ambition for the new campaign has been such that Johnson arrived as their 11th signing of the close season, and he could partner fellow new boy Bobby Zamora in the season ahead.
Marlet was an 11.5 million-pound (14.6 million-euro) recruit from Lyon in 2001 but proved an expensive failure for Fulham, however Johnson has a proven track record in the Premier League.
His move was held up as Fulham sought assurances about an old ankle injury, and Johnson was quick to thank Hodgson for showing persistence after a deal was struck which will see the London club pay around 10 million pounds initially, with more to come depending on performance.
"I am glad that the agreement is now finalised and that I can concentrate on playing football for Fulham," Johnson told Fulham's website.
"Roy has been great over the last week or so of ongoing discussions and his support in getting me here has only strengthened my ambition to give 100 percent for him and the team every game.
"Fulham is a club with a lot of history and ambition and I'm pleased that I can be part of that.
"I'm now just looking forward to getting into the dressing room with the lads and to start training with them as soon as possible."
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