Fulham sign Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Danish defender returns to Craven Cottage after loan spell earlier in career

Fulham have announced the signing of Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace.

The Danish centre-back returns to Craven Cottage where he spent the 2020-21 season on loan, with a hefty pay rise awarded as part of his move across the capital.

Andersen's signing comes after Fulham lost defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream on free transfers earlier in the window. He is the second central defender to join the west Londoners following the signing of Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal, with an announcement expected later on Friday.

Speaking ahead of Fulham's Premier League clash with Leicester, Silva said: "It's very close, I must say. It's difficult for me to talk about it as it's not official yet but it's very close and things have happened.

"It's a great signing for us and a player who has been loved by this club for a long time. He wasn't with me but I know he'll bring something important for us - maturity and leadership.

"He's an important one and hopefully everything will be official this afternoon as all of us will be delighted with the signing."

The Cottagers replaced Joao Palhinha with Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge and Silva talked up the former Burnley player and what he will bring to his side.

"Sander is one of our players who can play as a six like Harrison Reed and Sasa Lukic," he added. "Sander has his quality and value, he's going to be a very good player for Fulham, I have no doubt about that.

"We were looking for a certain profile and we found it. He's going to give us something important in certain aspects of the game. On the ball, off the ball, set-pieces, we have a good size of players in the squad (height). He's a package."

Bobby Decordova-Reid is expected to be in the Leicester squad as he returns to the club where he spent three seasons.

Silva lauded the Jamaica international, saying: "What a player and what a professional. So far in my career he's one of the best examples of a professional.

"He's going to get the reception he deserves because he was great for this club, he's a top boy with the knowledge of the game which is not easy to find. He decided to have a different challenge and I wish him all the best as he deserves everything good in his life and career."