Why a permanent move for Anthony Knockaert is good for Fulham
According to BBC, Fulham recently signed Anthony Knockaert on a permanent deal from Brighton and Hove Albion following a loan spell.
The 28-year-old winger had earlier in the summer made a season-long loan switch to Fulham, where he has now impressed with 3 goals and 5 assists from 38 league games.
His excellent displays in his maiden season at Craven Cottage so far has now seen Knockaert earn himself a permanent move to Fulham.
The French winger signed a three-year contract with the Championship side, with an option to extend his deal for another year. However, the fee Fulham paid Brighton remains undisclosed.
Fulham have an experienced winger in Knockaert
Meanwhile, Knockaert, who was a regular within Graham Potter’s Brighton side, had lost his spot after the arrival of Leonard Trossard from Genk last summer. The Seagulls, who already had two wingers – José Izquierdo and Alireza Jahanbakhsh apart from Trossard, chose to send Knockaert on loan.
Having racked up 27 goals and 25 assists from 137 matches for former side Brighton, it did not take Knockaert much time to adjust to new surroundings at Fulham.
He has excelled under manager Scott Parker and has been instrumental in Fulham’s rise to fourth in the league rankings. Having proved his mettle at Fulham in such a short duration, it wasn’t long before they secured his services permanently.
Meanwhile, Fulham are hopeful of a Premier League promotion with the side currently staying in the Championship play-off spot. The club’s decision to sign an experienced campaigner like Knockaert at such a crucial juncture seems like a step in the right direction.
With 186 Championship, 72 Premier League appearances respectively playing for English sides such as Fulham, Brighton and Leicester, Knockaert is nothing short of experience. Moreover, apart from Knockaert, Fulham just have another winger in their ranks – Ivan Cavaleiro.
Considering all this, Fulham made the right decision by making Knockaert’s move a permanent one as it will be of great benefit to them whether they stay or earn promotion to the top-flight next season.
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Verdict
Knockaert has established himself as a key player in such a short duration since arriving at Fulham. His arrival will also offer manager Parker plenty of options next season. Moreover, he is 28 and has plenty of football left in him. A proven customer, he can also offer competition for a starting role with the side’s other winger, Cavaleiro.
