Fulham have completed the signing of former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel from Turkish side Beşiktaş on a permanent deal until the end of the 2018/19 season.
Babel will join up with Claudio Ranieri’s squad immediately as they try and avoid relegation from the Premier League after just one season.
Can Babel help save Fulham? Here is what you need to know…
- The 32-year-old moved to Liverpool in 2007 from Ajax as a promising youngster for a transfer fee of £14 million.
- He made 146 appearances in all competitions – scoring 22 goals – for the Reds without winning a single trophy.
- After failing to establish himself within the Reds set-up, Babel has since had spells at Hoffenheim, Kasımpaşa, Al Ain and most recently Beşiktaş.
- The Dutchman made 89 appearances for Beşiktaş – scoring 29 goals – with his form convincing the London side to bring him to Craven Cottage.
- Fulham are currently 19th in the Premier League, five points off 17th place Cardiff City.
The club confirmed the move via their official website, with Babel – who will wear the number 12 shirt – revealing that he is excited to play for his new club and that he will do his best to keep Fulham in the Premier League this season.
Speaking to fulhamfctv upon signing, Babel said: “My first impressions are good and I’m very excited.
“I definitely have faith that Fulham can stay up. That’s one of the reasons that I’m here, to try and help that to happen. I’m ready to go, I’m excited and I can’t wait.”
Building a squad for a strong second-half push
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan also commented on the deal, stating that it was Babel’s exciting attacking intent that drew the club to signing the former Liverpool winger, with his international experience – 54 caps and eight goals – an important factor too.
Khan added: “Ryan has excelled at playing attacking football on both the club and international stage, and we welcome that experience as we build our squad for a strong second-half push with nine important home fixtures remaining, beginning Sunday when Spurs visit the Cottage.
“Ryan scored 15 goals across all competitions last season and arrives with the support of our Manager. Claudio and I are confident that Ryan’s return to the Premier League here will be every bit as good for him as his addition will be good for our squad. Come on Fulham!”
Babel’s first outing may come against fellow London club Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday at Craven Cottage.
The post Fulham sign ex-Liverpool forward Ryan Babel from Besiktas appeared first on Squawka News.
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