Fulham defender Joachim Andersen is attracting interest from Manchester United. It is reported by The Telegraph that Ole Gunner Solskjaer is searching for a long term defensive partner for Harry Maguire.
Victor Lindelof has impressed at times throughout the season but has struggled for consistency, whereas Eric Bailly has struggled for fitness and there has been doubts over his future at the club. Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly shown interest in the Danish international.
Joachim Anderson Targeted by Premier League’s Top Clubs
Career So Far
Andersen began his career at FC Twente and was promoted through the academy to join talented players such as Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic. The defender emerged as a first-team regular by the start of the 2015/16 season and played an important role in helping FC Twente avoid relegation. The following season, Andersen played an increasingly prominent role in the FC Twente team.
Andersen’s impressive form caught the attention of Sampdoria, who signed the Danish defender in 2017. In his first season in Italy, he struggled to make his mark in the first team and made just seven appearances. In the 2016/17 season, Andersen emerged as a first-team regular. He made 32 appearances and helped guide Sampdoria to a ninth-place finish in Serie A.
French giants Lyon broke their club record transfer to sign the Danish defender in the summer of 2019. It was also the highest fee recorded for any Danish footballer. Andersen struggled to replicate his form for Lyon. He made 18 league appearances in the 2019/20 campaign and was largely an unused substitute before the Ligue 1 suspension in March 2020.
Joachim Andersen’s Role at Fulham This Season
Joachim Andersen joined Fulham from Lyon in a loan deal at the start of the 2020/21 season. The Danish defender arrived at a time when Fulham were in desperate need of defensive reinforcements. At the time of Anderson’s arrival, the Cottagers had lost their opening four games in the Premier League. They had also conceded 11 goals. This gave them the worst defensive record in the division.
Anderson’s debut proved a catalyst for Fulham’s upturn in fortunes. On his first start, Andersen helped Scott Parker’s side secure a 2-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion. This was their first victory of the season and their first clean sheet.
Since Andersen’s arrival, Fulham have shown huge signs of improvement, particularly in their defence. The Dane has been an ever-present at the heart of Scott Parker’s defence and has featured in 25 games in all competitions this season. He has impressed with his composure on the ball and his impressive leadership skills. Andersen has established himself as Fulham captain in the absence of midfielder Thomas Cairney.
The Cottages have managed nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season – only five Premier League teams have kept more clean sheets this campaign. Fulham are currently 18th in the Premier League, three points away from safety.
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