Bristol City defender Joe Bryan has completed his switch to the Premier League after joining new-boys Fulham.
It has been a dramatic 24 hours for the 24-year-old who had looked set to join Aston Villa, even undertaking a medical at the Villa Park club.
However, Fulham formalised their interest at the final hour and Bristol City accepted a second bid from the club yesterday.
The deal taking Bryan to Craven Cottage is thought to be worth around £6m to the Robins with add-ons
Bryan had been on the Cottagers left-back list all summer but they had hoped to sign Matt Targett from Southampton a permanent deal following his successful loan last season.
A failed bid for Targett saw Fulham making a very late move for the Bristol City man, just as he was about to pen terms at Villa Park.
Bryan has spent his entire career at his hometown club after breaking through the Academy and making his Robins debut in September 2012.
He famously scored his first goal for the club against city rivals Rovers in September 2013 while last season his goal against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup won't be forgotten by fans.
The defender now leaves the Robins after making 203 league appearances.
Fulham FC statement:
The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Bryan from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.
The left-back has signed a four-year-deal with Fulham, with a Club option to extend by a further year.
Bryan, 24, has established himself as one of the finest left-backs outside the top flight over the last few seasons, helping the Robins enjoy a number of successful campaigns on the pitch.
Born in Bristol, Bryan progressed through City’s academy and made his Championship debut in a 3-2 win over Leicester City as an 18-year-old in March 2012.
The following season he played 12 times in the Championship during the first half of the season, prior to a loan switch to Plymouth Argyle, who he helped remain in the Football League.
In his absence, Bristol City had slipped into League One, but in the two seasons that followed he continued his development having established himself as the club’s first choice left-back.
After a campaign of consolidation, 2014/15 was a hugely successful one for City, with Bryan scoring seven times in 50 appearances as they won the title with 99 points and claimed the Football League Trophy at Wembley.
In their first campaign back in the second tier, the Robins comfortably avoided relegation, a feat they replicated in 2016/17.
Bryan then played a pivotal role in one of their best ever campaigns. A fantastic start to proceedings saw City establish themselves as promotion contenders, and although they were unable to sustain their league form, they still secured a top half finish.
They really captured the nation’s attention in the League Cup, though, when they reached the Semi-Finals.
Having already knocked out Premier League Stoke City and Crystal Palace, Manchester United arrived at Ashton Gate in the Quarter-Final, with Bryan opening the scoring with a stunning strike in a 2-1 win.
The other Manchester side awaited in the last-four, but the eventual winners proved too strong despite a spirited Robins display, with City claiming a 5-3 aggregate win across two legs.
A real fan favourite, Bryan departs his boyhood club having made 230 appearances, during which time he scored 20 goals.
Speaking from Motspur Park after putting pen to paper, Bryan said: “Playing against Fulham the last couple of years, the style of play has really stood out to me and it will suit me.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League is one you can’t turn down as you may never get it again in your lifetime.
“I’m used to playing fast attacking football, so hopefully I can slot right in.”
Tony Khan added: “I’m pleased to announce that Fulham Football Club has signed Joe Bryan. Joe is a gifted young player, and we have seen first hand that he is a fierce competitor in our recent clashes against Bristol City in the Championship.
“He’s a promising addition to the squad, and we are excited to welcome Joe to the club! Come on Fulham!”