Why signing Jean-Michael Seri is a huge statement of intent from Fulham
Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham have completed one of the most surprising transfers of the summer. As per reports, the Cottagers have signed midfielder Jean-Michael Seri from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice for £17.7m.
The Ivory Coast international, who was being chased by a horde of clubs across Europe, including Fulham’s London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Fulham returned to the Premier League after defeating Aston Villa in the Championship playoffs and have already made quite a big splash in the transfer market. The club lost key man Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer, with the full-back joining West Ham United. However, signing Seri is a huge coup for manager Slavisa Jokanovic.
The 26-year-old midfielder was on Nice’s books since 2015, having joined from Portuguese outfit Pacos Ferreira. Since then, he went from strength-to-strength during his time in France. Seri made 123 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and setting up 26 more in the process.
The Ivorian was integral to their successes in the 2016/17 campaign as they finished third in the French top division and qualified for the UEFA Champions League as well. Seri enjoyed yet another solid campaign last time out, as he netted twice and chalked up 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a consistent performer for the French outfit.
Seri can play anywhere in the middle of the park, be it as a holding midfielder or as a traditional No.8. He can also play as an advanced No.10 if required, meaning he would add immense value to Fulham next season.
The Ivorian has the talent and the ability to control the game from deeper areas with his range of passing. As seen from the last couple of seasons, he can also contribute with goals and assists in huge numbers as well.
Seri is an effective operator in the box-to-box midfield role and has the vision to unlock defences while possessing great dribbling abilities as well. Add to that his exceptional set-piece delivery, and Fulham have a classy midfielder who could prove to be the ideal partner for the brilliant Tom Cairney.
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Seri has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage. And Fulham have made a huge statement of intent by acquiring his signature ahead of other suitors.
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