Fulham have made their first signing of the close
season, bringing in defender Aaron Hughes in a £1million transfer
from Aston Villa.
The versatile Northern Ireland international, who can play either
in central defence or at full-back, has agreed a three-year deal
with the Cottagers in a move which sees him reunited with former
international manager Lawrie Sanchez in the capital.
The 27-year-old moves to Craven Cottage after two years at Villa
which saw him make 50 league starts although he failed to score
during his time in the midlands.
Hughes had joined Villa after spending the first nine years of his
career at Newcastle before a £1million switch.
Now, Hughes is looking forward to once again working with the
former Wimbledon player and told Fulham's official website: "I'm
delighted to be joining Fulham and am looking forward to working
with Lawrie Sanchez at club level.
"I enjoyed my time at Aston Villa but when this opportunity
presented itself I had no hesitation in coming to discuss the
manager's ambitions for the club, which obviously were of great
interest to me.
"I'm happy to have signed before the start of pre-season, which
gives me the opportunity of being with the lads on day one, when we
come back to training next week."
Sanchez welcomed Hughes to the capital and praised his leadership
skills.
"I am delighted that we have been able to bring Aaron to Fulham. As
my captain whilst I was manager of Northern Ireland, I saw his
obvious leadership skills and his qualities as a player which are
widely recognised, so I'm delighted that he becomes my first
signing of the summer.
"He'll bring some much-needed depth to the squad and a level of
commitment and tenacity that forms an integral part of my
philosophy for next season's campaign."
Hughes' Villa team-mate, midfielder Steven Davis, is also
reportedly close to joining Fulham.
