Fulham have confirmed the signing of Junichi Inamoto on a one-year
deal, while Victor Sikora will hold talks after a £4million
fee was agreed.
The 22-year-old Japanese midfielder, whose performances during the
World Cup earned him significant accolades, joined up with The Cottagers
squad this morning for training.
Inamoto was released by Arsenal just before the World Cup, after
failing to make an impression during his year-long loan from Gamba
Osaka.
Fulham have now agreed a similar arrangement with the J-League side
and he will make a permanent £4million switch if he impresses
at the club this season.
A statement from the club read: "Fulham Football Club announced
on Monday morning the signing of Japanese international Junichi
Inamoto from Gamba Osaka on a one-year loan agreement, with an option
for three further years on a permanent basis.
"The agreement could see Inamoto at Fulham Football Club until
the summer of 2006."
Inamoto's arrival will boost the midfield options for Cottagers
boss Jean Tigana as he bids to build on last season's 13th-placed
Premiership finish.
Inamoto himself is looking forward to playing for Fulham and hopes
to fair better than he did during his time at Highbury.
"London still appeals to me, I have decided on my future,"
he said.
"I will go to Fulham where they will play me. I have always
thought it would be difficult to make it in England. It is very
physical, but I can cope."
Meanwhile, Holland international Sikora, whose move to Dutch giants
Ajax recently fell through, is due to arrive in London over the
next couple of days to discuss personal terms and undergo a routine
medical before completing the switch.
He told the De Gelderlander newspaper: "I'm glad that there
is good news at last.
"The last few weeks were filled with stories about Fulham and
Ajax, but I didn't know which way it would turn.
"Now I do. I expect that I can come to an agreement with Fulham."
