Fulham have signed goalkeeper Steven Benda from Swansea City.
The move was confirmed on Wednesday evening in a deal thought to be worth around £1m.
Benda has been recovering from a serious knee injury in recent months and has been usurped as the Swans' number one by Brighton and Hove Albion's Carl Rushworth, who joined on loan this summer. He had been replaced by Andy Fisher in the pecking order after injury against QPR back in January.
The 24-year-old joined Swansea in 2017 from 1860 Munich, signing new deals in 2019 and 2021 and making 31 senior appearances in total.
A Swans statement said: "Everyone at Swansea City thanks Steven for his efforts during his time at the club, and wishes him well in his future career. "
Swansea earlier completed the signing of 21-year-old goalkeeper Nathan Broome on a free transfer.
Fulham FC statement ~ Geoff Pruce
The Club is pleased to announce the signing of Steven Benda from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old has agreed a deal until the summer of 2026, with a Club option to extend by a further year.
Speaking to FFCtv after putting pen to paper, Benda said: “I’m really happy. It’s a massive club with a lot of history and tradition, so I’m really happy to be here.
“Just look at this stadium, and the Club itself, playing for Marco Silva, it was a very easy decision.”
Tony Khan added: “I'm pleased to welcome Steven Benda to Fulham.
“He's a talented young goalkeeper, and while he's currently recovering from injury, we've monitored him for some time and believe that he'll be a valuable addition to Marco’s squad upon his return.
“Come on Fulham.”
After coming through the ranks in his native Germany with 1860 Munich, the imposing goalkeeper was scouted by Swansea, who duly brought him to Wales in August 2017.
During his time in the Swans’ youth sides, Benda helped the Under-19s win the FAW Youth Cup in 2018 by saving two penalties against fierce rivals Cardiff City.
His first taste of senior football came during a loan spell at Swindon Town in the 2019/20 season, where he helped the Robins claim the League Two title, making 27 appearances across all competitions.
A Championship debut arrived the following campaign back with his parent club, before another loan spell – this time in the Champ – with Peterborough United in 2021/22, where he featured 18 times.
Benda’s form with the Posh saw him cement his position as Swansea’s first choice last season, making 23 appearances before a knee injury in January brought a premature end to his campaign.