Fulham’s capture of Ryan Fredericks from Bristol City just 27 days after the ex-Tottenham player moved to Ashton Gate is the second time in a month the Whites gazumped neighbours QPR.
Fredericks was on the Rs wish list before they signed James Perch from Wigan, while the club harboured hopes of Tim Ream from Bolton before he moved to Craven Cottage instead.
Chances are both Ream and Fredericks will line up against Chris Ramsey’s men when Fulham take on Rs at home later this month.
In a surprise move, the 22-year-old cited ‘personal’ reasons for the sudden switch, with Bristol boss Steve Cotterill adding that: "it is best that Ryan plays his football in London at this moment in time.”
A strange reason given Fredericks featured 19 times for far-flung Middlesbrough last term while his loan team made the Championship play-off final.
The player penned a three-year deal making him Kit Symons’ 12th signing of the summer and one who will directly challenge Jazz Richards, himself a £550k new addition, for the right-back spot.
Fredericks added on his Twitter account: “Thank you to the relevant people at the club for making it happen so quickly. Can't wait to start.
“Been a strange few weeks but as Bristol City have already announced I have left the club due to personal matters.”
