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New Fulham signing Shea Charles has become the biggest money transfer ever for a Northern Ireland international. The London outfit - managed by former Real Madrid star Alvaro Arbeloa - have purchased Charles for £26m, with parent club Southampton in line for a potential further £4m in add-ons. The 22-year-old former Manchester City man has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Craven Cottage, stating he is ‘buzzing to finally get it over the line’, speaking to the club’s official website: “The club has got a really good foundation, from the bottom to the top really. It’s a great club, with a really good vision. The manager explained that to me. “To be here is a massive privilege. I hope to really kick-start my Premier League career - at such a good club as well - it’s perfect for me, and hopefully perfect for the fans as well.” Read more: Larne European defeat could have implications for more Northern Irish clubs Fulham’s sum overtakes previous the Northern Ireland international record transfer deal, Jamal Lewis’s £15m move to Norwich in 2020. Charles will now aim to cement a place in the Cottagers’ squad for their Premier League opener at home to Chelsea on August 24.