Fulham's preparations for a return to life in the Championship have received a boost, after the club announced that striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has signed a new contract to keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024.
Mitrovic initially joined Fulham in loan from Newcastle in January 2018, and scored 12 goals in 20 Championship appearances to help the Cottagers to promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
The following summer, the striker joined the club permanently on a five year deal for a fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £22million, potentially rising to £27million with addons.
The Serbian then went onto score 11 goals in 37 league appearances for Fulham last season, but was unable to prevent them suffering an immediate relegation to the Championship.
Following that relegation, it had been reported earlier in the window by the Daily Star that both West Ham and Spanish side Real Betis had been interested in signing the 24-year-old, although the striker is now set to remain at Craven Cottage for some time longer.
Speaking to the club's official website after confirming the deal, Mitrovic confirmed there had been interest in him from elsewhere, but admitted he was pleased to be staying at Fulham, saying: “I feel great. I’m really happy and I’m looking forward to playing here next season.
“There were a lot of clubs interested but in the end I decided to stay here because I’m really happy and settled at Fulham.
"My kids, wife, all my family are happy here. This is my home and I am really happy to sign a new deal."
Reflecting on his time at the club as a whole, the striker added: “Since the first day I came here I have received a great reception from everyone in the Club and the fans. I feel motivated and every morning when I come here to work I am happy. I have found my happiness and passion here.”
The verdict
This feels more like a clarification of Mitrovic's immediate future than anything else.
The Serbian was already under contract at the club until 2023, so it wasn't as if those clubs interested in him were only making such moves because they thought he would be available on the cheap before his deal runs out sometime soon.
Even so this will still be hugely welcome news to Fulham fans. Mitrovic was prolific during the second half of their last promotion campaign at this level, and having him here next season will only boost their confidence that they can have such a season again.
Given that it was top flight interest in the Serbian, this does still feel like a statement of intent from Fulham that they do expect to be competing for a Premier League return next season, as it is unlikely Mitrovic would have agreed to the deal otherwise.