Fulham Agree Deal with 34-year-old Veteran for Goalkeeping Depth | OneFootball

Fulham Set to Sign Montpellier’s Lecomte as Leno’s Deputy

Lecomte Agrees Terms for Premier League Move

Fulham are poised to bolster their goalkeeping ranks with the experienced Benjamin Lecomte, as reported by L’Équipe. The French outlet confirmed that “the 34-year-old Montpellier goalkeeper has agreed terms with Fulham, where he is expected to serve as understudy to 33-year-old German Bernd Leno.”

Lecomte’s arrival will add depth and composure to Fulham’s squad, bringing a wealth of experience to the Craven Cottage dressing room. He has trained with Lorient and enjoyed spells at AS Monaco, Espanyol, and Atlético Madrid, making him well-versed in top-level European football. This upcoming switch will mark his second stint abroad.

With Fulham preparing for another season under Marco Silva, where consistency and squad reliability are key, Lecomte’s signing looks like a pragmatic decision, especially with Premier League clubs often needing depth in every position.

Photo: IMAGO

Departure from Montpellier Confirmed

Lecomte’s departure from Ligue 1 had been signposted. According to L’Équipe, he “had expressed his wish not to participate in the preparation match against Rodez (L2) on Friday, warning certain members of the club that his departure was imminent.” That clarity from the player underlines his intent to join Fulham swiftly and settle into his role.

While he leaves Montpellier at a stage of career where some players slow down, Lecomte seems to be seeking fresh challenges. His time in LaLiga with Atlético and Espanyol helped round out his style, adding technical sharpness to his already composed demeanour.

Fulham Strengthen in Quietly Clever Fashion

Lecomte’s role at Fulham will be clear. As back-up to Bernd Leno, one of the Premier League’s most consistent keepers, the Frenchman will likely feature in domestic cup competitions or step in when injuries or suspensions arise. His presence will also offer guidance to Fulham’s younger keepers, an underrated element in squad harmony and development.

There is no suggestion that Lecomte is arriving to compete immediately for the number one shirt, but his professionalism and experience make him a valuable addition behind the scenes and in the training environment.

Photo: IMAGO

Looking Ahead to the 2024–25 Season

For Fulham, it is about evolution, not revolution. The club has quietly assembled a squad with both international pedigree and domestic grit. The signing of Lecomte may not grab headlines, but it demonstrates that the club are thinking beyond the first XI. He provides security, experience and presence, traits often missed until required.

With European ambitions growing quietly under Silva, adding a composed head between the posts ensures that Fulham are better equipped to handle a long campaign filled with unpredictable demands.

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This is the kind of signing that signals maturity in recruitment. There is no unnecessary fanfare, just a calm and calculated move to ensure there is no drop in quality if Bernd Leno is unavailable. Lecomte has played at high levels, trained in elite setups and understands his role in a top-flight club.

Supporters will rightly ask whether the club could have looked for a younger understudy, but in truth, there is value in adding someone with proven character and a seasoned mindset. Squad depth is no longer a luxury, it is a requirement, and Lecomte ticks several boxes without disrupting the dressing room dynamic.

His decision to avoid Montpellier’s pre-season fixture shows his focus and readiness. He is not coming for a holiday, he is coming to be part of a squad that is quietly aiming to push into the Premier League’s top half.

It may not be a blockbuster move, but it could be one of those that looks increasingly shrewd by the end of the season.