Fulham have announced the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder joins on a five-year contract, with the club having an option to extend it by another 12 months.
“I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment!" Smith Rowe told Fulham's official website.
“I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates.
“Listening to the project, speaking to the manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”
A Rowe along the Thames... 🚣 pic.twitter.com/fKMiur2ojB
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 2, 2024
Who is Emile Smith Rowe?
Born on 28 July 2000 in Croydon, south London, Smith Rowe is a breakout star of Arsenal’s academy. He joined the club at the age of 10 and developed alongside Bukayo Saka.
He made his senior debut for Arsenal in September 2018, featuring in a UEFA Europa League tie against Vorskla Poltava. In the same season, he scored in the Europa League and EFL Cup before an injury-marred loan spell at RB Leipzig and then half a season with Huddersfield Town in the Championship in 2019/20.
His Premier League breakthrough came in 2020/21. After a tough start to the season, Mikel Arteta handed Smith Rowe a start against Chelsea on Boxing Day, and the midfielder starred in a 3-1 victory over the Blues.
Smith Rowe then scored the winner against Chelsea in the reverse fixture and played a starring role in a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur before signing a new contract in July 2021 and inheriting the No 10 shirt.
Last season injury meant he made only 13 Premier League appearances, 10 of which were as a substitute.
From Hale End to the first team. 55, 32, and then our number 10.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 2, 2024
Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.
Thanks for the memories, Emile ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lgWWKHJfIL
At international level, Smith Rowe has represented England at every level from Under-16 to the senior side. He has won the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Under-21 European Championship.
He made his senior England debut against Albania in November 2021 before scoring his first goal a few days later against San Marino.
What type of player is he?
Smith Rowe predominantly plays on the left wing and likes to cut inside before taking a shot at goal. In his best season, 2021/22, Smith Rowe scored 10 league goals in 33 league matches.
How will he fit in at Fulham?
It's likely that Smith Rowe will play on the left wing for Fulham.
Fulham's 2024/25 transfer activity
Smith Rowe becomes the club’s second signing of the summer, and another to arrive from a north London team, after Ryan Sessegnon returned to Fulham following the expiry of his contract at Spurs.
In terms of outgoings, Fulham have lost Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea and Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich.
When might Smith Rowe be in action for Fulham?
Fulham say Smith Rowe will travel to Portugal for their pre-season training camp. They play Benfica on 2 August and then Sevilla on 5 August.
The Cottagers kick off the 2024/25 Premier League campaign on Friday 16 August against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
