Fulham have taken promising young defender Luke Garbutt from Everton on loan for the duration of the 2015/16 season.
The 22-year-old moved to Goodison Park from Leeds United in 2009, and has gone on to make 12 appearances for the club in all competitions. He has also been represented at international level at all age groups, and was recently part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the UEFA Under-21 European Championships in the Czech Republic.
Garbutt was handed a new five-year contract by the Toffees last month, but remains behind Leighton Baines in the pecking order for a first team place. The left fullback has in the past spent time on loan at Cheltenham Town and Colchester United, and he will now spend the new campaign at Craven Cottage in the Championship.
“When I got the call saying Fulham wanted me on a season-long loan, I spoke to the manager and the staff here and I liked what they had to say and their plans for me this season,” he told the official club website. “They’ve shown their faith and trust in me. I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and obviously the main objective is to get promoted.”
For any Fulham fans unaware of what to expect from their Garbutt, they can be encouraged by Everton boss Roberto Martinez who said: “He has all the talent in the world with his cultured left foot and he will shine and be a massive asset in the Fulham team. In his position, he is one of the most talented young players in England.”
