Fulham have confirmed the signing of French goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from Ligue 2 side Montpellier HSC. The 34-year-old shot-stopper, who has penned a two-year contract with the Cottagers, becomes the club’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window, providing much-needed competition and cover for first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The announcement, made on Saturday, July 26, 2025, ends weeks of speculation and marks a significant step in Fulham’s preparations for the new season.
Lecomte arrives at Craven Cottage with a wealth of experience, having amassed over 300 appearances in Ligue 1 across spells with Lorient, AS Monaco, and Montpellier. His two stints at Montpellier saw him make 167 appearances, keeping 45 clean sheets, though his final season with the French club was marred by their relegation to Ligue 2. Despite managing only one clean sheet in 30 matches during the 2024-25 campaign, Lecomte’s pedigree and composure between the posts make him a shrewd addition to Marco Silva’s squad. His arrival follows the departure of Steven Benda, who joined Championship side Millwall on a season-long loan, paving the way for Lecomte to step in as Leno’s primary understudy.
The transfer, reportedly secured for a modest fee of €500,000, reflects Fulham’s pragmatic approach to recruitment. Lecomte, a former France U21 international who has trained with elite clubs like Atlético Madrid and Espanyol, brings a seasoned presence to the dressing room. His role will likely see him feature in domestic cup competitions and provide guidance to Fulham’s younger goalkeepers, while also ensuring there’s no drop in quality should Leno be unavailable. With the Premier League’s demanding schedule looming, this signing underscores Silva’s desire for reliability across all positions.
Speaking to FFCtv after putting pen to paper, Lecomte expressed his enthusiasm for the move. “I’m really, really happy and proud to join Fulham because it’s a new step in my career, and I think it will be really nice to be part of the club,” he said. His words reflect a hunger to embrace the challenge of the Premier League, a competition he has yet to test himself in despite his extensive European experience. Lecomte’s technical sharpness, honed during spells in LaLiga and Ligue 1, should help him adapt to the pace and physicality of English football.
Fulham’s sporting director, Tony Khan, also shared his excitement about the signing. “I am excited to welcome Benjamin Lecomte to Fulham,” Khan stated. “He is a talented goalkeeper with valuable experience, including more than 300 appearances in Ligue 1, and his arrival will further strengthen the team and add depth to Marco’s squad as we prepare for next season in the Premier League.” Khan’s comments highlight the club’s focus on building a robust squad capable of competing in a highly competitive league.
The signing comes at a crucial time for Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season but faced criticism for their lack of early transfer activity. Fans, eager for reinforcements ahead of the season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 16, will be relieved to see movement in the market. Lecomte’s arrival could be the catalyst for further signings, with reports suggesting Fulham are in talks to re-sign Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson and are eyeing Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Raheem Sterling.