Former Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen had hailed the Cottagers after they acquire the signature of Jean Michael Seri this summer. The Ivory Coast international has joined the west London outfit after standing out with his performances at Nice and Meulensteen believes the midfielder is an absolute steal with the transfer fees involved.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Meulensteen was pleased with the acquisition by his former club and compared the Ivorian with Dutch legend Seedorf, he said: “I tell you what, Jean-Michael Seri … an absolute steal, in my opinion. He is a top six, if not a top three player. He reminds me of Clarence Seedorf – he’s got that guile and moves the ball – and Fulham’s got him. Fantastic.”

Seri had attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona in the past and he nearly made the switch to the latter last summer, only for the move to be scuppered at the final hurdle. Since then, the Ivorian had attracted interest from a number of top European teams but Fulham managed to win the race after agreeing to pay an initial £19m for the midfielder.

Aside from Seri, the Cottagers were active in the transfer window with nine other signings and based on their activity, they should be expecting to stay clear of the drop zone for the upcoming campaign. Fulham play their first Premier League game in four years when they entertain Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage this weekend.

Thereafter, they have a difficult-looking game against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on the road following which they tackle Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion – before the first international break of the season. With several signings on board, manager Slavisa Jokanovic could struggle to find the right combination from the off but he may have no excuses for any shortcomings after a couple of months into the campaign.