Tim Ream completes transfer to Fulham

United States defender Tim Ream is on the move. The American is now officially a Fulham player after completing a permanent transfer from Bolton Wanderers today for an undisclosed fee. This finally wraps up the transfer saga that involved Queens Park Rangers and Fulham dueling it out for Ream's signature.

It appeared as if Ream would be heading to QPR after a report surfaced that the club had agreed a transfer free with Bolton. However, Fulham came over-the-top with a late bid and was able to win out in the end.

The former New York Red Bull has signed a four-year contract with Fulham. Although the fee between Bolton and Fulham was not disclosed, it has been reported to be £1.75m which could rise to more than £2m depending on bonuses.

The 27-year-old started his career with the Red Bulls in 2010 spending two seasons with the Major League Soccer club. He then joined Bolton in 2012 where he played three seasons.

Ream has always been a consistent performer at the club level, doing well at every stop of his career. Bolton wanted to hang on to him, but were forced to sell him due to financial reasons. Fulham desperately needed defensive help, so he should slot into their back line without any fight whatsoever.

The USMNT are very thin at the center back position currently. While Ream hasn't been a consistent call-up under Jurgen Klinsmann, the door is still open for him to establish himself as an option. If he finds success at  Fulham and helps them compete for a promotion spot, he could do just that.