AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of Wales international defender Chris Mepham from Brentford.
The 21-year-old centre-back has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Vitality Stadium and joins for an undisclosed fee.
Mepham rose through the ranks at Brentford before making his first team debut in January 2017, and went on to establish himself as a regular in their starting line-up from the start of the 2017/18 season. In total he made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Bees.
A former Wales Under-21 captain, Mepham was handed his first senior cap in March 2018, as the Dragons beat China 6-0 in a friendly, and to date he has four caps for his country.
"It’s taken a while to get my signature on the dotted line but it’s been worth the wait," Mepham told afcbTV.
"There’s so much to like about this club, not least the manager. Eddie Howe is a fantastic manager and what he’s done here is remarkable, so to be working under him every day is a really exciting prospect.
"I’m still young and have lots to learn and develop on my game but I can’t wait to get started, to meet everyone and to get out on the training pitch."
AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: "Chris is a talented, young defender who has been on our radar for some time, so I am delighted he is finally our player.
"He has shown a huge amount of potential in his time at Brentford and while playing for Wales, and we believe this is the perfect environment to continue his development.
"Chris is a good defender and comfortable on the ball, and we believe he will be a great addition to the squad here."
AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: "It has been a long pursuit but we are over the moon to secure the signing of Chris.
"This club prides itself on recruiting and developing young, homegrown talent and Chris is another example of that.
"He has a very bright future in the game and I’m delighted that will be wearing a Bournemouth shirt and working with our manager, Eddie Howe."
