Ryan Babel joins Fulham on deal until the end of the season

Ryan Babel has signed for Fulham [Courtesy]

Fulham have confirmed the signing of the former Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel on a permanent deal, but only until the end of the season.

The Dutch international, 32, moves to Craven Cottage from Besiktas, following eight years of nomadic spells at a variety of clubs.

Babel joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2007 and scored 22 goals in 146 appearances - many of which came as a substitute.

He then set off on a career which has taken in spells at Hoffenheim, Ajax again, Kasimpasa, Al-Ain, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas, before now joining Claudio Ranieri's relegation battlers.

“My first impressions are good and I’m very excited," Babel told the Fulham website.

“I definitely have faith that Fulham can stay up. That’s one of the reasons that I’m here, to try and help that to happen. I’m ready to go, I’m excited and I can't wait.”

Fulham co-owner Tony Khan added: “Ryan has excelled at playing attacking football on both the club and international stage, and we welcome that experience as we build our squad for a strong second-half push with nine important home fixtures remaining, beginning Sunday when Spurs visit the Cottage.

“Ryan scored 15 goals across all competitions last season and arrives with the support of our manager.

"Claudio and I are confident that Ryan’s return to the Premier League here will be every bit as good for him as his addition will be good for our squad. Come on Fulham!”

Babel will wear the No.12 shirt at Craven Cottage.