Fulham have confirmed that centre-back Tomas Kalas has returned to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The young defender spent last season on loan with the Cottagers and made 38 Championship starts for the west London side.
“The Club is delighted to announce that Tomas Kalas has returned on a season-long loan from Chelsea for the 2017/18 campaign,” a statement read on Fulham’s official website.
“Kalas played a crucial role at the heart of defence to help Fulham reach the Sky Bet Championship Semi-Finals last season.
“The Czech Republic international featured in 36 league games last season and scored for the Whites against Huddersfield Town in the 5-0 win at Craven Cottage in October.
“At just 24-years-old he has played seven times for the Czech Republic and has been a regular member of their squad aiming to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“Prior to joining Fulham on loan last season the centre-back played a key role in helping Middlesbrough reach the Play-Off Final in 2014/15, before winning promotion with them as runners-up in the 2015/16 season.
“Kalas started out at his hometown club Sigma Olomouc before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2010.
“Two seasons were then spent on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland, during which time he was named the Czech Republic Young Player of the Year.
“He made his debut for Chelsea in a 2-0 League Cup win over Arsenal in October 2013 and his Premier League debut and first start for Chelsea came at Anfield later that season, also in a 2-0 victory.
“In the summer of 2014 the defender moved on loan to FC Cologne in Germany, but he departed for Middlesbrough midway through the campaign.”
On the move, Fulham vice chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan said: "It's a pleasure to welcome Tomas Kalas back to the Fulham Football Club.
"We appreciate Tomas so much after the way that he battled for us last season, demonstrating not only tremendous skill but also great heart and determination. We're very excited to have him here again as one of us as we prepare for our next battle, and what we hope will be a great season! COYW!"
