Carlisle United have concluded a deal with Premier League new boys Fulham to bring midfielder Sonny Hilton on a season-long loan.
Liverpool-born Hilton, 21, had started his career with Tranmere Rovers and was signed by Fulham at Under-16s level.
He has represented England Under-16s and captained Fulham’s under-18 side as he continued to progress through the ranks at Craven Cottage.
He enjoyed a loan spell with Finnish side TPS Turku between April and July last year and returned to skipper the Fulham under-23 squad during the 2021/22 season.
Playing on the right of midfield, and in the middle, he was part of the team that clinched the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, securing their promotion in style.
Carlisle manager Paul Simpson said: “Sonny is a player I know from when I was working with the England under-19 set-up. He’s a really talented footballer, but also a great lad as well.
“I enjoyed working with him and I heard he was available for a loan for the coming season a few weeks ago. He had a really successful season with the 23s at Fulham last time out and they feel he’s ready.
“His numbers in terms of assists and goals were as good as it’s been, and I want players like that in the club.
“I like young, hungry and talented footballers and, like I say, I want that type of player in the building.”
“Everything about him points to a player who wants to kick on. He was at Tranmere, in their Centre of Excellence, but the chance to go on trial in London didn’t bother him at all.
“He went down to Fulham and he’s been over to Finland, because he just wants to progress. He’s been with Fulham for seven years now, and he had that loan spell abroad as well.
“A few injury problems meant that didn’t go the way he would have wanted it to, but last season was a strong one for him, and we’re hoping he can come here and kick on and add to what we already have in the squad.
“He played as a central midfielder for me with England in a tournament we had against France and Belgium, and he stood out against some really talented players.
“He can play wide on the right, or as a number 10, so he brings options and different capabilities. I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”
“Another good thing is that he’s a character,” he concluded. “He’s got a bit about him, he’s not afraid to say his piece, and I am glad that we’ve got this one over the line.
“It’s a great opportunity for him that I think he’ll relish, so let’s see what he can do at Football League level.”
