• You may have to login or register before you can post and view our exclusive members only forums.
    To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

Can they loan him back to Sevilla until Jan?

That's a bit shit, isn't it? Why not just sign him in Jan or loan him back?

Not sure if its due to the limitations/regulations of the transfer embargo.

Barca probably wants him to gel with the squad whereas Sevilla might prefer to get a long term replacement since they probably won't be able to play him in the CL even if they loan him back?
 
Julian Weigl - Dortmund (undisclosed fee)
743373d1420685073-vfb-stuttgart-all-german-machine-2-w%3D650-c%3D0.bild.jpg

[article]Promising midfielder Julian Weigl has become Borussia Dortmund's second new signing ahead of next season on a four-year deal.

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of highly rated teenage midfielder Julian Weigl from Bundesliga 2 side 1860 Munich for an undisclosed fee.

"Julian Weigl is a young talent for our central midfield, whose huge development potential we believe in," added sporting director, Michael Zorc.

The 19-year-old, who had been linked with Juventus and Tottenham, arrives at Signal Iduna Park on a four-year contract.

Germany Under-20 international Weigl is the second Dortmund signing in a new era under Thomas Tuchel, with Gonzalo Castro also arriving from Bayer Leverkusen.

Weigl is currently representing his country in the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. [/article]
 
Darren Bent - Derby (free transfer)
CG-mSkkWgAAt7E_.jpg

[article=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-county-move-to-sign-striker-darren-bent-after-successful-loan-spell-2485578.aspx]Derby County have signed striker Darren Bent on a permanent basis after an impressive loan spell at the iPro Stadium last season.

The 31-year-old has penned a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, ahead of the expiry of his contract at Premier League Aston Villa at the end of June.

Bent spent the second half of the 2014/15 campaign with Derby on loan from the Villa Park outfit and he quickly established himself as a key player.

He scored 12 goals in just 17 appearances in a Rams shirt – of which 13 were starts - and scored a number of crucial goals, particularly in the absence of leading marksmen Chris Martin due to a hamstring injury.

Head Coach Paul Clement said: “Darren Bent is a proven goalscorer and that was something he proved during his loan spell with the club last season.

“He is going to be key in our plans to move forward.”

London-born Bent progressed through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town and, after signing professional terms, he scored 55 goals in 141 appearances for the Tractor Boys between 2001 and 2005.

As well as producing a number of eye-catching performances for his club side, Bent starred at England youth international level and broke in the Three Lions’ Under 21 set-up.

His impressive form for Ipswich prompted Charlton Athletic, then in the Premier League, to pay an initial £2.5 Million for his services in June 2005 and, after rattling home an impressive 37 goals in 79 games, he moved across London in 2007 to join Tottenham Hotspur for a then club record £16.5 Million fee.

During his time at White Hart Lane, Bent made 43 starts and a further 36 appearances off the bench, scoring 25 goals for the club in the process. His first goal for the club came in a 4-0 win over Derby in August 2007.

His next stop was Sunderland in July 2009, who paid £10 Million to secure his signature. His form for the Black Cats proved to be outstanding, as he hit the net 36 times in just 63 appearances before he departed for Aston Villa in a deal that could, potentially, increase to £24 Million.

At Villa Park, he has scored 25 times in 72 appearances, although his first-team opportunities proved to be limited after the arrival of Paul Lambert in the summer of 2012.

He spent the entire 2013/14 season on loan at Fulham and scored six times in 30 appearances, while he scored twice in five outings during a brief loan spell at Derby’s Championship rivals Brighton & Hove Albion during November and December 2014.

Bent was capped at a number of youth international levels for England before making his full international bow in March 2006, against Uruguay.

His first international goal came in a 3-1 European Championships Qualifier against Switzerland in September 2010 under Fabio Capello. He scored further goals against Denmark, Wales and Montenegro before making his last international appearance in November 2011 against Sweden.[/article]

Alex Pearce - Derby (free transfer)
CG-mhpUXIAEPewY.jpg

[article=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-county-sign-republic-of-ireland-international-alex-pearce-2485573.aspx]Derby County have signed Republic of Ireland international defender Alex Pearce.

The 26-year-old central defender has signed a three-year deal ahead of the expiry of his contract at fellow Sky Bet Championship side Reading at the end of this month.

A product of the Academy set-up at Reading, Pearce wore the captain’s armband for the Royals.

He also experienced promotion to the Premier League at the Madejski Stadium and also has top flight experience to his name.

Head Coach Paul Clement said: “Alex Pearce is an experienced central defender and we’re very pleased to have him signed.

“He is strong, physical and an international footballer as well so he has lot of good qualities.”

Born in Wallingford, Pearce progressed through the youth system at Reading and signed a three-year professional contract in 2006.

He made his debut in 2007 for the Royals before moving out on loan to Northampton Town in League 1 towards the end of the 2006/07 season to gain match experience.

In 2007/08 Pearce, in addition to handful of appearances for Reading, he spent time on loan at AFC Bournemouth and Norwich City in League 1 and the Championship.

During the 2008/09 season, following another loan spell, this time at Southampton, Pearce became more established in the Reading side as the side reached the Championship Play-Offs but were beaten by Burnley at the Semi Final stage.

He made 23 and 24 appearances over the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons for Reading before being a near ever-present as the Royals achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2011/12, a season in which Pearce was named as Player of the Season.

In 2012/13, Pearce featured on 21 occasions for Reading in the Premier League before remaining a key player in the 2013/14 and the 2014/15 campaigns, firmly establishing himself as the leader in the Royals camp.

In addition to starring for Reading, Pearce has been capped on five occasions by the Republic of Ireland. He made his debut against Oman in September 2012 and he marked the occasion in style by scoring in a 4-1 victory.

Ironically, he scored his second goal for his country against the same opposition in September 2014.[/article]
 
Wait... so effectively, Real just paid 7.5m for a player they already own? Can we loan him next?
Isn't Callejon a totally different case? It looks like they actually sold Callejon (then in RM Castella) to Espanyol in '08, then bought him back in '11, whereas Casmiro is a case of a loan with an option to buy, and they ended up paying to cancel the option.


We did this exact same thing with Manquillo. If they wanted him back this year they had to pay. We just had to make him look good enough that us considering buying him wouldn't be absurd. If we want him at the end of next year we have to pay.
 
Slaven Bilic - West Ham (Manager)
TIWfootballFeb20.jpg

[article=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/June/9-June/Hammers-appoint-Bilic#pETtTYg4PMvzpATS.99]West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Slaven Bilic as the Club’s new manager.

The 46-year-old will become the 15th full-time manager in the Hammers’ 120-year history, returning to the Club he played for 54 times, on a three-year contract.

Bilic will arrive at the Boleyn Ground after successful spells in charge of the Croatia national team and Turkish side Besiktas, subject to a work permit being issued. He becomes the second Croatian to manage in the Barclays Premier League, and has an outstanding career win percentage of 55.16 per cent.

A law graduate and multilinguist who takes a meticulous approach to management, the new boss will arrive in London later this month following a family holiday, but has already begun preparations for West Ham’s maiden UEFA Europa League campaign.

“I’m really glad to be back with West Ham United,” Bilic said. “It’s in the Premier League, which is among the best in the world. It’s a big challenge and you are competing with the best and what better club to do it with than West Ham.

“I remember West Ham as a special club. I love these kinds of special clubs. My last club, Besiktas, was that kind of club. It’s not about the size – West Ham is big Club – there is something special about them - they are a cult clubs.

“It is a great place to play and I felt like I was at home. It is a big privilege and a big responsibility to now be manager and I hope that I will prove it to the Board, players and fans.

“My first priority when choosing a club is to look at its ambitions. When I spoke to the Chairmen and Karren Brady, they made clear that it is not only the fantastic new Stadium we are moving into, but they showed their determination and ambition to make what is a big club even bigger.

“I saw their determination and passion that they want to do that. That was the number one reason. I could feel that they really wanted me so it was an easy choice.

“I would say to the West Ham fans that I will give my best and together we will achieve great things.”

As a player, Bilic was an outstanding centre-back during a 14-year career that saw him represent Croatian giants Hadjuk Split, German side Karlsruher SC, West Ham and Everton.

A promising prospect as a youngster, he joined Hadjuk at the age of nine, being loaned to lower-league sides Primorac and Sibenik before making his senior debut for his hometown club at the age of 20 in 1988. He later won the Yugoslav Cup in 1991, the inaugural Croatian League title the following year and Croatian Cup in 1993.

A big-money move to Germany resulted and Bilic was named Karlsruher captain, leading the Eurofighters to the UEFA Cup semi-finals in his first season with the club.

In January 1996, Bilic moved to east London and quickly established himself in the entertaining West Ham team of the time, playing alongside the likes of John Hartson, Frank Lampard, Eyal Berkovic and close friend Steve Potts.

After helping the Hammers to finish eighth in the Premier League in 1997/98, he joined Everton before finishing his career with first club Hadjuk in 2001.

At international level, the defender was part of Croatia’s golden generation of the 1990s, helping The Blazers to reach the UEFA Euro 1996 quarter-finals before finishing third at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, playing alongside the likes of fellow former Hammers Igor Stimac and Davor Suker.

Bilic returned to the international stage in 2006, embarking on a headline-making seven-year spell as manager of Croatia. During his tenure, the Balkan nation denied England a place at Euro 2008 with a famous 3-2 win at Wembley, before going on to top their group with victories over Germany, Poland and host nation Austria.

Only a penalty shootout defeat by Turkey denied Croatia a place in the Euro 2008 semi-finals and Bilic rallied his fellow countrymen to come within a whisker of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Two years later, Bilic ended his tenure as Croatia manager by leading his national side to Euro 2012, finishing with an outstanding record of 42 wins and just eight defeats from 65 matches in charge.

On his return to club management, Bilic spent a year with Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow before taking up the challenge of managing Besiktas in the competitive and passionate Turkish Super Lig.

There, he took the Istanbul-based club to consecutive third-place finishes, winning 48 of his 92 games in charge and leading them to the UEFA Champions League Play-Off round and the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, beating Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool along the way.[/article]
 
Sami Khedira - Juventus (free transfer)
CHEMAwsWQAAyfxB.png

[article=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/khedira+signs+for+juventus]Juventus Football Club has today completed the signing of Sami Khedira.

The 28-year-old, who will officially join from Real Madrid on a free transfer on 1 July 2015, has agreed terms on a four-year contract which expires on 30 June 2019.

Born in Stuttgart, Khedira progressed through the youth sector of his local side before making his professional debut in a Bundesliga encounter against Hertha Berlin on 1 October 2006.

Following four seasons and a championship winners’ medal, the midfielder left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, a club with whom he would go on to achieve success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey (twice), the Supercopa de Espana, the UEFA Super Cup, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

On the international scene, he captained Germany Under-21s to European Championship glory in 2009 before also being part of the Die Mannschaft squad which won the World Cup at last year’s tournament in Brazil.

Khedira, who is normally deployed in front of the defence as a ball-winning midfielder, is able to cover a lot of ground while also possessing excellent passing and shooting ability, and great vision of the game.

Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri is set to add a player of class, quality and international experience to his ranks, ready to enrich one of the strongest midfields in world football.[/article]
 
Rob Kelly - Leeds Utd (Assistant Head Coach)
rob-kelly_1kbfv483lufse1295b8eejv5be.jpg

[article=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1pqayl48a63lo1mo72fc8tgxs9/title/experienced-coach-to-assist-rosler#sthash.3XxfIyGi.dpuf]We are pleased to welcome Rob Kelly to the club as assistant to our new head coach Uwe Rosler.

Like Uwe, who was unveiled two weeks ago, Rob has penned a two-year deal at Elland Road as the club readies itself for the new campaign. Further key additions are anticipated over the coming weeks.

As a player, Kelly represented Leicester City, Tranmere Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burton Albion, before being forced to retire at the age of just 24 due to a back injury which prompted the beginning of his coaching career.

The 50-year-old boasts a wealth of experience in English football and spent 15 months as manager of Leicester until April 2007, as well as having caretaker manager spells at Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and West Brom after initially assisting at each club.

His most recent role came at West Brom and, after assisting former head coach Alan Irvine at the Hawthorns, Kelly took charge of the Baggies’ 1-1 Premier League draw with West Ham earlier this year.

Rosler told leedsunited.com: "I felt that it would be very good to have such an experienced coach like Rob next to me.

"He has been in this league for many, many years. He has been in the Premier League.

"He knows this league in and out and he knows the players in and out. He’s good on the training field.

"I was always looking to bring in somebody experienced who has worked at this level for quite some time – I think that Rob is a very good option.

"I am very happy that he has agreed to join.

"We have known each other for a while and I think it’s a good option for everybody involved.

"I’m happy to have such an experienced man next to me.

"He’s the second man in command. He will be influential in the day-to-day running of our team in terms of training sessions.

"He will be important in terms of matchdays and he’ll be my close ally."[/article]

Richard Hartis - Leeds Utd (Goalkeeping Coach)
richard-hartis_1csvftfm1yvtp13nv9o7dztqto.jpg

[article=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/pojkf0nmxsc1d59qigq9in6y/title/goalkeeping-coach-set-to-arrive#sthash.W4ehTzLO.dpuf]We can confirm that Richard Hartis will become the club's new goalkeeping coach after agreeing to join Uwe Rosler's backroom staff at Elland Road.

The move will see Neil Sullivan return to his previous role in the Academy, coaching the Under-21s and U18s.

Richard arrives from Cardiff City and, having previously spent 10 years as head of Academy goalkeeping at Manchester United, will bring a wealth of experience to Leeds.

From Old Trafford, Richard made the switch to Norway in 2011, spending three years as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff at Molde, before following the former striker across to South Wales in January 2014. He has also worked as a goalkeeping coach for England’s youth teams and is currently in Moscow with the national side's Under-18s squad.[/article]

Charlie Horton - Leeds Utd
CHFUow0WgAA9F8B.jpg

[article=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1ijnujzg8ss6v1objx2cklbeo4/title/young-goalkeeper-signs-up#sthash.YPcJYlEJ.dpuf]We are pleased to announce the signing of young goalkeeper Charlie Horton from Cardiff City on a two-year deal.

The highly-rated shot-stopper, a USA Under-23s international, becomes Uwe Rosler’s first signing of the summer and arrives at Elland Road with a burgeoning reputation in the game.

The initial plan for Charlie, who Rosler describes as “a future number one”, is to gain regular playing time for the club’s Under-21s while also providing competition for the first team, who he will train with throughout the week.

Horton, 20, was born in London but moved to America at the age of nine and went on to gain a soccer scholarship at North Carolina University, which he turned down in favour of a move to English football.

Having been brought across to England on the recommendation of former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, the youngster joined Peterborough United on a three-year deal back in 2013.

He spent a year at London Road before moving up a division to sign for Championship rivals Cardiff City last July, joining the club’s U21s set-up and providing back-up to the senior goalkeepers within the squad.

Charlie spent last season working closely with goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis, who Rosler says had a big influence in United’s first move of the summer window.

“We had Charlie on our radar through our goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis – he had worked with him at Cardiff,” said Rosler.

“I know the manager and assistant manager of the USA team and they gave him a glowing reference. We’re very happy with him.

“He has fantastic physical attributes and is a really positive character. He really wants to learn.

“He worked with Richard Hartis at Cardiff and we appreciate the fact that we can work with him again – that was a big factor in him coming to join us.”

Charlie, who is fresh from international duty with the USA U23s, said: “I’m really excited.

“Any time you can come to a club like Leeds, where all the players are hungry for success and hungry to move up the table and back to where the club belongs in the Premier League, that’s every players dream.

“To be a part of that is something I’d love to have on my resume.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Leeds United as a club.

“I used to grow up when I was young living in England watching Mark Viduka and those kind of players play back then in the Premier League.

“The stadium is unbelievable, the training ground is unbelievable. The facilities here are first class. Now it’s our job as players to get the club back to where it belongs.”

Although Horton has been earmarked to feature in the U21s, Rosler is confident that the 20-year-old will give first-choice keeper Marco Silvestri a real challenge for the number one shirt.

“He is one who will push every single day to get better,” said the head coach. “He will push the guys in front of him and he will get playing time in the Under-21s.

“I’m looking forward to working with such a positive character like Charlie. He will train everyday with the first team and Richard.

“He has very good potential and will be a future number one. He will travel with us for pre-season – he’s a first-team player playing in the Under-21s.

“He has tremendous potential. Richard knows him very well and we need that sort of positive character to be the best that we can be every day in training.

“That is what I am looking for, to create an environment where you really push for your place and an environment of excellence where you push yourself to get better every day.”[/article]
 
Colin Doyle - Blackpool (free transfer)
CHAEqdrUgAEPeS5.jpg

[article=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/doyle-deal-done-2486253.aspx#6MriMfwFo6QrTuyg.99]Colin Doyle will join Blackpool for the new season after putting pen-to-paper on a two-year contract at Bloomfield Road, with the option of a further year.

The goalkeeper, 29, becomes manager Neil McDonald's first signing following his release from Birmingham City last month.

Capped by the Republic of Ireland, Doyle spent more than 13 years at St Andrew's competing against the likes of Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Maik Taylor and Darren Randolph for a place in the side.

Doyle, who has appeared in the Europa League, Premier League and Championship with Birmingham, now aims to establish himself as Blackpool's new number one.

"I spoke to the manager today and what he said about the club and what he hopes to bring in has really convinced me to come here," he told the official website.

"I was at Birmingham a long time after coming through the academy, and the last few years have gone a bit stale because I didn't play many games there. I want to come here, play regularly and get a full season under my belt. This is a new chapter now and one that I'm really looking forward to getting started." [/article]
 
Ruben Martínez - Levante (free transfer)
CGgqpo6VAAAyOq5.jpg

[article]Levante have begun work on their annual rebuilding project by adding veteran goalkeeper Rubén Martínez from recently relegated Almeria on a three-year deal.

Ruben was released from his contract following Almeria’s relegation and it took only a week for the former Rayo stopper to find his way back to the Primera, signing for a Levante side who had one of the worst goals against averages in La Liga last season.

The agreement was announced shortly after Ruben arrived in Valencia via the AVE and signed his new deal, surprising even the 30-year-old, who signs with the club after fully completing his recovery on a broken elbow suffered last season.

“It all happened very fast. There were talks but nothing solid and when Levante stayed up, everything went fast. I’m very happy to come here.”

Ruben went on to add that he’s very happy to come play for Levante and live in the great city of Valencia, while also being grateful to have finally signed a long-term deal.

“I like the club, I like the city. Those two things were enough. I’ve been signing a new contract every year and now I’ve signed a long-term contract. I hope to have three great years.”[/article]

Verza - Levante (free transfer)
CHEnh8JWQAA7vi8.jpg

[article]Levante have added yet another member from the recently demoted Almeria squad, as Verza joins Ruben on a four-year deal with the Valencia side.

On Monday afternoon, Levante announced an agreement with José Antonio García Rabasco ‘Verza’ on a four year deal pending a successful medical, with the 28-year-old midfielder coming over on a free transfer.

Verza was one of the foundations of Almeria’s promotion and two-year stay in the Primera, making 158 appearances and scoring 16 goals in La Liga and the Copa del Rey but decided to end his four-year spell with the club in order to stay in the top-flight.

Verza came up through the Villarreal youth system before making his first team debut with the Yellow Submarine, but due to the lack of opportunities the midfielder left to join Recreativo de Huelva with stops at Córdoba, Orihuela and Albacete before finally finding his place in the world with Almeria in 2011.

Verza will be formally presented in the coming days after passing his standard medical.[/article]
 
Pedro Obiang - West Ham (undisclosed fee, reportedly €6 million)
Obiang726-(1).jpg.aspx

[article=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/June/10-June/Hammers-obtain-Obiang#965pdpECa0aCW4FU.99]West Ham United are thrilled to announce the signing of Spain Under-21 midfielder Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee.

A number of top European clubs were chasing the midfielder, but West Ham have won the race to sign the 23-year-old, who has penned a four-year-deal.

Obiang made 35 appearances for Sampdoria last season and was one of the star performers for the Italian side in Serie A, scoring three goals in 34 league appearances as Il Blucerciati finished seventh to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Speaking in his very first interview as a Hammers player, the Spaniard expressed his delight at having signed on the dotted line.

“I’m very happy to have signed," confirmed Obiang, who successfully passed his medical at Spire Roding Hospital, the Club's official private hospital. "We have been talking about this for a long time and now I’ve finally got the chance to come here.

“I went on holiday after the season had finished and I was looking forward to receiving that call to tell me where and when to sign for this Club!

“I’m very excited to play in the Premier League. It’s a style of football that will help me to progress as a player and as a person, so it will be very good."

Obiang becomes the first signing under new manager Slaven Bilic and the Hammers' second summer recruit is relishing the chance to play under the Croatian coach.

He continued: “I think Bilic is a manager that can do very well here. I know that he was a West Ham player and he did very well with the Croatian national team.

"He is a manager that likes to play good football and I really like that so I am sure that we will get along very well."

The box-to-box midfielder has plenty of experience and the Club are hoping he will go on to become a major force in the Barclays Premier League next season.

Obiang was brought up in Madrid and stated his career playing for local sides CD Avance and AD Naya before moving to Atletico Madrid. But he decided to leave the Spanish club when he was 16 and moved to Sampdoria, where he signed a five-year contract.

He was rewarded for his impressive form when he made his debut against Italian giants Juventus back in 2010 and helped his side come away with a 3-3 draw.

Obiang has since gone on to make 128 league appearances and also has featured in the Europa League where he played his first game against Hungarian side Debrecen in December 2010.

He has plenty of international experience having represented Spain at Under-17 and Under-19 level and also has two caps for the Spain Under-21 side.

Obiang becomes the second major signing of the summer following the arrival of Darren Randolph from Birmingham City.

With the arrival of Slaven Bilic as the new manager this week, the Club are still hopeful they will be able to make several more signings before the new season gets underway.[/article]
 
Steve McClaren - Newcastle (Head Coach)
0,,10278~13784009,00.jpg

[article=http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20150610/steve-mcclaren-appointed-head-coach_2281670_4782996]Newcastle United are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve McClaren as the Club's new head coach.

McClaren joins United on a deal for an initial term of three years, which could be extended to eight.

Managing director Lee Charnley said: "From my first meeting with Steve I knew he was the perfect fit for Newcastle United.

"I am delighted that we have secured the services of one of the best coaches in English football.

"He has 20 years' experience, including for the national team and at the highest level of European competition. His most notable achievements include winning the Eredivisie with FC Twente and guiding Middlesbrough to a League Cup win in 2004 and to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006.

"He has a proven track record of being an innovative and forward-thinking coach and developing and improving players, which was a key quality we sought in the individual to fill this role.

"Steve also brings with him a great enthusiasm and passion for the job, the Club and the city, which he articulated to me very clearly from the outset.

"This is a huge job which comes with considerable pressures and I am convinced that Steve not only understands the weight of expectation that comes with this role, but that he has the strength of character and professionalism befitting of a club of our size and status.

"Steve has been tasked to secure a top-eight finish in the Premier League and he is also heavily incentivised to try to win a cup competition.

"We recognise supporters' strong desire to win a trophy, an ambition which the Club now shares as Mike Ashley made clear in his comments on the final day of the season. Steve is excited by this and he has our full support in trying to achieve this goal.

"Our immediate focus will be on working with Steve to assess and improve upon our playing squad, as well as appointing individuals to his backroom staff."

Speaking of his appointment, McClaren said: "I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United. This is a big club with a wonderful heritage.

"St. James' Park is like a cathedral on a Saturday afternoon, a symbol for the city and I am excited to be given this opportunity.

"I know how important Newcastle United is to the city and the region.

"The supporters are some of the most loyal, passionate and devoted in the world. Despite everything they maintain their faith. We owe it to them to do everything we can to reward them with success.

"There's a lot of work to do, but the Club has made it clear about wanting success and I would not have come here if I didn't believe they were serious.

"This Club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives here.

"I've already won trophies as a manager, and a club the size of Newcastle United should be winning cups and finishing in the top eight in the Premier League.

"I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of. The hard work starts now."[/article]
 
Ayew Andre - Swansea (free transfer)
CHJ9nf6W0AEdvhc.jpg

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swansea-city-sign-marseille-and-ghana-forward-andre-ayew-2488570.aspx]Swansea City have completed their first transfer of the summer after signing Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew on a free transfer from Marseille, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 25-year-old, who attracted interest from a number of Premier League and big European clubs, has signed a four-year deal at the Liberty after seeing his contract expire at the French club.

Ayew, who will wear squad number ten, will bolster Garry Monk’s attacking options as he can play anywhere along the front line and behind the striker.

He scored ten goals in 29 appearances for Marseille this season as he helped them to fourth in Ligue 1.

Since making his debut with the French club in 2007, he won two League Cups and was part of two Trophée des champions successes.

Previously voted BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghana’s Player of the Year, Ayew has played in four African Cup of Nations along with two World Cups.

The 62-cap international was an integral part of Ghana’s 2010 World Cup campaign as they exited at the quarter-final stage following a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Uruguay.

He then scored twice in three games at the 2014 tournament as Ghana dropped out at the group stage.

In the African Cup of Nations, he helped his country finish third in 2008 while they lost in both the 2010 and 2015 finals.

Football is certainly in the Ayew blood. His father is Abedi Ayew - a three-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year award and FIFA 100 member – who won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993, while his brothers Jordan and Ibrahim both play professionally in France and Ghana and have represented their country. [/article]
 
Lee Erwin - Leeds Utd (free transfer)
lee-erwin_1frrsj2y3nhfh1haivng9wudq0.jpg

[article=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1lu002f08cexf1nlgsv2zr5315/title/striker-erwin-joins-from-motherwell#sthash.G4a7zAxe.dpuf]We are pleased to announce the signing of striker Lee Erwin from Motherwell on a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old, who arrives as a free transfer, becomes the club’s second new addition of the summer following the arrival of goalkeeper Charlie Horton earlier this week.

Erwin was highly sought after in Scotland, with champions Celtic among the clubs reported to have shown an interest, but Leeds have moved quickly to secure his services following the expiry of his Motherwell contract.

Erwin played a key role in securing his former club’s Scottish Premiership status and ended the 2014/15 campaign in blistering form, scoring five times in their last nine games including the recent play-offs victory over Rangers.

The 6’2” forward, a former Scotland Under-19s international, progressed through the Academy at Fir Park and made his senior Motherwell debut last summer following a productive loan spell with Arbroath.

Eight goals in 11 appearances for the Scottish League One side, including a double on his debut, enhanced his bright reputation but an injury upon his return to Motherwell delayed his chance in the top-flight.

His first Motherwell outing eventually came in last summer’s Europa League qualifying tie with Icelandic side Stjarnan and he backed it up with a goal against St. Mirren on his league debut the following month.

The Scotsman ended last season with 38 appearances to his name in all competitions, scoring six times, and will now add to Uwe Rosler’s striking options as his squad begins to take shape for the new campaign.[/article]
 
Dmitry Alenichev - Spartak Moscow (Head Coach)
CHNpI44UIAAe6Sh.jpg

[article]Dmitry Alenichev has been appointed head coach of Spartak Moscow, the Russian Premier League club has announced.

The terms of the contract with the 42 year-old, a former Spartak captain, were not revealed in the announcement on the club website (www.spartak.com).

Alenichev replaces Murat Yakin who was sacked after the Red and Whites finished sixth in the Russian Premier League.

One of the most decorated Russian footballers, Alenichev was crowned a Russian Premier League champion in four occasions with Spartak and won the Champions League and UEFA Cup with Porto.

Alenichev has been in charge of Arsenal Tula since 2011. [/article]
 
Pedro Obiang will be a good signing for West Ham. Same goes for Ayew at Swansea. Apparantly all the top 6 clubs in the league rejected the chance to sign him, but nevertheless a very good player.
 
Senol Günes - Besiktas
gunb_4.jpg

[article]Beşiktaş have released a statement on the stock exchange confirming that Şenol Güneş has been appointed manager on a three year deal.

The statement read: “A 2+1 year agreement with Şenol Güneş has been reached.”

Güneş will earn €1.5 million for the 2015-16 season and the same fee for the 2016-17 campaign. The former Turkish national team manager will make the same amount in his third season in charge should the Black Eagles use their option to keep him on.

The experienced coach held an eight hour meeting with the Istanbul giants board yesterday ironing out his plans for the team.

Güneş replaces Slaven Bilic who resigned from his position as Beşiktaş head coach a fortnight ago.

Bilic has been appointed manager of West Ham replacing Sam Allardyce.

Güneş was in charge of Bursaspor last season and got the Green Crocodiles to the Turkish Cup final.

The 63-year-old manager led Turkey to 3rd in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The experienced manager is one of the most highly rated managers in Turkish football.[/article]
 
Gignac on Ayew.

According to French Football, Gignac launched a scathing attack on the ex-Marseille forward, calling him a 'motherf*****' in a foul-mouthed tirade.
Gignac told reporters: "A motherf*****, he should get lost. With his brother, all they did was moan."
 
Rui Vitória - Benfica (Head Coach)
CHOAOPHW4AMrIJV.jpg

[article]Portuguese champions Benfica have named Rui Vitoria as their new coach following the shock departure of Jorge Jesus to bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon.

In a statement released on Thursday, Benfica said they had reached "an agreement in principle with Rui Vitoria on a contract...for the next three seasons."

Vitoria, 45, who worked as a youth coach at Benfica from 2004 to 2006, joins from Vitoria Guimaraes, where he spent the last four years.

He led the northern club to fifth place and Europa League qualification in the campaign just finished.

Jesus enjoyed six successful years with Benfica, winning three league titles, five League Cups and one Portuguese Cup, while he also took them to two Europa League finals.

But he controversially agreed to make the short trip to the Estadio Jose Alvalade to join Sporting, a club he represented as a player, after refusing to sign a new contract with Benfica which would have seen him take a pay cut.[/article]
 
Vitor Pereira - Fenerbahce (Manager)
Vitor-Pereira.jpg

[article]Istanbul club Fenerbahce has appointed Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira for two years.

Releasing a statement on Thursday, Fenerbahce said: "Portuguese Vitor Pereira, who worked for Greece's Olympiacos last year, has been appointed as new coach of Fenerbahce football team with a two-year deal."

Pereira started his coaching career at the age of 34 with Portuguese clubs Padroense and Porto's youth team. The manager, who retired from playing professional football at the age of 28, enjoyed his premier first-team spell with San Joanense in the 2004-2005 season.

The Espinho native was Andre Villas-Boas' assistant manager at Porto in the 2010-2011 season; he managed the team to the Portuguese Super Cup Final against Vitoria Guimares in 2011.

The Portuguese manager was able to bring success to Porto in the 2011-2012 season, finishing as champions in 30 matches with 75 points. He continued his success with the team, becoming champions the next season with Porto as well.

After staying with Saudi Arabian team al-Ahli in the 2013-2014 season, the 47-year-old moved on to Olympiacos in January 2015.

With Pereira, Olympiacos won the Greek domestic cup and championship this year.[/article]
 
Charles Itandje - Rizespor (free transfer)
CHIlQKIW4AAoD8I.jpg

[article]The former Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje has joined Çaykur Rizespor according to the Milliyet newspaper.

The 32-year-old will put pen to paper on a two year deal with Rizespor after undergoing a medical.

Itandje will join Rizespor on a free transfer as his current deal with PAOK expires at the end of the month.

The former Liverpool player knows the Turkish Super Lig well after spending the 2013-14 season on loan at Konyaspor.

The Cameroon international kept nine clean sheets and conceded 31 goals in 26 appearances for PAOK this season.

Itandje joined Liverpool from Lens for €1.5 million back in August 2007. The experienced goalkeeper has previously also played for Red Star, Lens, AO Kavala and Konyaspor.

Rizespor finished the season in 14th place with 36 points in 34 games. Manager Hikmet Karaman is aiming to build a squad which push for a higher standing in the division.[/article]
 
Gavin Hoyte - Barnet (free transfer)
CHOC7c9UYAAKHrQ.jpg

[article=http://www.barnetfc.com/news/article/gavin-hoyte-signs-for-the-bees-2489812.aspx#cS8WMllM03TBoYmG.99]Barnet FC are delighted to announce the latest new arrival to The Hive in 25-year-old defender Gavin Hoyte, who has signed for the club on a two-year deal.

Gavin Hoyte joins the Bees after his contract with Gillingham expired, of whom he made over 30 appearances for last season. Hoyte signed for Arsenal’s academy when he was just nine years old, where he featured regularly for their U18 and Reserve team – going on to sign a professional contract with the Gunners in September 2007.

Since then, Gavin has featured for Watford, Brighton, Lincoln, AFC Wimbledon, Dagenham & Redbridge and Gillingham – along with appearances for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team.

Commenting on his move to Barnet, Gavin said that he’s delighted to be at Barnet and can’t wait to get back playing football:

“I’m delighted to be at Barnet, the club won the league last year and coming up into League Two they’re going to be on a big high and I want to be part of it.”

“I can’t wait to get back to playing football again, you really miss it when you’re off over the summer so I can’t wait for the league to start.”

“I’ve played quite a lot of games in League One and League Two, so I think I can bring good experience to the team. My strongest attribute is definitely my speed, I love to get up and down the pitch and get crosses in – but more important than anything, I love defending.”

Meanwhile, commenting on his latest signing, Bees Manager Martin Allen has said that Gavin is a great young player and received a glowing reference from his previous club Gillingham:

“Gavin’s a very good player and he’s at a good age.

“I spoke to some people at Gillingham that gave him fantastic references and we have signed another very good player today.” [/article]
 
Back
Top Bottom