• 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 (2017/18)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Graham Dorrans - Rangers (reportedly £1.5 million)

[article]GRAHAM DORRANS has completed a move from Norwich to Rangers for an undisclosed fee after signing a three year deal with the Light Blues.

The midfielder becomes the ninth new recruit of the summer for Pedro Caixinha and joins the club he grew up supporting, after spending nine years in England.

He started his career with Livingston and after a loan spell at Partick Thistle, joined West Bromwich Albion in 2008, before moving to Norwich in 2015.

He has vast experience of the Premier League with both clubs, and has goals against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City to his name.

Capped 12 times by Scotland, the 30 year-old follows the signings of Bruno Alves, Ryan Jack, Dalcio, Fabio Cardoso, Daniel Candeias, Alfredo Morelos, Eduardo Herrera and Carlos Peña.

At international level, he also played at the 2006 UEFA under-19 Championships, as Scotland made it all the way to the final with Dorrans scoring in the 2-1 final defeat to Spain, before going on to represent his nation the following summer at the under-20 World Cup.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, he told RangersTV: “It feels incredible. It has been a long couple of weeks but to finally get it over the line is an incredible feeling and I just can’t wait to get the boots on and get started.

“I don’t think there is ever a wrong time to come to a football club like this. The size of this football club is incredible – I’ve obviously had great times down in England, especially at West Brom, but growing up, I knew I always wanted to come to this football club and when the chance came around I jumped at it.”[/article]

Barrie McKay - Nottingham Forest (reportedly £500k)

[article]Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce the signing of winger Barrie McKay from Glasgow Rangers.

The 22-year-old played under Reds boss Mark Warburton during his time at Ibrox and has made the switch to join up with his former manager, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at The City Ground.

In 2011, McKay joined the Rangers youth set-up and went on the make his first-team debut against St Johnstone in the final game of the 2011-12 season.

McKay has represented Scotland from Under 18 through to Under 21 level and now joins up with Warburton's squad ahead of the upcoming 20
17-18 campaign.[/article]

Vurnon Anita - Leeds Utd (free transfer)

[article]Leeds United are delighted to confirm that Dutch International ace Vurnon Anita has secured a three year contract with the Whites from Premier League side Newcastle United.

The defensive midfielder becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer after securing deals with Felix Wiedwald, Mateusz Klich, Hadi Sacko, Pontus Jansson and Madger Gomes.

After spending seven seasons at Ajax he was snapped up by Newcastle in the summer of 2012 and the versatile 28-year-old made 27 Sky Bet Championship appearances last season helping the Magpies secure promotion back to the top flight.[/article]

Gael Clichy - Istanbul Başakşehir (free transfer)


Jonathan de Guzman - Eintracht Frankfurt (reportedly £1.8 million)

[article]Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzman joined the team today on their flight to Seattle / USA.

Terms are agreed with both player and current club; and while the paperwork has not been signed yet de Guzman already joined the team for the first summer training camp in America. The contract will run until 2020; a presentation will commence after Eintracht's return from the states.

It was the aim to include the 29-year old midfielder in the pre-season activities including the 12 day training camp in the USA where SGE will also have three friendlies against MLS teams.[/article]
 
Last edited:
Juraj Kucka - Trabzonspor (£5.3 million)
DEFTFTqXoAA2YpV.jpg

[article]Juraj Kucka is at Casa Milan as he’s about to finalise a transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The Slovakian international joined the Rossoneri from Genoa in 2015, and made 30 Serie A appearances last season.

However, it appears he’s surplus to requirements for the coming campaign and Gianluca Di Marzio’s website reports a move to Turkey is all-but complete.

Backing that up is footage of Kucka arriving at Casa Milan, which MilanNews reports is to agree the final details for his departure.
[/article]

Pep Segura - Barcelona (General Manager)

[article]Barcelona have appointed Josep Segura to the newly created role of general manager as part of a shakeup behind the scenes.

Segura, 56, has been working as Barca's head of academy for the last two years, overseeing the ins and outs of the B team and the two Juvenil (under-19) sides.

In his new role, he will still oversee that section of the club, but will now also be in charge of the first team's transfer activity, too.

A statement confirming Segura's promotion said that Barca will publish the new structure for the "Football Area" of the club in the coming days.

However, they add that sporting director Robert Fernandez's role working on first team transfers will remain unchanged despite Segura coming in ahead of him.

Jordi Cruyff was reportedly sounded out for the general manager job when president Josep Maria Bartomeu first decided to create the role, but he instead opted to take on the manager's job at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Bartomeu then turned to Segura, who has a rich history with the Blaugrana.

He first joined Barca 20 years ago in 1997 as a coach at junior level before going onto to work in various areas of the club, including coaching and scouting.

After spending time in Greece as an assistant coach at Athens and Olympiakos, before briefly managing the latter at the end of the 2008-09 season, he joined Liverpool in 2009 as the technical manager of the Premier League club's academy.

In 2015, having left Liverpool in 2012, he returned to Barcelona, where for the last two years he has been operating as the head of the academy.[/article]
 
Milan Skriniar - Inter Milan (reportedly €18 million plus Gianluca Caprari)

[article]
Inter have completed the signing of defender Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria on a five-year contract.

Skriniar joins for a reported €18m, with winger Gianluca Caprari having already gone the other way.

A statement on the Nerazzurri’s official website also highlights how the Slovakian “was involved in the European Under-21 Championship, starting all three of his his side’s matches in Poland and recording a tournament high 13 clearances” and “also made UEFA’s team of the tournament.”

The 22-year-old moved to Samp in January 2016 for just €1m and made 38 appearances for the Blucerchiati, 35 of which came last season.

He becomes their second major signing of the summer after goalkeeper Daniele Padelli.[/article]

[article]Milan Skriniar has signed for Inter. The Slovakian has penned a five-year deal after the Nerazzurri agreed a fee with Sampdoria for the permanent transfer of the defender.

Skriniar, 22, began his career in the academy of hometown club Ziar nad Hronom, before moving to one of the country's most prestigious clubs MSK Zilina.

He made his first-team debut aged just 17 on 27 March 2012 in a 1-1 draw against Zlate Moravce, before establishing himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in the domestic league. Milan made 93 appearances in all competitions and he certainly knows where the goal is too, scoring 13 times en route to winning a domestic double and the super cup in 2012.

Sampdoria brought him to Italy in the 2016 January transfer window and he made his debut in a 2-1 home victory over Lazio in late April 2016. Last term, Skriniar played a key role for Marco Giampaolo's Blucerchiati, finishing the campaign as the youngest defender to have made at least 35 appearances in Serie A.

Milan has played for his country at every age group and made his senior bow for Slovakia in a 3-1 friendly win over Georgia on 27 May 2016. Skriniar also made his country's squad for last summer's Euros in France, featuring against England and Germany.

This summer he was involved in the European Under-21 championship, starting all three of his side's matches in Poland and recording a tournament high 13 clearances. He also made UEFA's team of the tournament.

Welcome to Milan, Mr Skriniar! Best of luck at Inter![/article]

Gianluca Caprari - Sampdoria (part exchange deal)

[article]
U.C. Sampdoria are pleased to announce that Gianluca Caprari, 23, has joined the club on a permanent transfer from F.C. Internazionale.

The striker was born in Rome on 30 July 1993.
[/article]

Nicola Murru -Sampdoria (undisclosed fee)

[article]
U.C. Sampdoria are delighted to announce that Nicola Murru has joined the club from Cagliari Calcio.

The full-back, 22, born in Cagliari on 16 December 1994, has signed on a permanent deal.
[/article]

Nicky Maynard - Aberdeen (free transfer)

[article]
Aberdeen FC is delighted to announce the signing of striker Nicky Maynard on a one year deal.

The experienced striker has just completed a medical in St Andrews and will be speaking to RedTV shortly.

Nicky began his career as a youngster at Arsenal. A successful spell at Crewe earned the 30 year old a move to Bristol City where he played under Derek McInnes. The striker then enjoyed further big money moves to West Ham United and Cardiff City, whom he played for in the EPL. More recently he has played for Wigan Athletic and MK Dons.

Derek McInnes said. "He's a player I've worked with before and I'm delighted he's joined the club. I was keen to add more goal threat to team and I'm sure Nicky will give us that."

Everyone welcomes Nicky to Pittodrie and wishes him the very best during his Aberdeen career.
[/article]

Mathias Jorgensen - Huddersfield (reportedly £3.5 million)

[article]
Huddersfield Town has today completed the signing of Danish international Mathias Jørgensen from F.C. Copenhagen.

The 27 year-old centre back joins the Terriers for a fee that will remain undisclosed at the request of the Danish club, putting pen to paper on a three year contract running until 2020.

Standing at 6’ 3” tall, the defender – nicknamed Zanka – is a five-time winner of the Danish Superliga and Danish Cup, as well as a winner of the Dutch Super Cup from his time at PSV Eindhoven.

He arrives at the John Smith’s Stadium with over 50 appearances in Europe across the Champions League and Europa League, as well as 11 caps for his country.

Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner commented:

“Matthias is another very good signing for our club as we prepare for our first Premier League season.

“He is a very complete defender with great experience of being successful in every league he has played in, which served us well with the signings we made last season too.

“His athleticism and football intelligence will be big assets in the Premier League, for sure, and he is a super professional character, which will fit in with our current group of players very well.

"This deal makes total sense for us because Jon (Stanković) is out of action until Christmas."[/article]

1.91m. With Depoitre and Mounie, that's 3 signings of that height already! :eek:
 
Jérémy Mathieu - Sporting Lisbon (free transfer)


Saidy Janko - Saint-Etienne (undisclosed fee)

[article]Saidy Janko has left Celtic to sign a four-year contract with St Etienne in France.

The 21-year-old full-back joined the Scottish champions from Manchester United in the summer of 2015.

The Switzerland Under-21 international made seven appearances for Celtic last season before being loaned out to Barnsley.

"Joining a club of this magnitude is a great opportunity for me," Janko told the Ligue 1 club's website.

"This is one of the biggest French clubs with a wonderful history and fantastic supporters. Yesterday I visited the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium. It is a very impressive stadium that resembles Celtic Park.

"Physically, I feel very good. I resumed training with Celtic two weeks ago."[/article]

Kamo Mokotjo - Brentford (reportedly €1 million)

[article]Brentford have signed South African international Kamo Mokotjo from FC Twente for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. The 26-year-old midfield player completed a medical yesterday, Thursday 6 July, before signing his Brentford contract. Kamo has signed a three-year deal and will travel with The Bees to France at the weekend for the pre-season training camp.

Kamo has spent the majority of his professional career in the Netherlands. He started out at SunSport United and made his debut for them when he was just 17. A move to Dutch giants Feyenoord followed just past his 18th birthday and he spent four years with the Rotterdam side. Kamo spent his first season in Dutch football on loan at S.B.V. Excelsior and helped them win promotion to the top flight.

In three further seasons at Feyenoord, Kamo made 38 appearances in all competitions and moved to PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2013. In his only season at Zwolle he played 34 games in all competitions and helped them win the Dutch Cup – KNVB Beker – and the Dutch Super Cup – Johan Cruijjf Schaal. He joined Twente in the summer of 2014 and has been a regular in the team for the past three seasons.

Kamo captained Twente last season and heads to West London having played 105 games for them in all competitions. The midfield player made his South African debut in 2012 but retired from international football in 2016. He changed his mind earlier this year and played for South Africa in March against Guinea-Bissau. In total Kamo has six South Africa caps and has also represented his country at the Under-20 World Cup.

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, said: “We have been scouting Kamo for two years and we believe he is a perfect match to our style of play. We are really pleased that it was possible to come to an agreement with Twente this summer and especially that we could sign him early in the window. It means that he will be able to travel with the rest of the squad to pre-season camp on Saturday to take part in the important preparations for next season.”

Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, added: “I am pleased that we have been able to add Kamo to our group now he has become available. He is a player that we have been looking at for a while and we are sure he will fit into the system and style that we have here. Kamo is a defensive midfielder who can break play up, cover a lot of ground and use the ball intelligently. He is a player that will certainly add to the qualities we already have within the squad.”[/article]
 
Last edited:
Per Mertesacker - Academy Manager (Arsenal, in 2018)

[article]
We are delighted to announce that club captain Per Mertesacker will become our academy manager in a year’s time.

For the coming season, he will continue as an important part of our squad while developing his knowledge and understanding of the Academy.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young players. He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping players fulfil their potential. He will be an inspirational figure for everyone connected with the academy.”

Per said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family.
This season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that, I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team.”

During the coming season the academy will be led by Luke Hobbs, who has done an outstanding job since the departure of Andries Jonker to manage Wolfsburg last spring.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "At Arsenal, we believe in developing young players to their full potential and giving them an opportunity to shine. I am delighted that Per will take on this role. He understands the club's values, he knows what it takes to win at the top level and he will be the ideal person to drive the academy forward when he takes on the role next year.”
[/article]

Andrea Conti - AC Milan (€24m plus ownership of Italy Under-20 international Matteo Pessina)

[article]AC Milan take home their seventh new signing in this summer transfer window. The new Red and Black player is the Under-21 Italy international Andrea Conti. Here's the official statement.

Andrea Conti is one of the most interesting talents of the past Serie A season. He is a full back with great pace and stamina, capable of playing a more offensive football and of finding the empty space. A young talent who after the excellent 2016-17 spell with Atalanta - showing consistent performances throughout the whole campaign with 33 appearances and 2668 minutes played - is looking to take the leap in his career joining a top club in AC Milan. The Rossoneri have seen in Andrea the player with technical and tactical abilities, which added to a fine nose for goal, can come out handy to coach Montella and his "new" 2017/18 AC Milan.

Andrea started his path with Atalanta, playing for the Bergamo club until 2013. Then, at the age of 19, he went on loan to Perugia in Lega Pro (First Division): there he plays 16 games and wins the league being promoted to Serie B. The following season he kept playing in Italy's Serie B, this time with Lanciano, recording 24 appearances, with the club ending the season in 14th position. In the summer of 2015, he moved back to Atalanta, making his debut in the top-flight in the away game won at Udinese (2-1). With the Nerazzurri, he gave a boost to his career: 50 appearances and 10 goals - 8 scored in 2016-17 - over 24 months, between the League and Coppa Italia. Conti has also recently been called up with the senior national team (although he hasn't yet made his debut in a competitive match), while with the Under-21 he has already competed, scored and played this summer in the European Championships in Poland.[/article]


Almost all going straight into the starting XI
 
Last edited:
Yuri Berchiche - PSG (reportedly €15 million)

[article]
Paris Saint-Germain are set to complete a deal for Real Sociedad full back Yuri Berchiche after the Basque club confirmed an offer had been accepted.

It is now reported by Marca the Parisians will pay €15m for the 27-year-old, which is only half of his €30m release clause but is thought to be a satisfactory deal for all parties.

"Today a written offer for Yuri from PSG arrived and he is now allowed to undergo a medical," La Real president Jokin Aperribay confirmed on the club’s official Twitter account.

The left-back will replace Maxwell at the Parc des Princes after the Brazilian confirmed his retirement from the game, and will become Unai Emery’s side’s first signing of the summer window.

Yuri, who started his career at Tottenham Hotspur and had a stint at Cheltenham Town in England, started 35 La Liga matches last campaign as La Real qualified for Europe.
[/article]
 
Jordi Amat - Real Betis (loan)

[article]Real Betis Balompié and Swansea City AFC have reached an agreement for the loan of player Jordi Amat to the Green-and-White Club. The defender will be a Green-and-White for the 2017/2018 season.

Jordi Amat Maas (Canet de Mar, Barcelona, 21st of March 1992) has played in the Welsh club during the four last seasons, to where he arrived from Rayo Vallecano. Raised in the Academy of RCD Espanyol, Jordi Amat has been capped in lower categories of Spain national team.[/article]

Yaya Sanogo - Toulouse (free transfer)


Esteban Granero - Espanyol (free transfer)

[article]
Espanyol are set to complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Esteban Granero, according to reports in Spain.

Marca state the 30-year-old will sign a two-year deal with the Catalan club and despite still having a year left on his La Real deal, is set to move on a free transfer.

The former Real Madrid midfielder joined La Real from Queens Park Rangers in 2014 and despite making 71 La Liga appearances, has failed to reach double figures in league starts in each of the past two seasons.

Granero joins Sergio Garcia, Diego Lopez, Pablo Piatti and Leo Bapistao in completing permanent transfers to the RCDE Stadium this summer.
[/article]

Cyrus Christie - Middlesbrough (reportedly £2 million + 15% sell on fee)


Jonny Howson - Middlesbrough (reportedly £5 million)
 
Jonathan Walters - Burnley (reportedly £3 million)

[article]Burnley have signed striker Jonathan Walters from Stoke City on a two-year deal, for an undisclosed fee.

The Republic of Ireland international, 33, arrives with a wealth of Premier League experience, having spent seven years in the Potteries, where he made more than 250 appearances.

Walters, who currently stands on 49 international caps for his country, will meet up with his new team mates on Monday as the Clarets head to Ireland for a pre-season training camp.

The Merseyside-born hitman, who started out in the youth ranks at Blackburn Rovers, made his top-flight bow for Bolton at the age of 19, but was soon plying his trade in the lowest tier of English football for Wrexham and Chester respectively.

However, his exploits for Chester in a cup clash with Ipswich Town prompted the Tractor Boys to complete a swoop for the forward, and he went on to enjoy a fine spell in East Anglia under current Ireland Assistant Manager Roy Keane.

His Championship form saw him linked with a dream move back to the Premier League, and that soon became a reality when the Potters concluded a £3m deal to capture the hard-working forward in 2010.

Walters repaid that faith by scoring 62 goals in 269 appearances for the Potters, netting double figures in four of his seven full seasons.

Last season, he made 23 appearances, scoring four goals including the first in City’s 2-0 victory over Burnley at the Bet365 Stadium in December.

The 2015 Republic of Ireland Player of the Year also remains the only City player to score a Premier League hat-trick after scoring all three in a convincing 3-1 win over QPR in January. 2015.

Walters, who will wear squad number 19 at Turf Moor, takes the Clarets Eire contingent to five, alongside fellow internationals Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Ward, Robbie Brady and Kevin Long.[/article]

Andrés Guardado - Real Betis (reportedly €2 million)

[article]Real Betis Balompié has signed midfielder Andrés Guardado, who comes from PSV Eindhoven. The Mexican player has signed as a Green-and-White until 2020.

Andrés Guardado (Guadalajara, Mexico, 28th of September 1986) began his career at Atlas Guadalajara. In 2007, the sixth Betis signing of the season signed for Deportivo de La Coruña.

He has also played for Valencia CF, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSV Eindhoven, where has played for the last two seasons. He was key in the Dutch team to win the league title the past two years.

An icon in his country, Guardado has played three World Cups with Mexico, and has been capped 136 times.[/article]
 
Last edited:
Jordi Mboula - Monaco reportedly (€3 million)

[article]
Barcelona have lost starlet Jordi Mboula to Monaco after the French champions paid his €3m release clause.

According to Sport, Mboula has signed a five-year contract with Monaco and will alternate between their first team and reserve side.

The newspaper explains the 18-year-old rejected several contract offers from Barca due to his concern about the club’s plans for their young players, described as “an increasingly-widespread sentiment”.

Mboula, who plays as a right-sided attacker and has Spanish-Congolese nationality, scored eight goals in nine UEFA Youth League appearances for the Juvenil A side last season.
[/article]

Ok I know its just a friendly but could yet be a steal at that price.
 
Neto - Valencia (€6 million plus add ons up to €1 million)

[article]
Valencia CF have reached an agreement with Juventus to make Brazilian goalkeeper Norberto Murara “Neto” a new Valencianista player for the next four seasons, until the 30th of June, 2021. His buyout clause has been set at 80 million euros.

The footballer will be presented to the media on Friday at 7pm at VCF’s Paterna Training Ground Media Centre.
[/article]

Loïs Diony - Saint Etienne (reportedly £4.3 million)

[article]
St Étienne have confirmed the signing of 24-year-old forward Lois Diony for a fee believed to be €8m.

The Frenchman who netted 11 times last season was heavily linked with English sides Bournemouth and Birmingham City, but inevitably chose to remain in Ligue 1.

Diony is set to undergo medical tests today and will officially be presented as an ASSE player in the coming days.

“It’s an intelligent transfer between the two clubs. Everyone has taken a step towards the other. It was really constructive and I think this may be the beginning of a partnership between the two clubs,” Dijon’s president Olivier Delcourt said.
[/article]

Thiago Mendes - Lille (reportedly €9 million with add ons up to €1 million)

[article]
Lille have completed the signing of Sao Paulo midfielder Thiago Mendes in a move said to be worth up to €9 million, with Kevin Malcuit also arriving from Saint-Etienne.

Defensive midfielder Mendes has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Lille and follows in the footsteps of Luiz Araujo, who left Sao Paulo for the Ligue 1 club in June.

Mendes won Brazil's Serie B with Goias in 2012 and, after two seasons in the top flight, moved to the Paulista giants and played a key role in their run to the 2016 Copa Libertadores semi-finals.

The 25-year-old expressed his delight at securing a European move and getting the chance to work under head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

"Since I was a child, playing in Europe has always been a dream for me," Mendes told Lille's official website.

"I am very happy to be at Lille and in a competitive league. I hope to achieve my goals and win titles with this shirt.

"I want to grow as an individual and as part of the team, especially with Marcelo Bielsa, who has a very high reputation. I hope to progress alongside him."
[/article]

Kévin Malcuit - Lille (reportedly £7.1 million)

[article]
Lille also announced the arrival of the right-sided player Malcuit from Saint-Etienne on a five-year contract.

Malcuit had been linked with a move to Manchester United, who are said to have scouted him during the 2016-17 campaign.

Instead, he is hoping to establish himself as a player of Ligue 1 quality after spells in the third and second tiers with Monaco, Vannes, Frejus Saint-Raphael and Chamois Niortais between 2011 and 2015.

"I'm happy to be here wearing this jersey," he said. "I look forward to being on the pitch and evolving by working with Marcelo Bielsa.

"He is a great coach known throughout the world, who knows how to develop his players and push them to their limits."
[/article]

Ignacio Camacho - Wolfsburg (reportedly £8.8 million)
https://twitter.com/VfLWolfsburg_EN/status/883723156321685504
 
Rúben Neves - Wolves (reportedly £16 million)

[article]
Wolves are delighted to announce the arrival of highly-rated Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves.

The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year deal after making the switch from Porto.

Whilst, in line with club policy, the terms of the deal will remain undisclosed, Wolves can confirm it is a club record transfer outlay.

“I’m very excited to play at this club,” says Neves, now set to join up with the squad at the forthcoming training camp in Austria.

“It is a very big club and I hope to help the team to win their goals.

“I have always wanted to play in England and we have a good team.

“I think we can do good things this season.

“It is also a good opportunity for me to work again with a trainer (Nuno Espírito Santo) I worked with last year.

“I am very excited to start and to play in front of the fans – I love that.”

Nuno, speaking as the deal was nearing its conclusion, said: “Ruben is a very good player who can bring new things to our squad.

"I know him well, I worked with him last year - he's a good player.

“When a player is captain of a big team like Porto in a Champions League game at such a young age, it means a lot."

“He was very pleased to come here, it's a good challenge for him."


Neves emerged through the youth ranks at Porto, having joined them at the age of eight.

In the 2012/13 season he was loaned to Padroense, which acted as Porto’s Under-16 team, going on to make his Porto debut in the Portuguese League as a 17-year-old in August, 2014.

He started in a 2-0 win against CS Maritimo and also became the youngest player in Porto’s history to score a goal in the competition.

Five days later he became the youngest ever Portuguese player to appear in the Champions League,
whilst in October, 2015 – as an 18-year-old – he became the youngest ever Champions League captain against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The landmarks continued as Neves became the youngest ever to chalk up 50 appearances for Porto.

In total, despite still being only 20, he has made 93 senior appearances – including 18 in the Champions League - from which he has scored four goals.

Neves also boasts extensive experience at international level through the Portuguese age groups.

Most recently he appeared for the Under-21 squad in the European Championships in Poland.

He also boasts two senior caps for Portugal, against Russia and Luxembourg.

Wolves delayed announcing the conclusion of the deal to sign Neves following the sad news on Thursday that keeper Carl Ikeme has been diagnosed with leukaemia.[/article]

Willy Boly - Wolves (loan)

[article]
Wolves are delighted to announce the signing of Willy Bolly who joins on a season-long loan from FC Porto.

Boly spent three years at the Clairefontaine Academy in France where Wolves spent part of pre-season two years ago, before joining Auxerre, emerging through their reserve team.

In 2014 he moved to Portugal to join SC Braga, then joining Porto last summer, putting pen to paper on a five year contract.

The French central defender expressed his delight at joining Wolves. he says that playing in England has always been a dream of his.

The 26 year old said, “I’m happy to come to Wolves, I want to play well with this club and I want to make history here.

“I love this country and I love the football that is played here - I have always wanted to play here in England and now it’s a dream come true for me and now I will hopefully stay here for a long time.”

Signing from FC Porto, Boly is familiar with Wolves’ Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo from his time at the Portuguese club.

He believes that knowing the coach will make adapting to English football an easier task.

“It’s good for me because I already know the coach, I know the way that he works and that was determining factor in me coming to Wolves as it will be easier for me to adapt to the way of playing in this country alongside Nuno.

“I think it was two weeks ago that he asked me to come with him to Wolves and I said ‘Yes’.

“After the holidays I came back and signed for this club.


“I don't know how different the way of playing in England will compare to football in Portugal so I will have to wait and see.

“I am very excited to play football in England - I have always watched it on TV and now I have the chance to play here.

“When you play football, you play to win every game - if you are in the top league, you want to stay there and if you are in the second then you want to achieve promotion.

“This is normal and every player has these goals to play at the highest level they can.

“The message is work together and win together - winning is for everyone.”
[/article]

Tyias Browning - Sunderland (loan)

[article]
Tyias Browning has been reunited with Simon Grayson after he penned a season-long loan deal at the Stadium of Light.

The Everton defender links up with Grayson for the second time in his career after spending the second half of last season at Preston North End together.

Browning, 23, made his Everton debut in a Merseyside derby in September 2014, emerging as a substitute to help play a part in Phil Jagielka’s memorable equaliser.

Since then, the defender has made a further eight appearances for the Toffees before catching the eye of the then North End manager, Grayson, who secured his services in January 2017.

Having represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, Browning impressed at Deepdale and made eight appearances as Preston recorded a pleasing 11th place finish in the Sky Bet Championship.

Browning now joins Grayson at the Stadium of Light for the 2017-18 season as he looks to help the club return to the Premier League.
[/article]

Sebastián Driussi - Zenit St. Petersburg (reportedly €15 million)

[article]
Zenit and River Plate have reached an agreement on the transfer of the Argentine striker. The agreement is for four years.

Sebastian Driussi was born on 9 Feb 1996 in Buenos Aires. He started his career at legendary Argentine club River Plate and made his debut in the first team at the end of 2013. He has played 92 matches for the club and has scored 25 goals with 8 assists. He has won the championship of Argentina, the Copa Libertadores and the South America Super Cup.

Driussi has represented Argentina at youth and Junior levels with the U-17 and U-20 teams and has won the South American Championship. In 2013 he became the best player of the U-17 South American finals and was the top scorer at the World Club Championship in the same age category.

By the end of 2016 Sebastian Driussi was rated among the 50 most talented players in the world aged under 20 according to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello la Sport. The Argentine can play in three positions in attack, central striker or on the left wing and as a supporting forward.

Zenit welcome Sebastian, Driussi to St. Petersburg and wish him lots of future success with the blue-white-sky blues.
[/article]
 
Antonio Rüdiger - Chelsea (reportedly £29 million)

[article]
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have today completed the signing of Antonio Rudiger from Roma.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No.2 shirt.

The defender said: ‘It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this.

'I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I’m very proud to officially become a Chelsea player.’

Technical Director Michael Emenalo added: ‘We are pleased to be able to bring in a player of proven quality who adds to our defensive options.

'Antonio is still young but is experienced at club and international level and possesses all the requisite attributes to thrive in the Premier League. We have been aware of him for some time and we are confident he will fit in well with the squad.’

A tough tackler, Rudiger is quick on his feet and a commanding presence in the air. Having spent most of his career playing in central defence, he is equally comfortable at full-back.

Born in Berlin, Rudiger spent time in the youth set-up at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Stuttgart.

He made his Stuttgart debut in a 2012 game against Borussia Monchengladbach at the age of 18, and firmly established himself as a first-team regular during the 2013/14 campaign.

In 2015 he moved to Roma, initially on loan, and after a successful maiden season in Serie A the deal was made permanent.

Rudiger arrives at Stamford Bridge having acquired European experience in both the Champions League and Europa League.

He featured frequently for Germany at youth level and made his debut for the senior side in a friendly against Poland in May 2014.

Having been called up to the reigning world champions’ Euro 2016 squad, Rudiger subsequently missed the tournament through injury but he was a key performer in Germany's recent Confederations Cup victory in Russia. He was part of the defence which kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Chile in last Sunday's final.

We look forward to him joining up with his new team-mates ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
[/article]

Wayne Rooney - Everton (undisclosed fee)

[article]Everton can confirm that Wayne Rooney has rejoined the Club from Manchester United on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

England’s all-time leading goalscorer, the 31-year-old boyhood Blue made 77 appearances for Everton and scored 17 goals between 2002 - when he made his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old - and 2004 when he departed for Old Trafford.

“Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home,” said Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

“He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”

In a 15-year career, Rooney has won the Champions League, Europa League, five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup and scored 323 goals.[/article]

Nico Schulz - Hoffenheim (reportedly £3.1 million)

[article]Nico Schulz has joined Hoffenheim from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The 24-year-old defender has signed a three-year deal through to 30 June 2020.

"He has exactly the sort of profile we were looking for to make the squad even more versatile," said Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen. "As a pacy left-footer he's a great fit."

Schulz rose to prominence with Hertha Berlin, before making the switch to Gladbach in summer 2015. Injury restricted him to just 14 Bundesliga appearances during his two-season stint with the Rhineland club, however.

"It didn't go that well for me, so I'm glad to be drawing a line under it," Schulz said of his time at Gladbach. "I'm fighting fit and I can't wait to prove myself in this fantastic environment."[/article]

John Ruddy - Wolves (free transfer)

[article]Wolves are delighted to announce the arrival of experienced goalkeeper John Ruddy, on a two year-contract.

The 30-year-old had attracted plenty of interest this summer as a free agent following his departure from Norwich City, where he had chalked up almost 250 appearances during a seven-year spell.

Wolves have been pursuing him throughout the summer and are pleased to have secured his signature in time for him to depart with the squad today for the pre-season training camp – and three friendlies – in Austria.

Ruddy, who was forced to withdraw from England’s squad for the 2012 European Championships after breaking his finger, has since made one appearance for his country, keeping a clean sheet after coming in at half time in a 2-1 win against Italy in August, 2012.

The keeper began his career with Cambridge United, having come through the ranks, making 43 appearances before signing for Everton in May, 2005.

During five years at Goodison Park he only made one appearance for the Toffees as an early substitute in a 1-0 win against Blackburn, but amassed a wealth of experience during a host of loan spells.

It was in July 2010 that Ruddy joined a Norwich side then managed by former Wolves Head Coach Paul Lambert, playing 45 of the 46 league fixtures of that first season and helping the Canaries to promotion to the Premier League.

He was then named Player’s Player of the Season at the end of the following campaign, the Canaries’ return to the Premier League, and enjoyed a majority of time as the club’s first choice gloveman over subsequent seasons.

All in all he made 243 appearances for Norwich out of a career total to date of 388.

Ruddy would have expected to have been counting Carl Ikeme among those with whom he would have been battling for the goalkeeping position at Wolves this season.

With Ikeme having been diagnosed with acute leukaemia last week, that will not now be the case.

And the new man joined the thousands in sending his best wishes to the much-loved keeper who has gone straight into a programme of chemotherapy as he looks to overcome the disease.

“First and foremost I want to send my best wishes to Carl and his family at this difficult time,” said Ruddy.

“As the club have already stated he is going to be backed with all the help and support that he and his family need.

“I know the players that have been here for a very long time with him will be feeling it as well.

“So yes, this is a bitter sweet feeling for me – it is good to be here but the circumstances could have been better.

“The plan would have been for me to come in and here and be competing against Carl.

“Having played against him over a number of years I know what a good goalkeeper he is so it would have been fantastic for the club to have had us competing and bringing out the best in each other.

“Now it is a situation where football takes a back seat for Carl and everyone’s thoughts are with him.”[/article]

Guillermo Ochoa - Standard Liege (free transfer)

[article]
Mexico international goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has joined Belgium first division club Standard Liege.

The 31-year-old was a free agent after his contract with Malaga ran out at the end of the season. Ochoa had been linked with the likes of Las Palmas, Marseille and Napoli.

"Guillermo is a spectacular goalkeeper, he has wide international experience, in the Mexican league, in Ligue 1 in France, in the Spanish league and the Mexican national team," said Standard Liege sporting director Oliver Renard in a statement on the club's website.

Ochoa played on loan at Granada last season, but the team was relegated after finishing in last place, having conceded 82 goals over the 38 games.

The reaction in Mexico hasn't been positive, with former national team striker Carlos Hermosillo telling ESPN that the move is a step down for the former Club America player.

"He's gone through teams that have been fighting relegation and I don't think it is a good decision," said Hermosillo.

Ochoa moved to Ligue 1's Ajaccio in July 2011 and stayed until the team was relegated in 2014.

A transfer to Malaga followed an outstanding 2014 World Cup for Ochoa, but he struggled to hold down a starting sport and was loaned to Granada for the 2016-17 season.

[/article]
 
Last edited:
Kenny Tete - Lyon (reportedly £3.5m)

[article]
Ajax right-back Kenny Tete joined Lyon in a four-year deal worth four million euros ($4.5m), the Ligue 1 outfit announced Monday.

"It's a real opportunity for us," said Lyon coach Bruno Genesio.

"The position of full-back has evolved a lot in recent seasons. You are asked to attack, to defend well, and to run fast and long. Kenny has this profile and we jumped at this opportunity.

"It was not easy because there was a lot of competition to sign him."

"Lyon is a great club with a history," said Tete.

"It's important for me to link up again with Bertrand Traore, who played down the right with me at Ajax."

The 21-year-old defender, who has six caps for the Dutch national team, added: "I didn't have a great year last season at Ajax, because of the manager's choices, but I always remained positive and that's a good attitude to take to Lyon.

"The little I played was enough to convince Lyon to sign me."

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas and Genesio also confirmed they are targeting a central defender to strengthen Lyon's squad.
[/article]

Dzenis Burnic - Stuttgart (loan)


Ron Gourlay - Reading (Chief Executive)

[article]Reading Football Club are pleased to announce that Ron Gourlay has been appointed as Chief Executive at Madejski Stadium, with Nigel Howe set to take up the role of Vice Chairman at the club.

Gourlay arrives at Reading with more than 25 years’ experience in football, having previously occupied senior roles at Manchester United and Umbro and as well as a variety of other director-level roles at Chelsea Football Club, where he succeeded Peter Kenyon in 2009 to serve as CEO for five years.

In his first season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup double and during his tenure as Chief Executive with the Blues, the club also earned both Champions League and Europa League silverware. He now begins his role with the Royals with immediate effect.

“I am delighted to take up this new position as Chief Executive at Reading Football Club and I consider it a real honour to be presented with the fantastic challenge of guiding the club to the next level,” Gourlay said.

“I look forward to working closely with all the staff who, through their dedication and commitment on a day-to-day basis, strive to make this club successful at every level - and I am excited to be working alongside manager Jaap Stam and his coaching team, Director of Football Brian Tevreden and a very promising squad of players ahead of what I am sure will be another exhilarating campaign in the Sky Bet Championship.”

In parallel, Nigel Howe has been appointed as Vice-Chairman at Reading Football Club and will predominantly oversee the development of the Royal Elm Park project as well as the continuing advancement of our new training ground at Bearwood and potential plans to expand the Madejski Stadium complex itself.

Howe, who has held the position of Chief Executive at Reading since 1995, initially helped to guide the club through the transition to its Madejski Stadium home but also steer the Royals to the top tier of English football for the first time in its history in 2006.

Nigel retains his position on the EFL Board as a Championship representative and will continue to help direct and enhance the reputation of Reading Football Club as a Director on the Royals’ Board.

Howe said, "After more than 21 years as Chief Executive at Reading Football Club, I am extremely excited to be appointed to the position of Vice Chairman. On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn during my tenure as CEO and, on behalf of all the staff and supporters, I would like to welcome Ron to Reading – a magnificent club with tremendous potential.”[/article]
 
Last edited:
Ezequiel Ponce - Lille (loan with option to buy)

[article]Lille have officially confirmed the signing of Roma’s Ezequiel Ponce, on loan with an option to buy.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Spanish side Granada, scoring two goals in his 25 League appearances.

Argentinian Under-20 international Ezequiel Ponce has joined LOSC,” a statement on the Dogues website announced.

"The young attacker has signed on loan for one season - with an option to buy - from AS Roma.

“It’s with great enthusiasm that Lille welcomes this young and talented striker today.”

Ponce also spoke to the French club’s website about his arrival.

“I’m happy to have joined LOSC. I come with great ambition and I intend to give the best of myself.

“I’m also delighted to be working with Marcelo Bielsa, who could Newell’s Old Boys, my first club, in the past. He’s a Coach who has proven he knows how to develop young players like me.

“I hope to progress and to score goals for the team.”

Ponce never actually played for the Giallorossi first team, having signed from Newell’s Old Boys for €4.2m in 2015.[/article]

Romelu Lukaku - Man Utd (reportedly £75 million)

[article]Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton on a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.

The 24-year-old Belgian international striker will join the team in LA ahead of pre-season training.

Jose Mourinho said:

"Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again."

Romelu Lukaku said:

"I would like to start by thanking Everton and the fans for the last four wonderful seasons, I have made some special friends and we have shared some amazing moments. However, when Manchester United and Jose Mourinho come knocking at the door it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that I could not turn down. You could see the fight, determination and the spirit in this team during the Europa League final and I want to become a part of that. I cannot wait to run out at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fans but before that pre-season is where the hard work starts and I am looking forward to that first training session."[/article]

Juliano Belletti - Barcelona (Club Ambassador)


Steve Davis - Leyton Orient (Head Coach)

[article]The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Davis as Head Coach.

Davis has penned a two-year contract at the Matchroom Stadium and will work with Assistant Coach Ross Embleton as the first team continue to prepare for the 2017-18 season.

The 51-year-old, who operated as a centre-back during his playing career which spanned over 20-years, arrives with a wealth of managerial experience from spells at Northwich Victoria, Nantwich Town and Crewe Alexandra.

Davis took his first steps in management in 2003 with a brief spell at Northwich Victoria as player-manager, but it was at Nantwich Town that his managerial career flourished.

Appointed in 2004, Davis led the Club to one of their most successful eras, guiding the Dabbers to two promotions in three seasons as well as lifting the FA Vase trophy.

Following five impressive years at the Weaver Stadium, Davis made the step up to the Football League as he returned to a former Club from his playing days, when appointed Assistant Manager at Crewe Alexandra in May 2009.

During his spell as Assistant Manager Davis worked under Gudjon Thordarson and Dario Gradi, before being handed the managerial reigns in November 2011.

Having stepped up to the role, Davis went on to enjoy immediate success at Gresty Road by defying the odds to guide Crewe towards promotion from League Two with a 2-0 victory against Cheltenham Town in the Play-Off Final.

During his time with the Railwaymen, Davis helped develop a number of the Club’s young talents, and a year after guiding Crewe to promotion went on to experience further success at Wembley with a 2-0 victory against Southend United to lift the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Davis went on to manage a total of 272 games at Crewe Alexandra before departing the Club in January of this year. [/article]
 
Last edited:
Amine Harit - Schalke (reportedly €8 million plus add ons up to €2 million)

[article]Schalke have strengthened their attack for next season by signing versatile France Under-20 international Amine Harit.

Harit, who turned 20 in June, arrives on a four-year contract after enjoying an eye-catching debut season with Ligue 1 side Nantes.

"This move is a big step in my career," explained Harit. "I've followed Schalke for a long time - Raul, the games in the Champions League and the games against Nice in last season’s Europa League. I'm sure I can develop into the player I want to be at a club like this."

The Nantes academy graduate is predominantly right footed but often operated on the left wing during his first season at senior level. A direct dribbler with an eye for a pass, the teenager's vast array of tricks helped earn him a new contract in January.

In total, Harit played 30 league matches for Nantes in the 2016/2017 campaign and he scored once in 23 starts to help the eight-time French champions finish seventh – their highest placing since returning to the top flight for the 2013/2014 season. He followed that up this summer by netting once in three games for France at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.

The exciting attacking midfielder has already starred in Germany during his career, having been named on UEFA’s team of the tournament at the European U-19 Championship in July 2016. Harit set up two goals as France thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final, which was played at Hoffenheim’s WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

"Amine is a technically adept player, he's a great dribbler and he gets stuck in defensively,” said Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco. "He often looks for the decisive pass in attack and in doing so can make all the difference. We're delighted to have signed him."[/article]

Alessio Cerci - Verona (free transfer)

[article]Verona have confirmed the signing of former Torino and Italy forward Alessio Cerci on a free transfer.

A statement on Verona’s website notes Cerci has already passed a medical and will join up with his new teammates at their preseason training camp in Primiero on Monday afternoon.

Although there is no mention of contract length, reports suggest the 30-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

The deal comes on the same day that Antonio Cassano is said to be joining, with the pair possibly forming a new-look attacking trident alongside Giampaolo Pazzini.

Cerci also has 14 caps for Italy, representing the country at the 2013 Confederations Cup, and previously played for the likes of Torino, Atletico Madrid, Milan and Genoa.[/article]

Derrick Luckassen - PSV (reportedly €6 million)

[article]The Red and Whites will finally have their man on Monday after winning a strong battle against Feyenoord for the utility man's services

Dutch youth star of Ghanaian descent Derrick Luckassen will undergo a medical with Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven on Monday ahead of a five-year move to the Philips Stadion, Goal can reveal.

The Red and Whites beat off strong competition from Feyenoord, who have long been an admirer of the AZ Alkmaar youngster.

English Premier League club Crystal Palace and French giants Lyon are among the clubs to have also enquired about the possibility of signing the player.

Goal sources say the Amsterdam-born will arrive in Eindhoven on Monday to sign a five-year deal understood to be worth €6 million after a successful medical.

PSV manager Phillip Cocu has made the 22-year-old a top priority as he seeks to bolster his squad ahead of their participation in the Europa League next season.

Luckassen became a top transfer target for clubs this summer following his impressive showing for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie and the Europa League last campaign.

The defender cum midfielder made 35 Eredivisie appearances, all starts, and netted three times as the Cheeseheads finished sixth.

He also made 12 outings, all starts, in the Europa League.

Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Luckassen is currently caught up in a tug-of-war between the two nations over his international future.

He has not completely ruled out playing for the Black Stars although he currently plays for the Oranje at youth level.[/article]
 
Last edited:
Schalke again picking up good young talents at attractive prices.
Yes, will be interesting to see if Sporting Director Christian Heidel can build on his reputation gained from his time at Mainz, with the higher club profile and budget he has at Schalke. The impact of their new Head Coach (31 yr old) is also one to watch.
 
Antonio Barragán - Real Betis (loan with option to buy)

[article]
Real Betis Balompié and Middlesbrough FC have reached an agreement for the loan of Antonio Barragán to the Green-and-White club. The right back will play on loan during the 2017/2018 season. Also, the Club has a purchase option at the end of the season if some requirements are met.

Antonio Barragán Fernández (Los Palacios y Villafranca, Sevilla, 12th of June 1987) played last season 27 games with the club from England (26 Premier League games and 1 FA Cup).
[/article]

James Husband - Norwich (undisclosed fee)

[article]
Norwich City are delighted to announce the signing of left-back James Husband from Middlesbrough.

Husband, who joins for an undisclosed fee, today signed a three-year deal with the Canaries.

The 23-year old, who has made 62 appearances at Championship level, made his first-team debut for Doncaster Rovers in 2012 and went on make 73 appearances for the club. He signed for Boro ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, before joining Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season. His loan spell at the south London club continued for the first half of the 2015-16 Championship campaign, before he moved on loan to Huddersfield Town in January 2016. He made his Premier League debut last season for Middlesbrough.

Husband, speaking exclusively to Norwich City TV, said: “I’m delighted to join such a big football club. First and foremost I’ve come here to play football and to enjoy my time as much as possible. The main thing is to try and get Norwich up the league as far as we can go.

“Everyone seems lovely and welcoming and I’m looking forward to my time here.”

Discussing City’s sixth summer signing, Head Coach Daniel Farke said: “James is quick, he’s technically good and knows how to defend. There are some things he needs to improve but he’s young and his attitude and character are excellent.

“He’s a young guy with lots of potential, but he also already has strong experience of playing in the Championship. He’s an excellent fit for our squad.”

[/article]

Bernardo Espinosa - Girona (€4 million)

[article]
Newly-promoted Girona have completed the signing of Middlesbrough defender Bernardo Espinosa after triggering his €4m release clause.

The 28-year-old moved to Boro last summer due to the influence of then-boss Aitor Karanka, but he made only 15 appearances across all competitions in their ill-fated campaign.

The Colombian had previously spent the entirety of his professional career in Spain having played for Sevilla’s youth teams before stints at Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon.

Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain reportedly played a huge role in completing the deal for the Catalan club, who are now part of the City Football Group – which includes City, New York City and Melbourne City.
[/article]
 
Ola Aina - Hull (loan)

[article]
The Tigers have signed 20-year-old right back Ola Aina on a season-long loan from Premier League Champions Chelsea.

After completing the move earlier today, Aina joined up with the rest of the squad to fly to Portugal for a pre-season training camp.

A product of Chelsea's Academy, London-born Aina made his senior debut in a League Cup victory over Bristol Rovers last August before a first Premier League appearance came as a substitute in a 3-0 win against Leicester City in October. Aina has made six senior appearances for the Blues, and has also represented England at Under-16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 level, although he recently pledged his international future to Nigeria.

Speaking after signing, Aina said: "I'm very excited to be here and it is the start of a new chapter in my career.

"It's my first loan move away from Chelsea and I just want to hit the ground running. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of my new team-mates during the training camp in Portugal."
[/article]

Luis Muriel - Sevilla (reportedly €20 million plus add ons)

[article]Sevilla have completed the signing of Colombian striker Luis Muriel from Sampdoria on a five-year deal, the club have confirmed.

Although no club have given any indication of the transfer fee involved, it is widely reported in the Spanish press to be €20m – a club record for Los Rojiblancos.

Reports in Marca on Monday also suggested the move included a €50m release clause alongside 20% of any future fee for the Italian club.

Muriel becomes Sevilla’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Argentine midfielders Ever Banega and Guido Pizarro from Inter and Tigres respectively.[/article]

James Rodríguez - Bayern Munich (2 seasons' loan for reportedly €10 million with the option to buy at the end of the deal standing at €35.2 million)

[article]FC Bayern München and Real Madrid have today agreed the transfer of Colombian international James Rodríguez to the record German champions. The two clubs have agreed on a two-year loan deal until 30 June 2019 with the option for FC Bayern München to buy the player. James Rodríguez will sign his contract in Munich once the obligatory medical has been successfully completed.

The 25 year-old midfielder was the top scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with six goals, after which he moved from Monaco to Real Madrid. In the last three years, he's won the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup twice with the Spanish side as well as La Liga once. In total he made 111 competitive appearances for Real, scoring 36 goals and giving 41 assists.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to complete this transfer. Signing James Rodríguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti’s biggest wish, following their successful spell working together in Madrid,” commented FC Bayern München AG chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “James is a very versatile player. He’s a goalscorer himself, he sets up a lot of goals and on top of that he’s great from set-pieces. There’s no question that this transfer further increases the quality in our team.”

James Rodríguez will be a member of the FC Bayern squad that sets off on Sunday evening for the 12-day Audi Summer Tour to China and Singapore.[/article]
 
Great coup that by Bayern, 2 year loan with the option to buy.
Yeah, cover for Costa's departure and allowing the likes of Gnabry and Sanches to go out on loan to continue development. If they come back as a much improved player, Bayern may well decide against a permanent move.
 
It will be interesting to see if Muriel fulfills on his earlier promise.
Hopefully he's not awful.
 
It will be interesting to see if Muriel fulfills on his earlier promise.
Hopefully he's not awful.

Yeah. Still only 26 yrs old. Might have the chance for another big move if he excels.

Dawid Kownacki - Sampdoria (reportedly €4 million)

[article]Sampdoria have officially confirmed the signing of Lech Poznan striker Dawid Kownacki.

The 20-year-old is a Polish Under-21 international, and has scored four goals in nine games at that level.

“U.C. Sampdoria announces the outright signing of the player Dawid Kownacki from Kolejowy Klub Sportowy Lech Poznań,” said a statement on the Blucerchiati’s website.

Samp were in need of attacking reinforcements, as Luis Muriel joined Sevilla today and Patrik Schick will officially sign for Juventus imminently.
[/article]

Antonio Cassano - Verona (free transfer)

[article]Verona have officially confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid and Milan forward Antonio Cassano.

The Italian international took his medical with the Butei earlier today, having been out of football for over 12 months as he was frozen out by Sampdoria.

“Hellas Verona announces that it has completed the signing of the footballer Antonio Cassano,” a statement on the club’s official website confirmed.

“The forward, after taking his medicals this afternoon, has left for Primiero to join the Gialloblu’s pre-season training camp.”[/article]

Bruno Zuculini - Verona (undisclosed fee)

[article]Hellas Verona have officially signed midfielder Bruno Zuculini from Manchester City on a permanent transfer.

He had already spent last season at the Stadio Bentegodi on loan and helped them earn promotion from Serie B.

Zuculini signed a contract to June 2021.

Last term he contributed one goal and one assist in 16 Serie B appearances for Verona.

His brother Franco Zuculini already plays for Hellas Verona.[/article]
 
Last edited:
Steve Mandanda - Marseille (undisclosed fee)


Alexander Djiku - Caen (reportedly €2 million)


Manuel Pucciarelli - Chievo (loan with obligation to buy for €3.75 million)

[article]
Chievo have officially announced the signing of Empoli striker Manuel Pucciarelli, on loan with obligation to buy.

The 26-year-old made 25 Serie A starts for the Tuscan outfit last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

“A.C. Chievo Verona announces the signing of Manuel Pucciarelli from Empoli FC on a two-year loan with obligation to buy,” the Flying Donkeys said in a statement on their official website.

“The striker has signed a contract until 2021, with an option to extend to 2022 and will wear shirt number 20.

“At the same time, A.C. Chievo Verona announces the outright sale of the goalkeeper Ivan Provedel to Empoli FC.”
[/article]

This 2 yr loan thing seems like a trend (or something that has been going on, just not that frequent). Cuadrado, Coman, James Rodriguez, and supposedly Costa.

Caleb Ekuban - Leeds (undisclosed fee)

[article]
Leeds United have today completed the transfer of 23 year-old Caleb Ekuban for an undisclosed fee.

The pacy forward joins the club from Italian Serie A outfit Chievo Verona and has signed a four year contract with the Whites.

Having come through the ranks at Chievo, the striker has also had loan spells with fellow Italian sides FC Südtirol AC Lumezzane and AC Renate.

Last season Ekuban spent the season on loan Albanian outfit FK Partizani, for whom he played in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

He made 34 appearances in the Kategoria Superiore for Partizani, scoring 17 goals, as the club finished runners-up in the division.

Ekuban could feature for the Whites for the first time in Wednesday’s friendly with North Ferriby United and will travel to Austria on the squad’s pre-season tour later this week.
[/article]
 
Last edited:
Burgui - Alaves (reportedly €3 million)


Vitinho - Barcelona B (loan with option to buy for €12 million)

[article]FC Barcelona have secured the services of Victor Hugo Santana Carvalho, known as Vitinho, for Barça B on loan from Palmeiras until 30 June 2018 with the option to make the move permanent.

Vitinho, who was born in Sao Paulo on 4 March 1998, has signed his contract this evening in the presence of the Director responsible for the Professional Academy Football, Silvio Elias, and the head of sports management in the football area, Josep Segura. The Brazilian player will join the Ernesto Valverde’s team’s preseason training tomorrow.

Vitinho has played for all the Brazilian national side age-group teams and he has made his first team debut for Palmeiras. He has played for Palmeiras since he was 13 years old and is under contract until 2021 with them. He can play as a right-sided midfielder or as an attacking one and is a direct, fast, creative player with a good dribble and an eye for an assist. With the Brazilian Under-20 team he was chosen as the best player at the Torneo Bellinzona in Switzerland.

Vitinho’s statements:
“I am very happy. I have always been a big Barça fan as it is the best club in the world. I will now be able to play at the Club where Rivaldo, Ronaldinho played and my idol Neymar plays.”

“In 2014, I came to Catalonia to for the MIC tournament with the Brazilian national team and I was able to visit the Camp Nou. When I saw it, the first thing I though was I would like to play at such an impressive stadium. Now I will give my all to hopefully achieve this dream one day and make my first team debut.”[/article]

Borja Valero - Inter Milan (€5.5 million plus add ons up to €1 million)

[article]Borja Valero Iglesias is officially an Inter player following the completion of all contractual formalities. The Spanish midfielder has penned a three-year deal with the club.

Borja was born in Madrid on 12 January 1985 and worked his way up through Real Madrid's academy sides before making two appearances for the first team in 2006, in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

The following summer he joined Mallorca and spent two seasons with the Balearic outfit, either side of a year in England with West Bromwich Albion.

It was in his second term at Mallorca (2009/10) that he really made his name, establishing himself as a key member of the team – with five goals in 33 appearances – that surprisingly finished fifth. His performances earned him the prestigious Don Balon award for best Spanish player in La Liga.

Villarreal snapped up his services at the end of the season. Over the next two years, Valero made 97 appearances and scored 11 goals for the Yellow Submarine, helping them reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Fiorentina brought him to Italy in 2012 and the Spaniard instantly became the fulcrum of the side, displaying exceptional technique and tactical intelligence and slotting comfortably into whatever midfield role he was put in. Valero racked up 212 games and 17 goals during his five-year spell in Florence, producing the third most assists in Serie A in the same period: 38 in 166 matches.

He turned out for Spain at U15, U17 and U19 level and scored the winning goal in the 2004 European U19 championship final against Turkey. His only appearance for the senior side came n 2011, in a 4-0 win against USA.

Welcome to Inter, Borja![/article]

Jack Cork - Burnley (reportedly £10 million)

[article]Jack Cork has joined Burnley for the second time after signing from Swansea City.

The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Cork, who made 57 appearances for Burnley while on loan from Chelsea between January 2010 and May 2011, completed his move on Tuesday before flying out to join his new team mates in Ireland.

The former England Under-21 international, who began his career with Chelsea at the age of nine, and went on to captain their youth and reserve teams, enjoyed loans at Bournemouth, Scunthorpe, Southampton, Watford, Coventry and at Turf Moor - before finally cutting his ties with the Blues.

Cork signed a permanent deal with Southampton in 2011, where he made 151 appearances in all competitions and helped the Saints win promotion to the Premier League in 2012.

His performances with Southampton also earned him a place in Great Britain’s squad for the 2012 Olympics.

Swansea City completed his signing in the 2015 January transfer window, and he has been a regular starter at the Liberty Stadium.

Cork, who captained the team for much of 2016-17 season, made a total of 83 appearances for the Welshmen.

But the Carshalton-born midfielder now becomes Sean Dyche’s third signing of the summer as he heads back to Turf Moor.[/article]
 
Last edited:
Vitolo - Atletico Madrid (€35.7 million)


Vitolo - Las Palmas (6 mth loan)


[article]
Atlético de Madrid has reached an agreement with Víctor Machín Perez, Vitolo, for the next five years after the football player was rescinded his contract with Sevilla Fútbol Club. Due to FIFA’s sanction that forbids the club from registering football players during the current summer market, the player will play the first half of the season with Unión Deportiva Las Palmas and will join our team starting on January 1st, 2018. The Spanish international has signed with our club until the 30th of June of 2022.

Vitolo, who is 27, is a football player of proven experience and quality, who has defended the shirt of the senior national team 11 times and has become one the most unbalancing players of the League in the last seasons.

The midfielder, winner of three UEFA Europa Leagues in 2014, 2015 and 2016, will contribute quality and speed to our midfield. Used to start at the side, the Spanish international will add forward passes and direct play to our attack. He adds to his ability to assist and reach the box to score, a work capacity that will be very valuable for the balance of the team.
[/article]

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - Crystal Palace (loan)

[article]
Crystal Palace are pleased to announce the signing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The England under-21 international becomes the Eagles’ first signing of the summer and the maiden acquisition from Frank de Boer, and returns to his native south London where he was born and raised in Lewisham.

“I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me,” Loftus-Cheek said. “I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is good club so I thought it’s a good chance to play here and be a part of the team. They have a very strong team and I’d like to be a part of that this season.”

Loftus-Cheek, 21, has spent the whole of his career to date with the Blues since signing for them as an eight-year-old. He enjoyed a successful career with the west Londoner’s youth side, winning two FA Youth Cups, an U21s Premier League title and the UEFA Youth League, earning him his first-team bow in December 2014.

Since then, Loftus-Cheek has picked up two Premier League winner’s medals, and featured six times in their title-winning campaign last season. He has made 32 appearances for the Blues across the last three seasons, scoring twice.

In addition to his club career, the midfielder has been capped by England at youth levels and has won 17 caps for the under-21 side since 2015.

He will wear the number eight shirt during his time with the Eagles.
[/article]

Olivier Ntcham - Celtic (£4.5 million)

[article]CELTIC are delighted to announce that Olivier Ntcham has joined the club on a four-year deal from Manchester City.

The highly-rated French midfielder is considered to be one of the most exciting young talents in football, and will be a great addition to Brendan Rodgers’ treble-winning Invincibles squad.
The 21-year-old joined Manchester City from French side, Le Havre, back in 2012, and has spent the past two seasons on loan at Serie A side, Genoa, where he made over 40 appearances for the club.

Now, Olivier has committed his future to Celtic and will link up with his fellow French Under-21 internationalist, Moussa Dembele, who enjoyed a very impressive first season with the Hoops, scoring 32 goals as the team secured the domestic treble without losing a single game.

Olivier joins Jonny Hayes and Kindai Benya as the new arrivals at Celtic in the close season, and speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Olivier Ntcham said: "It’s a nice feeling to be here at Celtic and I want to win everything at Celtic as I have never won a trophy before.

“I'm most looking forward to the derby and playing in the Champions League. I remember them beating Barcelona five years ago in the group stages. Not every club gets to play in this competition so I'm happy to have the chance to play there with Celtic.

“Celtic is fresh challenge for me. While Genoa are a good team, I knew they wouldn’t win Serie A as they were not a top team like Juventus, but I know Celtic are a big team in Scotland.”

Matching the fantastic feats of Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, when they clinched the treble and went through the entire league campaign unbeaten, will be a huge ask, but Ntcham is relishing that challenge.

“It’s always good to win the titles, and I hope we can win the trophies again and do even better than last season,” he added. “I am excited at the challenge of playing in the team.”[/article]

Dani Alves - Paris St. Germain (free transfer)
 
Last edited:
Mario Suarez - Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng (£5 million)

[article]
Watford midfielder Mario Suarez has joined Chinese side Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng, the Premier League club have announced.

The 30-year-old moved to Vicarage Road from Fiorentina in January 2016 but made just 17 appearances for the Hornets.

Suarez spent the whole of last season on loan at Valencia, where he played 24 times for the La Liga side.

The departure of manager Quique Sanchez Flores saw him fall out of favour at Vicarage Road.

Spanish midfielder Suarez won La Liga and the Copa del Rey while with Atletico Madrid but has struggled for consistent football over the last three seasons.

Suarez, who has three caps for Spain, will become a team-mate of former Everton, Hull and West Ham striker Nikica Jelavic at Zhicheng.

A Zhicheng statement read: 'Hopefully, he will integrate with our team as soon as possible, making a contribution to Guizhou football and Zhicheng football club with his rich experiences and splendid skills.'
[/article]

Atınç Nukan - Besiktas (loan)

Turkish centre back from RB Leipzig

Ron-Robert Zieler - Stuttgart (£2.5 million)

[article]VfB have secured the services of Ron-Robert Zieler. The goalkeeper makes the move to Stuttgart from English Premier League club Leicester City and has signed a three-year deal. Ron-Robert Zieler will wear the number 16 jersey for VfB.

Between 2010 and 2016, the 28-year-old made a total of 185 top-flight appearances for Hannover 96. The 1,88 meter tall keeper also played in 23 UEFA Europa League and 11 DFB-Cup matches.

During that period, the Cologne born keeper also debuted in the German national team, with whom he had collected 32 caps at junior level – becoming an U19 European Champion with Germany in the Czech Republic in 2008. Ron-Robert Zieler was part of national team coach Joachim Löw’s squad at the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine, before winning the 2014 World Cup with the German national team in Brazil.

Last summer, Ron-Robert Zieler made the move to England. With Leicester City, the keeper made nine English Premier League, two FA Cup and one Champions League appearance.

Jan Schindelmeiser, VfB Sporting Director:

"We are well aware of how important a stable defence will be for us in the coming season. With Mitchell Langerak, Jens Grahl and also Florian Kastenmeier, we already have a great deal of quality in the goalkeeper position here at the training camp. Ron-Robert Zieler will be a distinct improvement to that goalkeeping group. Several weeks ago, we defined a mutual direction with Ron-Robert. Discussions with Leicester City were difficult and, without the exceptional efforts of Ron-Robert, they would not have been successful."

Ron-Robert Zieler:

"I am delighted the move to VfB Stuttgart has worked out. My talks with those responsible at VfB were very convincing and they made a determined effort to get me here. I got the impression that something very special can develop here at VfB and I want to be a part of that. Now it’s all about getting to know the team as quickly as possible and apply myself to the maximum."[/article]
 
Douglas Costa (1 yr loan for €6 million with option to buy at €40 million or €41 million)

[article]
AGREEMENT WITH BAYERN MÜNCHEN FOR THE TEMPORARY ACQUISITION OF THE PLAYER DOUGLAS COSTA

Turin, 12 July 2017 - Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that the agreement with FC Bayern München AG for the temporary acquisition, until 30 June 2018, of the registration rights of the player Douglas Costa de Souza has been finalised for a consideration of € 6 million to be paid within seven days of the FIGC registration execution.

The agreement also provides Juventus the option right, to be exercised before 30 June 2018, for the definitive acquisition of the player at a price of € 40 million to be paid in two financial years. The consideration may increase of € 1 million on achieving given conditions in the course of the duration of the contract.
[/article]

[article]
Juventus Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich. The Brazilian arrives on an initial one-year loan deal with an option to buy.

The player at a price of € 40 million to be paid in two financial years. The consideration may increase of € 1 million on achieving given conditions in the course of the duration of the contract.

Speed, skill, stamina, assists and scoring ability. Douglas Costa has shown he has all of the above in his locker wherever he has played, from Brazil, via Ukraine to Bavaria, making him an addition of real quality to the Bianconeri’s ever more fearsome forward line.'

GROWING UP WITH GREMIO
Ever since crowning his professional debut with an equalising goal for Gremio – in a 2-1 win over Botafogo on 4 October 2008 – Costa’s career is littered with moments in which he made the desired impact at the perfect time.

An impressive first season in Porto Alegre saw the winger called up by Brazil for the South American Under 20 Championship held in Venezuela. His three goals propelled the Selecao to the title and subsequent qualification for the U20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.

Netting against Australia in the group stage and converting his penalty in the final against Ghana – Brazil ultimately lost on spot-kicks – it was at this tournament that Costa caught the attentions of clubs around the world and it would not be long before he switched South America for eastern Europe.

SHAKHTAR SUCCESS STORY
In January 2010, Shakhtar Donetsk swooped for Costa’s services to boost their title bid and that’s just what he did. Five goals in 13 league games wrapped up not just the Ukrainian Premier League, but also the national Super Cup.

This was just the start of a trophy-laden spell in Donetsk. In five and a half seasons at the club, he would get his hands on five league championships, three national cups and four Super Cups.

With assists aplenty as well as an eye for goal, Costa was also making waves in the Champions League. His two strikes in the 2010/11 campaign – against Braga and Roma – saw Mircea Lucescu’s men reach the quarter-finals.

These were heady days for the Donetsk outfit, who he helped exit the UCL group stages on a further two occasions in 2013 and 2015, whilst maintaining their status as Ukraine’s top club in the process.

Costa had accumulated an impressive total of 38 goals from the wing by the time Bayern Munich came calling for his signature in the summer of 2015.

DOING THE BUSINESS AT BAYERN
In Bavaria, the Brazilian’s blistering pace added a crucial dimension to a high tempo side – then managed by Pep Guardiola – where he instantly held down a starting role.

Playing 23 out of 27 Bundesliga matches from the first minute during 2015/16, Costa scored four goals and set up a further nine, as Bayern stormed to their fourth consecutive league title.

He would soon make his mark too in the Champions League, netting against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos, whilst providing three assists, including two against Juventus in the round of 16.

Costa registered precisely the same statistics in his second European campaign for Bayern (two goals, three assists), with Rostov and Arsenal the latest to concede against the Brazilian, while he would hit another four goals in the league to help Carlo Ancelotti’s men to a fifth straight Bundesliga title.

SO FAR WITH THE SELECAO
Since making his international debut on 12 November 2014 against Turkey, Costa has appeared a total 21 times for Brazil, scoring three goals in the process – against Peru in the Copa America and a World Cup qualifier, and against Uruguay in the Selecao’s successful qualifying campaign to reach Russia 2018.

The 26-year-old featured in both of his country’s friendly matches against Argentina and Australia this June, playing just in front of new team-mate Alex Sandro down the left.

STYLE OF PLAY
Naturally left-footed, Costa typically hugs the left wing, but is more than capable and willing to do damage down the opposite flank as well. He scored one of his four league goals last season with his right foot.

The Brazilian is among the best in the world when it comes to one-on-one situations: he completed 148 dribbles over two years for Bayern – more than any other Bundesliga player – showing outstanding acceleration and an unpredictability in the way he surges towards the 18-yard box.

He also boasts impressive numbers when it comes to crossing. In 2016/17, he whipped in 2.78 on average per match in the league, creating a total 35 goalscoring chances for the Bavarians.

Now, Bianconeri fans can look forward to watching one of the world’s most talented wingers at work in the black and white stripes of Juventus.
[/article]

Gary Mackay-Steven - Aberdeen (undisclosed fee)

[article]Aberdeen Football Club is delighted to announce that winger Gary Mackay-Steven has this evening joined the Dons.

The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a two year deal. The club are able to register one player ahead of the UEFA deadline tonight therefore Gary is allowed to play in the Dons Europa League match on Thursday against NK Siroki Brijeg, should he be selected by the manager.
Thurso-born Mackay-Steven formerly played for Ross County, Liverpool, Airdrie United and Dundee United before joining Celtic in January 2015.

Gary made his one international appearance for Scotland on 15 November 2013 in a game against the United States at Hampden Park.

The wide player, who will be given squad number 11, becomes Derek McInnes' fifth signing of the summer so far. He will join fellow new boys Greg Tansey, Ryan Christie, Greg Stewart and Nicky Maynard in the dressing room.

Everyone at Pittodrie would like to wish Gary all the very best during his AFC career. [/article]
 
Last edited:
Anthony Modeste - Tianjin Quanjian (reportedly €37.5 million)

[article]After two years in the FC kit, Anthony Modeste transfers to the Chinese Super League.

Striker Anthony Modeste departs 1. FC Köln. The 29-year-old will continue his career in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Quanjian. All relevant parties have reached an agreement.

1. FC Köln would like to thank Tony for his performances in the FC jersey whilst wishing him all the best for the future.[/article]

:eek:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom