Confirmed Transfers 19/20

[King Binny]

Daniel Bentley - Bristol City (£2m)

[article]
City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Daniel Bentley from Brentford for an undisclosed fee.

The shot-stopper will link up with his new Robins teammates from July 1st, having agreed a four-year deal.

Basildon-born Bentley, 25, signed for the Arsenal Academy as a child before making a name for himself at Southend United and he subsequently moved to Griffin Park in 2016.

Bristol City Chief Executive Officer Mark Ashton said: “Dan is a player we have been tracking for some time and we are delighted to have signed him. Understandably a lot of clubs were very keen on him but we were very determined to secure his services.

“Dan is very tuned in to the Bristol City philosophy and what we are trying to achieve here and our fans should be very excited about his arrival.”

Bentley won promotion with Southend in the 2014/15 season, helping them reach League One via a heroic penalty shootout performance at Wembley.

It was a season of accolades for the keeper who was awarded the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the year, Community Player of the Year, PFA Team of the Year League Two awards. In February of that season he received the Football League Young Player of the Month and in 2018 he received the London Football Awards London Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Bentley becomes City’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Robbie Cundy, Jay Dasilva and Sammie Szmodics.
[/article]


Antonio Valencia - Liga Deportiva Universitaria (free transfer)

[article]
Antonio Valencia has called time on his 10-year Manchester United career by returning to Ecuador and signing for Liga Deportiva Universitaria.

The Ecuadorian outfit confirmed the 32-year-old's arrival on Friday afternoon by posting a video of Valencia getting used to his new surroundings.

In the social media video, a footballer can be seen walking into the team's dressing room, before looking at the Deportiva kit and putting it on.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Man Utd (£45m + add ons up to £5m & 10% profit sell on fee)

[article]
Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. Aaron has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.

The 21-year-old defender came through the ranks of Crystal Palace’s academy. He made his professional debut in February 2018 and picked up both the fans’ player of the year award and also the players’ player of the year award in his first full season. Aaron represented England at this year’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Aaron is one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League. He has the right work ethic, talent and mentality to play for Manchester United and he fits exactly the type of player that we are looking to bring into the squad to help us improve and push on further.

“Aaron is a young, hungry player and eager to learn and that’s important at his age. I am delighted he has signed with us and we look forward to continuing his tremendous development so far.”

Aaron Wan-Bissaka said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling and an honour to call myself a Manchester United player and something I know that only a small number of players have the privilege to say.

“I can’t wait to get going and integrated into the squad. I will have a short break now after the European Championships but I’m looking forward to starting training with the manager and my new team-mates on the pre-season tour.”
[/article]

Luca Connell - Celtic (compensation)

[article]
CELTIC are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated Republic of Ireland youngster, Luca Connell, who joins the club on a four-year deal.

The versatile 18-year-old midfielder joins the Scottish Champions after progressing through Bolton Wanderers’ youth ranks before breaking into the senior side during the second half of last season.

Connell, who was born in Liverpool but is eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents, put pen to paper at Celtic Park before flying out to join his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Austria.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

Ozan Kabak - Schalke (€15m)

[article]
FC Schalke 04 have signed 2018/19 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season Ozan Kabak from VfB Stuttgart.

“We are delighted to secured the signing of one of the current biggest young talents in Europe. Despite interest from several other noteworthy clubs, Ozan Kabak has opted to join us,” said delighted Royal Blues head of sport Jochen Schneider. “Head coach David Wagner and technical director Michael Reschke deserve a lot of credit in convincing Ozan that joining FC Schalke 04 was the right step for him to take.”

The 19-year-old Turkish centre-back joined VfB Stuttgart in January from Galatasaray SK and went on to make 15 Bundesliga appearances in this season’s Rückrunde. Kabak also scored three goals for Stuttgart. He joined Galatasaray’s youth setup at the age of eleven before progressing through to the Istanbul club’s first team.
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[King Binny]

Timothy Weah - Lille (€10m)

 

[King Binny]

Marco Sala - Sassuolo €5m
Andrea Pinamonti - Geona (loan with obligation to buy at €18m)

[article]FC Internazionale Milano can confirm that U.S Sassuolo have completed a deal to sign Marco Sala. The Nerazzurri defender, born in 1999, secured two Scudetti titles with the Primavera, (2016-17 and 2017-18), as well as one Supercup (2017-18) and the 2018 Viareggio Cup.[/article]

[article]FC Internazionale Milano can confirm that Genoa CFC have signed Andrea Pinamonti on loan with an obligation to buy. The attacker, born in 1999, joined the Nerazzurri’s Elite Academy back in 2013 and has since won two league titles (2016-17 and 2017-18) with the Primavera, as well as one Viareggio Cup (2018) and the Coppa Italia (2018).

During the 2016-17 campaign, aged just 17, Pinamonti made his First Team debut during a European encounter, followed soon after by his first appearances in Serie A. He’s since made 30 top-tier appearances and scored five goals – the latter all for Frosinone last season.
[/article]

Diego Godin - Inter Milan (free transfer)

[article]FC Internazionale Milano announces that a contract has been agreed with Diego Godin that will run until 30 June 2022.

You need heritage to compete. Diego Roberto Godin Leal knows his history and he’s written plenty of it. He started in Rosario, Uruguay where he was born on 16 February 1986. Standing at 186cm tall, he’s reached the heights of European football in more ways than one.

Godin played youth football in Montevideo, starting out at Defensor Sporting. That was followed by three seasons at Cerro, still in the capital. He joined Nacional in the 2006-7 season before heading to Europe and Villarreal. In 2010, he signed for Atletico Madrid.

On the pitch, he always look to rise highest and be the first to aerial balls. In Madrid, Godin became a key player for the Colchoneros’ defence and an icon for all the supporters. A leader and a role model. He won La Liga once (2013-14) and it was Godin’s goal on the final day against Barcelona that secured the title. He also won one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Supercup, three European Supercups and two Europa League titles.

With Uruguay, he is still writing history for the Celeste. So far, Godin has made 131 international appearances and scored eight goals. In 2011, he won the Copa America with his country.

Diego Godin is known to all as the ‘jefe de la defensa’. Now, his ability, experience and that famous ‘garra’ will be at the service of the Nerazzurri. Best of luck for this new adventure at Inter, #WelcomeDiego!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Marko Grujic - Hertha BSC (loan for £2m)

[article]
Marko Grujic will remain with Hertha BSC on loan for the 2019-20 season, Liverpool can confirm.

The 23-year-old midfielder has extended his temporary spell with the Bundesliga club for a second campaign following an excellent maiden term in Germany.

Grujic made 23 appearances for Hertha last season, scoring five goals, and was described as ‘by far the best midfielder I’ve seen in my time [22 years] at the club’ by the team’s coach at the time.

The Serbia international originally joined Liverpool from Red Star Belgrade in January 2016, returning back to them immediately on loan, and has played 14 games for the Reds to date.

Grujic also had a successful stint at Cardiff City in 2018.
[/article]

Che Adams - Southampton (£15m)

[article]Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has reached an agreement to sign exciting young forward Che Adams, from Birmingham City.

Saints have seen off competition from a number of Premier League suitors to land the striker, who registered 22 goals and six assists in 48 appearances last season.

The 22-year-old, who was shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Year and named in the Team of the Season at the EFL Awards, has agreed a five-year contract at St Mary’s.

Adams burst on to the scene at Sheffield United, making his professional debut against Saints in the Capital One Cup as an 18-year-old back in 2014, before scoring twice in the semi-finals against Tottenham.

He swapped Bramall Lane for St Andrew’s in 2016, scoring 38 goals in 123 appearances for Birmingham, including two hat-tricks last season.

Adams becomes Ralph Hasenhüttl’s second summer signing, following in the footsteps of Mali international winger Moussa Djenepo – another young, pacey attacker set to test himself in the Premier League for the first time.

Saints boss Hasenhüttl said: “Che fits the profile of player we want to bring to Southampton and is very driven to show what he can do at the highest level.

“We have been monitoring his progress for some time now. He has shown a desire to join us above all other clubs, which shows the positive reputation Southampton has built for developing young players.

“I am delighted to have signed Che and Moussa ahead of the start of pre-season. They are both young, dynamic players with the level of enthusiasm and hunger we are looking for that can help us improve as a team.”

Adams commented: “I’m delighted. There was interest in January, when it didn’t quite happen, but I’m happy now that it’s all gone through.

“You can see with the track history – the amount of young players they’re playing, the gaffer’s belief in the young players, the squad in itself – where the club is going to be. I want to be part of that.”
[/article]

Matt Targett - Aston Villa (£15m)

[article]Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matt Targett from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old left back will join up with Dean Smith’s squad for the forthcoming Premier League season having made 21 appearances for Saints in all competitions last term.

A graduate of the Academy system at St Mary’s, Targett made his debut in August 2014 and went on to make 63 appearances and has also represented England at U21 level.

Head Coach Dean Smith said: "We're very pleased to have Matt join us. He's a player we have been looking at for a considerable amount of time.

"He fits our criteria of being a young player with experience of playing in the Premier League and having the potential to develop further. He will help make us a stronger defensive unit and we are all looking forward to working with him."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mateu Morey - Dortmund (free transfer)

[article]Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund have signed 19-year-old Spanish youth player Mateu Morey ahead of the 2019/20 season. The right-back, who joins from FC Barcelona, has signed a contract with the Black & Yellows which will run until 30 June 2024.

‘‘Mateu Morey is a top defensive talent from the Barcelona academy, who possesses exceptional technical quality. We see this transfer as one for the future and we are greatly looking forward to developing Mateu as part of our first-team squad,’’ states BVB Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

Morey, who is moving to BVB on a free transfer, has already picked up several major trophies at youth level: among others, the Mallorca-native won the European Championship with the U17 Spain national team as well as the 2016/17 UEFA Youth League with Barcelona.

‘‘Borussia Dortmund are a fantastic club, that place a lot of emphasis on youth. I’m confident that, with my individual qualities, I will have a lot to offer the club in the years to come,’’ says Mateu Morey, going on to add: ‘‘I want to integrate myself quickly, support my team and, above all, learn the language. Doing the latter will certainly make everything easier!’’[/article]

Kostas Manolas - Napoli (€36m)

[article]
Napoli have officially purchased Roma defender Kostas Manolas for €34m plus a €2m signing-on fee, effectively activating his release clause.

The 28-year-old Greek international signed the paperwork this evening and will fly in for a medical next week, but the deal has been done and personal terms agreed.

Roma released a financial statement confirming the sale is worth €36m, the cost of his release clause.

It’s believed his five-year contract is worth €3.5m plus bonuses, taking it up to a total of €4.5m per season.

There is also a €2m signing-on fee, while Amadou Diawara will go to Roma soon for €18m plus €3m in add-ons.

Diawara is currently playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for Guinea, so his move won’t be completed until July.

The Manolas move had to be finalised today so that the Giallorossi could register his sale in the 2018-19 financial year.

Manolas had also been linked with Juventus, Milan and Arsenal, but will form a new and exciting centre-back partnership with Kalidou Koulibaly.

He effectively replaces Raul Albiol, who has agreed a transfer to Villarreal.

Roma bought Manolas from Olympiacos in the summer of 2014 for €15m and he leaves after 206 competitive games for the club, in which he scored eight goals – most famously the decisive header to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League quarter-final last season.
[/article]

Leonardo Spinazzola - Roma (€29.5m)

[article]AS Roma are proud to confirm the signing of Leonardo Spinazzola on a permanent transfer.

The club has reached an agreement with Juventus for the Italy international defender, who joins the Giallorossi for a fee of €29.5 million.

Spinazzola, 26, has agreed a four-year contract with the club that will run until 30 June 2023.

“It’s a great feeling to be here,” Spinazzola said. “Since I was a child I have always had an affinity for Roma – in part because they’ve always played good football.

“The city is amazing and the fans are so passionate. I am happy to be part of this new project with the new coach.”

Spinazzola made his Serie A debut for Atalanta back in August 2014, going on to make 60 appearances across two spells for the Bergamo club.

Last season he rejoined Juventus, helping the club win both the Serie A title and the Italian Supercoppa - while he also made his Champions League debut during the last-16 victory over Atletico Madrid.

A full Italy international, Spinazzola has made seven appearances for the national team – making his debut in March 2017.

His last appearance for the Azzurri came in the 6-0 win over Liechtenstein earlier this year.

“We are happy to welcome Leonardo to AS Roma,” said Guido Fienga, the club’s chief executive.

“Leonardo is a young player that has already acquired a lot of valuable experience in Italian football. I am certain that he will settle in here very quickly and will fit in well with the style our new coach implements.”[/article]

Amadou Diawara - Roma (€18m plus add ons up to €3m)

[article]Roma are delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Amadou Diawara on a permanent transfer.

Diawara, 21, joins the Giallorossi from Napoli for a fee of €21 million.

He has agreed a five-year contract with the club, that runs until 30 June 2024.

“We have been following Amadou for a while now,” said Guido Fienga, Roma’s chief executive.

“He is a player whose talent has been clear to those in Italy for a number of years. We are pleased to welcome him to Roma, with the confidence that he can become an important player for the club."

Diawara, a full Guinea international, spent the last three seasons with Napoli – where he made 74 appearances.

He made his Serie A debut for Bologna in 2015, going on to make 35 appearances for the club.

He is currently on international duty with his country, competing at the Africa Cup of Nations.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luca Pellegrini - Juventus (€22m)

[article]Luca Pellegrini is offficially a Juventus player!

The 20-year-old defender joins from AS Roma on a four-year deal, following a loan spell last season at Cagliari.

Here it the official statement:

AGREEMENTS WITH AS ROMA

Turin, 30 June 2019 - Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that these agreements have been finalized with A.S. Roma S.p.A.:

- definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Luca Pellegrini for a consideration of € 22 million payable in three financial years. Juventus and the player have signed a 4-year contract of employment until 30 June 2023;
- definitive disposal of the registration rights of the player Leonardo Spinazzola for a consideration of € 29.5 million to be paid in three financial years. The economic effect is positive for about € 26.6 million.

The Italy U21 left-back becomes the Bianconeri's first signing ahead of the 2019/20 season. A powerful but techincal defender, Pellegrini is a player who can tirelessly command his flank for the full 90 minutes and beyond with consistency and quality.

Growing up in the youth academy of Roma, the young defender made his rise through the ranks going on to make his debut last season in Roma's 4-0 win over Frosinone in September, grabbing an assist from the bench. Less than a week later and Pellegrini then made his Champions League debut for the Giallorossi in their group game against Viktoria Plzen.

In January 2019, Pellegrini moved on loan to Cagliari where he spent the second half of the season. He made 12 appearances for the Sardinians, registering a further assist and rounding out his overall season stats with a 71% pass completion rate, 11 chances created and 63 duels won. He finished the season as the youngest defender to have made an assist in Serie A, as well the as second youngest defender to have played at least six matches in the league.[/article]

Jack Harrison - Leeds Utd (loan with option to buy)
Ben White - Leeds Utd (loan)

[article]Leeds United are delighted to announce the signings of Jack Harrison and Ben White, who have both joined the club on season-long loan deals.

Highly rated central defender White joins the club from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 21-year-old has made two first team appearances for Brighton and has also had a number of loan stints away from the American Express Community Stadium.

During the 2017/18 season, White linked up with Newport County, going on to make a total of 51 appearances for the League Two side and came up against Leeds twice in cup competitions.

Back in January he joined League One outfit Peterborough United for a temporary spell and went on to make 16 outings for the London Road club, scoring one goal.

Winger Harrison rejoins Leeds from Premier League champions Manchester City, having spent last season on loan at Elland Road.

During the 2018/19 campaign, Harrison was a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s side and came up with important goals, including a last minute equaliser away at Millwall in September, as well as the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in April.

Harrison, who made his name in the MLS with New York City before joining Manchester City in 2018, made a total of 42 appearances in all competitions for the Whites last season, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists.

The club also has an option to make Harrison’s signing a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season.

Both players will join up with Bielsa’s first team squad for training this morning.[/article]

Liam McCarron - Leeds Utd (undisclosed fee)

[article]Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of Liam McCarron on a permanent transfer from Carlisle United.

The 18-year-old joins the Whites for an undisclosed fee and has penned a three-year deal at Elland Road.

McCarron came through the ranks at Carlisle and signed a first professional contract with the League Two side last September.

He then went on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for the Brunton Park outfit and Leeds have beaten off competition from a number of Premier League and Championship clubs to secure the signature of the highly rated youngster.

McCarron will initially link up with Carlos Corberan’s Under-23 side, with a view to joining the first team squad.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Valentino Lazaro - Inter (€22m)

[article]Valentino Lazaro is now officially an Inter player. The Austrian joins the Nerazzurri from Hertha Berlin, signing a contract up until 30 June 2023.

Valentino is certainly not one to wait around, and at the age of 23, he already has huge ambitions for the future. Ever since he was a child, born and raised in Graz, he’s been full of life. Forever ringing his friends’ doorbells, running down the street and playing right up until there wasn’t enough light to see the ball. He boasts just one passion – football. He’s still inspired by his childhood heroes from the past, looking to imitate the skills of Brazilians from the Seleçao – whether that be dribbling, free-kicks or passing.

Valentino Lazaro initially came through the youth ranks at Salzburg, where he also made his debut in the Austrian league. He spent five seasons at the club, four of which included a successive streak of league titles and domestic cups. Lazaro knows how to win. He plays mostly on the right flank but is versatile and used to playing in different roles. Like many greats of the game, he developed at a young age by playing on the streets, giving him a great base in terms of skill and tactical selflessness. Those courtyards and tight spaces proved to be the perfect setting in helping him to grow as a player.

During two campaigns at Hertha Berlin, he got to know the Bundesliga and made 31 appearances last season, scoring three and assisting seven goals. Lazaro’s unpredictability also saw him become a part of the Austria set-up and he has 12 international caps and one goal. Now, he’s set to start at Inter with a real sense of enthusiasm. From all of the Nerazzurri family, #WelcomeValentino![/article]

Danny Ings - Southampton (£18m plus add ons up to £2m + 20% sell on clause)

[article]
Danny Ings has today officially completed his permanent switch from Liverpool, Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm.

The striker arrived at St Mary’s last summer on an initial loan deal, with an agreement for a transfer at the end of the season, and Ings has now formally completed the move to his hometown club, signing a contract until 2022.

The 26-year-old scored eight times in his debut season for Saints last term, including a series of pivotal goals that earned the team a string of vital points in their Premier League campaign.

Ings, who reported back to Staplewood Campus for the first day of pre-season on Monday, was pleased to make the switch official and spoke of how excited he is at what lies ahead.

"It feels good,” he said. “Obviously, being here for a season already, I felt like it was very up and down for me personally, with a few niggles and small injuries, and that was off the back of not having a strong pre-season going into the season.

“Now I've signed permanently, I feel great. I've looked after myself over the summer and I'm just raring to go for the new season.

"Personally, it's a big season for me. I feel like it's my most exciting really.

“The last few years have been very up and down for me, but now I've looked after myself over this summer and I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully great things can come from it.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mateo Kovacic - Chelsea (£40m)

[article]
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have completed the permanent signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid.

The Croatian World Cup finalist moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last summer and was a regular in our midfield, helping us to a Europa League triumph and a third-place finish in the Premier League.

Kovacic has now signed a five-year contract and will be a member of our squad for 2019/20.

Kovacic said: ‘I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently.

‘We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘Mateo proved what an accomplished player he is during his season on loan with us and we are delighted to welcome him to the club on a permanent basis.

‘He already possesses extensive experience at club and international level and we are sure he will be a big success with Chelsea over the next five years.'

Kovacic made 51 appearances for Chelsea last season, 36 of them starts, playing primarily on the left of midfield in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 formation where he was an important supplier of passes to top goalscorer Eden Hazard.

The 25-year-old contributed significantly to our Europa League-winning campaign, starting in 10 of the 15 games, including the final in Baku, and making two further substitute appearances. He was a standout performer against Arsenal in Azerbaijan and was involved in three of the goals in our 4-1 win.

Prior to his signing for Real Madrid four years ago, Kovacic was at Inter Milan in Italy and before that, Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, for whom he has won 52 caps.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Craig Dawson - Watford (£6m)

[article]
The Hornets have moved to strengthen their ranks by completing the permanent signing of Craig Dawson from West Bromwich Albion.

The defender has agreed terms on a four-year deal with Watford, keeping him at Vicarage Road until the summer of 2023.

A former England Under-21 international who also represented Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, Dawson has a wealth of Premier League experience, having racked up more than 150 top-flight appearances for the Baggies.

The 29-year-old is comfortable in either a central defensive position or at right-back and in total played in 225 games during nine years at the Hawthorns, having spent time with Rochdale and Bolton earlier in his career.

He becomes the Hornets’ first new recruit ahead of the 2019/20 Premier League season.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jark Clarke - Tottenham (£9m plus add ons)

[article]
We are delighted to announce the signing of Jack Clarke from Leeds United.

The 18-year-old has agreed a contract with the Club until 2023 and will return to the Championship side on loan for the 2019/20 season.

Born in York, the winger came through the ranks at Leeds and made his breakthrough last season under Marcelo Bielsa, playing 25 times and scoring two goals as the Whites reached the Championship Play-Offs.

The teenager was also named the Leeds United Young Player of the Year for his performances.

Jack said: “I’m delighted to join Tottenham and in the short term I’ll be giving my all to hopefully help Leeds win promotion.”
[/article]

Jark Clarke - Leeds Utd (loan)

[article]
Leeds United are pleased to announce the loan signing of Jack Clarke from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Clarke completed a permanent move to Tottenham on Tuesday, but now returns to Elland Road until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

Last season Clarke made 25 appearances for the Whites, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

The 18-year-old will return to training with Marcelo Bielsa’s side with immediate effect.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pablo Sarabia - Paris St Germain (€18m)


Adrien Rabiot - Juventus (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Gelson Martins - Monaco (reportedly €30m)

 

[Kay Age El]

He good?

 

[LeTallecWiz]

He good?

Yes, unfortunately so. Class MF.

 

[King Binny]

He good?

Just saw this on Twitter

Another Kante?

 

[King Binny]

Luuk de Jong - Sevilla (€15m including add ons)

[article]
Sevilla FC and PSV Eindhoven have reached an agreement the transfer of Dutch striker Luuk De Jong to the Nervionenses. The player arrived in Seville this morning and passed his medical, before signing a Sevilla FC contract that will keep him at the Club until 2023.

Born on the 27th of August 1990, he was grown in the academies of DZC 68' and De Graafschap, making the leap to Eredivisie with the latter when he was barely 18 years old in the 08/09 season. After just 20 matches in the Dutch elite, he was signed by FC Twente in the 09/10 campaign.

In his first days in Enschede, De Jong debuted in the Europa League and finished his first season with 21 matches played (scoring 7 goals and winning an Eredivisie title). A year later, he would take another step, this time debuting in the Champions League, lifting the Dutch cup and scoring no less than 20 goals. His impressive performances would capture the attention of Bert van Marwijk, who handed him his international debut at just 20 years old. His defining breakout season would come in 11/12, when scoring 32 goals - 25 in Eredivisie.

It wouldn't be long before Borussia Monchengladbach came knocking, signing the player in the 12/13 season. De Jong would score eight goals between the Bundesliga and Europa Leauge. One year later, lacking minutes, he would move to Newcastle United before returning home to the Netherlands in the summer of 2014 when he signed for PSV.

There, he has played four magnificent seasons, winning three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Super Cups and laying definitive claim to a spot in the Dutch national team. With PSV, he has scored an impressive 112 goals in 204 official appearances, finishing top goalscorer of Eredivisie last season for his efforts.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Denis Suarez - Celta (€12.9m plus add ons up to €3.1m)

[article]Spaniard Suarez, 25, came through Celta's academy and played for the reserves before moving to Manchester City aged 17 but he never played a competitive game for the Premier League side.

He returned to Spain in 2013 to join Barcelona's reserve team and then went out on loan to Sevilla and Villarreal before finally breaking into Barca's first team in 2016, making a total of 16 La Liga starts for the Catalans in two campaigns.

Suarez did not start a league games last season and went on loan to Arsenal in January but his second spell in England was overshadowed by injuries as he failed to break into the starting lineup at the London side, making six substitute appearances.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Bobby Adekanye - Lazio (free transfer)

[article]Lazio have officially signed former Liverpool winger Bobby Adekanye on a free transfer.

Although Lazio have yet to announce the transfer, Adekanye’s four-year contract has been deposited with Lega Serie A.

The 20-year-old scored three goals and provided two assists for Liverpool’s reserve team last season but left without playing a competitive game for the club.

He was born in Nigeria but represents Netherlands at Under-20 level and spent time in Barcelona’s youth academy.[/article]
They like Liverpool players, don't they?

Jake Bidwell - Swansea (free transfer)

[article]SWANSEA CITY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR FIRST SIGNING OF THE SUMMER FOLLOWING THE ARRIVAL OF DEFENDER JAKE BIDWELL, SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE.

The left-back becomes the first addition to the squad under new head coach Steve Cooper, with Bidwell signing a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium after his contract expired at QPR.

After putting pen to paper today at the club’s Fairwood training base, he will link up tomorrow with the first-team squad during their pre-season tour in Spain.

Following Martin Olsson’s departure this summer, Cooper has strengthened his left-back options with Bidwell set to compete with Wales international Declan John for that position.

Bidwell joins the Swans on the back of a successful spell at QPR, with the 26-year-old having featured in the Hoops’ 3-0 defeat in SA1 last season.

He made 130 appearances, scoring four goals, during his three-year spell at the London club.

That came on the back of two loan spells and a permanent switch to Brentford, for whom he helped win automatic promotion to the Championship and was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year in 2013-14.

Southport-born Bidwell started his career at Everton at the age of 11 and went on to captain the Toffees to a Premier League academy title.

His one and only first-team appearance for the Merseysiders still sits in the history books as he became the club’s youngest player to represent Everton in European competition when he played against BATE Borisov in the Europa League in 2009.[/article]

Damien Johnson - Blackburn (First Team Technical Coach, Head of Player Development)

[article]Rovers are pleased to announce that Under-23s head coach Damien Johnson has been promoted to the role of first team technical coach and head of player development.

Johnson, who came through Rovers’ youth ranks and went on to make over 80 appearances in blue-and-white between 1997 and 2002, returned to the club as an Academy coach in April 2015.

The former midfielder moved up to the Senior Training Centre that summer to take charge of the Under-21s and guided the development squad to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in 2017-18.

Last season, Johnson steered Rovers Under-23s to a fifth-place finish in the PL2 top flight, as well as securing the Lancashire FA Senior Cup for the first time since 2011 courtesy of a 2-0 victory over local rivals Burnley in the final.

The 40-year-old has also played a pivotal role in the development of a number of Rovers’ rising stars in recent years and will continue to do so in his new role.

David Raya, Ryan Nyambe, Lewis Travis and Scott Wharton have all made the successful step up to first team football under Johnson’s watch, whilst fellow Academy graduates Dan Butterworth, John Buckley, Joe Grayson and Tyler Magloire all made their senior debuts for the club last season.

The former Northern Ireland international, who earned 56 caps for his country, is looking forward to this new chapter in his coaching career, with the 2019-20 Championship campaign now just over a month away.

"I'm delighted, it's a fantastic opportunity for me to take on the role,” said Johnson.

"When I was asked about stepping up, it was a chance I just couldn't turn down.

"It was a very tough decision to leave the Under-23s. I've said before that it's a job I've really enjoyed, working with the likes of Stuart Jones, Tony Carss and the rest of the staff at the Academy.

"Tony (Mowbray) and I spoke at length about the role and what's needed, and it was something that really excited me. To work with the gaffer, who is so supportive, is a fantastic opportunity.

"It's a club that has played a huge part in my career, both as a player and a manager, and gave me my first opportunity in first team football.

"It's vitally important to continue the pathway for players from Under-23s football to the first team, which is something we've done a lot over the years.

"The players need to make that transition from development squad football to the first team and that's the challenge for them."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Christopher Jullien - Celtic (€8m)

[article]
CELTIC Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Christopher Jullien, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from Toulouse.

The highly-rated central defender moves to the Scottish Champions after three years with the French side, where he made over 100 appearances, scoring eight goals.

The 26-year-old, who began his career with Auxerre before a three-year spell with German side, SC Freiburg, will now take up a new football challenge with the Treble Treble champions.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Christopher to Celtic. He is a quality player with great attributes and we are very much looking forward to him joining the squad and working with him.

“We’ve got a squad of great quality already here at the club, who have achieved incredible success over the past few seasons, but it’s always good to add further quality to the group, and that’s what we’ve got with Christopher.

“I know the players will be delighted to welcome him into the squad, and I know he will be keen to play his part in the seasons ahead as we look to deliver further success for our supporters.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Tanguy Ndombelé - Tottenham (€60m plus add ons up to €10m)

[article]We are delighted to announce the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Olympique Lyonnais.

The France international central midfielder has signed a contract with the Club until 2025.

Ndombele, 22, started his professional career at French side Amiens in Ligue 2, before moving to Olympique Lyonnais on loan in August, 2017, and permanently in the summer of 2018.

He made 96 appearances in total for the Ligue 1 side and registered 16 assists.

Having represented France at Under-21 level 10 times, Ndombele made his senior international debut in October, 2018, and has played for his country on six occasions.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stefano Sensi - Inter Milan (loan for €5m with option to buy for €25m)

[article]Stefano Sensi is officially a new Inter player. The Italian midfielder has joined the Nerazzurri on loan with a clause to make the switch permanent.

The 23-year-old midfielder has spent most of his life around football. He was 13 when he left his hometown of Urbino to move to the Rimini youth set-up. As it is for everyone, it was tough to leave home at a young age but perseverance is one of Stefano Sensi’s best traits. It allowed him to pave his way and take his place in the upper echelons of the game, overcoming hurdle after hurdle while following his dream.

Sensi moved to Cesena where he continued to play youth football before a loan at Lega Pro side San Marino where he was given the captain’s armband at just 18. There, he made 61 appearances and scored ten goals, often playing in attacking midfield. That was followed by a season in the first team at Cesena before Sassuolo signed him in 2016. In three seasons there, he made 68 appearances and scored five goals.

Sensi has shown himself to be someone who loves team play and he takes on responsibility. His vision and intelligence on the pitch previously earned him the nickname of ‘maestro’.

He has two Italy caps to his name and one international goal. An exciting new adventure now awaits him in an Inter shirt, best of luck to him from all the Nerazzurri supporters. #WelcomeStefano!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriel Martinelli - Arsenal (£6m)

[article]Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli is joining us from Ituano Futebol Clube on a long-term contract.

Gabriel has made rapid progress during his short time at Ituano. Since making his debut in November 2017 aged just 16 years and nine months, the young forward scored 10 goals from his 34 appearances for the Sao Paulo-based club.

The 18-year-old’s development was also recently acknowledged by the Brazilian national team, with a call-up to the full squad for a training camp in May ahead of the Copa America.

Gabriel was voted as the 2019 Best Newcomer and also a member of the 2019 Team of the Year for the Campeonato Paulista - the football league for the state of Sao Paulo.

The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Gabriel will shortly join up with his new team mates for pre-season training.[/article]

Tomas Kalas - Bristol City (£8m)

[article]City have secured the permanent return of last season’s loan star Tomas Kalas for a club-record fee.

The 26-year-old has penned a four-year contract in BS3 after City beat off competition from several clubs for his signature.

Kalas was on loan at Ashton Gate from Chelsea during the 2018/19 season and instantly became a popular and dominant figure at the heart of City’s defence.

The Czech Republic international made 41 appearances in City colours, contributing to 11 clean sheets.

Kalas becomes the seventh signing this summer and City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said: “We are thrilled Tomas has committed his future to Bristol City for a club-record fee and I know it is a signing which City supporters have been eagerly hoping for.

“A player of Tomas’ stature naturally attracts a lot of interest but we worked hard to secure his services which I believe shows a lot about our ambition. All credit as well to Chelsea who have been excellent to deal with regarding Jay (Dasilva) and now Tomas.”

Head Coach Lee Johnson said: “We saw last season the qualities he brings and Tomas is exactly the type of player we want to build our team around. Not only is he a fantastic footballer but someone with a winning mentality.

“A lot of credit should go to Mark Ashton, Jon Lansdown and the City Board for the hard work in making this happen.”

After signing for Chelsea in 2010 Kalas rejoined former side Sigma Olomouc on loan before spending two seasons at Vitesse Arnhem. He spent the first of two loan spells at FC Cologne before he was recalled to his parent club and made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 win against Arsenal in October 2013.

Kalas would return to the German club on loan though, before having a temporary spell at Middlesbrough, helping the Smoggies reach the Premier League. He then spent the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons with Fulham, whom he also helped win promotion to the top flight, before his loan spell in BS3.
[/article]

Colin Bell - Huddersfield (Assistant Head Coach)

[article]Huddersfield Town has today appointed Colin Bell to the role of Assistant Head Coach.

The Leicester-born 57-year-old brings vast experience from 30 years of coaching to Jan Siewert’s backroom staff.

Colin was a defender in his playing days but has made his career as a successful coach in Germany after hanging up his boots.

He has worked in the men’s game in Germany for 23 years, enjoying success as Head Coach of TuS Koblenz over a seven-year period before becoming Assistant Head Coach at 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga; a role he held from 1996 to 1999.

Colin left to lead one of Germany’s biggest clubs, Dynamo Dresden, as Head Coach for the 1999/00 season before steering FSV Mainz 05 II to the main rounds of the domestic cup for four successive years; a new record in the country for a second team.

He then returned to Koblenz to revolutionise the Club’s Academy setup, whilst still serving as Assistant Head Coach, from 2006 to 2011.

Bell then led FFC Frankfurt as they won the Women’s Champions League in 2005 following a domestic cup win the previous year, earning him further high-profile jobs in the Women’s game.

The first ever Englishman to complete his coaching badges in Germany, Colin was named in the 10-person shortlist for FIFA Women’s World Coach of the Year for his achievements at Frankfurt.

He joins the Terriers from his post as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team, which he has held since 2017.

Huddersfield Town Head Coach Jan Siewert explained:

“I’m so happy to be able to welcome Colin to Huddersfield today.

“He has a fantastic reputation in Germany as a top-quality coach, that he’s really earned. He’s been a Head Coach, a supporting coach and the head of Academies at very high levels and can offer us so much.

“We first met when he was at TuS Koblenz and he was a big help to me early in my coaching career. We’ve kept in touch ever since and I’m delighted he has accepted the offer to come and help us here at Huddersfield Town.

“Not only is he a great coach, but he will also be great around the players on a day-to-day basis.

“I’m really excited to have him with us at PPG Canalside today.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sandro Ramirez - Real Valladolid (loan)

[article]Real Valladolid have completed the season-long loan signing of out-of-favour striker Sandro Ramirez from Everton, it has been confirmed.

The striker has been badly out of form since leaving Malaga in the summer of 2017, netting just once in 60 appearances in all competitions - for Everton against Atalanta in November 2017.

The former Barcelona forward – who scored 14 goals in 30 La Liga appearances in the 2016/17 season for Malaga after joining from the Blaugrana – before joining the Toffees in a €6m move.

Sandro failed to find the net in 26 appearances during a loan stint with Real Sociedad last campaign while he also did not register in front of goal in 18 Sevilla outings prior to that.
[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Thank you for stellar work as always, @King Binny!

 

[King Binny]

Thank you for stellar work as always, @King Binny!

Wesley Moraes - Aston Villa (£22m)

[article]Wesley has arrived in the UK as he gets set for the first day of pre-season training in the morning.

The striker, our new record signing, has been granted a work permit.

He’ll now prepare for our return to the Premier League with a week at Bodymoor Heath under the watchful eye of Dean Smith before flying out for a tour of the USA.

He’ll be joined tomorrow by fellow new boys Jota and Matt Targett as well as the returning Kortney Hause and Anwar El Ghazi.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Erik Durm - Eintracht Frankfurt (free transfer)


Dominik Kohr - Eintracht Frankfurt (reportedly €10m)

 

[King Binny]

Thiago Mendes - Lyon (€26.5m plus add ons up to €4.5m)


Luke Freeman - Sheff Utd (reportedly £5m)

[article]Chris Wilder has made a decisive first move in the summer transfer window, with the signing of one of the Championship's top performers in recent seasons.

Luke Freeman arrives at Bramall Lane on a three-year deal, with the Blades paying QPR an undisclosed club record fee for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Freeman scored eight goals in 48 appearances for the R's last term and netted against United when the two teams met at Bramall Lane in February 2018.

The Dartford-born operator began his career at Gillingham, prior to moving to Arsenal as a teenager. He featured heavily for both the Gunners second string and U18s as he progressed through the ranks in North London.

Loan spells at Yeovil Town and Stevenage furthered Freeman's development, before he completed a permanent switch to the latter in January 2012, where he went on to make over 100 appearances.

Bristol City came calling in June 2014 and in his first season at Ashton Gate, Freeman helped the Robins win promotion to Championship and lift the EFL Trophy.

As he was at Stevenage, Freeman provided a regular source of goals from the midfield engine room in the West Country, prompting QPR to secure his services for an undisclosed fee in January 2017.

Statistically, Freeman has impressed many onlookers in the second tier since and having been monitored by boss Chris Wilder for a long period of time, he becomes United's first signing ahead of returning to the Premier League.

Of the signing of Freeman, boss Wilder remarked: "Luke gives us balance off his left foot. His stats add up and all the eyes we've had on him have come back with glowing reports.

"He's one of the best players in the Championship and he can play in a number of positions. Luke is ideal to complement what we already have at the club, I think he will be a good fit for us."

[/article]