Confirmed Transfers 19/20

[King Binny]

Kerem Demirbay - Leverkusen (reportedly €28m)

[article]
Bayer 04 have signed midfielder Kerem Demirbay for next season. The two-time Germany international, who won the Confed Cup in Russia in 2017, joins the Werkself from Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Demirbay has penned a deal at Leverkusen to 30 June 2024.

"In Kerem Demirbay we have gained a technically skilled and strategic midfielder who can also score goals," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Kerim was an absolute key player at Hoffenheim and he will be an important factor for us in meeting our targets next season," added Rolfes.

For Demirbay, who joined Hoffenheim in 2016 from Hamburg SV, the move is: "The next step after three really great years at TSG. Bayer 04 have always played attractive, attacking football," declared the 25-year-old. "That style suits me and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team."

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler underlined that Demirbay's signing is "a clear signal of our ambitions. We have big plans for next season but first we want to qualify for European competition," said Völler. "For, hopefully, three competitions we need top players like Kerem Demirbay.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Graeme Shinnie - Derby County (free transfer)

[article]
Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie has penned a pre-contract agreement to join Derby County in the summer.

The Scotland international midfielder will officially become a Derby player when his Aberdeen contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Shinnie, an industrious midfield player who is also capable of playing at left-back, has agreed a three-year contract with the Rams which will run until the summer of 2022.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for Aberdeen in recent seasons under Derek McInnes.

The Dons have finished second in the Scottish Premiership behind Celtic in his three full seasons with the club and reached three Cup Finals, as well as currently sitting fourth this season, with Shinnie playing a key role.

Manager Frank Lampard said: “Graeme will be an excellent addition to our squad for next season and beyond.

“He has been an extremely consistent performer for Aberdeen. He’s someone we’ve watched very closely and we think he will fit into our squad with his ability, attitude and characteristics.

“He has the rest of the season to conclude with Aberdeen but we look forward to welcoming Graeme to Derby County when he reports for pre-season training ahead of next season.”

Shinnie said: “I’m delighted to be joining Derby County and I’m really excited for the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself in English football and getting the next stage of my career started.

“This is a great opportunity for me to come to a club with such exciting potential as Derby County and I have been impressed with the manager’s plans for the future.”

He added: “I will, of course, remain professional and committed to Aberdeen for the rest of this season as we look to end the season positively. I’ve had a fantastic time at Pittodrie during the last four seasons, made some great friends and loved my football.”

Born in Aberdeen, Shinnie’s professional career began at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and he made his first-team debut at the age of just 17.

He spent time on loan at Highland League side Forres Mechanics in his first season as a professional before becoming a first-team regular at the Highland outfit from the start of the 2010/11 season.

During six seasons with Inverness, Shinnie made 187 appearances, scoring eight times, and was primarily used as a left-back.

His time at Inverness ended on a high note in May 2015 as he lifted the Scottish Cup following a 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Hampden Park.

Shinnie joined Aberdeen as a free agent when his Inverness contract expired in the summer of 2015.

He has made 181 appearances over the course of the last four campaigns, netting 11 goals, and has worn the captain’s armband since 2017.

Shinnie has also gained European experience with Aberdeen in recent seasons in the Europa League qualifiers, as well as playing in two Scottish League Cup Finals and one Scottish Cup Final.

On the international stage, Shinnie has six full international caps to his name for Scotland.

A former Scotland Under-21 international, he made his international bow in May 2018 against Peru and has since made a further five appearances for his country.

Shinnie’s older brother, Andrew, currently plays for Sky Bet League One champions Luton Town.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Steve Davis - Rangers (free transfer)

[article]RANGERS are today delighted to announce that Steven Davis has joined the club on a one-year-deal.

The 34-year-old rejoined the Gers in January on a six month loan deal from Southampton and now makes his return permanent.

This is the Northern Ireland captain’s second spell at Ibrox having previously played from 2007 to 2012, winning three league titles, two Scottish Cups, three League Cups and reaching the UEFA Cup Final.

Since his return from Premier League Southampton in January the midfielder has made 16 appearances under Steven Gerrard, taking his total appearances for the club to 227.

Speaking exclusively to RangersTV Davis said: “I am obviously delighted my future has been sorted out.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed, especially in the last couple of weeks, the performances of the team as they have been really good and I think there has been a lot of progress made this season.

“We are disappointed that we didn’t manage to pick up any silverware to this point, but there is a lot to look forward to in the future.

“[To begin with], it was a case of myself and the club getting the initial period out of the way and seeing how everything went as my family are still down south. That has been different, but I am delighted to now get everything signed and sealed.”

Steven Gerrard commented: “Rangers fans have started to see a fully fit Steven Davis over the past month.

“He looks sharp, is covering all round the pitch, winning the ball back, intercepting balls and looking aggressive.

“That is why we brought him back in January and why we want him as part of this squad going forward.”[/article]

Jake Hastie - Rangers (free transfer)

[article]RANGERS are today delighted to announce the signing of Jake Hastie on a four-year-deal.

The winger will join the Light Blues from Motherwell with his current deal at Fir Park ends this summer.

20-year-old Hastie is a hot prospect in Scotland having won his first Scotland under-21 caps in recent months. A product of Motherwell’s academy, he was handed his debut in 2016, the same year he lifted the Scottish Youth Cup with the club.

He was loaned out to Airdrieonians for the 2017/18 season where he made 32 appearances, scoring three times.

Hastie spent the first half of this season with Championship Alloa Athletic where he scored four in 23 appearances before he returned to his parent club and began to shine at Scotland’s highest level.

He has been a key part of Motherwell’s new attacking style since the turn of the year, scoring seven goals in 14 appearances since January. He won Premiership Player of the Month for March thanks to his sparkling form.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard today said: “We’re delighted to be able to add Jake to the squad next season.

“He is a talented young player who has performed well for Motherwell in the second half of this season.

“We are always looking to add individuals to our group of players who will improve us and Jake will undoubtedly do that.”

Director of Football Mark Allen said: “We are delighted to add such a talented and young Scottish player to our team for next season.

“We are committed to improving the strength of our squad and this is part of that process. There will be some departures and we hope for a few arrivals which will add greater quality.”

Hastie will join up with the squad when they report for pre-season training in June, alongside other pre-contract signing Jordan Jones, who joins from Kilmarnock.[/article]

 

[James]

Great to have you back, Binny.

 

[DHSC]

What have you been up to, my fellow Singaporean?

 

[LeTallecWiz]

What have you been up to, my fellow Singaporean?

He was dead.
Now he's alive.
SCM is better for it.

 

[King Binny]

Great to have you back, Binny.

Thanks mate

What have you been up to, my fellow Singaporean?

Just got really busy with life and work thus the 'hiatus' 🙂

He was dead.
Now he's alive.
SCM is better for it.

😛

 

[King Binny]

Scott Parker - Fulham (Head Coach)

[article]Shahid Khan, Chairman of Fulham Football Club, today promoted Scott Parker from Caretaker Manager to the full-time post of Head Coach, effective immediately.

“Scott was brave to accept a very difficult challenge in February when appointed as our Caretaker Manager,” Khan said. “Since that time, day by day, whether in training or on matchday, we’ve undeniably become a better football club.

“Scott will now have another challenge to face, and that is to return Fulham to the Premier League. I fully believe Scott is more than up to the task. I appreciate that he’s been clear for many years that his ultimate goal is to excel as a manager, and he will be given every opportunity to succeed at Fulham. I also have no doubt that he knows and loves this Club every bit as much as our supporters, and that’s an intangible that everyone can welcome.”

Scott Parker added: “I’m delighted to be appointed Head Coach of Fulham Football Club and I thank the Chairman for entrusting me with this responsibility, as well as the support and encouragement that both he and Tony Khan have provided me.

“The players, staff and fans have all been fantastic with me since I took temporary charge. We are now all focused on ending this campaign with a positive result on Sunday against Newcastle and look forward to preparations for the new season, which have already begun.”

Parker, 38, arrived at Fulham from Tottenham Hotspur in summer of 2013 as one of the Khans’ first signings. In his first season with the Club, Parker made 32 appearances and scored two goals, including a strike from outside of the box, late in the game, to win at 2-1 Norwich City on Boxing Day.

The following season he was appointed Club Captain and would later help Fulham reach the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals in 2016/17, departing that summer after having made 128 appearances for the Whites while notching six goals.

Parker then returned to Fulham as First Team Coach in the summer of 2018 before being installed as Caretaker Manager following Claudio Ranieri’s departure on February 28th. Under Parker’s guidance, Fulham narrowly lost to Chelsea and Liverpool before producing our only three-match winning streak of the season, recording clean sheets in all three games.

Parker earned 18 caps for England, for whom he played all four of the Three Lions’ matches at Euro 2012, while also serving as captain earlier the same year versus the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium. Parker was voted Player of the Year in 2011 by the Football Writers’ Association and, overall, has made 590 career appearances for club and country, pocketing 36 goals.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

David Wagner - Schalke (Head Coach)


[article]
The Royal Blues have appointed a new head coach for the upcoming season: a highly motivated David Wagner. The 47-year-old (born: 19th October 1971) has signed a three year contract with Schalke 04 until the summer of 2022. Wagner had been head coach of Premier League outfit Huddersfield Town until January this year.

“We are delighted to have David Wagner join us. He perfectly fits in with our requirements; someone who coaches his team to take charge during games, to play with intensity and with a high tempo. He is also someone however, who can influence the team with his personality and improve players too,” explained Jochen Schneider.

“I know from personal experience just how strong Schalke 04 can be when the team, club, and the fans are all working together,” David Wagner said. “Being able to immerse myself in this environment once more and being able to help turn the situation around were big factors in my decision to return to the Bundesliga.” The new head coach will decide who will make up the rest of his coaching team in the weeks to come.

A player at Schalke between 1995 and 1997
Wagner’s history has a bit of Royal Blue in it already. The new head coach played 36 games for Schalke, recording three goals between 1995-97. In that time, he featured in 29 Bundesliga matches (two goals), five UEFA Cup matches (one goal), as well as appearing in two DFB-Pokals. Wagner also played a role in Schalke finishing third overall in the 1995-96 season. As a result, the club qualified for the Europe League for the first time in 19 years, and went on to win the UEFA Cup in 1997. The US international’s career saw him play for clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt (1990-91), Mainz 05 (1991-95), FC Gütersloh (1997-99), SV Waldhof (1999) and Darmstadt 98 (1999-2002).

Wagner made his coaching debut in Hoffenheim’s youth academy, where he coached both the U19 (2007-08) and the U17 teams (2008-09). From 2011-15, Wagner worked as the attacking coach for Borussia Dortmund’s second team, who were promoted from the third division in 2012. In November 2015 he took over as head coach of Huddersfield Town, who were playing in England’s second division at the time. Huddersfield’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017, as well as subsequently staying in the top flight the following season were a surprise for many in the UK.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Mbabu - Wolfsburg (reportedly € 9.2m)

[article]VfL Wolfsburg have made their first new signing for the coming season after completing a deal for Switzerland right-back Kevin Mbabu. The 24-year-old, who will wear the number 19 shirt, joins the Wolves from Swiss Super League champions BSC Young Boys on a four-year contract until 2023. The clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.

"I know the importance of the number 19 shirt"
"Kevin Mbabu made a very positive impression on us when we scouted him and reinforced that impression during our discussions with him," said VfL Managing Director Jörg Schmadtke. "He's particularly strong and quick, and he's a player who will fit in well at VfL Wolfsburg as a footballer and as a person."

"I'm really looking forward to this new challenge and the adventure in the Bundesliga," said Mbabu after completing his medical on Thursday. "The facilities at the club are ideal for me to keep improving as a footballer at a high level. I obviously know the importance of the number 19 shirt, which Junior Malanda wore. It's a big honour for me to wear that number. It goes without saying that it gives me extra motivation to give my all and earn the right to wear the shirt."

Swiss Super League champion
Born in Chêne-Bougeries in Switzerland, Mbabu took his first steps as a footballer in the youth team of second-division club Servette FC. After making the breakthrough to the first team, he went on to play for Newcastle United’s Under-23 side before being handed his first-team debut at the club by former VfL boss Steve McClaren.

After just three Premier League appearances in three seasons, as well as a short loan spell at Scottish record champions Rangers, Mbabu returned home in 2016 to sign for Swiss Super League side Young Boys, who finished second in his first season at the club. The defender played a key role in helping the Bern-based club win back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.

Mbabu, who has represented Switzerland at every level from U16 through to the full national team, has won four caps for the UEFA Nations League finalists to date. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Young Boys so far this season, including seven UEFA Champions League outings. He scored his only goal of the campaign against Dinamo Zagreb in the play-off first leg last August.
[/article]

Joao Victor - Wolfsburg (undisclosed fee)

[article]Following on from the signing of Kevin Mbabu, VfL Wolfsburg have completed their second bit of transfer business ahead of the new season: winger Joao Victor will move to Wolfsburg from Austrian top-flight club LASK for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old from Brazil has put pen to paper on a contract until 2023 and will wear the number 40 jersey for the Green-Whites.

“He’s a player who possesses tremendous speed along with his goal threat,” said VfL sporting director Marcel Schäfer. “He’ll further strengthen the team’s attack and he also made a very positive impression in our personal discussions.”

Joao Victor has scored 12 goals in 25 games for LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, as well as netting six times in the cup. In total, he’s posted 26 goals and 14 assists in 52 appearances for the Linz club.

“I chose to move to VfL Wolfsburg because their style of play suits me well,” commented the attacker, who arrived in Austria from Brazilian club Sao Jose dos Campos in summer 2015. “It’s a well-organised club with an excellent infrastructure. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga next season, which in my eyes is one of the best leagues in the world.”

Before joining LASK, Joao Victor played for Austrian second division side SV Kapfenberg, where he impressed with 30 goals and 11 assists in 62 games.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mateo Klimowicz - Stuttgart (reportedly €1.5m + add ons)

[article]
VfB Stuttgart have made their first signing for next season with the capture of Mateo Klimowicz. The 18-year-old joins from Instituto AC Cordoba, who play in Argentina’s second division, and has signed a contract with VfB until 30 June 2024. The midfielder has made 16 appearances in Primera B Nacional this season, scoring six goals.

Board member Thomas Hitzlsperger: “We’re very pleased about the signing of Mateo as our first new recruit for next season. He chose us despite substantial interest from elsewhere, which goes to show that VfB is a very good destination for young, talented players. Along with Mateo, we also want to integrate more players from our own youth system into the first-team squad over the coming season and help them make the step up to professional football.”

Mateo Klimowicz: “The move to VfB is a dream come true for me. I’m very excited about my new club and the new season.”
[/article]

 

[refugee]

[article]
Board member Thomas Hitzlsperger
[/article]

How did he manage that? I remember him doing very little as a Villa player

 

[King Binny]

Paul Hurst - Scunthorpe Utd (First Team Manager)


[article]Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Hurst as the club’s new first team manager.

The 44-year-old achieved promotion as a manager at Ilkeston Town and Boston in non-league, before guiding Grimsby back into the EFL after a six-year absence in 2016.

He moved on to League One side Shrewsbury Town in late 2016, taking over with the club bottom of League One. He kept them up during his first season and then led them to the Checkatrade Trophy and Play-Off finals in 2018.

A spell as manager of Championship side Ipswich Town then followed due to his success at the New Meadow.

He made over 450 appearances as a player at Rotherham United between 1993 and 2009, also including a loan stint at Burton Albion later in his career.

Paul will be joined by Chris Doig, who has taken on the role of assistant manager.

Doig, aged 38, was a Scottish defender who plied his trade for Queen of the South, Nottingham Forest, Northampton Town, Central Coast Mariners, Pelita Jaya, Aldershot Town, York City and Grimsby Town.

It was at the latter of those clubs where he became Hurst’s assistant, before joining him at Shrewsbury and Ipswich.

We can confirm Andy Dawson will revert back to a position on the coaching staff.

Kenny Black and Nick Barmby, who was helping during Andy’s spell as caretaker manager, have now left the club. We thank them for their efforts while with United and wish them well for the future.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Achim Beierlorzer - Cologne (Head Coach)

[article]
1. FC Köln will go into the 2019-20 season with a new head coach. Achim Beierlorzer joins FC from SSV Jahn Regensburg. The 51-year-old manager has signed a two-year deal through to 2021.

“Achim has shown very good work in his previous clubs. He has strong leadership qualities and is very inclusive, in terms of communicating a lot. Overall, in addition, I appreciate his authentic charisma and that he takes things positively,” said FC managing director, Armin Veh. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to once again thank André Pawlak and Manfred Schmid for helping out FC at short notice as the coaches for the first-team. We’re happy that we have them in the team.”

Achim Beierlorzer says: “I’m very thankfully to SSV Jahn Regensburg and my team for the last two years. Everyone who knows me, knows how important new challenges are for me. Therefore, when the offer from Köln to work in the Bundesliga arrived, I didn’t waste a second. Especially at such a big, traditional club with such fans. I’m massively looking forward to it.”

Achim Beierlorzer was born on 20th November 1967 in Erlangen. In his career as a player, he was with 1. FC Nürnberg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth. He study maths and sport, and in 2014 he was the best coach through his course as he obtained his licence.

His career as a coach started to take off at Fürth with the under-17s. In 2014, he joined RB Leipzig in the same role before almost immediately being named interim first-team head coach. He was then named assistant to Ralf Rangnick before heading back to the youth academy. At the beginning of the 2017-18 season, he joined Jahn Regensburg. He has since managed the club to fifth and no worse than eighth place.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Maryan Shved - Celtic (£2 million)


[article]CELTIC are delighted to have signed Maryan Shved on a four-and-a-half year contract from Karpaty Lviv.

The 21-year-old, who becomes the first Ukrainian to join Celtic, is thrilled to be making the move, but both the winger and the club also believe that it will be beneficial to his long-term career with the Hoops to keep playing with Karpaty Lviv for the rest of their season. To that end, he will return to Ukraine until April before returning to Glasgow.

Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Maryan said: “I’m very proud to be here and even prouder as a Ukrainian to be the first player from my country to sign for Celtic, particularly with what that means for football in Ukraine.

“So I’m going to do my absolute best to be an example for Ukrainian footballers and open up a door for them.

“I love to go one v one and cut inside on my left foot and that’s where I hope to produce important and spectacular goals for the club and give the Celtic supporters something to cheer about.

“Playing games over the next few months is going to be huge for me so that I can come here with confidence, and that’s going to be very important to me, to come in here fresh because I know that summer is a big time of the season for European teams as well, so I want to be ready.

“This stage of the season is also important for Karpaty Lviv, because they’re fighting in the league so they’ll need me now more than ever, and there’s a personal weight on my shoulders to really perform. I will still be supporting Celtic, of course, and hoping that they do well for the rest of this season.

“Karpaty’s colours are also green and white so the transition to Celtic makes me feel very at home supporting green and white again, which has always been in my heart.”

The Ukrainian winger has already gained full international honours with his country, making his debut for the senior squad back in November in a friendly against Turkey. And he believes that making the move to Celtic will also ultimately help his international ambitions.

“I believe this a good move for me, with a step up in the level of competition, which will hopefully earn me more call-ups to the national team,” he said. “That’s a coaching decision, of course, but I hope to play more times for Ukraine.

“I’m very happy to have signed for Celtic and I’m really excited to be able to call this my home now. It’s a massive club with a huge history and I want to be here and be part of it and write the future history.

“I’m very emotional, in a good way, because this is a big step for me in my career and I want to be able to keep growing with that and show that, with the expectations of this club, that I can perform at this level.”

And Maryan also revealed that, while his friends and family are delighted that he’s signed for Celtic, the move has already been welcomed in Glasgow.

“At first I was very surprised because I received a lot of messages from the Ukrainian community in Glasgow on my social media,” he said, “and I was surprised they found me and reached out, and they’re excited about me coming here.

“That made me very emotional because I realise what it means to them to have a Ukrainian player in Glasgow playing for Celtic. So I want to create a good image while I’m here, both as a Ukrainian and as a footballer.”[/article]

 

[ILD]

Love this thread. Long Live King Binny.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Pearce - Millwall (free transfer)

[article]Millwall have made their first move in the summer transfer market – agreeing a permanent deal for Alex Pearce.

The 30-year-old centre-back arrived in January on loan from Derby County.

And Pearce partnered Jake Cooper in the closing months of the Championship campaign – scoring in their FA Cup quarter-final tie against Brighton.

He will officially become a Lions player on July 1, when his contract at Derby County comes to an end.

Pearce played 16 times for Millwall.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sargis Adamyan - Hoffenheim (€1.5m)

[article]
TSG Hoffenheim have made their first signing of the summer 2019 transfer window. Sargis Adamyan will join the Kraichgau-based Bundesliga club from second-tier outfit SSV Jahn Regensburg. The 25-year-old attacking player has signed a contract which runs until 30 June 2022.

''Sargis has won plaudits at Jahn Regensburg in the second tier due to his exceptional pace and excellent statistical record,'' said TSG director of football Alexander Rosen. Rosen went on to describe the Armenian international player as: ''A very exciting player, who will take on his initial role as a squad player for us with real relish. I am confident that he can be a genuine revelation for us next season.''

The right-footer, who was born in Yerevan and received his footballing education at Hansa Rostock, has demonstrated exceptional progress in recent times. Just two years ago, he was playing his football for TSV Steinbach in the south-western Regionalliga. In the current season, his total of 15 goals as well as 11 assists have seen him rise to near the top of the list in both these statistical categories. He has been the focus of interest from many clubs, both domestic and international.

''From the very start, I found the intense nature of the efforts which TSG made to sign me very impressive, and I believe that this requires that I do everything I can to repay the faith they've shown in me. I want to be a success in the Bundesliga and I believe that this club offers me the perfect environment in which to do this,'' said Adamyan on the subject of his move to Hoffenheim.

Sargis Adamyan moved to Regensburg in the summer of 2017 and made an immediate impression during his first season at the club. In total, he has made a total of 65 2. Bundesliga appearances for SSV Jahn, scoring 20 goals and making 15 assists in the process. He has won 14 caps for the Armenia national team, scoring one goal.
[/article]

Konstantinos Stafylidis - Hoffenheim (free transfer)


Ihlas Bebou - Hoffenheim

 

[King Binny]

Filip Kostic - Eintracht Frankfurt (€6.5m)

[article]Filip Kostic is staying at Eintracht Frankfurt – and for a good few years to come. The left winger has very much proved his worth throughout this Bundesliga season, and has now put pen to paper on a permanent deal that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2023. The loan deal that Eintracht had agreed last year with Hamburger SV was set to run until 30 June 2020, but that will now be cancelled as of 30 June 2019.

"Filip has been a really lucky find for us," said Eintracht board member Fredi Bobic, who had already signed Kostic back in 2014, taking him to VfB Stuttgart from FC Groningen. "He is energetic, focused and adaptable, and that has helped him make a real contribution to the success we’ve had this season."

In 33 Bundesliga matches this term, Kostic has recorded six goals and 11 assists. Then came 12 UEFA Europa League ties, where he added four more goals and another two assists. The 26-year-old Serbia international has made a total of 153 Bundesliga appearances, racking up 23 goals and 29 assists.
[/article]

Looks like Fredi Bobic is doing a good job

 

[rurikbird]

Kerem Demirbay - Leverkusen (reportedly €28m)

[article]
Bayer 04 have signed midfielder Kerem Demirbay for next season. The two-time Germany international, who won the Confed Cup in Russia in 2017, joins the Werkself from Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Demirbay has penned a deal at Leverkusen to 30 June 2024.

"In Kerem Demirbay we have gained a technically skilled and strategic midfielder who can also score goals," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Kerim was an absolute key player at Hoffenheim and he will be an important factor for us in meeting our targets next season," added Rolfes.

For Demirbay, who joined Hoffenheim in 2016 from Hamburg SV, the move is: "The next step after three really great years at TSG. Bayer 04 have always played attractive, attacking football," declared the 25-year-old. "That style suits me and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team."

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler underlined that Demirbay's signing is "a clear signal of our ambitions. We have big plans for next season but first we want to qualify for European competition," said Völler. "For, hopefully, three competitions we need top players like Kerem Demirbay.
[/article]

That's a big signing for them. Means they are either strengthening or... preparing to replace one of Brandt or Havertz.

 

[King Binny]

Lloyd Kelly - Bournemouth (reportedly £13m)

[article]
AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of England Under-21 international Lloyd Kelly.

The highly-rated 20-year-old arrives from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Vitality Stadium.

Kelly, a left-sided defender who is comfortable at either full-back or centre-half, came through the ranks at Ashton Gate before making his first team debut in August 2017.

He made 48 appearances for Bristol City, scoring two goals, and has three caps for the Young Lions since his bow last November.

“It's a fantastic club. The move has come around quite quickly, but I'm happy to be here and can't wait to start playing,” Kelly told afcbTV.

"Premier League football is what I've always wanted to achieve. I want to play as many games as possible and I feel like this is the right place for me to try and do that."

AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: “Lloyd is an exciting talent and a player of real potential, while at the same time already possessing good experience for someone so young.

“He is athletic, versatile, physically excellent and has a very bright future ahead of him.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to strike so early in the summer and look forward to working with Lloyd during the coming seasons.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “I’m delighted to complete the transfer of Lloyd.

“Over the last few years we have secured some of the brightest homegrown, young players in the game and believe we have done so again with Lloyd.

“There was interest in him from a number of other clubs so it was important to make a move early, and under the tutelage of Eddie Howe I believe Lloyd will be an excellent addition to the squad."
[/article]

 

[LeTallecWiz]

Lloyd Kelly - Bournemouth (reportedly £13m)

[article]
AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of England Under-21 international Lloyd Kelly.

The highly-rated 20-year-old arrives from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Vitality Stadium.

Kelly, a left-sided defender who is comfortable at either full-back or centre-half, came through the ranks at Ashton Gate before making his first team debut in August 2017.

He made 48 appearances for Bristol City, scoring two goals, and has three caps for the Young Lions since his bow last November.

“It's a fantastic club. The move has come around quite quickly, but I'm happy to be here and can't wait to start playing,” Kelly told afcbTV.

"Premier League football is what I've always wanted to achieve. I want to play as many games as possible and I feel like this is the right place for me to try and do that."

AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: “Lloyd is an exciting talent and a player of real potential, while at the same time already possessing good experience for someone so young.

“He is athletic, versatile, physically excellent and has a very bright future ahead of him.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to strike so early in the summer and look forward to working with Lloyd during the coming seasons.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “I’m delighted to complete the transfer of Lloyd.

“Over the last few years we have secured some of the brightest homegrown, young players in the game and believe we have done so again with Lloyd.

“There was interest in him from a number of other clubs so it was important to make a move early, and under the tutelage of Eddie Howe I believe Lloyd will be an excellent addition to the squad."
[/article]

they'll get triple that in 2-3 years if he's as good as some think he is!

 

[King Binny]

Vincent Kompany - Anderlecht (Player Manager)

[article]Dear all,

Community Shield Winners!
Back 2 back League Cup Winners!
Back 2 back Champions of England!
FA Cup Winners!

We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season.
My 11th as a Blue.
And I cannot believe I’m writing this but ... also my last as a Blue.
Countless of times have I imagined this day, after all, the end has felt nearby for so many years.
It still doesn’t feel real.
Man City has given me everything.
I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could.
How often does someone get the chance to end such an important chapter, representing a club with such great history and tradition, in such a great fashion?

The time has come for me to go now.

As overwhelming as it is, I feel nothing but gratefulness.
I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club.
I remember the first day, as clear as I see the last.
I remember the boundless kindness I received from the people of Manchester.

I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up.

Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome.
I cherish the counsel and leadership of a good human being, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Man City could not be in better hands.

It’s cliché to say it but it’s also so true: without my teammates I would have never been here today. We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-2009 squad to today’s domestic Treble winners: I owe you guys!

A special word also to Pep and the backroom staff: you’ve been superb. You’ve followed me through so much hardship. You made me come back stronger every time. Thank you so much.

I also want to use this platform to express the love that I have for my nearest and dearest.
It knows no boundaries. Carla, Sienna, Sire and Kai, the one and only quadruple that matters.
My dad (Pierre), Christel and François, my true Invincibles.
I live with only one regret. I would have loved to take my mother, Jocelyne, to the Etihad, seeing her chant the City songs sat next to my children and wife. I would have wanted her to see me happy, playing the game that I love at a club that I love. Deep down, I know she’s been with us through all this time.

For the next 3 years, I will take up the role of Player-Manager of RSC Anderlecht.
Belgium’s finest.

This may come as a surprise to you.
It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made.

As a footballer, I was born and raised at RSC Anderlecht.
Since the age of 6, I have been one with that club.
A history of 34 league titles, they are second to none.

The background to this story…
Belgian entrepreneur Marc Coucke acquired the club from the Vanden Stock family in December 2017.
What followed was a post take-over set back for a club that seemed robust but proved fragile.
Although the take-over triggered a positive new vibe, sporting results did not follow.

I stopped at their training grounds on my way to international duty last year. Just to say hello.
Coucke, the chairman, and Sports Director Michael Verschueren asked my opinion regarding the difficult situation the club was in.
I shared my thoughts and listened to their vision for the future: ambitious, courageous and determined to get back to n°1.
I offered my help, no strings attached, should they need it.

Later on in the season, newly appointed Technical Director Frank Arnesen joined and we organized some technical sessions on how to build a strong playing identity based on attractive, attacking football.
RSCA has a tradition of having fantastic youth.
You could say they have the past and the future, but struggle with the present.

Not so long ago, I took a call from RSC Anderlecht.
Quite unexpectedly, they offered me the position of Player-Manager.
Michael and Frank explained to me in detail how they saw it working in practice.
They had thought it through.
Mr. Coucke, the owner, pledged full support: time, budget, framework, staff, facilities …
I was left not only impressed, but also intrigued by this sign of confidence in me.
It got me thinking.

The end of this season couldn’t be more memorable.
I have lived the dream here.
I have learned so much the last 3 years.
From an incredible manager.
Pep Guardiola reignited my love for the game.
I’ve witnessed, participated, analyzed, absorbed, studied.
Man City play the football I want to play.
It is the football I want to teach and to see played.

I have decided to take up the challenge at RSC Anderlecht.
Player-Manager.
I want to share my knowledge with the next purple generations.
With that, I will also put a bit of Manchester in the heart of Belgium.

This is no goodbye. It’s a see you later.
Et pour les Mauves, voor alle Anderlecht fans: tot binnenkort, à très bientôt.

Love,

Vincent[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Dedryck Boyata - Hertha Berlin (free transfer)

[article]
Hertha BSC have made their first signing of the new season, as centre back Dedryck Boyata joins the club from Scottish side Celtic on a long-term deal. “We have been tracking Dedryck for a while and are fully convinced of his quality. We are sure that he will strengthen our defence,” said Michael Preetz on the transfer. “I am pleased that the deal has worked out,” said Boyata. “It is an ambitious club and we have similar goals. Also, I was very impressed with Michael Preetz’ efforts to bring me here. I am looking forward to the new season and want to achieve something with the club.”

The Belgian, who was born in Brüssels, left his home country in 2007 to sign with Manchester City. The 28 year old progressed through the youth ranks at the ‘Sky Blues’ and earned a professional contract in 2009, making his Premier League debut in January 2010. Boyata spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers as well as Dutch side FC Twente, picking up valuable experience in different leagues. During this time, the defender earned his first cap for the national team before returning to City in Januray 2013. In 2015, Boyata moved to Scotland and signed for Celtic, where he became a key player and showed his talents in the Champions League. Last summer, the new Hertha man represented Belgium once again at the World Cup in Russia, playing the full 90 minutes in each of his country’s three group matches. In total, Boyata has picked up 16 international caps for the ‘Red Devils’.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Razvan Marin - Ajax (€12.5m)

[article]
Ajax have announced the signing of Romania international Razvan Marin as they look to fill the void left behind by Frenkie de Jong’s summer departure for Barcelona.

The Eredivisie club confirmed they landed the Standard Liege midfielder for a fee of €12.5 million (£11m/$14m), with Marin signing a five-year contract with the Champions League semi-finalists.

The 22-year-old has spent the last two-and-half seasons with Standard Liege after a January 2017 move from Romanian club Viitorul.

He’s netted 18 times for Standard over his time at the club across all competitions.

Marin will be among the players who will be tasked will filling the shoes of De Jong, who is set to depart the club this summer for Barcelona for a €75m deal.

And the Romanian is aware of the comparisons between himself and the future Barca midfielder, though he believes they are two different types of players.

While De Jong flourishes in a deeper role, Marin styles himself as much more of an attack-minded player.

“I want just to be me,” Marin told the club’s website. “I saw that everyone compared me with Frenkie but I think we are two different styles of players because he’s more in front of the defence.

"He stays there, he has good quality of passes, he can eliminate [players] during the games.

“I’m more dynamic. I like to go into the opposition box, to score, to help my team how I compete.”

[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Tim Walter - Stuttgart (Head Coach)

[article]As of next season, Tim Walter will be the head coach of VfB Stuttgart. The 43-year-old is currently in charge of second-division club Holstein Kiel and had previously worked as a youth coach at FC Bayern Munich and Karlsruher SC. Walter has signed a two-year contract at VfB until 2021.

Head of sport Thomas Hitzlsperger:

"What soon became clear from our conversations with him was that Tim Walter’s methods and concepts, based on exciting and attacking football, will be an ideal fit for VfB. We are also looking to focus on our youth teams and Tim not only has a great deal of experience in this area, but first and foremost a real belief in it. We’ve recruited a very good coach for VfB and are looking forward to working with him."

Tim Walter:

"The discussions that I had with Thomas Hitzlsperger and Sven Mislintat were frank and open, and there was mutual trust right from the off. We have very similar opinions and beliefs when it comes to football and the way that we want to go about our work. Together we want to usher in a positive period at VfB Stuttgart. I’m really looking forward to this challenge – VfB have huge appeal and an impressive history. I would like to thank Holstein Kiel for what was a great season and for understanding my decision to move to VfB Stuttgart."[/article]

Interesting to see if this Walter + Mislintat partnership will work.

 

[King Binny]

Steve Clarke - Scotland (Manager)

[article]
The Scottish FA is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Clarke as Scotland National Team Head Coach.

Steve joins from Kilmarnock on a three-year contract until the end of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign and was appointed after an extensive recruitment process undertaken by the Scottish FA Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell, and endorsed by the board.

He has enjoyed incredible success at Kilmarnock, achieving their highest-ever points tally in the SPFL Premiership with a fifth-place finish last season. He has surpassed those achievements this season, with Kilmarnock finishing third – the club’s highest league position since 1966 – with a new benchmark of 67 points.

Steve’s achievements have been recognised with the awarding of the PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ Association Manager of the Year Awards.

The former St Mirren and Chelsea defender earned six Scotland caps between 1987 and 1994 and has a decorated coaching career spanning 20 years. He has assisted Ruud Gullit at Newcastle United, Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Gianfranco Zola at West Ham United and Sir Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool.

In his first outright managerial role, he led West Bromwich Albion to eighth place in the Premier League, achieving a record points total and highest-ever finish for the club, before joining Reading and then assisting Roberto Di Matteo at Aston Villa.

Steve Clarke, Scotland National Team Head Coach: “It is an honour to be appointed Scotland National Head Coach and I will undertake those responsibilities with pride and commitment.

“I firmly believe we have a talented group of players who can achieve success on the international stage. I look forward to working with them and helping them to fulfil those ambitions.

“I appreciate the Scotland supporters have waited a long time for the national team to qualify for a major tournament. Now we have a Women’s World Cup to look forward to in France this summer and it’s my motivation to emulate the success of Shelley Kerr and her squad by leading us to EURO 2020.

“I believe we can qualify and look forward to that journey with the players and the fans, starting against Cyprus and Belgium next month.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Steve’s pedigree as a coach and manager of the highest regard set him apart in a high-calibre group of candidates. This season’s achievements simply reaffirm the credentials we believe will be of huge benefit to the Scotland National Team.

“I am delighted that we now have the country’s deserved Manager of the Year to lead the Scotland National Team and his experience over the past two decades will be integral to rejuvenating our UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying campaign, which resumes next month.

“It was important that we undertook the recruitment process diligently and respectfully, especially given the importance of the final games of the domestic season for Kilmarnock, Steve and his players.

“I would like to thank the Kilmarnock owner, Billy Bowie, and the club in general for their professionalism throughout the recruitment process.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Graham Potter - Brighton (Manager)


[article]Graham Potter has been appointed Brighton & Hove Albion’s new head coach with immediate effect, having agreed a four-year contract.

He joins after a year with Swansea City, who he guided to a tenth-place finish in the EFL Championship. Potter impressed at the Liberty Stadium during a season of transition, after the club’s relegation from the Premier League just prior to his arrival.

He made his name at Ostersunds FK, where he led the club from the fourth to the first tier of Swedish football, enjoyed success in the Swedish Cup, and impressed on the European stage in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Graham Potter said, “I was sold by the long-term vision and passion shown by Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and Dan Ashworth.

"The ideas and plans they have for the future of this football club excited me; I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of it.

“This club has been on an incredible journey and my aim along with Bjorn [Hamberg], Kyle [Macauley] and Billy [Reid], is to ensure the great work that has gone before us is built on, as we strive to cement our place in the Premier League for many years to come.”

Chairman Tony Bloom added, “We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the brightest young English coaches. Graham Potter has an excellent record of developing teams with an attractive playing style, fierce determination and a strong collective spirit.

“We are excited about our third successive season in the Premier League and we now wish to build on the solid foundations laid by Chris Hughton. We believe that Graham is an excellent fit for our club and we are very much looking forward to working with him.”

Born in Solihull, the 43-year-old former defender served a number of clubs including Birmingham City, Stoke City, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, making almost 400 appearances and scoring 19 goals in a playing career spanning 13 years.

After he finished playing, he studied for an Open University degree in social sciences before completing a master’s degree in leadership and emotional intelligence with Leeds Metropolitan University.

Before moving to Sweden in 2010, Potter was football development manager at the University of Hull, technical director for the Ghana women’s team at the 2007 World Cup and held coaching roles with the Combined Universities squad and Leeds Metropolitan University.

Potter will be joined at Brighton & Hove Albion by former Clyde and Hamilton manager Billy Reid, who takes up the position of assistant head coach; Bjorn Hamberg, who linked up with Potter for the first time in his native Sweden, and becomes Albion’s first-team coach; and former Aberdeen and Peterhead player Kyle Macauley, who joins Albion as assistant head of recruitment, reporting to Paul Winstanley. Reid, Hamberg and Macauley all worked alongside Potter at both Ostersunds and Swansea City. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Nico Schulz - Dortmund (£22m)

[article]Eight-time German champions Borussia Dortmund have signed the midfielder Nico Schulz from fellow Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim ahead of the 2019/20 season. The 26-year-old has penned a deal with BVB until 30 June 2024.

"Nico Schulz is a defender who has made another significant advance in terms of performance in the past few years. Just like the German national team, we'll benefit greatly from his physicality, his tempo and his extreme dynamism. A player like him with his fighting spirit and his desire to be successful would help any team," said Borussia Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc.

With a top speed of almost 35 km/h, the Berlin native was again one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga last season and had a hand in seven goals (one goal, six assists) throughout the 2018/19 campaign. At one of his previous clubs, Borussia Mönchengladbach, he trained under the management of the current BVB head coach Lucien Favre.

Nico Schulz declared: "Borussia Dortmund are a top club whose team play a brand of football that is a good fit for me and my style. I believe that I'll be able to help the team with the way I play. Together, we can achieve great things."

All the parties involved have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transfer.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Asier Garitano - Alaves (Head Coach)

[article]Alaves have confirmed the appointment of former Leganes and Real Sociedad Coach Asier Garitano to replace Abelardo Fernandez.

Garitano took charge of Leganes in 2013 and went on to guide them from Segunda B - the third tier of Spanish football - to La Liga for the first time ever, before leaving last summer to join La Real.

However, he struggled in the Basque Country and was dismissed in December after four successive defeats left the club in 15th position.

Abelardo took over at Alaves in December 2017 and worked wonders at the Vitoria-based club, initially leading them to safety before an 11th-place finish this season.

Alaves were holding a top five spot until November and were challenging for a European place until early spring, and only slipped out of the top half of the table on the final day.

Abelardo has been linked with replacing the outgoing Quique Setien at Real Betis while recent reports in Marca have suggested he could replace Luis Enrique, who has an ongoing family problem, as Spain boss.[/article]