Confirmed Transfers (2017/18)
- Thread starter King Binny
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Adnan Januzaj - Real Sociedad (reportedly £9.8 million)
[article]
Real Sociedad have signed Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United on a five-year deal for a fee of about £9.8m.
Januzaj, 22, was told he could find another club this summer by United manager Jose Mourinho.
He returned from an unsuccessful campaign on loan at Sunderland and was left out of Mourinho's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
Januzaj will be presented by the club on Thursday.
The Belgian joined United from Anderlecht when he was 16 and broke into the first team in 2013 during David Moyes' ill-fated spell in charge.
Deemed good enough to take Ryan Giggs' number 11 shirt, Januzaj - who also had a stint on loan at Borussia Dortmund in 2015-16 - signed a five-year contract extension that was not due to expire until 2018.
Real Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season and will compete in the Europa League group stage in 2017-18.
[/article]
[article]
Real Sociedad have signed Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United on a five-year deal for a fee of about £9.8m.
Januzaj, 22, was told he could find another club this summer by United manager Jose Mourinho.
He returned from an unsuccessful campaign on loan at Sunderland and was left out of Mourinho's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
Januzaj will be presented by the club on Thursday.
The Belgian joined United from Anderlecht when he was 16 and broke into the first team in 2013 during David Moyes' ill-fated spell in charge.
Deemed good enough to take Ryan Giggs' number 11 shirt, Januzaj - who also had a stint on loan at Borussia Dortmund in 2015-16 - signed a five-year contract extension that was not due to expire until 2018.
Real Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season and will compete in the Europa League group stage in 2017-18.
[/article]
Januzai now seems to be changing teams and countries every transfer window. Belgium, England, Germany, back to England, now Spain – the ultimate journeyman player.
Federico Macheda's successor? 
Sven Bender - Leverkusen (reportedly €15 million)
[article]
Bayer 04 have strengthened the squad by bringing in defender Sven Bender from Borussia Dortmund. Subject to a successful medical, the 28-year-old twin brother of Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender has agreed a contract with the Werkself to 30 June 2021.
"We are very happy that Sven has decided to sign for us," said sporting director Rudi Völler. "He's an extraordinarily experienced and versatile player who has showed his class in central defence most recently at Dortmund. His quality and leadership ability will do a lot of good for our young team."
Head coach Heiko Herrlich is also very impressed by the six-time Germany international and Olympic Silver medal winner from 2016: "Sven Bender is not just a high quality signing as a player," declared Herrlich. "I had a lot of discussions with him and my assessment has proved to be right. His mentality, his complete team spirit make him an ideal leader both on and off the pitch. Just like his brother Lars, Sven is the type of player that every team needs: at the top level in terms of football, extremely committed, relentless, passionate for the whole group. It's great to have both Benders in one team."
For Sven Bender, who played alongside Lars at TSV 1860 Munich up to 2009 in the second division, the move to Leverkusen represents an important boost in a successful career: "After eight wonderful years Dortmund the approach from Leverkusen was particularly attractive. From the many games against Bayer 04 I know the strength of this club. And I also know how much at home Lars feels here," said Bender who made 224 appearances for Borussia Dortmund. "Bayer 04 worked really hard to sign me and I and they gave me the impression they really wanted me to help achieve ambitious targets. That's why I definitely wanted to make the move. It's great it's all worked out."
[/article]
Sébastien Corchia - Sevilla (reportedly €7.5 million)
[article]
Sebastien Corchia has signed a four-year contract with Sevilla after signing from French outfit Lille in a deal said to be worth €7.5m.
The deal has been completed for the 26-year-old in order for him to form part of Los Rojiblancos pre-season tour of Japan, which departs Spain on Thursday afternoon.
He becomes the club’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Ever Banega, Guido Pizarro and Luis Muriel.
The signing follows on from news that Turkish side Galatasaray have lodged a deal for the Andalucians full-back Mariano, and the French defender’s arrival could be a direct replacement.
Corchia played all 38 of Lille’s league outings last year, and has been capped by France.
[/article]
Jagos Vukovic - Olympiacos (reportedly €2 million)
Frank Acheampong - Tianjin Teda (6 mth loan)
[article]
Ghana international Frank Acheampong has joined China's Tianjin Teda on loan from Anderlecht.
The Belgian champions say the move to the club in northern China is for six months only.
Acheampong, who turned out at left back for Ghana during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, regularly played as a winger for Anderlecht, who signed him in 2013.
The 23-year-old joins Nigerians John Mikel Obi and Brown Ideye at the club, which lies 13th in the 16-team league.
The bottom two teams in the Chinese Super League, which is at the midway stage of its season, will be relegated.
During his two seasons with Anderlecht, Acheampong won two league titles - in 2014 and 2017.
[/article]
Benjamin Moukandjo - Jiangsu Suning (€5.5 million)
[article]
Chinese Super League strugglers Jiangsu Suning have signed Cameroon international Benjamin Moukandjo from French side Lorient.
Moukandjo, 28, has signed a two-year contract to link up with former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.
The striker joins a club that already features Brazilian duo Ramires and Alex Teixeira as well as Colombia's Roger Martinez.
Jiangsu are currently next-to-bottom in the standings having picked up just 10 points in the opening 16 games of the season after finishing last season as runners-up in both the league and the Chinese FA Cup.
Capello was appointed head coach last month after South Korea's Choi Yong-soo resigned to return to FC Seoul, where he previously won the Korean league title.
[/article]
[article]
Bayer 04 have strengthened the squad by bringing in defender Sven Bender from Borussia Dortmund. Subject to a successful medical, the 28-year-old twin brother of Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender has agreed a contract with the Werkself to 30 June 2021.
"We are very happy that Sven has decided to sign for us," said sporting director Rudi Völler. "He's an extraordinarily experienced and versatile player who has showed his class in central defence most recently at Dortmund. His quality and leadership ability will do a lot of good for our young team."
Head coach Heiko Herrlich is also very impressed by the six-time Germany international and Olympic Silver medal winner from 2016: "Sven Bender is not just a high quality signing as a player," declared Herrlich. "I had a lot of discussions with him and my assessment has proved to be right. His mentality, his complete team spirit make him an ideal leader both on and off the pitch. Just like his brother Lars, Sven is the type of player that every team needs: at the top level in terms of football, extremely committed, relentless, passionate for the whole group. It's great to have both Benders in one team."
For Sven Bender, who played alongside Lars at TSV 1860 Munich up to 2009 in the second division, the move to Leverkusen represents an important boost in a successful career: "After eight wonderful years Dortmund the approach from Leverkusen was particularly attractive. From the many games against Bayer 04 I know the strength of this club. And I also know how much at home Lars feels here," said Bender who made 224 appearances for Borussia Dortmund. "Bayer 04 worked really hard to sign me and I and they gave me the impression they really wanted me to help achieve ambitious targets. That's why I definitely wanted to make the move. It's great it's all worked out."
[/article]
Sébastien Corchia - Sevilla (reportedly €7.5 million)
[article]
Sebastien Corchia has signed a four-year contract with Sevilla after signing from French outfit Lille in a deal said to be worth €7.5m.
The deal has been completed for the 26-year-old in order for him to form part of Los Rojiblancos pre-season tour of Japan, which departs Spain on Thursday afternoon.
He becomes the club’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Ever Banega, Guido Pizarro and Luis Muriel.
The signing follows on from news that Turkish side Galatasaray have lodged a deal for the Andalucians full-back Mariano, and the French defender’s arrival could be a direct replacement.
Corchia played all 38 of Lille’s league outings last year, and has been capped by France.
[/article]
Jagos Vukovic - Olympiacos (reportedly €2 million)
Frank Acheampong - Tianjin Teda (6 mth loan)
[article]
Ghana international Frank Acheampong has joined China's Tianjin Teda on loan from Anderlecht.
The Belgian champions say the move to the club in northern China is for six months only.
Acheampong, who turned out at left back for Ghana during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, regularly played as a winger for Anderlecht, who signed him in 2013.
The 23-year-old joins Nigerians John Mikel Obi and Brown Ideye at the club, which lies 13th in the 16-team league.
The bottom two teams in the Chinese Super League, which is at the midway stage of its season, will be relegated.
During his two seasons with Anderlecht, Acheampong won two league titles - in 2014 and 2017.
[/article]
Benjamin Moukandjo - Jiangsu Suning (€5.5 million)
[article]
Chinese Super League strugglers Jiangsu Suning have signed Cameroon international Benjamin Moukandjo from French side Lorient.
Moukandjo, 28, has signed a two-year contract to link up with former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.
The striker joins a club that already features Brazilian duo Ramires and Alex Teixeira as well as Colombia's Roger Martinez.
Jiangsu are currently next-to-bottom in the standings having picked up just 10 points in the opening 16 games of the season after finishing last season as runners-up in both the league and the Chinese FA Cup.
Capello was appointed head coach last month after South Korea's Choi Yong-soo resigned to return to FC Seoul, where he previously won the Korean league title.
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Adil Rami - Marseille (reportedly €6 million)
[article]Marseille completed the signing of France defender Adil Rami from Sevilla on Thursday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though reports said the 31-year-old signed a four-year deal after a transfer fee of about €6 million.
Rami will be reunited with Marseille coach Rudi Garcia, for whom he played three seasons at Lille, winning the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011.[/article]
Markus Suttner - Brighton (€4.5 million)
[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Austrian left-back Markus Suttner on a three-year deal on undisclosed terms from German club FC Ingolstadt 04.
He has joined Albion's pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps, having completed his medical with club staff at the team hotel and signed transfer forms last night.
The 30-year-old defender trained with his new teammates for the first time earlier this morning, and manager Chris Hughton is delighted with his third summer addition.
He said, "Markus is someone we have been aware of for some time, and I am pleased we have managed to complete the transfer at this stage, and he is now able to join us for the second half of the week.
"He has a great level of experience internationally, and in the top divisions in both his native Austria and Germany, where he has played the last two seasons with Ingolstadt, and that experience will serve us well.
"He will add competition at the back on the left side of defence, and I'm now looking forward to working with him."
Suttner began his career at FK Austria Wien, where he came through the club's youth system, and he played more than 250 times for the club between 2009 and 2015 - and he won the Austrian OFB Cup in 2009 and Bundesliga in 2013.
He played in the Champions League and Europa League for the Vienna-based club, before moving to Ingolstadt after their historic rise to the Bundesliga in 2015.[/article]
Álvaro Fernández - Monaco
[article]France top division football champions AS Monaco have announced the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez for three seasons, from Spanish club Osasuna.
The 19-year-old Fernandez, who played with Spain’s Under-19 team, was the third goalkeeper at Osasuna, and played his first game in the La Liga in September, due to the injury of his teammate Mario Fernandez, reports Efe.
Fernandez said he was happy to join Monaco as the team won the Ligue 1 title for the eighth time last season.[/article]
Samuel Saiz - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Following the completion of a successful medical, Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Samuel Sáiz.
The 26 year-old has signed a four year contract at Elland Road and joins from Spanish Segunda División outfit SD Huesca for an undisclosed fee.
Born in Madrid, Sáiz came through the ranks at Real, going on to make appearances for their B and C teams.
Spells at UD Melilla, Getafe and UD Almería followed, before he was snapped up by Atlético Madrid in 2014.
Sáiz then moved initially on loan to Huesca, before that move was made permanent in 2016.
Last season he made 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals and provided eight assists, helping Huesca reach the Play-Offs.
He becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer, following moves for Vurnon Anita, Caleb Ekuban, Madger Gomes, Pontus Jansson, Matuesz Klich, Hadi Sacko and Felix Wiedwald.[/article]
Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Leeds United are thrilled to announce the arrival of Macedonia international Ezgjan Alioski.
The 25 year-old attacker makes the move from Swiss outfit FC Lugano for an undisclosed fee.
Alioski has signed a four year contract with the Whites, running until the end of the 2020/21 season.
After coming through the ranks at Young Boys, Alioski moved to fellow Swiss side FC Schaffhausen in 2013.
He spent three years with Schaffhausen, before joining FC Lugano, initially on loan, in January 2016, before that move was made permanent.
Last season, in his first full campaign with Lugano, Alioski made 36 appearances, scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists.
He finished as Lugano’s top goal scorer during the campaign and third overall in the Swiss Super League.
Alioski will now link up with the squad for the Whites’ pre-season tour of Austria and could make his debut in Sunday’s friendly with FC Ingolstadt.[/article]
With the increased number of foreign influx coming into the Championship, the no. of English players playing in the first team of professional clubs will continue to dip.
[article]Marseille completed the signing of France defender Adil Rami from Sevilla on Thursday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though reports said the 31-year-old signed a four-year deal after a transfer fee of about €6 million.
Rami will be reunited with Marseille coach Rudi Garcia, for whom he played three seasons at Lille, winning the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011.[/article]
Markus Suttner - Brighton (€4.5 million)
[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Austrian left-back Markus Suttner on a three-year deal on undisclosed terms from German club FC Ingolstadt 04.
He has joined Albion's pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps, having completed his medical with club staff at the team hotel and signed transfer forms last night.
The 30-year-old defender trained with his new teammates for the first time earlier this morning, and manager Chris Hughton is delighted with his third summer addition.
He said, "Markus is someone we have been aware of for some time, and I am pleased we have managed to complete the transfer at this stage, and he is now able to join us for the second half of the week.
"He has a great level of experience internationally, and in the top divisions in both his native Austria and Germany, where he has played the last two seasons with Ingolstadt, and that experience will serve us well.
"He will add competition at the back on the left side of defence, and I'm now looking forward to working with him."
Suttner began his career at FK Austria Wien, where he came through the club's youth system, and he played more than 250 times for the club between 2009 and 2015 - and he won the Austrian OFB Cup in 2009 and Bundesliga in 2013.
He played in the Champions League and Europa League for the Vienna-based club, before moving to Ingolstadt after their historic rise to the Bundesliga in 2015.[/article]
Álvaro Fernández - Monaco
[article]France top division football champions AS Monaco have announced the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez for three seasons, from Spanish club Osasuna.
The 19-year-old Fernandez, who played with Spain’s Under-19 team, was the third goalkeeper at Osasuna, and played his first game in the La Liga in September, due to the injury of his teammate Mario Fernandez, reports Efe.
Fernandez said he was happy to join Monaco as the team won the Ligue 1 title for the eighth time last season.[/article]
Samuel Saiz - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Following the completion of a successful medical, Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Samuel Sáiz.
The 26 year-old has signed a four year contract at Elland Road and joins from Spanish Segunda División outfit SD Huesca for an undisclosed fee.
Born in Madrid, Sáiz came through the ranks at Real, going on to make appearances for their B and C teams.
Spells at UD Melilla, Getafe and UD Almería followed, before he was snapped up by Atlético Madrid in 2014.
Sáiz then moved initially on loan to Huesca, before that move was made permanent in 2016.
Last season he made 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals and provided eight assists, helping Huesca reach the Play-Offs.
He becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer, following moves for Vurnon Anita, Caleb Ekuban, Madger Gomes, Pontus Jansson, Matuesz Klich, Hadi Sacko and Felix Wiedwald.[/article]
Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Leeds United are thrilled to announce the arrival of Macedonia international Ezgjan Alioski.
The 25 year-old attacker makes the move from Swiss outfit FC Lugano for an undisclosed fee.
Alioski has signed a four year contract with the Whites, running until the end of the 2020/21 season.
After coming through the ranks at Young Boys, Alioski moved to fellow Swiss side FC Schaffhausen in 2013.
He spent three years with Schaffhausen, before joining FC Lugano, initially on loan, in January 2016, before that move was made permanent.
Last season, in his first full campaign with Lugano, Alioski made 36 appearances, scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists.
He finished as Lugano’s top goal scorer during the campaign and third overall in the Swiss Super League.
Alioski will now link up with the squad for the Whites’ pre-season tour of Austria and could make his debut in Sunday’s friendly with FC Ingolstadt.[/article]
With the increased number of foreign influx coming into the Championship, the no. of English players playing in the first team of professional clubs will continue to dip.
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Nathaniel Chalobah - Chelsea (reportedly £5 million)
[article]Nathaniel Chalobah has sealed a permanent return to Watford from Chelsea, the Hornets are delighted to confirm.
The England Under-21 international midfielder has signed a five-year deal at Vicarage Road and joins for an undisclosed fee.
Chalobah has played 97 times for England at various youth levels, and he was a key part of the Under-21s’ recent run to the semi-final of the European Championships.
The 22-year-old excelled during 42 appearances while on loan with the Hornets during the 2012/13 season, scoring five goals.
Since then he has spent temporary spells with Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Napoli, before returning to the first-team fold at Stamford Bridge last season.
He featured 15 times for Premier League champions Chelsea during 2016/17, making his first league start for the Blues against Watford back in May.
Chalobah will wear squad number 14 for the Hornets.[/article]
[article]Nathaniel Chalobah has sealed a permanent return to Watford from Chelsea, the Hornets are delighted to confirm.
The England Under-21 international midfielder has signed a five-year deal at Vicarage Road and joins for an undisclosed fee.
Chalobah has played 97 times for England at various youth levels, and he was a key part of the Under-21s’ recent run to the semi-final of the European Championships.
The 22-year-old excelled during 42 appearances while on loan with the Hornets during the 2012/13 season, scoring five goals.
Since then he has spent temporary spells with Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Napoli, before returning to the first-team fold at Stamford Bridge last season.
He featured 15 times for Premier League champions Chelsea during 2016/17, making his first league start for the Blues against Watford back in May.
Chalobah will wear squad number 14 for the Hornets.[/article]
Adil Rami - Marseille (reportedly €6 million)
[article]Marseille completed the signing of France defender Adil Rami from Sevilla on Thursday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though reports said the 31-year-old signed a four-year deal after a transfer fee of about €6 million.
Rami will be reunited with Marseille coach Rudi Garcia, for whom he played three seasons at Lille, winning the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011.[/article]
Markus Suttner - Brighton (€4.5 million)
[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Austrian left-back Markus Suttner on a three-year deal on undisclosed terms from German club FC Ingolstadt 04.
He has joined Albion's pre-season training camp in the Austrian Alps, having completed his medical with club staff at the team hotel and signed transfer forms last night.
The 30-year-old defender trained with his new teammates for the first time earlier this morning, and manager Chris Hughton is delighted with his third summer addition.
He said, "Markus is someone we have been aware of for some time, and I am pleased we have managed to complete the transfer at this stage, and he is now able to join us for the second half of the week.
"He has a great level of experience internationally, and in the top divisions in both his native Austria and Germany, where he has played the last two seasons with Ingolstadt, and that experience will serve us well.
"He will add competition at the back on the left side of defence, and I'm now looking forward to working with him."
Suttner began his career at FK Austria Wien, where he came through the club's youth system, and he played more than 250 times for the club between 2009 and 2015 - and he won the Austrian OFB Cup in 2009 and Bundesliga in 2013.
He played in the Champions League and Europa League for the Vienna-based club, before moving to Ingolstadt after their historic rise to the Bundesliga in 2015.[/article]
Álvaro Fernández - Monaco
[article]France top division football champions AS Monaco have announced the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez for three seasons, from Spanish club Osasuna.
The 19-year-old Fernandez, who played with Spain’s Under-19 team, was the third goalkeeper at Osasuna, and played his first game in the La Liga in September, due to the injury of his teammate Mario Fernandez, reports Efe.
Fernandez said he was happy to join Monaco as the team won the Ligue 1 title for the eighth time last season.[/article]
Samuel Saiz - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Following the completion of a successful medical, Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Samuel Sáiz.
The 26 year-old has signed a four year contract at Elland Road and joins from Spanish Segunda División outfit SD Huesca for an undisclosed fee.
Born in Madrid, Sáiz came through the ranks at Real, going on to make appearances for their B and C teams.
Spells at UD Melilla, Getafe and UD Almería followed, before he was snapped up by Atlético Madrid in 2014.
Sáiz then moved initially on loan to Huesca, before that move was made permanent in 2016.
Last season he made 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals and provided eight assists, helping Huesca reach the Play-Offs.
He becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer, following moves for Vurnon Anita, Caleb Ekuban, Madger Gomes, Pontus Jansson, Matuesz Klich, Hadi Sacko and Felix Wiedwald.[/article]
Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds (undisclosed fee)
[article]Leeds United are thrilled to announce the arrival of Macedonia international Ezgjan Alioski.
The 25 year-old attacker makes the move from Swiss outfit FC Lugano for an undisclosed fee.
Alioski has signed a four year contract with the Whites, running until the end of the 2020/21 season.
After coming through the ranks at Young Boys, Alioski moved to fellow Swiss side FC Schaffhausen in 2013.
He spent three years with Schaffhausen, before joining FC Lugano, initially on loan, in January 2016, before that move was made permanent.
Last season, in his first full campaign with Lugano, Alioski made 36 appearances, scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists.
He finished as Lugano’s top goal scorer during the campaign and third overall in the Swiss Super League.
Alioski will now link up with the squad for the Whites’ pre-season tour of Austria and could make his debut in Sunday’s friendly with FC Ingolstadt.[/article]
With the increased number of foreign influx coming into the Championship, the no. of English players playing in the first team of professional clubs will continue to dip.
Sounds like a good signing made by Leeds there. The Championship could be quite good and filled with talented players.
He continued to impress during his first season and helped guide Lugano to a 3rd place finish in the Swiss Super League. He also scored 16 goals in 34 games for FC Lugano and was the 3rd top goalscorer in the Swiss Super League behind Seydou Doumbia(20) and Guillaume Hoarau (18).[4] He was also the 3rd highest in the division in terms of his assists, after gaining 14 assists in his 34 games, behind Yoric Ravet (17) and Matteo Tosetti (15).[5]
Their other signings are quite unheard of but with good stats from the previous season - very 'moneyball'.
Zakaria Bakkali - Deportivo (loan)
[article]
Deportivo La Coruna have agreed a loan deal with Valencia for Belgian international Zakaria Bakkali, it has been confirmed.
Los Che general director Mateu Alemany confirmed at a press conference on Friday that a deal was in place between the clubs, with the player now needing to agree to the move.
"There is an agreement between the clubs and we are waiting for the final decision from the player," Alemany told reporters.
Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, the winger joined Los Che from PSV in 2015 and has made 40 appearances in all competitions since, including 18 last season.
However, new Valencia Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral does not see him as part of his plans and has instructed the club to complete a move.
[/article]
Ricardo Vaz Te - Henan Jianye (free transfer)
Riccardo Orsolini - Atalanta (2 yrs loan with option and counter-option)
[article]Atalanta have officially signed Riccardo Orsolini on a two-year loan from Juventus, with option and counter-option.
The winger joined the Bianconeri from Ascoli in January, but was loaned back to Serie B for the remainder of the season.
After finishing as top-scorer at the Under-20 World Cup, there was speculation that Orsolini could remain in Turin, but he has moved to the Orobici for the next two seasons.
The Bergamaschi will have an option to buy, but Juve will be able to override that with an option of their own.
“Atalanta B.C announces the signing of Riccardo Orsolini on a two-year loan from Juventus with option and counter-option,” the Orobici confirmed on their official website.[/article]
Keisuke Honda - Pachuca (free transfer)
[article]
Japan international Keisuke Honda has signed for Liga MX club Pachuca in a surprise move.
Honda, 31, had been a free agent after parting ways with AC Milan at the end of last season and had recently been training with Orange County SC amid links to Major League Soccer clubs.
However, Pachuca announced that they had signed the winger on Friday and Honda himself tweeted in Spanish: "I've just signed for Pachuca. I hope to see the fans soon."
The former CSKA Moscow player was sold to Milan for a reported €20 million and had been linked to leagues all over the world after his contract with the Serie A club ended.
Pachuca is currently the CONCACAF Champions League holder and is set to play the Club World Cup in December.
The Japan star is likely to be a replacement for Mexico international Hirving Lozano, who was sold to PSV Eindhoven last month.
Honda spent most of last season on the bench for Milan and has previously played for Japanese side Nagoya Grampus and VVV Venlo in the Netherlands.
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Glen Kamara - Dundee (free transfer)
[article]
We are delighted to announce the signing of Glen Kamara this afternoon.
Glen has been on trial with the club for the last two weeks and has impressed manager Neil McCann and his backroom staff in training and also in the pre-season matches against St. Mirren, Arbroath and Brechin City.
A Finland under 21 international, central midfielder Glen joins the club from Arsenal where he has been in the academy system for five years.
He made his debut for Arsenal in 2015 against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup. Since then he has had spells on loan with Southend United and Colchester United.
Glen has signed a two year contract with the club and will wear the number 8 shirt this season.
[/article]
Dwight Tiendalli - Oxford (free transfer)
[article]
Oxford United have completed their second signing of the week with defender Dwight Tiendalli joining the squad in Portugal.
The 31-year-old is a Dutch international who started his career with Utrecht and Feyenord before winning the Dutch league with Twente. He then moved to Swansea City, where he played in their winning League Cup side in 2013 before a loan spell at Middlesbrough.
He joins United on a one year deal, signing 24 hours after James Henry joined the club.
Manager Pep Clotet told us:
“I'm delighted to be welcoming Dwight to our project, a player who boasts experience at the highest level of the English game and brings quality and versatility.
'In addition to his on-field ability he's a model professional and will be a great presence in the dressing room'
[/article]
[article]
Deportivo La Coruna have agreed a loan deal with Valencia for Belgian international Zakaria Bakkali, it has been confirmed.
Los Che general director Mateu Alemany confirmed at a press conference on Friday that a deal was in place between the clubs, with the player now needing to agree to the move.
"There is an agreement between the clubs and we are waiting for the final decision from the player," Alemany told reporters.
Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, the winger joined Los Che from PSV in 2015 and has made 40 appearances in all competitions since, including 18 last season.
However, new Valencia Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral does not see him as part of his plans and has instructed the club to complete a move.
[/article]
Ricardo Vaz Te - Henan Jianye (free transfer)
Riccardo Orsolini - Atalanta (2 yrs loan with option and counter-option)
[article]Atalanta have officially signed Riccardo Orsolini on a two-year loan from Juventus, with option and counter-option.
The winger joined the Bianconeri from Ascoli in January, but was loaned back to Serie B for the remainder of the season.
After finishing as top-scorer at the Under-20 World Cup, there was speculation that Orsolini could remain in Turin, but he has moved to the Orobici for the next two seasons.
The Bergamaschi will have an option to buy, but Juve will be able to override that with an option of their own.
“Atalanta B.C announces the signing of Riccardo Orsolini on a two-year loan from Juventus with option and counter-option,” the Orobici confirmed on their official website.[/article]
Keisuke Honda - Pachuca (free transfer)
[article]
Japan international Keisuke Honda has signed for Liga MX club Pachuca in a surprise move.
Honda, 31, had been a free agent after parting ways with AC Milan at the end of last season and had recently been training with Orange County SC amid links to Major League Soccer clubs.
However, Pachuca announced that they had signed the winger on Friday and Honda himself tweeted in Spanish: "I've just signed for Pachuca. I hope to see the fans soon."
The former CSKA Moscow player was sold to Milan for a reported €20 million and had been linked to leagues all over the world after his contract with the Serie A club ended.
Pachuca is currently the CONCACAF Champions League holder and is set to play the Club World Cup in December.
The Japan star is likely to be a replacement for Mexico international Hirving Lozano, who was sold to PSV Eindhoven last month.
Honda spent most of last season on the bench for Milan and has previously played for Japanese side Nagoya Grampus and VVV Venlo in the Netherlands.
[/article]
Glen Kamara - Dundee (free transfer)
[article]
We are delighted to announce the signing of Glen Kamara this afternoon.
Glen has been on trial with the club for the last two weeks and has impressed manager Neil McCann and his backroom staff in training and also in the pre-season matches against St. Mirren, Arbroath and Brechin City.
A Finland under 21 international, central midfielder Glen joins the club from Arsenal where he has been in the academy system for five years.
He made his debut for Arsenal in 2015 against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup. Since then he has had spells on loan with Southend United and Colchester United.
Glen has signed a two year contract with the club and will wear the number 8 shirt this season.
[/article]
Dwight Tiendalli - Oxford (free transfer)
[article]
Oxford United have completed their second signing of the week with defender Dwight Tiendalli joining the squad in Portugal.
The 31-year-old is a Dutch international who started his career with Utrecht and Feyenord before winning the Dutch league with Twente. He then moved to Swansea City, where he played in their winning League Cup side in 2013 before a loan spell at Middlesbrough.
He joins United on a one year deal, signing 24 hours after James Henry joined the club.
Manager Pep Clotet told us:
“I'm delighted to be welcoming Dwight to our project, a player who boasts experience at the highest level of the English game and brings quality and versatility.
'In addition to his on-field ability he's a model professional and will be a great presence in the dressing room'
[/article]
Marcel Franke - Norwich (undisclosed fee)
[article]Defender Marcel Franke has joined Norwich City on a three-year-deal with a year’s further option from Bundesliga II side Greuther Fürth for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old centre-back came through the youth system at hometown club Dynamo Dresden, featuring regularly for their reserve team before switching to Hallescher in 2013.
He joined Fürth two years later, making 31 league appearances and scoring twice last season as they finished eighth in Germany’s second tier.
Having completed his move to the Canaries, Franke told Norwich City TV: “It’s a big club in England with a great stadium and amazing supporters.
“It was an easy step for me. I had good conversations with the coach and he convinced me Norwich was the right club.
“I want to play football with the team so I’m looking forward to this."
Head Coach Daniel Farke added: "We were searching for some improvements in defence so I’m happy.
"He’s a really solid defender but also solid at building up our game. Marcel is a young guy at just 24 so has lots of potential but is also pretty experienced.
"I’m really glad to bring in a centre-back with this quality. He’s the perfect fit for our squad."[/article]
Kyle Walker (reportedly £50 million plus add ons up to £3 million)
[article]
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of England international Kyle Walker.
The right-back joins from Tottenham on a five-year deal and has opted to take the number two shirt.
He becomes City’s third signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Bernardo Silva and Ederson.
“I am thrilled to be signing for City and can’t wait to get started,” Walker said.
“Pep Guardiola is one of the most respected managers in the world and I feel he can help me take my game to a new level.”
Txiki Begiristain, the Club’s Director of Football, added: “Kyle is a fine full-back, one capable of producing quality at both ends of the pitch.
“We’ve followed his progress at Tottenham and have been really impressed by how he has developed. He is now one of the best right-backs in the Premier League and justifiably an England regular.
“I am sure he will be a success at Manchester City this season and beyond.”
Walker began his career at Sheffield United, where he spent a short period on loan at Northampton before returning to Bramhall Lane and impressing in the final few games of the season 2008-09 season as the Blades made the Championship playoffs.
The 27-year-old signed for Tottenham that summer and was immediately loaned back to Sheffield United as part of the deal to ensure his progress continued.
But after impressing in the opening months of the 2009/10 season, he was recalled to Spurs and made two senior appearances.
Further loan moves followed, to QPR and Aston Villa, in a bid to secure further first-team experience but in 2011 he forced his way into the Spurs side and became their first-choice right-back.
In 2012, he was rewarded for a fine season by picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year award and has twice been named in the PFA Team of the Year.
He made 228 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions, scoring four goals, and last season helped them to second in the table, their highest league finish in the Premier League era.
His England debut came in the 1-0 win over Spain in 2011. He has 27 caps in total, with his most recent appearance coming as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 defeat to France at the Stade de France.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Kyle the best of luck as he begins the next stage of his career here at the Etihad Stadium.
[/article]
[article]Defender Marcel Franke has joined Norwich City on a three-year-deal with a year’s further option from Bundesliga II side Greuther Fürth for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old centre-back came through the youth system at hometown club Dynamo Dresden, featuring regularly for their reserve team before switching to Hallescher in 2013.
He joined Fürth two years later, making 31 league appearances and scoring twice last season as they finished eighth in Germany’s second tier.
Having completed his move to the Canaries, Franke told Norwich City TV: “It’s a big club in England with a great stadium and amazing supporters.
“It was an easy step for me. I had good conversations with the coach and he convinced me Norwich was the right club.
“I want to play football with the team so I’m looking forward to this."
Head Coach Daniel Farke added: "We were searching for some improvements in defence so I’m happy.
"He’s a really solid defender but also solid at building up our game. Marcel is a young guy at just 24 so has lots of potential but is also pretty experienced.
"I’m really glad to bring in a centre-back with this quality. He’s the perfect fit for our squad."[/article]
Kyle Walker (reportedly £50 million plus add ons up to £3 million)
[article]
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of England international Kyle Walker.
The right-back joins from Tottenham on a five-year deal and has opted to take the number two shirt.
He becomes City’s third signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Bernardo Silva and Ederson.
“I am thrilled to be signing for City and can’t wait to get started,” Walker said.
“Pep Guardiola is one of the most respected managers in the world and I feel he can help me take my game to a new level.”
Txiki Begiristain, the Club’s Director of Football, added: “Kyle is a fine full-back, one capable of producing quality at both ends of the pitch.
“We’ve followed his progress at Tottenham and have been really impressed by how he has developed. He is now one of the best right-backs in the Premier League and justifiably an England regular.
“I am sure he will be a success at Manchester City this season and beyond.”
Walker began his career at Sheffield United, where he spent a short period on loan at Northampton before returning to Bramhall Lane and impressing in the final few games of the season 2008-09 season as the Blades made the Championship playoffs.
The 27-year-old signed for Tottenham that summer and was immediately loaned back to Sheffield United as part of the deal to ensure his progress continued.
But after impressing in the opening months of the 2009/10 season, he was recalled to Spurs and made two senior appearances.
Further loan moves followed, to QPR and Aston Villa, in a bid to secure further first-team experience but in 2011 he forced his way into the Spurs side and became their first-choice right-back.
In 2012, he was rewarded for a fine season by picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year award and has twice been named in the PFA Team of the Year.
He made 228 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions, scoring four goals, and last season helped them to second in the table, their highest league finish in the Premier League era.
His England debut came in the 1-0 win over Spain in 2011. He has 27 caps in total, with his most recent appearance coming as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 defeat to France at the Stade de France.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Kyle the best of luck as he begins the next stage of his career here at the Etihad Stadium.
[/article]
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Gökhan Inler - İstanbul Başakşehir
Mevlüt Erdinç - İstanbul Başakşehir
Sam Johnstone - Aston Villa (loan)
[article]Aston Villa are pleased to announce the signing of Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan.
Goalkeeper Johnstone spent six months with us last season after joining from Manchester United in January 2017, making 22 appearances for the claret and blues.
Johnstone has now rejoined the club and will link up with Steve Bruce’s side as we continue pre-season ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
He said: “I am delighted to be back.
“I really enjoyed my last spell here – it’s a great club with top players and passionate fans.
“I can’t wait to get started now.
"I believe it can be a special season for all of us and I will be working hard each and every day to produce the kind of performances that will help us achieve what we’re aiming for.”[/article]
Nélson Semedo - Barcelona (reportedly €30 million plus add ons up to €5 million)
Martin Braithwaite - Middlesbrough (reportedly £9 million)
[article]
Garry Monk has completed his third signing of the summer after Martin Braithwaite finalised his transfer from Toulouse.
Boro agreed a deal with the French side to capture the services of the highly-rated Braithwaite.
The player completed his medical Rockliffe on Thursday and was shown around the training ground ahead of signing his proposed four-year deal on Teesside.
The Danish international put pen to paper a four-year deal and follows Jonny Howson and Cyrus Christie into Boro, who joined last week from Norwich City and Derby County respectively.
Braithwaite will head to Portugal on Friday to meet up with his new Boro teammates.
A versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or on the wing, Braithwaite will add extra firepower to Monk’s Boro squad, having scored 12 goals in 37 appearances last season.
The 26-year-old has 16 caps for Denmark and his last appearance came against Kazakhstan in June, when he set up the Dane’s final goal in a 3-1 win.
[/article]
Dani Ceballos - Real Madrid (reportedly €18 million)
[article]Real Madrid C. F. and Real Betis Balompié have agreed the transfer of Dani Ceballos, who has signed a six-year contract with the club.
The player will be unveiled on Thursday the 20th of July, at 1:00pm, in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dani Ceballos will then take his first steps on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu in a Real Madrid shirt and face the press in the media room.
On Friday the 21st of July, the player will join the team on their pre-season tour of the United States.[/article]
Mevlüt Erdinç - İstanbul Başakşehir
Sam Johnstone - Aston Villa (loan)
[article]Aston Villa are pleased to announce the signing of Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan.
Goalkeeper Johnstone spent six months with us last season after joining from Manchester United in January 2017, making 22 appearances for the claret and blues.
Johnstone has now rejoined the club and will link up with Steve Bruce’s side as we continue pre-season ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
He said: “I am delighted to be back.
“I really enjoyed my last spell here – it’s a great club with top players and passionate fans.
“I can’t wait to get started now.
"I believe it can be a special season for all of us and I will be working hard each and every day to produce the kind of performances that will help us achieve what we’re aiming for.”[/article]
Nélson Semedo - Barcelona (reportedly €30 million plus add ons up to €5 million)
Martin Braithwaite - Middlesbrough (reportedly £9 million)
[article]
Garry Monk has completed his third signing of the summer after Martin Braithwaite finalised his transfer from Toulouse.
Boro agreed a deal with the French side to capture the services of the highly-rated Braithwaite.
The player completed his medical Rockliffe on Thursday and was shown around the training ground ahead of signing his proposed four-year deal on Teesside.
The Danish international put pen to paper a four-year deal and follows Jonny Howson and Cyrus Christie into Boro, who joined last week from Norwich City and Derby County respectively.
Braithwaite will head to Portugal on Friday to meet up with his new Boro teammates.
A versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or on the wing, Braithwaite will add extra firepower to Monk’s Boro squad, having scored 12 goals in 37 appearances last season.
The 26-year-old has 16 caps for Denmark and his last appearance came against Kazakhstan in June, when he set up the Dane’s final goal in a 3-1 win.
[/article]
Dani Ceballos - Real Madrid (reportedly €18 million)
[article]Real Madrid C. F. and Real Betis Balompié have agreed the transfer of Dani Ceballos, who has signed a six-year contract with the club.
The player will be unveiled on Thursday the 20th of July, at 1:00pm, in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dani Ceballos will then take his first steps on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu in a Real Madrid shirt and face the press in the media room.
On Friday the 21st of July, the player will join the team on their pre-season tour of the United States.[/article]
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Abdou Diallo - Mainz (reportedly €5 million)
[article]Mainz have completed the signing of 21-year-old Abdou Diallo from Monaco.
The central defender signs with the Bundesliga club on a five-year-deal until 2022 and will be hoping for more first team opportunities throughout the season. Capped at every age group for France and captaining the under-21 side, Diallo has the potential to be a great signing for Mainz.
Diallo made 11 appearances across four competitions last season for Monaco, playing five times in Ligue 1, four times in the Coupe de France and one time in both the Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue, failing to score but picking up one assist in the Coupe de France.[/article]
Serge Gnabry - Hoffenheim (loan)
[article]
TSG Hoffenheim have secured the services of Germany international Serge Gnabry on a year-long loan from FC Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old forward will now have a medical with TSG.
Gnabry joined his new teammates Jeremy Toljan and Nadiem Amiri at the U21 European Championship in Poland, where he and the team lifted the trophy. He then spent his subsequent holiday with Toljan.
Gnabry made 27 appearances for SV Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last season, scoring an impressive eleven goals and providing two assists. Gnabry then moved to record champions Bayern Munich before making an immediate loan to TSG.
[/article]
Lucas Piazon - Fulham (loan)
[article]The Club is delighted to announce that Lucas Piazon has returned on a season-long loan from Chelsea for the 2017/18 campaign.
Brazilian Piazon joined on loan last season, initially until January but the deal was extended until the end of the season which saw Piazon play a key role in the side that made the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.
The 23-year-old scored on his debut against Bristol City in the EFL Cup and went on to make 29 league appearances for Fulham, impressive considering he fractured his jaw in February against Cardiff but returned to action just over a month later against Derby County.
In total Piazon scored six goals and provided four assists for the Club across all competitions.
The attacking midfielder joined Chelsea in the summer of 2011, and in his first season he helped them win the FA Youth Cup and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year.
His first three senior appearances for Chelsea came in high-scoring games during the 2012/13 season, as he played in 6-0, 5-4 and 8-0 victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, and Aston Villa, respectively.
Piazon went on loan with La Liga side Malaga in 2013, where he played in the UEFA Champions League for the first time and reached the Quarter-Final stage with the club before being knocked out 3-2 on aggregate by Borussia Dortmund.
He then spent a season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and scored 11 times to help them finish sixth in the Eredivisie for the 2013/14 season, before helping Eintracht Frankfurt to ninth in the Bundesliga during another loan spell in 2014/15.
Piazon’s first taste of Championship football came two seasons ago as he played 27 times for Reading, scoring five goals for the Royals before joining Fulham on loan last August.
He is also capped at Brazil youth level, playing up to the Under-23s, in 2014 he helped Brazil Under-20s win the Toulon Tournament.
Speaking to fulhamfc.com Lucas expressed his delight about returning to Fulham.
"I believe it is a very good move for me," he said. "And I am very happy with the decision.
"There is a certain feeling of unfinished business. It felt like I must come back and help the team to reach what we were chasing last year, so it will be a very exciting season.
"This is the first time I will spend two seasons with a club. I am excited to see the boys and get back into training." [/article]
Marcelo Guedes - Lyon (reportedly €7.5 million inclusive of add ons)
[article]
Turkish Super Lig champions Beşiktaş announced late Thursday that their defender Marcelo was about to join the French club Olympique Lyon.
Beşiktaş said in a statement that they had agreed terms with Lyon for Marcelo's move.
"Beşiktaş agreed with Olympique Lyon about the transfer of our player, Marcelo Antonio Guedes Filho," said the Istanbul-based club, adding Lyon would pay €7.5 million ($8.5 million) for the defender, including bonuses.
The 30-year-old played for Beşiktaş as they claimed back-to-back Super Lig titles in 2016 and 2017.
Last season Marcelo scored three goals in 32 league appearances. He had joined Beşiktaş in February 2016.
[/article]
Jón Daði Böðvarsson - Reading (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that forward Jón Daði Böðvarsson has completed a transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to join the Royals for an undisclosed fee.
The 6’3” Icelandic international completed his medical earlier today and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Böðvarsson is now immediately flying out to join his new teammates at their pre-season training camp in Holland.
Royals manager Jaap Stam said, “Jón is the type of player who can play in our system and he is able to play in a number up different positions within that system too - up front as a central striker, as one of a two or as a winger.
“He’s a strong runner, he’s tall but he’s very comfortable on the ball, he’s got some pace…so he’s definitely a player who will be a useful addition to our squad.”
Böðvarsson began his career at his hometown club, Selfoss, earning promotion from the Icelandic second tier in his first professional season at the club – a feat he repeated at the club two years later!
In November 2012, he made a switch to Norway to join Tippeligaen side Viking and scored 15 goals during his stay in Stavanger before being snapped up by Kaiserslautern in June 2015.
Jón made his Kaiserslautern debut against Union Berlin and soon opened his account with a goal against Nürnberg. The following summer, Böðvarsson had done enough to earn another move, this time to the Championship and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Icelander scored on his Wolves debut in an opening day draw against Rotherham last season and his Molineux bow came in a 2-0 win over the Royals the following weekend.
A late strike that secured three points at St Andrew’s helped him win Wolves hearts in a derby day victory against Birmingham City later that month and he went on to make 48 appearances in black and gold in 2016-17.
On the international front, the 6’3” forward, who can play up front or in a winger’s role, represented his country at Under-19 and Under-21 level before making his first senior team debut at the age of 20 in a 2-0 win for Iceland in Andorra.
His first goal for his country came in September 2014 as Iceland began what was to be an historic European Championships qualification campaign with a 3–0 victory against Turkey.
And little more than a year ago, Jón was making waves with Lars Lagerbäck’s giantkillers, starting in all five of Iceland’s games in Euro 2016, scoring in their final group game against Austria to cement qualification from the group phase, and then playing 89 minutes in Nice as his country earned a famous 2-1 win over England to advance into the quarter-finals!
Jón joins a club with a relatively recent history of bringing the very best out of Icelanders – Ivar Ingimarsson was part of our 106 title-winning side eleven years ago, as was Brynjar Gunnarsson who actually played a part in both of the Royals’ successful Premier League promotion campaigns.
And, of course, one of Böðvarsson’s current Icelandic international teammates remains arguably our most successful Academy graduate to date…Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said, “I am delighted to bring Jón to Reading Football Club on a contract that keeps him here until 2020. He is a forward who, despite only recently turning 25, has already earned in excess of 200 appearances whilst experiencing regular first team football across a range of different European domestic leagues – including the Championship. He also arrives at Reading with proven international pedigree and we now look forward to him making an impact at the Madejski.”
[/article]
[article]Mainz have completed the signing of 21-year-old Abdou Diallo from Monaco.
The central defender signs with the Bundesliga club on a five-year-deal until 2022 and will be hoping for more first team opportunities throughout the season. Capped at every age group for France and captaining the under-21 side, Diallo has the potential to be a great signing for Mainz.
Diallo made 11 appearances across four competitions last season for Monaco, playing five times in Ligue 1, four times in the Coupe de France and one time in both the Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue, failing to score but picking up one assist in the Coupe de France.[/article]
Serge Gnabry - Hoffenheim (loan)
[article]
TSG Hoffenheim have secured the services of Germany international Serge Gnabry on a year-long loan from FC Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old forward will now have a medical with TSG.
Gnabry joined his new teammates Jeremy Toljan and Nadiem Amiri at the U21 European Championship in Poland, where he and the team lifted the trophy. He then spent his subsequent holiday with Toljan.
Gnabry made 27 appearances for SV Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last season, scoring an impressive eleven goals and providing two assists. Gnabry then moved to record champions Bayern Munich before making an immediate loan to TSG.
[/article]
Lucas Piazon - Fulham (loan)
[article]The Club is delighted to announce that Lucas Piazon has returned on a season-long loan from Chelsea for the 2017/18 campaign.
Brazilian Piazon joined on loan last season, initially until January but the deal was extended until the end of the season which saw Piazon play a key role in the side that made the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.
The 23-year-old scored on his debut against Bristol City in the EFL Cup and went on to make 29 league appearances for Fulham, impressive considering he fractured his jaw in February against Cardiff but returned to action just over a month later against Derby County.
In total Piazon scored six goals and provided four assists for the Club across all competitions.
The attacking midfielder joined Chelsea in the summer of 2011, and in his first season he helped them win the FA Youth Cup and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year.
His first three senior appearances for Chelsea came in high-scoring games during the 2012/13 season, as he played in 6-0, 5-4 and 8-0 victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, and Aston Villa, respectively.
Piazon went on loan with La Liga side Malaga in 2013, where he played in the UEFA Champions League for the first time and reached the Quarter-Final stage with the club before being knocked out 3-2 on aggregate by Borussia Dortmund.
He then spent a season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and scored 11 times to help them finish sixth in the Eredivisie for the 2013/14 season, before helping Eintracht Frankfurt to ninth in the Bundesliga during another loan spell in 2014/15.
Piazon’s first taste of Championship football came two seasons ago as he played 27 times for Reading, scoring five goals for the Royals before joining Fulham on loan last August.
He is also capped at Brazil youth level, playing up to the Under-23s, in 2014 he helped Brazil Under-20s win the Toulon Tournament.
Speaking to fulhamfc.com Lucas expressed his delight about returning to Fulham.
"I believe it is a very good move for me," he said. "And I am very happy with the decision.
"There is a certain feeling of unfinished business. It felt like I must come back and help the team to reach what we were chasing last year, so it will be a very exciting season.
"This is the first time I will spend two seasons with a club. I am excited to see the boys and get back into training." [/article]
Marcelo Guedes - Lyon (reportedly €7.5 million inclusive of add ons)
[article]
Turkish Super Lig champions Beşiktaş announced late Thursday that their defender Marcelo was about to join the French club Olympique Lyon.
Beşiktaş said in a statement that they had agreed terms with Lyon for Marcelo's move.
"Beşiktaş agreed with Olympique Lyon about the transfer of our player, Marcelo Antonio Guedes Filho," said the Istanbul-based club, adding Lyon would pay €7.5 million ($8.5 million) for the defender, including bonuses.
The 30-year-old played for Beşiktaş as they claimed back-to-back Super Lig titles in 2016 and 2017.
Last season Marcelo scored three goals in 32 league appearances. He had joined Beşiktaş in February 2016.
[/article]
Jón Daði Böðvarsson - Reading (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that forward Jón Daði Böðvarsson has completed a transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to join the Royals for an undisclosed fee.
The 6’3” Icelandic international completed his medical earlier today and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Böðvarsson is now immediately flying out to join his new teammates at their pre-season training camp in Holland.
Royals manager Jaap Stam said, “Jón is the type of player who can play in our system and he is able to play in a number up different positions within that system too - up front as a central striker, as one of a two or as a winger.
“He’s a strong runner, he’s tall but he’s very comfortable on the ball, he’s got some pace…so he’s definitely a player who will be a useful addition to our squad.”
Böðvarsson began his career at his hometown club, Selfoss, earning promotion from the Icelandic second tier in his first professional season at the club – a feat he repeated at the club two years later!
In November 2012, he made a switch to Norway to join Tippeligaen side Viking and scored 15 goals during his stay in Stavanger before being snapped up by Kaiserslautern in June 2015.
Jón made his Kaiserslautern debut against Union Berlin and soon opened his account with a goal against Nürnberg. The following summer, Böðvarsson had done enough to earn another move, this time to the Championship and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Icelander scored on his Wolves debut in an opening day draw against Rotherham last season and his Molineux bow came in a 2-0 win over the Royals the following weekend.
A late strike that secured three points at St Andrew’s helped him win Wolves hearts in a derby day victory against Birmingham City later that month and he went on to make 48 appearances in black and gold in 2016-17.
On the international front, the 6’3” forward, who can play up front or in a winger’s role, represented his country at Under-19 and Under-21 level before making his first senior team debut at the age of 20 in a 2-0 win for Iceland in Andorra.
His first goal for his country came in September 2014 as Iceland began what was to be an historic European Championships qualification campaign with a 3–0 victory against Turkey.
And little more than a year ago, Jón was making waves with Lars Lagerbäck’s giantkillers, starting in all five of Iceland’s games in Euro 2016, scoring in their final group game against Austria to cement qualification from the group phase, and then playing 89 minutes in Nice as his country earned a famous 2-1 win over England to advance into the quarter-finals!
Jón joins a club with a relatively recent history of bringing the very best out of Icelanders – Ivar Ingimarsson was part of our 106 title-winning side eleven years ago, as was Brynjar Gunnarsson who actually played a part in both of the Royals’ successful Premier League promotion campaigns.
And, of course, one of Böðvarsson’s current Icelandic international teammates remains arguably our most successful Academy graduate to date…Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said, “I am delighted to bring Jón to Reading Football Club on a contract that keeps him here until 2020. He is a forward who, despite only recently turning 25, has already earned in excess of 200 appearances whilst experiencing regular first team football across a range of different European domestic leagues – including the Championship. He also arrives at Reading with proven international pedigree and we now look forward to him making an impact at the Madejski.”
[/article]
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Leonardo Bonucci - AC Milan (€40 million plus add ons up to €2 million)
[article]
Milan have officially confirmed the signing of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci for €40m plus €2m in bonuses, pending a medical.
Following the shock reports on Wednesday afternoon, the deal has been closed in just three days with the centre-back signing a five-year contract with the Rossoneri.
“AC Milan have reached an agreement with Juventus FC for the permanent transfer of Leonardo Bonucci, subject to medical completion,” confirmed the statement.
“Should the player pass the medical examination in the next few days, he will join the Club, penning a five-year contract.”
There are reports he will earn €8m per year wages plus €2m bonuses, making him comfortably the top-paid player in Serie A, surpassing Gonzalo Higuain’s €7.5m net.
The 30-year-old joined the Old Lady in 2010 in a €15.5m transfer having previously been co-owned by Genoa and Bari.
Juve gave the Grifone €2m plus Domenico Criscito, while Sergio Almiron went to Bari along with €5m.
After struggling in his first season in Turin, Bonucci found his feet in the 2011-12 season, playing in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system.
Stepping out from the defence to support Andrea Pirlo with his skill on the ball and range of passing, he became regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in Europe.
Bonucci was a key part of the ‘BBC’ backline alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, and it was on that foundation that the Bianconeri built their extraordinary recent success.
Juve have won the Scudetto for the past six seasons in a row, and have won the Coppa Italia for the past three years.
In addition, they reached the Champions League final in 2015 and 2017, though Bonucci and his teammates were on the losing side each time.
Having also played four games for Inter, Bonucci joins a select list of players to have represented all three of Italy’s most successful clubs.
[/article]
[article]
Milan have officially confirmed the signing of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci for €40m plus €2m in bonuses, pending a medical.
Following the shock reports on Wednesday afternoon, the deal has been closed in just three days with the centre-back signing a five-year contract with the Rossoneri.
“AC Milan have reached an agreement with Juventus FC for the permanent transfer of Leonardo Bonucci, subject to medical completion,” confirmed the statement.
“Should the player pass the medical examination in the next few days, he will join the Club, penning a five-year contract.”
There are reports he will earn €8m per year wages plus €2m bonuses, making him comfortably the top-paid player in Serie A, surpassing Gonzalo Higuain’s €7.5m net.
The 30-year-old joined the Old Lady in 2010 in a €15.5m transfer having previously been co-owned by Genoa and Bari.
Juve gave the Grifone €2m plus Domenico Criscito, while Sergio Almiron went to Bari along with €5m.
After struggling in his first season in Turin, Bonucci found his feet in the 2011-12 season, playing in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system.
Stepping out from the defence to support Andrea Pirlo with his skill on the ball and range of passing, he became regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in Europe.
Bonucci was a key part of the ‘BBC’ backline alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, and it was on that foundation that the Bianconeri built their extraordinary recent success.
Juve have won the Scudetto for the past six seasons in a row, and have won the Coppa Italia for the past three years.
In addition, they reached the Champions League final in 2015 and 2017, though Bonucci and his teammates were on the losing side each time.
Having also played four games for Inter, Bonucci joins a select list of players to have represented all three of Italy’s most successful clubs.
[/article]
Bartosz Kapustka - Freiburg (loan with option to buy)
[article]
Freiburg have signed highly-rated Poland winger Bartosz Kapustka on a one-year loan deal from former English Premier League champions Leicester City.
Kapustka made his Poland debut at 18, and has scored three goals in 14 international appearances to date. His performances in helping Poland reach the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2016 last summer caught the eye of a certain Gary Lineker in particular.
“The Bundesliga is a big challenge and Freiburg enjoys an excellent reputation,” enthused the 20-year-old Kapustka on signing his contract. “I’ve had very good discussions with the club and I’m convinced Freiburg is the right place to continue my development.”
The Black Forest club – who are on the cusp of their first Europa League campaign since 2013/14 - have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the coming campaign.
[/article]
Dominic Iorfa - Ipswich (loan)
[article] Town have added Dominic Iorfa to the squad on a season-long loan deal from Wolves.
The England U21 international has agreed to the Portman Road switch after passing a medical at Town this afternoon.
Mick McCarthy has moved quickly to replace Josh Emmanuel, who joined Rotherham yesterday on loan, with Iorfa now set to battle it out with Jordan Spence for the right-back berth at Town.
The 22 year-old began his career in the Academy at Southend, before joining Wolves as a 15 year-old. He has gone on to feature heavily at Molineux since breaking into the team in 2013.
The right-back helped Wolves earn promotion to the Championship under Kenny Jackett but since the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo this summer, he has been told he can move on loan to aid his development.
[/article]
Bastian Oczipka - Schalke (reportedly £3.8 million)
[article]
The perfect transfer: Bastian Oczipka will move to Schalke 04 from Eintracht Frankfurt with immediate effect. The 28-year-old has signed a three-year-deal with the Royal Blues until June 2020. The fee will remain undisclosed between the two clubs and the defender will wear the number 24 shirt. He will join his new teammates on their Chinese tour from Sunday.
“Bastian is a reliable left back who knows the Bundesliga well. He has the ability to be stay solid at the back as well as being a danger going forward,” said head coach Domenico Tedesco. “We are very excited to have him with us for the new season.”
The left-footer agreed: “I am excited by this new challenge. Domencio Tedesco and Christian Heidel have really motivated to get involved with the challenges that lie ahead here at Schalke,” said Oczipka. “At the same time I would like to take this chance to thank everyone at Frankfurt for five great years.”
Bastian Oczipka joined Frankfurt in summer 2012 and has appeared in 175 Bundesliga games (2 goals), as well as 58 second division fixtures, 15 DFB-Pokal ties as well as 3 champions league and 8 Europa League encounters.
The football story of the left footer began in his hometown of Bergisch Gladbach. Between 1994 and 1997 he was a regular for his hometown club SV Blau-Weiß Hand before spending two season with SSG Bergisch Gladbach. He moved to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth team in 1999 where he won the under-19 German championship in 2007 as well as the DFB Youth Pokal.
It was from then he signed a professional contract and he was loaned out to Hansa Rostock (2008-09) and then FC St. Pauli (2010-11) to get more game time. He returned to Leverkusen in 2011 before signing with Eintracht Frankfurt a year later.
[/article]
Semih Kaya - Sparta Prague (reportedly £1.7 million)
Douglas Luiz - Man City (reportedly £10 million)
[article]
Manchester City have completed the signing of Douglas Luiz from Vasco Da Gama.
The 19-year old Brazilian U20 international midfielder completed his medical in Manchester this week and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “We are pleased to welcome Douglas. He is an exciting player with great potential, and everyone here is looking forward to helping him develop his talent and progress in the game.”
The Club will make a further statement about Douglas’ immediate development pathway in the coming days.
[/article]
[article]
Freiburg have signed highly-rated Poland winger Bartosz Kapustka on a one-year loan deal from former English Premier League champions Leicester City.
Kapustka made his Poland debut at 18, and has scored three goals in 14 international appearances to date. His performances in helping Poland reach the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2016 last summer caught the eye of a certain Gary Lineker in particular.
“The Bundesliga is a big challenge and Freiburg enjoys an excellent reputation,” enthused the 20-year-old Kapustka on signing his contract. “I’ve had very good discussions with the club and I’m convinced Freiburg is the right place to continue my development.”
The Black Forest club – who are on the cusp of their first Europa League campaign since 2013/14 - have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the coming campaign.
[/article]
Dominic Iorfa - Ipswich (loan)
[article] Town have added Dominic Iorfa to the squad on a season-long loan deal from Wolves.
The England U21 international has agreed to the Portman Road switch after passing a medical at Town this afternoon.
Mick McCarthy has moved quickly to replace Josh Emmanuel, who joined Rotherham yesterday on loan, with Iorfa now set to battle it out with Jordan Spence for the right-back berth at Town.
The 22 year-old began his career in the Academy at Southend, before joining Wolves as a 15 year-old. He has gone on to feature heavily at Molineux since breaking into the team in 2013.
The right-back helped Wolves earn promotion to the Championship under Kenny Jackett but since the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo this summer, he has been told he can move on loan to aid his development.
[/article]
Bastian Oczipka - Schalke (reportedly £3.8 million)
[article]
The perfect transfer: Bastian Oczipka will move to Schalke 04 from Eintracht Frankfurt with immediate effect. The 28-year-old has signed a three-year-deal with the Royal Blues until June 2020. The fee will remain undisclosed between the two clubs and the defender will wear the number 24 shirt. He will join his new teammates on their Chinese tour from Sunday.
“Bastian is a reliable left back who knows the Bundesliga well. He has the ability to be stay solid at the back as well as being a danger going forward,” said head coach Domenico Tedesco. “We are very excited to have him with us for the new season.”
The left-footer agreed: “I am excited by this new challenge. Domencio Tedesco and Christian Heidel have really motivated to get involved with the challenges that lie ahead here at Schalke,” said Oczipka. “At the same time I would like to take this chance to thank everyone at Frankfurt for five great years.”
Bastian Oczipka joined Frankfurt in summer 2012 and has appeared in 175 Bundesliga games (2 goals), as well as 58 second division fixtures, 15 DFB-Pokal ties as well as 3 champions league and 8 Europa League encounters.
The football story of the left footer began in his hometown of Bergisch Gladbach. Between 1994 and 1997 he was a regular for his hometown club SV Blau-Weiß Hand before spending two season with SSG Bergisch Gladbach. He moved to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth team in 1999 where he won the under-19 German championship in 2007 as well as the DFB Youth Pokal.
It was from then he signed a professional contract and he was loaned out to Hansa Rostock (2008-09) and then FC St. Pauli (2010-11) to get more game time. He returned to Leverkusen in 2011 before signing with Eintracht Frankfurt a year later.
[/article]
Semih Kaya - Sparta Prague (reportedly £1.7 million)
Douglas Luiz - Man City (reportedly £10 million)
[article]
Manchester City have completed the signing of Douglas Luiz from Vasco Da Gama.
The 19-year old Brazilian U20 international midfielder completed his medical in Manchester this week and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “We are pleased to welcome Douglas. He is an exciting player with great potential, and everyone here is looking forward to helping him develop his talent and progress in the game.”
The Club will make a further statement about Douglas’ immediate development pathway in the coming days.
[/article]
Tiemoue Bakayoko - Chelsea (reportedly £40 million)
[article]
Tiemoue Bakayoko is a Chelsea player having today completed a transfer from Monaco.
Bakayoko, 22, is a tall, strong and quick central midfielder who was instrumental in Monaco’s Ligue 1 triumph last season, as well as their impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals.
He recently made his debut for France in the same line-up as new team-mate N’Golo Kante, and is widely recognised as one of the best young central midfielders in European football.
Bakayoko, who has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No.14 shirt, said: ‘I am very happy to be here and to join this great team. I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood.
‘I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team-mates.’
Technical director Michael Emenalo added: ‘Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe’s best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea.
‘Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he will add considerable quality to our squad.’
In possession, Bakayoko typically plays quickly and simply but has the ability to be more expansive if required, and is strong in a one-on-one situation.
His physicality, awareness and timing in the tackle means he is superb at winning the ball back and harassing opponents into mistakes. In a tight central midfield two at Monaco he starred as they unexpectedly beat Paris St-Germain to the title and also reached the last four of the Champions League, knocking out Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund en route. Bakayoko scored the decisive goal in a thrilling two-legged tie against the Premier League side.
Born in Paris, Bakayoko came through the Rennes academy in the north-west of France and made his senior debut in August 2013, a week after his 19th birthday.
He signed for Monaco the following summer and made almost 100 appearances for the principality side during his three seasons there, scoring five goals.
[/article]
Neal Maupay - Brentford (reportedly £1.7 million)
[article]
Brentford have signed French youth international attacker Neal Maupay from AS Saint-Étienne for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 20-year-old completed a medical earlier today, Friday 14 July, and signed for The Bees this afternoon. Neal has signed a four-year-contract and will link up with Brentford for pre-season training next week.
Neal came through the youth ranks at Nice and made his debut for them just after his 16th birthday. He played for Nice in the French top flight and also for Nice’s second team in the fifth tier. He scored nine goals in 53 games for Nice, and scored for them in a pre-season friendly at Griffin Park in 2014, before a switch to Saint-Étienne in 2015.
Neal scored three goals in his first season with Saint-Étienne and agreed a switch to Stade Brestois 29 for the 2016/17 campaign. In his year with Brest, as they are better known, Neal scored 11 goals in the French second tier. He has played for France at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level and has, in total, won 35 caps and scored 16 goals.
Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, said: "There were many clubs both in England and overseas that were interested in signing Neal this summer. I am very proud of the team effort from everyone at Brentford who contributed to selling our club and our ambition to Neal. He is a good player and a good man.
“Having made the decision to join Brentford he honoured that agreement despite having other clubs interested in acquiring his services. We look forward to working with him over the coming seasons."
Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, added: “As Phil has said, he is a player that we have been tracking for a long while. He fits all the profiles we set when we look for a player. He has a really good personality and character to go with his skill level. We are very lucky to have got him and I look forward to working with him.”
[/article]
[article]
Tiemoue Bakayoko is a Chelsea player having today completed a transfer from Monaco.
Bakayoko, 22, is a tall, strong and quick central midfielder who was instrumental in Monaco’s Ligue 1 triumph last season, as well as their impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals.
He recently made his debut for France in the same line-up as new team-mate N’Golo Kante, and is widely recognised as one of the best young central midfielders in European football.
Bakayoko, who has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No.14 shirt, said: ‘I am very happy to be here and to join this great team. I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood.
‘I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach and alongside so many great team-mates.’
Technical director Michael Emenalo added: ‘Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe’s best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea.
‘Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he will add considerable quality to our squad.’
In possession, Bakayoko typically plays quickly and simply but has the ability to be more expansive if required, and is strong in a one-on-one situation.
His physicality, awareness and timing in the tackle means he is superb at winning the ball back and harassing opponents into mistakes. In a tight central midfield two at Monaco he starred as they unexpectedly beat Paris St-Germain to the title and also reached the last four of the Champions League, knocking out Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund en route. Bakayoko scored the decisive goal in a thrilling two-legged tie against the Premier League side.
Born in Paris, Bakayoko came through the Rennes academy in the north-west of France and made his senior debut in August 2013, a week after his 19th birthday.
He signed for Monaco the following summer and made almost 100 appearances for the principality side during his three seasons there, scoring five goals.
[/article]
Neal Maupay - Brentford (reportedly £1.7 million)
[article]
Brentford have signed French youth international attacker Neal Maupay from AS Saint-Étienne for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 20-year-old completed a medical earlier today, Friday 14 July, and signed for The Bees this afternoon. Neal has signed a four-year-contract and will link up with Brentford for pre-season training next week.
Neal came through the youth ranks at Nice and made his debut for them just after his 16th birthday. He played for Nice in the French top flight and also for Nice’s second team in the fifth tier. He scored nine goals in 53 games for Nice, and scored for them in a pre-season friendly at Griffin Park in 2014, before a switch to Saint-Étienne in 2015.
Neal scored three goals in his first season with Saint-Étienne and agreed a switch to Stade Brestois 29 for the 2016/17 campaign. In his year with Brest, as they are better known, Neal scored 11 goals in the French second tier. He has played for France at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level and has, in total, won 35 caps and scored 16 goals.
Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, said: "There were many clubs both in England and overseas that were interested in signing Neal this summer. I am very proud of the team effort from everyone at Brentford who contributed to selling our club and our ambition to Neal. He is a good player and a good man.
“Having made the decision to join Brentford he honoured that agreement despite having other clubs interested in acquiring his services. We look forward to working with him over the coming seasons."
Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, added: “As Phil has said, he is a player that we have been tracking for a long while. He fits all the profiles we set when we look for a player. He has a really good personality and character to go with his skill level. We are very lucky to have got him and I look forward to working with him.”
[/article]
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Diego Álves - Flamengo (reportedly €300k)
Cengiz Under - Roma (€13.4 million plus add ons up to €1.5 million)
[article]The club is delighted to confirm the signing of Cengiz Under from Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir FK.
The 20-year-old joins for an initial fee of €13.4 million. Depending on the achievement of certain performance targets, on the part of both the player and the club, the Giallorossi could pay up to an additional €1.5m in bonuses.
The Turkey international has signed a five-year contract with Roma that runs until 30 June 2022.
“I'm delighted to be here and very excited about meeting the fans,” Cengiz said. “My aim is to earn myself a regular starting berth as quickly as possible."
The versatile midfielder – who celebrated his birthday on Friday – began his career as a youngster at Bucaspor, before joining Altinordu in the summer of 2014.
After 50 games and 11 goals in the second division, last summer he was signed by Basaksehir – for whom he would play 32 games and score seven goals in the Turkish Super Lig as the club qualified for the play-off rounds of this season's Champions league.
"We are extremely happy with the arrival of Cengiz, a player with great technical ability," sporting director Monchi said. "We are confident he will quickly adjust to his new surroundings and his quality and talent will be a valuable addition to our squad."
A former youth international, Cengiz has recently broken into Turkey’s senior side and has so far picked up four caps, scoring two goals.
At Roma he will wear the No. 17 shirt.[/article]
Stanislav Lobotka - Celta Vigo (reportedly €600k)
[article]Celta Vigo have announced the signing of Slovakian midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, dubbed ‘the mini Luka Modric’.
Lobotka has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Celta and becomes their second summer capture after striker Maxi Gomez.
The 22-year-old was an ever-present for Slovakia during the recent European Under-21 Championship and has spent the last two seasons with Danish outfit Nordsjaelland.
AS also claims Lobotka is known as ‘mini Modric’ due to his similar frame and playing style to the Real Madrid star.[/article]
Lucas Biglia - AC Milan (reportedly £14.9 million)
[article]AC Milan are delighted to announce the signing of Lucas Biglia from SS Lazio. The player has penned a three-year contract through to 30 June 2020.
Lucas Biglia, class of 1986, is an experienced playmaker. The Rossoneri will hand him the keys to the team's midfield. The Argentinian - 178 cm and 64 kg, right footed - is a quality player with a strong tactical sense. Biglia is important on and off the ball, starting the move for the team, with great vision of play and a talented set piece taker.
Biglia's first match as a professional was with Argentinos Juniors, the team he made his debut with on 1 July 2004 - after playing in the academy - in the first leg of the match to stay up against Talleres Cordoba. In the Primera Division he made 66 appearances and scored a goal, playing also with Independiente until 2006. He then moved to Belgium where he joined Anderlecht winning 4 league titles, 1 league cup and 4 supercups in seven years. He recorded almost 200 appearances between league matches, playoffs, Europa League, Champions League and National Cup, scoring 16 goals. He arrived in Italy to join Lazio in July 2013 and made his Serie A debut the following 25 August in the 2-1 home win over Udinese. With the Biancocelesti he scored 16 goals in four years, mostly in the league. Lucas has a great curriculum also with his national team, from the Under-17 to the senior team: he made his debut on 2 September 2011 in the friendly match Argentina v Portugal 2-1. With the Albiceleste he has won gold, silver and bronze medals between the World Cup, the Copa America and South American tournaments.[/article]
Cengiz Under - Roma (€13.4 million plus add ons up to €1.5 million)
[article]The club is delighted to confirm the signing of Cengiz Under from Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir FK.
The 20-year-old joins for an initial fee of €13.4 million. Depending on the achievement of certain performance targets, on the part of both the player and the club, the Giallorossi could pay up to an additional €1.5m in bonuses.
The Turkey international has signed a five-year contract with Roma that runs until 30 June 2022.
“I'm delighted to be here and very excited about meeting the fans,” Cengiz said. “My aim is to earn myself a regular starting berth as quickly as possible."
The versatile midfielder – who celebrated his birthday on Friday – began his career as a youngster at Bucaspor, before joining Altinordu in the summer of 2014.
After 50 games and 11 goals in the second division, last summer he was signed by Basaksehir – for whom he would play 32 games and score seven goals in the Turkish Super Lig as the club qualified for the play-off rounds of this season's Champions league.
"We are extremely happy with the arrival of Cengiz, a player with great technical ability," sporting director Monchi said. "We are confident he will quickly adjust to his new surroundings and his quality and talent will be a valuable addition to our squad."
A former youth international, Cengiz has recently broken into Turkey’s senior side and has so far picked up four caps, scoring two goals.
At Roma he will wear the No. 17 shirt.[/article]
Stanislav Lobotka - Celta Vigo (reportedly €600k)
[article]Celta Vigo have announced the signing of Slovakian midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, dubbed ‘the mini Luka Modric’.
Lobotka has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Celta and becomes their second summer capture after striker Maxi Gomez.
The 22-year-old was an ever-present for Slovakia during the recent European Under-21 Championship and has spent the last two seasons with Danish outfit Nordsjaelland.
AS also claims Lobotka is known as ‘mini Modric’ due to his similar frame and playing style to the Real Madrid star.[/article]
Lucas Biglia - AC Milan (reportedly £14.9 million)
[article]AC Milan are delighted to announce the signing of Lucas Biglia from SS Lazio. The player has penned a three-year contract through to 30 June 2020.
Lucas Biglia, class of 1986, is an experienced playmaker. The Rossoneri will hand him the keys to the team's midfield. The Argentinian - 178 cm and 64 kg, right footed - is a quality player with a strong tactical sense. Biglia is important on and off the ball, starting the move for the team, with great vision of play and a talented set piece taker.
Biglia's first match as a professional was with Argentinos Juniors, the team he made his debut with on 1 July 2004 - after playing in the academy - in the first leg of the match to stay up against Talleres Cordoba. In the Primera Division he made 66 appearances and scored a goal, playing also with Independiente until 2006. He then moved to Belgium where he joined Anderlecht winning 4 league titles, 1 league cup and 4 supercups in seven years. He recorded almost 200 appearances between league matches, playoffs, Europa League, Champions League and National Cup, scoring 16 goals. He arrived in Italy to join Lazio in July 2013 and made his Serie A debut the following 25 August in the 2-1 home win over Udinese. With the Biancocelesti he scored 16 goals in four years, mostly in the league. Lucas has a great curriculum also with his national team, from the Under-17 to the senior team: he made his debut on 2 September 2011 in the friendly match Argentina v Portugal 2-1. With the Albiceleste he has won gold, silver and bronze medals between the World Cup, the Copa America and South American tournaments.[/article]
Nolito - Sevilla (reportedly €9 million)
[article]Sevilla have announced the signing of Manchester City forward Nolito for a reported €9m, subject to a medical.
A statement on Sevilla’s official website confirms Nolito will undergo a medical on Sunday, before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Andalusians.
The former Celta Vigo star only joined City a year ago for €18m and scored six goals in 30 appearances for the English giants last season.
However, he made just one start for Pep Guardiola’s side in the second half of the campaign.
Nolito, who turns 31 in November, is now set to work under Eduardo Berizzo a second time, having been coached by the Argentine at Celta between 2014 and 2016.
He will also become Sevilla’s fifth summer capture after Ever Banega, Guido Pizarro, Luis Muriel and Sebastien Corchia.[/article]
[article]Sevilla have announced the signing of Manchester City forward Nolito for a reported €9m, subject to a medical.
A statement on Sevilla’s official website confirms Nolito will undergo a medical on Sunday, before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Andalusians.
The former Celta Vigo star only joined City a year ago for €18m and scored six goals in 30 appearances for the English giants last season.
However, he made just one start for Pep Guardiola’s side in the second half of the campaign.
Nolito, who turns 31 in November, is now set to work under Eduardo Berizzo a second time, having been coached by the Argentine at Celta between 2014 and 2016.
He will also become Sevilla’s fifth summer capture after Ever Banega, Guido Pizarro, Luis Muriel and Sebastien Corchia.[/article]
Tom Huddlestone - Derby (reportedly £2.4 million)
[article]
Derby County have today made Tom Huddlestone their latest summer signing ahead of the 2017/18 season.
The midfielder, a graduate of the club’s Academy system, has re-joined the Rams from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Hull City.
Huddlestone, following the completion of a successful medical examination, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal which will run until the summer of 2019, with the option of a further year.
Derby have paid the Tigers an undisclosed fee for the 30-year-old, who has been capped by England at full international level on four occasions.
Huddlestone is manager Gary Rowett’s third new recruit this summer following the recent defensive acquisitions of Curtis Davies, also from Hull, and Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom.
East Midlands-born Huddlestone made 95 appearances for the Rams between August 2003 and the summer of 2005, after making his professional debut at the tender age of 16.
After starring in the Rams’ midfield as a teenager, and securing a spot in the Championship Team of the Year in 2004/05, he joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2005/06 season after attracting the interest of several top-flight sides.
Following a brief loan stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, he went on to make 209 appearances for the White Hart Lane outfit during a successful eight-year spell in the capital.
Huddlestone also lifted the first major trophy of his career during his time with Spurs as he came off the bench in their 2-1 League Cup success over Chelsea in 2008, as well as featuring in key UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.
All four of his full England caps came during his time with the North London side. He made his debut in 2009 in a friendly against Brazil, before going to feature against Mexico and Japan in 2010 and then Sweden in 2012. He had previously been capped at Under-16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 level.
Huddlestone moved on to pastures new in the summer of 2013 by linking up with Hull City and was part of the Tigers side that reached the 2014 Emirates FA Cup Final. However, he was on the losing side as Arsenal stormed back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Following relegation in 2014/15, the midfielder played a key role in Hull’s promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2015/16, secured with a 1-0 play-off final win over Sheffield Wednesday.
In total, Huddlestone has racked up 478 appearances in club football and scored 24 goals.
[/article]
Marco Van Ginkel - PSV (loan)
[article]PSV Eindhoven have announced the signing of Marco van Ginkel from Chelsea on a season-long loan.
Van Ginkel spent the past season-and-a-half on loan at the Eredivisie club, making 28 appearances and scoring 15 goals.
The 24-year-old, who Chelsea signed from Vitesse in 2013 on a five-year contract, has also enjoyed loan spells with Stoke and AC Milan.
PSV announced the deal in a statement which read: "PSV and Chelsea have reached an agreement on a transfer of Marco van Ginkel. It is a rental for the duration of a season. PSV hope to welcome the midfielder quickly in Switzerland, where he will join then in training camp."
Van Ginkel follows Tammy Abraham, Kasey Paler, Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lucas Piazon among others in leaving Chelsea on loan this summer.[/article]
Simon Gustafson - Roda JC (loan)
[article]
Simon Gustafson will spend next season at Roda JC Kerkrade. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder will join the Eredivisie club on loan for twelve months. Gustafson has a contract at De Kuip that runs until mid-2019.
Gustafson joined Feyenoord in the summer of 2015. The Swede has made seventeen Eredivisie appearances for the club, netting three goals.[/article]
Steven Whittaker - Hibernian (free transfer)
[article]
Hibernian FC is delighted to announce the signing of Steven Whittaker on a three-year-deal - subject to international clearance.
Steven, capped 31 times for Scotland, is no stranger to Easter Road and Hibernian supporters being a key member of the "Golden Generation." He won the League Cup with Hibernian in 2007. He has since played at Rangers and in the top flight in England with Norwich City.
His signing has been hailed as "a coup for the Club" by Head Coach Neil Lennon, who expressed his pleasure that Steven had chosen to come to Hibernian.
Steven, 33, said: "I am delighted to be back at Hibernian. When I decided to return to Scotland, Hibernian was the club I hoped to come to. While the discussions have taken a while, they have always been positive and I am very pleased to be back playing at Easter Road for the Hibernian fans, and I hope I can play my part in ensuring a successful return to the top flight."
Steven won’t be eligible to play in today’s match against Montrose.
[/article]
[article]
Derby County have today made Tom Huddlestone their latest summer signing ahead of the 2017/18 season.
The midfielder, a graduate of the club’s Academy system, has re-joined the Rams from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Hull City.
Huddlestone, following the completion of a successful medical examination, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal which will run until the summer of 2019, with the option of a further year.
Derby have paid the Tigers an undisclosed fee for the 30-year-old, who has been capped by England at full international level on four occasions.
Huddlestone is manager Gary Rowett’s third new recruit this summer following the recent defensive acquisitions of Curtis Davies, also from Hull, and Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom.
East Midlands-born Huddlestone made 95 appearances for the Rams between August 2003 and the summer of 2005, after making his professional debut at the tender age of 16.
After starring in the Rams’ midfield as a teenager, and securing a spot in the Championship Team of the Year in 2004/05, he joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2005/06 season after attracting the interest of several top-flight sides.
Following a brief loan stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, he went on to make 209 appearances for the White Hart Lane outfit during a successful eight-year spell in the capital.
Huddlestone also lifted the first major trophy of his career during his time with Spurs as he came off the bench in their 2-1 League Cup success over Chelsea in 2008, as well as featuring in key UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.
All four of his full England caps came during his time with the North London side. He made his debut in 2009 in a friendly against Brazil, before going to feature against Mexico and Japan in 2010 and then Sweden in 2012. He had previously been capped at Under-16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 level.
Huddlestone moved on to pastures new in the summer of 2013 by linking up with Hull City and was part of the Tigers side that reached the 2014 Emirates FA Cup Final. However, he was on the losing side as Arsenal stormed back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Following relegation in 2014/15, the midfielder played a key role in Hull’s promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2015/16, secured with a 1-0 play-off final win over Sheffield Wednesday.
In total, Huddlestone has racked up 478 appearances in club football and scored 24 goals.
[/article]
Marco Van Ginkel - PSV (loan)
[article]PSV Eindhoven have announced the signing of Marco van Ginkel from Chelsea on a season-long loan.
Van Ginkel spent the past season-and-a-half on loan at the Eredivisie club, making 28 appearances and scoring 15 goals.
The 24-year-old, who Chelsea signed from Vitesse in 2013 on a five-year contract, has also enjoyed loan spells with Stoke and AC Milan.
PSV announced the deal in a statement which read: "PSV and Chelsea have reached an agreement on a transfer of Marco van Ginkel. It is a rental for the duration of a season. PSV hope to welcome the midfielder quickly in Switzerland, where he will join then in training camp."
Van Ginkel follows Tammy Abraham, Kasey Paler, Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lucas Piazon among others in leaving Chelsea on loan this summer.[/article]
Simon Gustafson - Roda JC (loan)
[article]
Simon Gustafson will spend next season at Roda JC Kerkrade. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder will join the Eredivisie club on loan for twelve months. Gustafson has a contract at De Kuip that runs until mid-2019.
Gustafson joined Feyenoord in the summer of 2015. The Swede has made seventeen Eredivisie appearances for the club, netting three goals.[/article]
Steven Whittaker - Hibernian (free transfer)
[article]
Hibernian FC is delighted to announce the signing of Steven Whittaker on a three-year-deal - subject to international clearance.
Steven, capped 31 times for Scotland, is no stranger to Easter Road and Hibernian supporters being a key member of the "Golden Generation." He won the League Cup with Hibernian in 2007. He has since played at Rangers and in the top flight in England with Norwich City.
His signing has been hailed as "a coup for the Club" by Head Coach Neil Lennon, who expressed his pleasure that Steven had chosen to come to Hibernian.
Steven, 33, said: "I am delighted to be back at Hibernian. When I decided to return to Scotland, Hibernian was the club I hoped to come to. While the discussions have taken a while, they have always been positive and I am very pleased to be back playing at Easter Road for the Hibernian fans, and I hope I can play my part in ensuring a successful return to the top flight."
Steven won’t be eligible to play in today’s match against Montrose.
[/article]
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Ahmed Hegazi - West Brom (loan with option to buy)
[article]ALBION have completed the signing of 26-year-old Egypt international defender Ahmed Hegazi.
The 6ft 5in centre back has arrived in Hong Kong having agreed a year-long loan after which Albion have an option to trigger a permanent transfer.
Hegazi jetted in from Cairo to complete his deal before swiftly heading to Hong Kong where he joined Albion's squad on duty at the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Albion will need international clearance for Hegazi to play in the tournament, which they open on Wednesday with their semi-final challenge against Leicester City.
The transfer follows the former Serie A man's impressive performances at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in which Egypt finished runners-up and Hegazi was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Albion chairman John Williams said: "We're delighted to add Ahmed to the squad. He caught our eye at the African championships and we've been tracking him ever since."
Head Coach Tony Pulis said: "We're pleased he's here, he's a good addition. He's got good pedigree and has played for some good clubs. Hopefully he'll be a good signing for us.
"With it being a loan and, if he does well, we've already agreed a final deal. It's really, really good for us."
Hegazi is making his second venture into top level European football having been frustrated in his first attempt.
He was identified as a top prospect and signed by Fiorentina as a 20-year-old only for injuries to hamper his progress.
He returned to Egypt and has spent the last two seasons with one of his nation's top clubs Al Ahly.
He is also regarded as one of the lynchpins of his national team having so far gained 39 caps.[/article]
[article]ALBION have completed the signing of 26-year-old Egypt international defender Ahmed Hegazi.
The 6ft 5in centre back has arrived in Hong Kong having agreed a year-long loan after which Albion have an option to trigger a permanent transfer.
Hegazi jetted in from Cairo to complete his deal before swiftly heading to Hong Kong where he joined Albion's squad on duty at the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Albion will need international clearance for Hegazi to play in the tournament, which they open on Wednesday with their semi-final challenge against Leicester City.
The transfer follows the former Serie A man's impressive performances at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in which Egypt finished runners-up and Hegazi was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Albion chairman John Williams said: "We're delighted to add Ahmed to the squad. He caught our eye at the African championships and we've been tracking him ever since."
Head Coach Tony Pulis said: "We're pleased he's here, he's a good addition. He's got good pedigree and has played for some good clubs. Hopefully he'll be a good signing for us.
"With it being a loan and, if he does well, we've already agreed a final deal. It's really, really good for us."
Hegazi is making his second venture into top level European football having been frustrated in his first attempt.
He was identified as a top prospect and signed by Fiorentina as a 20-year-old only for injuries to hamper his progress.
He returned to Egypt and has spent the last two seasons with one of his nation's top clubs Al Ahly.
He is also regarded as one of the lynchpins of his national team having so far gained 39 caps.[/article]
Mukhtar Ali - Vitesse Arnhem (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Mukhtar Ali has today completed a permanent transfer to Vitesse Arnhem.
The 19-year-old returns to the Dutch club, where he impressed on loan during the second half of last season.
Having joined the Chelsea Academy as an Under-11, Ali was part of our teams which won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League in 2015/16. He was the only player to feature in all 10 matches of the European competition.
After spending the first half of last season with our development squad, the midfielder was then loaned to Vitesse and made six appearances in the Eredivisie.
We thank Mukhtar for his service and wish him well for the future.
[/article]
Cuco Martina - Everton (free transfer)
[article]
Cuco Martina has revealed that the “big ambition” displayed by Everton was the major reason behind his decision to sign a three-year contract with the Club.
The 27-year-old became the Blues’ latest recruit of the summer transfer window on Monday afternoon, after joining on a Bosman following the expiry of his contract at previous side Southampton.
The right-sided defender once again links up with Ronald Koeman, with whom he worked for a year during his time at St Mary’s.
“Everton is a big club with big ambitions and I'm really looking forward to joining this group of players and the manager as we try to step forward next season,” Martina told evertonfc.com.
“Obviously, I know the manager from my time at Southampton, so I know what he wants and he knows what I can do.
“Everton supporters are really passionate about their Club and everyone's excited about where the Club is aiming. You can see this is a club that wants to achieve something and the players we are bringing certainly show this.
“When you come to a new club, you need to get to know one another so the training camp in Holland will be great for me and for the other new players as well. We will play against Twente, one of my old clubs too, and I'm really looking forward to showing everyone what I can do.”
Everton manager Koeman believes Martina’s ability to play in several positions will be a valuable asset to the Blues.
“Cuco Martina is an experienced player who can perform in different positions at the back, which is important,” Koeman said.
“It's also important, with the number of games we will face in the coming campaign, that we have strength and competition in the squad.
“I brought the player to Southampton, so I know what he can do for us here and this is why I've now brought him to Everton. He is a player who will strengthen our squad and be able to play in different positions when that's needed, too.”
Having played his youth football at Dutch giants Feyenoord, right-back Martina broke through at RBC Roosendaal before playing under Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman at RKC Waalwijk.
Switching to Twente, he spent two years with the Dutch side before heading to St Mary’s in 2015. He made 36 appearances over two seasons at Southampton, scoring his solitary goal in a 4-0 win over Arsenal when bending a long-range strike beyond Petr Cech.
Having made his debut against the Dominican Republic back in 2011, Martina has amassed 30 caps for the Caribbean nation of Curaçao and he recently became captain of his national team.
[/article]
Vukasin Jovanovic - Bordeaux (reportedly €3 million)
Adam Armstrong - Bolton (6 mth loan)
[article]Bolton Wanderers are delighted to confirm the arrival of striker Adam Armstrong on loan from Newcastle United until January.
The 20-year-old, who has been on the books of the Magpies since childhood, turned professional at St James’ Park three years ago and has made 21 first team appearances for the Premier League side.
During that time, he also enjoyed successful loan stints with both Coventry City and Barnsley, scoring 20 goals in 40 outings to be named in the 2015/16 Sky Bet League PFA Team of the Year with the former and netting six times in the Sky Bet Championship for the Tykes last season.
A seasoned England youth international, Armstrong has proven his worth in front of goal at every level from Under-16 to Under-20, winning the FIFA U20 World Cup with the latter earlier this summer, while he was also a UEFA European Under-17 Championships winner with the Young Lions back in 2014.
And following a successful summer with England Under-20s, the forward has now agreed terms with Wanderers on a loan deal which will see him play his football at Macron Stadium until the start of 2018.
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after completing the move, Armstrong said: “It's a great feeling to be here. I'm really pleased to have the deal all sorted so quickly and I can't wait to get started."
Bolton manager Phil Parkinson added: “We are delighted to bring in Adam.
"He’s a good young player with great potential and we are looking forward to working with him.”[/article]
Ike Ugbo - Barnsley (loan)
[article]
The 18-year-old striker has signed a season-long loan deal at Oakwell!
As a tall, tricky and speedy forward man, he possesses the much needed qualities that Paul Heckingbottom has been looking for to add to his front-line.
Ugbo smashed the goals in last season for Chelsea’s U23s and U18s side with a record of 23 goals in 35 matches and the youngster has amassed over 60 goals in his last three campaigns with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
This scintillating form and beginning to Ike’s career has led to multiple clubs within the Sky Bet Championship and abroad being alerted to his abilities but it’s the Reds who have won the race to sign the highly rated youngster.
The striker has shown his winning mentality throughout his time at Chelsea and has picked up a winners medal in the FA Youth Cup, a competition that the West London club have been champions in for six of the last eight years.
As well as showcasing his ability throughout club level, Ugbo was rewarded with a call-up to the England U20s side who came home as champions from the Toulon Tournament over the summer. He played three times and scored the winning goal with a towering header in the 1-0 win over Angola.
After adding firepower to his squad in time for the upcoming home friendlies with Coventry City and Huddersfield Town, Paul Heckingbottom spoke exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk.
“We’re really pleased at being able to bring one of the brightest young strikers out there to Oakwell and of course we must thank Chelsea for allowing us to do so. I am really excited about what Ike can bring to the team. He is a forward who has pace, height, strength and power as well as a keen eye for goal as is shown by his record. He fits into the mould of players that we’re looking for; someone who wants to better themselves and further their career so we are more than happy that he has chosen to continue that development with us.”
[/article]
While Chelsea seems to have a whole lot of talented youngsters coming through, what a pity they end up being sold for profits rather than groomed for first team.
[article]
Mukhtar Ali has today completed a permanent transfer to Vitesse Arnhem.
The 19-year-old returns to the Dutch club, where he impressed on loan during the second half of last season.
Having joined the Chelsea Academy as an Under-11, Ali was part of our teams which won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League in 2015/16. He was the only player to feature in all 10 matches of the European competition.
After spending the first half of last season with our development squad, the midfielder was then loaned to Vitesse and made six appearances in the Eredivisie.
We thank Mukhtar for his service and wish him well for the future.
[/article]
Cuco Martina - Everton (free transfer)
[article]
Cuco Martina has revealed that the “big ambition” displayed by Everton was the major reason behind his decision to sign a three-year contract with the Club.
The 27-year-old became the Blues’ latest recruit of the summer transfer window on Monday afternoon, after joining on a Bosman following the expiry of his contract at previous side Southampton.
The right-sided defender once again links up with Ronald Koeman, with whom he worked for a year during his time at St Mary’s.
“Everton is a big club with big ambitions and I'm really looking forward to joining this group of players and the manager as we try to step forward next season,” Martina told evertonfc.com.
“Obviously, I know the manager from my time at Southampton, so I know what he wants and he knows what I can do.
“Everton supporters are really passionate about their Club and everyone's excited about where the Club is aiming. You can see this is a club that wants to achieve something and the players we are bringing certainly show this.
“When you come to a new club, you need to get to know one another so the training camp in Holland will be great for me and for the other new players as well. We will play against Twente, one of my old clubs too, and I'm really looking forward to showing everyone what I can do.”
Everton manager Koeman believes Martina’s ability to play in several positions will be a valuable asset to the Blues.
“Cuco Martina is an experienced player who can perform in different positions at the back, which is important,” Koeman said.
“It's also important, with the number of games we will face in the coming campaign, that we have strength and competition in the squad.
“I brought the player to Southampton, so I know what he can do for us here and this is why I've now brought him to Everton. He is a player who will strengthen our squad and be able to play in different positions when that's needed, too.”
Having played his youth football at Dutch giants Feyenoord, right-back Martina broke through at RBC Roosendaal before playing under Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman at RKC Waalwijk.
Switching to Twente, he spent two years with the Dutch side before heading to St Mary’s in 2015. He made 36 appearances over two seasons at Southampton, scoring his solitary goal in a 4-0 win over Arsenal when bending a long-range strike beyond Petr Cech.
Having made his debut against the Dominican Republic back in 2011, Martina has amassed 30 caps for the Caribbean nation of Curaçao and he recently became captain of his national team.
[/article]
Vukasin Jovanovic - Bordeaux (reportedly €3 million)
Adam Armstrong - Bolton (6 mth loan)
[article]Bolton Wanderers are delighted to confirm the arrival of striker Adam Armstrong on loan from Newcastle United until January.
The 20-year-old, who has been on the books of the Magpies since childhood, turned professional at St James’ Park three years ago and has made 21 first team appearances for the Premier League side.
During that time, he also enjoyed successful loan stints with both Coventry City and Barnsley, scoring 20 goals in 40 outings to be named in the 2015/16 Sky Bet League PFA Team of the Year with the former and netting six times in the Sky Bet Championship for the Tykes last season.
A seasoned England youth international, Armstrong has proven his worth in front of goal at every level from Under-16 to Under-20, winning the FIFA U20 World Cup with the latter earlier this summer, while he was also a UEFA European Under-17 Championships winner with the Young Lions back in 2014.
And following a successful summer with England Under-20s, the forward has now agreed terms with Wanderers on a loan deal which will see him play his football at Macron Stadium until the start of 2018.
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after completing the move, Armstrong said: “It's a great feeling to be here. I'm really pleased to have the deal all sorted so quickly and I can't wait to get started."
Bolton manager Phil Parkinson added: “We are delighted to bring in Adam.
"He’s a good young player with great potential and we are looking forward to working with him.”[/article]
Ike Ugbo - Barnsley (loan)
[article]
The 18-year-old striker has signed a season-long loan deal at Oakwell!
As a tall, tricky and speedy forward man, he possesses the much needed qualities that Paul Heckingbottom has been looking for to add to his front-line.
Ugbo smashed the goals in last season for Chelsea’s U23s and U18s side with a record of 23 goals in 35 matches and the youngster has amassed over 60 goals in his last three campaigns with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
This scintillating form and beginning to Ike’s career has led to multiple clubs within the Sky Bet Championship and abroad being alerted to his abilities but it’s the Reds who have won the race to sign the highly rated youngster.
The striker has shown his winning mentality throughout his time at Chelsea and has picked up a winners medal in the FA Youth Cup, a competition that the West London club have been champions in for six of the last eight years.
As well as showcasing his ability throughout club level, Ugbo was rewarded with a call-up to the England U20s side who came home as champions from the Toulon Tournament over the summer. He played three times and scored the winning goal with a towering header in the 1-0 win over Angola.
After adding firepower to his squad in time for the upcoming home friendlies with Coventry City and Huddersfield Town, Paul Heckingbottom spoke exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk.
“We’re really pleased at being able to bring one of the brightest young strikers out there to Oakwell and of course we must thank Chelsea for allowing us to do so. I am really excited about what Ike can bring to the team. He is a forward who has pace, height, strength and power as well as a keen eye for goal as is shown by his record. He fits into the mould of players that we’re looking for; someone who wants to better themselves and further their career so we are more than happy that he has chosen to continue that development with us.”
[/article]
While Chelsea seems to have a whole lot of talented youngsters coming through, what a pity they end up being sold for profits rather than groomed for first team.
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Alex Berenguer - Torino (reportedly €5.5 million plus add ons up to €1 million)
[article]Osasuna have confirmed that they will sell Napoli target Alex Berenguer to Torino in a deal worth up to €6.5m.
A statement on Osasuna’s official website explains Torino will pay €5.5m up front for Berenguer and another €1m in bonuses related to the Granata’s sporting performance.
Furthermore, Toro have interestingly agreed to shell out another €1.5m if they sell the left winger on to Athletic Bilbao, who can only sign Basque players.
Finally, the 22-year-old waived a clause that entitled him to 15 percent of any transfer fee.
Berenguer was a rare bright spot for Osasuna last season as the Pamplonans finished bottom of La Liga in the first campaign back.[/article]
Petko Hristov - Fiorentina (undisclosed fee)
Rafik Zekhnini - Fiorentina (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Fiorentina have officially confirmed the signings of both Petko Hristov and Rafik Zekhnini.
It was reported earlier today that deals would be completed for both teenagers, with the Viola confirming the deals this afternoon.
“ACF Fiorentina are pleased to confirm the signing of Petko Hristov from PFC Slavia Sofia,” the statement about the defender begins.
“The 18-year-old central defender, born in Sofia, Bulgaria on 1 March 1999, made 30 league and cup appearances for Slavia Sofia last season and played in Saturday's 1-1 derby draw with CSKA Sofia in the league.
“He was recently involved in the European U19 Championship in Georgia with Bulgaria.
“Hristov has a signed a five-year contract with Fiorentina until 30 June 2022.”
A separate statement confirmed that striker Zekhnini has also signed on a five-year deal from Odds Ballklub.
[/article]
[article]Osasuna have confirmed that they will sell Napoli target Alex Berenguer to Torino in a deal worth up to €6.5m.
A statement on Osasuna’s official website explains Torino will pay €5.5m up front for Berenguer and another €1m in bonuses related to the Granata’s sporting performance.
Furthermore, Toro have interestingly agreed to shell out another €1.5m if they sell the left winger on to Athletic Bilbao, who can only sign Basque players.
Finally, the 22-year-old waived a clause that entitled him to 15 percent of any transfer fee.
Berenguer was a rare bright spot for Osasuna last season as the Pamplonans finished bottom of La Liga in the first campaign back.[/article]
Petko Hristov - Fiorentina (undisclosed fee)
Rafik Zekhnini - Fiorentina (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Fiorentina have officially confirmed the signings of both Petko Hristov and Rafik Zekhnini.
It was reported earlier today that deals would be completed for both teenagers, with the Viola confirming the deals this afternoon.
“ACF Fiorentina are pleased to confirm the signing of Petko Hristov from PFC Slavia Sofia,” the statement about the defender begins.
“The 18-year-old central defender, born in Sofia, Bulgaria on 1 March 1999, made 30 league and cup appearances for Slavia Sofia last season and played in Saturday's 1-1 derby draw with CSKA Sofia in the league.
“He was recently involved in the European U19 Championship in Georgia with Bulgaria.
“Hristov has a signed a five-year contract with Fiorentina until 30 June 2022.”
A separate statement confirmed that striker Zekhnini has also signed on a five-year deal from Odds Ballklub.
[/article]
Francesco Totti - Roma (Director)
[article]Francesco Totti is looking forward to bringing the the same passion and determination he had as a player to his new role with AS Roma, as he begins work as a director for his boyhood club.
The Giallorossi icon ended his playing days at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign amid emotional scenes at the Stadio Olimpico, as fans paid an unforgettable tribute to a man who had worn the club colours with pride and undeniable quality for 25 years.
Now Totti starts work as a director with the Giallorossi, operating alongside the likes of sporting director Monchi and coach Eusebio Di Francesco to try and help the club in a new manner.
Read what the legendary No. 10 had to say about his new challenge.
Well, Francesco, where do we begin?
Totti: "I will start with the last day of my playing career, on 28 May 2017. For me it was an historic day, an important one, a day that for me was extremely emotional. The reception I got will always be with me. It is difficult to explain to the fans the sensations and the emotions that I had on that day.”
The first part of your life has finished, but now begins another.
“Yes, the first part is over, that of a player, and now begins another important assignment as a director, where hopefully I can have a similar impact as I did on the pitch.”
It was beautiful to play, but everything has to end…
“Football is my passion, it’s everything to me: it’s fun, it’s friendship, it’s scoring goals and it’s meeting new people. It is something that has a role in everything important in my life.”
It seemed like you were not really ready to finish on May 28.
“Yes, I think that was perhaps clear: I never wanted that game, or that day, to finish. For me it was hugely significant, really important and very emotional. It’s been 25 years and more of a beautiful relationship with Roma. The football pitch has given me so much, and I have tried to give everything and more back for the people who day after day have shown me so much love.”
Now it becomes serious...
“I have always been serious, truly. We are talking about two different things. One of those was my main job, which now we will begin in a different way but with the same intent and same focus – maybe even more, because I have a lot of football experience that will give me a great chance to help the squad.”
Where do you start now?
“I start at the beginning, now goes a new phase and a new adventure. I have had this time to thing about things, to reflect and truly decide that I am ready to continue serving this team, day after day, with calmness and confidence, to learn the role and add something new above all. I will try to be available in 360 degress, from the youth sector to the President. Then it is normal that it will take a while – six months, a year, two years, I don’t know – to truly find my real and best role.”
Is there anybody in particular you want to thank?
“To say thank you to everyone I want to right now would take more than a week. I thank everyone, my family and my friends. All of them have been with me during this period, along with the players and the president, everyone has helped me become something unique in this city: I am really thankful to them and will never forget what they have done.”
How do you see your future?
“I am looking forward to something bright, something beautiful: finding my perfect role, doing what I can to help make a great squad and a brilliant club.”
It’s not easy to start to think about the future about 40, but it never is…
“It’s not easy to think about right now, but there are many ex-players who have played and then had to think about what they would do in the future. I finished on May 28 having thought only about football, focused solely on making a big contribution to the team. Now we turn the page, we think about new roles and new challenges.
“I have the chance to work with Roma, with the sporting director Monchi, with the president Mr. Pallotta, with Mauro Baldissoni, with Eusebio Di Francesco, with everyone. I am fortunate to know a lot of those guys well, and those I don’t I now have the time to get to know better in person.
“When you change your role, you always need to take a while to get to know better the situation you are walking into – but I am fortunate enough to already know very well the atmosphere around the club and the city. The doubts are only about what exactly I want to do to achieve something great. At this moment the details are not precise, I don’t want to have a specific role – I want to be everything and nothing. I want to be an important person for Roma, and Roma really understand that’s what I want to do."
You have already spoken to the club...
“Yes, I spoke with sporting director Monchi, we had a great chat and took the time to get to know each other better. I also talked with President Pallotta, especially about small things that were not clear from discussions in previous years. But we made everything clear, we talked calmly and afterwards we were both happy with our conversations. Now we want to do what we can to take this team as high as possible.”
Have you spoken with Di Francesco?
“Yes, we talked, I have long had a great relationship with him. I also saw him a lot when he was not the Roma coach. He’s a great person, a top man and I am sure he will bring a lot to this team."
So, Francesco, what do we call you?
“Francesco, like always.”
But what’s written on your business card?
“Francesco, AS Roma.”[/article]
[article]Francesco Totti is looking forward to bringing the the same passion and determination he had as a player to his new role with AS Roma, as he begins work as a director for his boyhood club.
The Giallorossi icon ended his playing days at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign amid emotional scenes at the Stadio Olimpico, as fans paid an unforgettable tribute to a man who had worn the club colours with pride and undeniable quality for 25 years.
Now Totti starts work as a director with the Giallorossi, operating alongside the likes of sporting director Monchi and coach Eusebio Di Francesco to try and help the club in a new manner.
Read what the legendary No. 10 had to say about his new challenge.
Well, Francesco, where do we begin?
Totti: "I will start with the last day of my playing career, on 28 May 2017. For me it was an historic day, an important one, a day that for me was extremely emotional. The reception I got will always be with me. It is difficult to explain to the fans the sensations and the emotions that I had on that day.”
The first part of your life has finished, but now begins another.
“Yes, the first part is over, that of a player, and now begins another important assignment as a director, where hopefully I can have a similar impact as I did on the pitch.”
It was beautiful to play, but everything has to end…
“Football is my passion, it’s everything to me: it’s fun, it’s friendship, it’s scoring goals and it’s meeting new people. It is something that has a role in everything important in my life.”
It seemed like you were not really ready to finish on May 28.
“Yes, I think that was perhaps clear: I never wanted that game, or that day, to finish. For me it was hugely significant, really important and very emotional. It’s been 25 years and more of a beautiful relationship with Roma. The football pitch has given me so much, and I have tried to give everything and more back for the people who day after day have shown me so much love.”
Now it becomes serious...
“I have always been serious, truly. We are talking about two different things. One of those was my main job, which now we will begin in a different way but with the same intent and same focus – maybe even more, because I have a lot of football experience that will give me a great chance to help the squad.”
Where do you start now?
“I start at the beginning, now goes a new phase and a new adventure. I have had this time to thing about things, to reflect and truly decide that I am ready to continue serving this team, day after day, with calmness and confidence, to learn the role and add something new above all. I will try to be available in 360 degress, from the youth sector to the President. Then it is normal that it will take a while – six months, a year, two years, I don’t know – to truly find my real and best role.”
Is there anybody in particular you want to thank?
“To say thank you to everyone I want to right now would take more than a week. I thank everyone, my family and my friends. All of them have been with me during this period, along with the players and the president, everyone has helped me become something unique in this city: I am really thankful to them and will never forget what they have done.”
How do you see your future?
“I am looking forward to something bright, something beautiful: finding my perfect role, doing what I can to help make a great squad and a brilliant club.”
It’s not easy to start to think about the future about 40, but it never is…
“It’s not easy to think about right now, but there are many ex-players who have played and then had to think about what they would do in the future. I finished on May 28 having thought only about football, focused solely on making a big contribution to the team. Now we turn the page, we think about new roles and new challenges.
“I have the chance to work with Roma, with the sporting director Monchi, with the president Mr. Pallotta, with Mauro Baldissoni, with Eusebio Di Francesco, with everyone. I am fortunate to know a lot of those guys well, and those I don’t I now have the time to get to know better in person.
“When you change your role, you always need to take a while to get to know better the situation you are walking into – but I am fortunate enough to already know very well the atmosphere around the club and the city. The doubts are only about what exactly I want to do to achieve something great. At this moment the details are not precise, I don’t want to have a specific role – I want to be everything and nothing. I want to be an important person for Roma, and Roma really understand that’s what I want to do."
You have already spoken to the club...
“Yes, I spoke with sporting director Monchi, we had a great chat and took the time to get to know each other better. I also talked with President Pallotta, especially about small things that were not clear from discussions in previous years. But we made everything clear, we talked calmly and afterwards we were both happy with our conversations. Now we want to do what we can to take this team as high as possible.”
Have you spoken with Di Francesco?
“Yes, we talked, I have long had a great relationship with him. I also saw him a lot when he was not the Roma coach. He’s a great person, a top man and I am sure he will bring a lot to this team."
So, Francesco, what do we call you?
“Francesco, like always.”
But what’s written on your business card?
“Francesco, AS Roma.”[/article]
Britt Assombalonga - Middlesbrough (£15 million)
[article]Boro have completed a club-record deal to sign Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest.
The Teessiders fought off competition from Premier League clubs to secure the services of the highly-rated 24-year-old, who put pen to paper on Monday evening in a £15m deal.
The striker scored 30 Championship goals in 47 starts for the Midlands club after joining from Peterborough in 2014.
A delighted Assombalonga said: “I can’t wait to get started and train with the boys. I’m glad it’s completed and I can focus on what’s ahead now.
“I can’t wait to meet the manager and get ready for next season. There’s a good feeling around the place. From the minute I walked in it felt right.”
The striker was also quick to thank the Nottingham Forest fans and wish his former club all the best for the new season.
“I want to thank the Forest fans for being behind me, especially after my injury,” he added.
“They gave me a chance in the Championship and I want to say thanks to them and wish them all the best for the season.”
It's proving to be a busy summer so far for Boro as we prepare for an assault on the Sky Bet Championship.
Assombalonga becomes Garry Monks' fifth signing, following the permanent transfers of Jonny Howson, Cyrus Christie and Martin Braithwaite as well as a year-long loan deal for Connor Roberts. [/article]
Lassana Diarra - Al Jazira (free transfer)
[article]Boro have completed a club-record deal to sign Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest.
The Teessiders fought off competition from Premier League clubs to secure the services of the highly-rated 24-year-old, who put pen to paper on Monday evening in a £15m deal.
The striker scored 30 Championship goals in 47 starts for the Midlands club after joining from Peterborough in 2014.
A delighted Assombalonga said: “I can’t wait to get started and train with the boys. I’m glad it’s completed and I can focus on what’s ahead now.
“I can’t wait to meet the manager and get ready for next season. There’s a good feeling around the place. From the minute I walked in it felt right.”
The striker was also quick to thank the Nottingham Forest fans and wish his former club all the best for the new season.
“I want to thank the Forest fans for being behind me, especially after my injury,” he added.
“They gave me a chance in the Championship and I want to say thanks to them and wish them all the best for the season.”
It's proving to be a busy summer so far for Boro as we prepare for an assault on the Sky Bet Championship.
Assombalonga becomes Garry Monks' fifth signing, following the permanent transfers of Jonny Howson, Cyrus Christie and Martin Braithwaite as well as a year-long loan deal for Connor Roberts. [/article]
Lassana Diarra - Al Jazira (free transfer)
Ridgeciano Haps - Feyenoord (reportedly £5 million)
Jeremiah St. Juste - Feyenoord (reportedly £3.8 million)
[article]
Dutch champions Feyenoord have completed the double signing of left-back Ridgeciano Haps and central defender Jeremiah St. Juste.
Haps, 24, joins from AZ whilst 20-year-old St. Juste left boyhood club Heerenveen for the bright lights of Rotterdam.
Both will be part of the Rotterdammers pre-season training camp in Austria and sporting director Martin van Geel is delighted with their acquisitions.
“Ridgeciano in his position is one of the best players in the Netherlands, both offensively and defensively,” he told the club’s official website.
“He did not only show that in the Premier League but also in the Europa League. We are pleased that we were able to capture him well before the start of the season.”
“Jeremiah is a very talented boy and already has the necessary experience, but can still grow tremendously in the next few years,” he added.
“Besides central defense Jeremiah can also play as a defensive midfielder. For a coach it’s always nice when you have some who can operate in multiple positions.”
A graduate of AZ’s academy, Haps leaves Alkmaar having made 111 appearances for the Cheeseheads in which he’s registered five goals and created a further 10 for his teammates.
Last season he played in all but four of AZ’s league matches, in which he created 17 chances with three of those being converted, whilst having won 54 of his attempted 77 take ons giving him a success rate of 70%.
It’s the same for St. Juste who leaves the only he’s known after making 75 senior appearances and scoring three goals whilst creating three more in the process.
In the season just gone he surely played in central defence, though as mentioned can be deployed in defensive midfield, across those outings – in which he scored twice – he possessed a 90% pass accuracy and winning 55% of his duels plus managing 2.5 interceptions per game.
[/article]
Daniel Crowley - Williem II (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Teenage midfielder Dan Crowley has left Arsenal to join Willem II on a three-year deal, the Dutch club have confirmed.
Crowley, who was often compared to Jack Wilshere because of his similar stature and playing style, had one year left on his Arsenal contract but has chosen to return permanently to the Eredivisie after spending last season on loan at Go Ahead Eagles.
The 19-year-old is the latest Arsenal youngster to opt for a move abroad after winger Chris Willock signed for Benfica and striker Kaylen Hinds joined Wolfsburg.
Crowley had been tipped for a prominent Arsenal career after joining from Aston Villa in 2014 but never played for the first team.
The youngster also had loan spells at Barnsley and Oxford United.
[/article]
Jeremiah St. Juste - Feyenoord (reportedly £3.8 million)
[article]
Dutch champions Feyenoord have completed the double signing of left-back Ridgeciano Haps and central defender Jeremiah St. Juste.
Haps, 24, joins from AZ whilst 20-year-old St. Juste left boyhood club Heerenveen for the bright lights of Rotterdam.
Both will be part of the Rotterdammers pre-season training camp in Austria and sporting director Martin van Geel is delighted with their acquisitions.
“Ridgeciano in his position is one of the best players in the Netherlands, both offensively and defensively,” he told the club’s official website.
“He did not only show that in the Premier League but also in the Europa League. We are pleased that we were able to capture him well before the start of the season.”
“Jeremiah is a very talented boy and already has the necessary experience, but can still grow tremendously in the next few years,” he added.
“Besides central defense Jeremiah can also play as a defensive midfielder. For a coach it’s always nice when you have some who can operate in multiple positions.”
A graduate of AZ’s academy, Haps leaves Alkmaar having made 111 appearances for the Cheeseheads in which he’s registered five goals and created a further 10 for his teammates.
Last season he played in all but four of AZ’s league matches, in which he created 17 chances with three of those being converted, whilst having won 54 of his attempted 77 take ons giving him a success rate of 70%.
It’s the same for St. Juste who leaves the only he’s known after making 75 senior appearances and scoring three goals whilst creating three more in the process.
In the season just gone he surely played in central defence, though as mentioned can be deployed in defensive midfield, across those outings – in which he scored twice – he possessed a 90% pass accuracy and winning 55% of his duels plus managing 2.5 interceptions per game.
[/article]
Daniel Crowley - Williem II (undisclosed fee)
[article]
Teenage midfielder Dan Crowley has left Arsenal to join Willem II on a three-year deal, the Dutch club have confirmed.
Crowley, who was often compared to Jack Wilshere because of his similar stature and playing style, had one year left on his Arsenal contract but has chosen to return permanently to the Eredivisie after spending last season on loan at Go Ahead Eagles.
The 19-year-old is the latest Arsenal youngster to opt for a move abroad after winger Chris Willock signed for Benfica and striker Kaylen Hinds joined Wolfsburg.
Crowley had been tipped for a prominent Arsenal career after joining from Aston Villa in 2014 but never played for the first team.
The youngster also had loan spells at Barnsley and Oxford United.
[/article]
Christophe Jallet - Nice (free transfer)
[article]Nice completed the signing of defender Christophe Jallet from Lyon on a free transfer on Tuesday night.
Lyon released the 33-year-old right-back from the final year of his contract, and he now moves to his fifth club in France.
After coming up with Niort, Jallet maved to Lorient in 2006 before starring for Paris-Saint German for five seasons.
He spent the last three seasons with Lyon and has been a member of the Didier Deschamps' France squad, both at Euro 2016 and for a World Cup qualifier in March.
Jallet becomes the fourth signing of the summer for Nice after the additions of Jean-Victor Makengo, Adrien Tameze and Pierre Lees-Melou.[/article]
Pedro Mendes - Montpellier (£2.5 million)
Giovanni Sio - Montpellier (£4.5 million)
[article]Montpellier on Tuesday contracted Portuguese defender Pedro Mendes and Ivorian striker Giovanni Sio, both from their fellow French football club Stade Rennais F.C.
The Ligue 1 club is seeking to reinforce its squad preparing for the new season, after finishing the last campaign 15th with 39 points, 56 points adrift from champions Monaco, reports Efe.
The president of Montpellier Laurent Nicollin said in a statement that he is happy to sign Pedro Mendes, the former Parma and Sassuolo defender.
Nicollin also said that the club wanted to contract Ivorian international Sio two seasons ago, but they could not at that time.
Sio, 28, was in the starting line-up for Stade Rennais 38 times, and scored nine goals last season.[/article]
Ryan Fulton - Hamilton (undisclosed fee)
[article]The club are delighted to have reached an agreement with Liverpool on the transfer of Scotland u21 goalkeeper Ryan Fulton. The player, who has previously been on loan at Portsmouth and Chesterfield, has agreed a two year deal with ourselves. We extend our thanks to Liverpool FC for their co-operation with this move.
The player, who was born in Burnley, has a Scottish father, and has played for Scotland at u16 through u21 levels.[/article]
Andrea Bertolacci - Genoa (loan)
[article]
Andrea Bertolacci has officially joined Genoa on loan from Milan, a return to his former club.
“Genoa Cricket and Football Club announce that we have formalised the temporary signing of midfielder Andrea Bertolacci,” read a statement.
“For the player who has five senior Italy caps, it is a return to the oldest club in Italy, with whom he had put together 88 league appearances, scoring 12 goals, during three seasons.”
The 26-year-old had been in a co-ownership deal with Roma, the club where he started his career, until the Giallorossi bought out the other half of his contract in 2015.
Bertolacci was then sold to Milan for €20m, but struggled to make an impact at San Siro due to injuries and poor form.
[/article]
Gianluca Lapadula - Genoa (loan for €2 million with obligation to buy at €11 million)
[article]Genoa have officially confirmed the signing of Gianluca Lapadula from Milan, on loan with obligation to buy.
The 27-year-old joined the Rossoneri from Pescara last summer, scoring eight goals and providing three assists despite just 15 starts.
However, this summer’s spending spree meant there was no room for the Italian, and he had a medical with the Grifone over the weekend.
The move was initially postponed due to a problem flagged-up by the tests, but it was reported last night that the deal was done.
“Genoa Cricket and Football Club announces that it has defined a deal with AC Milan for the temporary acquisition, with the obligation for an outright signing, of the striker Gianluca Lapadula,” Genoa confirmed on their official website.
No figures have been released for the deal, but it’s expected to be a €2m loan with €11m obligation.[/article]
Lucas Leiva - Lazio (reportedly€5.5 million)
[article]Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Lucas Leiva has joined Lazio for a reported €5.5m.
Lucas passed a medical with Lazio on Tuesday, bringing the end to his 10-year Liverpool career, which spawned 346 appearances.
“Liverpool as a club and Liverpool as a city is a unique place. I think it’s different from everywhere,” he told the Reds’ official website.
“The fans are a big part of the club, probably the most important part of the club, and without them Liverpool wouldn’t be the same club I would say.
“Thank you for all the support, especially in difficult times, that’s when it means a lot. We all know that Liverpool fans are really special and they were always here for me.
“I’ll always be watching and supporting Liverpool and for sure I’ll be back, in the city to visit friends and watch games in the future.”
The club added: “Everyone at Liverpool FC thanks Lucas for his immense contribution to the club and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.”
The 30-year-old will replace namesake Lucas Biglia, who moved to Milan last week, as the Aquile’s deep-lying playmaker.
However, details of his Lazio contract have yet to be disclosed.[/article]
Joe Hart - West Ham (loan)
[article]West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of England’s No1 goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Capped 71 times by his country, two-time Premier League champion Hart joins the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Hart cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United jersey and put on a show for the Claret and Blue Army.
“It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome,” he told West Ham TV. “To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season.
"I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham.
"We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart is relishing the opportunity to return to the Premier League with the Hammers after a season on loan with Italian Serie A side Torino.
"It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again,” said Hart, who has won the Premier League's Golden Glove on four occasions.
Hart could face his parent club, with whom he was twice voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, in a pre-season match in Iceland on 4 August, before kicking-off his Premier League career with West Ham in a mouth-watering fixture at Manchester United nine days later.
“I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me,” said Hart. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me.
“It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford.”
An outstanding goalkeeper, the 30-year-old has been at the top of the game for more than a decade and recognised as England’s first-choice stopper since 2010.
Born in Shropshire, Hart impressed as a teenager for Shrewsbury Town before Manchester City swooped to sign him in summer 2006.
Since then, the popular gloveman has gone from strength to strength, making more than 300 Premier League appearances and playing starring roles as the Citizens won the Premier League title in 2012 and 2014 and FA Cup in 2011.
After excelling England at U21 level, where he played regularly alongside Mark Noble, it was no surprise when Fabio Capello handed the prodigious Hart a senior Three Lions debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008, just two months past his 21st birthday.
Since then, Hart has travelled to all four major tournaments with England and will spend the upcoming season with the Hammers in anticipation of a fifth, the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Joe to London Stadium and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue. [/article]
[article]Nice completed the signing of defender Christophe Jallet from Lyon on a free transfer on Tuesday night.
Lyon released the 33-year-old right-back from the final year of his contract, and he now moves to his fifth club in France.
After coming up with Niort, Jallet maved to Lorient in 2006 before starring for Paris-Saint German for five seasons.
He spent the last three seasons with Lyon and has been a member of the Didier Deschamps' France squad, both at Euro 2016 and for a World Cup qualifier in March.
Jallet becomes the fourth signing of the summer for Nice after the additions of Jean-Victor Makengo, Adrien Tameze and Pierre Lees-Melou.[/article]
Pedro Mendes - Montpellier (£2.5 million)
Giovanni Sio - Montpellier (£4.5 million)
[article]Montpellier on Tuesday contracted Portuguese defender Pedro Mendes and Ivorian striker Giovanni Sio, both from their fellow French football club Stade Rennais F.C.
The Ligue 1 club is seeking to reinforce its squad preparing for the new season, after finishing the last campaign 15th with 39 points, 56 points adrift from champions Monaco, reports Efe.
The president of Montpellier Laurent Nicollin said in a statement that he is happy to sign Pedro Mendes, the former Parma and Sassuolo defender.
Nicollin also said that the club wanted to contract Ivorian international Sio two seasons ago, but they could not at that time.
Sio, 28, was in the starting line-up for Stade Rennais 38 times, and scored nine goals last season.[/article]
Ryan Fulton - Hamilton (undisclosed fee)
[article]The club are delighted to have reached an agreement with Liverpool on the transfer of Scotland u21 goalkeeper Ryan Fulton. The player, who has previously been on loan at Portsmouth and Chesterfield, has agreed a two year deal with ourselves. We extend our thanks to Liverpool FC for their co-operation with this move.
The player, who was born in Burnley, has a Scottish father, and has played for Scotland at u16 through u21 levels.[/article]
Andrea Bertolacci - Genoa (loan)
[article]
Andrea Bertolacci has officially joined Genoa on loan from Milan, a return to his former club.
“Genoa Cricket and Football Club announce that we have formalised the temporary signing of midfielder Andrea Bertolacci,” read a statement.
“For the player who has five senior Italy caps, it is a return to the oldest club in Italy, with whom he had put together 88 league appearances, scoring 12 goals, during three seasons.”
The 26-year-old had been in a co-ownership deal with Roma, the club where he started his career, until the Giallorossi bought out the other half of his contract in 2015.
Bertolacci was then sold to Milan for €20m, but struggled to make an impact at San Siro due to injuries and poor form.
[/article]
Gianluca Lapadula - Genoa (loan for €2 million with obligation to buy at €11 million)
[article]Genoa have officially confirmed the signing of Gianluca Lapadula from Milan, on loan with obligation to buy.
The 27-year-old joined the Rossoneri from Pescara last summer, scoring eight goals and providing three assists despite just 15 starts.
However, this summer’s spending spree meant there was no room for the Italian, and he had a medical with the Grifone over the weekend.
The move was initially postponed due to a problem flagged-up by the tests, but it was reported last night that the deal was done.
“Genoa Cricket and Football Club announces that it has defined a deal with AC Milan for the temporary acquisition, with the obligation for an outright signing, of the striker Gianluca Lapadula,” Genoa confirmed on their official website.
No figures have been released for the deal, but it’s expected to be a €2m loan with €11m obligation.[/article]
Lucas Leiva - Lazio (reportedly€5.5 million)
[article]Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Lucas Leiva has joined Lazio for a reported €5.5m.
Lucas passed a medical with Lazio on Tuesday, bringing the end to his 10-year Liverpool career, which spawned 346 appearances.
“Liverpool as a club and Liverpool as a city is a unique place. I think it’s different from everywhere,” he told the Reds’ official website.
“The fans are a big part of the club, probably the most important part of the club, and without them Liverpool wouldn’t be the same club I would say.
“Thank you for all the support, especially in difficult times, that’s when it means a lot. We all know that Liverpool fans are really special and they were always here for me.
“I’ll always be watching and supporting Liverpool and for sure I’ll be back, in the city to visit friends and watch games in the future.”
The club added: “Everyone at Liverpool FC thanks Lucas for his immense contribution to the club and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.”
The 30-year-old will replace namesake Lucas Biglia, who moved to Milan last week, as the Aquile’s deep-lying playmaker.
However, details of his Lazio contract have yet to be disclosed.[/article]
Joe Hart - West Ham (loan)
[article]West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of England’s No1 goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Capped 71 times by his country, two-time Premier League champion Hart joins the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Hart cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United jersey and put on a show for the Claret and Blue Army.
“It's important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome,” he told West Ham TV. “To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I'm really looking forward to the season.
"I've always loved the Club. I think you'll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn't love the Club. It's got something about it, it's got a lot history and I've always loved playing against West Ham.
"We've moved into London Stadium and we've got Slaven in charge who I've spoken to and I've always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he's doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn't really a hard decision."
Hart is relishing the opportunity to return to the Premier League with the Hammers after a season on loan with Italian Serie A side Torino.
"It was a fun year and I did enjoy being part of Serie A and part of Torino, but I'm ready to come back and looking forward to being part of this fantastic league again,” said Hart, who has won the Premier League's Golden Glove on four occasions.
Hart could face his parent club, with whom he was twice voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, in a pre-season match in Iceland on 4 August, before kicking-off his Premier League career with West Ham in a mouth-watering fixture at Manchester United nine days later.
“I'd like to think I've obviously left Manchester City on loan this season, but the club as a whole, especially the supporters, have always been fantastic to me,” said Hart. "I'd never change how I feel about that club, as it'll always be a very special club to me.
“It'll be fun to play against them because I'll be banned when it comes to the actual season, while I'm sure Manchester United will welcome me with open arms if I get the nod and start the season away at Old Trafford.”
An outstanding goalkeeper, the 30-year-old has been at the top of the game for more than a decade and recognised as England’s first-choice stopper since 2010.
Born in Shropshire, Hart impressed as a teenager for Shrewsbury Town before Manchester City swooped to sign him in summer 2006.
Since then, the popular gloveman has gone from strength to strength, making more than 300 Premier League appearances and playing starring roles as the Citizens won the Premier League title in 2012 and 2014 and FA Cup in 2011.
After excelling England at U21 level, where he played regularly alongside Mark Noble, it was no surprise when Fabio Capello handed the prodigious Hart a senior Three Lions debut against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008, just two months past his 21st birthday.
Since then, Hart has travelled to all four major tournaments with England and will spend the upcoming season with the Hammers in anticipation of a fifth, the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Joe to London Stadium and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue. [/article]
Wojciech Szczesny - Juventus (€12 million with add ons up to €3.1 million)
[article]
Juventus Football Club is pleased to announce the transfer of Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal, the goalkeeper signing a four-year deal with the Italian champions until 30 June 2021.
Born in Warsaw in 1990, Szczesny spent his formative years with local side Legia Warsaw before moving to Arsenal as a 16-year-old. After finding his feet in London, the Polish international made his debut in September 2009 in a 2-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the English League Cup.
Wojciech would spend the remainder of the season on loan at League One side Brentford where his performances over the course of his first season as a professional saw him named in the club’s Team of the Decade.
A first Champions League appearance in the last 16 against Barcelona would come in the following campaign (2010-11) as the Pole began to stake his claim for a regular spot between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium, a position he would hold with distinction for the following four seasons, picking up the 2013-14 Premier League Golden Glove Award along the way.
With playing time limited after the arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea, the 27-year-old was soon on his way to Serie A, joining Roma on an initial one-year loan deal - a move that would bring the best out of the athletic and agile stopper.
The proof of Szczesny’s growth on the peninsular is clear from his statistics at the Stadio Olimpico.
Of goalkeepers to have made more than 10 appearances, only Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma have held greater save percentage rates - 77 per cent and 76 per cent respectively - than the Pole (75 per cent) over the last two seasons.
While Buffon would concede the fewest goals overall last term, Szczesny was the man to keep the most clean sheets - 14 in total.
With 72 Serie A matches under his belt, Juve’s latest acquisition is poised to embark on a new adventure at the Allianz Stadium where once again he will have his sights firmly set on the number one jersey.
[/article]
Ahmed Elmohamady - Aston Villa (reportedly £1 million)
Aston Villa Football Club are pleased to confirm the signing of Ahmed Elmohamady on a three-year deal.
Elmohamady joins us from Hull City, having worked with boss Steve Bruce previously at the KCOM Stadium and also at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland.
Elmohamady becomes our third signing this summer following the arrivals of John Terry and Sam Johnstone.
The 29-year-old will now link up with the squad in Germany ahead of the Cup of Traditions tournament and his first game on home soil could be the Graham Taylor OBE tribute match next Saturday before a potential competitive Championship opener against his former club.
Elmohamady said: “I am delighted to be here at Aston Villa.
“Aston Villa is a great club and I am thrilled to join – it’s one of the very biggest clubs in England and its history and tradition is there for all to see.
“It’s a great time to join too as we look for promotion to the Premier League.
“I will give absolutely everything to help us achieve that goal.
"I know, first hand, what it takes to win promotion and I want that feeling again.”
Jacob Murphy - Newcastle (reportedly £10 million plus add ons up to £2 million)
[article]
Newcastle United are pleased to confirm the signing of England under-21 international Jacob Murphy.
The 22-year-old winger, who has joined up with the Magpies at their training camp at Carton House in Ireland, had been with Norwich City since he was a teenager and scored against Newcastle twice in Canaries colours last season.
Murphy has also enjoyed a handful of productive loan spells and has already played more than 100 first-team games despite his tender age.
The boyhood Newcastle United supporter has represented his country at various age groups and recently returned from the UEFA European Under-21 Championships, where he helped England to reach the semi-finals stage.
Murphy - whose parents hail from the North East - said: "It was a childhood dream of mine to represent Newcastle and the opportunity is now here. I can't wait to get started."
Manager Rafa Benítez added: "He's a young and talented player and hopefully he can develop even more here.
"We hope he can show us the passion, commitment and ability that he showed in the Championship last season."
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Cenk Gonen - Malaga (reportedly €200k)
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Goalkeeper, Cenk Gönen arrives from Galatasaray SK and signs to the Club until 2019/20.
The Turkish international recently passed the medical and is already working alongside his new teammates.
The 29-year old keeper was born in Izmir (Turkey), is 1’90 metres tall, and completed his training at Göztepe and Denizlispor in his home country. With the latter, he played 35 matches in the Süper Lig between 2008 and 2010, which led to him signing to one of the great Ottoman outfits, Besiktas JK, as well as Turkey’s Under-21s.
Gönen remained with Besiktas for five seasons (2010-2105), winning the Turkish Cup in the 2010/11 campaign. In 2015 he joined Galatasaray, where he again claimed the Cup title, playing five games in the tournament in 2015/16. Last season he competed in eight matches in the Turkish Cup, a competition in which he has regularly been in the starting line-up during his professional career.
Cenk Gönen has played with Turkey’s national team on two occasions, in international games against Georgia and Finland in 2012.
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Matthew Pennington - Leeds (loan)
[article]Leeds United are pleased to announce that central defender Matthew Pennington has joined the club on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Everton.
The arrival of the 22 year-old bolsters the United defence ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Despite his age, Pennington has a wealth of first team experience, having played in Sky Bet League One for three different clubs; Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall.
During those loan spells Pennington racked up 47 appearances in all competitions, before returning to Everton.
With the Goodison Park outfit, he has made nine outings, with seven of those coming in the Premier League and he scored his first goal for the club in April’s Merseyside derby.
Pennington has linked up up with the Leeds squad in Austria and could make his debut in Thursday’s friendly with Borussia Mönchengladbach.[/article]
[article]
Juventus Football Club is pleased to announce the transfer of Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal, the goalkeeper signing a four-year deal with the Italian champions until 30 June 2021.
Born in Warsaw in 1990, Szczesny spent his formative years with local side Legia Warsaw before moving to Arsenal as a 16-year-old. After finding his feet in London, the Polish international made his debut in September 2009 in a 2-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the English League Cup.
Wojciech would spend the remainder of the season on loan at League One side Brentford where his performances over the course of his first season as a professional saw him named in the club’s Team of the Decade.
A first Champions League appearance in the last 16 against Barcelona would come in the following campaign (2010-11) as the Pole began to stake his claim for a regular spot between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium, a position he would hold with distinction for the following four seasons, picking up the 2013-14 Premier League Golden Glove Award along the way.
With playing time limited after the arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea, the 27-year-old was soon on his way to Serie A, joining Roma on an initial one-year loan deal - a move that would bring the best out of the athletic and agile stopper.
The proof of Szczesny’s growth on the peninsular is clear from his statistics at the Stadio Olimpico.
Of goalkeepers to have made more than 10 appearances, only Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma have held greater save percentage rates - 77 per cent and 76 per cent respectively - than the Pole (75 per cent) over the last two seasons.
While Buffon would concede the fewest goals overall last term, Szczesny was the man to keep the most clean sheets - 14 in total.
With 72 Serie A matches under his belt, Juve’s latest acquisition is poised to embark on a new adventure at the Allianz Stadium where once again he will have his sights firmly set on the number one jersey.
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Ahmed Elmohamady - Aston Villa (reportedly £1 million)
Aston Villa Football Club are pleased to confirm the signing of Ahmed Elmohamady on a three-year deal.
Elmohamady joins us from Hull City, having worked with boss Steve Bruce previously at the KCOM Stadium and also at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland.
Elmohamady becomes our third signing this summer following the arrivals of John Terry and Sam Johnstone.
The 29-year-old will now link up with the squad in Germany ahead of the Cup of Traditions tournament and his first game on home soil could be the Graham Taylor OBE tribute match next Saturday before a potential competitive Championship opener against his former club.
Elmohamady said: “I am delighted to be here at Aston Villa.
“Aston Villa is a great club and I am thrilled to join – it’s one of the very biggest clubs in England and its history and tradition is there for all to see.
“It’s a great time to join too as we look for promotion to the Premier League.
“I will give absolutely everything to help us achieve that goal.
"I know, first hand, what it takes to win promotion and I want that feeling again.”
Jacob Murphy - Newcastle (reportedly £10 million plus add ons up to £2 million)
[article]
Newcastle United are pleased to confirm the signing of England under-21 international Jacob Murphy.
The 22-year-old winger, who has joined up with the Magpies at their training camp at Carton House in Ireland, had been with Norwich City since he was a teenager and scored against Newcastle twice in Canaries colours last season.
Murphy has also enjoyed a handful of productive loan spells and has already played more than 100 first-team games despite his tender age.
The boyhood Newcastle United supporter has represented his country at various age groups and recently returned from the UEFA European Under-21 Championships, where he helped England to reach the semi-finals stage.
Murphy - whose parents hail from the North East - said: "It was a childhood dream of mine to represent Newcastle and the opportunity is now here. I can't wait to get started."
Manager Rafa Benítez added: "He's a young and talented player and hopefully he can develop even more here.
"We hope he can show us the passion, commitment and ability that he showed in the Championship last season."
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Cenk Gonen - Malaga (reportedly €200k)
[article]
Goalkeeper, Cenk Gönen arrives from Galatasaray SK and signs to the Club until 2019/20.
The Turkish international recently passed the medical and is already working alongside his new teammates.
The 29-year old keeper was born in Izmir (Turkey), is 1’90 metres tall, and completed his training at Göztepe and Denizlispor in his home country. With the latter, he played 35 matches in the Süper Lig between 2008 and 2010, which led to him signing to one of the great Ottoman outfits, Besiktas JK, as well as Turkey’s Under-21s.
Gönen remained with Besiktas for five seasons (2010-2105), winning the Turkish Cup in the 2010/11 campaign. In 2015 he joined Galatasaray, where he again claimed the Cup title, playing five games in the tournament in 2015/16. Last season he competed in eight matches in the Turkish Cup, a competition in which he has regularly been in the starting line-up during his professional career.
Cenk Gönen has played with Turkey’s national team on two occasions, in international games against Georgia and Finland in 2012.
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Matthew Pennington - Leeds (loan)
[article]Leeds United are pleased to announce that central defender Matthew Pennington has joined the club on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Everton.
The arrival of the 22 year-old bolsters the United defence ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Despite his age, Pennington has a wealth of first team experience, having played in Sky Bet League One for three different clubs; Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall.
During those loan spells Pennington racked up 47 appearances in all competitions, before returning to Everton.
With the Goodison Park outfit, he has made nine outings, with seven of those coming in the Premier League and he scored his first goal for the club in April’s Merseyside derby.
Pennington has linked up up with the Leeds squad in Austria and could make his debut in Thursday’s friendly with Borussia Mönchengladbach.[/article]
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Hernanes - Sao Paulo (undisclosed fee)
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Hernanes‘ adventure in the Chinese Super League is over as he’s rejoined former club Sao Paulo from Hebei China Fortune.
The 32-year-old moved to Asia at the turn of the year after falling out of favour under Max Allegri in Italy with Juventus during the first half of the season, but struggled to make much of an impact at his new club.
He’d go on to score once in six league appearances for China Fortune and has been allowed to leave the club less than six months after his arrival. It’s not all bad news for Hernanes though as he’s sealed a return back to Sao Paulo.
An official announcement on this deal was broken via the Brazilian outfit’s Twitter account this morning and the midfielder is back at the Morumbi Stadium seven years after departing for Europe when he signed for Lazio.
A creative midfielder who is comfortable in possession, Hernanes averaged an 87% pass completion rate in 10 Serie A appearances for Juve last season, while he scored once and created a total of six chances.
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Christian Panucci - Albania (Manager)
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The Albanian Football Association has kept faith with Italian coaching methods by appointing former AC Milan and Roma defender Christian Panucci as Gianni De Biasi's successor.
The 44-year-old former full-back, who played for Chelsea on loan at the turn of the century, was announced as the head of the national team on Wednesday morning.
Panucci -- briefly Fabio Capello's assistant in Russia -- follows in the footsteps of Treviso-born De Biasi, who secured Albania's surprise qualification for Euro 2016.
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Eldin Jakupovic - Leicester (reportedly £2 million plus £250k after 25 games)
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Leicester City Football Club has completed the signing of goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović from Hull City for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old ‘keeper has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates for the first time in Hong Kong this week.
Jakupović becomes Leicester City’s third signing of the summer transfer window, after the additions of his former Hull City team-mate Harry Maguire and midfielder Vicente Iborra from Sevilla.
The experienced shot-stopper has played for seven professional football clubs across four different countries during his career and was one of Hull’s top performers last season.
Jakupović told LCFC TV: “I’m very happy and excited that the deal is finally done. I’m very excited to be a part of something special here and I can’t wait for the first game.
“I knew from the beginning that it will be difficult for myself because Kasper [Schmeichel] is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“I’m going to fight and I’m here to push. A healthy competition is always good and that’s only a positive thing. For sure, I’ll wait for my chance but I am here and I’m very excited.”
Born in Bosnia, Jakupović’s football career began in Switzerland with Grasshopper Club Zurich in 2004, before his impressive displays saw him move to Swiss side FC Thun and then Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.
He was loaned back to Grasshoppers during his spell in Russia and again impressed with his contributions to the team – not least a 94th minute equaliser against BSC Young Boys in one of his first appearances.
Following further spells in the Greek Super League with Olympiakos Volou and Aris, Jakupović signed for Hull City at the start of the 2012/13 campaign. His education in English football continued with a loan spell at Leyton Orient in 2014, but after being recalled by Hull City, Jakupović quickly went on to establish himself as a key figure in the team.
The 6ft 3ins goalkeeper made a total of 55 appearances for Hull City, including 22 in last season’s Premier League campaign. His five clean sheets included a number of outstanding individual performances against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Swansea and Watford, while a last gasp penalty save from Dušan Tadic away to Southampton crowned another Man-Of-The-Match display towards the end of last season.
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[article]
Hernanes‘ adventure in the Chinese Super League is over as he’s rejoined former club Sao Paulo from Hebei China Fortune.
The 32-year-old moved to Asia at the turn of the year after falling out of favour under Max Allegri in Italy with Juventus during the first half of the season, but struggled to make much of an impact at his new club.
He’d go on to score once in six league appearances for China Fortune and has been allowed to leave the club less than six months after his arrival. It’s not all bad news for Hernanes though as he’s sealed a return back to Sao Paulo.
An official announcement on this deal was broken via the Brazilian outfit’s Twitter account this morning and the midfielder is back at the Morumbi Stadium seven years after departing for Europe when he signed for Lazio.
A creative midfielder who is comfortable in possession, Hernanes averaged an 87% pass completion rate in 10 Serie A appearances for Juve last season, while he scored once and created a total of six chances.
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Christian Panucci - Albania (Manager)
[article]
The Albanian Football Association has kept faith with Italian coaching methods by appointing former AC Milan and Roma defender Christian Panucci as Gianni De Biasi's successor.
The 44-year-old former full-back, who played for Chelsea on loan at the turn of the century, was announced as the head of the national team on Wednesday morning.
Panucci -- briefly Fabio Capello's assistant in Russia -- follows in the footsteps of Treviso-born De Biasi, who secured Albania's surprise qualification for Euro 2016.
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Eldin Jakupovic - Leicester (reportedly £2 million plus £250k after 25 games)
[article]
Leicester City Football Club has completed the signing of goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović from Hull City for an undisclosed fee.
The 32-year-old ‘keeper has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates for the first time in Hong Kong this week.
Jakupović becomes Leicester City’s third signing of the summer transfer window, after the additions of his former Hull City team-mate Harry Maguire and midfielder Vicente Iborra from Sevilla.
The experienced shot-stopper has played for seven professional football clubs across four different countries during his career and was one of Hull’s top performers last season.
Jakupović told LCFC TV: “I’m very happy and excited that the deal is finally done. I’m very excited to be a part of something special here and I can’t wait for the first game.
“I knew from the beginning that it will be difficult for myself because Kasper [Schmeichel] is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“I’m going to fight and I’m here to push. A healthy competition is always good and that’s only a positive thing. For sure, I’ll wait for my chance but I am here and I’m very excited.”
Born in Bosnia, Jakupović’s football career began in Switzerland with Grasshopper Club Zurich in 2004, before his impressive displays saw him move to Swiss side FC Thun and then Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.
He was loaned back to Grasshoppers during his spell in Russia and again impressed with his contributions to the team – not least a 94th minute equaliser against BSC Young Boys in one of his first appearances.
Following further spells in the Greek Super League with Olympiakos Volou and Aris, Jakupović signed for Hull City at the start of the 2012/13 campaign. His education in English football continued with a loan spell at Leyton Orient in 2014, but after being recalled by Hull City, Jakupović quickly went on to establish himself as a key figure in the team.
The 6ft 3ins goalkeeper made a total of 55 appearances for Hull City, including 22 in last season’s Premier League campaign. His five clean sheets included a number of outstanding individual performances against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Swansea and Watford, while a last gasp penalty save from Dušan Tadic away to Southampton crowned another Man-Of-The-Match display towards the end of last season.
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Mattia De Sciglio - Juventus (reportedly €12 million)
[article]
Juventus Football Club announces that Mattia De Sciglio has signed a five-year contract with the Bianconeri after completing his move from Milan.
In signing the 24-year-old Italy defender, Juventus are adding a player with versatility, skill and an international pedigree to Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.
A product of the AC Milan academy, at just 18 years old De Sciglio was handed his first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen by then-Rossoneri coach Allegri. He would also make his starting debut against the same club later that year in the group stage.
De Sciglio would play a few Serie A matches late in the 2011/2012 campaign, but it was in the 2012/2013 season that his star began to really take off. Still a teenager for part of the year, De Siglio played 33 matches in all competitions for the Rossoneri, cementing his place in the starting line-up at the San Siro.
De Sciglio has been a consistent performer in recent times, making nearly 60 appearances across all competitions over the last two seasons.
On 21 March 2013, at just 20 years old, De Sciglio was handed his full Italian national team debut by Cesare Prandelli in a friendly against Brazil. He truly announced his arrival with gli Azzurri in the 2013 Confederations Cup playing every minute of the group stage as Italy advanced to the semi-finals before falling to Spain on penalty kicks.
De Sciglio was a member of the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad playing 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. He was a mainstay in the EURO 2016 squad as well, appearing in three out of four matches including 120 minutes in the penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals.
The Milan-born player has started four out of Italy’s six World Cup qualifiers as Italy currently sit tied at the top of their group with Spain looking to qualify for Russia 2018. In all, he has tallied 31 appearances for his country, a number that is sure to rise.
Juventini will certainly be very familiar with the former Milan defender having faced him a number of times down the years. De Sciglio will look to establish himself in Allegri’s side.
A natural right-back, the 24-year-old also brings versatility to the squad as he is able to pitch in at multiple positions. For his country, De Sciglio has played left-back, right-back, and on both sides of midfield, allowing for maximum flexibility with whichever formation Allegri opts to field.
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Mathias Normann - Brighton (£1.3 million)
[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of midfielder Mathias Normann from Norwegian second division side FK Bodo/Glimt.
Normann, who predominantly plays as a central midfielder, joins on undisclosed terms on a three-year contract.
Manager Chris Hughton said, “We are delighted that we’ve been able to bring Mathias to the club.
“He is a talented and versatile young player, who already has good experience playing regular senior football in Norway.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him into the club, and his longer-term plan will be to break into the first-team group.”
The 21-year-old leaves Norway after spending four years with FK Bodo/Glimt, making a total of 42 appearances and scoring three goals.
Normann has also represented Norway at youth-team level, for the under-17s and under-18s.[/article]
Gregoire Defrel - (loan for €5 million with obligation to buy at €15 million if conditions met)
[article]
The club is pleased to confirm the signing of forward Gregoire Defrel from US Sassuolo.
The French forward, 26, joins on an initial loan deal for a fee of €5 million – with an obligation to make the transfer permanent for €15m should certain sporting targets be met.
The agreement also includes performance-related payments, worth up to an additional €3m, dependent on achievements on the part of both the player and club.
Defrel has signed a five-year contract with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2022.
“It means a lot to me to be able to play for Roma,” Defrel said. “I’m going to be part of a very strong group, one of the best teams in Italy.
"I’m delighted to be here and I will give my all for the team.”
Defrel spent the last two seasons with Sassuolo, scoring 23 goals in 73 games for the Serie A side and helping them quality for the Europa League at the end of the 2015-16 campaign.
“I’m really happy to finally add Gregoire to our squad." the club's sporting director, Monchi, said. "He was a priority for us because he is exactly the type of forward we were looking for.
"He can play in three different positions, he’s quick, he plays for the team, he gives us depth and he has a great nose for goal.”
Defrel came through Parma’s academy system, and has represented both Foggia and Cesena during his senior professional career to date.
He will fly out immediately to join his new teammates on their ongoing tour of the United States.
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[article]
Juventus Football Club announces that Mattia De Sciglio has signed a five-year contract with the Bianconeri after completing his move from Milan.
In signing the 24-year-old Italy defender, Juventus are adding a player with versatility, skill and an international pedigree to Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.
A product of the AC Milan academy, at just 18 years old De Sciglio was handed his first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen by then-Rossoneri coach Allegri. He would also make his starting debut against the same club later that year in the group stage.
De Sciglio would play a few Serie A matches late in the 2011/2012 campaign, but it was in the 2012/2013 season that his star began to really take off. Still a teenager for part of the year, De Siglio played 33 matches in all competitions for the Rossoneri, cementing his place in the starting line-up at the San Siro.
De Sciglio has been a consistent performer in recent times, making nearly 60 appearances across all competitions over the last two seasons.
On 21 March 2013, at just 20 years old, De Sciglio was handed his full Italian national team debut by Cesare Prandelli in a friendly against Brazil. He truly announced his arrival with gli Azzurri in the 2013 Confederations Cup playing every minute of the group stage as Italy advanced to the semi-finals before falling to Spain on penalty kicks.
De Sciglio was a member of the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad playing 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. He was a mainstay in the EURO 2016 squad as well, appearing in three out of four matches including 120 minutes in the penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals.
The Milan-born player has started four out of Italy’s six World Cup qualifiers as Italy currently sit tied at the top of their group with Spain looking to qualify for Russia 2018. In all, he has tallied 31 appearances for his country, a number that is sure to rise.
Juventini will certainly be very familiar with the former Milan defender having faced him a number of times down the years. De Sciglio will look to establish himself in Allegri’s side.
A natural right-back, the 24-year-old also brings versatility to the squad as he is able to pitch in at multiple positions. For his country, De Sciglio has played left-back, right-back, and on both sides of midfield, allowing for maximum flexibility with whichever formation Allegri opts to field.
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Mathias Normann - Brighton (£1.3 million)
[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of midfielder Mathias Normann from Norwegian second division side FK Bodo/Glimt.
Normann, who predominantly plays as a central midfielder, joins on undisclosed terms on a three-year contract.
Manager Chris Hughton said, “We are delighted that we’ve been able to bring Mathias to the club.
“He is a talented and versatile young player, who already has good experience playing regular senior football in Norway.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him into the club, and his longer-term plan will be to break into the first-team group.”
The 21-year-old leaves Norway after spending four years with FK Bodo/Glimt, making a total of 42 appearances and scoring three goals.
Normann has also represented Norway at youth-team level, for the under-17s and under-18s.[/article]
Gregoire Defrel - (loan for €5 million with obligation to buy at €15 million if conditions met)
[article]
The club is pleased to confirm the signing of forward Gregoire Defrel from US Sassuolo.
The French forward, 26, joins on an initial loan deal for a fee of €5 million – with an obligation to make the transfer permanent for €15m should certain sporting targets be met.
The agreement also includes performance-related payments, worth up to an additional €3m, dependent on achievements on the part of both the player and club.
Defrel has signed a five-year contract with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2022.
“It means a lot to me to be able to play for Roma,” Defrel said. “I’m going to be part of a very strong group, one of the best teams in Italy.
"I’m delighted to be here and I will give my all for the team.”
Defrel spent the last two seasons with Sassuolo, scoring 23 goals in 73 games for the Serie A side and helping them quality for the Europa League at the end of the 2015-16 campaign.
“I’m really happy to finally add Gregoire to our squad." the club's sporting director, Monchi, said. "He was a priority for us because he is exactly the type of forward we were looking for.
"He can play in three different positions, he’s quick, he plays for the team, he gives us depth and he has a great nose for goal.”
Defrel came through Parma’s academy system, and has represented both Foggia and Cesena during his senior professional career to date.
He will fly out immediately to join his new teammates on their ongoing tour of the United States.
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