Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[King Binny]

Omar El Kaddouri - Napoli (€1.4m)

Napoli have officially bought Omar El Kaddouri from Brescia.

There had been some doubts over whether the Partenopei would invest to buy up the other 50 per cent of creative midfielder El Kaddouri’s contract.

He spent this season at the Stadio San Paolo, but struggled to make an impact. Today Napoli announced they have reached an agreement to own El Kaddouri outright for around €1.4m.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests he could be loaned out to Livorno or Torino to gain Serie A experience.

 

[King Binny]

Alessio Cerci - Torino (bought out remaining 50% ownership for €4m)

In a big surprise, Torino have bought out Fiorentina’s 50 per cent of Italy international Alessio Cerci.

Negotiations over whether to extend the co-ownership deal had been going for several weeks and many expected the situation to be resolved via a blind auction.

However, just before the deadline for a decision, Torino announced they had reached an agreement to buy the player outright.

Cerci is now entirely a Torino player after his career was revived in a season-loan loan spell with the Granata.

He scored eight goals in 35 Serie A games, provided 12 assists and earned a call-up for the Italy squad at the Confederations Cup.

Although no official figures have been released, it’s believed Torino paid €4m for half his contract.

 

[King Binny]

Massimo Donati - Hellas Verona

Newly-promoted Hellas Verona have bought midfielder Massimo Donati from Palermo.

The Bentegodi side announced the deal this evening, which is pending a medical.

It is reported Donati will put pen to paper on a two-year contract this weekend.

The 32-year-old midfielder had been transformed into a centre-back this season at Palermo, unable to prevent their relegation.

He has had a well-travelled career that includes Atalanta, Parma, Milan, Torino, Celtic and Bari.

@the count

 

[King Binny]

Panagiotis Tachtsidis - Genoa (bought out remaining 50% ownership)

Andrea Bertolacci- Genoa (co-ownership)

Roma have sold midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis to Genoa, while Italy Under-21 international Andrea Bertolacci renews his co-ownership.

Tachtsidis was a controversial figure this season, as he was brought in on the specific request of Coach Zdenek Zeman, who often used the Greek player instead of fan favourite Daniele De Rossi.

When Zeman was fired in February, Tachtsidis fell off the radar of the first team, so Roma have now agreed to sell their 50 per cent of his contract back to Genoa.

On the other hand, Roma youth product Bertolacci will stay on in Genoa for one more season after renewing his co-ownership status.

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Constant - AC Milan (co-ownership)

Fabiano Santacroce - Parma (bought out remaining 50% ownership)

Marco Parolo - Parma (bought out remaining 50% ownership)

Yohan Benalouane - Parma (bought out remaining 50% ownership)

Parma have been very active, buying defender Santacroce from Napoli, plus Benalouane and Parolo from Cesena.

 

[jan]

What's up with all these 50% ownership deals? Seems like the new trend in Italy, they're always on some dodgy shit

 

[King Binny]

Giulio Donati - Leverkusen (reportedly €3m)

Interesting that after Carvajal, they've swooped for another youngster to fill the right back void. Could Inter be making another mistake in selling a promising young player?

 

[King Binny]

Gennaro Gattuso - Palermo (Head Coach)

Gennaro Gattuso says he had no hesitation in accepting to become the new Coach of Palermo. “I would have done it for free.”

The now former midfielder was unveiled to the media on Friday after he replaced Giuseppe Sannino on the Rosanero bench.

“We didn’t talk money,” Gattuso, who joins the Serie B side after rescinding his playing contract at Sion, commented. “When you are given such an opportunity at the age of 35 you instantly say yes.”

The 2006 World Cup winner is a surprise choice given that this will be his first full-time coaching position.

“I know that I have no experience, but I’ve played football for 20 years,” he underlined. “I haven’t been a fisherman or a builder.

“But this is a big club, it will be like working in the Champions League for me.”

The Milan legend is also banking on the fact that he has been coached by some talented tacticians over the last 20 years.

“All my Coaches have given me something, but I have my character and my way of seeing things,” he added.

“Could I be the new Antonio Conte? I hope so, but I want to give an identity to this team and you all know my DNA.

“With my limited ability I won 75 caps for Italy, while winning the World Cup and trophies for Milan.

“We have to work hard, we have to massacre our opponents.”

The decision to move to Sicily has also raised eyebrows as President Maurizio Zamparini is known for his hiring and firing nature.

“Zamparini wants to construct a great side. He believes in me and has already shown that. I’m sure we will work well together.

“We are building a team to play with a 4-2-3-1, which we would alternate with a diamond in midfield. But what counts is balance.

“Do I have any fear? I don’t bandage my head up before getting hurt. I don't put in stitches unless I see blood.”

 

[King Binny]

Royston Drenthe - Reading (free transfer)

Reading Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached to sign former Real Madrid man Royston Drenthe.

The 26-year-old Dutch International is set to sign an initial two-year contract with the option of a third.

The deal is subject to normal ratifications, plus international clearance from the Russia football authorities and the player's former club Alania Vladikavkaz.

Alex Pearce - Reading (free transfer/contract renewal)

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that defender Alex Pearce has signed a new contract at Madejski Stadium.

The centre back was out of contract this summer but has chosen to remain at Reading and be part of the club’s exciting future. So far this summer we have agreed deals with Wayne Bridge and Royston Drenthe, and Alex’s contract until 2015 is a further step in the club’s development.

The 24-year-old came through our Academy ranks and has made almost 200 career appearances already, as well as becoming a full Ireland international.

Director of Football Nick Hammond said, “I am absolutely delighted that Alex has signed this contract. It has obviously taken a period of time but he has been 100% professional and totally focused on Reading throughout that period.

“He is a leader and a winner, and that is going to be crucial for us as we go into the new campaign. He has been there and done it before. He has a vast amount of experience for a player who is only 24 years old, and his best years are still ahead of him.

“This is a massively important signing for the club.”

Alex said, “Everyone knows Reading is close to my heart – I have come through the ranks since I was 12 years old. To be playing for this club is a great feeling and it feels great putting pen to paper. It has taken a little while but I always said that I wanted to stay at Reading and I’m so thankful that I can be a Reading player. I’ve said that I wanted to feel valued, and that’s the case now.

“It’s great to be part of something that we can build on this year. I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this promotion campaign, we’ve done it once before and we’ll be looking to do it once again.”

Chairman Sir John Madejski said, “Here at Reading we pride ourselves on growing our own talent, so it makes it even more pleasing that Alex has signed. We have seen his rapid development from a very young age, into the Premier League and with international honours, and long may his progress continue under our excellent coaching staff.

"He is an outstanding member of our first team squad and I am delighted he has signed his new contract to remain at the club.”

 

[Oncy]

From Real Madrid to the championship in 3 years. WOW

 

[Stulikesdrums]

Don't know how he ever ended up at Real. He must have a whopper agent.
He's a ball of shite.

 

[rurikbird]

Babel sinking lower and lower...

 

[King Binny]

Rafael Benitez - Napoli (Head Coach)

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted that Rafa Benitez is the right man to lead the Partenopei to success.

The Spaniard was handed the reins at San Paolo after Walter Mazzarri left last month to join Inter.

And the Azzurri owner has claimed that the former Inter man is the best possible Coach for the job, whilst also commenting on the future of Edinson Cavani.

“Rafa Benitez was the right candidate for us,” he told a Press conference. “He has international experience and we can grow with him.

“An eight-year cycle has ended, and now we begin a new era.

Rafa Benitez has insisted he is 'very happy' to have been handed the Napoli job and wants the team to 'continue to grow'.

The Spanish tactician was brought in to replace Walter Mazzarri last month, but at his official unveiling today the former Inter man has made his intentions for the upcoming season clear.

“We want to build a stronger team here,” he told a Press conference. “And we want to do well in all three competitions.

“For me, all the players are important. [Marek] Hamsik is important, as is [Lorenzo] Insigne. I think the Slovakian can make the difference.

“I have spoken with Cavani, we have text each other. But I have not talked about his future. We remain hopeful [that he will stay].

“Serie A, as well as other Leagues, have to deal with financial fair play, but Napoli are respecting the parameters and are doing well as a result.

“Italian football is a good place – the national team shows how well the championship is doing.”

Benitez was then quizzed on whether he could have joined Real Madrid this summer.

“I am very happy to be here – this is a team, and a city, with a big passion," he added.

“I could have gone to Real Madrid when I was at Liverpool, but I gave my word to Liverpool.

“There's not much to explain really.

“You go where you are wanted, and that is what happened here.

“Feeling well-liked is certainly a big plus.

“I will give everything to this team and this club.

“The President told me from day one that we have to do well on all fronts, but the important thing is to grow as a team.

“We are ambitious, but we know we can build something even stronger. Hopefully with my contribution we can do that.

“We just want to build a squad that can not only do well this year, but also in the future.

“And to do that we have to all work together, and at 100 per cent.”

 

[King Binny]

Ryan Babel - Kasimpasa (free transfer)

Babel sinking lower and lower...

 

[keniget]

Poor Babel!

I don't know why I have a soft spot for him - perhaps because I think of him as some loyal simpleton (he's always been nice about us).

 

[BlitzAce]

Poor Babel!

I don't know why I have a soft spot for him - perhaps because I think of him as some loyal simpleton (he's always been nice about us).

Same here I've always liked him.

 

[the_khl]

Babel sinking lower and lower...

It's kind of strange he's already leaving Ajax, had some good games there but he has struggled to hold down a regular place after his latest injury because of De Jong upfront and Fischer out on the left.

Still seems a good lad, wish him luck. Again.

 

[King Binny]

Luis Alberto - Liverpool (reportedly £6.8m)

 

[Hansern]

@BBCSport: Chelsea and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois agrees a third consecutive season-long loan deal with Atletico Madrid http://t.co/Do5T4uOXFd

 

[Whirly]

Hearts cancel Danny Wilson signing


The crisis engulfing Hearts has forced them to cancel the signing of Liverpool defender Danny Wilson, manager Gary Locke has confirmed.

Wilson, 21, signed a three-year deal with the Scottish Premier League club in May after having struggled to establish himself in the first team at Anfield following his arrival from Rangers for £2 million in 2010.

Hearts, who went into administration on Wednesday with debts of £25 million, have been banned by the SPL from registering new players after failing to pay the wages of a number of squad members this month. Four buyers are reported to be in contention for the club.

Locke told a press conference on Friday that, because Wilson’s Anfield contract does not expire until June 30, he is still technically a Liverpool player despite having signed a deal with Hearts.

That means the defender will now be free to sign for another club.

“Danny Wilson is still a Liverpool player and, because we have an embargo, we now cannot sign him, which is very unfortunate for me,” Locke told STV.

Wilson made only one Premier League start in his time at Anfield. He played a total of nine games for the club, the last of which was a League Cup tie at Brighton in September 2011.

The defender, who has played five times for Scotland, had loan spells in the Championship with Blackpool and Bristol City before joining Hearts on loan in January.

http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=1481934&cc=5901

 

[King Binny]

Pawel Wzolek - Sampdoria (free transfer)

Sampdoria have signed Polish winger Pawel Wzolek on a free transfer from Polonia Warsaw.

The 21-year-old right-sided midfielder posted a picture of himself on Facebook holding a sign that read: ‘Benvenuto Sampdoria’ – welcome to Sampdoria.

He was a free agent after his contract with Polonia Warsaw expired this month.

Wzolek scored seven goals in 27 Ekstraklasa games this season.

 

[King Binny]

Mattia Destro - Roma (bought out remaining 50% ownership for €4.5m)

Roma have officially bought Mattia Destro from Genoa for €4.5m, taking his total transfer fee to €16m.

Destro had joined the Giallorossi on loan worth €11.5m last summer, though his campaign was blighted by injuries and poor form.

The 22-year-old managed six goals in 21 Serie A appearances, plus five in five Coppa Italia games.

Roma released a statement confirming they exercised their option to buy Destro outright for a further €4.5m, taking his total transfer value to €16m.

 

[King Binny]

Jairo Samperio - Sevilla (€2.5 million)

Sevilla has signed Racing Santander winger Jairo Samperio – the 19-year-old Spain under-20 international – for a figure of around €2.5 million.

Samperio is currently playing in the under-20 World Cup in Turkey and will be officially unveiled at the Andalusian club on his return after passing a medical.

The winger has signed a 5-year deal to bolster the team's midfield.

 

[King Binny]

Samuel Holmen - Fenerbahçe

Fenerbahçe have released a statement confirming the signing of Swedish international Samuel Holmen.

The statement read: "Samuel Holmen has signed a three-year contract with Fenerbahçe. Holmen will make €1.3 million per-season as well as a €15,000 per-match played."

The Swedish international joined Istanbul BB from Brondby for €1 million in 2010 and went onto score 25 times and provide 17 assists in 110 games for the Istanbul based club.

The 28-year-old midfielder parted ways with his former club after refusing to sign a new contract.

The Yellow Canaries are facing pressure as competition for foreign spaces increase.

Fenerbahçe now have 11 non-Turkish players and the Turkish Football Federation have just introduced a ruling which only permits six foreign players to be included in team selection for the 2013-14 season.

 

[King Binny]

Dieumerci Mbokani - Dynamo Kiev (reportedly €10 million)

Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani has agreed a move to Dynamo Kiev after giving up on a dream switch to England.

The Congo international was initially reluctant to contemplate a transfer to Ukraine, as he looked to keep his options open.

West Bromwich Albion were reported to be readying an approach, while speculation suggested that Liverpool might also be keen.

No Premier League clubs were prepared to pay the going rate, though, and Mbokani will not be holding out any longer.

The 27-year-old is looking forward to linking up with a side who have worked hard to get a deal over the line and have shown great faith in his ability.

He said: "I am delighted, it is another adventure and one I am excited about.

"I am coming here to improve and score as many goals as I can. Kiev are a huge club in this part of the world and a big name in Europe.

"My ambition was to go to England but the teams interested were not ready to meet the demands of my club.

"Kiev have shown that they want me more than anything, so that is why I decided to come here."

 

[King Binny]

Kyle Lafferty - Palermo (£2.2million)

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty is understood to be undergoing a medical with Palermo after agreeing a three-year deal with the Serie B club.

If the deal is finalised, Lafferty will link up with former Rangers midfielder and new Palermo boss Gennaro Gattuso.

The 25-year-old left Rangers last summer as a result of their financial problems and spent last season with Swiss side Sion, scoring five goals.

Gattuso was Lafferty's manager at Sion for three months last season.

Sicily-based Palermo were relegated at the end of the last campaign and Lafferty will be Gattuso's first signing since taking charge of the club.

Zamparini is confident the 25-year-old will prove to be a shrewd acquisition for a club that has suffered an alarming fall from grace.

He told Radio Radio: "We have sealed a deal for Lafferty.

"He is someone who can lead the attack by himself, similar to Luca Toni. In Switzerland he hasn't scored many goals, so we hope he can get them here.

"For the moment we are keeping the same skeleton of the side as last year, plus a few important additions. The system will depend on the players, but we're thinking of a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2.

"In attack we have players like Paulo Dybala and Abel Hernandez, plus a few more who will arrive."

Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty is excited about his Palermo adventure. “I’m proud to be compared with Luca Toni.”

The 25-year-old striker arrived from FC Sion, where he was a teammate of new Rosanero Coach Gennaro Gattuso, for £2.2m.

“I will give 100 per cent for this jersey and promise the utmost effort to the fans,” Lafferty said via the club’s Twitter account.

“The only thing that counts is the victory of the team. I am proud that President Maurizio Zamparini compared me with Toni.

“I hope to bring Palermo back into Serie A with my contribution. As a child my idol was David Beckham, but I always study the great strikers and try to improve my performances.

“The crowd is very passionate and really fires up the team. I hope to give my best for them.”

 

[Fabio]

I beg your pudding? I thought I just read that lafferty has joined palermo.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

He'll fit in perfectly with Italian football.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1CCgt_Fqe4

 

[King Binny]

Sam Hendriks - Ajax

18 year old striker from De Graafschap. 4 yr contract.

 

[King Binny]

Brett Holman - Al Nasr (free transfer)

Brett Holman says he is excited by the "project" and "challenge" that moving to the Middle East presents.

The moved to Al Nasr after a disappointing maiden season in the Barclays Premier League with Aston Villa has raised eyebrows, but Holman says he knew the move was right in his heart.

"It was difficult [leaving Europe] but [this is] a decision that I know I have made with 100 percent of my heart," said Holman after being unveiled at his new club.

"It's a step I wanted to make - it is a fantastic project and it's definitely a big challenge and something I am looking forward to.

"I played under some fantastic coaches, I learnt a lot about football and maybe I can bring that experience to this club and show what I have learnt under Dick Advocaat, Louis Van Gaal and Ronald Koeman.

"It's very important [to play regularly], every player wants to play every game if possible. Obviously there is another goal for me, playing in a World Cup and it is my ambition to play every game for Al Nasr and [getting in the World Cup team] is definitely a goal for me."

Holman admitted that Socceroos teammate Mark Bresciano gave him a glowing report about the club.

"He just said that his time here, although it was short, he had a great time," he said.

"His family was happy, the football was good, he scored goals and the words he passed on were only positive and made it more comfortable to make my decision."