Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[King Binny]

Pep Guardiola - Bayern Munich (Head Coach)

In an impressive show of commitment and intent, Pep Guardiola spoke only in well-formulated German and even a touch of authentic Bavarian when he introduced himself as new Bayern head coach on Monday. “Guten Tag, Grüß Gott, meine Damen und Herren”, “Hello and good day ladies and gentlemen,” the Spaniard said at the biggest press conference in the club’s history at the Allianz Arena, with more than 240 reporters, 40 TV crews and 30 photographers. “Please excuse my German,” he continued, “I’ve spent a year learning it in New York – not the optimal place to learn German. I hope to improve my knowledge of German here in the time to come.”

The new Munich supremo said he was pleased to be embarking on his new challenge. “To me, this is a gift. I’d like to thank Bayern Munich very much for the opportunity to become the club’s new coach.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed details of the process ultimately leading to Guardiola’s arrival in Bavaria. “It started two years ago at the Audi Cup here [at the Allianz Arena] – when we gained the impression Pep might have a soft spot for Bayern Munich. We’ve stayed in touch ever since then, more intensively over the last year,” the FCB chairman explained.

Talks and negotiations were always friendly, Rummenigge said: “Bayern Munich wanted Pep and Pep wanted Bayern Munich – it’s a feeling we had from the first day.” Uli Hoeneß confirmed that impression. “After five minutes, I sensed there was a fit,” the FCB president remarked.

Guardiola will supervise his new players in their first pre-season training session on Wednesday at 5 pm at the Allianz Arena, and he is very much looking forward to it. “I’m ready,” the coach declared

 

[King Binny]

Of the two-dozen major transfers to Premier League clubs this summer, fewer than six have been domestic players. The only high-profile move has been Andy Carroll from Liverpool to West Ham.

Aston Villa have signed five foreigners, Sunderland four, and Manchester City, Fulham, Norwich, Southampton and Swansea have only brought in foreign players. West Ham have taken Danny Whitehead from Stockport and the Scottish striker George Boyd has moved from Peterborough to Hull City.

 

[King Binny]

Magnus Wolff Eikrem - Heerenveen

Yanic Wildschut - Heerenveen

Both new players were presented to the media today, with Wildshut signing a three year contract, with the option of a further two years, and Wolff Eikrem signing a four year deal.

Magnus Wolff Eikrem spent five years at Manchester United, but a lack of first team opportunity’s saw him return to his homeland of Norway, with Molde. In his first season, he helped the club managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer win their first ever Norwegian league title, and has gone on to make 68 appearances, scoring 6 goals.

At 22 years old Wolf Eikrem is known for his terrific passing ability, and deadly set pieces, with many seeing him as a potential replacement for Paul Scholes when he was playing for Manchester United.

Winger Yanic Wildschut was a product of the Ajax youth system, but joined Zwolle in 2010 in search of first team football, and after an impressive season in the Eerste Divisie, he was snapped up by VVV Venlo.

Last season was a forgettable one for the 21 year old, as VVV Venlo were relegated, with Wildschut only scoring once in 35 appearances. The Netherlands U-21 international will be hoping for a return to form with Heerenveen.

 

[Hansern]

Fantastic work in this thread Binny!

 

[King Binny]

Dries Mertens - Napoli (€9.5 million)

Belgian international Dries Mertens has officially signed a five-year contract with Napoli.

“SSC Napoli announce the permanent buy of Dries Mertens, a Belgian wide man who arrives from PSV Eindhoven,” read a statement.

“Mertens has signed a five-year contract.”

He has scored two goals in 19 caps for the senior Belgium side, notching up 62 games and 37 goals for PSV Eindhoven.

It is believed the transfer cost Napoli approximately €9.5m.

“Dries has been in Naples over the last few days and told me he is already in love with the immensity of our city. Welcome Dries!” wrote President Aurelio De Laurentiis on Twitter.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

that's an excellent pick up by Rafa.

 

[eecheerow]

that's an excellent pick up by Rafa.

Shame he couldn't buy a winger to save his life when he was with us.

 

[King Binny]

Laurent Blanc - Paris Saint-Germain (Head Coach)

Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurent Blanc as coach for the next two years. He will take charge of the squad on 1 July 2013 for the start of preseason training.

Laurent Blanc is one of the sports' most decorated players and has played in the most prestigious stadiums in Europe and across the globe. A World Cup winner in 1998 and a European champion in 2000 with Les Bleus - for whom he earned 97 caps - he also played for Europe's biggest clubs including FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Inter Milan. A championship winner in France and England, Blanc also won a Spanish SuperCup and the Coupe de France during a career in which he played alongside the very best in the world.

In 2007, at the age of 42 (Laurent was born on 19 November 1965 in Alès), he took his first coaching job with Les Girondins de Bordeaux and his entertaining attack-minded style of play took them to the Ligue 1 title in 2009.

In 2010 he took over the reins of the France national team, leading Les Bleus to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

The Board of Paris Saint-Germain has given Laurent Blanc the mission to build on last season and to continue the club's ascendency towards the summits of the European game.

 

[King Binny]

Todd Kane - Blackburn Rovers (loan)

Rovers have agreed a deal with Chelsea to bring highly-rated defender Todd Kane back to the club.

The 19-year-old, who enjoyed two loan spells with Rovers last term, has returned to Ewood Park on a season-long loan.

Kane initially arrived for a month during Gary Bowyer's first spell as caretaker manager last January and impressed enough to return on loan in March, playing a key role at right-back for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.

After taking over the reins on a permanent basis earlier this summer, new boss Bowyer was eager to secure the services of the young Chelsea ace for a third time.

“First of all we’ve got to thank Chelsea once again, because they’ve been more than accommodating," said the Rovers manager.

"With the new manager coming in, we were waiting to see if Todd was going to be part of his plans, but they see the advantage of him coming out and playing in the Championship again for a full season.

“Todd kicked on massively when he came and joined us last time. On the back of his performances here, he earned himself a new contract at Chelsea and rightly so. We’ll be looking for him to come and make the same impact as he did last season.

“He’s an infectious character, he’s a great footballer and we’re delighted to have him, because he’s the right type of person to have on board and he cares about the club, which is important."

Kane becomes Rovers' fourth summer signing and Bowyer believes the Ewood faithful will welcome his return.

“He’s an all-action type player and I think the fans can relate to that," added the Rovers boss.

"With the additions of Alan Judge, Chris Taylor and Simon Eastwood, he fits in with that mould that we’re trying to attract and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to the prospect of playing regular first-team football.”

The defender's loan will run from July 1st to May 31st, he has permission to play for Rovers in both the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup.

 

[King Binny]

Slaven Bilic - Besiktas (Manager)

Slaven Bilic is set to become the manager of Besiktas on a two-year contract worth a reported €800,000 (£680,500) per-season.

The Turkish club released a statement on the Istanbul Stock Exchange confirming they are in talks with the former West Ham defender.

The statement read: "We are in talks with Slaven Bilic for the Besiktas managerial role."

The Besiktas director of football Onder Ozen and board member Ahmet Nur Cebi reportedly travelled to Zagreb to secure the deal after the Croatian was sacked by Lokomotiv Moscow last week.

Bilic, 44, took charge of Lokomotiv last summer but could only guide the club to a ninth-placed finish in the 16-team Premier League, the club's worst finish since 1991.

 

[King Binny]

Benat - Athletic Bilbao (€8m)

From Real Betis. Signed contract until 2018. Will be presented on Friday.

 

[King Binny]

Joan Verdu - Real Betis (free transfer)

Real Betis have announced the signing of former Barcelona B and Espanyol playmaker Joan Verdu on a four-year contract.

The 30-year-old departed from Cornella-El Prat this summer having failed to agree a new contract with Los Pericos, ending a four-year stint with the Catalan club.

On from this, Betis were seen as in competition with Villarreal for his signature.

Today, Los Beticos have reported that they have won the battle and signed Verdu to a four-year deal, having seen the player pass a medical.

“Both Real Betis and Verdu have made a major effort to culminate in his arrival at Benito Villamarin to be one of the pillars of the Betis team in their return to European competition,” read Betis’ statement released on Monday

 

[King Binny]

CFC_News_24 @CFC_News_24
.@chelseafc confirm Schurrle deal chelseafc.com/news-article/a…

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the transfer of Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge from the Bundesliga club, whom he joined back in 2011.

It was announced on 13 June that Chelsea FC and Bayer Leverkusen had reached an agreement for Schurrle's transfer. He has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No.14 shirt.

'I am so happy now I have signed and it is an honour for me to play for this club, with this team and for these great fans,' Schurrle said. 'I am really looking forward to it.'

 

[King Binny]

Jacques Zoua - Hamburg (€2.5 million)

New HSV director of football Oliver Kreuzer has made his first signing for the club. On Monday (24.06.13) the club announced the signing of Jacques Zoua from Swiss top flight side FC Basel. The striker passed a medical in Hamburg before putting pen to paper on a deal designed to keep him at the Imtech Arena until June 30th 2016. Zoua played for Basel for four years and is ready for a new challenge at Bundesliga level: "He is still young, has gathered valuable experience in the Swiss Super League and will further develop his game with us", knows Kreuzer.

 

[King Binny]

Shinji Okazaki - Mainz

“He is a skillful player who will be very important for the style of football we play,” said Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel of Okazaki, who has made 66 appearances for Japan.

“He is very mindful of the team, is very flexible going forward and is always dangerous in front of goal.”

 

[Whirly]

Benat - Athletic Bilbao (€8m)

From Real Betis. Signed contract until 2018. Will be presented on Friday.

Bargain, Benat had a very good season. Bit too aggro though...

 

[themn]

Real Madrid C.F. ‏@realmadriden

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Zidane to be announced today as Ancelotti's assistant and the second in command.

 

[King Binny]

Stefan Mitrovic - Benfica (undisclosed fee, reportedly €1 million)

SL Benfica have made their fifth Serbian signing of the summer after capturing Stefan Mitrović, 23, for an undisclosed figure.

The centre-back arrives from Belgian side KV Kortrijk on a five-year deal and says "it is a big step forward for my career". He added: "This is a club with tradition and a great history and one that plays amazing football. They are among the top ten European clubs and everybody wants to play here. I'm proud to have signed for Benfica. I will fight to help the club to win titles."

Mitrović, who has had previous spells at MFK Petržalka, FK Metalac and FC Zbrojovka Brno, becomes the sixth Serbian player on the Lisbon outfit's books. Five have arrived over the past month, with Lazar Marković, Miralem Sulejmani, Filip Djuričić and Uroš Matić joining Matić's older brother Nemanja at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

 

[King Binny]

Denis Glushakov - Spartak Moscow (€8 million)

FC Spartak Moskva have secured the services of midfielder Denis Glushakov from rivals FC Lokomotiv Moskva for a fee thought to be in the region of €8m.

The 26-year-old, capped 19 times by Russia, becomes coach Valeri Karpin's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Valencia CF schemer Tino Costa. The move brings to an end Glushakov's eight-year association with Lokomotiv, during which he was made captain and scored 20 goals in 142 Premier-Liga appearances.

Three times an Under-21 international, Glushakov made his senior debut in a friendly against Qatar in March 2011. He scored his first goal for Russia in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Andorra and was part of the squad that finished third in Group A at the final tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Spartak, fourth in the 2012/13 Russian table, begin their UEFA Europa League campaign in the play-offs.

 

[King Binny]

Christopher Jullien - Freiburg (free transfer)

Freiburg have now confirmed the signing of France U20 and Auxerre defender Christopher Jullien.

 

[King Binny]

Danny Williams - Reading (undisclosed fee)

Reading Football Club are delighted to continue our summer rebuilding, having reached an agreement with Hoffenheim for the transfer of American international midfielder Danny Williams.

Williams turned 24 in March, and he will sign a long-term contract at Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2017. The fee involved will remain undisclosed and the deal will be finalised on 1st July, subject to normal ratification of paperwork and international clearance.

Danny has a growing reputation in international football; having been nominated as one of US Soccer’s Young Male Athletes of the Year in 2012. He will be aiming to play in the World Cup in Brazil next summer, having won 12 caps since becoming the first player capped by new US boss Jurgen Klinsmann, who describes him as having ‘tremendous potential.’

He now makes the step to Reading from the German Bundesliga, and he joins England international Wayne Bridge and ex-Real Madrid man Royston Drenthe in our squad for what is sure to be a very exciting season ahead.

Director of Football Nick Hammond said, "Danny is a versatile player, he possesses great energy and already has great experience in one of the top leagues in Europe. He is an international player and at 24 years of age still has plenty of development ahead of him, so we will be delighted to welcome him to the club."

Williams said, "I am very excited to be here, I am really looking forward to the season and to try to get the club back to the Premier League. I spoke to the manager yesterday when I did my medicine check and he is a really great, nice guy. I'm looking forward to working with him, everything is perfect here. I spoke to Gylfi also because he is a good friend from Hoffenheim and a hero here! I would like to say to the Reading fans I will give 100% every game, I am proud to wear this jersey and will do everything to help this team back to the Premier League."

Chairman Sir John Madejski added, "I would like to begin by officially welcoming Danny to Reading Football Club, these are exciting times for the club and Danny’s acquisition is another step forward for us. I remember American players Marcus Hahnemann and Bobby Convey doing very well in a Reading shirt in recent years and I am certain Danny will do the same. We have seen many players grow and flourish at Madejski Stadium and we wish Danny every success in following that path."

Danny has dual German and American citizenship, playing for Germany at u15 level before committing to the full American national side. He began his career with Karlsruhe before making his professional debut at Freiburg. He then joined ex-Royal Gylfi Sigurdsson at Hoffenheim in the summer of 2011, making his full debut against Bayern Munich. He went on to hold down a place as a regular member of their strong squad, making his mark in the German top flight.

US boss Klinsmann has already shown great faith in him despite his tender years, and we have signed a player with his best years ahead of him.

Danny’s squad number will be confirmed in due course, along with our full list of numbers for 2013/14. He will join his new teammates for training later shortly and we wish him the very best of luck in his career at Reading.

 

[Gerry_A_Trick]

Real Madrid C.F. ‏@realmadriden

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Zidane to be announced today as Ancelotti's assistant and the second in command.

Why do they bother offering three year contracts, which of their managers ever see out a full contract?

 

[King Binny]

Jacques Maghoma - Sheff Wed (free transfer)

Sheffield Wednesday have captured exciting winger Jacques Maghoma on a two-year deal.

The coveted 25-year-old has been linked with a host of clubs and will join the Owls on 1 July upon the expiry of his contract with Burton Albion.

Maghoma rose through the academy ranks with Premiership giants Spurs as a trainee before joining Burton in the summer of 2009.

He swiftly became a fans’ favourite with the Brewers and was a key performer as Burton reached the League 2 play-offs last season, claiming a hugely impressive 18 goals from the flanks.

Maghoma – who is also a full international with DR Congo – was duly named in the League 2 Football League Team of the Year of 2012/13 and also lifted Burton’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

The versatile and pacy wideman becomes Dave Jones’ first signing of the summer ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Maghoma said: “This is a massive move for me and having walked into the stadium, I can’t wait to get started.

“I really enjoyed my four years at Burton but the time is right for me to move onto the next stage of my career and this is it.

“I am a very ambitious player, I always work hard on my game from the left and from the right and I always want to improve.

“I am very confident I will do that at Sheffield Wednesday.”

 

[King Binny]

Luca Caldirola - Werder Bremen (reportedly €3 million)

The captain of Italy's U21 national team Luca Caldirola on Wednesday signed on a four-year contract with SV Werder Bremen until 30 June 2017. The centre back arrives from Inter Milan, who had sent him on loan to second division side Brescia Calcio. Neither club released details about the transfer fee.

"Luca Caldirola is a very interesting player. Despite his age, he has a lot of experience. He is captain of the U21 national team and proved his leadership qualities with his previous clubs. The fact that Luca has a lot of potential was seen at the U21 European Championship. He has a fine technique and a good eye while also being very creative in open play. We are very happy that he decided on SV Werder," said Werder manager Thomas Eichin about the acquisition.

Luca Caldirola arrived at the airport. Caldirola was also excited about his new club upon his arrival Wednesday morning. "Werder Bremen is a big chance for me. When my agent told me about Bremen's interest, I immediately said I would like to transfer to Werder. The club has a great tradition. I am looking forward to the coming years," said Caldirola.

The Desio native began his professional career at Inter Milan. After going through the club's youth ranks, the 22-year-old in 2009 signed his first professional contract with the 2010 Champions League winners. The centre back was able to develop in loan assignments with Vitesse Arnheim (Holland), AC Cesena and Brescia Calcio, playing 56 times in the Italian Serie B and 11 times in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Caldirola also went through the Italian national team junior ranks and established himself with the U21s, with whom he played 31 times and scored one goal. His biggest success was finishing runner-up at the 2013 U21 European Championship in Israel.

The 22-year-old will be introduced on Wednesday 26 June 2013 at 6 p.m. in a press chat at Weser Stadium.

Another young Italian (from Inter Milan too) making the move to Bundesliga, after Leverkusen's signing of Donati.

 

[King Binny]

Fred - Shakhtar (€15m)

On June 26, they finalised the Brazilian midfielder’s move to Shakhtar. The negotiations resulted in Fred’s five-year deal with Shakhtar. The transfer fee for the player who previously played for Internacional is EUR 15 million.

Profile

Fred
Full name - Frederico Rodrigues De Paula Santos
Born on March 5, 1993 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Position - midfielder
Previous club - Internacional (Brazil)

FC Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Fred from Brazilian club SC Internacional in a deal worth around €15m.

The 20-year-old, who registered seven goals in 33 league appearances for the Porto Alegre side, has agreed a five-year contract with the Ukrainian champions. "I know Shakhtar very well, they are a huge club. I have followed their progress in Europe and am very happy to make the move," he said.

"I already know some players here like Taison, Luiz Adriano and Douglas Costa. They are my friends. My task is to break into the first team and play a part in the Champions League. I will also do my best to help this club succeed and fulfill its goal of winning the Champions League."

Fred could make his debut for the Pitmen on 9 July against FC Chornomorets Odesa in the Ukrainian Super Cup. His arrival follows that of fellow Brazilians Fernando (Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense) and 21-year-old striker Wellington Nem.

 

[King Binny]

Jed Steer - Aston Villa (free transfer)

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has confirmed Norwich goalkeeper Jed Steer will become his sixth summer acquisition on July 1.

Lambert has already been busy in the transfer market, bringing in defenders Jores Okore and Antonio Luna, midfielders Leandro Bacuna and Aleksandar Tonev, plus Danish striker Nicklas Helenius.

The former Norwich boss was also keen to strengthen his goalkeeping ranks, and has returned to his old club to secure the signing of 20-year-old Steer, who will complete the move to Villa Park once his deal at Carrow Road expires.

The former England Under-19 cap will provide competition for Brad Guzan and Benji Siegrist. Shay Given is expected to leave the club this summer.

Lambert told the club website: "Bringing in Jed will add to the goalkeeping department and helps with everybody pushing one another, learning from one another and making everyone better and wanting to improve.

"You want competition for places throughout the team, which is something we didn't have last season."

 

[King Binny]

Curtis Davies - Hull City (reportedly £2.25m)

Hull City have today completed the signing of defender Curtis Davies from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old centre-half has signed a three-year deal, keeping him at the KC Stadium until 2016.

Speaking to the club this morning, Davies said: “I’m delighted to be here.

“I feel that I’m joining Hull City at an exciting time and the chance to play in the Barclays Premier League was also a huge attraction. It’s something that I’ve been lucky enough to do before and I wanted to get back to that level.

“Hopefully I can help this team to have a good season and push as high up the table as possible. I can’t wait for Chelsea on the first day of the season now.”

Davies arrives with more than 300 senior appearances to his name and will join up with his new team-mates for the start of pre-season training in early July.

 

[King Binny]

Jon Stead - Huddersfield Town (free transfer)

Jon Stead has today joined Huddersfield Town for his second spell at the Club, putting pen to paper on a two year contract.

The Club also has an option to extend the contract for a third year.

Jon joins the Terriers on a free transfer after leaving Bristol City in the summer, returning to his hometown club that he first joined as an 11 year-old from Hepworth Juniors after nine and a half years away.

Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins commented:

“Jon’s arrival is a step forward for the Club ahead of the new Championship season, as we put together our strikers.

"At the end of last season our two loan strikers returned to their clubs, whilst Alan Lee and Lee Novak have moved on. We are transitioning that group of strikers and will add players of different types as we form the squad. We need intelligence, we need movement, we need pace and we need presence as well.

“Jon can certainly link the play; he has presence and experience at this level. I have spoken to him about goals; he has always scored consistently but I believe that he can score more than he has done.

“He’s a very different player to the one that left this Club back in 2004 and he was very popular with the supporters at Bristol City – he was their Player of the Year in 2012. He fits very well as a number nine in the system we want to play.

“Just as importantly he showed a real desire to return to Huddersfield Town. As soon as Jon knew of our interest he immediately turned down the other Championship offers that he had, such was his desire to be a Town player again and make a difference for us.

“Jon’s deal represents excellent value for the Club in terms of Financial Fair Play and the fact he’s available on a free.

“The Club has been very patient with its recruitment during the closed season, but it has paid off as we have got the right player today. With the signings of Jon we have added extra impetus to the forward areas of the pitch, but our activity in the market will continue to strengthen that area further still."

Standing at 6’ 3” tall, 30 year old, Huddersfield-born Jon started his career with the Terriers after graduating from the Academy – making his First Team debut in a home game against Brentford in 2002. He featured regularly during a tough debut season that resulted in the Club’s relegation to League 2, but excelled under Peter Jackson in 2003/04 – netting 18 goals in 31 games during the opening six months.

That form earned him a seven figure move to Premier League Blackburn Rovers in January 2004 and he made an immediate impact, helping to keep the Ewood Park club in the top flight with six important goals – many of them match winners. During his time at Rovers, he also earned 11 caps for England at Under-21 level.

In June 2005 he switched Premier League clubs, joining Sunderland for a reported £1.8 million. He played almost 50 Premier League games for the Black Cats before another move across the division to Sheffield United in January 2007.

Stead netted 11 goals in just 32 starts and 15 substitute appearances for the Blades before joining Championship Ipswich Town on loan for the majority of the 2008/09 season, playing 41 games and scoring 13 goals. That earned him a permanent move to Portman Road, although he spent four months of the 2009/10 season on loan at divisional rivals Coventry City.

Jon joined Championship side Bristol City on August 2010 and has scored 20 goals in 64 starts for the Club over the last two seasons, earning their ‘Player of the Year’ trophy during the 2011/12 campaign.

Adam Hammill - Huddersfield Town (undisclosed fee)

Adam Hammill has returned to Huddersfield Town on a permanent contract today ahead of the 2013/14 Championship season.

The 25 year-old winger, who spent four months on loan with the Terriers during the first half of last season, makes a permanent move from Wolverhampton Wanderers on undisclosed terms.

Hammill has signed a three year contract, with the Club having an option on a fourth season.

A goal-scoring wide player who can operate on either flank or behind the central striker, Adam has a proven track record at Championship level and has worked with Town Manager Mark Robins previously during their respective time at Barnsley – arguably the most successful spell of his career, where his fine form saw him earn a move to the Premier League.

Mark Robins told htafc.com:

“I know just how much of an impact Adam can have at Championship level and I understand he showed glimpses of that during his loan spell here last season before I arrived.

“Our job – and the challenge for Adam – is to work very hard on the training pitch and get him playing at a consistently high level, because if we can we have a very exciting player on our hands.

“Adam has lots of ability with the ball at his feet and will fit very well into the style of football we want to play, as he can play on either side or with the main striker.

“As everyone knows, increasing our goal-scoring threat is the priority for us at the moment and Adam’s arrival is another element of this.”

A product of the Liverpool Academy, former England under-21 international Adam got his first taste of senior football via a loan spell at Scottish outfit Dunfermline Athletic in early 2007 – which included an appearance in the Scottish Cup Final.

A season-long loan at npower Championship side Southampton followed in the 2007/08 campaign, which heralded 28 further appearances.

Hammill signed a new five year contract with Liverpool in the summer of 2008 before heading out on loan again, this time to Blackpool. He returned to Anfield in January 2009 before heading out to Barnsley; in total, he made 37 Championship appearances that term.

Adam impressed at Oakwell and they signed him on a permanent deal in August 2009. He immediately became a regular in the side, making 43 appearances in his first season – scoring four goals.

A further 27 appearances – and eight goals – in the first half of the new campaign alerted Wolves to his ability and the Premier League club triggered a release clause to take him to Molineux in the January 2011 transfer window on a three year contract.

He made 10 appearances in the latter half of the Premier League campaign and another 13 followed in the next season, but Hammill was then loaned out to Championship Middlesbrough in March 2012 for the rest of the season.

Adam’s loan spell at Town saw 16 appearances and two goals – including a dramatic late equaliser in his final appearance at home to Birmingham City.

Huddersfield Town’s Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens added:

“We’ve been patient and have worked together very hard behind the scenes at the Club on recruitment. It would be very easy to shout about potential signings and end up with egg on your face, but we prefer to take our time and ensure we get the targets we all want. If this takes a while it’s no concern – we have to get the right players on deals with clubs that are also right.

“We know what Adam can offer and the deal with Wolves represents an excellent piece of business for the Club.”

Martin Paterson - Huddersfield Town (free transfer)

A busy week of transfer activity at Huddersfield Town has continued today with the signing of out of contract striker Martin Paterson.

The 26 year-old Northern Ireland international has signed a two year deal at 'The Yorkshire Club' having reached the end of his previous contract at Burnley, who had offered him a new contract at Turf Moor.

As is the case with fellow new arrivals Jon Stead and Adam Hammill, the Club has an option on a further year’s extension at the end of the initial contract.

Martin is an established Championship forward who helped fired the Clarets to the Premier League and was a regular starter for them last season.

Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins commented on Martin’s arrival:

“Martin represents another excellent signing to the group of forward players in the squad. In addition to his arrival, we will still be looking to add to our strike force as the summer transfer window progresses.

“I am a firm believer in putting round pegs in round holes and Martin has come to the Club to play as a striker. He played three quarters of his 41 games for Burnley last season in a wide position, but his career history shows that he has flourished as a central striker and that is the role he feels is his best. I agree and he will fulfil that role for us.

“Martin is a strong and resilient character with an excellent work rate which I think our supporters will really appreciate. That is backed up with good technical ability and importantly a proven track record of scoring goals at Championship level. He is a different type of player to those already here and will complement our other strikers and pose a different threat for opponents.

“Our patience throughout the course of the closed season has really paid dividends this week with our three signings coming together. All three have chosen to join us over other Championship clubs for football reasons, and I believe that is testament to everyone at Huddersfield Town and the development of the Club.

Martin started his career in Stoke City’s youth system, eventually making his first team debut for the Club against Plymouth Argyle in April 2005. After a further nine substitute appearances and two starts, he joined League 2 Grimsby Town in November 2006 and played another 15 games to add to his experience during a three month spell.

The 5’ 9” tall striker moved permanently to Championship side Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2007 and netted 14 goals in his debut season under Nigel Adkins – earning the first of 15 Northern Ireland senior caps during that time.

That form attracted Burnley, who signed him for over £1 million in June 2008. Martin furthered his seasonal goal-scoring tally by netting 19 for the Clarets during his debut season, helping them attain promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs.

Martin played 23 Premier League games and signed a new three year contract in June 2010. He has subsequently featured regularly for the Club in the Championship, notching up over 150 Burnley appearances.

Looks like some decent pickups by Huddersfield.

 

[King Binny]

Tom Adeyemi - Birmingham (free transfer)

Blues have signed exciting young midfielder Tom Adeyemi on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old was a free agent after leaving Norwich City and Blues boss Lee Clark has moved quickly to make him his sixth capture of the summer so far.

Adeyemi’s services were in-demand after he impressed during a loan spell with Brentford in League One last season and he will officially become a Blues player on 1 July.

“He’s a player I know really well,” said Clark. “I worked with him during my time at Norwich when he was a youngster at the club.

“I’ve followed his progress since, He’s done exceptionally well on loan at a few different clubs and I’m delighted to bring him here.

“Tom is a terrific young lad who is a powerful and athletic midfield player who can get forward and score goals.”

Adeyemi made 39 appearances for the Bees, scoring three goals, as Uwe Rosler’s side narrowly missed out on promotion to Yeovil Town in last season’s play-off final.

Born in Norwich, he worked his way through the youth system at his hometown club and turned down an offer from Cambridge University in favour of a professional contract at Carrow Road.

He made his first-team debut at the start of 2009/10 and was also named League One Apprentice of the Year that season.

A loan spell at Bradford City followed and Adeyemi made an instant impact, finishing the 2010/11 campaign with five goals from 37 appearances.

He continued to flourish, this time in League One with Oldham Athletic, where he chalked up another three goals from 45 outings before linking-up with Brentford last August.

 

[King Binny]

Chris McCann - Wigan (free transfer)

Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce they have won the race to sign in demand former Burnley midfielder Chris McCann on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old will officially become a Wigan Athletic player on July 1 after his contract with the Clarets expires, and with a number of clubs from the Premier League and Championship interested in his signature, he was keenest to join back up with his former manager.

After undergoing a medical at the DW Stadium today, he has put pen to paper on a three year contract.

McCann will become Owen Coyle’s first signing as Wigan Athletic Manager, and after working with the Irish attacking midfielder at Burnley, he knows all too well the qualities he possesses, explaining:

“I’m delighted to bring a player of Chris’ ability to the club, and he’ll bring real strength to the group ahead of a demanding season.

“He’s a powerful, attacking midfielder who scores goals, plays from box-to-box and isn’t scared to put his foot in when it comes to winning the ball back.

“I had the pleasure of working with him at Burnley, and on a number of occasions we turned down some big-money bids for him, such was his importance to the team and the integral role he played in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League at a young age.

“He’s still young in football-terms, has plenty to offer and I hope to see him playing a big role at Wigan Athletic.”

McCann made 238 league appearances for Burnley between 2005 and 2013 and scored 27 times, following his arrival from Home Farm.

His final appearance for the Clarets came in May in a 2-0 home win against Ipswich Town.