Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[King Binny]

Anthony Martial - Monaco (€5m + sell on fee)

The young 17-year-old striker of the Olympique Lyonnais, Anthony Martial joined AS Monaco FC. On Saturday morning, together with Riccardo Pecini, ASMFC technical director, Anthony signed his contract of 3 years. The club demonstrates again that its recruitment is turned for this season but also for future.

Riccardo Pecini, Technical Director : "We are very happy that Anthony join us. He's a big hope of his generation who will continue to grow up at the high of level."

Monaco has completed the signing of Lyon teenager Anthony Martial for five million euros ($7.12 million) on a three-year contract, with his former club blaming the sale on Bafetimbi Gomis' refusal to leave the Stade de Gerland.

Lyon is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and had to sell at least one player by the end of Sunday to be able to report balanced yearly results.

Lyon was hoping that player would be Gomis, who was heavily linked with Swansea City and Cardiff City, as well as Shakhtar Donetsk, and has one year left on his contract.

However, a possible move for Gomis has stalled and, according to the club, he 'has not gone yet', leaving it little choice but to sell the 17-year-old striker.

"Having not been able to complete the move of any player approached for a transfer by 30 June, notably Bafetimbi Gomis, the club considered Monaco's offer for Anthony Martial," a statement from Lyon read. "The club completed Anthony Martial's move for five million euros plus an important share on a future transfer."

Monaco was delighted by the acquisition, believing the striker will play a big part in the club's future.

Riccardo Pecini, technical director said: "We are very happy that Anthony has joined us. His a big hope of his generation."

 

[the_khl]

He's a big hope of his generation who will continue to grow up at the high of level.

This lad is probably using the same spin doctor as George W. Bush Jr.

 

[King Binny]

Fernando Llorente - Juventus (free transfer)

After news of his capture on a free transfer was confirmed by the club in January, Spanish frontman Fernando Llorente is preparing to embark on his adventure in the black and white stripes of Juventus.

The 28-year-old is scheduled to touch down at Turin’s Caselle airport on Monday lunchtime before completing the required medical checks ahead of his official unveiling to the media.

As with Carlos Tévez’s presentation on Thursday morning, Llorente’s first words as a Bianconeri player will also be broadcast to the world through an exclusive live streaming service, featuring a real time English translation, on both Juventus.com and the club’s official YouTube channel.

The press conference, to be held on Tuesday 2 July at Juventus Stadium, will get underway at 4pm (CET).

 

[King Binny]

Giliano Wijnaldum - Groningen (free transfer)

Eric Botteghin - Groningen (€680k)

Eric Botteghin joins on a four year deal from NAC Breda, after the two clubs agreed a €680,000 deal for the 25 year old Brazilian.

Botteghin will be Groningen’s replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who joined Celtic last week. The centre back spent four years at Zwolle, before joining NAC Breda in 2011.

In two seasons in Breda, Botteghin made 64 league appearances, and scored 5 goals, but he will now join up with Erwin van de Looi’s side for the new season.

Left back Giliano Wijnaldum has also joined Groningen on Friday, signing a two year deal, on a free transfer, after the youngster refused to sign a new deal with AZ Alkmaar.

After signing, 20 year old Wijnaldum stated to the Groningen official website, that his older brother Georginio, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, had some advice for him:

“Yesterday, when I drove to the hospital for medical examination he advised me to take number 25, it would bring me luck, hence this number. Whether that is true, we have to wait and see.”

The Netherlands U-21 international began his career with Sparta Rotterdam, before joining AZ in 2010, but had only made 20 appearances for the Alkmaar side before leaving at the end of last season.

 

[King Binny]

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joonas Kolkka, André Ooijer and Boudewijn Zenden - PSV (internship, coaching course)

PSV technical director Marcel Brands has announced that Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joonas Kolkka, André Ooijer and Boudewijn Zenden will undertake an internship at PSV´s Academy at De Herdgang, as part of their coaching course, next season.

36-year-old Ruud van Nistelrooy, who announced his retirement from football in 2012, began his career began with FC Den Bosch before moves to sc Heerenveen and PSV, where he made his name. His illustrious career also included spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid, HSV and Malaga. Van Nistelrooy bagged 35 goals in 70 international appearances for Holland. Van Nistelrooy will assist former PSV defender Jürgen Dirkx, who is coach of the PSV Under-17 team.

36-year-old Boudewijn Zenden will also take a coaching course next season. Last season, he was assistant coach with UEFA Europa League winners Chelsea. He climbed through the ranks at the Philips Stadion and had spells with PSV FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Olympique Marseille and Sunderland in his career as a professional footballer. He won 54 caps for his country, scoring seven goals in the process. Zenden will do his internship with Young PSV.

38-year-old André Ooijer had two spells with PSV, from 1998 to 2006 and from 2009 to 2010. He won five Eredivisie titles with PSV and was a player of the team that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2005. He also played for Roda JC, Premier League club Blackburn Rovers and Ajax. Ooijer will assist Under-19 coach Pascal Jansen, who joins PSV from Sparta Rotterdam.

38-year-old Joonas Kolkka will also return to his former club PSV. The Fin, whose long career spanned 21 seasons, from 1991 to 2012, will do his internship with PSV Under-15. Kolkka played for PSV from 1998 to 2001. Kolkka as well as the other PSV legends will be at De Herdgang training facilities one or two days a week.

 

[King Binny]

Adam Maher - PSV (€6.5 million with add ons worth €1.5 million)

PSV Eindhoven have officially completed the signing of AZ Alkmaar star Adam Maher on a five year deal.

On Sunday night the news broke that PSV had agreed a deal with AZ said to be around €8 million, with €6.5 million going to the club, and the rest divided in bonuses.

Maher traveled to Eindhoven on Monday, to complete his medical, and then officially sign the five year contract, before being presented in his new shirt to the media.

The 19 year old will wear the number 6 shirt next season, which he asked for, after Mark van Bommel vacated it by retiring at the end of last season.

Maher stated after his move, “I could have chosen the easy way out, and made a move abroad, but I’ve always said that I wanted to stay here (Netherlands).”

“PSV went the furthest to get me, and i want to repay that confidence.”

Maher wants to move abroad eventually, but first he is determined to win trophy’s with PSV to make a name for himself.

The Netherlands international spent two seasons as a first team regular with AZ, and leaves having made 94 appearances, scoring 22 times, and laying on 17 assists.

His last act as a AZ player, was scoring in the 2-1 KNVB Cup final win over his new club PSV, back in May, which helped his old club qualify for the Europa League.

Maher becomes new coach Phillip Cocu’s third summer signing, after deals were agreed for defender Jeffrey Bruma, and winger Florian Jozefzoon.

 

[King Binny]

Rodney Sneijder - Sanliurfaspor (free transfer)

RKC Waalwijk midfielder Rodney Sneijder has followed his brother Wesley to Turkey, by joining Sanliurfaspor.

The Turkish club, who play in the second division, announced that the player had signed a two year deal on their official website.

The 23 year old signed for RKC Waalwijk last summer, but after a good start at the club, he failed to hold down his first team place, and was regularly on the bench towards the end of the season.

Sneijder featured in 26 league matches for RKC last season, scoring twice, but 14 of these appearances were from the bench.

Rodney, like his brother Wesley, started his career in the youth squads of Ajax, and was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but his older brother stopped him, stating he was not ready for the move yet.

Despite signing a professional contract with the Amsterdam club, he never had the same impact as his brother, and eventually joined FC Utrecht on loan in 2011, as he searched for first team football.

Sneijder scored on his debut for the club, but only went on to make 24 appearances in the season, and was eventually signed by RKC the following summer.

He now moves to Turkey on a free transfer, and has the chance to move closer to his brother, who plays for Galatasaray.

 

[King Binny]

Cardiff buys FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius, 20.

Cardiff City Football Club can today confirm that Danish international striker Andreas Cornelius' transfer from FC Copenhagen has been finalised subject to Premier League ratification and international clearance, Andreas signing a five year deal in the Welsh capital.

The 20 year-old completed his medical on Monday morning at the Club's Vale of Glamorgan training base and will link up with his new team-mates on a permanent basis in a week's time following a short vacation.

Cardiff City FC Head of Recruitment Iain Moody said of today's breaking news: "We would like to thank Carsten Jensen and all the staff at FC Copenhagen for both the good relations that have been built between the two clubs over the past couple of weeks and the professionalism they have shown in working with us to complete this transfer."

Cornelius becomes Malky Mackay’s first recruit of the summer ahead of City’s Premier League debut against West Ham United on August 17th.

And, naturally, the 20 year old was evidently buoyant on completion of his medical and the breaking of the hotly anticipated news.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Andreas exclusively told Cardiff City Player. “I’ve been given a great opportunity and this is a very exciting project that’s taking place at Cardiff City. I’m very happy to be here and to be playing for this Club in the Premier League.

“There were opportunities for me this summer and I had to think about what was the right thing to do, the correct step for me to take in terms of my career. I was impressed by what the Club is trying to do, the fact it has reached the Premier League and that it has a passionate fan base supporting it.”

The 6”4 inch striker top-scored in the Superliga during the 2012/13 season with 18 goals, unsurprisingly being recognised by the senior Denmark setup and scoring his first goal for his country in the 2014 World Cup Qualifier against Czech Republic back in March that the former European Champions won 3-0.

And in reference to his international ambitions, Andreas noted that it was Cardiff City with whom he felt he could best establish himself ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“The Danish national team always wants players playing in foreign countries, especially in the English Premier League,” he stated. “If I can improve as a player at Cardiff City, which I think I can, then I can be a better player for the Danish national squad as well.”

Already a success on the field, goal-scorer Andreas completed his medical in Cardiff on Monday having last week secured academic success.

He noted: “It’s been a busy few days as I graduated from University back home over the weekend. Both school and football are very important to me, so I had to structure my plans in order to achieve in both.

“I will link up with my new team-mates next Monday and look forward to preparing for the new season. These are very exciting times and I’m looking forward to working with the manager and learning more about this squad.”

 

[King Binny]

Timm Klose - Wolfsburg (€5.5 million)

VfL Wolfsburg completed the signing of defender Timm Klose from Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Nuremberg.The 25-year-old Swiss international has signed a four-year contract after passing a medical on Monday.

"We had always said that, if an opportunity were to present itself for us to further improve the quality of our squad, without veering off budget, we would act," said Wolfsburg's sporting director Klaus Allofs. "I'm therefore very pleased that Timm Klose has chosen to join us."

At Wolfsburg, the defender will be reunited with his former coach Dieter Hecking, who left Nuremberg midway through the 2012/13 season. The 48-year-old is looking forward to working with Klose once again. “I’m delighted that Timm is going to strengthen our team,” said Hecking. "He's matured extremely well in recent years and brings with him everything that a central defender needs.”

"This move to Wolfsburg is an important step in my career," he said. "I’m really looking forward to this new sporting challenge and I'll give everything to ensure we can be successful as a team.”

Klose appeared 45 times in the Bundesliga for Nuremberg, scoring two goals. He has also represented Switzerland on six occasions since making his international debut in 2011.

 

[King Binny]

Olivier Occean - Kaiserslautern (loan, 2 seasons)

FC Kaiserslautern have agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to take striker Olivier Occean on loan for the next two seasons.The Canadian forward linked up with his new team mates on Monday after the two clubs agreed the deal, which also includes the option for Kaiserslautern to sign the player for an additional year.

The contract of the 31-year-old former SpVgg Greuther Fürth forward is valid both in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 and he brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in the second tier of German football.

Occean spear-headed Greuther Fürth’s promotion to the top flight in 2012 when he netted 17 times in 33 games. Although unable to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga last year, he still made 18 appearances for the Eagles, scoring once.

He has been capped by Canada 28 times, scoring six goals.

 

[King Binny]

Leon Goretzka - Schalke (reportedly between €2.8 to 4 million)

Horst Heldt and Peter Peters met VfL Bochum director of sport Christian Hochstätter on Sunday to exchange views on Leon Goretzka's planned move to the Royal Blues.

The meeting went positively and Schalke have reached a basic agreement with the second division club over a transfer of the midfielder. "We went to Bochum with the aim of settling the matter in an amicable way", said Heldt. " Both sides have moved towards one another because all the parties were determined to avoid going to the employment court. We're all very happy to have reached an agreement and in Leon Goretzka we look forward to seeing one of Germany's biggest talents playing for Schalke in the future."

Additional formalities will need to be completed in the next few days to finalise the transfer. Goretzka, an 18-year-old Germany youth international, made 32 second division appearances for Bochum last season, scoring four times in the process. The two clubs have agreed not to reveal any details of the transfer.

 

[King Binny]

Thomas Rogne - Wigan (free transfer)

Wigan Athletic have again moved quickly in the transfer market and today secured the signing of Norwegian international Thomas Rogne.

After completing a medical at the DW Stadium the former Celtic defender agreed a three-year deal with the club, and becomes Owen Coyle’s third signing as Latics Manager, following the arrival of Chris McCann and Stephen Crainey last week.

Upon his arrival, Rogne said: “It’s feels great to have joined the club, the process was quite short which was good and I’m looking forward to getting started now.

“It’s an exciting chapter for me; English football is something special and being Norwegian we follow the game over here very closely, so to be a part of it makes me very happy.

“I’ve seen Wigan Athletic play quite a lot when the club was in the Premier League, and obviously the whole of Europe has been speaking about the club after the FA Cup win in May.

“I think many people have been charmed by the way the club is run and how the team plays, so it’s great to be here.”

The 23-year old spent three years at the Parkhead club, making 50 league appearances and scoring two goals for Neil Lennon’s side, after arriving from native team Stabaek in 2010.

At international level, the defender has two caps for the Norwegian senior squad, and this summer helped the Under-21 side reach the semi finals of the European Under-21 Championships in Israel, defeating England in the process.

All 3 free transfers they've picked up thus far looks like shrewd signings.

 

[King Binny]

Halil Altintop - Augsburg (free transfer)

FC Augsburg have completed the signing of former 1. FC Kaiserslautern, FC Schalke 04 and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Halil Altintop. The 30-year-old, who was born in Gelsenkirchen, was released from his contract with Turkish club Trabzonspor at the weekend, enabling him to join Augsburg as a free agent. He has signed a two-year contract with die Függerstädter.

“This transfer was only manageable thanks to his contract termination with Trabzonspor,” said Augsburg’s director of sport Stefan Reuter. “We're delighted that Halil Altintop has decided to join Augsburg and return to the Bundesliga.”

Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl was equally pleased with the latest addition to his squad. "Halil Altintop has proven his quality, not only in the Bundesliga, where he made over 200 appearances and scored 47 goals," said the 38-year-old. "I'm really pleased that we're getting such an experienced forward who will be able to improve our team with his leadership qualities.”

Altintop, who has been given the number seven shirt with the Bavarians, will fill the void left by the departures of Ja-Cheol Koo and Dong-Won Ji after their respective loan spells came to an end.

“It’s great to be able to come back to Germany and to the Bundesliga,” said the Turkish international. “I'm really looking forward to my time with Augsburg.”

 

[King Binny]

Luke Murphy - Leeds United (£1 million)

Leeds United can confirm the signing of Luke Murphy from Crewe Alexandra.

Central midfielder Luke finalised the terms of his switch on Monday and has signed a three-year contract.

The club beat off interest from a number of clubs to capture the signature of the highly-rated 23-year-old and United boss Brian McDermott was pleased to welcome him to Thorp Arch.

"Myself, the owners, the staff, the players, and I'm sure and I can speak for the supporters on this one, are absolutely delighted to sign Luke," said the boss.

"He's a player I've known for a long time, I've watched his career progress, and I feel he was the best player in his division last year.

"Luke certainly fits the profile of player that we're looking to attract: He is young, hungry, wants to work hard and very obviously talented.

"I'd like to thank the owners for making this deal happen. We had spoken about Luke earlier in the summer being one for the key signings we're looking to make."

Newly-appointed chairman Salah Nooruddin said: "We're delighted to complete the deal for Luke. There was plenty of interest in him from other clubs, but Brian had never made any secret about his desire to bring Luke here, and we're pleased we were able to get things done and welcome a very good addition to our squad."

Luke is a graduate of Crewe's Academy system and, since making his debut as an 18-year-old, he made 186 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals.

Managing director David Haigh was also on hand to welcome the player to the club and he said: "It's great to welcome Luke aboard. He is a player that Brian had identified some time ago and we have all worked very hard to make this happen."

Luke completed the formalities of his move on Monday and will train with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday.

Luke becomes the club's second signing of the summer - Matt Smith has also joined, from Oldham - and it's anticipated that at least one more new face will be added before the first team squad head for Slovenia on pre-season tour on Monday.

 

[Mojo]

Dynamo Kiev sign Belhanda

30 June 2013, 23:23

Dynamo Kiev signed Morocco midfielder Younes Belhanda from French side Montpellier for an undisclosed fee on Sunday, the Ukrainian club said.
"Welcome to Kiev, Younes," Dynamo wrote in French on their website (www.fcdynamo.kiev.ua) to greet the player who was presented during a pre-season match against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg along with other new signings Jeremain Lens and Dieumerci Mbokani.
The 23-year-old played a key role when Montpellier clinched their first French league title in 2012, scoring 12 goals and setting up four others in 28 matches. He was named Ligue 1 best young player at the end of that season.
Belhanda, who has 21 Morocco caps and can play in all midfield positions, has played 127 league games and found the net 26 times in four seasons with Montpellier.

 

[King Binny]

Modibo Diakite - Sunderland (free transfer)

Sunderland have officially confirmed the signing of strong defender Modibo Diakite.

Paolo Di Canio’s side have secured the highly sought after 26-year-old on a three-year contract after his deal with Italian giants Lazio expired.

The 6’4” centre-back hails from Bourg-le-Reine in France and is a former team-mate of Di Canio during the Sunderland head coach’s time at Lazio late in his playing career.

Diakite began his career in Italy with Pescara before moving to the capital to join Lazio in 2006.

The defender spent seven seasons with the Biancazzurri, winning the Coppa Italia with the club in 2008-09.

Altogether he made 88 appearances for the club.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Baptiste - Bolton Wanderers (free transfer)

Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Alex Baptiste on a three-year contract.

The versatile defender joins Dougie Freedman’s side following the expiration of his previous contract with Blackpool.

Baptiste had spent five years with the Bloomfield Road club, during which time he experienced both a play-off final victory and defeat, Premier League football and the responsibility of captaining the side.

The 27-year-old grew up in Nottingham and progressed through the youth ranks at Mansfield Town. He made his first senior professional appearance as a 17-year-old in 2003 and over an eight-year period with the Stags he would register just shy of 200 outings.

He left Mansfield to join Blackpool in the summer of 2008.

Baptiste is Wanderers’ third confirmed summer signing, following Marc Tierney and Hayden White through the door.

Robert Hall - Bolton Wanderers

Winger Robert Hall has signed for Bolton Wanderers from Premier League outfit West Ham United on a three-year deal ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.

Wanderers are still in talks with the Hammers over a compensation package for the teenager after his contract recently expired at the Boleyn Ground.

The 19-year-old, who can also operate as a striker, spent the final weeks of last season on loan at the Reebok Stadium and featured on the final day against neighbours Blackpool.

An England youth international, Hall has previously enjoyed loan spells at Oxford United, MK Dons and Birmingham City before joining up with Dougie Freedman’s side.

 

[King Binny]

Gaetano Monachello - Monaco

Monaco have signed a second young striker in as many days with the capture of Gaetano Monachello from Olympiakos Nicosia.

The 19-year-old Italian's arrival follows Sunday's signing of Anthony Martial from Lyon and he joined up with his new team-mates as they began pre-season training today in Italy.

The 6ft 1in frontman emerged from Inter Milan's youth system and earned Italy Under-17 honours but has led a nomadic existence in the last 18 months.

A loan spell at Parma followed by short-lived moves to Ukrainian side Metallurg Donetsk and then to Cyprus, where he scored seven goals in 13 games even as Olympiakos were relegated to the second division.

 

[King Binny]

Cabral - Sunderland (free transfer)

Paolo Di Canio’s squad for the 2013-14 season continues to take shape with the addition of FC Basel’s Cabral.

The midfielder, whose full name is Adilson Tavares Varela, has signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Cabral, 24, hails from Praia in Cape Verde but holds Swiss citizenship and is a four-time winner of the country’s top division.

He began his career with Swiss club Lausanne Sport before joining Basel in 2007 and winning a league and cup double in his first season.

In 2008-09, Cabral made 23 appearances during a loan spell with Spanish side Sevilla Atletico and established himself as a key player upon his return to Switzerland.

He played 21 games during Basel’s Double-winning 2009-10 season, while the following campaign brought another league title and a string of impressive performances in the Champions League.

Cabral was again a central figure in another title win last season and helped Basel piece together a fine run in the Europa League, where they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Chelsea.

Valentin Roberge - Sunderland (free transfer)

Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Valentin Roberge on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old has penned a three-year deal on Wearside after his contract with Portuguese side CS Maritimo expired last month.

Roberge is primarily a centre-back but can also play on the left side of defence.

Born in Montreuil, France, he began his career with Guingamp, making 28 league appearances before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.

Roberge, who stands at 6’1”, made 31 appearances for the French giants’ B side before moving to Aris FC of Greece, where he spent two years.

He joined Maritimo in 2010, signing a three-year deal, and was a regular for the Portuguese club, playing 99 games including nine in the UEFA Europa League.

 

[keniget]

I feel like I should be paying you for this Binny.

 

[the_khl]

Haha...

And yeah, tremendous job Binny!

 

[King Binny]

Javi Fuego - Valencia (free transfer)

Valencia have made official the signing of Javi Fuego from Rayo Vallecano on a free transfer this summer.

Los Che, who were widely believed to have wrapped up a deal for the 29-year-old months ago, have now made official the midfielder’s signing on a three-year deal.

Fuego, who will be presented by the Mestalla outfit next week, made over 100 appearances for Rayo in a three-year spell, but is one of a number of players to have left at the expiry of his contract this summer.

Javi Fuego has signed a contract with Valencia CF for the next three seasons, running through to June 30th, 2016. The club will shortly confirm the date and location for his official presentation.

Javi Fuego offers courage, determination and strength to the Valencia CF midfield. The Spaniard is also able to cover various positions, as a versatile addition to the squad. Fuego arrives at Mestalla from Rayo Vallecano, for whom he had played since 2010 and with whom he won promotion to the Primera División in the 2010/11 season. The Spaniard has been a regular starter for every team for which he has played. He trained as a junior at D.C. Romanon, before moving to Real Sporting de Gijón -for whom he debuted in the first team in 2001/02. He remained there until 2007, when he signed for Levante UD. After a season there he moved to Recreativo de Huelva, leading the midfield for two seasons before signing for Rayo Vallecano.

Valencia's new signing is renowned for his fitness and ability as a ball-winner -for which he was the best player in the league last season with 333 interceptions. As an international, Javi Fuego was part of the Under-20s side that won the 2005 Mediterranean Games.

 

[King Binny]

Pedro Franco - Besiktas (€2.4 million)

Beşiktaş have signed Los Millonarios defender Pedro Franco on a five-year deal.

The 22-year-old defender rose through the ranks of the Los Millonarios youth team.

Franco was part of the 2011 Toulon Tournament winning U20 Colombia side and was voted defender of the tournament.

The young centre-back played 98 times for Los Millonarios. The Black Eagles conceded the highest number of goals - 49 - in the top-four last season.

New coach Slaven Bilic has made it a priority to bolster his defence in preparation for the 2013-14 league campaign.

 

[King Binny]

Patrick Bamford - MK Dons (loan)

Patrick Bamford has today (Monday) joined Milton Keynes Dons on a youth loan until early January.

The Chelsea striker became Karl Robinson’s ‘number one target’ in the summer after impressing during his time with the Club last season.

19-year-old Bamford made 14 appearances in two short spells with the Club last season and scored four goals – including his first professional goal in football against Crewe Alexandra – and will add pace, as well as an out-and-out goal threat to Robinson’s side.

Bamford is the first signing in the summer transfer window for the Dons although the focus was largely placed on securing the futures of regular first teamers David Martin, Dean Lewington, Ian McLoughlin as well as the earlier signatures of Luke Chadwick and Daniel Powell. Adam Chicksen is yet to agree a new contract with the Football Club.

The forward will fly out to Dublin this afternoon to link-up with his team-mates for pre-season training.

Speaking to mkdons.com Robinson said: “Patrick was my number one target and you don’t always get your number one target. He is the one I have been waiting for all summer, I could have brought players in over that time, it’s a risk to put all of your eggs in one basket but on this occasion it was worth the gamble.

“Thankfully we got the deal done and we’re extremely fortunate to have his services for the next few months. When I watch Patrick play I see him do things which other players find very hard to do, he is still very young but he is a tremendous talent and when you work with him every day in training you see what quality he possesses.”

The addition of Bamford to the Dons side has once again put the emphasis on Robinson’s desire for a younger, fresher energy to run through the camp for the 2013/14 campaign.

He added: “I am trying to bring in young players; there are two or three others who I am hot on the heels of. I am very excited by Patrick coming in. I am looking forward to Patrick coming back and wearing our shirt because, to me, he is as good as a young player you are going to get up and down the country.

“I would still like to bring in two more wide players as that is my area of concern. I look at the goalkeepers and the back four and I think it is extremely strong in terms of competition.

“I look at Smithy, Chaddy, Dele, Patrick and Izale and I think as a number 10 or 9 goes, we have a lot of different characters and qualities. We need two more wide players as support mechanisms for Daniel

Powell and Dean Bowditch and then we will have a squad who will be competitive.”

Bamford will wear the number 15 shirt.

The loan, which is subject to clearance from The Football League and FA, will run until 5th January, allowing Bamford to be involved in the away trip to Crewe Alexandra the day before.

 

[King Binny]

Steve Round - Man Utd (Assistant Manager)
Chris Woods - Man Utd (Goalkeeping Coach)
Jimmy Lumsden - Man Utd (Coach)

Round, Moyes, Lumsden

Manchester United is delighted to confirm the appointments of Steve Round as assistant manager, Chris Woods as goalkeeping coach and Jimmy Lumsden as coach.

Round, 42, joins the club after working alongside David Moyes at Everton since July 2008.

Woods, 53, who was a member of the England World Cup squads in 1986 and 1990, and for the squads for the European Championships in 1988 and 1992, has been the goalkeeping coach at Everton since 1998. In October 2011 he also became United States goalkeeping coach.

Lumsden, 65, has worked with David Moyes since his days at Preston North End and subsequently at Everton.

David Moyes said: "I have worked with Steve, Chris and Jimmy for a number of years and I am delighted they have decided to join me at this great club. They bring great qualities in their respective fields and I know that, like me, they feel that this is a challenge to relish. I have great faith that together, we can build upon the success this club has enjoyed over many years.”

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: “I believe with David and his new team in place, along with our current backroom staff, we can now start preparing for the new season ahead. This is an exciting and challenging time for the club and I have great belief that David and his team will have all the energy and attributes needed to help this club continue in its long-standing traditions."

 

[King Binny]

Uche Ikpeazu - Watford

WATFORD have completed the signing of promising young striker Uche Ikpeazu.

The highly-rated 18-year-old joins the Hornets having agreed a three-year professional contract at Vicarage Road.

Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, the powerful centre forward scored 28 goals in 28 appearances for Reading’s Under-18s side in 2012/13, finishing the season as the country’s top scorer at Academy level.

Among his strikes last term were impressive hat-tricks against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn and QPR.

Ikpeazu, who was born in the London Borough of Harrow, joined the Royals’ Academy in late 2010 and experienced a successful loan spell at Evo-Stik side Didcot Town in 2012, scoring two goals from three games at the age of 16.

The Hornets’ Technical Director Gian Luca Nani said: “We are very pleased Uche is joining us at Watford.

“At 18 he is still young, but he’s a very bright prospect and we’re looking forward to seeing him progress under Gianfranco Zola.”

 

[King Binny]

Craig Forsyth - Derby County (reportedly £150k)

Derby County have moved to bring Watford’s Craig Forsyth to Pride Park Stadium on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old impressed during a two-month loan stint with the Rams towards the back end of the 2012-13 campaign, which prompted manager Nigel Clough to pursue his services on a permanent basis.

After agreeing a fee with Gianfranco Zola’s men late last week, which will remain undisclosed at Watford’s request, Forsyth has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract until the summer of 2016.

The Scotsman played the majority of his time for Derby at left-back but he is also capable of playing further forwards if required, but his displays in Clough’s backline mean his new boss sees him as the Rams’ first-choice left-back.

After Clough chose to release veteran defender Gareth Roberts after three years with Derby earlier this summer, Forsyth was his first choice target to replace the former Wales international.

He has become Derby’s fourth signing of the summer after the previous arrivals of Lee Grant from Burnley, Chris Martin from Norwich City and Johnny Russell from Dundee United.

Clough said: “Craig did extremely well when he was on loan with us and he made a real impact.

“His performances at left-back were excellent and we were really pleased with him, and we’ve had our sights set on him permanently for quite a while now.

"We have been aware of him for quite some time, even before he joined us on loan, and we’re delighted he sees Derby County as his home for the next few years.

“He’s capable of playing in defence or midfield, but we see him as our first-choice left-back now and think he’ll only get better in that position as well.”

He added: “This is an important signing for us. We know strikers and creative players grab the headlines normally, but this was equally as important for us to get Craig signed up and strengthen our defensive options.”

 

[King Binny]

Yaya Sanogo - Arsenal (free transfer)

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that French youth international Yaya Sanogo has joined on a long-term contract.

The 20-year-old striker, who joins as a free agent after leaving Auxerre, made a total of 24 appearances and scored 11 goals during his time with the Ligue 2 side.

Sanogo, who joined Auxerre as a 14-year-old, has represented his country at under-16, under-17 and under-19 levels,and is currently playing for France in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Sanogo has impressed during the tournament, scoring in two of his country’s three matches, helping France qualify for the knockout phase.

Arsène Wenger said: “Sanogo is a good young signing for us. He has shown that he has potential with his recent performances for Auxerre and also for the France Under-20 side. We are looking forward to Yaya joining us and continuing his promising development.”

The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes, with Sanogo joining up with his new team-mates after his participation in the Under-20 World Cup.

Sanogo’s shirt number will be revealed on the Club’s official Twitter account @Arsenal in due course.

Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to welcoming Yaya to the Club.

 

[King Binny]

Johan Djourou - Hamburg (loan with option to buy)

Hamburg have signed Switzerland defender Johan Djourou on loan from Arsenal.

The 26-year-old has moved to Hamburg on an initial one-year loan deal with the Bundesliga club having the option to make the move permanent next summer.

Djourou, who undertook his medical with the northern Germany club on Monday morning before putting pen to paper on his contract, spent the second half of last season on loan with Hamburg's Bundesliga rivals Hannover after joining during the January transfer window.

Djourou said on Hamburg's official website: "I'm very happy now that everything is sorted. HSV are a big club, with a lot of quality and great fans.

"I am convinced that this is the right step for my career."

Hamburg's director of sport Oliver Kreuzer said: "Johan was a priority as the defence is a very important part of our team. He has leadership qualities but is also fast, good in the air and very good on the ball."

The versatile Ivory Coast-born defender joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2003 and has made 144 appearances for the Gunners.

 

[King Binny]

I feel like I should be paying you for this Binny.

I probably wont be catch up with the increasing number of transfers that'll be coming up though. 😕