Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[King Binny]

James Rodriguez - Monaco (€45m)
Joao Moutinho - Monaco (€25m)

 

[ILD]

Toulalon is only 29? What the hell. I thought he was about 30 back at Lyon.

 

[King Binny]

Jose Callejon - Napoli (reportedly €10 million)

Napoli have announced Jose Maria Callejon will undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of his move from Real Madrid.

It had already been reported earlier this week that the clubs had struck a €10m deal with personal terms worth €3.5m per season.

Although no financial details have yet been confirmed, Napoli did release a statement this evening.

“Early this afternoon Jose Maria Callejon landed in Naples. Tomorrow morning he will undergo a medical.”

The player was requested specifically by new Coach Rafa Benitez.

The 26-year-old wide attacker scored three goals in 30 Liga appearances for Real Madrid last season.

Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens behind Cavani/new striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation?

 

[King Binny]

Mauro Icardi - Inter (50% co-ownership)

Mauro Icardi is now officially an Inter player.

The 20-year-old Argentine forward has been permanently signed from Sampdoria in a co-ownership deal and will be presented at a press conference at the Nerazzurri’s pre-season training camp in Pinzolo.

"I’m happy to have arrived here. I hope to do my best for the team and the fans. I can’t wait to start the new season." These were the first words that Mauro Icardi wanted to give exclusively to inter.it immediately after the official announcement of his acquisition was made by Inter.

Born in Rosario, Argentina on 12 February 1993 (he has an Italian passport thanks to his father’s ancestry from Piemonte), Icardi began playing at the age of 5 and in 2002 was signed by Spanish side Unión Deportiva Vecindario where he remained until 2008, scoring 384 goals during his time there.

He then grabbed the attention of Barcelona and with the Catalan club the striker picked up right where he left off: in two seasons with the Blaugrana he bagged nearly 40 goals before being transferred to Sampdoria in 2011. In the city of Genoa his Italian experience began: he was top scorer of the 2011/12 Primavera season, and in May 2012 made ​​his Serie B debut, scoring the vital goal that took Sampdoria to the promotion play-offs. Once back in the top flight, Sampdoria continued to grow thanks to the exploits of the young Icardi who scored 11 goals in 33 league matches (including a brace against Juventus and a stellar 4-goal performance against Pescara in 2013).

A champion among champions, Mauro is today ready to grow with Inter, which was certainly not the only team seeking his services, but the only one to secure them.

 

[King Binny]

Giovani dos Santos and Tomas Pina - Villarreal (reportedly €10 million)

Promoted Villarreal have agreed to sign Mexico's attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos from relegated Real Mallorca on a four-year contract, the Spanish club said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I am delighted to take this next step in my career, and finally to be able to play for Villarreal, a great club I was about to join last year before they were regrettably relegated," Dos Santos was quoted as saying on the Villarreal website (www.villarrealcf.es).

The 24-year-old former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur player had a loan spell with Racing Santander in the 2011/12 campaign when he worked with current Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.

Dos Santos, who came up through the Barca youth ranks and debuted with the first team aged only 17, has scored 14 goals in 67 international appearances with Mexico.

Villarreal, Champions League semi-finalists in 2006, won promotion back to La Liga last month after one season in the second division.

Newly promoted Villarreal have completed the signing of Real Mallorca midfielder Tomás Pina for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old will meet up for preseason with his new teammates at la Ciudad Deportiva Villarreal after putting pen to paper on a five year deal.

‘I came as a child and never thought I’d play in the first team,’ Pina told journalists. ‘I’ll forever be indebted to Mallorca and the fans. The club has allowed me to train as a professional footballer and a person. I want to thank Llorenç Serra Ferrer, the club, the employees, the staff, the fans – how well have you all treated me. I believe the transfer is the best for everyone, RCD Mallorca, for me and for my family.’

When addressing Mallorca’s relegation, he said, ‘the situation is temporary. I’m sure next year Mallorca will be in the first division. I hope someday to have the opportunity to return to this club because I’m a Mallorquinista. I wish you all the success in the world.’

The Ciudad Real-born midfielder joined Mallorca in 2008 from Móstoles and became a part of the Los Bermellones youth set up. His chance in the first team came periodically under Michael Laudrup in the 2010/11 campaign. But he made the step up to squad player the following season showing glimpses of his potential. He managed to rid his game of consistency problems last season to become an important first team player.

 

[King Binny]

David Villa - Atletico Madrid (up to €5.1 million and 50% sell on fee)

 

[King Binny]

Mark Schwarzer - Chelsea (free transfer)

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer.

The Australian international has signed a one-year contract that will keep him with the club until next summer's World Cup in Brazil, for which he helped his country seal qualification last month.

'It's a phenomenal club,' he said upon signing. 'It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it's an honour to sign for Chelsea. I didn't take much convincing to come here.'

Schwarzer, 40, brings with him a wealth of experience after more than 15 years in England with Bradford City, Middlesbrough and most recently Fulham, and last season became the first overseas player to have made 500 Premier League appearances.

Born in Sydney, Schwarzer began his career with Marconi Stallions before moving to Europe with German side Dynamo Dresden in 1994, which was followed by a short spell in the Bundesliga with Kaiserslautern.

A move to England followed in 1996, with Bradford City the platform from which Schwarzer signed for Middlesbrough, going on to play more than 400 times in 11 years, lifting the League Cup in 2003 and appearing in the 2006 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla.

In 2008, he moved south to west London with Fulham, spending five years at Craven Cottage, where he made 220 appearances.

Schwarzer made his international debut in 1994, and has since represented Australia 108 times, including at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

 

[King Binny]

Antolin Alcaraz - Everton (free transfer)

Roberto Martinez has secured his second signing as Everton manager with the capture of Paraguayan international Antolin Alcaraz.

The experienced central defender has signed a two-year deal with the Blues after his contract with Wigan expired.

He has been granted a work permit and follows Arouna Kone in switching to the Blues this summer.

The new Everton chief knows Alcaraz well, having signed him for Wigan from Club Brugge in 2010.

The 30-year-old has been an international since 2008 and played in the 2010 World Cup before helping Paraguay to the final of the 2011 Copa America.

He made a total of 68 appearances in his three years at the DW Stadium, although he missed much of the 2012/13 campaign through injury.

But he was fit to take his place in the starting line-up for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

He also netted the only goal of the game against Blackburn Rovers on 7 May 2012 - a strike which effectively secured Wigan's Premier League status and relegated the Ewood Park outfit.

His playing career began with Teniente Farina in Paraguay before moving to Racing Club in Argentina. He made the switch to Europe in 2002, first at Fiorentina before moving to Beira-Mar in Portugal's top flight.

He spent four years in Portugal, racking up over 100 appearances as the mainstay of their defence before switching to Club Brugge in 2007.

After three seasons in Belgium Martinez moved to add the 6ft 2ins stopper to his Wigan squad.

Alcaraz soon became a key player for the Latics with his six month absence because of a torn groin muscle midway through last season regarded as a major blow for Martinez's former club in the battle against relegation.

Joel Robles - Everton (undisclosed fee)

Everton have completed the signing of talented goalkeeper Joel Robles.

The 23-year-old glovesman arrives at Goodison Park from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

He was on loan at Wigan last term and was part of the Spain Under-21 squad which won the European Championships this summer.

He made a total of 13 appearances for the Latics with his performances deposing regular keeper Ali Al Habsi and earning him a place in the cup final side - where he kept a clean sheet.

Joel has played at every youth age-group for Spain and came through the same academy system as Manchester United's Davd De Gea.

He arrives to challenge Everton's established custodian Tim Howard for a place in Roberto Martinez's starting line-up and is travelling with the squad to their Austria training camp.

He could make his first appearance in Sunday's friendly at Austria Vienna which can be viewed live on evertontv.

 

[King Binny]

Olof Mellberg - Copenhagen (free transfer)

FC Copenhagen have agreed a two-year contract with Swedish defender Olof Mellberg, who arrived for training on Tuesday afternoon at the Danish champions’ camp in Austria.

The 35-year-old comes from the Spanish outfit Villarreal, having also played for Aston Villa, Juventus, Olympiacos and Racing Santander. He’s been capped 117 times for Sweden and participated in six major finals.

FCK sporting director Carsten V. Jensen spoke to FCK.dk about the new recruit:

- Our conversations with Olof have left no doubt that the hunger and desire to win still drives him on. So we are convinced that Olof is a good match for FCK and what we stand for. His approach equips us better at the back and will aid our defense of the Superliga.

The Swedish defender says he’s looking forward to representing the Danish champions and playing in the Superliga:

- The history of FC Copenhagen speaks for itself, I think. It is a top club in Scandinavia that wins championships and has made a name in Europe. There are not many Scandinavian clubs that have. I also know several players who have represented FCK and everyone has talked positively about the club and life in Copenhagen.

- Above all, I feel that I can contribute on the field but I also hope to contribute with my experience off the pitch from the various clubs I’ve played at. I have been to many top clubs in several countries, so I am accustomed to the objectives of winning leagues and fighting in Europe. I also know that’s what it’s all about at FC Copenhagen.

Mellberg will wear the number 5 shirt at FCK.

 

[King Binny]

Manolo Gabbiadini - Sampdoria (50% co-ownership)

Juventus have officially secured co-ownership deals with Sampdoria for Manolo Gabbiadini and Sassuolo for Simone Zaza.

The Bianconeri announced the move this afternoon with an official statement on their website.

Striker Gabbiadini spent last season on loan at Bologna. He was co-owned between Juventus and Atalanta, but today the Turin giants paid €5.5m to buy out Atalanta’s half of the contract.

That was then sold on to Sampdoria, so the Under-21 Italy striker is now co-owned by Juventus and Samp.

 

[Holle]

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

This lad's going to be a star.

 

[King Binny]

Michael Ngoo - Yeovil Town (loan)

The Glovers have added to their ranks with the signing of Michael Ngoo from Liverpool.

The two clubs have agreed a season-long loan for the six-foot-six striker.

Michael signed for the Merseyside club in 2009 after impressing whilst in the Southend United youth set-up.

Injury disrupted what was a promising start to the 2010-11 campaign but he still managed to finish as the U18s' second-top scorer with 15 goals.

Last season the 20-year old spent time on loan at Hearts in Scotland where he made 15 appearances, scoring four goals. He has also represented England at Under 19 and Under 20 level.

Manager Gary Johnson said "The signing of Michael will create strong competition for our already strong front line, which is what we need for the Championship season."

 

[EmreChan]

Gerard Deulofeu - Everton (loan)

Everton have moved to sign one of Spain's most exciting young talents, securing FC Barcelona attacker Gerard Deulofeu on loan.
The 19-year-old, who is a Spain international at U21 level, will join Everton for the season as Roberto Martínez looks to bring a different approach to Everton.
Martínez's arrival at Goodison Park was instrumental bringing the loan to fruition. Barcelona trust in Martínez to continue Deulofeu's development and give him valuable first team experience, while they are optimistic that a year in England will see him mature swiftly.
Last season Deulofeu was the key creative player in Barcelona's B team, which competes in Spain's Second Division. He scored 18 goals in 2012-13, the fourth highest total in the division, and signed a new contract in May that runs until 2017.
Although that was formally a first team contract, he has made only two senior appearances and the arrival of Neymar at the club limited his opportunities in the coming season. But Barcelona are determined not to lose a player considered to be the most talented currently in the club's youth system.
A creative forward of vision, technique and flair who can play off the front or coming in from the left hand side, Deulofeu has represented Spain at U16, U17, U19, and U21 level, where he has three goals in seven games. He was European Champion at U19 level in 2011 and 2012 and was named the tournament's best player in 2012.

Big things expected of this kid. I hope he crashes and burns.

 

[SummerOnions]

Gerard Deulofeu - Everton (loan)



Big things expected of this kid. I hope he crashes and burns.

Surprised Martinez signed someone he hadn't worked with before!

 

[EmreChan]

Surprised Martinez signed someone he hadn't worked with before!

Ha, indeed. Most managers seem to do it though. Perhaps they get lonely.

 

[King Binny]

Facundo Ferreyra - Shakhtar (€7 million)

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed the capture of Argentine attacker Facundo Ferreyra, nicknamed 'Chucky', from Velez Sarsfield for a transfer fee of €7 million.

The 22-year-old has penned a five-year deal with the Ukrainian champions to mark his first foray into European football.

"I am very happy," Chucky told the club's official website.

"I was flattered by the interest expressed by Shakhtar and I will try to fully compensate for the trust with my performance on the pitch and with good goals. You can expect a lot of goals from me."

The young forward scored 31 goals in 78 league games in Argentina's top flight for Velez and Banfield and he is confident the transition to Eastern Europe will not prove too testing.

"Velez used the same formation as Shakhtar do. We also had four defenders, two holding midfielders, three attackers and a forward on the offensive end," he added.

"So, I think, it won’t be difficult for me to adapt to Shakhtar’s system – I operated in a similar way lately."

Shakhtar start their Ukrainian Premier League title defence at home against Hoverla on Sunday.

 

[King Binny]

Karim Rekik - PSV (loan)

18-year-old Manchester City defender Karim Rekik has joined PSV on a one-year loan-deal. He signed a one-year contract at De Herdgang training facilities in the presence of PSV technical director Marcel Brands on Wednesday morning, before he started training with the senior squad. Rekik has been given the No.3 shirt.

After putting pen to paper on a one-year loan deal, he told PSV TV at De Herdgang training facilities: “I’m very happy to be here. I had a very warm welcome and will do my very best to win the title with PSV. I want to become a better player. We have a great manager and we have a good potential to challenge everyone. I’m looking forward to the new season”, said the new signing.

Rekik, who lifted the European Under-16 Championship crown in 2011, is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in the Netherlands. He joined English top club Manchester City from Feyenoord in 2011 at the age of sixteen. Rekik spent the 2011/12 season on loan with Portsmouth FC and last season he had a loan stint with Blackburn Rovers, another Championship club. The defender made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in a 1-0 win, at home to Reading FC on 22 December 2012.

 

[King Binny]

Carlo Nash - Norwich City (free transfer)

CITY can confirm that Carlo Nash has signed for the Club on a one-year deal to join fellow goalkeepers John Ruddy and Mark Bunn.

Nash moves on a free transfer following his release from Stoke City in the summer.

The 39-year old arrives following the news of Jed Steer’s departure from the Club and young stopper Declan Rudd’s season-long loan spell with Preston North End to gain some valuable experience.

The Canaries’ become Nash’s eleventh club in a career now spanning over 20-years including spells with clubs such as Manchester City, Everton and Stoke to name a few.

Commenting on the move, boss Chris Hughton said: “It is now important to us to bring in a 'keeper of great experience and a player that is used to living life in the Premier League.

"The move also allows us to send Declan Rudd out on an extremely valuable season-long loan to Preston where he can get some first-team football under his belt.”

Nash started his career at non-league Clitheroe in 1995 before joining Crystal Palace. After two years with the Eagles, Nash made the switch to Stockport County where he played 89 games in a three-year spell at Edgeley Park.

Spells at Manchester City and Middlesbrough followed before joining Preston North End in 2005, going on to play 82 games for the then Championship oufit as they gunned for promotion to the top flight.

Brief spells at Wigan Athletic and Everton followed, before joining Stoke City in 2010 where he was largely back-up for goalkeepers Thomas Sorensen and Asmir Begovic.

Martin Olsson - Norwich (reportedly £2.5 million)

CITY are set to sign Sweden international defender Martin Olsson from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee, subject to the relevant paperwork being completed.

The 25-year-old, who can also operate on the left side of midfield, will move to Carrow Road on a four-year deal from the Championship club.

He will follow Garrido, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Nathan Redmond through the door as Chris Hughton bolsters his squad ahead the Canaries’ third consecutive season in the Premier League.

City’s manager said: “We’re delighted with the addition of Martin. He’s been playing in England for seven years and is well acclimatised to the Premier League.

“He can also play anywhere on the left hand side so he brings us good flexibility in that sense, plus at 25 he’s at an age where he has some experience and also some time to improve.

“At this time it’s about improving the squad that we have and Martin certainly does that.”

Olsson joined Blackburn Rovers’ academy in 2006 from Hogaborgs BK in his native Sweden.

He made his first-team debut in a UEFA Cup victory over MyPa-47 in August 2007 and went on to establish himself in the Rovers first-team over the subsequent two seasons.

In total, he made 143 appearances for the Lancashire club, including 29 in their Championship campaign last term.

The Gavle-born full-back has also played 15 times for his country at senior level, scoring four goals.

 

[King Binny]

Jozy Altidore - Sunderland (undisclosed fee, reportedly £6.5 million)

Sunderland AFC have confirmed the signing of US striker Jozy Altidore from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

The 23-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats, for an undisclosed fee.

Altidore began his career at New York Red Bulls, before heading to Spain with Villarreal, where he went on to enjoy loan spells at Xerez, Hull City and Bursaspor.

He joined AZ in 2011, scoring 38 goals in 67 appearances. He has also scored 17 goals in 60 appearances for the US national team.

The striker is set to join up with Head Coach Paolo Di Canio and his new team mates at their training camp in Italy on Tuesday.

New Sunderland signing Jozy Altidore is full of excitement following the confirmation of his move from AZ Alkmaar to Wearside.

The USA international signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats on Tuesday and the 23-year-old will travel to Italy to join up with his new teammates for the remainder of their stay.

Prior to jetting off to Italy, Altidore told safc.com he was delighted to join up with Sunderland and return to the Barclays Premier League after a spell on loan with Hull City during 2009-10 season.

“I’m excited; anybody that knows anything about football knows that the Barclays Premier League, when you look at everything as a full package, is the biggest league in the world,” he explained.

“I’m thrilled to be here and I’m looking forward to getting adjusted as quickly as possible.

“It’s a fantastic club, everyone here is so welcoming, I’m really excited about this season – it has everything here, all the combinations to be a big club so I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

Altidore caught the eye of the Black Cats’ recruitment team after starring for Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie last season.

And, after bagging 31 goals in 41 games in all competitions, the New Jersey-born forward hopes to bring his form to the Stadium of Light, a venue he is eager to display his skills in.

“It’s great [the prospect of playing in front of over 40,000 fans], it’s part of taking that next step as a player, to be able to play in front of a stadium like that is going to be really exciting – I hope they like what I do on the pitch,” Altidore continued.

“Everybody I’m sure is excited to get the season off to a good start and I’m no different, I can’t wait to meet the guys, meet the coaching staff and get acclimated as soon as possible.”

And, after collecting his first trophy since moving to Europe in the Dutch Cup last season, Altidore promises to give the Sunderland fans’ whole-hearted performances every time he dons the red and white shirt.

“I’m just going to give everything I can to the team, that’s the biggest thing to get the respect of your teammates and when you do that I think everything will fall into place,” he added.

“I’ll just give my all for the club, I really appreciate the club making the investment in me as a player and I want to give that back.”

El Hadji Ba - Sunderland (free transfer)

Sunderland AFC have confirmed that French starlet El Hadji Ba has joined the club.

The France Under-20 international has agreed a three-year deal on Wearside after his contract with French side Le Havre expired last month.

The midfielder becomes the seventh player to arrive at the Stadium of Light this summer and has joined Head Coach Paolo Di Canio and his new team mates at their training base in Italy.

A product of Le Havre’s youth set-up, Ba broke into the first team set-up at the beginning of 2012 and has gone on to make 12 league appearances for the French outfit this season.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Pritchard - Swindon Town (loan)

SWINDON Town have secured the signing of Alex Pritchard on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20 year-old midfielder has signed a season-long deal at The County Ground.

Pritchard has previous league experience having made six appearances at Peterborough United at the end of last season.

He has experience of playing in the Next-Gen competition for the White Hart Lane outfit and has also represented England at Under-20 level.

Kevin Davies - Preston North End (free transfer)

Preston North End are delighted to confirm that Kevin Davies has signed a two-year deal with the Club.

The England international forward left Bolton Wanderers in the summer after ten successful seasons and has turned down a number of offers at a higher level to join up with Simon Grayson’s Lilywhites.

The 36-year-old played over 400 games at the Reebok, becoming a Club legend, scoring 85 goals, having started his career at Chesterfield.

He has been given the No.9 shirt and will be available to pull on a PNE shirt for the first time in the Shankly Shield fixture against Liverpool on Saturday 13th July, a 3pm kick-off.

New signing Kevin Davies claims the welcome he received from Preston North End at his very first meeting with the Club’s officials was a major factor in his decision to sign for the Lilywhites.

The 36-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Deepdale on Wednesday morning after being released from Lancashire neighbours Bolton Wanderers at the end of last season.

And the England international admits he was impressed with North End’s offer immediately, thanks to the importance the Club’s hierarchy had obviously placed on capturing his signature.

“I think it was all done in that first meeting to be honest with you, I was impressed with what Simon [Grayson] had to say, and Peter [Ridsdale] and Mr Hemmings,” he told PNE.Com.

“They all came in to see me and we had a good meeting and they talked about the ambition and where they want to be.

“They want to be pushing for promotion this year and that’s one of the reasons that I decided to join in the end.”

The forward, who has notched over 125 career goals to date, revealed that the length of contract offered by North End was a big plus and explained how he expects the Lilywhites to gain promotion in his first campaign with the Club.

“They’ve given me a two-year contract, and at my tender age, it’s one of the reasons I came,” Davies continued.

“I know I can carry on playing for at least another two years. I have dropped down a league but next year I believe we’ll be playing in the Championship and that’s why I’m here.”

Davies will now link up with his former Blackburn Rovers teammate Simon Grayson – and the striker admits that re-joining the Yorkshire-man was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“To be honest, he was one of the big reasons I have come here,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people in football who have worked with him, some of my friends, and they had many great things to say about him.

“He knows this league and he knows how to get out of this league and I’m just pleased I’m going to be working under him.”

North End’s new No. 9 could feature in Saturday’s glamour friendly against Premier League giants Liverpool – but for now he knows he must knuckle down and put in some graft after missing the opening 13 days of pre-season training.

“It’s down for me to get down to business and go down to the training ground this afternoon and start doing a bit of work,” Davies continued.

“Obviously I’ve missed the first ten or 12 days of pre-season so although I’ve been doing my own work, I’m keen to get up there and meet everybody and start putting the hard work in.

“We’ve got a big game at the weekend and the seasons not too far away for us.”

 

[King Binny]

Jerome Thomas - Crystal Palace (free transfer)

Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of winger Jerome Thomas.

The former Arsenal and Charlton player has penned a two-year contract with the club, after manager Ian Holloway moved to snap him up on a free transfer.

Thomas attracted interest from a number of clubs after leaving West Bromwich Albion as a free agent, following four seasons at The Hawthorns.

But the experienced midfielder has opted to join Palace, after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms. He has now joined up with his new teammates at a training camp in Portugal.

The 30-year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal as a youngster but was unable to make the step up into the first team, spending two spells on loan at Queens Park Rangers.

Thomas eventually left the Gunners in January 2004 to join Charlton Athletic, where he made more than 100 appearances in six seasons under Alan Curbishley and former Eagles defender Alan Pardew.

Following Charlton’s relegation from the Premier League, Thomas joined FA Cup holder Portsmouth in August 2008 on a season-long loan deal.

He made his debut in a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea, before making the deal permanent just six days later.

Thomas was released by the south-coast club in July 2009 and, following trials with a number of clubs including Hull and Wolves, the winger joined West Brom on a free transfer.

He played more than 100 games for the Midlands outfit, becoming a key part of the side that won promotion to the Premier League in May 2010.

Thomas went on to feature regularly for the Baggies as they consolidated their place in English football’s top flight, but was sent out on loan to Championship side Leeds United for a month last season.

During that time he lined up against Palace on his debut, putting in a man-of-the-match performance as Leeds won 2-1.

He returned to West Brom in December, featuring for Steve Clarke’s side on 12 occasions as they finished 8th in the Premier League.

Thomas revealed that manager Ian Holloway was influential in his move to SE25. He told cpfc.co.uk: “It was a case of me being on a free and weighing up my options. I wanted to stay at the top level, which is obviously the Premier League.

“I heard of Crystal Palace’s interest from January actually, and once they got promoted Ollie gave me a call when I was away on holiday, we had a good talk for about 45 minutes and after that conversation there wasn’t much doubt in my mind where I wanted to go.

“I saw them throughout the season and watched the play-offs. Like I said, Ollie’s the main factor, but obviously there’s a lot of talent here and him and the chairman are planning on bringing in more. It shows what their goals are and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

“I hope I can bring a lot to the team. I’ve got experience of the Premier League and the gaffer’s going to give me the freedom to play how I want to play - my attacking game - which I haven’t been able to do for the last couple of seasons. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

 

[King Binny]

Billy Clifford - Yeovil Town (6 mths loan)

Under-21 midfielder Billy Clifford has today (Wednesday) joined Yeovil Town on loan until 3 January.

The 20-year-old has been with Chelsea since schoolboy age, signing professional terms in the summer of 2010 having helped us lift the FA Youth Cup as an attack-minded right-back.

Since then he has flourished further forward and been a regular for the second string, making his first-team debut on our 2011 summer tour of Asia having been an unused substitute in the Champions League on his 18th birthday the previous October.

Last season, Clifford spent the second half of the campaign on loan with Colchester United in League One, playing 18 times and scoring once, a 25-yard strike incidentally against Yeovil. Now, he joins the Glovers as they embark on a first season in the Championship following promotion in last season's play-offs.

 

[King Binny]

Lisandro Lopez - Benfica (reportedly €5 million)

Benfica have signed highly-rated Argentina centre-back Lisandro Lopez from Arsenal de Sarandi on a five-year contract, the Portuguese giants announced.

The 23-year-old, not to be confused with his namesake, the Argentinian striker at Lyon, cost Benfica €5m, according to A Bola.

Benfica have inserted a €35m buy-out clause in the Argentina international's contract.

Lopez helped Arsenal to the Clausura 2012 title.

 

[King Binny]

Gerard Deulofeu - Everton (loan)
Big things expected of this kid. I hope he crashes and burns.

Everton have signed exciting Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.

The 19-year-old forward is described as a 'diamond' by Blues boss Roberto Martinez and arrives on a season long loan and with a reputation as one of Europe's finest young prospects.

A number of top European sides were reportedly interested in securing the player and a delighted Martinez told evertonfc.com: "Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton."

A product of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth system, Deulofeu played last season for the Catalan giants' 'B' team, scoring 18 times in 33 matches.

He has also made a handful of substitute appearances for Barca's senior side in the league, cup and Champions League and impressed enough to be handed a long term contract at the Nou Camp earlier this summer.

The 5ft 10in flyer is comfortable on either wing or behind the striker and renowned for his expert close control, swift changes of direction and unerring finishing.

Deulofeu has played for Spain's Under-17s, Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s and joins a growing band of Spanish speakers under Everton manager Martinez.

He will join up with the Blues squad later this summer after enjoying a well-earned break following his involvement in the recent Under-20s World Cup in Turkey.

 

[Fabio]

Gutting

 

[King Binny]

Tin Jedvaj - Roma (reportedly €5 million plus 20% sell on fee)

http://gnkdinamo.hr/hr/novosti/vijesti/dinamo-i-roma-dogovorili-prijelaz-tina-jedvaja.html

 

[King Binny]

Simeon Jackson - Eintracht Braunschweig (free transfer)

Eintracht Braunschweig have added to their attacking options for the coming season by signing striker Simeon Jackson from English Premier League side Norwich City FC. The 26-year-old has put to paper on a two-year deal with the Bundesliga newboys and will wear the shirt number 18.

"In Simeon we have another player that will add to the quality in our attack. He is a versatile footballer and the second such player we have recruited after Torsten Oehrl," commented Lions' sporting director Marc Arnold. Head coach Thorsten Lieberknecht added, "I've watched him for a long time now. He is a player that works hard for the team and is extremely quick."

Jackson himself was delighted to embark on a new chapter in his career. "This transfer was the next step for me and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga," said the Jamaica-born striker.

Jackson joined Norwich from Gillingham FC in 2010 and scored the decisive goal in helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League in 2011. In his last two seasons in the English top flight, he scored four goals in 35 league appearances.

Jackson debuted for the Canadian national team in 2009 and has notched six times in 34 games.

 

[King Binny]

Martin Demichelis - Atletico Madrid (free transfer)

Martin Demichelis has explained that Diego Simeone helped convince him to accept a contract offer at Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine centre-back has this afternoon had his move to Atleti confirmed by the club, having passed a medical and signed a one-year deal.

Accepting this offer with Los Colchoneros came for the 32-year-old at the expense of turning down former club River Plate and Malaga, who had put forward terms for a renewal on his deal that had expired in June.

“I have to admit that it was quite a difficult season because there were these two clubs, to whom I am eternally grateful,” explained Demichelis to reporters today.

“At River I trained as a player and I went to Argentina [this summer] thinking of staying there, and then I had the renewal offer from Malaga, where I have spent two-and-a-half wonderful years that were super intense.

“And after that Atletico Madrid appeared. El Cholo Simeone was one of those involved in convincing me to join this group.

“Clearly him being from Argentina means he has a little more knowledge of my career and my performances of recent years. He was one of the major participants in determining why I have decided to come to Atletico.”

 

[King Binny]

Roque Santa Cruz - Malaga (free transfer)

Malaga have confirmed that they have picked up striker Roque Santa Cruz on a three-year deal following his release from Manchester City.

The Paraguayan spent the final year of his contract at Eastlands on loan with the Anchovies, but this summer was linked with a move elsewhere, with talks reportedly held with Hamburg and Bologna.

However, it is Malaga who have picked up the 31-year-old, agreeing a three-year contract to re-sign the forward.

“I am very happy to be staying, very grateful to the club for the effort, because their situation is not easy and measures were necessary within the club,” commented Santa Cruz to reporters at his presentation today.

“Our role goes hand in hand. I have learned to really love this club and these fans, we have enjoyed some beautiful moments already.

“I stand by the club knowing that, regardless that the level of the project is different, there is an equally serious perspective and outlook for growth and improvement.

“And there is stability for my family, the kids can stay in the same school…we are very happy.”

 

[King Binny]

Zakarya Bergdich - Real Valladolid

Moroccan international left-back Zakarya Bergdich has been unveiled as Real Valladolid’s new signing.

The 24-year-old, who said he had ‘received good references’ about the club from players such as Raphael Varane and Geoffrey Kondogbia, told reporters he was delighted to have signed for El Pucela following his transfer from Lens.

“I’m very happy to be here and from the first moment I arrived I felt really comfortable. It’s already like my family,” he declared.

Bergdich, capped 11 times by Morocco, admitted he had sought out Real Madrid defender Varane and Sevilla’s Kondogbia, both of whom he had played alongside at Lens, to find out more Valladolid.

“I received very good references from them. They told me that Valladolid is a team that likes to play good football, just like me,” said Bergdich.