Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[Fabio]

Ricardo Carvalho - Monaco (free transfer)

Would be better than kolo

 

[keniget]

Quite possibly although last time I saw him he looked kinda done.

 

[Judge Jules]

That's the key, isn't it - how far each of them is past his best. Whatever else can be said about Kolo, he's a tough fecker and may have more left in the tank than Carvalho. Which of us expected anything like the value we got from Sir Gary Mac back in GH's day?

 

[Oncy]

Amorabieta went to Fulham and we sign fucking kolo toure.

 

[King Binny]

Mark Hughes - Stoke City (Manager)

STOKE CITY Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Mark Hughes as the Club’s new manager.

The 49-year-old has penned a three-year deal at the Britannia Stadium just nine days after Tony Pulis departed following a seven-year spell in charge.

The Welshman, who has enjoyed a glittering career as both a player and manager, has been out of work for seven months following a spell with Queens Park Rangers, for whom he kept in the Premier League in the first season following his appointment.

Speaking to the Club’s official website, Hughes said that he is relishing the opportunity of working for a Club with such a fantastic infrastructure, and believes he is fully equipped to move the Club forward.

“The Coates family have given me a great opportunity to come into a fantastically run Football Club, with wonderful facilities, and hopefully continue the good work that has been carried out in recent years," he said when he was officially unveiled as manager.

“I am an ambitious manager and this is an ambitious Club. We want to become a consistent top ten Premier League Club, and I firmly believe that with an incredible amount of hard work we have a great chance of achieving that.”

Hughes’ appointment represents a major coup for the Club, for whom Chairman Peter Coates feels was the real stand-out candidate for the job.

He said: “We have thought long and hard about this decision, and we have the man that we feel is the right fit for this Football Club.

“Myself, my son John and Tony Scholes have given the decision a great deal of thought, and we have analysed to death Mark's career. We are satisfied that his CV is very, very impressive.

“We have analysed everything he has done, and we feel that he has a remarkably fantastic record as a manager.”

He added: “We looked at what he did at Fulham, and Blackburn in particular. They are similar Clubs to us in many ways, and we feel that he is coming here into a similar environment.”

MARK HUGHES was reassured by the stability created by the Coates family when he accepted the opportunity to become Stoke City’s new manager.

The 49-year-old Welshman admitted that the strong ownership of the Club has filled him in with great excitement and enthusiasm about what can be achieved at the Britannia Stadium after putting pen-to-paper on a three-year contract as Potters boss.

Hughes can relate to recent experiences at Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers where a change of ownership made his job so much harder.

“The real attraction for me is the stability of the Club. There is solidity in the ownership provided by the Coates family and a strong management team,” he commented.

“That is very reassuring and gives me the best opportunity to be successful.

“You need the right support and the right people around you, and from those that I have met so far and those I know, I feel that I have that here.”

In referring to what happened during his spells in charge of Manchester City and QPR, he quipped: “In my initial discussions with the Club, one of the first questions I asked Peter Coates and his son John was whether they would be sticking around.

“I certainly don’t want to go through the experience of managing a club changing ownership again; I’ve done it twice and it’s certainly not easy.”

Hughes expressed his appreciation to the Coates family for giving him the opportunity to return to the game after he was relieved of his duties at Loftus Road in November, and for looking in-depth at his overall record in management.

As well as his spell in charge of Rangers, he has also been manager of Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and then Fulham.

“I am delighted that the Coates family have given me this opportunity and they’ve looked at my record as a manager as a whole,” he said.

“I can understand that there may be people out there questioning my appointment because although I’ve managed in the Premier League for 200-odd games, my career is being defined at the moment by twelve matches last season.

“For the past six months, those people have been told my ability as a manager is in question and I haven’t been able to doing anything about that.

“That gives me more motivation to do well here now that I have this opportunity and prove people wrong by taking this Club forwards at all levels.”

Hughes feels that he is in a much stronger position to fulfil that ambition due to the progress made by the Club under his predecessor Tony Pulis.

“The success Tony had enables myself to have a better chance; I am following someone who has put in place things that ensure the Club is stable,” he added.

“It’s a great environment and I’m sure it’s conducive to success in the Premier League, so I’m in a position to reap the benefits of that.”

That is one of the reasons why the former Manchester United striker will not be making wholesale changes as he endeavours to make his ‘mark’.

“I can only take the Club forwards in the way that I know and my philosophy is always to play good football, create chances and make it entertaining for the supporters who pay good money,” he said. “That is what I intend to do.

“It’s a strong squad and one which has an understanding of what it takes to win Premier League matches, so it’s not a case of coming in and wiping away what has been put in place. That would be a crazy thing to do.

“What I will look to do is hopefully be bit more adventurous without throwing caution to the wind. I would like to think that teams I have been involved in have scored a good level of goals, and that is what I will aim to do here.

“It is my intention to have the vast majority of the group here because they are a good strong outfit with experience at this level.

“In the future, if we see opportunities to bring in quality players to strengthen that group, then we will endeavour to do that.”

 

[King Binny]

Mike Hanke - SC Freiburg (free transfer)

SC Freiburg have completed the signing of Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Mike Hanke on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old’s contract at Borussia-Park was not extended beyond the recently-ended campaign.

Hanke joined the Foals in January 2011 and helped the club avoid relegation via the play-off that season. In the following year, he was an integral part of the side that finished fourth in the Bundesliga to reach the UEFA Champions League qualifying stage. In his two and a half years at Mönchengladbach, he scored 13 league goals in 77 appearances.

Capped on twelve occasions by his country and part of the Germany squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he has also represented FC Schalke 04, VfL Wolfsburg and Hannover 96, netting a total of 55 goals in 269 Bundesliga games.

Hanke himself was delighted to have sealed a transfer to the Black Forest outfit. “It’s a great package here in Freiburg. I had spoken to [head coach] Christian Streich beforehand and got to know the place, and I think I’ll fit in well here,” he said.

“The opportunity to play in Europe again certainly attracted me, but I also see it as my duty to help the younger players achieve their potential.”

 

[King Binny]

Sokratis Papastathopoulos - Dortmund (€9.5 million)

Borussia Dortmund have signed Sokratis Papastathopoulos (24) from Bundesliga side SV Werder Bremen, with the deal starting on 1 July 2013. The Greece international (38 caps) has agreed to join BVB on a five-year contract until 30 June 2018.

"We are delighted that Sokratis has decided to join Borussia Dortmund. He is a flexible player capable to play in a variety of positions in defence who we believe has tremendous potential," said BVB sporting director Michael Zorc.

"Sokratis" joined Bremen from Italian side FC Genua in 2009. In his two seasons with the German club, the defensive specialist made 59 appearances in the Bundesliga (two goals) and two in the German Cup competition. "I gained a lot from my two years with Werder but now I feel ready to make the next step," said "Sokratis".

Both clubs have agreed to keep the fee undisclosed.

 

[King Binny]

Robin Dutt - SV Werder Bremen (Head Coach)

The German Football Federation (DFB) gave in to the wishes of Robin Dutt and SV Werder Bremen and agreed on Monday to cancel Dutt's contract as DFB director of sports until 2016, freeing the way for Dutt to become the successor to Thomas Schaaf as head coach for the Green-Whites. The 48-year-old Dutt is signing a three-year contract with SVW until 30 June 2016.

"With Robin Dutt, we acquired our ideal candidate for our coaching post and we are convinced that we will have a successful new start with him. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the DFB that those responsible made the move possible with his release," said Werder manager Thomas Eichin.

"I would also like to especially thank the DFB. On the one hand for complying with my wish and on the other hand the appreciation I experienced from those responsible and my fellow employees. I am very happy to be going back to the coaching bench. Werder Bremen is a great club and a very intriguing job which I will approach with great dedication," said Dutt.

Robin Dutt will be officially introduced as new head coach on Tuesday 28 May 2013 at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. at Bremen's Weser Stadium.

Before becoming the DFB director of sports, Dutt had served as head coach for SC Freiburg from 2007-2011, replacing the long-time coach Volker Finke and bringing them back to the Bundesliga. After that, Dutt moved to Bayer Leverkusen where he coached the team in 2011-12.

 

[King Binny]

Marcos Alonso - Fiorentina (free transfer)

ACF Fiorentina has signed Spanish wing-back Marcos Alonso Mendoza. The 22-year-old, born in Madrid on 28 December 1990, spent last season at Bolton Wanderers, making 26 appearances and scoring four goals in the Championship. He has signed a three-year deal with the club that expires on 30 June 2016.

 

[King Binny]

Falcao - Monaco (€60 million)

AS Monaco FC is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid and the player Radamel Falcao for his transfer to ASMFC, effective as of the 2013-2014 season.

Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate, the Colombian international forward, has signed a 5 year contract. The player will be introduced to the media in the course of pre-season training, at a future date to be confirmed by the Club.

Dmity Rybolovlev, AS Monaco FC President, commented :

“We are absolutely delighted that Radamel Falco has accepted the challenge of coming to play for AS Monaco FC. We are proud to have secured one of the best players in the world and confident that he will help ASMFC regain its rightful status.”

 

[King Binny]

Falcao - Monaco (€60 million)

Andreas Vou ‏@AndreasVou89

10m​

The Falcao-Monaco move is deceiving as #Falcao didn't decide to go himself nor have Monaco paid €60m. Same way Atleti only paid €16m, not 40

Andreas Vou ‏@AndreasVou89

8m​

Simply, the company that owns Falcao has taken him to a club where they can get a cut of crazy, tax-free wages with a bumper signing-on fee

 

[Hansern]

Apperantly 14 mill € pr year in wages

 

[King Binny]

Gary Bowyer - Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers are delighted to announce Gary Bowyer as the club’s new manager.

The 41-year-old, who has been with the football club nine years, has put pen-to-paper on a 12-month rolling contract.

Rovers’ managing director Derek Shaw said: "In the two spells as caretaker manager Gary achieved approaching two points a game.

"He has the respect of the players and we feel his in-depth knowledge of working with the youngsters will be of great benefit to Rovers.

"He is held in high regard in football and we certainly wish him all the best going forward."

After a playing career at Hereford United, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United was cut short through injury, Bowyer went into coaching, joining Rovers from Derby County in the summer of 2004 in charge of the Under-18s.

Following six seasons developing Rovers' future stars at the Academy, in which they won the Academy League National Final once and the Academy League Northern Final twice, Bowyer moved up to take charge of the club's Reserve team, guiding them to the Premier League North title in 2010-11, Only losing out on penalties in the National Final.

In December 2012 Bowyer took over as caretaker manager of the senior side, his first spell in charge of the first team resulted in a run of three wins and a draw.

Following the dismissal of Michael Appleton in March 2013, Bowyer was re-appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season, guiding the side to npower Championship safety during his nine games at the helm.

The new Rovers boss said: "It is a huge honour and a proud moment for me.

"I have been at the club for nine years, I know the traditions. The foundation of the club was built on hard work and that is what we need to produce.

"The supporters want to see the players out there playing for the shirt and giving it their all. We need the players to show the same passion that the fans gave us during our last six games where we just lost the once."

Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers (free transfer)

Alan Judge has spoken of his delight at returning to Blackburn Rovers.

The Irishman started his career at the club, joining the Academy as a 16-year-old eight years ago.

After his contract with Notts County ends this summer, the attacker will re-sign for Rovers on a three-year deal and he can't wait to get going once more.

"To be honest it feels a bit weird coming back," Judge exclusively told Rovers Player.

"I came though the Academy and then went out to Plymouth and Notts County to gain some experience, so just to come back here to re-sign is great.

"It is what I have always wanted to do. I've always wanted to play for the club. It was just unlucky the first time around with Sam Allardyce, as I wasn't in his plans.

"I was on the verge of the first team when I was here, but it didn't work for me at the time.

"So I've gone away, got some experience and now hopefully I'll get a few more games."

Judge admitted the chance to return to Rovers and play for new manager Gary Bowyer was all the incentive he needed.

"It is one of the main reasons that I've returned here," added the fleet-footed forward.

"I got on with Gaz so well at youth level, he knows me as a person and as a player. He knows everything about me."

Simon Eastwood - Blackburn Rovers (free transfer)

Simon Eastwood has spoken of his delight at making the move to Blackburn Rovers.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper has joined from Portsmouth on a two-year deal and is very much looking forward to joining up with Gary Bowyer's squad when the players return for pre-season at the end of June.

"I'm really happy to be here, it is obviously a massive club," Eastwood exclusively told Rovers Player.

"I'm from Huddersfield, so it is nice to be quite close to home. I just can't wait to get going now."

There'll be some familiar faces amongst the Rovers backroom staff, as Eastwood has previously worked with goalkeeper coach John Keeley and Head of Sports Science Chris Neville during his time on the south coast.

"I worked with John Keeley and Chris Neville from my time in Portsmouth and I've always kept in touch with them, especially John," added the goalkeeper.

"I always used to ring him after the games and he would give me some great advice.

"It was really good working with him at Portsmouth, he made me better every week and I worked so hard with him, so it is a great chance to come and work with John again, as he is definitely one of the best.

"It was one of the main reasons I've come up here, my game got so much better under him.

"I think I'm ready to step up. It is a great club and there's no better one that I'd like to do it with.

"Hopefully next season we can give it a good go and I'm just looking forward to it all now."

Chris Taylor - Blackburn Rovers (free transfer)

New signing Chris Taylor believes Blackburn Rovers is the perfect club for him to join.

The 26-year-old arrives from fellow Championship side Millwall, signing a two-year deal until the summer of 2015, and the midfielder is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

Speaking exclusively to Rovers Player, the former Oldham trainee said: "It is brilliant. When I first heard that Blackburn were interested in me it was simply an opportunity I couldn't miss.

"They are a massive club with ambitions of getting into the Premier League next season."

Taylor, who is comfortable playing anywhere across midfield, believes that the move to Ewood Park will help him improve as a player.

"I really enjoyed my time at Millwall so it was tough to leave, but it has worked out well that a big club like Blackburn was interested in me.

"I think it is the next step up for me and hopefully I can continue to improve and get better.

"I know that there are some quality players here and I know that I will have to work as hard as I ever have to get amongst the starting 11, but I feel that once I'm in there hopefully I can stay there."

 

[King Binny]

Cedrick Makiadi - Werder Bremen (£2.6m)

The first new acquisition for next season is set as Cedrick Makiadi will be leaving SC Freiburg to now wear the Werder diamond on his jersey. The central midfielder signed a three-year contract with SV Werder Bremen until 30 June 2016. Werder manager Thomas Eichin confirmed the transfer Friday afternoon, saying: "Cedrick Makiadi has been on our wish list for a while. He is a very interesting and very stable player who can help out in a number of positions. He really developed well in Freiburg and has the maturity that we need. We are happy that he chose SV Werder."

In Bremen, Makiadi will rejoin his former head coach Robin Dutt, under whom he played in Freiburg from 2009 to 2011. "Cedrick is an offensive player with very good defensive qualities. That in connection with this Bundesliga experience will do our team good," said Dutt about the Congolese international.

The 29-year-old is very much looking forward to his new challenge. "I had four nice and successful years in Freiburg. I am very thankful to the club. I wanted to take this chance and accept some responsibility in a young club. I am very happy that Robin Dutt is coach in Bremen. He knows me and my strengths," said Makiadi.

The Congolese international has played in the Bundesliga since 2004, having collected 177 Bundesliga appearances. He has also earned 14 caps for Congo with one goal scored. He represented Congo this past January at the African Cup of Nations. He is currently with the Congolese national team in France preparing for two up-coming World Cup qualifiers in Group I on Friday 7 June 2013 against Libya in Tripoli (kick-off at 5:30 p.m.) and at home against Cameroon in Kinshasa on Sunday 16 June 2013 at 4:30 p.m. Makiadi will not be initially introduced personally.

 

[King Binny]

Max Grun - Wolfsburg (undisclosed fee)

Wolfsburg have provided competition for their number one goalkeeper Diego Benaglio by signing Max Grun from relegated Greuther Furth on a three-year contract.

The 26-year-old, who has already passed a medical in the northern Germany city, has made the move for an undisclosed fee.

"With Max Grun, we have signed somebody who strengthens our goalkeeping department and who can take the role of Marwin Hitz, who has left," said Wolfsburg's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

Grun himself had requested a move away from Furth following their relegation to the second division.

"We fulfilled his wishes," said Furth's president Helmut Hack. "He was a reliable player for a long time and was always a role model.

"We wish Max Grun all the best for his future."

Grun lost his regular berth in the Furth goal to Wolfgang Hesl this season and he can expect a challenge to become the Wolves' number one, but it is a challenge he is ready and willing to accept.

"I would like to intensify the battle for places in goal at Wolfsburg," he said.

"I know what my role is, though, and I would like to achieve a lot with this team, which is why I have come."

 

[King Binny]

Matthew Ryan - Club Brugge (£12k)

Central Coast goalkeeper Mat Ryan has signed a three-year contract with Belgium giants Club Brugge.

Ryan flew out of Sydney on Monday for a medical and confirmed the deal via Twitter early on Friday morning.

“I am very happy to announce that today I have signed with Club Brugge for the next three seasons,” Ryan said.

"Today is a proud day for our football club," Central Coast's group general manager Peter Turnbull said in a statement.

"Club Brugge are one of the most respected clubs in Europe. They have a long, proud history and a strong record, like us, of taking players to the next level in their careers."

Turnbull described the transfer as "sizeable".

The fee was reportedly $180,000, and the sell-on clause also gives the Mariners up to 20 per cent of his next transfer fee.

After flying to Europe earlier this week for medical tests, Ryan inked a three-season contract with the former club of Socceroos Frank Farina and Paul Okon.

Club Brugge's sporting director Arnar Gretarsson said Ryan, a dual A-League Young Footballer of the Year, had "huge potential".

"Despite his young age he has gathered a lot of experience and he has been elected twice as best goalkeeper of Australia," he said in a statement.

 

[King Binny]

Salif Sane - Hannover (undisclosed fee, reportedly €2m + add ons)

French-Senegalese defensive midfielder Salif Sané has arrived at Hannover 96 from Ligue 1 side AS Nancy-Lorraine. The defender has signed a contract until June 30th 2017. The transfer fee was not disclosed.

The 22-year-old Salif Sané arrives from the recently relegated AS Nancy-Lorraine, a side he played for since 2011. The right-footed defender wore Girondins Bordeaux colours before his time at Nancy-Lorraine. Sané has accumulated a total of 70 games in the French top flight, scoring five goals in the process. The French-born Senegalese is often used in a defensive position and Hannover 96 plan to play him in the heart of defence.

96-sporting director Dirk Dufner about the first new arrival of the 2013/14 season: “Salif Sané is a young, ambitious player with a great deal of potential. We are delighted to have signed a player with such strong tackling attributes that will aid our defence for a long time.”

96-manager Mirko Slomka: “Our goal was to strength the defence ahead of the new season. Salif Sané has proved himself in a strong European league. He arrives with the right kind of mindset to continue that in the Bundesliga and become a pivotal part of our team.”

Salif Sané about his move to Hannover 96: “It’s great that the move worked out. The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world. My goal is to assert myself here. Hannover 96 have got a great reputation internationally as well, particularly with their Europa-League outings in the last few years.”

 

[King Binny]

Daniele Padelli - Torino (undisclosed fee)

Torino have officially signed former Liverpool and Udinese goalkeeper Daniele Padelli.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper completed the transfer from Udinese today for an unconfirmed sum.

Padelli has had a varied career, going from Sampdoria to the likes of Liverpool in 2007, Pisa, Bari and from 2011 was second choice at Udinese.

Toro needed a new goalkeeper, as Jean-Francois Gillet has been charged in a new match-fixing scandal from his time at Bari and could potentially face a lengthy ban.

 

[King Binny]

Andres Palop - Leverkusen (free transfer)

Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop has ended a nearly eight-year stay at the club to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Palop has spent all of his professional career within La Liga, having played for Valencia and Villarreal before making the move to Sevilla, where he made 290 appearances and even scored a goal.

This season has seen him drop down the pecking order, with on-loan Beto in-charge between the sticks, and with his contract set to expire this year, Palop has taken up the chance to move abroad on a one-year deal.

Palop is keen to expand his horizons beyond the Spanish game, with Leverkusen’s Champions League berth for next season giving the 39-year-old hopes of an extended career, as he replaces Michael Rensing who left for Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The 2007 UEFA Cup winner told Leverkusen’s official site: "I am very glad that after all these years in the Primera Division I will be working abroad.

"The Bundesliga has become interesting for players from all over Europe. And of course Leverkusen, as a top German team and participants in the UEFA Champions League, were a special attraction for me."

Leverkusen president Wolfgang Holzhauser added: "With Andres Palop we integrate a part of the Spanish goalkeeping school, which alongside Germany, is a market leader in Europe, into our club.

"Andres Palop has been amongst the top three Spanish goalkeepers for years, and will use his vast experience profitably. We therefore regard him as a great addition to our team."

 

[King Binny]

Daniel Carvajal - Real Madrid (€6.5m)

Bayern Leverkusen have officially announced that Dani Carvajal will be returning to Real Madrid for 2013-14. The Spanish club reserved a repurchase option over the player for his first three years in Germany, which they have exercised after the first of them. Real will pay 6.5 million euros to recover Carvajal, having received 5 million when they originally sold him.

"We’re very sad that Daniel couldn’t stay at the club. But it was clear to us from the start that Madrid would come to recognise his ability sooner or later. He’s been so impressive this season that Real’s decision came as no surprise for us,” explained Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler.

“Daniel Carvajal did really well on and off the pitch from day one and he’s made a huge impression. As much as we will miss him, we are happy that he’ll be able to fulfil his childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid’s first team. Daniel played in all the club’s youth teams and he is a ‘Madridista’ through and through. We wish him all the best for his future in professional football,” said Bayer 04 managing director Wolfgang Holzhäuser.

 

[King Binny]

Roberto Carlos - Sivasspor (Manager)

Roberto Carlos has officially signed a two-year deal with Sivasspor.

Sivasspor organised a signing ceremony for Carlos in the 4 Eylül stadium. The former Real Madrid legend was greeted by thousands of fans and spoke to the press about what he hopes to achieve.

Carlos said, "I'm delighted to be here, I want to thank the fans for giving me a great reception.

"We have a very good team and great technical staff who believe in what we want to achieve.

"We need the stadium to be full every game, we want to play exciting football but need you here with us."

Brazilian coach - and friend of Carlos - Cesar Domingos will be appointed assistant-manager whilst former Sivasspor player Murat Erdoğan will takeover as sporting director

Carlos spent two seasons playing in the Turkish Super League as a player for Fenerbahçe, scoring 6 times in 66 games.

The former Real Madrid left-back won four La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup with the Spanish giants.

 

[King Binny]

Leo Baptistao - Atletico Madrid (undisclosed, reportedly €5m)

5 yr contract signed.

 

[keniget]

Good signing for them. They've been pretty good in the transfer market in recent years.

 

[King Binny]

Good signing for them. They've been pretty good in the transfer market in recent years.

He looks pretty promising. Poor Rayo Vallecano has lost another good player, after Michu.

 

[King Binny]

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk - Zenit St. Petersburg (free transfer)

Ukraine midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk has returned to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg following four years at Bayern Munich.

The veteran anchorman, who can also play in defence, has signed a two-year contract with the club he left in 2009.

“After a triumphant season, I will continue my career with the club where I first experienced success,” Tymoschuk said on his website.

“Despite offers from around the world, I have signed a two-year contract with Zenit starting on July 1.

“I hope to achieve more success here.”

The 34-year-old, who has also played for Shakhtar Donetsk, played 132 matches for Bayern, scoring six goals and winning two Bundesliga titles and this season’s Champions League.

 

[King Binny]

Kenny Jackett - Wolves (Head Coach)

Wolves are delighted to confirm the appointment of Kenny Jackett as the Club’s new Head Coach following an extensive recruitment process.

As a player, the 51-year-old helped Watford to a second place top flight finish and FA Cup Final, and won 31 Welsh caps.

His coaching and managerial career has included successful spells with Watford, where he helped the Hornets win promotion to the Premier League as Assistant to former Wolves and England Manager Graham Taylor, Swansea, where he masterminded promotion to League One, and Millwall, where he guided the Lions to promotion into the Championship and most recently to an FA Cup semi final against Wigan at Wembley in April.

“I am both proud and delighted to have been appointed Head Coach at Wolves, and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Jackett.

 

[Mojo]

Barcelona unveil Neymar after Brazilian signs five-year contract

Neymar: Arrived in Barcelona on Monday morning
Neymar has put the finishing touches to his switch to Barcelona by signing a five-year contract at the Nou Camp on Monday evening.
The 21-year-old Brazil striker flew to Barcelona on Monday morning to finalise his departure from Santos, nine days after a preliminary agreement between the clubs was made public and just hours after he played in a 2-2 friendly draw with England at the Maracana Stadium.
In a journey charted in detail by the Catalan giants' official website, Neymar was greeted at Barcelona airport - having arrived slightly behind schedule - before being taken to the club's offices to pose for photographs in the Blaugrana shirt and to undergo a medical.
The forward passed "exhaustive tests" before committing his future to the club until June 2018 in the presence of president Sandro Rosell, vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta. The transfer fee remained undisclosed.
Neymar was later paraded on the Nou Camp pitch in front of thousands of Barca fans and hundreds of journalists, who were scheduled to meet the player at an evening press conference.
The signing of Neymar further boosts the Primera Division champions' attacking riches and the prospect of him linking up with four-time reigning world player of the year Lionel Messi is a mouthwatering one.
It remains to be seen just how Barca coach Tito Vilanova will utilise the two forwards in the same side, but midfielder Andres Iniesta is confident the South American duo will have no problems playing alongside each other.
"The great players always understand one another. Leo will make Neymar better and vice-versa. It's a team game and the sum of all helps the club win," said the Spain international, who believes Neymar has made the right decision in choosing Barca.
"He's coming to the best place that he could go to. One of the best young players is coming and that's what we all wants," Iniesta added.
"He will contribute a lot, he's a player with outstanding talent and quality. He can unsettle opponents, score goals and give spectacular performances at a club which is ideal to continue growing.
"It's great news that we can count on him. Surrounded by the people that he's going to have here, he will get better all the time."

 

[King Binny]

Barcelona unveil Neymar after Brazilian signs five-year contract

FC Barcelona vice-president, Josep Maria Bartomeu explained the cost to acquire the services of Neymar da Silva Junior for the next five seasons. FC Barcelona will pay a total of 57 million euros for the Brazilian star, which will be distributed among three companies (DISC, TEISA, N&N) and Santos FC, Neymar’s old Club. The companies have asked FC Barcelona to keep the percentages of the transfer sum allocated to each entity confidential.

The vice-president also noted that the deal between Santos and Barça for Neymar was done without the help of intermediaries. Bartomeu went on to say that Neymar’s buyout clause is set at 190 million euros.

 

[King Binny]

Philippe Montanier - Rennes (Head Coach)

Philippe Montanier has today said goodbye to Real Sociedad and explained that he has signed with Rennes for the project on offer.

The Frenchman is returning to his native country this summer after two years at Anoeta, to take over at Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

The 48-year-old Montanier will replace Frederic Antonetti, who said he was stepping down after four seasons in Rennes.

"He will join the first team for the return to training scheduled on July 1," Stade Rennes said on their website (www.staderennais.com), without disclosing any detail about the deal.

Having just taken La Real into the qualifying round of the Champions League for next season with a fourth place finish in La Liga, the 48-year-old bid farewell today.

“I want to thank the players, the coaching staff and all the employees in the shadows,” began Montanier to reporters today.

“I hope that none of the players leave this summer, this team has a great future. They are on track and will continue to grow and I hope they repeat their success in Europe.

“Why I have signed with Rennes? Everything has been rumours, but unfortunately I will be earning less money in France after tax.

“After 16 years as a player and four as an assistant, I have decided on an amateur project, a medium-term one.

“There was a choice and that’s it, I cannot change my exit.”

The Coach indicated that he sees La Liga as a place where medium to long-term projects cannot be run.

 

[Oncy]

Binny youre a machine.