Confirmed Transfers 19/20

[King Binny]

Edimilson Fernandes - Mainz (undisclosed fee)

[article]Mainz 05 have signed Swiss international Edimilson Fernandes. The 23-year-old midfielder, previously with Premier League side West Ham United, was on loan to Fiorentina this past season and has signed a four-year contract with the Zerofivers until 2023.

Fernandes was able to establish himself as a first-team regular in Serie A this past season, featuring in 33 matches and notching two goals and two assists for Fiorentina. The right-footer has also made eight appearances for the Swiss senior national team.

“Edimilson Fernandes is a box-to-box player with a strong background in football, who is strong on offence as well as defence—something he has proven at the highest level in both the Premier League and Serie A. His athletic ability, positive outlook and age all make him a great fit for our central midfield. He is still able to develop himself further in order to reach his full potential,” said Mainz 05 sporting director Rouven Schröder.

"Edimilson Fernandes will strengthen our midfield straight away with his strong physical presence, his agility and his good technique. His strength in challenges as well as his desire to always win the ball and then to put his team on the front foot will allow him to fit into our system perfectly. Edimilson is a complete midfielder who we want to raise to another level here in Mainz," said Zerofivers head coach Sandro Schwarz.

"Mainz 05 work very seriously and are well known for developing young talent and giving them a chance to improve. I will work hard to do the same. I'm now excited for the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga and to play in front of the Mainz fans," said Edimilson Fernandes.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

David Martin - West Ham (free transfer)

[article]
West Ham United is pleased to confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper David Martin.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper and son of Irons legend Alvin Martin will join the Hammers on 1 July after agreeing a two-year deal, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

“Signing for West Ham United is a dream, both for me and my family,” Martin told whufc.com. “I’ve grown up around West Ham and to come to my boyhood club is a dream.

“I came to games as a kid as one of the supporters in the stands at the Boleyn Ground. I loved watching my Dad play, and I’ve continued coming to games throughout my career.

“You can see the impact the fans can have on the team and it gives you goosebumps. The fans at West Ham are brilliant and it’s fantastic to be a part of this great club.

“I’ve always been an enthusiastic and positive person - I’ll always go into training every day with that attitude to compete with Lukasz (Fabianski) and Roberto.”

Director of football Mario Husillos has welcomed Martin to West Ham and believes he will provide significant competition for Lukasz Fabianski and fellow new acquisition Roberto after a glowing recommendation from goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

Husillos said: “We are happy to sign David Martin. He was excited about our project from the first moment we spoke to him.

“As well as knowing his career and his last season in the Championship, we also had excellent reports about him both as a professional and as a person from Xavi Valero, our goalkeeper coach, who has worked with him before at Liverpool.

“Because of all these reasons, he was an obvious target and we are pleased to have him at the Club.”

Born in Romford, the son of FA Cup winner Alvin Martin began his professional career with Wimbledon in 2003 and remained with the team after its reformation as Milton Keynes Dons.

A 19-year-old Martin was signed by then-Champions League holders Liverpool in January 2006 and was a regular feature in the Reds' reserve side and also consistently part of the club’s first-team squads.

Loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Leicester City followed for Martin, with the new Hammer playing 25 times in League One for the Foxes as they secured promotion as champions in 2009.


Further loans with Tranmere Rovers and Leeds United followed and Martin was in the Whites’ squad alongside Robert Snodgrass.

Following a month loan with Derby County, Martin joined MK Dons as Karl Robinson’s first signing at the club. The goalkeeper would spend a further seven seasons with the side, reaching 339 appearances in total for Dons.

During this time, he was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2015/16, the side’s first year in the Championship, while he also kept a clean sheet as they famously beat Manchester United 4-0 in the Capital One Cup in 2014.

Martin signed for Millwall in September 2017 and played 15 times in over the past two seasons.

At international level, Martin has played for England up to U20 level, having also played in the team that finished runners-up to France in at the UEFA European U19 Championship in 2005.

Martin and Roberto’s arrivals will pave the way for Nathan Trott to gain some valuable experience of first-team football on loan during 2019/20, as well as give the Academy goalkeepers the chance to develop alongside the aforementioned duo and Lukasz Fabianski.

Everyone at West Ham United would like to warmly welcome David to the Club and wish him every success in Claret and Blue.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lucas Pérez - Alavés (€2.25m)

[article]Lucas Perez has joined Spanish Primera Division club Alaves on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Spaniard returns to his homeland after a single season with West Ham United, during which he scored six goals in 19 appearances.

Lucas became the first Hammers substitute in 19 years to score twice after being introduced from the bench into a Premier League match when he netted a brace in the 3-1 win over Cardiff City in December 2018.

West Ham United would like to thank Lucas for his efforts and wish him the best for his future career.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luka Jovic - Real Madrid (€60m)

 

[King Binny]

Julen Lopetegui - Sevilla (Head Coach)

[article]
Sevilla FC and Julen Lopetegui Argote have reached an agreement for the 53-year-old coach to take charge of the Nervión club for the next three seasons. The Basque manager will arrive in Seville this Tuesday and will be presented tomorrow. Lopetegui started his managerial career in the 2003/04 season - taking charge at Second Division Rayo Vallecano not long after hanging up his gloves. He was in charge of Rayo for ten games before signing with Real Madrid in 2006 to lead their scouting team.

In the 2008/09 season he returned to the dugout to take the reigns of Real Madrid's B Team in the Second Division. Come the end of that campaign, he would cut ties with Madrid and join the national setup, leading Spain's under-19 and under-20 sides simultaneously. In 2012, he would win his first title as a coach - an under-19 European Championship, with Sevillistas such as José Gómez Campaña, Sergi Gómez and Pablo Sarabia under his watch. One year later, now managing Spain U-21s, he would taste continental glory again with practically exactly the same group of players.

In the summer of 2014, Lopetegui left Spain's national teams for FC Porto, joining the Portuguese side on a two-year deal. In his first season he would come second in the league, taking Porto to the Champions League quarter-finals in the process (where they would eventually be knocked out by Bayern). Midway through his second campaign - with the team third in the league and in the Europa League after an unsuccessful Champions League group campaign - Lopetegui would be released. Barely seven months later, he would be announced as Vicente del Bosque's replacement at the helm of the Spanish National Team.

His first job was to qualify for the 2018 World Cup - a feat he managed without losing a single game. However, after Real Madrid announced an agreement for Lopetegui to take charge of their side after the tournament in Russia, he would lose his post two days before the start of the World Cup. In his second spell with Madrid, Lopetegui would be given ten league games in charge. Once a goalkeeper, Lopetegui was a product of the Real Sociedad academy and has played at Castilla, UD Las Palmas, Real Madrid, CD Logroñés, FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano.

He now joins an exciting new project at Sevilla, taking charge alongside newly-appointed Sporting Director, Monchi.
[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Luka Jovic - Real Madrid (€60m)

Wow, so the rumours were true. Quite a big jump from Eintracht to Real Madrid, but he might just make it.

 

[King Binny]

Wow, so the rumours were true. Quite a big jump from Eintracht to Real Madrid, but he might just make it.

Looks like Ferland Mendy is next. If these players fulfill their potential, the pendulum may swing back in RM's favour soon (esp. if Barca's signings continue to flatter).

Meanwhile, Benfica being lauded by Portuguese press for their profits in transfer dealings.

 

[King Binny]

Jota - Aston Villa (reportedly £4m)


[article]
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Jota from Birmingham City.

The winger has joined for an undisclosed fee and will team up with former boss Dean Smith at Villa Park after putting put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

After starting his career in his native Spain with the likes of Celta Vigo, Real Madrid B and Eibar, he got his first taste of English football with Brentford, joining the Bees in 2014.

A key player for Smith at Griffin Park, Jota’s impressive performances during a three-year stint with the London side prompted a move to St. Andrew’s in 2017 for a club-record fee.

Head Coach Dean Smith said: “I worked with Jota at Brentford. He’s a superb, talented player and Birmingham signed him as their record transfer.

"I’m really happy to have him back working with us. He’s got great ability, great balance and a great eye for both goals and assists.”
[/article]

Gary Gardner - Birmingham City (undisclosed fee)

[article]
GARY GARDNER HAS SIGNED FOR BLUES ON A PERMANENT BASIS.

The 26-year-old has joined the Club from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Gardner has penned a three-year contract.

The midfielder has just come off the back of the most productive season of his career, on loan to Blues from Villa.

And the Solihull-born Blues fan was always of a mind to make the switch for keeps, if possible.

Gardner made 39 Championship starts and one substitute appearances this season, netting twice.

He fitted in seamlessly to Garry Monk’s side and produced consistence performances in the heart of midfield.

Gardner also created a bit of Blues history when he and brother Craig both played in the same side, becoming only the second pair of siblings to do so for the Club.

Gardner began his career at Villa, coming through the Academy ranks to make his senior debut in December 2011, after earlier spending time at Coventry City on the first of many loan spells.

Gardner has also been loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley, before finding his true calling at the St. Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium.

He became a Villa regular in the 2016/17 season after their Premier League relegation, only to again find himself out of favour thereafter.

Gardner battled back from two serious knee injuries during his career and his conditioning and availability was never in question during this campaign.

He missed the derby games due to the terms of his loan and appeared in both Blues cup fixtures.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rubi - Real Betis (Head Coach)

[article]
Real Betis Balompié have signed manager Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' as new head coach for the next three seasons. The coach has signed a three-year contract with the Green and White club.

Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia (Vilasar de Mar, Barcelona, 1970) began his career as a football player in UE Vilasar de Mar, his hometown. He also played at AEC Manlleu, RCD Espanyol B, CE L'Hospitalet, Pontevedra CF, and Terrassa FC- Finally, he returned to UE Vilasar de Mar for his final years.

The year following his retirement, he became head coach of the same club, UE Vilasar de Mar. In later years, he also managed CE L'Hospitalet, CE Sabadell, RCD Espanyol B, SE Eivissa and Benidorm CF.

In 2012 he took the helm at Girona FC, his debut in Second Division. One year later, he joined FC Barcelona as part of the technical staff of manager Tito Vilanova. After that experience, he has also been the head coach at Real Valladolid CF, Levante UD y Real Sporting de Gijon.

In the last two seasons, he has managed SD Huesca, leading the team to their first promotion ever to LaLiga; and RCD Espanyol this last season.

With the arrival of Rubi, Real Betis signs a coach with a high professional profile and wide knowledge about LaLiga. The Catalan manager, first option the Green and White Club had for the bench, will continue with the style the team displayed in recent times, apart from being a thorough preparation of matches and training sessions.
[/article]

Jesse Marsch - Red Bull Salzburg (Head Coach)


Marco Rose - Borussia Mönchengladbach (Head Coach)

[article]
Borussia Mönchengladbach will have Marco Rose in charge next season after confirming the young Red Bull Salzburg boss as their new coach for the 2019/20 season.

The five-time Bundesliga champions announced last week that Dieter Hecking would be leaving the club at the end of the current campaign, and have now completed a move for Rose, who guided Salzburg to the Austrian title and the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last term.

“In the last six years, Marco Rose has done great work in Salzburg, and we’re delighted that he’ll be with us from the coming season,” Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl said.

Rose, 42, moved to Salzburg ahead of the 2013/14 campaign to work with the Austrian club’s U16 team, moving through the ranks to take charge of the first-team in summer 2017. His side currently lead the Austrian top flight by nine points, and have reached the domestic cup final.

A player with VfB Leipzig in his home town as well as Hannover and Mainz, Rose started his coaching career at the latter club as an assistant coach to Thomas Tuchel before also working with Martin Schmidt, who has just been appointed to replace Manuel Baum as boss of Augsburg.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ghislain Printant - Saint-Étienne (Head Coach)
‏

 

[King Binny]

Daniel James - Man Utd (£15m + potential add ons up to £3m)

[article]
Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed, in principle, terms with both Swansea City and Daniel James for his transfer to the club.

Daniel has successfully completed a medical at the Aon Training Complex.

Further details will be communicated once the international transfer window opens next week.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luis Boa Morte - Everton (Assistant Manager)

 

[King Binny]

Kion Etete - Tottenham Hotspur

[article]
Notts County have confirmed that young forward Kion Etete has joined Tottenham Hotspur.

The 17-year-old, who has been at Notts since the age of 14, enjoyed a successful trial at Hotspur Way earlier this year, impressing sufficiently to attract a bid from the Champions League finalists.

Etete, who follows in the recent footsteps of Dongda He (Wolves) and Jack Bearne (Liverpool) in progressing from Notts’ academy to earn a move to the Premier League, made his senior debut against Newcastle United’s Under 21s in last season’s Checkatrade Trophy before going on to make a further five appearances for the Magpies.

He leaves with the club’s best wishes for the future.
[/article]

 

[doctor_mac]

Luis Boa Morte - Everton (Assistant Manager)

Traditions include booing the team at half time if they're not playing well.

Booing the team at full time if they lost or drew.

Cheering the opposition if they're rivalling Liverpool for the league.

Etc. etc.

 

[King Binny]

Eden Hazard - Real Madrid (€100m (£88.5m) rising to €146.1m (£130m) with add-ons)

[article]
Eden Hazard (La Louvière, Belgium, 07-01-1991) is now a Real Madrid player. The club has acquired one of the best players in the world. The Belgian forward is 28 and joins from Chelsea, where he became known for his talent, attacking flair, assists and goals. His latest triumph with the English side was winning the Europa League 2018/19. In the final against Arsenal he scored twice and set up another, which led to him being named man of the match. Last summer he won the Silver Ball at the World Cup in Russia and this term he was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. He was in UEFA's team of the year 2018.

Making the difference in any attacking role, Hazard has world class technique, vision, dribbling, pace and finishing. These qualities saw him stand out in his seven years in England. Since arriving at Chelsea in 2012 he went on to win 2 Premier Leagues, 2 Europa Leagues, 1 FA Cup and 1 League Cup. This past season he played 52 games, netting 21 goals, and provided the most assists in the Premier League with a total of 15. England's PFA named him young player of the year in 2013/14, player of the year in 2014/15 and included him in the team of the year in four different seasons.

Star of the Russia World Cup
Hazard is one of the key success stories within the current Belgian national team. His first team debut came in 2008 at the age of 17. After featuring at the World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016, he was one of the stars of the last World Cup. In Russia he played six games, scored three goals and was named man of the match on three occasions as he led his country to their historic third place finish before being named the second-best player at the tournament, behind Modric.

Double in France
Before his successes for the national side and his time in the Premier League, Real Madrid's new star established himself in the French league. After playing at Belgian sides Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize, he joined the Lille youth team in 2005. His debut in the first team came in 2007/08 and a season later he was a key part of the squad. He made a crucial contribution as the team won their historic double in 2010/11, as they lifted both the French cup and league trophies. He stayed with Lille until the end of 2011/12. Whilst he was at Lille, France's Union of Professional Footballers named him young player of the year in 2009 and 2010 and player of the year in 2011 and 2012, as well as naming him in France's team of the year three times.

Career
-Lille youth categories (2005-2008)
-Lille (2008-2012)
-Chelsea (2012-2019)
-Real Madrid (2019- )

Accolades
-2 Europa Leagues (2012/13 and 2018/19)
-2 Premier Leagues (2014/15 and 2016/17)
-1 French League (2010/11)
-1 FA Cup (2017/18)
-1 English League Cup (2014/15)
-1 French Cup (2010/11)
-Silver Ball at the Russia World Cup (2018)
-FIFA FIFPro World XI (2018)
-UEFA Team of the Year (2017 and 2018)
-English PFA Player of the Year (2014/15)
-English PFA Young Player of the Year (2013/14)
-French Union of Professional Footballers Player of the Year (2010/11 and 2011/12)
-French Union of Professional Footballers Young Player of the Year (2008/09 and 2009/10)
-Bravo Award (2010/11)
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Renzo Saravia - Porto (reportedly €5.5m)

Right back from Racing

 

[King Binny]

Pascal Stenzel - VfB Stuttgart (loan)

[article]
The former Germany youth international (eight U-21 caps) has made 65 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg to date, scoring two goals, as well as five outings in the DFB Cup. During the 2018/19 season, the 23-year-old featured 21 times in the league for the Breisgau club.

Stenzel originally joined Freiburg on loan from Borussia Dortmund in January 2016 and made 11 league appearances in the second half of the 2015/16 season as the team earned promotion to the top flight.

He also made his professional debut during his time as a youngster at Borussia Dortmund (2013-2015).

Sporting director Sven Mislintat: “We’re pleased to have been able to capture a talented right-back in Pascal Stenzel. He’s a very well-trained player who brings experience from both the Bundesliga and second division. Pascal is a real enhancement to our squad.”

Pascal Stenzel: “VfB have laid out a clear objective of returning to the Bundesliga. I’m looking forward to this challenge and I want to play my part in us having a successful season and achieving promotion together.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Anwar El Ghazi - Aston Villa (£8m)

[article]Aston Villa is delighted to announce that Anwar El Ghazi has joined the club on a four-year deal.

The Dutch international enjoyed a highly impressive loan spell at Villa Park last season after signing from French outfit Lille.

And the 24-year-old, who scored at Wembley in the Play-Off Final, will now have the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League after moving for an undisclosed fee.

El Ghazi was recently regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football after coming through the ranks at the world-renowned Ajax academy and was a major success story in last term’s successful promotion push with six goals in 37 appearances.

Head Coach, Dean Smith, said: “Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be for Aston Villa.

“He’s ready for the step up to the Premier League and he’s a young player who has an awful lot of potential. It’s now my job and the job of the coaching staff and Anwar himself to fulfil the potential that he undoubtedly has.

“He’ll be a great addition to the squad for next season.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jonjoe Kenny - Schalke 04 (loan)


[article]Newcomer from the Premier League: FC Schalke 04 have signed right-back Jonjoe Kenny on loan from Everton for the upcoming 2019/20 season. The 22-year-old (15th March 1997) came through the youth system at Everton and has made 14 appearances for England U21s. Kenny’s contract with Everton currently runs until the summer of 2022. The defender will remain with England at the U21 Euros before joining Schalke’s pre-season later on in the summer.

“We are very happy that we have been able to get Jonjoe Kenny at FC Schalke 04. With this signing, we have filled the hole at right-back and completed one of our aims of the summer,” explained sporting director Jochen Schneider. “My thanks go to technical director Michael Reschke, the scouting team and our head coach David Wagner, who knows Jonjoe from the Premier League.”

The 22-year-old is looking forward to the upcoming challenge. “It is a big chance for me, to come to a new country and show off my abilities, especially at a big club like Schalke,” he said. “Schalke 04 is a club with a long history and fantastic fans. I am happy to be here and can’t wait to get up and running with the team.”

The right-back has been at Everton FC for around nine years, having joined the academy back in 2006. His biggest success as a teenager was winning the U17 Euros with England in 2014. He scored the winning penalty in the final against the Netherlands.

Kenny got his first taste of first-team professional football in the 2015/16 season. The defender joined third-tier Wigan Athletic before fourth-division side Oxford United. On 15th May 2016, the 22-year-old made his Premier League debut from the bench against Norwich City. In the 2016/17 season, the defender captained Everton’s U23s side before being promoted to the first-team squad the following season, where he was mostly used as a back-up to Ireland international Seamus Coleman. To date, Kenny has 31 Premier League appearances to his name.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rafinha - Flamengo

 

[James]

Jonjoe Kenny - Schalke 04 (loan)


[article]Newcomer from the Premier League: FC Schalke 04 have signed right-back Jonjoe Kenny on loan from Everton for the upcoming 2019/20 season. The 22-year-old (15th March 1997) came through the youth system at Everton and has made 14 appearances for England U21s. Kenny’s contract with Everton currently runs until the summer of 2022. The defender will remain with England at the U21 Euros before joining Schalke’s pre-season later on in the summer.

“We are very happy that we have been able to get Jonjoe Kenny at FC Schalke 04. With this signing, we have filled the hole at right-back and completed one of our aims of the summer,” explained sporting director Jochen Schneider. “My thanks go to technical director Michael Reschke, the scouting team and our head coach David Wagner, who knows Jonjoe from the Premier League.”

The 22-year-old is looking forward to the upcoming challenge. “It is a big chance for me, to come to a new country and show off my abilities, especially at a big club like Schalke,” he said. “Schalke 04 is a club with a long history and fantastic fans. I am happy to be here and can’t wait to get up and running with the team.”

The right-back has been at Everton FC for around nine years, having joined the academy back in 2006. His biggest success as a teenager was winning the U17 Euros with England in 2014. He scored the winning penalty in the final against the Netherlands.

Kenny got his first taste of first-team professional football in the 2015/16 season. The defender joined third-tier Wigan Athletic before fourth-division side Oxford United. On 15th May 2016, the 22-year-old made his Premier League debut from the bench against Norwich City. In the 2016/17 season, the defender captained Everton’s U23s side before being promoted to the first-team squad the following season, where he was mostly used as a back-up to Ireland international Seamus Coleman. To date, Kenny has 31 Premier League appearances to his name.
[/article]

Can’t. Stop. Cringing.

 

[King Binny]

Paulo Fonseca - Roma (Head Coach)

[article]
AS Roma are delighted to confirm that Paulo Fonseca will be the club’s new head coach.

The 46-year-old has agreed to take the reins at the Giallorossi ahead of the start of the new season, on an initial two-year contract.

An optional third year could extend the deal until the summer of 2022.

“We are delighted to welcome Paulo Fonseca to the club,” said AS Roma president Jim Pallotta.

“Paulo is a young and ambitious coach with international experience, a winning mentality and a reputation for bold, attacking football that will excite our fans.

“From the very first conversations we had with him, he made it very clear he wanted to come to Roma and was excited about the challenge of working with our players and putting out a team that the fans can be proud of.”

Fonseca, a Portuguese national born in Mozambique, joins from Shakhtar Donetsk - where he won the league and cup double in all three seasons with the Ukrainian club.

He also won the Ukrainian Super Cup in 2017.

He had previously built up a wealth of experience in Portuguese football, having enjoyed spells at clubs including Pacos Ferreira, Braga and Porto.

“I am very pleased to be appointed the head coach of AS Roma,” Fonseca said

“I want to thank the club’s management for the opportunity they have given me. I am excited and motivated by the task ahead of us.

“I cannot wait to move to Rome, meet our fans and get started. Together, I believe we can create something special.”

A central defender during his playing days, Fonseca spent his whole professional career in Portugal - making over 100 top-flight appearances.

Since starting his coaching career in 2005, his honours also include the Portuguese Cup (with Braga in 2016) and Portuguese Super Cup (with Porto in 2013).
[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Roma got hit hard by the loss of Alisson and Salah; didn't qualify for the Champions League next season and might have to sell more players just to stay afloat.

 

[King Binny]

Ola Aina - Torino (€10m)

[article]Ola Aina is to complete a permanent transfer to Serie A side Torino.

The defender made six appearances for the Blues during the 2016/17 campaign. He joined the club as an Under-11 and progressed through our Academy where he won multiple honours. The 22-year-old will now move to Torino who have exercised an option to make the deal permanent after he spent a successful season on loan there in 2018/19. He made 32 appearances and scored once.

Aina, a Nigerian international, started his Chelsea career as a right winger before moving into defence and establishing himself as a mobile full-back capable of playing on either side of the pitch, or on occasion at centre-back.

He won two FA Youth Cups and two UEFA Youth League titles during a spell of unprecedented success for our Academy. His versatility across the backline proved crucial.

Aina made his Chelsea debut in a League Cup victory over Bristol Rovers in August 2016 under the management of Antonio Conte, and by the end of that season he had six appearances to his name, including three as a substitute in our victorious Premier League campaign. His last game was the 4-3 win over Watford the game after we had won the title.

Aina moved on loan to Hull for 2017/18 where he featured regularly in the Championship. It was during that season he made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying win over Zambia, and he was recently named in the Super Eagles’ squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Ola for his services and we wish him the best of luck for the next stage in his career.[/article]

 

[JurgenKlopp]

Roma got hit hard by the loss of Alisson and Salah; didn't qualify for the Champions League next season and might have to sell more players just to stay afloat.

John Henry's mate and close buisness associate struggling then

 

[King Binny]

Alexander Isak - Real Sociedad (reportedly €10m)

[article]
Real Sociedad have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Isak.

The Basque side have been linked with a move for the Swedish international for over a month, and according to the report, club president Jokin Aperribay travelled to Madrid to confirm the deal following Sweden's UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Spain.

Isak came off the bench for a cameo appearance, as Sweden lost 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, however Aperribay was already convinced of a deal.

The 19-year old has impressed on loan from the Bundesliga giants, at Dutch side Willem II, where he netted 13 league goals in 16 appearances at the back end of 2018-19.

La Real have now sealed a €10m move for him, alongside a three-year contract, for the highly rated attacker.

Imanol Alguacil's side are reported to have beaten off competition from Anderlecht and other Bundesliga sides to secure Isak's signature, with an official announcement expected later this week.

The club have already confirmed the free transfer of former Athletic Bilbao goal keeper Alex Remiro, with Girona's Portu also set to sign at the Anoeta.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Steve Doyle - Rangers (Lead Technical Scout)

[article]
RANGERS have appointed Steve Doyle as Lead Technical Scout with the club aiming to increase the efficiency of its scouting process.

Doyle joins from Derby County, where he has spent the last 12 and-a-half-years, with his most recent role being the First Team Opposition Technical Analyst under manager Frank Lampard.

As well as Lampard, Doyle has worked with the likes of Gary Rowett, Paul Clement and Steve McLaren, and, of course, was a part of the backroom staff who this season helped Derby reach the Championship play-off final.

Doyle’s new job at the Hummel Training Centre will have a particular focus on video scouting, and he will report into Head of Scouting Andy Scoulding.

On the appointment, Scoulding commented: “Our department is based on three core principles; eyes, video and data. Essentially it’s about thinking and working in a smart, productive and modern way.

“Video scouting is a huge part of a modern scouting process and it allows us to be more efficient with our resources. We can watch more games in a shorter period of time, helping us to make quicker, more informed decisions.

“Finally, we have data. Data is an increasingly important part of what we do. It’s about bringing a level of objectivity to our processes and it’s about supporting decisions both positively and negatively. Good scouting isn’t just about bringing in good players; it’s about filtering out the bad ones. Data allows us to do this.

“As a department our job is to provide the manager with options and the Director of Football with a body of evidence as to why an individual can come in and play and win for Rangers Football Club.

“Steve’s addition reinforces and improves our ability to do just that. His skillset and experiences made him a standout choice and I’m hugely excited we have been able to secure his services. He will work closely with our scouts and data scientist and I’m positive he will make a big contribution to the club going forwards.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luis Castro - Shakhtar Donetsk(Head Coach)

[article]FC Shakhtar signed a contract with the Portuguese coach Luis Castro
The agreement with the 57-year-old specialist enters into force on June 12 and is effective for two years.

Luis Manuel Ribeiro de Castro was born on September 3, 1961 in Mondroes, Portugal.

Player career:
Uniao Leiria (1978-1985), Vieirense (1981-82), Vitoria Guimaraes (1985-1987), Elvas (1987-1990), Fafe (1989-90), Agueda (1990-1997).

Coaching career:
Agueda (1998-2000), Mealhada (2000-01), Estarreja (2001-2003), Sanjoanense (2003-04), Penafiel (2004-2006), Porto Academy ( 2006-2013), Porto B (2013-2014), Porto (March-June 2014), Porto B (2014-2016), Rio Ave (2016-2017), Chaves (2017-2018), Vitoria Guimaraes (2018-2019).

Luis Castro will be the 33rd coach in the history of Shakhtar.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Keen - West Ham (Academy Under-18s Lead Coach)

[article]
West Ham United is delighted to confirm that Kevin Keen has returned to the Club to take up the position of Academy Under-18s Lead Coach.

The 52-year-old, who made 278 appearances for the Hammers as a player between 1986 and 1993 and then spent nine years at the club as a youth, reserve and first team coach from 2002 to 2011, replaces fellow former Hammers midfielder Jack Collison, who is departing to take up a coaching opportunity overseas.

Keen, who joined Liverpool as a first team coach under Kenny Dalglish after leaving West Ham eight years ago, has since held coaching roles at West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, Reading, Crystal Palace and most recently at Southend United. He also had a short spell managing Colchester United in 2016.

With more than 18 years of coaching experience at both Academy and senior level, the 1993 Hammer of the Year runner-up, who first joined West Ham as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1983, will now return to add to the 19 years of service he has already given in the Claret and Blue.

West Ham United Academy Manager Ricky Martin said: “It is fantastic news that we have been able to secure the services of Kevin Keen and bring him back to the Club, in particular to the Academy and Chadwell Heath, where he began his career under the great John Lyall.

“Kevin brings great experience and a fantastic coaching pedigree, along with a deep understanding of West Ham United and the values that are rooted within the Academy.

“He is highly-respected throughout the game after many years as both a player and a coach at the very top level, and he will be a fantastic influence and guidance for the young players who are coming through into the Under-18s, which really is a crucial stage of their development.

“We are sorry to see Jack leave but he has received an offer for he and his family to explore a different culture and a different coaching environment that he was keen to experience. He departs with our very best wishes and, on behalf of everyone in the Academy, I would like to thank him for his hard work and dedication throughout his time with the club.

“It was important that we found a replacement for Jack who has a strong connection and familiarity, during what has been a period of change for the Academy, and Kevin provides all that and more. His experience, character and standing in the game will be of huge benefit to us, and I look forward to working with him. I would also like to place on record my thanks to Southend United for their co-operation in Kevin’s appointment.

“This is a hugely exciting time for all of us. We return on July 1 to a fully-redeveloped Chadwell Heath training centre, with the second phase of the works completed this summer in the canteen and communal areas, and everyone is raring to go. The 2018/19 season was a very successful one for the Academy, and we hope 2019/20 will be even better.”

Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Kevin back to the club and wish him every success in his new role, and also thank Jack Collison for his excellent work since returning to the club as an Academy coach in 2017. We wish Jack and his family all the very best in his new adventure.
[/article]

Slaven Bilic - West Brom (Head Coach)

[article]
Albion are delighted to today confirm the appointment of Slaven Bilić as the Club’s new Head Coach.

The experienced 50-year-old former Premier League and international boss has agreed a two-year contract and will set to work immediately on the task of heading up Albion’s Sky Bet Championship challenge for 2019/20.

Slaven takes up The Hawthorns post having led his nation, Croatia, to two European Championships and delivered a record-breaking Premier League performance for West Ham United, who achieved a highest-placed finish and goals scored during his two-year stay.

In top-level European football, which has taken in spells at Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas, Slaven has built up an impressive 46 per cent win ratio and he now turns his attention to leading a new promotion challenge with the Baggies.

Slaven, who played in England for the Hammers and Everton, is currently finalising domestic arrangements in Croatia before heading for England to begin the task of leading the Baggies.

He said: “I’m delighted with this opportunity of course.

“We want to improve, we want to improve on the pitch and Albion have convinced me they want to return to the Premier League. Albion have a short-term project and a long project and they do not clash.

“They wanted me to lead them, to help improve them. They made it clear they wanted me to be the one to lead them in this and I didn’t think twice once they had spoken to me."

Slaven’s appointment closes a thorough and exhaustive interview and selection process by the Club following the disappointment of Albion’s Play-Off semi-final penalty shoot-out exit.

Technical Director Luke Dowling said: “We had the opportunity to ensure we conducted a wide range of interviews and were determined to take it.

“We have spoken to some outstanding candidates and I would like to thank them for their interest in the post.

“But from the moment we spoke to Slaven, we were struck by his enthusiasm and excitement about this challenge. He is determined to get back to the Premier League and believes passionately that he can do that with Albion.

“We believe he is a great ‘fit’ for us - his presence, experience and management qualities are just what we need.”
[/article]

Ferland Mendy - Real Madrid(€48m + add ons up to €5m)

[article]
Real Madrid C. F. and Olympique Lyonnais have agreed the transfer of Ferland Mendy.

The player has signed a contract with the club for the next six seasons, running to the 30th of June 2025.

Mendy will be presented on Wednesday the 19th of June at 1:00pm CEST in the VIP box at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mendy will then set foot on the Santiago Bernabéu pitch for the first time wearing a Real Madrid C.F. jersey and speak to the press.
[/article]

 

[Halmeister]

A lot of them are cunts, too.