Confirmed Transfers 19/20

[King Binny]

Moussa Djenepo - Southampton (£15 million including add ons)

[article]
Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has reached an agreement to sign the highly-rated young winger Moussa Djenepo, from Standard Liège.

The 20-year-old Mali international has agreed a four-year contract at St Mary’s, subject to the relevant paperwork being completed on 1st July, becoming the first arrival of the summer transfer window and also of manager Ralph Hasenhüttl’s tenure.

Djenepo will move to Southampton off the back of an outstanding season in Belgium, where he scored 11 times for Standard Liège, as he helped them to a third-place finish in the top-flight and qualification for the Europa League.

The exciting youngster, whose form had attracted widespread interest from across Europe, has already earned eight senior caps for his country, and is currently with the squad that will take part in this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.

He will begin his pre-season with the club after the close of the competition, which gets under way in late June.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: "We are very happy to welcome Moussa as the first new player to join our team ahead of the upcoming season.

“He is an exciting player, with tremendous pace and good finishing abilities, who we have watched closely for some time.

“We have been impressed with how he has adapted to football in Europe and the impact he has had in many games, and we had an interest in him as recently as January, so I am pleased we are able to bring him into the club.

“He combines his quality with a good mentality and he is the right profile of player that we want to sign – still in the early part of his career, already with a lot of talent, but also with a great amount of potential that I believe we can help him to fulfil.

“I think he will be an excellent fit for our style of play and shape, and these are the important characteristics we must look for.

“It is about getting this right sort of quality, not quantity – we must maximise the use of this window by spending our money in the right way and on the right type of player, and this is a very strong start.”

Moussa Djenepo commented: “It is something I am very proud of. It’s a dream come true. Southampton is a great club and I am very happy.

“It’s a good club that is progressing, it has great facilities, and it’s a place that can help me to really kick on and progress.

“I am looking forward to it and I want to get to know my new family. I can’t wait to be around my new teammates and work hard alongside them.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

David Turnbull - Celtic (£2.8m plus add ons)

 

[King Binny]

Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel - Mainz (reportedly €5.5m)

[article]
1. FSV Mainz 05 have signed Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel from AS Monaco. The 21-year-old French full-back has signed a five-year deal with Mainz until 2024. Pierre-Gabriel featured in four matches for AS Monaco last season, and made 17 appearances for AS Saint-Étienne the year prior. The right-footer has also featured in France’s U21 team.

“We have been following Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel since he first made his mark at Saint-Étienne. He is a compact defender who is robust and has the potential to develop himself on offence as well as defence. At the same time, Ronaël has a great character and is extremely willing to learn,” said Mainz sporting director Rouven Schröder.

“Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel meets all the expectations you would have for a strong right-back: he is able to win challenges, is dynamic, and physical. He is always aggressive on the ball and is a fighter, who continually wants to improve himself,” said head coach Sandro Schwarz.

“I have heard many positive things about Mainz 05. It’s a club that has put a lot of trust in young players, especially French ones. As a result, I did not hesitate when this opportunity arose,” said Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Steve Cooper - Swansea (Head Coach)

SWANSEA CITY IS DELIGHTED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE COOPER AS THE CLUB’S NEW HEAD COACH.
[article]
The 39-year-old leaves his position as coach of England’s World Cup winning Under-17 national team to sign a three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

He will be joined by former Liverpool and West Ham midfielder Mike Marsh as assistant first-team coach, with further backroom appointments to follow. Marsh, who worked alongside Cooper at the FA, is also a former Liverpool and Huddersfield first-team coach.

Swansea City chairman, Trevor Birch, confirmed: “We are excited and delighted with the appointment.

“Together with Leon (Britton) and Alan (Curtis) we went through a long and thorough interview process covering a lot of very good candidates. The quality was extremely high, which speaks volumes about the attractiveness of the opportunity and how well respected this football club is within the game.

“At the forefront of our thinking was the appointment of a head coach who was hungry, ambitious, had a clear track record of playing our style of football, plus a pedigree to work with and develop young, talented players.

“Steve matched all those requirements in abundance and his views, coaching ethos and presentation were extremely compelling.

“It may be his first senior role, but he has been coaching for over 20 years and, let’s not forget, our young squad saw more game time for under-23 players than any other team in the Championship last season. And not many people can say they have won a World Cup, even at under-17 level!

“He is highly regarded as one of the best young coaches in the country and at some stage was always going to be given an opportunity by someone. I’m delighted we are that club because Swansea has a great track record of success in doing just that with the likes of Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers, for example.’’

Birch added: “We were targeting a head coach rather than a manager because we feel the work on the training pitch will be vital to our success. The appointment of Mike Marsh as his assistant - who has a wealth of knowledge and senior experience - will play a vital role in supporting Steve.

“We will also ensure he receives support from a strong infrastructure around him. Leon and Alan will be regular and familiar figures down at the training ground who, together with the impending new head of recruitment and other backroom hires, will form a strong collaborative team behind the scenes.

“We believe Steve is ready for it, but more importantly he believes he is ready for it as well. We are excited by the appointment and have every confidence and belief in his abilities to be successful.’’

Former defender Cooper – the son of ex-top-flight referee Keith – was on Wrexham’s books as a youngster before joining the club’s academy coaching set-up, going on to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence coaching certificate at the age of just 26.

After becoming Head of Youth at Wrexham, the Pontypridd-born coach moved to Liverpool in 2008 and became Academy Manager in 2011.

His time with the Reds saw him work under technical director Pep Segura - currently general football manager at Barcelona - where he helped develop such young talents as Raheem Sterling, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wales international Ben Woodburn.

He moved to the FA in 2013 as a youth coach educator and coached the England Under-16s in 2014, before making the step up to under-17 level the following year.

He led the Young Lions to the final of the 2017 European Championship, where they lost to Spain on penalties, but they gained revenge later in the year by coming from 2-0 down to beat the same opponents 5-2 in the World Cup final.

The England side that day included the likes of Phil Foden, Rhian Brewster, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Jadon Sancho was also in the squad for the tournament.

Cooper, who has overseen 88 international games as head coach, was widely praised for his team’s attractive, attacking style of play, and is highly regarded as one of the best young coaches in the country.

[/article]
Mike Marsh - Swansea (Assistant First Team Coach)

 

[King Binny]

Pablo Fornals - West Ham (£24m)

[article]
West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of highly sought-after Spain international attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals.

A creative, technically-gifted playmaker with an eye for goal, Fornals joins the Hammers from Villarreal, for whom he has excelled in both La Liga and the UEFA Europa League.

Fornals, who becomes the second most-expensive signing in the Club’s history behind Felipe Anderson, has signed a five-year contract, with an option of a further year, after undergoing a successful medical at Spire London East Hospital.

Just 23, the Castellon-born player has already made more than 150 senior appearances and will join up with Manuel Pellegrini’s squad after representing his country at this summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship finals.

“I’m very happy to be part of West Ham,” Fornals told whufc.com from Madrid, where he has been preparing for the tournament. “I feel very good, very happy and very grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me.

“I want the Club to continue giving opportunities to young and ambitious people, people who want to do well for the long term.

“I know about the loyal fans and the stadium, which is a beautiful stadium. The fans fill the stadium every weekend and that is something admirable, especially with the passion with which football is lived there. I think it is important to play with the support of your fans at home.

“I have worked with Mario before – I know him from when I was in Malaga. With Manuel, only when I saw him and admired him on TV. Of course, Manuel was a big influence because in the end he is one of the best coaches in the world and who doesn’t want to work with people like that?!”

Fornals adds yet another dimension to the Hammers’ creative midfield ranks, joining the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Mark Noble, Declan Rice and Robert Snodgrass.

One of Europe’s most highly-rated young attacking midfielders, Fornals spent time with Villarreal and Castellon as a schoolboy before joining Malaga at the age of 16 in 2012.

There, he worked under West Ham’s director of football Mario Husillos, who saw the youngster progress through the B team to make his La Liga debut at Real Madrid, aged 19, in September 2015.

Husillos is looking forward to being reunited with the player, saying: “We are very happy to welcome Pablo to West Ham United as our third new signing this summer.

“He is a player we have monitored closely for some time, having seen him make excellent progress as a young midfielder in one of the best leagues in the world. I personally have followed his career since he was a youth player with me at Malaga, and I know we have signed an incredible professional and an incredible character.

“This is something that is very important for us at West Ham United now – not only a very good player but also a very good person with a good mentality.

“To represent Spain as a full international at the age of 20, and then to have made over 150 appearances in La Liga by the age of 23, is a sign of great quality and character. He joins us a young player still with many years ahead of him, yet with strong experience and already proven at the very highest level.

“We believe that his style and ability perfectly complements the midfielders already at the Club, and we are very pleased to have secured his signing so early in the summer. Now he will go to Italy to play for Spain in the Under-21 European Championships, where we hope we will have success before coming to London.

“We look forward to seeing the impact he will have in a West Ham shirt, and believe that he has all of the qualities required to become a big success in the Premier League.”

Despite his tender years, Fornals immediately became a first-team regular at Villarreal, making 63 appearances across two seasons, scoring seven goals and playing his part in many more.

That form saw him capped by Spain, first at U21 level and then by the seniors, for whom he debuted in Switzerland in May 2016, aged just 20.

The following summer, Villarreal moved to take Fornals back to El Madrigal, where he has become an integral part of The Yellow Submarine’s starting eleven over the past two seasons.

Playing alongside the likes of Santi Cazorla, who his playing style has been favourably compared with, the No8 has caught the eye regularly, scoring a memorable winner in Villarreal’s first-ever La Liga victory at Real Madrid, and a stunning 50-yard strike in a win at Athletic Bilbao - the same team he could make his home debut against in the Betway Cup at London Stadium on Saturday 3 August.

A second Spain cap arrived in a home win over Bosnia in November last year and Fornals is tipped for further senior honours in the future.

Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Pablo to London Stadium and wish him every success for his career in Claret and Blue.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jonathan Woodgate -Middlesbrough (Head Coach)

[article]
Middlesbrough Football Club are delighted to confirm that Jonathan Woodgate will head up a new-look senior coaching team.

Woodgate has been appointed as the club’s new head coach and has agreed a three-year contract.

Our former captain will be joined by his ex-Leeds and Tottenham team-mate, and current Republic of Ireland assistant manager Robbie Keane, Leo Percovich, who was previously on the coaching staff at the club from 2013-2017, and one-time Boro man Danny Coyne, as goalkeeping coach.

There was huge interest in the coaching positions following the departure of Tony Pulis and in a robust process the club spoke with a number of potential candidates both in the UK and abroad.

It was during this procedure that it became clear that Jonathan was the outstanding candidate to head up the new structure, and his staff bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Jonathan’s vision is very much aligned to our own for the club as we look to develop a new identity.
[/article]

Liam Kelly - QPR (£50k)


Lee Wallace - QPR (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

David Turnbull - Celtic (£2.8m plus add ons)

 

[King Binny]

Greg Stewart - Rangers (free transfer)

[article]RANGERS can today confirm the signing of Greg Stewart on a two-year-deal.

The Scotsman joins on a free contract after leaving Birmingham City this summer. The 29-year-old had been on loan to Aberdeen for the second half of the 2018/19 season, having spent the first six months of the campaign with Kilmarnock.

The forward will now stay in Scotland to join Steven Gerrard’s squad having spent the majority of his career north of the border. This will be a return of sorts for the Stirling born player as he began his footballing career in the Rangers Academy.

His first senior club was Cowdenbeath, where he made over 100 appearances before moving to Dundee in 2014 where he spent two years. His time with the Dees saw him catch the eye of Championship Birmingham City and he signed a three-year-deal at St Andrews in August 2016.

He returned to Scotland on loan to Aberdeen for the 2017/18 season and now makes a permanent return with the Gers.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Takefusa Kubo - Real Madrid (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Leonardo - Paris St Germain (Sporting Director)

[article]
Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the return of Leonardo de Araujo as sporting director, a position he previously held from 2011 to 2013.

The 49-year-old former Brazilian international, winner of the 1994 World Cup and 1997 Copa America, joins Paris Saint-Germain for the third time. As a player Leonardo signed for the club in the summer of 1996, wearing the Rouge et Bleu jersey 46 times, scoring 10 goals and helping his team reach the European Cup Winners' Cup Final in 1997 for the second year in a row.

On 27 August 1997 Leonardo played his last match for the club against Steaua Bucharest in a Champions League qualifier. Leo’s four assists whipped the Parc de Princes crowd into a frenzy as the Rouge et Bleu came back from a 0-3 first leg deficit to win 5-0 in Paris. Leonardo ended his playing career at AC Milan in 2003, where he later became sporting director (2003-2009), coach (2009-2010) and once again sporting director (2018-2019).

In July 2011 Leonardo rejoined Paris Saint-Germain to lay the foundations for the club’s new project following the takeover by Qatar Sports Investments. Over the following two seasons the club won the Ligue 1 Championship in 2013, a title that had been craved by Paris Saint-Germain fans for nineteen years.

"I am really happy to come back to Paris Saint-Germain once again," said Leonardo on signing his contract. “This club has been so important to me in my football career and in my life. I had really emotional moments here both as a player in the late 90s and more recently as sporting director along with our chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi on my return to the club in 2011. Today, I come back to Paris full of energy to rejoin this club that I deeply respect."

"It is always a special moment to see Leonardo return to Paris Saint-Germain," said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain. “”Leo" has a place in our club’s history and we all know the role he played as sporting director at the start of our project. Paris Saint-Germain has always remained his family and we are delighted to welcome him back. His return, with his enthusiasm and talent, will bring the club into a new ambitious cycle and I am sure that this reunion will bring happiness to the Parc des Princes, which has always kept “Leo” in its heart. Leonardo is able to link the PSG generations, which is even more special with the club's 50th anniversary next year.”
[/article]

Dejan Joveljic - Eintracht (reportedly €4m plus add ons)

[article]
Eintracht Frankfurt will have another Serbian forward in their ranks for the 2019/20 season after Dejan Joveljic completed a move from FK Red Star Belgrade on a five-year contract valid until 30 June 2024.

"Dejan is a very good centre forward who is versatile and also able to play as a wide attacker," said Eintracht board member Fredi Bobic. "Obviously he's still young and still has things to learn, but we're very optimistic that he'll settle quickly here in Frankfurt. We'll hopefully have a lot of games in the coming season so I'm sure Dejan will get the chance to show what he can do."

Joveljic was born on 7 August 1999 in Bijeljina, a city on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. He played at Slota Junajted in his early youth career before switching to Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade. Last season the 1.82-metre forward registered eight goals and two assists in 17 matches, while he also appeared against SSC Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore, the right-footed attacker found the net three times in four outings in the UEFA Youth League.

Joveljic, whose squad number at Eintracht will be confirmed in the coming weeks, will represent Serbia at the U21 European Championship in Italy this month, with the side's first group game against Austria taking place on Monday.
[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

That's laughably unprofessional from Celtic.

 

[King Binny]

Maurizio Sarri - Juventus (Head Coach)

[article]
Maurizio Sarri is the new Juventus coach

The Tuscan coach has joined the Bianconeri after a year in England with Chelsea, penning in a three-year contract.

After an excellent season on the Blues bench, in which he led the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and reach the EFL Cup final. The ultimate high during his tenure in London was when he led Chelsea to the Europa League final, before going on to being crowned champions in his final game on the Blues bench.

Now, Maurizio Sarri has returned to Italy, where he has coached for the majority of his career. And from today, he will take over the reins at Juventus with a contract until June 30, 2022.

Now at 60 years old, Sarri was born in Naples and spent many years living in Tuscany. In 2001, after spending several years in the world of football, Sarri began his career as a full-time coach. Thus, began an adventure that, since 2005, has taken him to the Serie B championship, leading Pescara, Arezzo and Avellino. But the road to Serie A, however, was still long: Sarri guided, Verona, Perugia, Grosseto, Alessandria and Sorrento, between the Serie B league and the lega pro.

Then in 2012 the story began… with Empoli: in his initial season, Sarri almost led his team to promotion to the top flight, however, Livorno was able to win in the play-off final. A year later, that same Empoli team finished second and were able to reach a new rank in the top division.

After a successful campaign with Empoli, keeping them in the top league, there were no questions to be asked about the quality of the manager. In 2015, Sarri landed in Naples, where he left his impressive mark on the Azzurri bench.

The Neapolitan team reached 82, 86 and 91 points, from 2015 to 2018: Each seasonal improvement was a Serie A record for the Club. Two out of the three seasons, Napoli avoided the preliminary qualification to the Champions League and advanced straight to the group stages.

Finally, in the 2018/19 season, as previously stated, with Chelsea, Sarri lifted his first European trophy.

And now the adventure begins for him in Turin: welcome to Juventus!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Angelo Alessio - Kilmarnock (Manager)

[article]
The Kilmarnock Football Club Limited is delighted to confirm Angelo Alessio as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract.

The 54-year-old is a vastly experienced and respected coach, having served as Antonio Conte’s assistant at Juventus, Chelsea and the Italian national team.

Angelo will begin work at Rugby Park on Thursday alongside assistant manager Alex Dyer when the players return for pre-season training and he will be introduced to the media later on June 20.

Following a successful playing career with Juventus, Bologna and Bari, Angelo moved into coaching as assistant manager of Napoli in 2002.

He first joined forced with Antonio Conte at Siena in 2010, following his colleague to Juventus where they won three Serie A titles from 2012 to 2014.

A proud Italian, Angelo was part of the coaching team which led the Azzurri to the quarter finals of Euro 2016 with further success following at Chelsea as they secured the 2016/17 English Premier League title.

Angelo said: “It is a real honour for me to be named Kilmarnock manager.

“I’ve spent a lot of time researching and gathering information about the club and everyone I spoke to had nothing but positive things to say about Kilmarnock.

“I can’t wait to get to work with the players and staff on the training pitch and building on the strong foundations left by Steve Clarke.”

Director Billy Bowie said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m delighted to name Angelo as the new manager of Kilmarnock FC.

“We were extremely impressed by the calibre of the candidates for the vacancy but Angelo’s knowledge and passion for the role really shone through.

“This is a hugely exciting period for Kilmarnock as we celebrate the club’s 150th Anniversary and play European football for the first time in 18 years and we’re looking forward to this new chapter with Angelo at the helm.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Moussa Diaby - Leverkusen (reportedly €15m + 20% sell-on fee)

[article]
Bayer 04 have signed winger Moussa Diaby from the French champions Paris Saint-Germain. The Werkself have agreed a five-year deal with the U20 international to 30 June 2024.

"Moussa Diaby is an extremely fast, technically strong striker whose qualities suit our game down to the ground," said sporting director Simon Rolfes after the second signing in the current transfer window following that of Kerem Demirbay. "Moussa is already very advanced at the age of 19. He played 34 games last season, an impressive number for a top European club like PSG. He's one of the really big French talents who will find ideal conditions here with us in Leverkusen to develop into an absolutely top player," added Rolfes.

Diaby, who will wear the number 19 shirt for Bayer 04, came through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and he was a regular for the French team at the U20 World Cup in Poland. The left-footer is happy "about a great chance to have a fresh start at a top German club where I can improve myself and my game. The move abroad into one of the best and most evenly balanced leagues in Europe is extremely exciting," said Diaby. "I'm very interested in Germany, the special type of football and the great stadiums. And of course, it's great to be in the Champions League with Bayer 04."

For Rudi Völler, the Diaby transfer means "we are once again a very attractive club for young top players. It's well known that you can quickly reach the highest level at Leverkusen and that we are willing to show our confidence and share responsibility early independent of age with appropriate performances," said the sporting managing director. "I'm sure Moussa Diaby will be really good for us with his great pace and his technique."
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kortney Hause - Aston Villa (reportedly £3m)

[article]
Aston Villa have taken up the option to permanently transfer Kortney Hause from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old, who has represented England at Under-20 and Under-21 level, becomes the club’s third signing since winning promotion to the Premier League.
[/article]

Tommy Elphick - Huddersfield (free transfer)

[article]
Tommy Elphick has today become Huddersfield Town’s first signing of the 2019 summer window, joining as a free agent after departing Aston Villa.

Elphick, 31, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract running until 30 June 2021, with the Club holding the option of a further year’s extension. His contract with Town will commence on Monday 1 July 2019 but he will be with Jan Siewert's First Team when they return for pre-season.

Tommy, who stands at 6’ 2” tall, boasts a wealth of experience in English football, making close to 400 appearances across the top three divisions.

Head Coach Jan Siewert today welcomed Tommy to Huddersfield Town:

“Tommy’s arrival is a fantastic start to our summer transfer business.

“There was a lot of interest in Tommy from several other clubs, which is totally understandable; it is rare that a player of his quality is available as a free agent. We’ve stayed patient and worked very hard to bring him here and I would like to thank the Chairman, the Chief Executive and our Head of Recruitment, Josh Marsh, for all the work they have put into this deal.”

Jan continued:

“Tommy adds a lot of knowledge about the Sky Bet Championship to our squad. It’s also clear from our meetings and from his career that he has real leadership qualities, which is an important asset.”[/article]

Macauley Bonne - Charlton (£200k)

[article]
Charlton Athletic are delighted to welcome Macauley Bonne to The Valley as the club’s first signing of the summer.

The 23-year-old striker arrives in SE7 from Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

The Zimbabwe international scored 49 goals in the last two seasons for the Os helping them to promotion last term.

The Addicks new signing said: “I’m delighted to be here now, it’s been something that’s been on the cards for a while now and so I’m delighted that it’s over the line.

He explained why he chose the Addicks: “Seeing how they’ve had a young team for the past two seasons and they’ve managed to get where they have with the youth in there. I thought it was the best move for me to progress and become a better player.”

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer told Valley Pass that like last summer, when Lyle Taylor was his first signing, he has prioritised bringing in a striker. He said: “If you don’t score goals, you don’t win games. We did the same thing last season with Lyle, he was our first signing and Macauley’s ours this summer.

“We have to get people in that are going to do things in the attacking third, that’s what we’re focusing on and what we’ve been focusing on for a long time.

“Steve Gallen (the club’s Head of Recruitment) has been looking at him for two years, so it’s been something that we’ve been keeping an eye on and now it’s the right time for him to come to us.”

Gallen said: “Macauley’s been part of the team that won the National League, and he’s scored a lot of goals and as I say he’s someone who we’ve been watching for a while. The manager and I talked about him in January as a potential replacement for Karlan (Grant) at that stage to see if we could do it. We couldn’t at that stage, but we’re now really pleased to get him.”

Born in Ipswich, Bonne made his professional debut for Colchester United in 2013. After loan spells at Lincoln City and Woking, he joined Orient in 2017. The striker netted 25 goals in his first season and 24 goals this season.
[/article]

Walter Sabatini - Coordinator for Sporting Departments (Bologna and Montreal Impact)

 

[King Binny]

Macauley Bonne - Charlton (£200k)

whirlwind of events

 

[King Binny]

whirlwind of events

Another twist
[article]Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm that Addicks’ boss Lee Bowyer has agreed a contract extension with the club.

Bowyer led Charlton to promotion last season, as his team capped a tremendous year with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland in the League One play-off final at Wembley.

After a period of negotiation Bowyer has penned a one-year contract extension as the club embarks on its first season back in the Championship.

Lee Bowyer said: “We went on a real journey last season. The club came together - the players, the staff, the fans and we achieved something special. The journey hasn’t finished yet and I’m delighted this has all been agreed.

“This has been a long process and I never wanted to leave, I love this club. I’d like to thank the owner for giving me the initial opportunity and now for continuing to believe in me.

“We have a fantastic fanbase here and my focus continues to be getting our squad in the best possible shape for the Championship next season.”

Charlton Athletic owner Roland Duchatelet said: “What Lee has achieved in his short time at the club is very impressive. He has united the club once again.

“I would like to thank Lee for his professionalism during this process. While the negotiations have been ongoing, he has continued to work on building a squad for the club’s Championship campaign. Stability is essential and I am very pleased we now have the best man in place to lead us forward next season.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ruben Vargas - Augsburg (€2.5m)

[article]
Switzerland U21 international Ruben Vargas becomes the latest summer recruit for FCA, arriving from FC Luzern for the 2019/20 season. Both clubs have agreed to keep the conditions of the deal undisclosed.

Last season, the 20-year-old midfielder scored eight goals and assisted eight times in 31 Swiss Super League games. Alongside three caps at U21 level, Vargas has also been called up to the Switzerland senior team, but is yet to make an appearance.

Vargas, who has both Swiss and Dominican Republic citizenship, has signed a contract with the club until 2024.

“In Ruben Vargas, we’ve succeeded in signing a big Swiss talent, whom other European clubs were also interested in signing,” says Sporting Director Stefan Reuter. “Ruben developed brilliantly in Lucerne and is now ready to take the next step. We’re certain that he will greatly strengthen our squad.”

“Even in Switzerland, you understand that FCA is a very well-run and familiar club,” says Vargas. “That’s why I was especially pleased when I heard Augsburg were interested in me. I’m really happy that I’ll get the chance here to sink my teeth into Bundesliga football.”
[/article]

Yoann Barbet - QPR (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Sheyi Ojo - Rangers (loan)

[article]
RANGERS Football Club are today delighted to confirm the signing of Sheyi Ojo from Liverpool on a season-long loan deal subject to international clearance.

Ojo, 21, has made 13 top team appearances for the European Champions, while he has also enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham, and last season in French Ligue 1 with Stade de Reims.

He has represented England at various levels, including the under-20 squad which won the World Cup in 2017, where he came off the bench in the final as the Three Lions defeated Venezuela 1-0.

Ojo’s professional debut in football came at Wigan in a loan spell for the second half of the 2014/15 season, before he followed that with time at Wolves in the first half of season 2015/16.

His return to Anfield coincided with Jurgen Klopp taking the reins, and he went on to play 11 times before the end of that season, scoring once in an FA Cup win over Exeter.

His next loan spell in season 2017/18 came at Fulham, and he played a part in the London club making it up to the Premier League through the play-offs, making 24 regular-season appearances and hitting four goals.

Last season, after featuring heavily in pre-season, he was handed a new deal by Klopp before heading out on-loan to Stade de Reims in Ligue 1.

He featured 17 times there, scoring once as they earned a very respectable eighth place finish.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mats Hummels - Borussia Dortmund (€38m including add ons)


Nikola Vlasic - CSKA Moscow (£14m + sell on clause)

 

[King Binny]

Marco Giampaolo - AC Milan (Head Coach)

[article]AC Milan announces the appointment of Marco Giampaolo as the new coach of the First Team with effect from July 1st 2019. The agreement runs until June 30th 2021 with an option to extend the contract to June 2022.

Marco Giampaolo, born in Bellinzona on August 2nd 1967, has managed 324 games across all competitions during his career of which 270 have been in Serie A.
Giampaolo began his career as assistant coach in Pescara in 2000 and earned his coaching license in July 2007. He has coached several Italian Clubs since then, including Cagliari, Siena, Catania, Cesena, Brescia and Empoli. Most recently, Giampaolo has been at the helm of UC Sampdoria. Marco Giampaolo will now coach AC Milan's First Team on the first day of the new season's training at Milanello on July 9th.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

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]

 

[King Binny]

Sheyi Ojo - Rangers (loan)

[article]
RANGERS Football Club are today delighted to confirm the signing of Sheyi Ojo from Liverpool on a season-long loan deal subject to international clearance.

Ojo, 21, has made 13 top team appearances for the European Champions, while he has also enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham, and last season in French Ligue 1 with Stade de Reims.

He has represented England at various levels, including the under-20 squad which won the World Cup in 2017, where he came off the bench in the final as the Three Lions defeated Venezuela 1-0.

Ojo’s professional debut in football came at Wigan in a loan spell for the second half of the 2014/15 season, before he followed that with time at Wolves in the first half of season 2015/16.

His return to Anfield coincided with Jurgen Klopp taking the reins, and he went on to play 11 times before the end of that season, scoring once in an FA Cup win over Exeter.

His next loan spell in season 2017/18 came at Fulham, and he played a part in the London club making it up to the Premier League through the play-offs, making 24 regular-season appearances and hitting four goals.

Last season, after featuring heavily in pre-season, he was handed a new deal by Klopp before heading out on-loan to Stade de Reims in Ligue 1.

He featured 17 times there, scoring once as they earned a very respectable eighth place finish.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

Marcos Llorente - Atletico Madrid (reportedly €40m)
[article][/article]

 

[King Binny]

Reece Brown - Huddersfield Town (£150k)

[article]
Huddersfield Town has completed the signing of 23-year-old midfielder Reece Brown from Forest Green Rovers.

The attack-minded central midfielder joins the Terriers on the back of a superb season with the Sky Bet League 2 side, where he contributed 11 goals and 15 assists as the Gloucestershire club reached the Play-Offs.

Reece, who is capped by England up to Under-20 level, is out of contract at Forest Green, but compensation is payable due to his age and an undisclosed fee has been agreed between the clubs.

He has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract at Town starting on 1 July 2019 but will join Jan Siewert’s First Team squad for the start of pre-season.

Huddersfield Town Head Coach Jan Siewert commented:

“I’m very happy that we can welcome Reece to Huddersfield Town today.

“He is a very interesting player. He had a setback in his career when he left Birmingham City, but he showed great desire to go on and have a real impact at Forest Green Rovers. Now wants to show that he can apply his qualities to be a success in the Sky Bet Championship.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Craig Bellamy - Anderlecht (U21 Head Coach)

[article]Craig Bellamy (39) signed a three-year agreement today with RSC Anderlecht. He will be in charge of the U21 team. The Welshman played for different teams across the United Kingdom, such as Liverpool FC and Manchester City. He also played 78 games for the Welsh national football team. Bellamy was captain of the British selection during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In the last few years he was active in Cardiff City’s youth academy.

“We are very happy with Craig’s arrival at RSC Anderlecht. He has a lot of experience and will be a great mentor for our youth players mentally speaking, but also in terms of football skills. As coach of the U21 team, his task will be to prepare our young talents for the first team”, Youth Director Jean Kindermans explains.

“The appointment of Craig proves we continue our efforts to improve our youth development”, Sports Director Michael Verschueren confirms. “He will be working closely together with Vincent Kompany, Simon Davies and our Academy coaches to make the transition into the senior squad easier for our ‘purple talents’.”[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Having the word Red printed on a blue shirt is a bit of a cognitive dissonance, don't you think?

 

[King Binny]

Petr Cech - Chelsea (Technical and Performance Advisor)


Luis Muriel - Atalanta (€18 million)

 

[King Binny]

George Edmundson - Rangers (£650k)

[article]
RANGERS are today delighted to announce the signing of defender George Edmundson from Oldham Athletic on a four year deal subject to international clearance.

The 21 year-old, a youth product of the League Two outfit Oldham, made his debut for the Boundary Park club in the 2015/16 season before heading off to Ramsbottom United on loan to gain experience.

Further loan spells at Alfreton Town and AFC Fylde followed for Edmundson before he properly established himself in the Oldham side last season.

He made 54 appearances in 2018/19 across all competitions for the Latics and scored twice. The highlight of the campaign for Oldham would have been their FA Cup win over Premier League Fulham at Craven Cottage, where Edmundson impressed in a stunning 2-1 win.

Standing at 6’1”, the centre-half arrives at Ibrox for an undisclosed fee.
[/article]