Confirmed Transfers 19/20

[King Binny]

Helder Costa - Leeds Utd (loan with obligation to buy for £15m)

[article]Helder Costa has today joined Leeds United from Wolverhampton Wanderers on an initial one year loan deal, which will become a permanent transfer next summer for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has agreed a four year contract with the Whites, which will run until the summer of 2024.

The Portuguese international began his career at Benfica before having loan spells at Deportivo La Coruna and AS Monaco, ahead of joining Wolves in 2016, initially on a temporary basis.

After a successful period at Molineux during the 2016/17 campaign where he was named Player of the Season, Wolves signed him permanently for a then club record transfer fee.

Costa went on to play a key part in the team that won the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship and last term made 30 appearances in all competitions as Wolves finished seventh in the Premier League.

A tricky winger who can also play as a centre forward, Costa made his international debut for Portugal last year, scoring the opening goal in a 3-1 win against Scotland at Hampden Park.

He will wear the number 17 shirt for Whites and becomes Leeds’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of Jack Harrison, Ben White and Liam McCarron earlier this week.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rodrigo Hernández - Man City (€70m)

[article]
LaLiga has informed Atlético de Madrid that Rodrigo Hernández, through his lawyer, and representatives from Manchester City, paid the player’s release clause at the sports association’s headquarters on Wednesday, July 3.

Manchester City has paid the buyout clause on behalf of the player.

The player has therefore unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which ran until June 30, 2023.
[/article]

Conor Masterson - QPR (free transfer)


Jules Kounde - Sevilla (€25m)

[article]
Jules Koundé (Paris, 12th of November 1998) has become Sevilla's fifth signing of the 19/20 transfer window. The young defender, who arrived in Seville last night, has passed his medical this morning and signed a contract that will keep him at the Club until 2024.

Grown in the Bordeaux academy, Koundé is a 20 year old centre-back in his second season in the French top-flight. He debuted in the 17/18 season, and quickly became one of the sensations of French football.

In the 18/19 season, he played 51 matches - barely missing a game - with 37 appearances in Ligue 1. A versatile defender, Koundé has even been deployed at full-back. He also boasts a fine disciplinary record, picking up just 5 yellow cards last season.

Koundé is Sevilla's second reinforcement in defence, after the arrival of Diego Carlos from Nantes in June.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Hector Herrera - Atlético Madrid (free transfer)

[article]
Atlético de Madrid has reached an agreement with Héctor Herrera for the Mexican to become a new Red & White player. The midfielder is to sign a three-year contract tomorrow.

The midfielder has great experience in European football. Born in Rosarito (Mexico), Herrera began his career at Pachuca’s youth teams. In 2010, at age 21, he made his debut with the Mexican side’s first team, where he began to shine. At 22, he won the Toulon Tournament with the Mexico U23 team and was named Best Player. Shortly thereafter, he won the gold medal with his country at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. A year later, he moved to FC Porto, where he became one of the Portuguese side’s leaders. During his six seasons in Portugal, Herrera won one league title and two Super Cups. Thanks to his leadership skills and his performances on the pitch, he became one of FC Porto’s captains.

The midfielder has also been one of his national team’s most important players in the last years. He has played two World Cups (Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018) and won the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2015 CONCACAF Cup. He has played 70 games for Mexico, scoring five goals.

With Héctor Herrera’s arrival, we add a strong, talented and skilful midfielder. During his six seasons at FC Porto, he played 245 matches and netted 35 goals. The 29-year-old links up very well with his teammates, as the stats confirm. In the 2018-19 season, he was the third player with the most successful passes (1,566) and the second with the most successful forward passes (990) in Portugal. He is strong on and off the ball and has a powerful shot. In fact, in the 2017-18 season, his stunner against Benfica was voted as the Portuguese league’s best goal.

The midfielder also has great experience in the Champions League, having played 41 matches in the competition.

Moreover, with this agreement, we strengthen our link with Mexico. In 2017 we signed our deal with Atlético de San Luis, and now one of the country’s most talented players arrives at our club. For these reasons, we welcome Héctor Herrera to Atlético de Madrid and we wish him the best of luck at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Welcome, Héctor!
[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Atletico Madrid have no choice but to sell Griezmann for big money now to recoup the insane fee for Joao Felix. Looks like quite a risk to take on a youngster, but I do think he's a special talent and will almost certainly grow into a special player.

 

[King Binny]

Atletico Madrid have no choice but to sell Griezmann for big money now to recoup the insane fee for Joao Felix. Looks like quite a risk to take on a youngster, but I do think he's a special talent and will almost certainly grow into a special player.

Quite a statement of intent from Atletico Madrid too

Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid (£113m)

[article]
João Félix is now an Atlético de Madrid player. Our club and Benfica have reached an agreement over the transfer of the young Portuguese footballer. The forward has already passed his medical at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and signed his new contract for the next seven seasons.

The 19-year-old is a very talented player who shows great potential. He made his Benfica first team debut on Aug. 18, 2018 during a league game against Boavista. It didn’t take him long to score his first goal, which he netted in the following match during the derby against Sporting CP (1-1). His 85th-minute header earned his team a draw at the Estádio da Luz.

During his first season in the top-flight, João Félix played 43 games, scored 20 goals and registered 11 assists. Thanks to these impressive numbers, he became one of Benfica’s main offensive threats and won the Portuguese league. The forward made his Champions League debut during the group stage match against AEK Athens FC, in which he played 77 minutes. However, he is remembered for his performance in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Eintracht Frankfurt. The 19-year-old netted three goals and provided an assist as Benfica earned a 4-2 win, thus becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League.

His performances for Benfica have earned him his debut with the Portugal national team, which came on June 5 during the UEFA Nations League clash against Switzerland. The forward played 70 minutes in his team’s 3-1 semi-final win. Portugal and João Félix would go on to win the competition, earning a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the final. The 19-year-old now joins the list of Portuguese players who have played at our club. Paulo Futre, one of our greatest legends, remains in the hearts of all the Atléticos.

With João Félix’s arrival, we add to our squad a versatile player who can play in any attacking position. He’s a skilful footballer who can dribble and who’s very good on the ball. He can also score and set up a teammate, as proven by his 20 goals and 11 assists this season. Because of all of this, the Atleti Family welcomes João Félix and wishes him the best of luck at his new home.

The announcement of the player's signing took place at the Prado Museum in Madrid, which is currently celebrating its 200th year.
[/article]

Gabriel Fernández - Celta Vigo (reportedly €4m)


Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo - Celtic (reportedly £3m)

[article]
CELTIC Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from Rapid Vienna.

The Belgian, who can play in a variety of left-sided roles, moves to the Scottish Champions after two years with the Austrian side, and having played his first ever game for Rapid Vienna against Celtic in a pre-season friendly back in 2017.

The 24-year-old began his career with Club Brugge, spending four years there before moving to Austria. During that time, he made 73 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
[/article]

Frank Lampard - Chelsea (Head Coach)

[article]
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Frank Lampard as our new head coach.

One of the greatest players in our history during his long and illustrious career, Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge having signed a three-year contract.

The 41-year-old said: ‘I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach. Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead. I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia (pictured above right) added: ‘It gives us great pleasure to welcome Frank back to Chelsea as head coach. Frank possesses fantastic knowledge and understanding of the club and last season, he demonstrated he is one of the most talented young coaches in the game.

‘After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so. We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success.’

Lampard learned from some of the best managers in the history of the sport during his trophy-laden 13 years at Chelsea when he blazed a trail. Only Ron Harris, Peter Bonetti and John Terry played more than his 648 games and Lampard famously leads our all-time scoring chart with 211 goals. His goal touch allied with all-round quality and fantastic stamina helped change the way football views the modern central midfield player.

Lampard's dedication to improvement, versatility and reading of the game was exemplary, and those assets bode well as he begins life in charge of an elite Premier League club he knows inside out.

Not surprisingly Lampard has a fantastic relationship with the Chelsea supporters, who voted him their Player of the Year three times and who have sung his name regularly since he left in 2014. Everyone at the club is excited to see him patrolling the Stamford Bridge touchlines and leading the quest for more silverware.

As a player he was the man for the biggest occasions - not least when his goals fired the team to the league title at Bolton in 2005, when he provided the vital pass for Didier Drogba's winner in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley, or when he led the team in John Terry's absence in the Champions League final in Munich.

Lampard's brilliance was not just limited to the deluge of goals he netted over the years, nor was it confined to the significance of so many of those strikes. What really stands him out as one of the all-time greats was his extraordinary consistency.

He netted 20 or more goals for five consecutive seasons and according to Premier League statistics, he supplied the fourth-highest assists figure in the competition's history. He also made a record-breaking 164 consecutive league appearances between 2001 and 2005, still the highest for an outfield player.

Through this unflinching commitment, he blossomed from the solid Premier League midfielder he was when he joined Chelsea in 2001 to become the runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards four years later. No such global recognition has been bestowed on any other Chelsea player, before or since.

Lampard left Stamford Bridge in 2014 having won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Europa League and, of course, the Champions League. He is also the Blues player to have represented their country more than anyone else in our history. He retired from England duty with 106 caps and 29 goals to his name, hanging up his boots for good in February 2017 having left a remarkable legacy in the game as a player. We hope he will do likewise as a manager.

Welcome home, Super Frank!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ayoze Pérez - Leicester City (£30m)

[article]Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Spanish forward Ayoze Pérez for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 25-year-old joins from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United and has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract at King Power Stadium to become the Foxes’ second signing of the summer, after the addition of James Justin from Luton Town.

Pérez, who has scored the winning goal on each of his previous two visits to King Power Stadium, spent the last five seasons on Tyneside and enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to-date in 2018/19, when he found the net 12 times.

Three times a winner of Newcastle’s Goal of the Season Award, Perez is one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents, with pace, trickery and an eye for goal that will add plenty to City’s attacking ranks ahead of their top-flight opener at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday 11 August.

Speaking to LCFC TV, Pérez said: “I’m very happy and very pleased. I’m very proud to be part of the Leicester family and I can’t wait to get started.

“The Club want to keep growing as much as they can and that’s something I like. I spoke with the manager and that was important. That made me feel very comfortable about the decision to come here.”

Leicester City Manager Brendan Rodgers added: “I think Ayoze will be a wonderful addition to the squad. He’s quick, has a good eye for goal and he’s experienced in the Premier League too.

“I think he’s a player who will excite our supporters, and his style is one that I believe complements the options and quality that we already have here at the Football Club.”

Born on the Canary Island of Tenerife, Pérez began his professional playing career with his home island team – playing for the B team in Spain’s lower leagues from 2011 before progressing into the senior setup for the 2012/13 campaign.

That season proved to be a key one for Pérez, whose performances earned him the Breakthrough Player of the Year award as CD Tenerife were promoted to the second tier of Spanish football. His progress continued at a rapid rate as he scored an impressive 16 times in just 34 games the following season – form that attracted the interest of a host of teams.

In the summer of 2014, Pérez eventually signed for Newcastle United and netted a healthy seven times in his debut Premier League campaign – earning him a call-up to the Spanish U21 side. He also scored an impressive 12 times to earn the Magpies promotion from the Championship in 2016/17 and has consistently been one of the first names on the Newcastle teamsheet throughout his time in the north east.

His 10 goals in 2017/18 helped the Magpies avoid relegation on their return to the top-flight, while his best season for the side came last term as he notched 13 times in all competitions – including a hat-trick in a 3-1 home victory over Southampton.

Pérez will now link up with his new Leicester City team-mates ahead of next week’s training camp in France as they prepare for a new Premier League season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gianluigi Buffon - Juventus (free transfer)

[article]
After a year away from Turin, Gianluigi Buffon has returned to Juventus, after penning in a one-year contract which will tie him to the club until 30 June 2020.

It was 19 May 2018. That was the day when there were tears in everyone’s eyes; when Gigi said goodbye to Juventus, it's fans and vice-versa. It was the bidding of a farewell to someone who was more than just a captain, but a legend and a symbol of the club.

Probably each of us hoped, and in the end, knew that the yarn that united us for so many years was not destined to break. And that was the case.

After a year with Paris Saint-Germain, where Gigi registered saves on 73,5% of his attempts, won 13 of 17 games played in Ligue 1, and added a French league title along with a Super Cup to his incredible trophy cabinet, Gigi has officially returned to Juventus.

Buffon is back home!
[/article]

Guillermo Amor - Leeds Utd (free transfer)

[article]
Leeds United can announce Guillermo Amor has today joined the club from FC Barcelona on a free transfer.

The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a two year deal with the Whites, running until the summer of 2021.

He will initially link up with Mark Jackson’s Under-18s side.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ander Herrera - Paris Saint-Germain （free transfer)

[article]Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the arrival of Ander Herrera Agüera. The Spanish midfielder comes to Paris after his contract ended at Manchester United and has signed a five-year contract with the capital club until 30 June 2024.

The 29-year-old Bilbao-born midfielder came through the ranks at Real Zaragoza, turning professional in 2009. His form on the pitch did not go unnoticed by the Spanish Football Federation who called up Ander for the 2011 Euro U21 Championship, eventually won by “La Roja” with the Basque midfielder named in the competition’s best XI.

Following Spain’s Euro victory, Ander joined his hometown club Athletic Bilbao where he went on to play 128 matches in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and making 19 assists. During his three seasons with the Basque Lions, the Spanish international (2 caps) became one of the top midfielders in La Liga, eventually joining Manchester United in 2014.

Ander made 189 appearances for the Red Devils, notching 20 goals and 27 assists. The midfielder also put in a man of match performance for Man Utd’s 2017 Europa League Final victory, having previously reached the final with Athletic Bilbao in 2012. Ander will wear the number 21 on his Rouge et Bleu jersey.

"Paris Saint-Germain is the greatest club in France. It keeps on improving and competes to win every possible title, said Ander Herrera on signing his contract. I was looking forward to coming to Paris and to wearing those colors. I hope to continue to make history with the club! Joining this club is an amazing feeling. I also love the city. Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. I promise three things: work, professionalism and passion. I also promise to improve my French because I think that the language is very important for the team’s communication.”[/article]

Rubén Peña - Villarreal (undisclosed fee)

[article]Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with SD Eibar for the transfer of Rubén Peña, who will join the Yellows for the next fix seasons. The 27-year-old defender will be presented tomorrow at 12pm CEST in front of the media at the Villarreal CF Training Ground (Ciudad Deportiva) and will start pre-season with his new team-mates on Monday 8th July.

Rubén Peña Jiménez (18/07/1991) is a full-back with extensive experience in Spanish football. After representing Real Valladolid, CD Guijuelo and CD Leganés, he stepped up to the top flight with SD Eibar, playing 96 official gams for them, scoring four times and registering five assists.

Furthermore, with Eibar, he changed from a right winger into an attacking right-back. His good control of the ball and ability to read the game make him into a versatile player, who can also play on both wings.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Phil Jagielka - Sheff Utd (free transfer)

[article]Chris Wilder has secured the services of an England international, capped 40 times by his country, who has plied his trade in the Premier League for the last 13 seasons.

Phil Jagielka has returned to Bramall Lane on a free transfer following his release by Everton, penning an initial one-year deal at his first professional home.

The 36-year-old moved to Goodison Park in the summer of 2006, after the Blades were relegated to the second tier and subsequently amassed over 300 appearances for Toffees, whilst also leading England at senior level.

But now he returns to the club he first joined as a 15-year-old back in 1998, adding top-flight experience and increased versatility to Wilder's backline, much to the delight of the Gaffer.

Wilder remarked: "I don't have to sign players for the fans to pat us on the back, we're signing Phil because he is a really good footballer and a great character to have around in our first season back in the Premier League.

"He's got an obvious history with the club which is fantastic but meeting up with him and seeing his desire makes me delighted to see Jags back at home.

"He's had a fantastic career, he was deserving of his move when we dropped out of the top-flight last time and he went to a fantastic club and played all those games in the Premier League and captained England.

"To have Phil in and around our changing room in one of the most important seasons in our recent history is going to be invaluable.

"He's come to play, he knows he's got to earn his place, but I'm buzzing having spent time with him and seen the desire he's got to succeed at the back end of his career."

For United, Jagielka made his league debut in May 2000 and went on to make 287 appearances in all competitions, captaining the club and also featuring in the last stint in the Premier League in 2006/07.

Jagielka was popular with supporters for his athletic displays and has remained a favourite with United fans during his time on Merseyside.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

David Ospina - Napoli (£3.1m)



Raul Albiol - Villarreal (£3.6m)

[article]Villarreal CF and SCC Napoli have reached an agreement for the transfer of Raúl Albiol, who will play in the Yellow Submarine for the next three seasons. The Valencian centre-back, 33, will be officially presented in the upcoming days, and will carry out pre-season medical tests this weekend, before starting training on Monday alongside his team-mates.

Raúl Albiol Tortajada (Vilamarxant, 04/09/1985) is an experienced centre-back who has played 52 teams with the Spain national side, winning a World Cup and two European Championships. He started his footballing career at Ribarroja before signing for the Valencia academy. He made his debut for Los Che's first team, before being loaned to Getafe for the 2004/05 season. He returned to Valencia, a team where he shone until signing for Real Madrid in 2009/10. He was with Los Blancos for four seasons, before signing for Napoli. He has been with the Italian side until joining Villarreal, playing 235 official matches, scoring six goals and registering 11 assists.

Throughout his professional career, Albiol has played 545 matches, with four teams (Valencia, Getafe, Real Madrid and Napoli), scoring 15 goles and registering 13 assists.

He has also won a World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, a LaLiga title with Real Madrid, two Copas del Rey with Valencia and Real Madrid, a Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid, a Europa League with Valencia, a Coppa Italia with Napoli and an Italian Super Cup, also with Napoli.
[/article]

 

[Kay Age El]

A bit off the grid this one but the praisings this lad has got is quite something and there were apparently far larger clubs involved before he opted for RB Salzburg;

Rumored fee in the £2M region. Will you look out for him @Holle?

 

[Kay Age El]

This one is done and dusted as well;

 

[keniget]

7 year contract for Felix. That's mental.

 

[King Binny]

This one is done and dusted as well;

Is he good?


[article]FC Copenhagen have sold Slovakian defender Denis Vavro to the Italian Serie A club SS Lazio. Vavro moves with immediate effect.

Vavro joined FCK in the summer of 2017 and has since played 85 matches in the white shirt, while also becoming full Slovakia international player in the same period.

"Denis is in many ways a perfect example of how we would like to develop players at FCK and pass them on to the biggest leagues and clubs," says FCK manger Ståle Solbakken.

"Denis came here as a very talented but also unfinished player, and he has taken great developmental steps especially in the last year, having learned a lot the first year with us.

“We have now received an attractive financial offer from SS Lazio and it was also a great opportunity for Denis. This, combined with having been able to sign a replacement, means we have chosen to accept the offer.

"We would not have done this if we did not feel that we retained the strength of the team, which we believe we have addressed with the new player.

"Denis has been a great asset to us, and we have enjoyed his energy and strong mentality, which has also been important to the team. We are proud that we can send a very good player further and we all wish Denis all the best in the future in Italy."

Vavro himself is looking forward to a new adventure.

"I really enjoyed by time at FCK and I owe the club for this opportunity. I am very grateful for everything I have learned from coaches and fellow players who have helped me develop as a player and as a human being," he said.

"It is the training as a professional football player on and off the pitch that has brought me this great opportunity.

“We have had many good experiences together as a team. I will always remember our evening at home in Copenhagen against Atlanta, and I will always feel like part of the club and the team. I would also like to thank the many FCK fans who have supported me both in good and bad times when I and the team needed it most.

"I'm going to miss them, but I also want to be the FCK fan myself forever, and I'm looking forward to visiting Copenhagen again in the future."

Everyone at FCK wishes Denis the best of luck in the future![/article]

 

[King Binny]

7 year contract for Felix. That's mental.

Wonder what's his release clause figure.



Phillip Cocu - Derby County (Head Coach)

[article]
Derby County Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Phillip Cocu as the club’s new manager.

Former Dutch international midfielder Cocu, 48, has penned a four-year contract to take charge of the Rams.

He will be joined at Pride Park Stadium by Chris van der Weerden, who has taken up the position of Assistant Manager and Twan Scheepers, who has been appointed as Specialist First Team Coach. Shay Given, Derby’s Head Goalkeeping Coach, will remain as part of the new-look coaching team.

Derby’s new coaching staff have joined the first-team squad in Florida for a 10-day training camp with two friendly matches also scheduled.

Cocu’s long and distinguished playing career saw him achieve 800 club appearances and four league titles, including La Liga during his time with Barcelona, establishing himself as a world class player and a great leader both on and off the pitch. His career also included spells with AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse Arnhem and his hometown club PSV Eindhoven on two occasions, in addition to Al Jazira in the UAE.

After his hugely impressive playing career, which included representing Holland on more than 100 occasions, Cocu chose to start his career as a coach. He guided PSV Eindhoven to three Dutch league titles during five full seasons in charge between 2013 and 2018.

During his time at PSV, Cocu’s team delivered exciting and highly successful football, whilst also demonstrating a strong ability to develop players; experience and qualities which make him an excellent choice to fulfil Derby’s vacant managerial position.

Commenting on his appointment, Cocu said: “I am pleased and honoured to confirm that Derby County will be my new club and can’t wait to meet with the team and the fans to start this adventure together.”

Derby County’s Executive Chairman, Mel Morris CBE, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Phillip Cocu as our new manager.

“We are continuing to develop our philosophy at Derby County and from the first conversation with Phillip, and his team, it was very clear they share similar views.

“The fit is strong. We want to build on the momentum that we have in our style of play, our club values, and the increasingly important role of our Academy. Phillip and his team understand the need and benefits of this approach.

“We had very specific criteria for identifying a new manager.

• Style of football
• Managerial success at a high level
• Developing and improving both young and experienced players
• Distinguished playing career
• Building player value
• Similar philosophy and values as Derby County
• Experience and desire to harness data analytics and sports science

“Phillip has an excellent track record of achievement in his managerial career with a proven ability to develop players to drive both tangible success and value. We are looking forward to Phillip leading us into the new season.”

Cocu’s latest chapter sees him become Derby’s first-ever foreign manager – and his first competitive fixture in the dug-out will be the season-opener at Huddersfield Town on Monday 5th August 2019 (7:45pm kick-off).
[/article]

Didn't do too well at Fenerbahçe

 

[King Binny]

Samir Nasri - Anderlecht (free transfer)


Benito Raman - Schalke (€13m)

[article]The Royal Blues have secured the signing of attacker Benito Raman from Fortuna Düsseldorf. The 24 year old, who was born on 7th November 1994, has signed a five-year contract with the club and will wear the number 9 shirt for David Wagner’s side.

“We watched Benito very intensively last season, as his goal threat and work rate made him stand out,” explained Jochen Schneider. “We are sure that he will also win over the fans with his style of play.”

Head coach David Wagner is also convinced. “We are very pleased that Benito has chosen Schalke 04. With ten goals and six assists last season, he has shown that he can make an impact at the highest level,” said Wagner. “Two other factors are equally as important for our future style of play – in the 18/19 season, he was amongst the players who made the most sprints over the season and had some of the best running stats in the league. That should also be the case next season in Schalke colours.”

Benito Raman wants to build on a Royal Blue tradition. “I am very happy to be here. There have been a number of Belgian players who have achieved a lot here in the past. If I can build on their performances, that would make me very proud. I’ll give everything to do that.”

Raman began his career as a child in his native Belgium at Cercle Melle (1998) and SV Munkzwalm (1998-2002), before joining the youth set up at KAA Gent in 2002, where the forward went on to make his professional debut at the age of 17 in September 2011. Raman remained with the club until 2016, spending time out on loan at AC Beerschot (2012-13), KV Kortrijk (2013-14) and VV St. Truden (2016).

Raman and KAA Gent became Belgian champions in 2016 and the attacker joined Standard Lüttich the following summer before heading to Fortuna Düsseldorf on loan in 2017. Fortuna took up an option to make the deal permanent the following year, signing Raman to a four-year contract. Raman made 28 Bundesliga appearances (10 goals), 28 second-division appearances (10 goals) in addition to three DFB-Pokal outings (1 goal).[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Markus Schubert - Schalke (free transfer)

[article]
In Suat Serdar and Alexander Nübel, the Royal Blues previously had two U21 European Championship runners-up in their ranks. Now, with the signing of Markus Schubert for an undisclosed fee, that number has risen to three. The goalkeeper, whose contract at Dynamo Dresden expired on 30th June, was also part of the Germany squad in the recent U21 European Championship in Italy and San Marino. Schubert has signed a four-year-long contract until 30th June 2023.

“We’re very happy to have signed an exceptional goalkeeping talent in Markus Schubert,” said sporting director Jochen Schneider. “An important factor in Markus’ signing was goalkeeping coach Simon Henzler’s judgement, who thinks very highly of him.”

The 21-year-old had this to say about his new challenge: “I’m absolutely convinced that I can make the next step here and I made my decision very wilfully after talking with plenty of people. I had great talks with the board, and goalkeeping coach Simon Henzler excited me with his training ideas. I associate Schalke 04 with excellent fans, passion, ambition and honest work, all of which I can identify with 100%. I’ll give my all to be successful at Schalke 04 and am really looking forward to the task ahead.”

After playing for SV Lok Nossen (2004-2008) and SC Riesa (2008-2011), Schubert joined the Dresden youth setup aged 13. The custodian went on to play first team football for the club, making 40 2. Bundesliga appearances and playing twice in the DFB-Pokal. At international level, the 1.86 metre tall keeper has progressed from U17 to U21 level for Germany.
[/article]

Ralf Fährmann - Norwich (loan with option to buy)

[article]Norwich City are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann on a season-long loan deal from FC Schalke 04.

The 30-year-old stopper brings to Norfolk a wealth of experience playing at the highest level with Schalke, with 196 appearances notched in the Bundesliga and 40 in European competitions.

He becomes the Canaries’ third signing of the summer in preparation for the 2019-20 Premier League season after the deals agreed for Patrick Roberts and Josip Drmic.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Fährmann said: “I’m really glad and proud to sign here. To be a part of the Premier League, I think it’s a wonderful thing for all, not only for me but also for the fans and supporters of Norwich City.

“There were a few clubs who showed interest in me, but Norwich gave me a very familiar feeling and that was the reason why the decision was easy for me.

“I was at my old club for a really long time, over 14 years, and it felt like it was time for something new.

“Therefore, it was the perfect time now with Norwich in the Premier League. I’ve heard only the best things about the city and I’m looking forward to getting to know Norwich better.”

Fährmann moved to Schalke in 2003 at the age of 15 and made five first-team appearances for the Club before transferring to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2009.

He only spent two seasons in Frankfurt and re-joined Schalke in 2011, subsequently going on to establish himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in Germany.

The 6ft5in ‘keeper is now looking forward to his next challenge in the Premier League and working closely with Head Coach Daniel Farke.

“I watched the Premier League last season and a bit of Championship. It was an incredible season, topped with the Championship title. I saw many photos of the parade and celebration and it was really impressive.

“Of course, I think everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League – it is the best league in the world and to compete with the best clubs and players is a dream for everyone and therefore, I’m looking forward to next season.

“Daniel [Farke] always follows his plan and signed a new contract last season. That’s also a reason why I signed my contract here.

“I like it when somebody thinks about football a lot and loves it that much.”

Head Coach Daniel Farke said: “It was important to bring another goalkeeper in and our target was always to bring in the best goalkeeper we could get. We are convinced that Ralf is totally the right choice.

“He is a pretty experienced guy, played at the top level and has many appearances in the Champions League and German Bundesliga. He plays for a massive club [Schalke] which is one of the biggest clubs in Germany.

“He’s an unbelievable character, hardworking and a lovely guy. As the skipper at Schalke, he knows exactly what is necessary for the group and for spirit and togetherness.

“We are unbelievably careful when we bring in new signings as it’s not only about their quality as a player but also about the personality and we all get the feeling that he is a perfect fit to our squad, so we are all delighted.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Alvaro Morata - Atletico Madrid (reportedly loaned for €7m + permanent transfer for €56m)

[article]
Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement over the transfer of Álvaro Morata from July 1, 2020. The Spanish striker will play at our club on loan this season, as was agreed when he joined Atlético de Madrid in the January transfer window, and the move will become permanent at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Morata made his debut at our club on Feb. 3 against Betis. Since then, the Spaniard has played 17 games and scored six goals.
[/article]

Sergio Reguilon - Sevilla (loan)

[article]
Sevilla FC and Real Madrid have reached an agreement in principle for the incorporation of Sergio Reguilón to Sevilla on loan. The 22 year old left-back was grown in Real Madrid's academy, making the leap to Real Madrid Castilla in the 15/16 season after a loan move to UD Logroñés. At Logroñés Reguilón would make an appearance against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey - in a tie that ended with a 5-0 aggregate win for the Nervionenses.

The 16/17 season would see Reguilón return on loan to Logroñés, where he played more than 1800 minutes, starting 21 games, scoring 8 goals and improving his versatility when deployed as a winger. One season later, he would make his return to Castilla, where he was a permanent fixture in Santiago Solari's side. Under Solari, he would start 30 games, providing two goals and four assists.

A glowing campaign would capture the attention of Julen Lopetegui, who would find a space for Reguilón in the First Team and award him his debut in the Champions League against CSKA Moscow. The left-back would start four games in the competition, on top of another four in the Copa del Rey and 13 appearances in LaLiga. Reguilón also won his first international appearance for Spain U-21s this March - featuring in a game against Romania.
[/article]

 

[jan]

Morata fee is jokes

 

[keniget]

Yeah seems dodgy.

There’s no reason to give Chelsea their money back.

 

[Holle]

A bit off the grid this one but the praisings this lad has got is quite something and there were apparently far larger clubs involved before he opted for RB Salzburg;

Rumored fee in the £2M region. Will you look out for him @Holle?

I will do.

But there's an 18 year old midfielder from Hungary at RB too - I think he'll be a star in a few years.

Dominik Szoboszlai.

Look out for him.

 

[King Binny]

David Raya - Brentford (£3m)

[article]
Brentford have completed the signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Blackburn Rovers. The 23-year-old finalised his move this morning, Saturday, 6 July, signing a four-year deal, for an undisclosed fee. The Spanish stopper has joined up with his new teammates in time for this week’s pre-season Training Camp in Austria.

Brentford FC Head Coach, Thomas Frank, said: “I am very pleased to have David here. He is a very good goalkeeper and fits the profile of player that we want at Brentford. On the pitch, he is a young goalkeeper who comes here after two good seasons at Blackburn Rovers. He can play out from the back and is happy covering the space in behind, allowing us to play with a high line. We are 100 per cent sure that coming here, and working with Iñaki Caña, he can take his game to the highest level. Off the pitch, he has the character and the desire that we want to see in all players coming to Brentford.”

Raya joined Rovers in 2012 following a youth career with UE Cornella in his native Barcelona. A loan spell at Conference National side Southport in September 2014 gave Raya his first senior game time. The then 19-year-old would go on to play 24 times for the Sandgrounders, drawing national acclaim for his performances during an FA Cup Third Round tie against Derby County the following January. After returning to Ewood Park, Raya kept a clean sheet on his Sky Bet Championship debut as Rovers beat Leeds United 3-0 in April 2015.

The next two seasons brought about a further ten second tier appearances before Raya assumed the number one shirt at the start of the 2016/17 season. The Spaniard missed just one league match as Rovers stormed to promotion from Sky Bet League One, keeping 17 clean sheets in the process. Last season, Raya made 41 league appearances for Tony Mowbray’s side back in the Championship, keeping ten clean sheets. In total, he arrives at Griffin Park having made 108 appearances during his time in Lancashire.

Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, Phil Giles, said: “Having sold Daniel Bentley last week, it was clearly important to add another quality goalkeeper as quickly as possible. David was our first choice and he was keen to come and work with Inaki and the rest of the staff and players too. We wish him well during his time with us".
[/article]

Stephen Henderson - Crystal Palace (free transfer)

[article]Former Portsmouth goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has signed for Crystal Palace on a season-long deal.

Henderson joins the club as a free agent following recent spells at Nottingham Forest, and loans at Pompey and Wycombe Wanderers.

A product of Aston Villa’s youth academy, Henderson made his professional debut in 2007 for Bristol City and has since played for clubs including West Ham United, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic.

A professional for more than 13 years, the 31-year-old ‘keeper brings a wealth of experience to SE25 and said upon signing: “It’s a privileged position so I’m delighted to get it over the line. I spoke to Dean Kiely and he said: ‘Do you fancy coming in and having the opportunity to work with the lads?’ Obviously it’s a no-brainer and I jumped at the opportunity.

"Training [on Friday] was absolutely excellent. The goalkeepers are at a very high standard which is what I expected so I’m just going to take it all in and learn from them and try to support them as best I can. Just seeing this morning on my first day, the standards are what I expected from two top Premier League goalkeepers.

"I’ve played at Selhurst Park in recent years and it’s a very daunting ground to play at. The fans are known for their home and away support but particularly at Selhurst so it would be amazing to witness it first hand."

Henderson travelled with Roy Hodgson's squad to Switzerland today for the upcoming pre-season tour.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Real Sociedad - Martin Odegaard (loan)



Ishak and now Odegaard. Sociedad banking on youths?

 

[Hansern]

Great deal for Ødegaard. Extended his Real contract with two years and will now be loaned out to Sociedad for two years.

Hopefully this will be a very good experience for him and a great place to develop further.

 

[King Binny]

Theo Hernández - AC Milan (reportedly €20m)

[article]
AC Milan (the Club) announces the agreement with Real Madrid Club de Fùtbol for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Theo Bernard Franҫois Hernández (Theo Hernández). The French left-back joins the Club on a permanent deal, penning a five-year contract until 30 June 2024. AC Milan has filed the contract and in the next 48 hours will complete the international transfer through the FIFA TMS system.

Born in Marseille on October 6, 1997, Theo came through the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid and made his début in the Spanish Club’s second team in 2015. In the next season, he moved to Deportivo Alavés on loan, making 38 appearances and scoring two goals for the club. In the summer of 2017, he signed with Real Madrid FC collecting 23 appearances and winning one European Super Cup, one Spanish Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup and one UEFA Champions League. During the 2018-2019 season, he featured 28 times for Real Sociedad, scoring one goal.

Over his professional career, he has made 69 appearances in the Spanish Liga, 3 in the UEFA Champions League, 16 in the Copa del Rey and one in the Spanish Super Cup. To date, Theo is the youngest defender with at least 50 appearances in the Spanish Liga since 2016/17, his début season.
[/article]

Ricardo Rodriguez on the move?

 

[Kay Age El]

I will do.

But there's an 18 year old midfielder from Hungary at RB too - I think he'll be a star in a few years.

Dominik Szoboszlai.

Look out for him.

Cheers mate!

This Maurits lad is an attacking central midfielder mind with a very decent shot. People talks about that he scores more from direct free kicks than he misses.

 

[King Binny]

Herbert Bockhorn - Huddersfield (undisclosed fee)

[article]
Huddersfield Town has completed the signing of defender Herbert Bockhorn on a permanent transfer from Borussia Dortmund II.

The 24-year-old right back joins the Terriers for a fee that will remain undisclosed and puts pen-to-paper on a two-year contract, with the Club having an option on an extension into the 2021/22 season.

Herbert is well known to Town’s Head Coach Jan Siewert, having worked under his stewardship at Dortmund for two seasons.

Bockhorn, who can also feature at left back or on the wing, came through the Werder Bremen Academy and previously played for SC Wiedenbrück.

Huddersfield Town’s Head Coach Jan Siewert commented:

“It’s great that we can welcome Herbert to Huddersfield Town today.

“He has some very interesting qualities as a player. His versatility is a real asset; he can play at full back on either side and on the wing, so he’s a great player to have in our squad.

“The move to the Sky Bet Championship is a definite step up in quality for him but he is a player I know well, and I believe he will be a success here.”
[/article]

Ross McCrorie - Portsmouth (loan)

[article]Pompey have signed Ross McCrorie on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The 21-year-old midfielder is a graduate of the Scottish side’s academy and the switch is subject to international clearance.

Assistant manager Joe Gallen said: “We’re pleased to bring Ross to the club. He’s a ‘number four’ player in the Tom Naylor mould.

“He’s a strong tackler, a leader and has a really good attitude, with an impressive range of passing.

“Ross adds plenty of attributes to our squad and is a highly-rated player, so we’re grateful that Rangers have left him come south.

“We look forward to working with him and seeing him develop. We think he can fit into our side as we aim to have a strong season.”

McCrorie had loan spells with Ayr and Dumbarton before making his senior Rangers debut in a 3-1 League Cup victory at Partick in September 2017.

The Scotland youth international has made a total of 54 appearances for the Glasgow giants and appeared in several Europa League matches last term.

McCrorie’s twin brother Robby is a Rangers goalkeeper, but it was Ross who went between the sticks against Hibs at Ibrox back in May.

The hosts saw regular stopper Allan McGregor sent off in the closing stages after all substitutions had been made, but Pompey’s latest signing helped secure a clean sheet.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jordan Rossiter - Fleetwood Town (loan)

[article]
Fleetwood Town are delighted to confirm the signing of Rangers midfielder Jordan Rossiter.

The Cod Army beat a host of clubs to the signature of the 23-year-old, with the former Liverpool man joining on a season-long loan deal from the Scottish Premiership side.

The midfielder started off his career in Merseyside, where he joined the famous Reds academy at the age of six.

The Liverpudlian made his debut eleven years later against Middlesborough, scoring the first goal in the 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Rossiter joined Rangers from Liverpool in 2016, and has recently had a loan spell at now League One side Bury – after he played a vital role in The Shakers winning the League Two title, scoring on the final day of the season against Port Vale.

He becomes Town’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Danny Andrew, Josh Morris, Paul Coutts and most recently, Lewie Coyle.

Rossiter will link up with the team on their week-long pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Jordan will wear the number 16 shirt for the upcoming season.
[/article]

Charlie Gilmour - Norwich (free transfer)

[article]Former Arsenal youngster Charlie Gilmour has signed for Norwich City on a two-year contract with a year option, the Club are delighted to announce.

The 20-year-old defensive midfielder joined the Gunners in 2006 and left the Club in June after 13 years in north London.

He made his first-team debut for the Club in November last year, playing the last 14 minutes of a 3–0 win over Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League.

Gilmour is a Scotland youth international, having also represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Filip Krovinovic - West Brom (loan)

[article]
Albion have today signed Filip Krovinović on a season-long loan from Benfica.

The creative and versatile midfielder will become the first Croatian to play for the Baggies, just weeks after fellow countryman Slaven Bilić was appointed Head Coach at The Hawthorns.

The 23-year-old earned caps with Croatia U19s and U21s, and won promotion in his home country with NK Zagreb before joining Rio Ave in Portugal four years ago.

He has 19 first-team appearances to his name at Benfica after joining the Portuguese giants in 2017.

Albion’s Technical Director Luke Dowling is confident the move will be a positive one for all parties.

He said: “Filip is a bright, energetic player who is looking forward to representing this football club and everyone here is delighted to have him with us, especially Slaven Bilić.

“It’s great that Filip is here in time to travel to our pre-season training camp in Spain. That trip will help build his fitness alongside his new team-mates, who he can also begin to get to know.

“Filip has gained good experience representing Benfica and we hope he will continue to develop as a player during his time at The Hawthorns.”
[/article]

Ander Iturraspe - Espanyol (free transfer)

[article]Espanyol have completed the signing of Athletic Club Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe on a one-year contract, the club have confirmed.

The holding midfielder has spent the entirety of his professional career at the Basque club - scoring three goals across 320 appearances since his first-team debut in the 2008/09 campaign.

Following the 2013–14 season, Iturraspe was called up by Spanish national team manager Vicente Del Bosque to his 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup.

However, despite playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly victory over Bolivia - his first of two caps - the midfielder did not make the final squad for the tournament.

It had been confirmed in May that the midfielder would be departing alongside fellow long-serving midfielders Mikel Rico and Markel Susaeta this summer.

Iturraspe is the second summer arrival at the RCDE Stadium following the deal to land central defender Bernardo from fellow Catalan club Girona.

Espanyol will be competing in Europe next season for the first time since losing the 2007 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla.[/article]

Renan Lodi - Atlético de Madrid (reportedly €25m)

[article]Atlético de Madrid and Club Athletico Paranaense have formalized the preliminary agreement that both clubs reached over the transfer of Renan Lodi. The Brazilian has already signed a six-year contract with our club after passing the medical at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.

After passing the medical, the Brazilian answered the journalists' questions.

“I’m very happy to be here and arrive to a big club. I’m very happy to be able to work alongside Simeone, he is one of the best coaches,” Lodi said.

Renan Lodi (Serrana, Sao Paulo, 04/08/1998) is a fast and versatile left-back. He has played 49 official games at Athlético Paranaense, scoring four goals and providing eight assists in the process. The Brazilian has participated in three of the most demanding competitions in South America: the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana – which he won in 2018 – and Recopa Sudamericana.

Welcome, Renan![/article]