Confirmed Transfers 20/21

[King Binny]

Ben Chilwell - Chelsea (reportedly £50m)

[article]Ben Chilwell has today become a Blue with the left-back signing a five-year contract.
The England international joins us from Leicester City, the club where he began his professional career.

On making the move to Stamford Bridge, Chilwell said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club. I’m looking forward to being a part of this young, dynamic squad led by Frank Lampard as we challenge for honours next season. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully it won’t be long before we’re playing in front of the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are very pleased to have completed our third addition to our exciting squad for the coming season. Ben brings plenty of top-level experience playing in the Premier League, Champions League and at international level, despite his young age.

‘We are confident Ben will adapt very quickly to being a Chelsea player and with the fixture programme for 2020/21 especially busy, he is a fantastic addition to the squad needed to challenge for honours.’

Chilwell is one of the most established and promising full-backs in the Premier League having made over 120 appearances for Leicester City since his debut as an 18-year-old back in October 2015.

An England international who likes to attack from left-back, contributing with assists and the occasional goal, Chilwell is equally adept at the defensive side of the game and has been a key figure in Leicester’s increasingly resilient rearguard in recent years.

In his most recent campaign at the King Power Stadium he featured on 33 occasions for Brendan Rodgers’ side, scoring three goals as the Foxes finished fifth.[/article]

 

[MomoWASright]

Frank “trust in youth” Lampard

 

[King Binny]

Malang Sarr - Chelsea (free transfer)

[article]Malang Sarr, a young French defender previously with Nice, has joined Chelsea.

The 21-year-old left the Ligue 1 club this summer following the end of his contract there and has now signed a five-year deal with us. He will spend the 2020/21 season out on loan. This will provide the chance to gain valuable game time and add to his experience so he will be ready to join our squad.

On signing Sarr, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.’

Sarr had played for his local side Nice since he was five years old and became a regular in their first team at the age of 17. He had a dream start when he scored the only goal of the game on his debut in a Ligue 1 match against Rennes in August 2016.

Primarily a centre-back but also able to play on the left of a back three and at left-back (he is left-footed and six foot tall), within three years he had made 100 appearances and won the club’s young player of the year award. He has scored in the Europa League and has experience of the Champions League qualifying rounds. For his last two seasons on the Cote d'Azur he was managed by Patrick Vieira.

With Nice opting for a patient, build-up-from-the-back style, Sarr was often involved early in their moves and his passing into the attacking third had influence. He has a good first touch and defensively, his mobility stands out.

At international level, Sarr is eligible to play for Senegal due his parents but he has represented France from Under-16 to Under-21 levels and captained their Under-18s. He played at the 2019 Under-21 Euros.

In total for Nice he made 119 appearances and scored three goals.[/article]

 

[Hansern]

Saw some defensive stats for Sarr, and it was pretty poor compared to other defenders.
Especially his heading.

 

[King Binny]

Saw some defensive stats for Sarr, and it was pretty poor compared to other defenders.
Especially his heading.

I guess they should still be able to at least recoup signing on fee if he fails to make it at Chelsea eventually.


Pepe Reina - Lazio (free transfer)

[article]Lazio have officially signed Pepe Reina, who terminated his contract with Milan one year early.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who turns 38 this month, has chosen Lazio over a move to Valencia and the Aquile announced his arrival today.

“SS Lazio announce the permanent signing of the sports services of the footballer Jose Manuel Reina Paez,” the club wrote in a statement.

Reina returned to Milan after six months on loan at Aston Villa in the Premier League, but has moved on immediately and the former Napoli ‘keeper is set to compete with Thomas Strakosha at the Olimpico in 2020-21.
[/article]

David Turnbull - Celtic (£2.7m plus add ons up to£250k)

[article]CELTIC Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of David Turnbull, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from Motherwell.

The highly-rated midfielder came through the ranks at Fir Park, making his debut back in February 2018. He has since gone on to make 41 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals, the most recent coming in a 2-2 draw against Livingston earlier this month.

The 21-year-old had been linked with a move to Celtic last year, but that did not transpire, with the player undergoing a knee operation before working his way back to full fitness.

Now the move to the Scottish champions has been confirmed, and the new Celt is delighted to have joined Neil Lennon’s side.

Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, David Turnbull said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here, especially after what happened last year, and I'm ready to hit the ground running. I feel I've started well this season and I want to carry that on with Celtic.

"It's great to join the biggest club in Scotland and I want to help us win more silverware in what I know is an important season for Celtic."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jamal Lowe - Swansea (£800,000 plus add-ons)

[article]Swansea City has completed the signing of winger Jamal Lowe from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

Lowe - who has signed a three-year deal with an option for a further year in SA1 - becomes the fifth signing of the summer for the Swans, following on from the arrivals of Korey Smith, Freddie Woodman, Morgan Gibbs-White and Marc Guehi.

The 26-year-old appeared in all of the Latics’ 46 Championship games last season – following his arrival from Portsmouth – helping them record the third-best record of any side in the second-tier during 2020.

Lowe started both games against the Swans last season, with Steve Cooper’s side claiming a pair of 2-1 wins.

Lowe – an England C international – started his career with Barnet and turned professional in 2012.

He had several loan spells with London-based non-league clubs and, with first-team opportunities limited, joined National League South side St Alban’s City in January 2015, before making further moves to Hemel Hempstead Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

At this time Lowe was combining his football with a job as a PE teacher but it was at the latter that he caught the eye of scouts as he scored 29 goals in 48 league games to help them win promotion to National League South and establish themselves there.

He made the move to join former Swansea boss Kenny Jackett at Portsmouth in October 2016, signing an 18-month deal at Fratton Park.

At the end of that season Lowe would score in the 6-1 win over Cheltenham that secured the League Two title for Portsmouth, and went on to score at Wembley and in a penalty shoot-out as Pompey edged out Sunderland in the Football League Trophy in 2019.

He then made the move up to the Championship with Wigan in the summer of 2019, and scored six goals in 48 appearances in all competitions.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sam Greenwood - Leeds (£3m)

[article]Leeds United are pleased to announce the arrival of Sam Greenwood from fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2023.

The striker started his youth career with Sunderland, before joining the Gunners in 2018 after impressing on Wearside.

Greenwood has been capped for England at youth level and scored 12 goals in 14 games for the Under-17s, with whom he also played at the 2019 European Championships.

At Arsenal last season after catching the eye for the Under-18s, he made the step up to Under-23s football, featuring five times for the Gunners in the Premier League 2.

Greenwood will initially link up with the Under-23s and becomes the latest young player to join the club during the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Charlie Allen, Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Dani van den Heuvel.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eberechi Eze - Crystal Palace (£20m)

[article]Eberechi Eze has signed a five-year contract with Crystal Palace F.C., becoming the club’s second arrival of the summer 2020 transfer window.

South London born Eze, 22, has risen through the ranks at Queens Park Rangers after joining them in 2016. An FA Cup debut followed in January 2017 and later that year, Eze made 22 appearances in a half-season loan to Wycombe Wanderers.

Then still a teenager, the attack-minded youngster played a key role in the Chairboys’ promotion to League One that season, scoring five goals - including a brace against Cambridge United.

On his return to QPR, Eze established himself as a regular first-team player, being awarded the No.10 shirt and a three-year contract in 2018. He leaves the Hoops with 20 goals from 112 senior games, collecting Supporters’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Junior Hoops Player of the Year last season as well as being shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year.

Internationally, Eze has represented England at both Under-20 and Under-21 level, and was named in the latest U21 squad earlier this week.

After putting pen to paper with Palace, Eze said: "As a football club, I feel like there are great players here and it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to come and be with these players, to link up with them and to really push on."

Crystal Palace Chairman, Steve Parish, added: "Eberechi is a player whose development we have followed closely. We are delighted he has chosen to sign for us over the other clubs that were interested and we feel that this is the right club for him to continue his development.

"With our Academy recently securing Category 1 status, this further illustrates our focus on youth as we look to consolidate and improve upon our position as a Premier League club."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Thiago Silva - Chelsea (free transfer)

[article]Chelsea Football Club has completed the signing of one of the big names in world football with Thiago Silva joining on a one-year contract, with the club having the option of a further 12 months.

That the Brazilian central defender’s time as a Paris Saint-German player was coming to an end was one of the sub-plots on the big stage of the Champions League final at the weekend and he has opted to cross the English Channel to continue his long and distinguished career.

His signing follows the addition on Wednesday of Ben Chilwell to the squad and continues the long tradition of top Brazilian players gracing the pitch for Chelsea. Malang Sarr also joined this week and will be on loan in 2020/21.

Looking ahead to his new challenge, Thiago Silva said: ‘I am so happy to be joining Chelsea. I am delighted to be a part of Frank Lampard’s exciting squad for next season and I’m here to challenge for honours. See you soon Chelsea fans, I look forward to playing at Stamford Bridge very soon.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘We are delighted to be able to add a player of Thiago Silva’s proven world-class credentials to our squad.

‘Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt his experience and quality will complement the many exciting talents we already have here.

‘Thiago will be an excellent fit and we hope he can add some new trophies to his impressive list of honours.’[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matt Doherty - Tottenham (£15m)

[article]We are delighted to announce the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The full-back has signed a contract until 2024 and will wear the number two shirt.

Doherty, 28, initially moved to Wolves from League of Ireland side Bohemians in July, 2010. He has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the Molineux side in all competitions and was part of two promotions as the team climbed from League One to the Premier League, as well as qualifying for the Europa League in their first season back in the top flight.

A consistent performer, Doherty has missed just seven league matches in the last four seasons. He has featured in 95 games in all competitions since Wolves returned to the Premier League in 2018, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists in that time.

Born in Dublin, Doherty has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels and won the first of nine senior caps in 2018. He will now join up with his national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League games away to Bulgaria and at home to Finland next week before returning to Hotspur Way to train with the rest of the squad ahead of our opening match of the season against Everton.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rodrigo - Leeds (€30m plus add ons)

[article]Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Rodrigo Moreno Machado from Valencia CF for a club record transfer fee.

The 29-year-old who can operate as a winger or striker, has completed a medical and signed a four-year deal with the Whites, running until the summer of 2024.

Rodrigo spent time at Celta Vigo and Real Madrid during his youth career, before being snapped up by Portuguese giants Benfica.

He is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent time on loan with then top-flight side Bolton Wanderers during the 2010/11 season, making 17 appearances, helping the Trotters finish in 14th spot.

On returning to Benfica he scored 27 goals in 67 league outings and in the 2013/14 season helped the club win the treble, by securing the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga.

Rodrigo also helped Benfica reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2013 and 2014, playing in both finals against Chelsea and Sevilla.

Ahead of the 2014/15 season, Rodrigo joined Valencia for the campaign on loan, before his stay at the Mestella was made permanent.

In his six seasons with Valencia, Rodrigo made a total of 220 appearances in all competitions, scoring 59 goals.

He helped the side lift the Copa Del Rey during the 2018/19 season, scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the final as FC Barcelona were defeated 2-1.

Last season he played for Valencia in the UEFA Champions League and scored against Chelsea in their 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in September.

At international level, Rodrigo helped Spain lift the Under-21s European Championship and has won 22 caps for the senior side since 2014, scoring eight goals.

He could add further to that tally over the forthcoming international break, after being selected in the Spain squad for their fixtures against Germany and Ukraine.[/article]

Robin Koch - Leeds (£13m plus add ons)

[article]Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of Robin Koch from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2024.

The centre-back made his breakthrough with SV Eintracht Trier, before moving to hometown club 1. FC Kaiserslautern, with whom he also spent time with during his youth career.

After impressing in his 27 appearances in 2. Bundesliga during the 2016/17 campaign, Koch was snapped up by top-flight side SC Freiburg.

Over the past three seasons, Koch has made a total of 87 outings in all competitions for Freiburg scoring five goals.

During the 2019/20 campaign, he played 32 league games for Freiburg, helping them finish in eighth place in the Bundesliga.

His performances over recent seasons did not go unnoticed at international level, with Koch winning caps for Germany’s Under-21s, helping them reach the European Championship final in June 2019.

He was then handed his senior debut for Germany last October against Argentina, before winning his second cap against Belarus a month later.

Koch has been included in the latest Germany squad and could make further appearances in their upcoming games against Spain and Switzerland.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mario Lemina - Fulham (loan for €2m + obligation to buy for €6m if Fulham avoid relegation & Lemina makes at least 20 appearances)

[article]The Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Mario Lemina.

The 26-year-old arrives on a season-long deal from Southampton, with an option to make the move permanent.

Speaking after completing his loan switch, Lemina said: “Now I’m with Fulham, I’m really happy and I’m glad to be part of the project. I spoke with the Manager and he’s got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Tony Khan added: “Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I’m very excited to announce his arrival at Fulham Football Club on loan.

“I chose to pursue Mario this summer because in our recruitment conferences he’s been highly rated by our scouting team and our Head Coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

“I believe he will thrive for our Club under Scott’s coaching and leadership. Come on Fulham!”

A combative, athletic central midfielder, Lemina spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasary.

He began his career in France with Lorient, for whom he made 18 appearances as a teenager after graduating from their youth academy.

His potential was quickly spotted by Marseille, who signed him after just one Ligue 1 season. He spent two years in the south of France and played 50 times, including his first taste of Champions League football.

In the summer of 2015, Juventus came calling, and Lemina went on to enjoy a trophy-laden two years in Turin, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia twice each. He also played in the 2017 Champions League Final.

His performances in Italy then prompted Southampton to make him their record signing that summer, and he helped the Saints reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals in his maiden campaign.

After being capped by France at Under-21 level, Lemina now represents Gabon, his country of birth, on the international stage, and has 15 caps to his name.[/article]

Harrison Reed - Fulham (£8m)

[article]The Club is absolutely delighted to announce Harrison Reed’s return to Fulham on a permanent basis.

The midfielder excelled on loan at Craven Cottage as we won promotion last season, and he has now signed from Southampton for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the summer of 2024, with a Club option to extend by a further year.

Having sealed his return, Reed told FFCtv: “I’m absolutely buzzing to finally get it done and to be here as a permanent player, I’m absolutely over the moon.

“It’s going to be an exciting season, it’s a big challenge this year, but I can’t wait to get going, to get back training, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’m absolutely delighted to be here and commit my future to the Club.”

After bringing Reed back, Tony Khan said: “Harrison Reed played a massive role in our promotion to the Premier League, and I’m thrilled to announce that he’s now signed for Fulham as a permanent member of our Club!

“I first pursued Harrison over a year ago because our scouting team and our Head Coach Scott Parker and our statistical research team had all highly rated his abilities in our recruitment meetings.

“When Harrison first joined us on loan last August, we’d secured an option in the agreement for a permanent transfer, and now I’m so glad we came to that agreement, and so glad that now Harrison is in our Premier League squad! Come on Fulham!”

Fans will need no background information on Reed, as the 25-year-old became an immediate crowd favourite last term with his feisty displays in the middle of the park.

Fierce in the tackle, brave in the block and with an eye for a pass, Reed was a key component of Scott Parker’s promotion winning side and was superb in our three Play-Off matches, playing every single minute.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ivan Toney - Brentford (£5m plus add ons up to £5m)

[article]Ivan Toney will officially become a Brentford player tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September, joining from Sky Bet League One club Peterborough United. The highly-sought after 24-year-old will train with his new teammates today ahead of signing on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Toney was announced as the League One Player of the Year on Thursday after netting 24 times in 32 league games for The Posh last season. That tally included a hat-trick against Rochdale in September and nine goals in his final seven games before the season was curtailed, all of which United won.

Brentford FC Head Coach, Thomas Frank said: “I’d like to welcome Ivan to the club. We are adding a hungry, ambitious, hard-working striker to the group here. He fits what I want in a striker; he is a goalscorer, he gets into good positions in the box, he is good playing on the last line, and will contribute to our link-up play. Our strikers are a big part of our pressing game, and Ivan, with his work ethic, will help us with that. I have been impressed with his mentality and attitude; he fits our brief of being confident but humble. He really wants to come to this Club and help us achieve our aims going forward.”

Co-Director of Football, Rasmus Ankersen said: “We have admired Ivan for a long time. Over the past few seasons he has grown a lot as a player and as a leader on the pitch, and we are confident he is capable of playing a big role for us in the coming season.”

Born in Northampton, Toney began his career with The Cobblers, becoming their youngest ever player when he appeared in an FA Cup tie against Bradford City in November 2012 aged just 16 and seven months. He netted three goals in the final two games of the 2013/14 season, his first career goals, to ensure Town avoided relegation out of the Football League on the final day.

A further ten goals and four assists the following campaign caught the attention of Premier League side Newcastle United who signed the then 19-year-old in the summer of 2015. Toney made four appearances for The Toon during his debut season either side of a loan spell at Barnsley. While at Oakwell, Toney helped The Tykes to the Football League Trophy title at Wembley, their first major trophy in 104 years, and followed that up with promotion via the Play-Offs.

He returned to League One for the 2016/17 campaign on loan with Shrewsbury Town and then Scunthorpe United. He netted 14 goals with eight assists in total, reaching the League One Play-Offs with The Iron.

The next season followed the same pattern with Toney heading first to Wigan Athletic before joining Scunthorpe for a second time in January 2018. Eight goals in 16 games helped propel The Iron to the League One Play-Offs for a second consecutive season but again they fell at the semi-final stage.

In August 2018, Toney joined Peterborough on a permanent deal netting 16 league strikes during his debut campaign. December brought ten goals, including two hat-tricks, in eight games as he finished with 23 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Last season’s 26 goals left Toney one shy of a half-century in Peterborough colours from just 94 outings, and three away from a hundred in 277 career games.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Martín Montoya - Real Betis (undisclosed fee)

[article]Real Betis Balompié has signed Martín Montoya from Brighton & Hove Albion FC. In this way, the right back returns to the Green and White club where he had a first spell in 2016. The player has signed a contract until 2024.

Martín Montoya Torralbo (Viladecans, Barcelona, 14th of April of 1991) began his career at FC Barcelona academy. He climbed through the youth teams until he made his debut with the senior team in 2011. In 2015 he was loaned to FC Internazionale, where he spent the first half of the season.

His loan was cancelled on January and loaned out to Real Betis for the remainder of the season. Once the loan ended, he signed for Valencia CF, where he stayed for two seasons. He was then transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, where he has played the last two years.

Martín Montoya has been capped with Spain U16, U17, U19 and U21. He became European champion with Spain U17 in 2008.

In total, the new Green and White player has played 277 in top-flight football, scored 4 goals and provided 22 assists.[/article]

Claudio Bravo - Real Betis (free transfer)

[article]Real Betis Balompié has reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. In this way, the Chilean becomes the second signing of the Club for the 2020/2021 season.

Claudio Andrés Bravo Muñoz (Buin, Chile, 13 of April of 1983) began his professional career at Colo-Colo in his home country. In 2006 he was signed by Real Sociedad, where he spent eight seasons. In 2016, his good performances drew the attention of FC Barcelona, team that signed him in 2014. Two years later, he was transferred to Manchester City FC, where he has played until this summer. In his career in clubs, Bravos has played 506 official games.

At international level, Claudio Bravo has been capped by Chile U20, U23 and senior team. With the senior team, the Green and White keeper has won 123 caps, being he second player with more caps in history of the Chilean national team.

In his records, Bravo has won two Chilean leagues, two Spanish LaLiga, two Copa del Rey, one Spanish Supercup, one Champions League, One European Supercup, one Clubs World Cup, two Premier League, one FA Cup, three EFL Cup and two Community Shield.[/article]

Víctor Ruiz - Betis (free transfer)

[article]Real Betis Balompié has signed defender Víctor Ruiz. The centre back becomes the third signing of the team for the 2020/2021 season.

Víctor Ruiz Torre (San Feliú de Llobregat, Spain, 25 of January of 1989) began his career in the youth teams at RCD Espanyol. He made his debut with the first team in 2009. In January of 2011, he signed for SSC Napoli. A few months later, in August of the same year, he was transferred to Valencia CF, where he spent three seasons. In summer of 2014, he moved to Villarreal CF, where he became one of the key defenders in the five seasons he spent there. In summer of 2019, he signed for Besiktas JK.

At international level, the new Real Betis player has been capped with Spain U17, U19 and U21. In 2011, Ruiz became European champion with Spain U21.

In total, Victor Ruiz has played 353 in top-flight football, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Iván Rakitic - Sevilla (€10.5m including add ons)

[article]Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Iván Rakitic, who will return to the club for a second spell after his first spell at the club between January 2011 and June 2014. The Croatian international, who has 105 caps, returns to the club six years after making the move to the Catalan side, just after lifting the Europa League trophy in Turin. He signs on a four-year deal, until 30th June 2024.

Rakitic left the Europa League winners, the third time the club had won the trophy, in the summer of 2014. Curiously, six years on, that figure has since doubled and the Croatian midfielder will join the six-time winners after the triumph in Cologne. Fernando Navarro (2015), José Antonio Reyes (2016) and, of course, Jesús Navas (2020) would all follow in his footsteps and lift the trophy, as he had done in 2014.

There are many old friends for the Croatian, who joined in January 2011 alongside the Chilean midfielder Gary Medel. After time at both Basel and Schalke, Rakitic joined Sevilla just before turning 23, and became a key player in the team. In that first half-season, he played 16 matches and scored five goals, before featuring in 36 of the 38 league matches the following season. The 2012/13 season was key, as he scored 11 and set up 14 in his 42 matches.

He was club captain in the 2013/14 season, allowing him to lift the Europa League trophy in the final match of his first spell. That season, he played in 52 matches, with 15 goals and 18 assists, which caught the attention of FC Barcelona. Now, his time there is over, after winning 16 trophies with the Catalan side, winning one European Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, four league titles, four cups, three Spanish Super Cups and two Club World Cups.

He leaves Camp Nou after making 310 appearances, in which he scored 35 goals and 42 assists. Curiously, those statistics are very similar to his numbers as a Sevillista (32 goals and 41 assists), but in just under half the number of matches (149). He now returns home after six years away, with the maturity of a 32-year old and with the knowledge of what playing for Sevilla FC means. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriel - Arsenal (£27m)

[article]
Central defender Gabriel has joined us from French side Lille on a long-term contract.

The 22-year-old Brazilian has completed his move and will wear our number 6 shirt.

Gabriel, whose full name is Gabriel dos Santos Magalhaes, started his career in Brazil with Avai FC, before joining Lille in January 2017. During his time in France, Gabriel spent time on loan with Troyes in France and latterly in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.

On returning from his loan spells, the Sao Paulo-born defender became a regular in the Lille side, helping them to a fourth-placed Ligue 1 finish last season and starting all six of their Champions League group-stage matches.

Technical director Edu said: “We are delighted to have signed Gabriel. He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player. Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”

Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team. He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”

The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Trevor Birch - Tottenham (Director of Football Operations)

[article]The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Birch as Director of Football Operations. Trevor has extensive industry experience and has held several prominent roles within football, including having previously been Chairman of Swansea City FC and CEO of Chelsea, Sheffield United, Derby County, Everton and Leeds United. Trevor will focus on the development of the Club’s Football Operations.

As part of a wider external remit Rebecca Caplehorn will take on the role of Director of Football Administration and Governance. This newly created role will lead, drive and embed football governance processes, contractual matters and best practice across the Club. It will also allow time for Rebecca to extend her work with the European Club Association, the FA and various related footballing governing bodies and working groups where she represents the Club.

Steve Hitchen has been promoted to Technical Performance Director. This new role will focus on building capabilities to support a world class football infrastructure across senior and youth teams. As Technical Performance Director, Steve will have responsibility for scouting, performance and recruitment analysis and youth recruitment.

These management changes will lead to the creation of a Football Board consisting of Trevor Birch, Rebecca Caplehorn and Steve Hitchen, chaired by Daniel Levy.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Shane Duffy - Celtic (loan)

[article]CELTIC Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Ireland internationalist Shane Duffy from English Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion on a season-long loan.

Shane, who has also played with Everton and Blackburn Rovers, has made 130 appearances for Brighton, scoring eight goals and assisting five times for his team-mates in that time.

The 28-year-old centre-back is currently on International duty with Ireland as they prepare to face Bulgaria and Finland in Nations League matches.

Shane is delighted to seal this move to the nine-in-a-row champions, and can’t wait to begin his career at Paradise. He said: “I really am delighted to sign this deal with Celtic. It is a huge honour for me to join Celtic, such a huge institution and a brilliant football club that I have always loved and admired

“It will be a fantastic personal moment for me when I pull on the Celtic jersey. It’s just a great feeling – I could not be happier to be part of the Club now and I just can’t wait to start working with the Manager, the staff and the players when I return from International duty with Ireland.

“We will be challenging on a lot of fronts this season and I am really excited about getting going, as we try and bring the fans more and more success.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon added: “We are delighted to bring a player of Shane’s quality to Celtic. He is an international player with so many great attributes. He is leader and he’s a warrior – someone with real ability and who will also give us that great physical presence.

I know too he is a player who will add great personality to the dressing room. This is a real coup for the Club. From the off, Shane wanted to come to Celtic and we are delighted we have been able to fend off English Premier League interest.

“We are delighted with Shane’s decision to come and I am delighted with the business which Nick Hammond and the Board have done, not only in bringing Shane to Celtic, but throughout the window.

“We can’t wait to get Shane involved in the squad as we look to the many challenges ahead.”

Everyone at the club wishes Shane every success here at Celtic, and the club would also like to thank the FAI for their assistance in facilitating the medical process in Dublin.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Volland - Monaco (€11m)

[article]After four years at Bayer 04, Kevin Volland is joining top French club AS Monaco with immediate effect. The club, that only hired coach Niko Kovac last month, have bought out the 28-year-old Volland from his contract that was due to run to 30 June 2021. The striker has signed a contract at the eight-time French champions to 2024.

"Kevin has shown great identification with Bayer 04 in his time here. His desire and his commitment for the team and the club were always exemplary," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "But when the opportunity came for Kevin to move on to an attractive club abroad then we agreed to his transfer request based on an agreement satisfactory to all sides."
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Donny van de Beek - Man Utd (€39m plus add ons up to €5m)

[article]Manchester United is delighted to confirm the arrival of Donny van de Beek from Ajax. The Dutch midfielder has signed a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.

Van de Beek, 23, came through the ranks of the Ajax youth system, making his senior debut in 2015. Experienced in European competitions, he played a key role as Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 and also featured in the 2017 Europa League final against United.

The Netherlands international contributed 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 games last season before the Eredivisie was curtailed.

Donny van de Beek said: “I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history.

“I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club.

“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.

“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United.

“His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.

“Donny’s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matty Cash - Aston Villa (£14m plus add ons up to £2m)

[article]Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old made over 120 league appearances for Forest initially as a right-sided attacker and more recently as right-back.

He enjoyed an outstanding 2019/20 season, winning Forest’s Player of the Year Award.

Head Coach Dean Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa and believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects.

“He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Timothy Castagne - Leicester (£21.5m)

[article]Leicester City Football Club have agreed terms with Atalanta for the transfer of full-back Timothy Castagne, subject to Premier League and international clearance.

The 24-year-old Belgian international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates after the conclusion of the current international break.

Capped seven times by his country, the full-back, who can operate on either side of defence, joined Serie A outfit Atalanta from Genk in 2017 and helped his team qualify for the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history with a third-place finish in Serie A.

During the 2019/20 season, Castagne played 35 times in all competitions as Atalanta finished third for the second year running and also featured on six occasions in the UEFA Champions League. The Italian side enjoyed an impressive run to the quarter-finals of the competition, where they faced French side Paris Saint-Germain.

On the international stage, he represented Belgium at various youth levels and went on to make his debut for the senior side in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park in September 2018. His performances have since seen him earn a further six caps, including a first international goal in a UEFA European qualifier against Kazakhstan in June 2019.

Born in Arlon, he is a product of Genk’s youth system, and made his professional debut in the Belgian Pro League against Club Brugge in September 2014.

Castagne’s debut for Genk came just a few months before that of current City star Wilfred Ndidi, with the two playing regularly together in the same side until the Nigerian international signed for the Foxes in January 2017.

The Belgian international would spend three years with Genk before joining Atalanta and establishing himself as a regular with the Italian club, impressing both on the domestic and European stage.

Castagne, alongside fellow international team-mates Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet, is currently with the Belgium squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Aleksej Miranchuk - Atalanta (€14.5m + sell on clause)

 

[King Binny]

Brahim Diaz - AC Milan (loan)

[article]Brahim Diaz has completed his loan move from Real Madrid to Milan, where he will wear the Number 21 jersey.

As expected, the statement makes clear this is a dry loan, so there is no option to buy.

The two clubs have a very good rapport, so have reached a gentleman’s agreement to discuss options and counter-options during the campaign.

In the meantime, the creative midfielder can begin training with Stefano Pioli’s side and be available for the Europa League preliminary rounds.

His contract with Milan therefore only runs to June 2021.

“Brahim Diaz joined his teammates and coach Stefano Pioli at Milanello Sports Center in preparation for the new season. He will be wearing the number 21 jersey.”

The player just turned 21 and was purchased from Manchester City in January 2019 for €17m.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Cedric Kipre - West Brom (£900k)

[article]Albion have signed defender Cédric Kipré from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old towering centre-back joins the Baggies after impressing at the DW Stadium last season, where he helped keep 12 clean sheets in 36 Sky Bet Championship appearances - also scoring twice.

Kipré, who was born in Paris but has represented Ivory Coast at youth level and been part of the senior squad, came through at PSG before spells with Leicester City and Motherwell.

He will add further competition for places in the heart of Albion’s back-line and Sporting & Technical Director Luke Dowling is pleased to secure his signature and looks forward to seeing him develop as a top-flight player.

“I believe we’ve signed someone in Cédric who has got the potential to really establish himself as a Premier League defender,” said Luke.

“He was part of a Wigan team that, from the turn of the year, produced results which would have placed them in the Championship’s top three and Cédric was a very impressive figure in that run of form.

“He has been on our target list for some time. We are delighted to get the deal done and look forward to watching him progress.”

And Cédric can’t wait to begin his “dream” move and learn from Head Coach Slaven Bilić in the Premier League this year.

“I heard of the interest a month ago and the head of recruitment spoke to me and I had to be patient with it but finally I’m here - I am happy,” said Albion’s newest recruit.

“It’s a big Club and the chance to play in the Premier League was what attracted me. My goal was to play in this division by the age of 25 and today I’m 23 so I’m grateful for the chance.

“I’m expecting to learn a lot from Slaven because he played in the same position and he can teach me areas to progress.”

Welcome to The Hawthorns, Cédric![/article]

 

[King Binny]

Fabio Silva - Wolves (£35m)

[article]Wolves are delighted to have secured the signing of highly-rated Portuguese youth international striker Fabio Silva from Porto, for a club record fee.

The 18-year-old, who is Porto’s youngest ever player and goalscorer having broken now-Wolves teammate Ruben Neves’ club records last season, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

An exciting young talent, Silva has represented his country at junior level from under-15s to under-19s, having come through the system at both Benfica and Porto.

His form for Porto’s under-19s – in which he scored 20 goals in 26 matches – saw Silva called up by first-team manager Sergio Conceicao at the start of last season, making his senior debut in the Primeira Liga in August 2019.

That appearance, aged just 17 years and 22 days, made Silva the youngest league player in the history of the club. A month later, he overtook Neves to become Porto’s youngest player in European competition when he featured for Porto in the UEFA Europa League.

The landmarks kept coming, as he broke a record which had stood for 60 years when he became Porto’s youngest starter in all competitions after being was named in the starting 11 for a Taca de Liga group stage game against CD Santa Clara.

It didn’t take long for Silva to take two more records from Neves when he became Porto’s youngest ever goalscorer with his first goal in a 5-0 Taca de Portugal win against SC Coimbroes on 19th October 2019, and then eight days later, he became the club’s youngest player to ever score in the league, netting in a 3-0 win over Famalicao.

Silva has also shone on the international stage, boasting extensive experience through the Portuguese age groups, where he has scored 17 times in 37 outings – including a hat-trick for the under-19s in a 4-1 win over Italy.

He was also part of the under-17 side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 UEFA European Championships, scoring in a 4-2 group victory against Iceland.

Silva will link up with his new teammates on Monday ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser at Sheffield United on Monday 14th September.[/article]

 

[Halmeister]

They're all gonna be sorry when the market crashes...

 

[King Binny]

Marcal - Wolves (£1.8m)

[article]Wolves have secured their second signing in two days with Brazilian Marçal joining the club from Olympique Lyonnais.
The 31-year-old left-back, who helped Lyon reach last season’s Champions League semi-final, has signed a two-year deal at Molineux.

Growing up in Sao Paulo, Marçal was a product of the Gremio academy system, which is responsible for bringing through some of the biggest names in Brazilian football, such as Ronaldinho and Emerson.

After breaking through as a professional, Marçal spent time with hometown club Guaratungueta before making his first move to Europe, signing for SCU Torreense, making 40 appearances in the Portuguese Second Division where he scored three goals.

But it was with Madeira-based club Nacional where the Brazilian made his name, amassing more than 110 outings in the Primeira Liga, mainly at left-back, as he helped the club to four successive top-half finishes in Portugal’s top-flight, as well as a Europa League appearance and two runs to the Taca de Portugal semi-finals.

His performances at the back for Nacional alerted interest from league champions Benfica, who subsequently sent Marcal on loan to Turkish outfit Gaziantepspor and Ligue 1’s Guingamp, with his form at the latter earning him a permanent move to fellow French side Lyon.

Marçal had been a regular in Les Gones’ backline since arriving in 2017, making 75 appearances over the past three years, and featuring in a Europa League campaign – which saw Lyon reach the last 16 – in his first season at the club, as well as two Champions League runs, with the second concluding just last month.

The defender was part of the Lyon team which came second in a group containing Red Bull Leipzig, Zenit St Petersburg and former club Benfica, before he played the full 90 minutes in both legs of the last 16 victory against Juventus, as well as the quarter-final win over Manchester City. Marçal also started the semi-final, but the side’s Champions League jaunt ended in defeat to eventual champions Bayern Munich.

Marçal will report for testing on Monday, a week before Nuno Espirito Santo’s men get their Premier League season underway at Sheffield United.
[/article]

 

[binomial]

Volland for 10m is incredible bit of business, why did Leverkusen let go so cheaply?

 

[King Binny]

Volland for 10m is incredible bit of business, why did Leverkusen let go so cheaply?

Read that he only had 1 year left on his contract.