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Confirmed Transfers 20/21

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APOEL, you say?

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Geoffrey Kondogbia - Atlético Madrid (€11m)

[article]Atlético de Madrid and Valencia CF have reached an agreement over the transfer of Geoffrey Kondogbia. The player – who was born in Nemours, France on Feb. 15, 1993 – passed his medical at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and signed a contract until 2024.

The box-to-box footballer is a strong presence in midfield and contributes defensively and offensively. He started his career at Lens, where he grew up and made his first team debut in 2010. The midfielder played 32 Ligue 2 games in the 2011/12 season before moving to Sevilla. He became a key player for the LaLiga outfit in his first and only year in Andalusia.

AS Monaco paid his buyout clause after Kondogbia won the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup and he stayed at the Ligue 1 club for two seasons – playing 64 matches and netting seven goals. His performances earned him a move to Inter Milan in 2015. After two seasons in Italy in which he played 56 times and scored twice, the midfielder joined Valencia in 2017. The 27-year-old also became a key player in the LaLiga side’s midfield and won the 2019 Copa del Rey title against Barcelona.

Kondogbia played for France’s youth teams starting from the U-16s and was called up five times by the senior squad. However, he switched to Central African Republic, his parents’ home country, in 2018. The 27-year-old has since played and captained the national team three times – netting one goal.

A talented and strong midfielder joins Atlético de Madrid. His physical presence, defensive skills and striking ability from distance make him a versatile player in the centre of the pitch.

Welcome, Geoffrey Kondogbia![/article]
 
Eduardo Coudet - Celta Vigo (Head Coach)

[article]The club officially announced the departure of the Argentine coach in a statement by President Marcelo Medeiros and Vice President Alexandre Barcellos on Monday afternoon.

According to the Colorado agent, the coach left on the initiative of the coach himself.

“Unfortunately, the Eduardo Coudet project and its coaching staff ended yesterday after the game against Coritiba, with the coach leaving the initiative only and exclusively from Eduardo Coudet. We never thought about having another coach this season and next season” said Medeiros.

“Just to remember: the Eduardo Coudet project started last year, when Inter went to Buenos Aires, paid a severance fee to have the professional and the commission in 2020 and 2021, believing in a long-term project. Yesterday, after the press conference, we were surprised with a resignation irrevocably – he added.”

The interest in Coudet was reported on Sunday but it seemed like just a rumour. The Spanish club had already tried to sign the Argentine coach at the beginning of the season and returned to the charge in search of a replacement for Óscar Garcia who was fired on Monday. Apparently the ‘rumors’ were true.

Without Coudet, Inter are looking for a replacement. Abel Braga was touted as one possible name but Medeiros was quick to deny that as well.

Coudet leaves Inter in the leadership of the Brasileirão and qualified for the round of 16 of the Libertadores and quarterfinals of the Brazil Cup. In 46 games, he has 24 wins, 13 draws and nine losses, with a 61.5% success rate.[/article]

[article]Argentine Eduardo Coudet is the new coach of La Liga side Celta Vigo after leaving Brazilian league leaders Internacional.

Coudet, 46, succeeds Oscar Garcia, who became the first La Liga manager to be sacked this season when he was let go on Monday after picking up only one win in nine league games.

A journeyman midfielder who spent most of his career in Argentina, Coudet had a very brief spell at Celta in 2002, making nine appearances in what turned out to be his only venture in European football.

He began his coaching career with Rosario Central and won the 2019 Argentine title with Racing Club. He joined Internacional last December and leaves the club one point clear at the top of Brazil's Serie A after 20 games.[/article]

Abel Braga - Internacional (Head Coach)

[article]Abel Braga returns to Beira-Rio, the stadium in which he considers the most beautiful in Brazil. Returning after six years, he knows the magnitude of his responsibilities.

Unveiled as Inter’s coach for his seventh spell at the club, the former 2006 Libertadores and Mundials’ coach showered praises on the colorado group and avoided choosing a priority in the title race this season.

During his press conference, Abel Braga immediately praised the work of his predecessor, Eduardo Coudet.

“The Inter team, I can’t say anything. He’s doing very well in all three competitions. The work was very good. It is very important and challenging. Usually he changes coach because he is bad. I’m picking up a team first. Damn it! My responsibility is greater. They are a very well trained team and very good at everything. I hope to continue this” – said the coach.

Abel Braga avoids listing a priority for the season, even after the coronavirus pandemic with the tight schedule. “So if I can win everything, have you thought? I already have a very strong relationship with the fans.”

“What I managed to win, what comes to us will be very good. It’s time. This club is very, very big.”

“We had some bruising problems. There were three crusaders. It’s too much. A tight schedule. I don’t want conflict. It’s a nice number of players. We don’t prioritize anything. Inter have not won Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão in a long time. And won in 2006 and 2010 the Libertadores” – says the coach.

The new head coach is waiting for his name to be registered and published in the CBF’s Daily Information Bulletin (IDB) to find out if he will be able to make his start yet another stint at the club this Wednesday, at 21.30, against América-MG in Beira-Rio, in the quarterfinals of the Brazil Cup.[/article]
 
Tony Pulis - Sheff Wed (Manager)

[article]Sheffield Wednesday are pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Pulis as our new first team manager.

Pulis brings a wealth of experience to Hillsborough having overseen a mammoth 1,123 senior games through almost three decades in the dugout.

Prior to that, the Welshman made 326 appearances for a raft of clubs as an uncompromising defender.


With a future career on the other side of the white line in mind, Pulis earned his FA coaching badge aged just 19 and UEFA ‘A’ licence two years later.

His on-field calling spanned 17 years before a player/coach role with Bournemouth, where he would become number two to Harry Redknapp, moving into the top job when Redknapp departed the Cherries.

Pulis switched to Gillingham in 1995, whom he led to an immediate promotion from League Two and the League One play-off final of 1999, which the Gills lost to Manchester City on penalties.

Stints at Bristol City and Portsmouth followed before two lengthy stays at Stoke, sandwiched by a brief foray to Plymouth. His first stint at the Britannia Stadium was a firefighting mission that saw the Potters survive Championship relegation on the last day of the 2002/03 season – preceded by a rebuild mission that resulted in Stoke posting promotion to the Premier League in 2008.

Despite being installed as bookies’ favourites for an immediate drop, Pulis navigated a comfortable 12th-place finish. The following season, he made history with Stoke as he guided the club to their first ever FA Cup final, where they were edged out 1-0 by Manchester City.

Subsequent Europa League qualification saw the Potters’ European ambitions ended by Spanish outfit Valencia.

Pulis moved to the capital with Crystal Palace in 2013, steering the Eagles from relegation danger to their highest ever Premier League finish of 11th next time round. That impressive pedigree saw Pulis awarded the coveted Premier League Manager of the Year trophy.

West Brom was the next challenge in 2015 and a top-ten finish was achieved before trading the Midlands for Teesside in 2017. Pulis steered Middlesbrough to the play-offs in his first campaign and missed out on a second successive top-six slot the following term by just a single point.

He left the Riverside in 2019 and now takes up his 11th managerial post, leading the Owls for the first time next Saturday at Preston when the Championship season resumes.[/article]
 
Steve McClaren - Technical Director (Derby)

[article]Steve McClaren has agreed a contract to act as an advisor to the board with immediate effect.

In this capacity he will assume the role and duties of both advisor and Technical Director, a position which has been identified by agreement between Mel Morris and Derventio Holdings as important to the future of the club.
The permanent status of the Technical Director role will be subject to ratification by Derventio Holdings’ board following completion of the club acquisition.

Commenting on the announcement, Stephen Pearce, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to have Steve’s help and support at this critical time. His knowledge, experience, and academic qualifications will be invaluable to us. I am sure he will make a huge contribution.”

No further comment will be made at this time.
[/article]
 
Mario Balotelli - AC Monza (free transfer)

[article]
Three-time Serie A winner Mario Balotelli has completed a move to Italian second-tier side Monza where he will link up with former Milan teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng.

The signing also sees the 30-year-old striker reunited with ex-Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, who is overseeing an ambitious project at the Serie B outfit.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, who has been without a club since leaving Brescia earlier this summer, has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.


The Italian recently trained with Serie D side Franciacorta in November and was also linked with Championship club Barnsley.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I thank the president [Silvio] Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani for this opportunity. I will do everything to help Monza reach Serie A.”

Chairman Galliani added: “Mario is a good guy and even today in our interview I had confirmation of this.

“After all, I repeated it to him: “Don’t trust flatterers. If necessary, you will hear my criticism, but it will be for your good.”

“I saw the understanding in his eyes, the reaction I was looking for.

“The turning point was Mario’s availability, but also that of (his agent) Mino Raiola, who renounced any commission.

“Then we began to negotiate, already knowing we would come to an agreement.”

[/article]
 
Tony Pulis - Sheff Wed (Manager)

[article]Sheffield Wednesday are pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Pulis as our new first team manager.

Pulis brings a wealth of experience to Hillsborough having overseen a mammoth 1,123 senior games through almost three decades in the dugout.

Prior to that, the Welshman made 326 appearances for a raft of clubs as an uncompromising defender.


With a future career on the other side of the white line in mind, Pulis earned his FA coaching badge aged just 19 and UEFA ‘A’ licence two years later.

His on-field calling spanned 17 years before a player/coach role with Bournemouth, where he would become number two to Harry Redknapp, moving into the top job when Redknapp departed the Cherries.

Pulis switched to Gillingham in 1995, whom he led to an immediate promotion from League Two and the League One play-off final of 1999, which the Gills lost to Manchester City on penalties.

Stints at Bristol City and Portsmouth followed before two lengthy stays at Stoke, sandwiched by a brief foray to Plymouth. His first stint at the Britannia Stadium was a firefighting mission that saw the Potters survive Championship relegation on the last day of the 2002/03 season – preceded by a rebuild mission that resulted in Stoke posting promotion to the Premier League in 2008.

Despite being installed as bookies’ favourites for an immediate drop, Pulis navigated a comfortable 12th-place finish. The following season, he made history with Stoke as he guided the club to their first ever FA Cup final, where they were edged out 1-0 by Manchester City.

Subsequent Europa League qualification saw the Potters’ European ambitions ended by Spanish outfit Valencia.

Pulis moved to the capital with Crystal Palace in 2013, steering the Eagles from relegation danger to their highest ever Premier League finish of 11th next time round. That impressive pedigree saw Pulis awarded the coveted Premier League Manager of the Year trophy.

West Brom was the next challenge in 2015 and a top-ten finish was achieved before trading the Midlands for Teesside in 2017. Pulis steered Middlesbrough to the play-offs in his first campaign and missed out on a second successive top-six slot the following term by just a single point.

He left the Riverside in 2019 and now takes up his 11th managerial post, leading the Owls for the first time next Saturday at Preston when the Championship season resumes.[/article]

 
Dominik Szoboszlai - RB Leipzig (reportedly €25m)

[article]Dominik Szoboszlai has completed his move to RB Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg with the midfielder joining in January after signing a four-and-a-half year deal.

The 20-year-old Hungary international is one of the most promising young talents in European football and had a host of suitors, including Arsenal and Tottenham, after bursting onto the scene at the Austrian side in the past two years.

But Szoboszlai has warded off any interest from the Premier League and has opted to move to the Bundesliga for last season's Champions League semi-finalists Leipzig, with the club tweeting on Thursday afternoon: 'Welcome to Leipzig, Dominik!'

Crucially, he will be available to Leipzig for their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool in the new year - he will wear the number 17 shirt at his new club.

Szoboszlai becomes the latest in a long line of players to have made the move from the two Red Bull clubs, including stars such as Naby Keita and Dayot Upamecano.

As well as Arsenal and Tottenham, Real Madrid also reportedly held an interest in Szoboszlai, but he will play under Julian Nagelsmann and could make his debut on January 9 against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

'I'm very pleased that this transfer has been completed,' Szoboszlai said.

'The club has developed fantastically. It is among the best teams in the Bundesliga and is also doing well in the Champions League. This step is perfect for my development.

'I'm coming to Leipzig to work under a top coach and in an extremely ambitious team, that is very young but also has a lot of experience and has been able to celebrate success. Here, I'll be able to continue my development incredibly and I want to help the club to continue its success in 2021.'

Szoboszlai made 82 appearances for Salzburg despite being just 20, scoring 26 goals in all competitions - he has also recorded 10 caps for the Hungarian national team, scoring twice.

The midfielder made his debut at the age of 17 in May 2018 and scored on his Champions League debut last season in the 6-2 win against Genk, a match famous for fellow youngster Erling Haaland's hat-trick. [/article]
 
Jakub Moder - Brighton

[article]Brighton & Hove Albion will recall Jakub Moder from his loan spell at Polish top-flight club Lech Poznan effective from 1st January 2021.

After joining on transfer deadline day on a five-year contract earlier in October, the midfielder was initially loaned back to Poznan with the plan to review the situation ahead of the January transfer window.


He has made 22 club appearances and scored five goals this season, including eight in the Europa League. He has also played six times for Poland, including four Nations League ties. He scored his first international goal in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in a friendly in November.

Head coach Graham Potter said, “Jakub has enjoyed a few really good months with both Poznan and Poland, playing in a top European competition as well as making his international debut.

“It was always an option to bring him back and have a good look at what he has to offer and how he has developed. We believe he can have an impact on the first team group.”

Technical director Dan Ashworth added, “We would like to thank Lech Poznan for their understanding and for the role they have played in his development.

“During his time with Poznan he has earned his call-up to the national team, which will have been an incredibly proud moment for both the player and the club.”[/article]
 
Gabriel Heinze - Atlanta United (Head Coach)

[article]
Atlanta United today announced it has agreed a two-year contract with Gabriel Heinze to become the third head coach in club history. He’s quickly established himself as one of the top up-and-coming coaches in world football, highlighted by his most recent two-and-a-half-year stint at Velez Sarsfield. During the 2019-20 season, Heinze impressively led the third-youngest team in the 24-team league to a third-place finish. Heinze will be formally introduced to the media during a press conference via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 21.

“This is a milestone moment in Atlanta United history, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gabriel as our next head coach,” Club President Darren Eales said. “We cast the net widely for this important hire, and Gabriel quickly emerged as the No. 1 candidate. Gabriel is one of the top coaches in South American soccer and we are delighted that he chose Atlanta United. Whilst his resume speaks for itself, Gabriel’s playing philosophy and commitment to youth development closely align with our ideas at Atlanta United, and we are happy to welcome him as we move into our club’s next chapter.”

Following an illustrious playing career that included time at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris St. Germain, Heinze retired from the pitch in July 2014 and began working as a manager in the Argentine Primera Division with Godoy Cruz. In the summer of 2016, he took over Argentinos Juniors in the second division in Argentina. In the 44-match season, the former star center back led the team to a record of 25-6-13 (88 points) to secure promotion for his side. That Argentinos Juniors team finished the year with a +37-goal differential.

“I’m excited to be taking on this new challenge with Atlanta United,” said incoming Atlanta United head coach Gabriel Heinze. “I believe that my football philosophy is aligned with the vision of the club and their structure and facilities are world-class. I can’t wait to meet the players, the staff and the fans and get to work in 2021.”

Following his time with Argentinos Juniors, Heinze made the move to Velez Sarsfield and took over one of the youngest teams in the Argentine topflight. After guiding the team to a mid-table finish in his first season, Velez Sarsfield improved to sixth place the following campaign. That gave the club qualification to the Copa Sudamericana for the first time since 2013.

The club’s ascent up the table continued into the 2019-20 season, despite having a squad that averaged just 23.5 years in age (third youngest in the league). Heinze led Velez Sarsfield to a third-place finish, the club’s highest finish in the topflight since 2013-14. One of the club’s many signature wins of the season came on Sept. 22, when Heinze led Velez Sarsfield to a 2-1 away win at the Estadio Monumental against River Plate.

“Since we launched Atlanta United, our objective has been clear to play an aggressive, attack-minded style of play,” Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “Gabriel fits that mold and has a dynamic playing style that aligns with the identity of our club, which is what we were specifically looking for in our next head coach. We’re excited to get him into Atlanta and to get to work on a promising 2021 season.”

Heinze’s playing career began in 1996 with Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina. The talented center back only stayed for a season before making the move to Europe to Real Valladolid in Spain. Over the next 15 years, Heinze played at some of the biggest clubs in the world including Paris St. Germain, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The Argentine made more than 450 appearances across his career in Europe, with over 150 of those coming in Ligue 1 in France, 98 in La Liga, 52 in the Premier League and 41 in the UEFA Champions League. He scored 26 goals during his time in Europe and won seven major trophies, including league titles in England, Spain and France.

Following his tenure in Europe, Heinze returned to his first professional club Newell’s Old Boys in 2012 and played his final two professional years in his native country. He helped the club win the 2013 Torneo Final, giving the star defender four league titles in four different countries.

Heinze was a fixture in the Argentine National Team for many years. His debut came in 2003 and he finished with 73 total caps. He played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, reaching the Quarterfinal stage in each one. He helped Argentina reach two Copa America Finals in 2004 and 2007. In 2004, under the guidance of one of his mentors Marcelo Bielsa (currently Leeds United’s manager), Heinze helped Argentina win the Gold Medal at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He scored in the opening match, while Argentina did not concede a goal in the entire tournament.
[/article]
 
Xisco Muñoz - Watford (Head Coach)

[article]Watford FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Xisco Muñoz as Head Coach.

The 40-year-old Spaniard – with an attacking philosophy to his coaching – was most recently manager at Dinamo Tbilisi, where he guided the club to a second successive Georgian league title in 2020.

Muñoz, who also boasts coaching experience at Spanish clubs Gimnàstic and Pobla Mafumet, was part of the Valencia squad that achieved a remarkable UEFA Cup and La Liga double in 2003/04, as well as winning the UEFA Super Cup the following season.

The former winger’s playing days also included spells with Recreativo, Tenerife, Real Betis, Levante, Dinamo Tbilisi and Gimnàstic, and he represented the Spanish national team at Under-21 level.

Muñoz will be joined at Watford by Roberto Cuesta (Assistant Coach) and Jorge Abella (Strength & Conditioning Coach), while Antonello Brambilla – who was already at the club – will move into the role of first-team Goalkeeping Coach.[/article]
 
Raymond Domenech - Nantes (Head Coach)

[article]Former France coach Raymond Domenech has signed a six-month contract with Nantes for his first job since the fiasco at the 2010 World Cup, the club told AFP on Thursday.

Domenech, 68, left his role as les Bleus boss after finishing bottom of the group and a player revolt in South Africa and last coached a club side in 1993.

"The final details have been sorted and all will be made official this weekend," the Breton side said three weeks after sacking Christian Gourcuff.

Domenech, who has become a pundit on French television, will be the 15th man in charge of the Canaries since president Waldemar Kita arrived at Stade de la Beaujoire in 2007.

Nantes sit in 16th spot in Ligue 1, three points off the relegation zone, and next host fourth-placed Rennes on January 6.[/article]
 
Christian Gross - FC Schalke 04 (Head Coach)

[article]
Christian Gross has been appointed the new first team head coach. The Swiss signed a contract until the end of the season on Sunday (27.12.20). The coaching staff will be rounded out by incumbent coaches Onur Cinel, Naldo, Matthias Kreutzer and goalkeeping coach Simon Henzler.

“For Schalke 04, the next five months will be all about managing to stay in the Bundesliga. Christian Gross has shown in both Germany and England that he can successfully take on challenges like this,” said Jochen Schneider, Head of Sport and Communication. “Christian Gross will give the team clear instructions and will set us on the right path with his unwavering expectations. We are sure of that.”


Gross himself has a clear idea of how the club can achieve survival this season: “We have to be goal-oriented and work towards results. I want to feel the players’ enthusiasm at all times. We need to have a good atmosphere in and around the team to be successful again. I will give everything so that we can accomplish our goals together.”

The 66-year-old is no stranger in Germany. The football coach took over 15th-place VfB Stuttgart in December 2009 and led them to a sixth-place finish. He also enjoyed success at English club Tottenham Hotspur, where he was able to save the club from relegation in 1997/98 thanks to a strong second half of the season. Gross has also coached at Swiss clubs FC Wil, Grasshopper Club Zürich, FC Basel and BSC Young Boys, winning the league six times and the cup five times.

The Royal Blues’ new head coach has also had success outside of Europe: Gross has won the league title with al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where he was last employed and where he has had three spells, as well as two national cups. He has also taken charge of Egyptian side Zamalek SC, situated in Cairo, where he won the CAF Confederation Cup two seasons ago – Africa’s equivalent of the Europa League.

Gross played for several clubs in his home country between 1972 and 1988. He also played in Germany – and not far away from Gelsenkirchen – in 1980/81. The midfielder made 29 Bundesliga appearances for VfL Bochum, scoring four goals.
[/article]
 
Etienne Capoue - Villarreal (€2.68m)

[article]
Villarreal CF and Watford FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Étienne Capoue, who will wear yellow for the rest of this campaign and two more seasons (until June 2023). The club will soon announce the date of the presentation of the French footballer. The new Villarreal CF footballer will not be able to make his debut for the Submarine until after 4th January, which is the date of the start of the winter transfer window. Capoue will, however, train this Thursday alongside his new team-mates at the Villarreal CF Training Ground.


Étienne Capoue (11/07/1988, Niort, France) is a defensive midfielder with a big statue and an innate capacity to win the ball back. Thanks to his impressive figure, he dominates in the air. Despite being largely a defensive player, he has the ability to play a role in attack as well.

The French midfielder started his career as a footballer with FC Toulouse, where he played 196 games. After six seasons with the French side, Capoue moved to the Premier League to represent Tottenham Hotspur. He spent two seasons with the Londoners, playing a total of 36 games. In 2015, he moved to Watford, where he played five-and-a-half seasons, making 181 appearances.

Capoue has represented France at senior level, earning seven caps for Les Bleus.
[/article]
 
Sead Kolasinac - Schalke (loan)

[article]Sead Kolasinac will soon be donning Royal Blue once again, signing a six-month contract with the club which will enter into effect on Monday (4th Jan.). The 27-year-old full back will join Schalke 04 on loan until the end of the season from Premier League side Arsenal. The Bosnia international will wear the number 20. Details of the loan agreement will not be released by either club.

“We have been working hard on Sead Kolasinac’s return for a while now, and are very proud to have a true Schalker returning home,” said Jochen Schneider, head of sport and communication. “Sead’s character and strong will exemplify the values that Schalke 04 stands for and are exactly what’s needed in the fight to stay up.”

‘Seo’ is also looking forward to returning to Gelsenkirchen. “I’m happy and proud to be wearing the royal blue of Schalke 04 once again. The club is currently in a difficult situation. Over the coming weeks and months I want to do my part in order to help us pick up as many points as possible. We will manage to stay up together, I’m 100 percent convinced of it!” Kolasinac added, “I’m also very happy to be reunited with several familiar faces, both in the team and backroom staff. I never lost touch with FC Schalke 04. Returning to Gelsenkirchen was something I really wanted to do.”

123 competitive games for the Royal Blues
The full back led the Schalke U19s to the German title as captain in the 2011/12 season, before signing a professional contract with the club at the end of the campaign. With his ambition, dedication, team spirit and physicality, Kolasinac quickly established himself in the Bundesliga.

The Bosnia international’s consistently strong performances didn’t go unnoticed. In summer 2017, Arsenal signed the defender, who has since gone on to make 113 competitive appearances for the Premier League club and was part of the side that lifted the FA Cup last season. Kolasinac and Arsenal also won the FA Community Shield in 2017 and 2020.

For Schalke, Kolasinac has 94 Bundesliga appearances and four goals to his name. The full back has also made six appearances in the DFB-Pokal, nine Champions League appearances and played in 14 Europa League games.[/article]
 
Lucas Pratto - Feyenoord (loan)

[article]
Feyenoord has confirmed the signing of River Plate striker Lucas Pratto on loan until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old arrives in Rotterdam to provide competition up front for Dick Advocaat. Pratto will compete with Nicolai Jorgensen to lead the Feyenoord attack.

Feyenoord director Frank Arnesen told the club’s website, “With the arrival of an experienced striker like Lucas, we add an extra attacking option to the selection that can be immediately there. Something that is very welcome in view of the upcoming, important season resumption and the ambitions we have for this season.”

Pratto can make his debut when Feyenoord face Sparta Rotterdam a week on Sunday.

The five-time Argentina international made 105 appearances for River Plate, scoring 22 times.
[/article]
 
Philip Zinckernagel - Watford (free transfer)

[article]The Hornets are delighted to confirm the signing of exciting Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel.

The 26-year-old scored 19 times and assisted a further 18 goals in 28 appearances as FK Bodø/Glimt raced to the Norwegian top-flight title in 2020. He also scored three goals in three Europa League outings.

Zinckernagel, born in Copenhagen, began his career at Nordsjælland in his home country before spells at HB Køge, FC Helsingør and SønderjyskE preceded his move to Norway in 2018.

The attacker’s five-and-a-half year contract will begin when the transfer window opens on January 2, so he will be eligible to play from the Manchester United FA Cup tie on January 9. He will wear the number seven shirt.[/article]

Could turn out to be a bargain signing
 
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - Burton Albion (Manager)

[article]BURTON Albion can confirm that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been reappointed manager of the club.

He re-joins the Brewers five years after leaving the Pirelli stadium for QPR when the Brewers were poised for promotion to the Championship.

Hasselbaink is a former Leeds United, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker as well as a Netherlands international. He was first appointed as Burton Albion manager in November 2014 following Gary Rowett’s departure and led Albion to the League Two title before leaving for QPR just over a year later with the Brewers top of League One.

He will be assisted by former Stevenage player and manager Dino Maamria, who has most recently been head coach at Oldham Athletic.

Hasselbaink said: “It’s great to be working with Ben Robinson again. We had a really good working relationship last time and hopefully we can get that back on track.

“Burton Albion is a club which is very close to my heart and a really special club for me and my family.

“The job is totally different from the first time, but we are coming in to try as quickly as possible to get us up the league and keep ourselves in League One - that’s our aim and first and foremost that’s what we will be trying to do.

“We know there is enough quality in the playing squad but that’s not reflected in where we are in the table so there is a lot of hard work to be done.

“I have wonderful memories from when I was here before and it was a very important time in my life and I have always kept in touch with the club but I know it’s a different job now.

“Hopefully, we can get us going as quickly as possible. The transfer widow is opening but you have to give the players who are there a chance. There are good players at Burton Albion who are under achieving and the first job is to get them back to their normal ability. We want to help the players to start performing and we need to squeeze as much out of them as we can, to get clean sheets and to win matches.

“I got my pro licence with Dino and went on a few courses with him. He knows the leagues and players. He’s a good coach, he’s driven and he will help us push us forward.”

Maamria said: “It’s a good match in a good football club. I’m proven in terms of getting teams out of this kind of situation as I have shown in my last five jobs. Jimmy knows the football club and works well with the Chairman.

“I will be working with the players day to day, motivating them and using that knowhow of getting the club out of this position we are in with Jimmy overseeing everything and I think it will make for a great partnership.

“We are lucky to have a fantastic Chairman who leads the club with integrity, and we are looking forwarding to getting on with the job.”

Hasselbaink will be at the game tomorrow but will leave the team in the hands of Nick Fenton and Chris Beardsley while he watches from the stand.

“From Monday we start the hard work so we can get to know the players and start planning,” he said.

Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jimmy back to Burton Albion. It’s an appointment I know will excite our fans after the last time he was here which started the most successful period in the club’s history.

“In Dino Maamria, we also have someone who has proven managerial experience in his own right and I’m sure he and Jimmy will forge a great partnership.

“There is a lot of work to do but I know with Jimmy and Dino we have given ourselves the best opportunity of turning the club’s playing fortunes around.”
[/article]
 
Marcelino García Toral - Athletic Bilbao (Head Coach)

[article]Athletic Club have reached an agreement in principle with Marcelino García Toral, in which the coach will lead the Athletic first team until June 30, 2022.

Marcelino has a vast array of experience at the top level, with 416 matches as a head coach: 320 in LaLiga, 54 in the Copa and 42 in Europe. His last position was as head coach of Valencia CF, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2018-19.


As soon as the contract with García Toral is signed, the Club will publish more details about his coaching staff.[/article]
 
Joakim Mæhle - Atalanta (€11m)

[article]Last year, Joakim Maehle faced Napoli and Liverpool in the Champions League group stage and scored two goals during the U21 European Championship played in Italy: here’s who is the new Atalanta signing.

Born in Østervrå, a small town in North Denmark, Maehle comes from the academy of Aalborg with whom he made his senior debut in 2016. He played 27 games in all competitions before joining Genk the following summer for €1m.

He won Belgium’s Pro League in the 2018-19 campaign when he scored three goals and provided just as many assists in 39 games between regular season and playoffs.

The 23-year-old also won the second Belgian Supercup in the club’s history in 2019.

In that same year, he faced Napoli and Liverpool in the Champions League group stage and played the U21 European Championship organized in Italy with his national team.

He has seven caps and two goals to his name with Denmark U21 and made his debut with the senior squad against Belgium in September 2020. He now has one goal in six appearances with Denmark senior team.

During the U21 European Championship, he scored two goals against Austria and provided one assist against Serbia, playing as left-back.

His favourite position, however, is the opposite one, where Hans Hateboer is La Dea’s regular starter.[/article]
 
William Saliba - Nice (loan)

[article]OGC Nice has been bolstered by the signing of central defender William Saliba, on loan from Arsenal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

It’s official. After undergoing his medical examination on Monday, William Saliba signed his contract with Le Gym, late in the afternoon. Loaned from Arsenal (without option to buy), the former Saint-Etienne player will reinforce Les Aiglons’ defensive ranks. He could make his first appearance for his new side as early as this Wednesday, away to Brest at 19:00.

Born in the Paris suburb of Bondy, the 19-year-old defender signed his first professional contract with ASSE in May 2018 having emerged from the club’s youth academy. And then? An incredible rise with the pros. Launched by then coach Jean-Louis Gasset at just 17 years of age, Saliba quickly became first-choice for Les Verts who finished the 2018-19 campaign in fourth place in Ligue 1.

His performances (16 L1 matches, 13 starts) convinced Arsenal to recruit the athletic 1.93m stopper, who won the Gambardella Youth Cup with Les Verts. Transferred to the British capital in 2019, the U20 international was immediately loaned back to Saint-Étienne, to continue his progression in Le Forez. Despite the curtailed season, due to the global pandemic, this second professional season saw him make another 17 first-team appearances and help Les Verts qualify for the Coupe de France final, before joining the Gunners. Yet to get his chance with Arsenal since the start of the season, Saliba has been offered an opportunity by the Rouge et Noir where Adrian Ursea expects him to ‘bring all his character to side’s game.’

Bienvenue William![/article]
 
Slaven Bilic - Beijing Guoan (Head Coach)

[article]Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan have announced the appointment of former Croatia international footballer Slaven Bilic as the team’s new head coach.

In appointing Bilic, 52, they also confirmed the departure of former head coach Bruno Genesio. The Frenchman guided the Beijing side to third place in the CSL and the AFC Champions League quarter-finals last season.

Bilic was in charge of English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion until he was sacked on December 16 after 18 months in charge at The Hawthorns.
Beijing Guoan announced his arrival on their official Weibo on Wednesday, with confirmation that his contract runs until the end of 2022.

“Mr Bilic’s tactics in coaching are rich and varied, the on-the-spot command is full of passion, and the team he leads is highly aggressive,” the club statement said. “This coaching style, coupled with Bilic’s love for rock music, is [why he is] also called the ‘rock coach’ by the fans.”

The club’s announcement also listed Bilic’s playing achievements, beginning at Hajduk Split in his native Croatia before moving to German side Karlsruhe, and then West Ham United and Everton in the English Premier League.

Bilic was one of the stars of the Croatia team that reached the Fifa World Cup semi-finals in France in 1998.

His coaching experience began following his retirement, starting with the Croatian under-21s. He progressed to the full national team and led them to the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Bilic has since coached Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad, as well as former club West Ham.

The new Chinese Super League is not expected to start before March and is likely to be played in a bubble as it was last season. Shanghai and Guangzhou have been reported as possible locations.[/article]
 
Omar Rekik - Arsenal (£500k)

[article]Omar Rekik has signed a professional contract with us and joins our under-23s squad.

The 19-year-old has joined us from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. Omar is a ball playing centre half who can play on both sides.


Omar was born in the Netherlands and he has played internationally at youth level for Tunisia and the Netherlands. Throughout his youth career he also spent time at Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven and Marseille.

Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Omar to the club and we look forward to supporting his ongoing development.

This contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.[/article]
 
Percy Tau - Brighton (recall from loan)

[article]The 26-year-old South Africa international joined the club in 2018 and has spent the last two-and-a-half years on loan in Belgium.

After a season with Brussels-based club Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Tau moved to Bruges last season and helped them win the league title and played in the Champions League.


Tau linked up with Anderlecht, who are managed by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, last August and has scored four goals in 15 games this season.

Albion have received a Governing Body Endorsement, the new points-based system for non-English players which came into force last week when the transition period following the UK's exit from the European Union ended, from the FA for Tau.

Head coach Graham Potter said, “We're pleased to be able to welcome Percy to the club and begin working with him. I know he's a player whose progress many of our fans have followed in recent seasons.

“We too have closely monitored his performances in Belgium in the last three years. He's been playing at a really good level, particularly with Bruges and Anderlecht where he has been involved in the Champions League, and his next step is to show he is ready to make the transition into the Premier League.

“He brings some different attributes and qualities to the group and he wants to take the next step in his career. We’re looking forward to working with him.”[/article]
 
Sébastien Haller - Ajax (€22.5m)

[article]Ajax, West Ham United and Sébastien Haller have reached an agreement for the transfer of the French-Ivorian player. The striker signed a contract that is effective immediately with a duration of four and a half seasons, through June 20, 2025. Ajax pays a transfer fee of 22,5 million euro to West Ham United.

Haller was born on June 22, 1994 in Ris-Orangis, France. The Ivorian international previously played for FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie for two and a half years. He had joined Utrecht from the French side AJ Auxerre during the winter break of the 2014-2015 season.

The forward then played for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany before moving to West Ham United, where he has played since the summer of 2019. Haller was still under contract with the English until mid-2024.[/article]
 
Takefusa Kubo - Getafe (loan)

[article]Teenage star Takefusa Kubo has completed his loan move to Getafe for the remainder of the season.

The Japanese teenager is at the forefront of Real Madrid news at the moment due to him enduring a tough time on loan at Villarreal, where he has now had his season-long loan deal cut in half by mutual agreement.

Things have not worked out for the teenage prodigy at the Yellow Submarine where he has started just two matches in La Liga this season and was not in the club’s first-team plans.[/article]
 
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