Confirmed Transfers 20/21

[King Binny]

Chris Richards - Hoffenheim (loan)


Petar Musa - Union Berlin (loan)

[article]
On the final day of the transfer window, 1. FC Union Berlin have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of 22-year-old striker Petar Musa, who joins on loan from Czech side Slavia Prague.

The striker, who will wear the number 24 in Köpenick, arrives with international pedigree having played for Croatia’s under-21 national team on eight occasions. Born in Zagreb, Musa switched to Slavia Prague in 2017 and went out on loan almost immediately to Viktoria Zizkov. He scored 12 goals in 37 games on loan before hitting another 11 on loan for Slovan Liberec. He returned to Slavia in January 2020 and has scored 11 goals in 35 matches for the Czech giants.

"I’m happy that the transfer to Union has gone through and I can’t wait to play in the Bundesliga," said the Croatian striker. "The team is having a great season so far and I want to help the guys be as successful as they can. I think I can integrate quickly and want to be on the pitch as soon as possible."

"With Petar Musa, we are closing up the whole in our forward positions and we are now adequately resourced with him. We are looking forward to seeing an exciting young player," said Oliver Ruhnert, Director of Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin.
[/article]

Ali Akman - Eintracht Frankfurt (loan)

 

[King Binny]

Moises Caicedo - Brighton (€6m)

[article]
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Moises Caicedo on a contract until June 2025 from Ecuadorian top-flight side Independiente del Valle.

The transfer remains subject to international clearance, but the 19-year-old midfielder arrives on the South Coast having won the 2020 Under-20 Copa Libertadores, as well as making his senior debut for Ecuador in October.

Head coach Graham Potter said, “It's no secret we have been working to bring Moises to the club, and we are very pleased he is finally here.

“He will need time to settle in with the group, for us to get to know him and vice versa, as well as get up to speed and ready for the demands of the Premier League.

“He has done very well in Ecuador and made his debut for his country at just 18. He's an exciting signing, but it is important we give him time to adjust.”

Technical director Dan Ashworth said, “Moises has had a lot of interest from clubs across Europe, which is understandable given how well he has done.

“He's been one the recruitment team has been aware of for some time and we are confident he is a player with a very exciting future ahead.

“It has been a complicated transfer, due to the current restrictions, and there has been a lot of hard work across several of the club's departments to get the transfer completed.

“Moises is still a young player, moving away from his country for the first time, so we allow him the time he needs to adjust and adapt.”

Caicedo came through the youth ranks at Independiente del Valle before making his first appearance for the club in October 2019.

A year later he made his first senior appearance for his country in a 1-0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification defeat against Argentina.

Just four days later he scored his first international goal in a 4-2 win over Uruguay – he now has four caps to his name.
[/article]

Bryan Reynolds - Roma (€7.5m)

[article]
Roma have officially signed Bryan Reynolds from FC Dallas.

The Lega Serie A has confirmed the Giallorossi have officially registered the American full-back.

The 19-year-old, who had been linked with Benevento and Juventus, has reportedly joined Roma on a permanent €7.5m deal.

Reynolds is the eighth American player to move to Italy, but only five of them have made their Serie A debut.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Neven Subotic - SCR Altach (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Nemanja Radonjic - Hertha Berlin (loan with a option to buy for €12m)

[article]THE WINGER JOINS FROM OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON. THE LOAN DEAL ALSO INCLUDES AN OPTION TO BUY FOR HERTHA.

From the Mediterranean to the Spree: Hertha BSC have added another name to the squad shortly before the end of the transfer window. Nemanja Radonjić joins the club with immediate effect. The 24-year-old wide man joins the Old Lady from Olympique Marseille of the French top flight. The two clubs agreed on a loan deal with a buy option on Monday (01/01/2021). “In Nemanja, we’re getting an attacking player who can help our wing play with his speed and ability to use both feet. He has regularly proven his qualities both at the club and in the national team. We are very much looking forward to having him here,” said sporting director Arne Friedrich on the Serbian. The new number 24 was full of energy upon singing. "The talks I had with the club were very positive. The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in Europe. I want to show as soon as possible that I am a good addition for Hertha. I'm really looking forward being at the club and alongside my new teammates," said Radonjić.

Born in Niš, Serbia, the winger played youth football for Partizan Belgrade, before moving on to AS Roma and then Empoli in Italy via a stint at Romanian club Academia Hagi. After a one-year loan spell at FK Čukarički, the 20-time Serbian international (four goals) moved to FK Red Star Belgrade in the summer of 2017. Eleven goals and eight assists in 47 games was enough to secure a move to France and Olympique Marseille in August 2018. There, Radonjić scored eight goals in 62 games, while setting up three more. On the international stage, the Serbian international has made two appearances in the UEFA Champions League and played ten times in the UEFA Europa League (one goal, one assist). Next stop: the Bundesliga and Hertha BSC![/article]

Sami Khedira - Hertha Berlin

[article]
HERTHA BSC SIGN 77-TIME GERMANY INTERNATIONAL AND 2014 WORLD CUP WINNER FROM ITALIAN RECORD CHAMPIONS JUVENTUS. THE 33-YEAR-OLD WILL TAKE THE NUMBER 28 SHIRT.

From the Old Lady in Turin to the Old Lady in Berlin: Sami Khedira joins Hertha BSC from Juventus with immediate effect. The 33-year-old 2014 World Champion is returning to the Bundesliga after over ten years away, in which he played 99 games (21 goals, nine assists) in the Serie A with Juventus and 102 games (six goals, seven assists) with La Liga champions Real Madrid. “in Sami Khedira we are getting a atop player who has been under contract with some of Europe’s top clubs. He will help us immediately with his experience in the Champions League, Serie A, La Liga and also with the national team at the World Cup and European Championships,” said Arne Friedrich on Monday about the transfer of Khedira, who was born in Stuttgart and will wear the number 28 shirt for Hertha. “We were together at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and played together on the pitch. I know the leadership qualities that he has and am therefore very pleased he is a Hertha BSC player,” continued Hertha’s sporting director.

The new signing is also very enthusiastic with his transfer. "Hertha made great efforts to sign me and offered me the opportunity to return to the Bundesliga. I'm grateful for that and, I honestly cannot wait for the moment when I'll be wearing the blue and white shirt on the pitch for the first time," said Khedira. “I feel great physically would like to use the experience I have gained in recent years to help the team and lead Hertha BSC to more sporting success,” said the midfielder, who has represented Germany at three different World Cup finals tournaments. Carsten Schmidt is also feeling positive of the 77-time (seven goals) German international’s attitude and leadership. "Sami Khedira is a successful leader on the pitch and a name that is recognised around the world. I am delighted that we have been able to bring him to Hertha BSC," said the CEO, underlining his delight at the transfer. "I am convinced that with his personality on and off the pitch, he will give our young team the stability it needs to be successful," concluded Schmidt.

Trophies in Madrid and Turin

Born in Stuttgart, Khedira started out as a youth player at TV Oeffingen before joining the youth setup of VfB Stuttgart, where he progressed through the ranks. The midfielder made his professional debut on 1st October 2006 in the Olympiastadion in a 2-2 draw against Hertha BSC and went on to make 132 appearances (16 goals, 19 assists) for the five-time German champions before securing a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2010. Khedira spent five seasons with Los Blancos and won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Spanish Cup twice, UEFA Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup on two occasions. The next stop for the 2007 German champion was Turin. In five seasons with Juventus, Khedira has lifted five league titles, three Italian Cups, a Super Cup and also reached a Champions League final. And on Monday, Sami finally returns to the Bundesliga after 3,922 days.
[/article]

DeAndre Yedlin - Galatasaray (undisclosed fee)

 

[King Binny]

Joshua Zirkzee - Parma (loan with option to buy for €15m)

 

[King Binny]

Angelino - RB Leipzig (£16.3m)

[article]
Angelino has joined RB Leipzig on a permanent deal from Manchester City after the Bundesliga club activated their £16.3m buy option in his loan deal.

The 24-year-old left back had been on loan at the Red Bull Arena since January 2020, but has now signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Leipzig.

Angelino has often been used as a wing back by Julian Nagelsmann, with his new attacking freedom helping him to record eight goals and 11 assists this season.

Despite becoming one of the German league's most productive full backs, Angelino failed to establish himself during two spells at City, making just 15 appearances in total.

He joined the club as a teenager from Deportivo La Coruna before embarking on loan spells at New York City, Girona, Real Mallorca and Dutch side NAC Breda.

Angelino then joined PSV on a permanent deal in 2018 but City used their buy-back option to re-sign him a year later.

However, he failed to convince Pep Guardiola and moved to Leipzig on loan after just six months back at the Etihad Stadium.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Dayot Upamecano - Bayern Munich (€42.5m)

[article]Dayot Upamecano (22, RB Leipzig) will move to FC Bayern München from 1 July 2021. The defender and the German record champions have agreed the terms of a five-year deal until 30 June 2026.

Board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić: "We’re happy that we’ve been able to sign Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern München. We’re convinced that Dayot will be a very important member of our team in the coming years."
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Marco Rose - Borussia Dortmund (Head Coach)

 

[King Binny]

 

[dogboy]

Thanks for these.

 

[King Binny]

Joey Barton - Bristol Rovers (First Team Manager)

[article]Bristol Rovers F.C is delighted to announce the appointment of Joey Barton as first-team Manager.

The 38-year-old takes charge ahead of tomorrow night's meeting with Wigan Athletic at the Memorial Stadium, with Barton signing a deal with Club until 2023.

Barton joins the Gas following a short spell away from the dugout after parting company with Fleetwood Town earlier in the 2020-21 campaign.

In his time in Lancashire, Barton demonstrated continual improvement in league finishes, first finishing 11th with his side, before securing a play-off spot in the shortened 2019/20 campaign.

Despite being beaten in the play-off semi-final in the 2019/20 season, Barton's Fleetwood side responded well, again in the mix for the playoffs the following year before Barton parted company with the club.

The former midfielder's footballing pedigree speaks for itself, beginning his career with Manchester City before permanent spells at Newcastle United, QPR, Burnley and Rangers. Barton also made an appearance for the England national team in 2007.

Accompanying Barton to the club, he brings Clint Hill and Andy Mangan, who step into roles as Assistant Manager and First Team coach respectively.

The current coaching staff will remain in post at the football club, with Kevin Maher, Jack Mesure all forming part of Barton’s backroom staff.

Speaking about Barton’s appointment, Club President Wael Al Qadi said, “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.

"Joey's experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

"He's got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.

"We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the Club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.

"I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pablo Longoria - Marseille (Chairman)
Jorge Sampaoli - Marseille (Head Coach)

[article]Frank McCourt announces major changes, opening a new chapter for Olympique de Marseille
Pablo Longoria has been appointed chairman of the board of Olympique de Marseille; Internationally renowned coach Jorge Sampaoli, is appointed head coach of the team; Frank McCourt travels to Marseilles to meet with groups of supporters and local leaders


Olympique de Marseille today opens a new chapter in its great history. Pablo Longoria has been appointed Chairman of the OM Executive Board, replacing Jacques-Henri Eyraud, while Jorge Sampaoli has been appointed coach of the club's first team.


Pablo Longoria, who has been OM's football director since 3 August, 2020, becomes Chairman of the Executive Board and President of OM, with immediate effect. In this capacity, Longoria will be responsible for the management of the club, both on a sporting and economic level. He has previously worked as a recruiter at Newcastle United F.C. in England, Recreativo from Huelva in Spain, Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta B.C. in Italy. From 2015 to 2018, he was Recruitment Manager and Scouting Manager at Juventus F.C., then, as Sports Director of the Valencia CF, he directly contributed to the return of Valencia to the European stage with a return to the UEFA Champions League and the award of a trophy (Spanish Cup).

"This is a new chapter for Olympique de Marseille, and I personally commit myself to making to make it a real success," said Frank McCourt, owner of Olympique de Marseille. "I have entrusted the presidency of the club to Pablo. His experience as sporting director and talent recruiter is matched only by his love of the game. His main priority will be to deliver the football at the heart of OM."

Pablo Longoria said: "The history and culture of this club is truly unique. The football is inconceivable without passion and this nomination is for me a great honour, to which I have been preparing myself since I entered the world of football. We would like to contribute to building a style of play that matches the passion of our supporters. I will be attentive to make sure that all the players adhere to our project. This will be a prerequisite for our recruitment to come. Courage and passion are core values for OM and the supporters. The club comes first, no matter what."

Jorge Sampaoli has signed a contract with the club until June 2023. He is a great tactician, with coaching experience at the highest level. Sampaoli is renowned for its focus in attack. It is a system of play that he has deployed throughout his long and successful career. He has led the national teams of Argentina and Chile, and Sevilla FC in Spain, as well as Santos FC and Clube Atlético Mineiro in Brazil. Sampaoli has led the Chilean national team toward its first major trophy in 2015 by winning the prestigious Copa America, beating reigning champions Uruguay in the quarter-finals and Argentina in the final. He has been awarded numerous individual prizes, including being nominated for the FIFA Coach of the Year Award.

"I have been told all my life that OM is a special place for passion. That the Vélodrome lights up when the team plays in the stadium," said Sampaoli. "Marseille is a club for the people. We're not here to hide: we're going to play hard. When I received this proposal, I dreamed of being able to party in the city. In the world, there are places for calm and there are intense places. It is the latter that I want and I accepted without hesitation. This club has a soul and that is why we are here. We are ready.

OM is also pleased to announce that Frank McCourt will arrive in Marseille this week to meet with fans and leaders of OM's historic fan groups in order to discuss his long-term plans for the club. He will also meet with business leaders, elected officials and representatives of public authorities, accompanied by members of the new club management team.

"The soul of Marseille lured me in when I bought the club", said Frank McCourt. "This spirit has suffered from COVID and impacted the fans, of which I am a part. I would like to thank the authorities for facilitating my arrival in France. I am coming to Marseille, and I look forward to sharing my vision for the future directly with fans, including the development and investment projects for the next few years. In 2016, we launched an ambitious project to bring this club back to the top of French and European football and this commitment is still intact. Rest assured that my commitment to OM and the people of Marseille is absolute, and I ask that all our supporters unite and support us as we open this new great chapter".

Following the appointment of Longoria as Chairman of the Management Board and Chairman of OM, Jacques-Henri Eyraud has left his current responsibilities and will join the Supervisory Board of OM.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Darren Moore - Sheffield Wed (Manager)

[article]
Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Moore as our new first team manager.

The highly regarded 46-year-old brings an impressive CV to S6 on both sides of the white line.

The erstwhile defender made 654 senior appearances for a raft of clubs as a player over two decades, representing Torquay, Doncaster, Bradford, Portsmouth, West Brom, Derby, Barnsley and Burton.

He also posted three caps on the international stage for Jamaica.

Moore moved into management in April 2018 with the Baggies on a caretaker basis and came close to saving his new charges from Premier League relegation against all the odds having taken the reins 10 points from safety.

He earned the Premier League Manager of the Month accolade for April along the way.

Moore was appointed permanently in May 2018 with the aim of leading West Brom back to the top tier from the Championship. With that remit on course, he somewhat surprisingly departed the following March with the Baggies in fourth place.

The Birmingham product moved to Doncaster in July 2019 and after laying firm foundations at the Keepmoat Stadium saw Rovers’ promotion ambitions halted by the curtailment of the League One season. Doncaster were six points shy of the play-offs with a game in hand.

This time around, Rovers are ensconced in the play-off spots, again having played less games than their rivals.

Moore now joins the Owls with immediate effect and will be in charge for Wednesday night’s Championship clash with Rotherham at Hillsborough.

Welcome to Hillsborough, Darren!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Dimitrios Grammozis - Schalke (Head Coach)

 

[rurikbird]

Dimitrios Grammozis - Schalke (Head Coach)

Schalke’s 5th manager this season, if I didn’t lose count. Talk about poisoned chalice!

 

[King Binny]

Schalke’s 5th manager this season, if I didn’t lose count. Talk about poisoned chalice!

Strange choice too. Their Sporting Director Jochen Schneider will be leaving at the end of the current season. Wouldn't it be better for the Head Coach to be someone of the new Sporting Director's choice?

 

[King Binny]

Marek Hamsik - IFKGoteborg (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Lee Bowyer - Birmingham (Head CoacH)

[article]BIRMINGHAM CITY ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF LEE BOWYER AS THE CLUB’S HEAD COACH.

Bowyer, who has signed terms with the Club until June 2023, was at the Trillion Trophy Training Centre this morning to take training after the Club reached an agreement with the former Charlton Athletic Manager.

The Board of Directors identified Bowyer as their number one candidate, highlighting his man management skills and motivational qualities as paramount for the incumbent of the Club’s Head Coach position.

Having agreed terms and put pen to paper, Blues’ new Head Coach spoke of his excitement at returning to the Second City: “I’m absolutely delighted and it’s great to be back.

“I’ve already seen some of the old faces from when I was here last and I’m just really looking forward to getting to work.

“My priority is to lift everybody. Not just the players, the staff as well. It seems like it’s not been in a very good place, so I’ve got to lift them.

“I’ve got to try and implement what I want very quickly. The team will improve, I have no doubt about that but we already have a good base to work with.

“I’m gutted the fans aren’t here because I know the part they would play. When I was here as a player it was an unreal atmosphere. I know how important they are but unfortunately we can’t change that.

“We have to pull together as a Club to make sure we are in this division next season so the fans can come back and appreciate what we do in this short space of time.”

Dong Ren, Blues CEO, commented: "I would like to welcome Lee to Birmingham City Football Club.

"He is a coach who has been on our radar for some time now and as a former player he knows exactly what it means to be a part of this Football Club.

“We believe he is the man to take us forward, initially in achieving our short-term goal of staying in the Championship and then further into the future as well.

"We are delighted that Lee has joined us at this important stage of the season and we are all committed to ensuring that he and the team are a success.”

A familiar and popular figure at St. Andrew’s, Bowyer wore royal blue for two-and-a-half years as a player. Initially arriving on loan in January 2009 from West Ham United, he made an instant impact by hitting a late equaliser on his debut and would appear a further 16 times that term as he helped Blues to automatic promotion from the Championship.

Bowyer was then a cornerstone of the team which finished ninth in the top flight, the Club’s highest league finish for half a century. And, as well as tenaciously shielding a backline that conceded fewer goals at home than any team outside the top four, the midfielder proved more than useful in front of goal too. Missing just three league matches in the process, Bowyer’s counters were the difference in matches against Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham that all ended one-nil to Blues.

An eye for a goal from midfield, his handiness in the box continued into his second full and what proved to be final campaign in B9. His most memorable effort helped send Blues to the Carling Cup final at the expense of West ham, a team with whom he had two spells either side of three years at Newcastle United in the noughties.

He would follow this up at Wembley with a winning performance, brimming with energy and fight that eternally stitches him into a tapestry that is the Club’s history.

This proved the penultimate step in a meritorious playing career, amassing over 500 senior appearances in both domestic and European competition before retiring after a season-long stint with Ipswich Town.

As a coach, Bowyer has worked within Watford’s youth setup and as a trusty assistant to Karl Robinson at The Valley, prior to taking over as caretaker manager at Charlton in March 2018 – the team he had first signed professionally with back in 1994.

Managing the Addicks, the 44-year-old has twice guided them to the League One play-offs, showing resilience to regroup and come again following a setback first time around.

Edged out by Shrewsbury Town in 2018, Bowyer rallied his troops, and they returned the following year to beat Doncaster Rovers over two legs and then overcome a much-fancied Sunderland outfit at Wembley as they returned to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2016.

At the time of leaving, he had guided Charlton to within touching distance of the Sky Bet League One play-off spots with 11 games remaining.

His first game as Blues Head Coach will be against Reading at St. Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium on Wednesday night.

Details of the Lee’s backroom staff will be revealed in due course.

Welcome back, Lee![/article]

 

[King Binny]

Nigel Adkins - Charlton (Manager)

[article]
Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the appointment of Nigel Adkins as the club’s Manager.

Adkins has signed a two-and-half-year contract with the Addicks and is set to take his first training session with his new team on Thursday morning.

Owner Thomas Sandgaard was very pleased to make Adkins his first managerial appointment of the first team after taking over the club in September. He said: “I believe Nigel is the perfect personality, with the perfect background and the perfect experience to get us to where we want to be. Both Nigel and I want us to be playing football in the Premier League and I can’t wait to see us there.”

Adkins took Southampton from League One to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions in between 2010 and 2012. Sandgaard explained that Adkins’ track record was important but that he was also impressed by the fact his sides play attractive football and that he has a proven ability to develop young talent.

Adkins explained he is looking forward to getting started at The Valley: “It’s a really exciting opportunity for me – something that has happened very quickly. I’m really pleased to be here and am looking forward to meeting the players and getting started.

“I had a conversation with Thomas and he highlighted where he wants this club to go. It’s an exciting and long-term vision. Getting to the Premier League is something that we all want and something that I have done before. I want to achieve that again.

“The team got a great result on Tuesday night and now we need to keep driving on together, because we have got a chance of winning promotion this season.”
As well as the promotions with Southampton, the 56-year-old was also twice promoted from League One with Scunthorpe United and most recently had a successful spell at Hull City, saving them from relegation in 2018 and then helping them to a mid-table Championship position in 2018/19.

Sandgaard added: “What I am doing with all the building blocks I am putting in place is slowly increasing the probability that we will win games. The rest of what happens is decided when the whistle is blown and the game starts. Everything I do on the inside, the infrastructure of the club and now with the new manager is to increase the probability that we’ll end up in the Premier League.”

Sandgaard and Adkins will speak to the press at 3pm on Thursday afternoon in the latter’s first press conference in charge at the club. The press conference will be available to watch shortly afterwards on Charlton TV's Valley Pass.

The Addicks moved into the play-off places on Tuesday with a win at home to Bristol Rovers and travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday for Adkins’ first game.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Danny Cowley - Portsmouth (Head Coach)

[article]
Pompey have appointed Danny Cowley as first team head coach on an initial deal until the end of the current season.

The 42-year-old former Lincoln and Huddersfield boss will be assisted by his younger brother Nicky.

Danny Cowley said: “This is a club with unbelievable tradition, so the board didn’t need to sell it to us. We’re proud and privileged to be here.

“Hopefully they saw two hard-working people who love the game and we’re delighted to be at Pompey.

“We always have the ambition of leaving a club in a better position than we found it. We’ll be doing everything in order to achieve that here.”

Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin added: “Having spent time with Danny and Nicky over the past few days – and speaking to those who know them well – I am delighted that we can finally announce their arrival at Fratton Park.

“We are all totally focused on giving Portsmouth Football Club the best chance of promotion in what is now, effectively, a 12-game mini-season.

“I would like to thank them both for the enthusiastic and professional way they have approached working with us for this period and there is an absolute collective desire to achieve success.”

Nicky Cowley said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge and this really is a great opportunity for us.

“The experience we’ve had in the game can hopefully stand us in good stead to have a strong finish to the season.”

After beginning his managerial career with stints at Concord Rangers and Braintree, Danny Cowley enjoyed great success in charge of Lincoln.

In his first season at the helm, he guided them to the National League title, with the side amassing 99 points.

The Imps also became the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for 103 years during that 2016/17 campaign.

They did so by winning 1-0 at top-flight Burnley in the last 16, courtesy of a late goal by current Blues defender Sean Raggett.

Lincoln reached the League Two play-offs the following season – losing to Exeter over two legs – and then went up again as champions 12 months later.

Cowley departed for struggling Championship side Huddersfield in September 2019 and collected the division’s ‘Manager of the Month’ award in October.

He guided them to survival in the second tier, but left following a victory over promotion-chasing West Brom in the penultimate fixture.

Cowley spent his entire playing career in the non-league game and has a degree in physical education, previously working as a teacher at a school in Essex.

Brother Nicky has been his assistant at Concord, Braintree, Lincoln and Huddersfield, while the pair were also team-mates at Romford.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Another good young prospect snapped up by RB Leipzig

Mohamed Simakan - RB Leipzig (€18m)

 

[King Binny]

Stephen Glass - Aberdeen (Manager)

[article]Aberdeen FC today confirms Stephen Glass as its new manager.

The 44-year-old Scotland International returns to the Club he played for between 1994-1998, having managed 60 professional games with Atlanta United as head coach of Atlanta United 2 who play in the USL full-time professional league below MLS, and as interim head coach of Atlanta United’s MLS team following the departure of Frank De Boer.

A promising youngster, who graduated through the ranks at Pittodrie and went on to make 131 appearances in an Aberdeen shirt, Stephen enjoyed Hampden glory in the 1995 League Cup Final, where he was man-of-the-match, before moving south and playing in the English Premiership under some notable figures in the game, namely, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson and Gianluca Vialli.

Following an impressive playing career, Stephen was assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers before moving to America where he has become a highly respected coach, learning his trade at Carolina RailHawks, Triangle Futbol Club and Carolina Rapids. Having held his UEFA Pro Licence since 2014, he joined Atlanta United in 2018 focusing on their elite U17 squad before undertaking the role of head coach of Atlanta United 2, in 2019.

Stephen’s managerial experience aligns with AFC’s overarching coaching and playing philosophy; to inspire our supporters through an exciting brand of football with homegrown talent at its core, competing and winning at the highest level possible.

Stephen is delighted to be returning to Pittodrie and is enthusiastic about the challenges that lie ahead.

“It is a real honour to be named Aberdeen FC manager. Since my retirement from playing, I have been focussed on becoming the best coach I can be with the aim of being in a position to secure an opportunity such as this.

“Having worked with a number of esteemed managers and coaches in the game, my football education has been extensive and my time with Atlanta United 2 has afforded me the chance to develop some exciting young players and hone my coaching skills.

“From the initial conversations I have had with the Chairman and the board this week I am hugely excited about the plans that are being put in place for next season. Dons’ fans can be assured by my drive for Aberdeen to compete fiercely and to win.”

AFC Chairman, Dave Cormack added, “During our recruitment process our football strategy, philosophy and the key attributes we desire in a new manager led us to short-listing and interviewing a number of emerging highly talented, driven and ambitious coaches. Stephen was the outstanding candidate for the role. He is a bright, young, emerging manager who has all the attributes we are looking for to take this club forward.

“His winning mentality, having been mentored in the ‘Aberdeen Way’ from an early age by the likes of Teddy Scott, Alex Smith and Willie Miller, and desire to embrace the Club’s strategy were key factors in our decision. He is committed to an exciting, attacking style of football and maximising our player budget so we can get the best out of, and right balance between, experienced players and, crucially, developing and playing young first team players.

“His coaching style and track-record of developing young players at Atlanta United, like George Bello from the academy to the first team, to now becoming a US international player, and working with top professionals like Argentinian international Pity Martinez, a South American player of the year, who Atlanta United then sold for around $20 million, along with his leadership and communication skills are exactly what we need at this juncture for Aberdeen Football Club.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Daniel Agger - HB Koge (Head Coach)

[article]DANIEL AGGER has swapped muck and mire for management by taking charge of Danish club HB Koge.

The Liverpool legend, 36, has ran the KloAgger sewer company in his native Denmark since 2012.

But the former Danish international has now been appointed head coach of second-tier Koge in his homeland.

Koge, based near Copenhagen, unveiled Agger on Wednesday after he penned a three-year contract.

The former centre-back said: “The idea of returning to a new role in the football industry, and testing myself, has matured over the past year.

“HB Koge is the perfect place for me to start.

“The club has sound values and a solid foundation.

“What matters to me is that I personally know several of the people who run HB Koge.

“I'm very much looking forward to getting started - and I look forward to coming under pressure once more.”

Agger spent eight seasons at Anfield before rejoining first club Brondby in 2014.

Current Koge chief executive Per Rud was Brondby's sporting director at the time.

Agger, who also runs a tattoo parlour and bar, has recently been living in Spain and working towards his coaching badges.

He made 232 appearances for the Reds, helping them to win the League Cup and Community Shield.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

 

[rurikbird]

Daniel Agger - HB Koge (Head Coach)

[article]DANIEL AGGER has swapped muck and mire for management by taking charge of Danish club HB Koge.

The Liverpool legend, 36, has ran the KloAgger sewer company in his native Denmark since 2012.

But the former Danish international has now been appointed head coach of second-tier Koge in his homeland.

Koge, based near Copenhagen, unveiled Agger on Wednesday after he penned a three-year contract.

The former centre-back said: “The idea of returning to a new role in the football industry, and testing myself, has matured over the past year.

“HB Koge is the perfect place for me to start.

“The club has sound values and a solid foundation.

“What matters to me is that I personally know several of the people who run HB Koge.

“I'm very much looking forward to getting started - and I look forward to coming under pressure once more.”

Agger spent eight seasons at Anfield before rejoining first club Brondby in 2014.

Current Koge chief executive Per Rud was Brondby's sporting director at the time.

Agger, who also runs a tattoo parlour and bar, has recently been living in Spain and working towards his coaching badges.

He made 232 appearances for the Reds, helping them to win the League Cup and Community Shield.[/article]

Good luck to him! Hope the coaching doesn't interfere with running the tattoo parlour.

 

[King Binny]

Benjamin Henrichs - RB Leipzig (€15m)

 

[King Binny]

Alou Kuol - VfB Stuttgart (free transfer with compensation)


[article]
Alou Kuol joins VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer from Australian side Central Coast Mariners, signing a contract until 30 June 2025.

The 19-year-old striker made 16 Australian A-League appearances this season, registering seven goals and two assists.

Sporting director Sven Mislintat:

“Alou Kuol has caught the eye as one of the best youngsters in the Australian A-League, and impressed us with his personality and ambition in our personal conversations with him. We’ll introduce him to the rigours of professional European football in the transitional area between our Under-21s and first team.”

Alou Kuol:

“I’m very happy and excited to get the opportunity to become a VfB Stuttgart player. VfB are a great club where I want to take my next step. I’ll give my all and work hard to repay the trust of the management with my performances.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kayky - Man City (£9m + add ons & 20% percentage future sale)


[article]
Manchester City have completed the signing of Fluminense whizkid Kayky.

City have signed Fluminense forward Kayky for a fee of £9million plus add-ons.

Kayky, 17, has been reported to be of interest to City for some time, with the club beating off competition for his signature.

The right winger has two goals and one assist in nine senior appearances - including one sensational solo goal - and continues City's recent record of signing young Brazilian talent.

Diego Rosa and Yan Couto have also been signed in the last year, with Couto sent out on loan to sister club Girona.

City posted to social media: "We are delighted to confirm we have reached an agreement with Fluminese regarding the future transfer of Kayky. The teenage forward will remain with Fluminese until the end of the Brazilian season."
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Julian Nagelsmann - Bayern Munich (Head Coach)

[article]
FC Bayern have appointed Julian Nagelsmann as their new head coach. The Bavarian-born 33-year-old will move to Munich from RB Leipzig on 1 July 2021 ahead of the new season, signing a five-year contract with the German record champions until 30 June 2026.

This comes after FC Bayern agreed to current head coach Hansi Flick’s request to have his contract terminated on 30 June 2021, two years earlier than its original expiry date.

“Julian Nagelsmann represents a new generation of coaches. Despite his young age, he already has an impressive CV. We are convinced that with Julian Nagelsmann, we can continue the magnificent successes of recent years,” said club president Herbert Hainer. “I would like to express my thanks to Hansi Flick on behalf of FC Bayern. He took over our team at a difficult time in 2019 and went on to win six trophies, with the seventh hopefully to follow. He will always have a place in FC Bayern’s history books. We wish him all the best for his future.”

Oliver Kahn: “Julian’s contract length of five years alone shows how committed he is to FC Bayern. I am convinced that FC Bayern’s sporting future will be a very successful one with Julian Nagelsmann,” the board member said. “My thanks go to Hansi Flick. He’s led FC Bayern to great successes with great football. We have now fulfilled his wish to leave FC Bayern before the end of his contract. All the best, Hansi!”

“The talks with Julian have been very cooperative and constructive. We are going to have a lot of joy with him – of that I am sure,” added board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić. “I want to express my thanks to Hansi Flick. After taking on the role of head coach nearly one and a half years ago, we have celebrated many victories and titles, with the treble in 2020 being the high point. His name will always be associated with these successes. I wish him all the best for the road ahead.”

Hansi Flick: “The last two years will be unforgettable for me. The emotions, the wins, the titles, but also the day-to-day work on the pitch have been a lot of fun for me – it’s been an amazing time. Success can only be achieved together! A coach is nothing without his team, and I was lucky enough to have fantastic players here in Munich and a staff and a coaching team who did incredible work. Thanks guys, and thanks Kathleen! Particular thanks also go to president Herbert Hainer, along with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic and the entire executive board, who gave me the opportunity to coach this magnificent team. One tinge of sadness remains: that we could not celebrate the great successes during this period with the fans. I’ve missed you in every match. I wish the FC Bayern family only the very best for the future. It is not a cliché when I say: it’s been a great honour for me.”

Julian Nagelsmann coached the TSG Hoffenheim first team from February 2016, becoming the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history. Since 1 July 2019, Nagelsmann has been in charge of RB Leipzig, who he led to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season.
[/article]