Confirmed transfers 2012/13

[Oncy]

Way ta fucking prove me wrong.

 

[King Binny]

Jamie Ness - Stoke City (free transfer)

STOKE CITY have today confirmed that Scottish Under-21 international Jamie Ness is all set to complete a move to the Britannia Stadium.

The 21-year-old midfielder has agreed terms with the Potters and will finalise his transfer once the Club have received international clearance.

Ness has exercised his right to make the move as a free agent after spending the early part of his career north of the border with Glasgow Rangers.

Manager Tony Pulis commented: "Jamie is a lad with enormous potential who is clearly determined to make the most of this fresh start in the game.

"It's important that we introduce some young blood in strengthening the squad and he certainly fits the bill as someone tipped for a bright future."

 

[King Binny]

Leon Best - Blackburn Rovers (£3million +)

Steve Kean secured another of his key transfer targets with the capture of Leon Best.

Following on from last week's signing of midfielder Danny Murphy, Rovers have now added power and pace up front with the arrival of Leon Best from Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old centre forward completed his move to Rovers from Newcastle United on Monday evening for a fee of more than £3m, putting pen-to-paper on a four-year deal, much to the delight of the Rovers boss.

"I had identified Leon Best and Danny Murphy as two major targets so to be able to secure both of them inside a week is a massive plus for us," said the Rovers boss.

"I've known Leon since his time at Coventry City and he is a proven striker from the Premier League and also knows exactly what it takes to be successful in the Championship.

"So we are delighted to add Leon to the squad."

 

[King Binny]

Javi Márquez - Mallorca (€1.2 million plus Sergio Tejera)

Real Mallorca have completed the signing of Espanyol midfielder Javi Márquez for €1.2 million plus Sergio Tejera. The 26-year-old has signed a four year deal with Los Bermellones, turning down interest from a host of other clubs including Valencia.

Márquez had established himself as a regular in the Espanyol team until an ankle injury forced him out of the team last season. Upon returning to full fitness, he failed to win back his first team place and so made clear of his intentions to not renew his contract which was to expire in 2013.

‘They have created high expectations with my signing,’ Márquez told the official website. ‘I am grateful to Mallorca for the confidence they have shown in me. I am very happy to be involved in this project and hopefully we can have some great years ahead of us. I will certainly put that effort in on the pitch. It’s a very serious project, and that’s one reason why I’m here.’

The midfielder can come through the ranks at Espanyol before joining up with the first team in 2009. The Catalan is technically sound, well organised and good with ball recovery. He is also known to like to shoot from long range, scoring 3 goals in his 3 years in the Espanyol first team.

Tejera’s departure comes after falling out of favour with Caparrós. The coach was unhappy with the former Chelsea player’s progress. The 22-year-old will now return to his home town club of Espanyol where he came through the youth system before joining Chelsea’s academy in 2006.

 

[Hansern]

Kevin Keen isnt exactly a loss imho.

 

[King Binny]

Andre Villas-Boas - Tottenham (Head Coach)

The Club is delighted to announce that Andre Villas-Boas has joined as our new Head Coach on a 3 year contract.

Andre was previously at Porto and led them to an undefeated season in the league, winning four trophies and becoming the youngest manager ever to win a European title in the process, before joining Chelsea and extending his run to 39 games undefeated.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman, Daniel Levy said: “I am delighted that Andre has agreed to become our new Head Coach. He has an outstanding reputation for his technical knowledge of the game and for creating well-organised teams capable of playing football in an attractive and attacking style. Andre shares our long-term ambitions and ethos of developing players and nurturing young talent, and he will be able to do so now at a new world class Training Centre.”

Speaking as the new Head Coach, Andre Villas-Boas said, “Tottenham Hotspur is a great club with a strong tradition and fantastic support, both at home and throughout the world. I feel privileged to be its coach. For me, this is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League. I have had several discussions with the Chairman and the Board and I share their vision for the future progress of the Club. This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead."

Andre brings with him two members of his coaching staff - First Team fitness coach Jose Mario Rocha and Daniel Sousa, head of opposition scouting.

Daniel Levy continued: "We are constantly looking to move the Club forward. It is important that we now look to develop the potential within the squads at all levels, whilst strengthening the First Team in the summer in key positions with players who will become part of the future success of the Club.”

 

[Silver Sean]

You have certainly put three facts together there.

Exactly.

 

[Jack D Rips]

Naismith to Everton I hear on RTE

 

[Judge Jules]

Yeah, that was being mentioned on the radio over here yesterday and is in the paper this morning.

 

[King Binny]

Gylfi Sigurdsson - Tottenham (£8 million)

We are delighted to announce that we have completed the transfer of Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim.

The attacking midfielder is no stranger to the Premier League having enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Swansea City during the second half of last season.

He scored seven times in 19 appearances as well as picking up the Barclays Player of the Month award for March.

The Iceland international originally moved to England with Reading, coming through their academy to make 51 appearances and scoring 23 times. He was named Player of the Year in his only full season in the Royals First Team before moving to the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim in 2010.

 

[King Binny]

Naismith to Everton I hear on RTE

Steven Naismith - Everton (free transfer)

Everton have completed the signing of Scotland international Steven Naismith who has put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

The former Rangers forward, 25, joins on a free transfer and has completed all the formalities.

Naismith has won 15 caps for his country and will join up with the rest of the Blues squad for pre-season training at Finch Farm this week.

Everton Manager David Moyes said: "We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us. He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season.

"He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us."

Steven added: "‘It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league: the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans.

"I look forward greatly to working with the Manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the Chairman Mr Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me."

 

[King Binny]

Matt Mills - Bolton Wanderers (£2 million)

Bolton Wanderers have struck a deal with Leicester City to bring Matt Mills to the Reebok Stadium on a three-year contract.

The central defender, 25, becomes manager Owen Coyle's second signing of the summer transfer window after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Coyle said: "Matt is a player who has a high level of experience in the Championship. We are delighted to have made this acquisition as he adds strength and quality into the mix.

"He is 25 years old and has already captained teams at this level, so we know what he will bring to the squad, both on and off the pitch."

Matt Mills is looking to hit the ground running after it was announced on Wednesday that the defender had moved to the Reebok Stadium on a three-year deal.

Wanderers have acted swiftly in the summer transfer window, meaning that the 25-year-old will get the opportunity to link-up with his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training.

The squad report back to Euxton on Thursday morning following their close-season break.

"It's important that when you move clubs and into a new area that you get the chance to interact with your new team-mates straight away," Mills told the official website.

"They get to know you and you get to know them and that provides a good base going into the new season.

"I know a lot of the lads here already through playing against them over past seasons. There is an excellent squad with a lot of quality.

"This deal has worked out perfectly for me, mainly because Bolton are a fantastic club.

"Speaking to the manager, I have got the vibe of what the place and club is about and the ambitions of getting back into the Premier League.

"The facilities are made for the top division and that's obviously the aim this season - to bounce back straight away.

"To be honest, this area is the one I feel most comfortable living in too, so geographically it's perfect.

"I've got friends around here so I believe I'll settle in very quickly and be able to concentrate on my football."

Mills knows the Championship inside-out having played his football in that division for the last four seasons.

He has represented Doncaster Rovers, Reading and Leicester City in that time, wearing the captain's armband whilst with the Royals and the Foxes.

Although the former England Under-19 international warns that a challenging season lies ahead, he is confident that Wanderers will be up at the summit pushing for an instant return to the Premier League.

Mills added: "Obviously the Championship is a very difficult league, as everyone who has played there will tell you. There are no given games in this division.

"In the Premier League, the top six can more or less pick themselves season-on-season, but in the Championship there are a lot of teams who will expect to do well.

"It's all about trying to get that consistency, going from Saturday to Tuesday to Saturday to Tuesday. There are a lot of games and there will be ups and downs.

"It's going to be a marathon and not a sprint and Reading showed what is possible last season because they got promoted after being mid-table just before Christmas.

"Saying that, it does help getting off to a good start and if the boys go out there and give 100 percent and the fans get behind the team, I'm predicting that it will be a successful and enjoyable season."

 

[King Binny]

John Fleck - Coventry (compensation fee)

Coventry City have pulled off a major transfer coup by signing highly-rated midfielder John Fleck.

The 20-year-old has been pursued by a host of Premier League and Championship clubs but the Sky Blues have landed the Scottish under-21 international, signing a three-year deal.

Coventry City recognised The Rangers Football Club's rights and have agreed a financial deal to sign Fleck that has been mutually agreed by all three parties.

Manager Andy Thorn said: "I am really pleased to get John on board because he is someone I have liked for a while now.

"I have brought a lot of young talent to this football club who have gone on to great things and I believe that John could be the best of the lot."

Fleck began his career with Glasgow Rangers and played more than 40 times for the club, his first appearance coming as a 15-year-old.

Last season, he enjoyed a loan spell with Blackpool.

Charles Green, Chief Executive of The Rangers Football Club, said: "Coventry City have acted in exactly the right way in the transfer of John Fleck to ensure that all three parties - both clubs and the player - are satisfied with the deal.

"We wish John and Coventry all the best for the new season."

 

[Hansern]

Highligtning the fact that Gylfi won player of the month for March was just sad tbh.
He's really good I tell ya, really good.

 

[King Binny]

Cata Díaz, Cristian Rodríguez, Emre

 

[LeTallecWiz]

John Fleck at coventry? Couldn't have been that highly rated

 

[Oncy]

✈⛲⛲✈

 

[Oncy]

⭕❌©®

 

[RolandG]

Thank fuck the Gylfi slowboat has finally moved on................. Now for the real excitement!

 

[Holle]

Thibaut Courtois - Atletico Madrid (loan)

That's an ace name.

 

[Judge Jules]

He looks like he needs something going for him.

 

[King Binny]

Stephen Darby - Bradford City (free transfer)

City boss Phil Parkinson has continued to add to his ever-growing squad for next season by securing a deal to bring promising right back Stephen Darby to the Coral Windows Stadium.

Darby arrived at Valley Parade after completing his medical to put pen to paper on a two year deal with the Bantams, becoming Parkinson's seventh signing of the summer in the process.

Coming hot on the heels of the signing of Garry Thompson, Darby's decision to join City makes him the Bantams' fourth capture in less than a week.

The 23 year-old joins City on a free transfer after leaving Premier League giants Liverpool earlier this summer.

The Liverpool-born defender started his professional career with the Merseyside giants after coming through the ranks at Anfield.

Despite his strong Liverpool connections, Darby's most recent league action came during a season-long loan in League 1 with Rochdale last season.

Along with his time at Spotland, Darby has also enjoyed loan spells in League 1 with Notts County and Swindon Town in previous seasons.

Darby played 35 league games for Dale - playing alongside fellow City summer signing Gary Jones for the vast majority of them - during the 2011/2012 season.

His 15 appearances for Swindon in the 2009/10 campaign and 23 during the following season for County means the defender has played over 70 games at third-tier level.

The defender also has two England Under 19 caps to his name.

Darby himself said: "Bradford is obviously a big club and the ambition of the manager really sold the place to me.

"Once I'd spoken to him, that really made my mind up to join here.

"This is the first club I've signed for permanently away from Liverpool so it really feels like a new chapter in my career for me.

"I'm really glad that I've signed for Bradford and I just hope we can have a long and successful season this season."

Parkinson added: "Stephen is a good young defender with plenty of the right attributes to succeed with us.

"He is at the right age where he can still grow and improve with us, but still has plenty of league experience under his belt as well. He has played a number games at League 1 level throughout his career.

"Stephen is someone I have been aware of for quite a while. He first came to my attention when he played for Swindon against the Charlton side I was managing in the 2010 (League 1) Play-Offs.

"Our signing of Stephen is another example, I feel, of where our patience has paid off. He is a good right back who we feel can still get even better."

Darby played in the Liverpool F.A Youth Cup winning teams of 2006 and 2007 - skippering the 2006 side. On both occasions he played alongside former Bantams defender Robbie Threlfall.

He received his first senior call up for the Reds in December 2006 when he was named as an unused substitute for their Champions League fixture at Turkish side Galatasaray.

Darby would eventually make his bow in Europe's elite competition, however, playing against Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven in 2008 and Fiorentina a year later.

His appearances against Madrid and Eindhoven were from the bench, but he was handed a starting berth for the Fiorentina fixture.

Darby's date in Madrid was actually his senior debut for Liverpool, with his domestic bow coming a month later when he came on as a second half substitute at Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.

His Premier League debut also came against Spurs, that time as a late sub during a match at Anfield in January 2010.

Darby's final appearance for Liverpool came in July of the same year when he came off the bench to feature in the Reds' Europa League qualifier at Macedonian side ZFK Rabotnicki Kometal.

The right back also captained the reserves to the northen and national championships in the 2007/08 season during his Liverpool days.His Premier League debut also came against Spurs, that time as a late sub during a match at Anfield in January 2010.

Darby's final appearance for Liverpool came in July of the same year when he came off the bench to feature in the Reds' Europa League qualifier at Macedonian side ZFK Rabotnicki Kometal.

The right back also captained the reserves to the northen and national championships in the 2007/08 season during his Liverpool days.

 

[King Binny]

Sean Goss - Manchester United (£100k)

Exeter City youngster Sean Goss joined Manchester United this week for an initial fee in the region of £100,000.

The 16-year-old from Crediton has been part of Exeter City's Centre of Excellence since he was eight-years-old and started his life as a Red Devil on Monday morning.

Sean, who scored 13 times from the centre of midfield for the City Under 16s last season, spent time on trial with United in a tournament in Holland earlier this year and after impressing he has now joined the Academy at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"The last few days haven't felt real - seeing all the first team players around and the training facilities is like a different world," Sean said this week. "As a Man United supporter as well as a City fan I couldn't believe it, I'd dreamt about it all my life.

"I can't wait to get started now and we've got pre-season games coming up now.

"I just have to continue working hard and my aim now is to just push higher and higher through the ranks.

"I've got family nearby and I'm sure it'll help a lot knowing they are just around the corner. City's will be the first result I look out for on a Saturday and I'll be doing my best to get to northern away games if I haven't got a fixture."

It is fantastic to see that our Centre of Excellence is producing players that catch the eye of the likes of Manchester United and it a credit to both Sean as a player and the coaches who've overseen his development for the last eight years or so that this move has come about. And the money from Sean's move will now be ringfenced for the youth.

Everyone at the club wishes him all the best at Manchester United and we'll be following his progress closely. Best of luck Sean!

 

[Hansern]

Fletchers replacement?

 

[King Binny]

Miguel Veloso - Dynamo Kiev (undisclosed fee)

Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso has moved from Genoa CFC to FC Dynamo Kyiv on a four-year deal, saying: "I liked the fact that they are a club with a rich history and lots of ambition."

Fresh from helping Portugal reach the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2012, central midfielder Miguel Veloso has moved from Genoa CFC to FC Dynamo Kyiv on a four-year deal.

"I knew that a number of clubs were interested in me, but Dynamo turned out to be the most persuasive," the 26-year-old said. "I liked the fact that they are a club with a rich history and lots of ambition, and I also was excited at the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League. The team set the highest possible targets in the league and in Europe. It is very prestigious to play for Dynamo. All these factors affected my final choice."

The one-time Sporting Clube de Portugal trainee visited Kyiv when the Lisbon side defeated Dynamo 2-1 in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League. Veloso is known for his work rate in the middle of the pitch and neat passing, and scored four goals in 97 league appearances for the Lions before moving to Genoa in 2010, where he played 49 Serie A matches, scoring twice.

Runners-up in Ukraine last season, Dynamo will kick-off their UEFA Champions League campaign in third qualifying round

 

[King Binny]

Fraser Forster - Celtic (£2 million)

CELTIC Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Fraser Forster on a four-year contract. The goalkeeper, who has been on loan from Newcastle United for the last two seasons, has made his move to the Scottish champions a permanent one.

Forster, along with Lukasz Zaluska, claimed a new SPL clean sheet record last season, with 25 shut-outs between them. And in only conceding six league goals at Celtic Park, it was also the Hoops’ best defensive record at home for 90 years.

Forster spoke exclusively to the official website and expressed his delight at the new deal. "This is a massive club and I feel like this is a step forward in my career," he said. "I want to win things as a team and improve as an individual and I think I will be able to do that at Celtic.

"It also gives me a great opportunity to play in the Champions League if we get through the qualifiers. I really enjoyed my time in Europe last season so I will be looking forward to it if it happens again.

"I enjoyed last season as a whole and we have a great young squad here. The players and the coaches make it an enjoyable place to be and I like being a part of this team."

Manager, Neil Lennon, is also pleased about securing the keeper´s signature. "We are delighted that Fraser has committed his future to the club and we believe he will be a magnificent addition to the squad," he said.

"He gives us that continuity so this is something we are really pleased about. He is a top-class keeper. "

 

[Ryan]

He's fucking crap Foster.

 

[King Binny]

Lucio - Juventus (free transfer)

Less than a week on from rescinding his contract with Inter, Brazilian centre-back Lucio agrees a deal to join rivals Juventus.

The 34-year-old cancelled his contract with the Nerazzurri last Friday and was otherwise expected to move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

However, reports quickly linked him with Juventus and suggested that a deal was agreed within hours of his departure from San Siro.

Confirmation came this morning as the player arrived in Turin to conclude negotiations and have his medical and upon completion of both, was confirmed as a Bianconero via a brief statement on Juve’s official website.

“Lucio is a Juventus player. The Brazilian defender arrives on a free and has signed a two-year contract, binding him to Juventus until June 30, 2014.”

This confirmation was quickly followed by an interview with the defender.

“I’m happy, it’s a new experience, a new chapter in my life and I’m now looking forward,” Lucio told Juventus Channel.

“The past will stay with me, but I’m aiming to enjoy success again.

“I think the most important thing is today and tomorrow. Yesterday is already history and I believe that the motivation needs to be right.

“You have to train every and play with the right mentality, which is to do your best to win.

“Juventus have always been a strong side, I also said that when I came to Italy for the first time, Juve will always be Juve.

“It’s clear their motivation is greater with the new stadium. The support is incredibly strong and certainly pushes the team to go forward with greater enthusiasm. It’s definitely an added weapon to Juve’s armoury.”

Juventus signed Andrea Pirlo last summer in similar circumstances, after his release from rivals Milan.

 

[King Binny]

Nuno Gomes - Blackburn Rovers (free transfer)

Rovers have bolstered their ranks further with the addition of the vastly experienced striker Nuno Gomes.

The former Portuguese international joins the Ewood Park club on a free transfer following his release from Braga at the end of last season, signing a two-year-deal.

The 35-year-old becomes Rovers' third signing of the summer so far, quickly following on from the additions of Danny Murphy and Leon Best

Nuno Gomes had the world at his fingertips before opting to put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Ewood Park.

Rovers can reveal that the Portuguese pin-up turned down global offers from clubs in Qatar, Australia, the MLS and the Far East in order to experience playing the 'proper game' here in England.

"I am so looking forward to this opportunity and can't wait to get started," said the star striker. "It is clear that something exciting is happening at Blackburn Rovers and I want to be a part of that."

Manager Steve Kean, who, along with the club's Global Advisor Shebby Singh, fought hard to secure the new man's services, said: "Not only is Nuno a proven, top international striker, with a great pedigree and hugely impressive scoring record, but he is also renowned for being one of the top providers of assists at every club he has played for. He is a real 'route-to-goal' player.

"His passion and desire to want to come here was what really impressed me. He has seen how keen we are to move this club forward and we have also seen just how keen he is to be a part of that.

"It is another exciting signing, coming on the back of the arrivals of Danny Murphy and Leon Best, and we are confident there will be more to come."

 

[jan]

What's the deal with Juventus buying everyone available, haven't they just comfortably won the league?