Confirmed transfers 2012/13

[King Binny]

Vurnon Anita - Newcastle (£6.7million)

Newcastle United can today confirm the signing of Vurnon Anita from Ajax.

The 23-year-old Dutch international midfielder, who can also play as a full-back, has put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at the Sports Direct Arena, and will wear the number eight shirt.

Anita joined the renowned Ajax youth set-up in 1999 and progressed through the ranks at the Amsterdam Arena before making his debut in March 2006.

His European debut arrived the following season and Anita went on to establish himself as a key member of Ajax's squad, as they won back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Born on the island of Curaçao, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea, Anita has been capped three times for Holland since his international bow in May 2010.

"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," said United manager Alan Pardew.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player. And, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.

"He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

"Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."

Alan Pardew believes Newcastle United have landed another "top-class" central midfielder in Vurnon Anita.

The Dutch international arrived on Tyneside on Thursday and should go straight into contention for a place in the Magpies' squad as their Premier League season kicks off this Saturday at home to Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm kick-off).

Pardew believes Anita will complement Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye in the heart of the team, and was delighted to have secured his signature from a team who will be competing in the Champions League.

"It's pleasing," said the boss.

"Ajax are a fantastic club and to take a player out of there is difficult, especially one of their better players. So I thank Mike (Ashley) and the board for getting that over the line, because we needed an extra player.

"He has strengthened us. We lost Danny Guthrie on a free transfer and at this level you need three top class central midfield players, which we now have. That is mainly where he will play."

Anita put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Club, and Pardew insists the 23-year-old will be such a success in the black and white stripes that he will have added to his three senior Dutch caps by the end of the coming season.

"There's no point in having long contracts if you aren't good enough," explained Pardew.

"But we are confident that Vurnon will be a big success for us. That length of contract comes with a lot of scouting and a lot of background, which we have done.

"And I can tell you he's a number one character - right at the top of the tree for that - and hopefully his ability can flourish in what is a good side.

"I said to him that we are a great platform.

"If you look at (Yohan) Cabaye since he's been here, he is now an established French international who looks comfortable in the shirt.

"(Hatem) Ben Arfa broke into the French side as well, and it would be nice to see Vurnon at the end of the year being a regular in the Dutch side, through the profile and platform we can give him."

 

[King Binny]

Sam Hutchinson - Nottingham Forest (loan)

Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson has become the latest Nottingham Forest recruit.

The 23 year old defender has joined The Reds on a season-long loan and is the eighth player to be signed by manager Sean O’Driscoll ahead of the start of the 2012-13 Championship campaign.

The former England Under 18 and Under 19 international completed the formalities of his switch earlier today before training with his new teammates for the first time.

Chairman Omar Al Hasawi said: “Sam is held in the highest regard by Chelsea and we’re grateful to them for allowing him to join us on loan.

“He is an exciting young player who has already shown a lot of grit and determination in his career, characteristics that we are sure will endear him to our supporters.”

Hutchinson worked his way through the Chelsea youth system and made his debut for the West London club in a Premier League clash with Everton in May 2007.

He made three more first team appearances but his progress was dogged by a knee injury that forced him to retire in 2010. However, in December of the following year he signed a new Chelsea contract after a dramatic improvement in the condition of his knee.

And he rounded off last season by making his first Premier League start for Roberto Di Matteo’s men against Blackburn on the final day of the campaign.

Hutchinson can operate either at right back or in the centre of defence.

Sean O'Driscoll believes Sam Hutchinson's loan deal is a 'good opportunity' for both him and Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old defender became Forest’s eighth signing of the summer this afternoon when he checked-in from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.

And boss O’Driscoll has hailed his arrival, insisting: “We are looking for characters - that's a box we've tried to tick with all the players we've brought in. He has a big tick in that box.

“He's been likened to John Terry at Chelsea and they see him as an integral part of their squad but he hasn't played many games.

“This is an opportunity for him and for us to strengthen the defensive side, which is what we've had to really concentrate on, so he's a good signing for us.

“Ideally we'd have had him in a bit earlier but beggars can't be choosers.

“You're not going to keep four defenders fit all season and, especially in the first month when we're playing a lot of games, we're going to need everybody. It's a good opportunity for him.

“The Championship is a good level for a young player to test himself in so it will stand him in good stead for his Chelsea career.”

 

[King Binny]

Remember him? Heralded as the next wonderkid.

Lucas Ocampos - Monaco ( €16m)

AS Monaco FC is happy and proud to announce the officialization of Lucas Ocampos's transfer from River Plate. The young 18-year-old Argentine player made a commitment for six seasons with ASM FC and will be presented to the media on Friday, August 17th, 2012.

 

[King Binny]

Javier Garrido - Norwich (loan)

NORWICH City have agreed the signing of 27-year-old Spanish left back Javier Garrido from Serie A side Lazio on a season-long loan deal, subject to the relevant international clearance being received.

The former Manchester City player will become Manager Chris Hughton’s fifth summer signing, joining Steven Whittaker, Jacob Butterfield, Robert Snodgrass, and Michael Turner as new recruits ahead of the new season. City also have an option to extend the deal.

Hughton told Canaries.co.uk: “I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing in somebody of Javier's quality.

“It gives us real competition in the squad, and for me an important factor was the fact that he has played in the Premier League before.

“He has played in La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League, so he is a player of real experience.”

The experienced Garrido spent the last two seasons with former Italian champions Lazio in Serie A, and also played 49 games in the Barclays Premier League with Manchester City, as well as having three campaigns in La Liga with Real Sociedad under his belt.

Garrido began his professional career in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he played 86 league games between August 2004 and August 2007 – also being capped at international level by Spain Under-17s, 19s, 20s, and 21s.

His performances caught the eye of then Manchester City and former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson, who spent £1.5M on the full-back, bringing him to Eastlands on a four-year deal in August 2007.

After 49 Premier League appearances for the current Premier League champions, Garrido moved to Rome to join Lazio in a reported £2.5M deal in July 2010, just a week after the £17M arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov at the Etihad Stadium, who moved in the opposite direction.

Garrido played 21 times in two years at Lazio, who ended the 2011-12 Serie A season in fourth position, and will certainly bring some added experience and quality to the Norwich City squad ahead of the new campaign.

 

[King Binny]

Robin van Persie - Manchester United (£24m)

Robin van Persie has completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a four-year contract until June 2016.

The 29 year-old Dutch striker joins the club in time for the start of the 2012/13 Premier League season.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.”

Robin van Persie said: “It’s an honour to sign for Manchester United. I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can’t wait to get started.”

 

[Jack D Rips]

I like the way that pic keeps all utd gear, emblems, crests etc hidden. Well done Binny.

 

[King Binny]

Alfred Finnbogason - sc Heerenveen

sc Heerenveen have boosted their attacking ranks with the signing of KSC Lokeren OV forward Alfred Finnbogason for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Icelandic international has penned a three-year deal at the Abe Lenstra Stadium, with the option of a further 12 months, after impressing coach Marco van Basten with his performances on loan at Helsingborgs IF.

Finnbogason scored 12 times in 17 league matches with the Swedish champions and helped them reach the UEFA Champions League play-offs. The former Breidablik player's arrival will be a major fillip for a Heerenveen side that has lost Bas Dost and Luciano Narsingh to VfL Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven respectively.

Heerenveen face Molde FK next Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie.

 

[King Binny]

Ferran Soriano - Man City (Chief Executive Officer)

Manchester City Football Club is pleased to announce that Ferran Soriano, former Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Futbol Club Barcelona, has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective from September 1st 2012.

Ferran has worked for several multinational companies across Europe and America and has more than 20 years of strategic consultancy and executive experience in football, telecommunications, consumer goods and aviation.

Speaking of the appointment, Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said, “The process of finding a Chief Executive Officer has been deliberate, far reaching and exhaustive. In Ferran we have our preferred candidate. His experience in football and in the wider commercial world make him exceptionally well equipped to lead Manchester City through its continued evolution.

It is important to recognise and thank the Board, the Executive Leadership Team and in particular, Interim Chief Executive, John MacBeath, for their hard work during the search period.”

Ferran Soriano said, “I am delighted to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Manchester City Football Club. The vision of the owner together with his commitment, and that of the Chairman and Board, make this opportunity absolutely compelling.

The Club has incredible potential to be fulfilled both on and off the field. I very much look forward to playing my part to ensure that happens.”

The circumstances of Ferran’s previous responsibilities were such that he wished existing commitments to be honoured and he was therefore not available to Manchester City Football Club for some time after his identification as the preferred candidate.

During his time at Barcelona, Ferran led and managed the Club’s turnaround from revenues of €123 million and losses of €73million to €308 million revenue and €88 million cumulated profit within five years. He also oversaw some of the biggest commercial and media deals in the industry and devised fan acquisition and relationship models and concepts for real estate development.

The announcement follows the appointment of Tom Glick in the newly created role of Chief Commercial and Operating Officer. Tom takes up his position from August 20th . Ferran and Tom have been working closely together with senior figures at the football club in order to ensure the smoothest of transitions.

 

[King Binny]

Milan Biševac - Lyon (€2.74m)

UEFA Europa League hopefuls Olympique Lyonnais have signed Serbian international centre-back Milan Biševac from Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain FC.

Biševac, 28, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stade de Gerland and has cost the seven-time French champions €2.74m. "He should be eligible this weekend [when Lyon host promoted ES Troyes Aube Champagne]," said coach Rémi Garde.

A highly rated and versatile defender, Biševac found himself surplus to requirements in the capital following the arrival of Brazil stopper Thiago Silva and moves on after a single season with PSG. The former Valenciennes FC player has represented his country on nine occasions.

 

[King Binny]

Robin van Persie - Manchester United (£24m)

If anyone is arsed about it

 

[Hansern]

"Arsenal are not angry with me."
Yeah, I bet they're delighted you Dutch megacunt. Have a schmoke and a pancake and fuck off.

 

[King Binny]

Jose Bosingwa - QPR (free transfer)

QUEENS Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of double Champions League winner Jose Bosingwa.

The 29 year-old, who arrives on a free transfer following his release from Chelsea, has penned a three-year deal at Loftus Road and becomes Mark Hughes’s eighth summer signing.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes revealed his delight, commenting: “I am delighted to bring a player of his undoubted quality to the club. He has got plenty of pace, great technical ability and all the attributes you need to be a top player.

“Jose has a lot of versatility which is something I like my players to have. He can operate right across the back and can also play the holding role in midfield.

“He’s another Champions League winner, the third in the squad now with Ji-Sung Park and Djibril Cisse, and will add invaluable experience to the group.

“His experience is really important to us. He understands the Premier League and he understands what it takes to win games. He has got a winning mentality and that is what I want to have around the place.”

Bosingwa’s first taste of Champions League success arrived with Porto in 2004, before the versatile defender tasted further glory with Chelsea last season.

His overall medal haul includes an impressive 15 trophies, including four Portuguese league titles, one Premier League title and three FA Cup successes.

The R’s latest summer signing told www.qpr.co.uk: “I’m really pleased to be here. I had the pick of many clubs, but the project here excites me greatly.

“I spoke yesterday with the manager and owner and they showed me what they want for the future of the club.

“I played for Chelsea for four years and I love Premier League football and the supporters. It is fantastic for me to stay in England. I’m happy and all of my family are happy, and that is most important.

“This is maybe the most important challenge of my career. I want to help my team-mates and the team with my experience.

“Now I am a QPR player, I will give my best – for the team and for the supporters.

“All together, we will fight for the club. We need time. We start now and in one, two or three years we can win something. We have to have passion and I think the results will come.”

QPR Chairman, Tony Fernandes, believes the arrival of Bosingwa is a significant coup in the club’s summer rebuilding process.

“I think it speaks volumes of how far we’ve come as a club that we’re able to attract a double Champions League winner to Loftus Road,” he said.

“There was big competition from a number of Europe’s top clubs – including a few from the Premier League – for his signature, so I couldn’t be more delighted that we’ve managed to get him here.

“Mark and Mike (Rigg) are dovetailing superbly together to improve our squad and this latest addition excites me as much as the seven that have preceded it.”

Bosingwa, who will wear the number 19 shirt, is not eligible to make his debut against Swansea City in the R’s Barclays Premier League curtain-raiser on Saturday afternoon.

 

[King Binny]

Simao - Espanyol

Portuguese international winger Simao Sabrosa has signed for Espanyol, the Spanish top-flight club announced on Friday.

The Catalan club revealed that Simao, 32, has agreed a two-year deal subject to passing a medical.

Simao, who has spent the last 18 months in Turkey with Besiktas, had a spell with Barcelona earlier in his career, and has also spent three-and-a-half years at Atletico Madrid, with whom he won the Europa League and European Super Cup in 2010.

Espanyol, who begin the new Liga season at Mallorca on Saturday, have also signed Spanish World Cup-winning left-back Joan Capdevila this summer.

 

[King Binny]

Can't believe warnock signed diouf after what went on with them previously. Unbelievable.

My best signing has got to be Paddy Kenny. He's been with me everywhere, right back to Bury, and I wouldn't swap him for any Premier League goalkeeper, let alone a Championship one. But that is not the signing you want to hear about, is it? You want to know how I've ended up with El Hadji Diouf, given the things I called him a couple of years ago.

It all started in June when I bumped into him at a function. We ended up having a couple of hours talking about football. I made it clear to him what I disliked about his approach and certain issues, but I enjoyed the conversation. So when it was put to me a couple of weeks ago that I might want to have a look at him I thought, "Why not?"

If the takeover had happened I would have spent a large amount on a wide player, but I can't spend what I haven't got and there's no denying Diouf has got ability. So I spoke to him, and others who know him, like Mickey Walker, Doncaster's director of football last season, and Sam Allardyce, who had Diouf at Bolton. Mickey said he was a credit helping the young lads and worked hard in training. Big Sam told me a lot about him, 80 per cent of which was good. It would have been easier for me not to sign him, as I knew I would get stick from certain journalists who have nothing else to write about, but I always believe people deserve to be given a second chance. So I signed him as a non-contract player and gave him a run against Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup last week. Then after the game the referee's assessor mentioned him. I thought, "What's he done now?" but the assessor proceeded to tell me about a disabled children's party at Blackburn last year when Diouf was first in and last out and talked to every kid at great length. I guess we've always heard more about the bad things he's done but it's amazing how many people have spoken well of him since he came to us. We've enjoyed having him and he's fitted in well so far.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Song - Barcelona (€19m)

FC Barcelona has agreed a deal with Arsenal FC for the transfer of Alex Song to the Camp Nou. The fee is 19 million euros

The Cameroon international midfielder will sign for the next five seasons with a release clause of 80 million euros

On Monday he’ll have a medical and then join the rest of the squad for the official team presentation at the Gamper

 

[ILD]

Would Bosswinga not sort out his ONE eyebrow problem.

 

[King Binny]

Kyle Bartley - Swansea (£1 million)

Michael Laudrup has strengthened his Swansea City squad with the signing of young Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley.

The centre-back has penned a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium after spending the last five years with the Gunners.

Bartley spent last season in the Scottish Premier League on loan at Rangers – his second spell at Ibrox - following two separate stints with Sheffield United.

An exciting young prospect, Bartley’s sole Arsenal appearance came in a Champions League defeat at Olympiakos in 2009.

Later that season he was part of the Sheffield United side that beat the Swans at Bramall Lane, and again the following campaign as the Blades won 1-0 on home soil.

After completing the necessary paperwork today (Friday), the Swans’ latest arrival is waiting for international clearance in order to be available for Saturday’s trip to QPR.

And he’s raring to go as the Premier League nears the big kick-off.

"I spoke to Arsene Wenger briefly last week and he said that my game-time would be at a minimum,” he said. “For that reason, I wanted to at least go out on loan but when Swansea came in for me it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I do like to play football and play the game from the back, which is exactly how Swansea want to play, and that was a massive factor for me.

"We were strong at home last season and hopefully we can continue that this year because it is important that your home form is good in the Premier League.

"We showed last year that we can compete, we've got another great manager in Michael Laudrup and we're hoping that we can achieve the same things.

"I'm grateful to everyone at both Arsenal and Swansea for getting the deal done so quickly and I'm raring to go.”

After beginning his youth career with Bolton, the Stockport-born defender joined Arsenal in 2007 and was part of the successful Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup side in 2008/09.

Highly-rated, the youngster also went on to skipper the Reserves at the Emirates.

By moving to the Liberty, Bartley adds further competition in the heart of defence along with fellow new signing Chico Flores, Ashley Williams, Garry Monk and Alan Tate.

Jamie Proctor - Swansea

Swansea City have secured the signing of young Preston striker Jamie Proctor for an undisclosed fee.

Proctor, 20, has signed a two-year contract at the Liberty Stadium after coming through the ranks at Deepdale, with the Swans now awaiting international clearance.

Highly-rated at Preston, Proctor will initially join the club’s new Under-21 set-up with the aim of establishing himself as a future first-team star.

“I’m delighted to join Swansea,” said Proctor, who joins on the same day as Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley. “The club has enjoyed a lot of success over the last few years and their style of football has really caught the eye.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of things and trying to impress the new manager enough to force my way into his plans.”

Born in Preston, the pacy and powerful Proctor came through the academy at the club and scored 15 goals in 28 appearances for the youth team to earn a two-and-a-half year pro contract in January 2010.

He made his professional debut in May 2010 as a substitute against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

He joined Stockport on a one-month loan deal the following August where he made seven appearances before returning to Deepdale and scoring his first League goal on the last day of the 2010-11 season in a 3-1 win against Watford.

Having scored seven goals the following pre-season, he added three more goals in 31 league appearances last season, despite being side-lined with a double hernia.

With Proctor set to feature in the opening game of the U21 League on Monday, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins insists the new set-up will be a catalyst for progressing the club’s young talent.

“The Under-21 structure will replace the old Reserve team set-up,’’ said Huw. “We see it as an important and vital part of the club’s long-term future.

“Our aim is to establish a promising group of youngsters under the Under-21 banner who can develop and progress into Michael Laudrup’s first-team plans.

“It’s important to think about the present, but it’s even more important to think about the future.’ ’

 

[irishred]

Barca really are spoiled for choice in centre-midfield (Song, Mascherano, Busquets, Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Thiago Alcantara). It'd be great if we could somehow get the latter if we don't get Sahin.

 

[the count]

Phil McNulty ‏@philmcnulty
Everton have signed Belgium international Kevin Mirallas on a four-year deal. Fee undisclosed but will be £6m. #bbcfootball

 

[themn]

Alfred Finnbogason - sc Heerenveen

The fuck is going on with that shirt ?

 

[King Binny]

Phil McNulty ‏@philmcnulty
Everton have signed Belgium international Kevin Mirallas on a four-year deal. Fee undisclosed but will be £6m. #bbcfootball

Kevin Mirallas - Everton (£6m)

Everton have today completed the signing of Belgian international Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos.

The 24-year old arrives at Goodison Park after agreeing a four-year deal and passing a medical on Saturday evening. He will wear the number 11.

Discussions between the two clubs had been ongoing during the course of the last week and after an undisclosed fee was agreed late on Friday evening, Mirallas headed to Merseyside to complete the formalities.

Speaking exclusively to evertontv ahead of training with his new teammates for the first time at Finch Farm, he said: “I am very happy because Everton is a big club and for me it's a very good opportunity.

“I've known Everton have been following me for a while and after talking with the manager I decided coming to Everton was the best opportunity for me.

“I know this is a great club with great supporters and a club that has the ability to win a lot of games in the Premier League. That's why I came.”

Everton have won the signature of Mirallas ahead of a number of top European clubs who had reportedly been keeping close tabs on the forward player’s progress after he scored 20 goals in 25 appearances for Olympiakos in 2011/12.

"We're really pleased to get Kevin," said manager David Moyes. "He'll hopefully add a bit of quality to the squad, give us some more options and we need him. We've lost one of two players so we're delighted to get Kevin in."

Due to his signing taking place after Friday’s 12pm deadline, he will not be eligible to play in Monday’s Barclays Premier League opener with Manchester United but will be at Goodison Park and unveiled in front of what is hoped to be a capacity crowd.

Prior to his arrival in Greece, Mirallas had spells with St Etienne and Lille in France, having earlier started his career at his hometown club Standard Liege.

Mirallas, who can play behind the striker or on either wing, featured for his national team in last Wednesday's 4-2 win over Holland, a game watched by Blues boss David Moyes.

 

[mark1975]

Just seen some Evertonian on Facebook saying he's the new Christiano Ronaldo. Lol.

 

[Judge Jules]

I recall one saying something similar when they signed that Chinese guy Li Tie.

"Wannabes" doesn't begin to cover it.

 

[Hansern]

He was extremely average in the French league. Will be interesting to see.

 

[Sunny]

He was young in the French league. It's one of those that will be either a real canny signing or a complete shambles

 

[Fabio]

He was young in the French league. It's one of those that will be either a real canny signing or a complete shambles

Some decent purchases by the blueshite over the past 2 seasons. They're slowly building a squad that could easily compete for europe

 

[the count]

He was young in the French league. It's one of those that will be either a real canny signing or a complete shambles

Yea, a bit like signing unknown talent from the Dutch League.
Who knows

 

[Ryan]

My best signing has got to be Paddy Kenny. He's been with me everywhere, right back to Bury, and I wouldn't swap him for any Premier League goalkeeper, let alone a Championship one. But that is not the signing you want to hear about, is it? You want to know how I've ended up with El Hadji Diouf, given the things I called him a couple of years ago.

It all started in June when I bumped into him at a function. We ended up having a couple of hours talking about football. I made it clear to him what I disliked about his approach and certain issues, but I enjoyed the conversation. So when it was put to me a couple of weeks ago that I might want to have a look at him I thought, "Why not?"

If the takeover had happened I would have spent a large amount on a wide player, but I can't spend what I haven't got and there's no denying Diouf has got ability. So I spoke to him, and others who know him, like Mickey Walker, Doncaster's director of football last season, and Sam Allardyce, who had Diouf at Bolton. Mickey said he was a credit helping the young lads and worked hard in training. Big Sam told me a lot about him, 80 per cent of which was good. It would have been easier for me not to sign him, as I knew I would get stick from certain journalists who have nothing else to write about, but I always believe people deserve to be given a second chance. So I signed him as a non-contract player and gave him a run against Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup last week. Then after the game the referee's assessor mentioned him. I thought, "What's he done now?" but the assessor proceeded to tell me about a disabled children's party at Blackburn last year when Diouf was first in and last out and talked to every kid at great length. I guess we've always heard more about the bad things he's done but it's amazing how many people have spoken well of him since he came to us. We've enjoyed having him and he's fitted in well so far.

I watched the Leeds game on the weekend and Diouf was the best player on the park by many miles.

 

[King Binny]

Rodri - Sheffield Wednesday (loan)

Sheffield Wednesday have signed striker Rodri on loan from European giants Barcelona, subject to international clearance.

The Spaniard joins the Owls on a season-long deal.

Rodri – full name Rodrigo Ríos Lozano – is 22-years-old and began his career with Sevilla FC, where he helped the youth team win the Copa del Rey, defeating Athletic Bilbao in the final.

After moving up to Sevilla B, he scored 28 goals from 54 appearances, before graduating to the senior set-up and he was called into first team contention for the 2009-10 Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow.

Rodri eventually made his bow in the same season during Sevilla’s La Liga contest against Athletic Bilbao.

His second senior appearance came in the final game of the season, at UD Almeria, and Rodri scored the decisive, last-minute goal in a 3-2 win that saw Sevilla edge out RCD Mallorca for Champions League qualification.

The young hitman then moved to Barcelona B, for whom he has made 35 appearances, scoring eight goals.

Rodri has also twice represented the Spanish Under-21s on the international stage, claiming one goal along the way.

He said: “I am very happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“I was at the game on Saturday and I thought the team did very well in the second half, the fans on a scale of 0-10 were definitely a 10. It was a massive crowd that came from Sheffield.

“That was an away game for the club so I can’t wait to see them in a home game.

“I come here with a lot of excitement and I want to start as soon as possible.

“Everyone knows the standard of player at Barcelona but in the Barcelona B side, it is full of players with much potential – very talented guys.

“I am a striker and I am confident I will get a lot of chances and confident I can score goals to help the club.”

Rodri has been allocated squad number 15 for the Owls.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Song - Barcelona (€19m)