Confirmed transfers 2012/13

[Fabio]

We're gonna win the league!

 

[RolandG]

We're gonna win the league!

Practically guaranteed!

 

[King Binny]

Andrea Raggi - AS Monaco (free transfer)

French Second Division outfit Monaco have confirmed the capture of Italian defender Andrea Raggi from Bologna.

The 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal, worth €1.2m a season, after his contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara came to an end.

The move was widely expected after the player turned down the offer of a renewal with the Rossoblu.

 

[HC]

Monaco are in the French second division?!

Blimey.

 

[King Binny]

Romain Amalfitano - Newcastle (free transfer)

Amalfitano, whose older brother Morgan plays for Marseille, said: "I am very happy to be a Newcastle player.

"I have seen a bit of the city already and it is a change from France but one I am really looking forward to.

"When a club like Newcastle wants you to play for them it can only be a good thing. I have taken the opportunity to play in the Premier League and cannot wait to get going."

Leaving his homeland for the Barclays Premier League is a fresh challenge for Amalfitano, but it's one he is excited about - even if he knows the climate in this part of the world is not normally quite as inviting as it has been this week.

"I've been told that this is the only two days of sun there has been all year," he smiled as he spoke exclusively to nufc.co.uk. "I heard that on Saturday, it was only seven degrees but in France as well, it was seven degrees.

"Of course, coming as a French person to England is not easy because there's obviously the language barrier and I'll have to adapt as quickly as possible, because I believe how you feel on and off the pitch is connected.

"If I'm feeling relaxed and at ease off the pitch, I'll play well on the pitch so for me, the biggest challenge will be the language.

"My parents have came with me this week so that I can show them the city, and my wife will be moving with me."

And Amalfitano, whose older brother Morgan plays for Marseille, revealed that he was pleased to agree the transfer so early into the close season in order to help him to settle in and prepare properly for the new campaign.

"It was something that I did on purpose," he admitted. "I wanted to get the signing out of the way so that I can enjoy my summer knowing where my future lies, and now I can't wait to get started."

 

[redsar]

Leonardo Bittencourt - Borussia Dortmund (€3 million)

Huh, I misread his name as Bittercunt...

 

[RolandG]

Grêmio may announce the signing of Liverpool full-back Fábio Aurélio to fans after tonight's Copa do Brasil quarter-final clash.
Fábio Aurélio, 32, was a key player for both Valencia and Liverpool under manager Rafa Benitez, winning two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup.
The former-São Paulo man is out of contract and set to return to Brazil, with Grêmio believed to have struck an agreement.
"We have already signed with one player, who we will announce to fans maybe on Friday, or maybe tomorrow after the game," said Grêmio director Paulo Pelaipe.
"It is all agreed and we are sorting the paperwork, then we will make an announcement."
Fábio Aurélio, a member of the 2000 Olympic Games squad, will join fellow veterans Zé Roberto and Gilberto Silva at the club for the coming season.

 

[King Binny]

Chris Kirkland - Sheffield Wednesday (free transfer)

Sheffield Wednesday have agreed a deal to sign international goalkeeper Chris Kirkland in July.

Kirkland will put pen to paper on a two-year contract at Hillsborough.

Kirkland said: "This is a fantastic move for me and I am delighted to be here.

"There have been stories about injuries but I have been fully fit for the last two seasons at Wigan and really frustrated at being a number two.

"I'm chomping at the bit to start playing again and to join a club like Sheffield Wednesday at this time is a great move, although there is great competition for places, which is great.

"Everybody saw what happened at Hillsborough on the last day of the season and to think that I will be part of that is really exciting."

Jones said: "I am absolutely delighted that we will have a goalkeeper of Chris' pedigree. This is a major, major scoop for Sheffield Wednesday.

"He is an extremely talented goalkeeper who still has a lot to prove and who still is hungry for success.

"I know some people will talk about injuries he has had but the lad has been fit for two seasons and he is in his prime as a goalkeeper.

"I tried to sign him before when I was at Cardiff but the move was blocked. But this time I have gone one better and I couldn't be happier."

Kirkland will face stiff competition for the number one jersey at Hillsborough and Jones insists there are no guarantees for any player under his tutelage.

He added: "I don't care where a player comes from, if he costs a million pounds or one pound. Whoever is in form in any position gets the shirt, it's as simple as that.

"Right now, I am focusing on the fact that we have agreed a deal with someone of Chris Kirkland's quality at the football club."

 

[King Binny]

Claude Puel - OGC Nice

Ligue 1 outfit Nice have moved swiftly to fill their managerial vacancy after agreeing a deal with Claude Puel.

The Mediterranean club parted company with Rene Marsiglia earlier this week after they opted not to renew his contract following a disappointing season in which they finished 13th in the standings, just four points above the relegation zone.

Les Aiglons, however, have not wasted any time in finding a successor after they announced that Puel, who has been out of a job since being sacked by French rivals Lyon in June 2011, will be handed a three-year contract when he takes over the reins next season.

The club confirmed the news in a short statement on their official website which read: "Nice and Claude Puel have reached an agreement in principle on a contract for three years as head coach."

The 50-year-old also managed Monaco and Lille, where he spent six seasons before his appointment at Les Gones, whom he guided to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in the club's history.

 

[King Binny]

David Amoo - Preston (free transfer)

Preston North End have agreed a deal to sign forward David Amoo from July 1st following the expiry of his contract at Liverpool.

The Lilywhites have pulled off a coup to capture the pacy attacker with a number of clubs chasing his signature, following his release by the Reds.

The London born 21-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Deepdale with an option for a further 12 months following a successful year-long spell at Bury where he played almost 30 times, scoring four goals, including the winner against North End at Gigg Lane back in November 2011.

Amoo, whose contract at Liverpool expires on 30th June when he will make the move to PNE, spoke of his delight at the chance to move to Deepdale, he said: "I've played here a few times and it is an amazing stadium and a Club of great history, so it will be a great step in my career to come here."

Manager Graham Westley was pleased to agree the deal, he added: "I've talked a lot about the need to add pace to our squad. In David we are bringing a new dimension in our attacking options with both his speed and technical abilities offering us something new. He has plenty of room to develop his game but I am sure he will make an excellent contribution to PNE going forwards."

"It is definitely a step in the right direction for my career joining Preston North End.

"I have played at Preston before whilst on loan at Bury, they have an amazing stadium and they have great history.

"I am excited, the Club are trying to build a team to challenge to win the league and I want to be a part of that. It is a transitional period and hopefully we will enjoy a successful season.

"I scored against PNE in a 1-0 win for Bury at Gigg Lane, it was a big game for us playing against a team as big as Preston.

"I already know how teams like Bury look at Preston with a high regard so it is great to be part of what the Club is trying to do."

Starting his days out at Millwall, Amoo's talent with the ball alerted Premier League giants Liverpool and in 2007 he joined the Merseyside club aged 16.

Continuing his footballing education by watching the likes of Steven Gerrard, two years later Amoo was promoted to the reserves before a loan spell at North End's neighbours Bury last season.

Admitting he has learned a lot from his time at Anfield and Gigg Lane, Amoo is ready to kick on and fight for his place in Graham Westley new look starting line-up.

He continued: "The experienced I gained at Bury was fantastic, I got about 30 games under my belt and it was great to play in League One.

"It is a tough league to come into from the reserves and I learned a lot from the experience.

"I can play on either the right or left, I am happy to just be out there playing and I am already looking forward to next season and the new experience.

"Good competition within a squad makes a team better, everybody wants to fight for their place on the team sheet and that can only make players better."

With over a month to go until the start of pre-season training, Amoo will join the North End squad in resting up before the start of what will hopefully be a successful promotion campaign.

Urging the fans to sign up for season tickets next season, the youngster is ready to excite the PNE faithful who he believes will play a vital role in the Club's success.

"With all the signings the Club is making, they are all good players and I can't see a reason why we can't push for promotion," concluded the Londoner.

"The fans are always an important part of the team and the Club. Without the fans any Club can't function and it will be great if the fans keep on signing up for season tickets."

 

[King Binny]

Diego López - Sevilla (undisclosed fee)

The 30-year-old Lopez, who has spent the last five seasons at Villarreal after joining from Real Madrid, has penned a five-year contract with the Andalusian club.

The once-capped Spain international said on his new club's website: "It's all been very quick. I'm very happy and looking forward to wearing the Sevilla shirt and trying to help them continue being a big club.

"It's a big club for lots of things, for their fans, for what you feel when you go to play there. You always feel a little bit of envy when you experience that from outside, and now I'm very excited to be able to live it from the inside."

 

[King Binny]

Ola John - Benfica (reportedly €9m)

Benfica have agreed to sign Dutch winger Ola John from Twente Enschede on a five-year contract, the Portuguese club said on Thursday.

Benfica did not disclose how much they paid for the 20-year-old winger but said the player's buyout clause was agreed at €45 million ($56.63 million).

 

[King Binny]

Rodrigo Palacio - Inter (reportedly €11m)

Genoa patron Preziosi had announced the deal earlier this week and has now given a little more background to the move.

“I did everything I could to keep hold of Palacio,” he told Radio Manà Manà.

“He had three wonderful seasons with us, giving his all on the field and off it. Inter don’t know what a great bargain they’ve got.

“I signed Alberto Gilardino in January precisely to form a great strike partnership with Palacio, but then this is the way it went.

“Roma actually made a better offer, over €2m more than Inter’s proposal, but I had shaken Massimo Moratti’s hand just three hours earlier.”

 

[King Binny]

Daniele Prade - Fiorentina (Director of Sport)

It is now official that ex-Roma chief Daniele Pradè is the new director of sport at Fiorentina, replacing Pantaleo Corvino.

The club had been looking for a new transfer guru since declaring in February that Corvino’s contract would not be renewed after five years in Florence.

Rumours had gathered pace on Thursday and it is now official that Fiorentina have appointed Pradè as director of sport.

Pradè is a 45-year-old Roman who was part of the Scudetto-winning Roma outfit from 2000, also earning two Italian Super Cups and two Coppa Italia trophies.

He will hold a press conference at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Saturday morning with President Mario Cognini.

The Viola have their director of sport, but are still without a new Coach for next season.

 

[King Binny]

Martin Caceres - Juventus (€8m)

 

[King Binny]

Thomas Heurtaux - Udinese (£1.6m)

Udinese have presented new defender Thomas Heurtaux to the media. “It’s a great honour to be here and I’ll do everything to live up to the task.”

“It is a great honour to be here at this club. Third place is a massive achievement and playing the Champions League preliminary round will be both an honour and a pleasure,” he told Udinese Channel.

“Udinese strongly wanted me to be here and I’ll do everything I can to live up to the task. I have been here for two days and can already say I’ve seen it is the ideal place to work.”

As he hit the back of the net five times in Ligue 1 this season, many expect Heurtaux to be just as effective in either box.

“I am a real defender and I like playing in that role, though I also enjoy going forward and trying to score. I really like duels and my first objective is to be a defender, but if the team needs me then I won’t hold back in going forward.

“I often played against Mehdi Benatia in France, so it is an honour to be alongside him now in Udine. He’s a great player and spoke highly of the club.

“My primary objective is to play as much as possible. We want to reach the Champions League and I’ll do everything possible to ensure I don’t disappoint the fans.”

 

[King Binny]

Allan - Udinese (€3m)

The 21-year-old midfielder, who can also play at right-back, has enjoyed an impressive start to the season in Brazil, but a buy-out clause of €3 million means Vasco are powerless to prevent his transfer.

In addition, the Brazilian club are entitled to only 20 per cent of the transfer fee, as the majority of Allan's economic rights belong to an Uruguayan company.

Vasco coach Cristovao Borges bemoaned the loss of the talented youngster.

"If they [Udinese] cover the fee, he should leave," the 52-year-old told Globoesporte.

"It is bad to lose players. With the economic hardship we go through, it is very difficult to bring in replacements soon.

"Allan is an important player as his quality and versatility are rare qualities in football," he noted.

 

[Shadey]

You are on the ball binny boy

 

[King Binny]

Richard Wright - Preston (free transfer)

Chairman of football Peter Ridsdale said of the latest acquisition: "Richard's qualities and extensive top level experience will add a vital ingredient to our squad. He has won major honours at the top level and represented his country and that sort of knowledge and will to win will be an excellent addition to a squad that is starting to take shape nicely."

Paul Huntington - Preston (free transfer)

Speaking about the latest acquisition chairman of football Peter Ridsdale said: "We are continuing to quietly work hard behind the scenes to put the pieces together of a team we hope will challenge at the top end of League One next season.

"Paul is a hungry young footballer and yet another player who has captained the team he is with this season, like John Welsh. If we can have a team of 11 leaders on the field then we will definitely be competitive."

Manager Graham Westley added: "Paul has big club experience at both Newcastle and Leeds, and League One experience Yeovil Town. He has all the attributes needed to be successful at this level and I fully expect him to be so."

John Welsh - Preston (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Peniel Mlapa - Borussia Monchengladbach (€3 million)

The €3 million move for the 21-year-old, who agreed to a four-year contract, confirmed the faith the club's board has in coach Lucien Favre's policy of bringing through talented young players.

Gladbach will turn to the hot prospect, who has been capped at under-19 and under-21 levels for Germany, to provide a direct replacement for the departing Raul Bobadilla, who joined Switzerland's Young Boys.

"Mlapa is a young player who already has top-flight experience in Germany. We have the utmost confidence his great potential will enrich our campaign," enthused Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl after the completion of his latest purchase.

 

[King Binny]

Takashi Usami - Hoffenheim (loan)

"We will be more variable in our attack thanks to Takashi Usami," Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel told the club website.

"He is ambitious, very agile and quick, and he is technically strong with a good shot on him.

"We are looking forward to having him here."

"I want to make the breakthrough in the Bundesliga and I can only do that if I am playing," said Usami.

"I hope to earn chances to play at Hoffenheim and have the best possible success with the club."

Kevin Volland - Hoffenheim (back from loan at TSV 1860 München)

Have you had a chance to speak to manager Markus Babbel yet?

Yes, we had a good chat. He basically made it clear to me that he hopes to build around me. But of course I still have to work hard and earn my place in the team. I think I’m good enough to play in the Bundesliga, despite my young age, and my aim is just to hit the ground running and give the best I can.

Eren Derdiyok - Hoffenheim (undisclosed, reportedly €8m)

TSG’s head coach Markus Babbel said of the transfer: “Eren Derdiyok is a complete striker. He fits the mould perfectly regarding the type of player we want at this club. I’m pleased that we were able to convince him to join:”

Tim Wiese - Hoffenheim (free transfer)

1899’s manager Markus Babbel made the following statement upon securing Wiese’s services: “We didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to sign such an experienced, successful and ambitious professional, and we’re all delighted that things have worked out. Tim Wiese has managed to break into the national team; that says it all about how good he is. I have no doubt that he will be a key factor in this club achieving its goals in the future.”

 

[King Binny]

Raphael Wolf - Werder Bremen (undisclosed fee)

"He fits perfectly into our requirements profile. He is a younger, motivated keeper who also has a certain experience and has proved some consistency. Raphael has a big potential for development and will provide good competition for Sebastian Mielitz," said manager Klaus Allofs.

Head coach Thomas Schaaf believes Werder are well served with the signing of the 23-year-old Wolf. "It's good that we were able to convince Raphael Wolf in favour of Werder. We now have very good candidates for the position between the posts. It will be a competition situation at a high level, which is what we wanted," said Schaaf.

The keeper himself heads into his task in the German Bundesliga with respect and confidence. "I absolutely wanted to come back to Germany and the offer from Werder is the best thing that could happen to me. It's a good club with lots of tradition and a lot of success. We want to build on that," said Wolf.

Richard Strebinger - Werder Bremen (undisclosed fee)

"Richard Strebinger is a very promising talent. We believe that he can take the next step in his career with us and we hope that he can have some good performances with the U23 team and perhaps make the Bundesliga team," said manager Klaus Allofs.

The Austrian is looking forward to the challenge with Werder Bremen. "Werder is a super club and I am looking forward to the new challenge. The reason for my decision was the fact that Werder continually gives young players a chance for the professional team. My goal is to make the Bundesliga team through good performances with the U23s and in training," said Strebinger.

Assani Lukimya-Mulongoti - Werder Bremen (free transfer)

SV Werder have added another acquisition as defender Assani Lukimya-Mulongoti has transferred from Fortuna Düsseldorf to along the Weser, signing on a contract until 30 June 2015, according to manager Klaus Allofs Wednesday morning. "We are happy that we could convince Assani to come to Werder Bremen. He had some strong performances in Düsseldorf and was one of the team leaders. With his physical strength, quickness and prowess in challenges, he will give our defence more stability," said Allofs.

Head coach Thomas Schaaf is looking forward to working with the 26-year-old defensive specialist. "He really stood out with Fortuna Düsseldorf and helped make the season so successful. He is a compact, very good challenger who has works with a lot of discipline," said Schaaf.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to his new challenge. "Werder Bremen is a great club and I am really exciting to be part of the club. When I heard about the club's interest, my decision was pretty easy," said "Luki". "I had a great time with Fortuna Düsseldorf and I leave the club with a weeping eye. But as footballer, you want to continue to develop, and if every individual player in the team has more quality then you improve that way."

 

[King Binny]

Daniele Prade - Fiorentina (Director of Sport)

New director of sport Daniele Pradè has pledged to “bring back enthusiasm” to Fiorentina, but there are reports Claudio Ranieri is backing off as Coach.

“I thank the Della Valle brothers,” said ex-Roma director Pradè when presented to the media today.

“My objective is to bring back enthusiasm, as I have real hunger and I think we can do great things together. It is an amazing opportunity for me and it should be seen as such by all the players too.

“Stevan Jovetic is an amazing player and will be our starting point, as he is at the centre of the project. Of course we’ll talk it over with him and see what he thinks, but he is the first building block of the squad.”

The Viola needed a new transfer guru after Pantaleo Corvino’s contract was not renewed, though the club is still looking for a new Coach.

“The tactician must be chosen with our heads and not our gut feelings. It is our priority and we’ll look him in the eyes, as this is a choice we cannot get wrong. Aside from the players, the Coach will be crucial.”

Ranieri had been one of the top candidates for the bench, but the latest reports suggest he has been in negotiations with West Bromwich Albion and an unnamed club in Qatar.

 

[Oncy]

I like that Derdiyok, good player.

 

[King Binny]

Eduardo Macia - Fiorentina (Technical Director)

Translated:

MACIA - "I'm really lucky to get to a major company like Fiorentina - said Macia, who will also be responsible for the youth - we are doing a great teamwork and we are looking for a coach who has character, personality, and sense of belonging that the Fiorentina fans for their team, for your shirt. "

 

[King Binny]

Claudio Pizarro - Bayern Munich (free transfer)

"We are pleased to have been able to sign Claudio Pizarro, an internationally experienced and very dangerous striker," said Bayern's director of sport Christian Nerlinger on his club's website.

 

[RedZeppelin III]

Eduardo Macia is Rafa's mate isn't he ? "revolutionised" our transfer dealings didn't he ?

And Pizarro back to Bayern , he's another of those strikers they've had that didn't look too hot when i saw them but still score a fuck load in germany . If Wikipedia is correct then he has 227goals in 473 games in germany , not bad at all .

 

[King Binny]

Cristian Rodriguez - Atletico Madrid (free transfer)

Speaking on his new acquisition, sporting director José Luis Caminero was full of praise.

“He is a very offensive player with a lot of pace and character,” he said. “He is a winner.”

“A lot of variations will be offered in attack with this signing, as he is very versatile and can operate on either flank.”

The Onion was pleased to team up with Diego Pablo Simeone at the Vicente Calderon and revealed that he made up his mind to play in the Spanish La Liga partly because of him. He stated that El Cholo has always held him in high regard and believes it will be an adventure playing under his tautology.

"I have learned that he speaks very highly of me. He was a player and understands the environment of football, which is also important," the left-foot favouring Uruguayan remarked at a press conference.

Emre Belozoglu - Atletico Madrid (free transfer)

“Emre has what it takes to triumph at Atlético,” said national selection team-mate Arda of the latest Rojiblanco.

“He has shown the personality necessary to take the reins of big clubs and his experience can help us greatly in key matches. For me, he is like an older brother, I have learned a lot from him.”

Atlético sporting director José Luis Pérez Caminero added: “With Emre, we bring in a new profile to our midfield. We were after his quality passing and his control of play. His experience should offer even more strength to our squad, one of the youngest in the league.”

 

[Hansern]

Some decent free transfer pick ups there. Strange that Leverkusen are selling Derdriyok.

 

[King Binny]

Andres Guardado - Valencia (undisclosed fee)

Valencia CF are pleased to announce the signing of Mexican international Andrés Guardado on a four-year deal, beginning on June 30th, 2012. Braulio Vázquez, Sporting Director for Valencia CF, told valenciacf.com that he was tremendously satisfied with this latest midfield reinforcement. “ Despite his youth, Andrés Guardado already has the experience of playing in two World Cups. Along with Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, he is one of the keystones of the Mexican national team. He is a player of great technical quality and an international class talent,” said Vázquez.

Andrés Guardado (Guadalajara, México, 28th September, 1986) is understandably excited about this new challenge:

“This is a very important challenge in my career and is a real motivation. This is something that I have dreamt about from a young age and I have always wanted to play in the Champions League. Signing for Valencia CF has made my dream a reality. I always watched La Liga and the Champions League on the television as a child, dreaming of getting to play in those competitions one day. Valencia CF offer me the opportunity to do this and I will give my all to ensure that I don’t let them down. Now I will have tougher demands on me, a lot of competition and great players around me who are going to push me even harder than before. Obviously this will improve me as a player, which will in turn transfer over to my national team form.”

"Coming to a team like Valencia CF, with their international players like Rami, Albelda, Alba, Jonás and Soldado, means that there is the need to give 100% at every moment. It is extra motivation, as you have to be at your best in training as well as in every match. This is undoubtedly better for the team, because competition makes the squad stronger and improves us players as individuals. On a personal level, it is an honour to share a dressing room with such great players. It is a source of great pride that Valencia CF have come in for me. They are one of the biggest teams in Spain and in Europe, and any player would love to be part of such a prestigious club.”