Confirmed transfers 2012/13

[King Binny]

Matthew Kennedy - Everton

Everton have signed promising youngster Matthew Kennedy from Kilmarnock for a nominal fee.

The 17-year-old winger has penned a three-year deal and will join up with Alan Stubbs’ Under-21 Reserve squad.

The Scotland youth international has impressed in the SPL since making his bow as a 16-year-old.

That debut came against Hibernian in November 2011 after he had forced his way into the first-team picture with an impressive pre-season.

Kennedy, chiefly a wide player, has been used as an emergency frontman in Kille’s opening games of the 2012/13 campaign after injuries to the club’s regular strikers.

In all he has made 14 appearances for the Rugby Park outfit while also starring through the age groups for the Scottish youth international sides.

Having represented his country at under-15 and under-16 level with considerable success, he has been a regular for the under-17s, making 13 appearances and scoring four times.

Bryan Oviedo - Everton (£3.5million)

Everton have signed Bryan Oviedo from FC Copenhagen for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile left-sided player flew in on Friday afternoon for a medical before signing a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old Costa Rica international will provide competition for Leighton Baines at left back while also providing more midfield options for David Moyes.

After penning his contract, Oviedo told evertontv: “I am so very happy. This is a very good opportunity for me.

“The last two or three days have been very stressful and tiring but I am so happy now. I am feeling good and right now everything is positive.

“I know a lot about Everton. I watch Everton games and Premier League games on the TV and it is a very good league.”

Oviedo, who has 13 international caps, has won the Danish league title, two Danish Cups and also played in the Champions League.

Blues assistant manager Steve Round admits the player has been on the Everton radar for some time.

He said: "In terms of him as a player he can fill in multiple positions for us, he will be a big asset if we can get him.

"He can play left-back left midfield and left wing, all the way down the left, which will help us and give us good cover in the squad.

"I have seen him on a regular basis, I have been abroad and watched him, as have all the scouts and the manager.”

 

[King Binny]

Giovani Dos Santos - Mallorca (co-ownership deal)

Giovani dos Santos' transfer odyssey has officially ended with the attacker returning to the Liga BBVA and signing for RCD Mallorca.

The Mexican international's signing for the Spanish side was also a success story for his lawyer, Vicente Montes, who represented Dos Santos throughout the process in order to secure a move away from Tottenham.

"We're very satisfied and happy," Montes told Goal.com in his exclusive interview. "It has been a very arduous piece of work and finally, Giovani has his smile back, he has confidence from his new manager, a team that's going to want him there and I'm sure that he'll produce at a very good rate."

When speculation pointed towards Sevilla, Inter or a bevy of other La Liga and Serie A clubs in the past few days, Joaquin Caparros and his team seemingly came out of nowhere to sign the player. "There are three parts in any negotiation and all three had to be on the same page, it wasn't easy," Montes explains.

"In the end, we've chosen the team that was better for us in all respects. There were plenty of interested sides. Mallorca met our expectations, they're a great team with a great coach that play in a beautiful city. Gio returns to the Spanish league and Mallorca expressed commitment in their pursuit of the player," he continued.

Other teams bowed out of the race for Dos Santos due to the difficulty that Tottenham represented in its negotiation for the player. The hard stance was eventually softened by Montes in order to secure the move to Mallorca.

"There were several teams that had been asking about the player but they didn't trust that we would have the capability to resolve this situation with Tottenham. Mallorca bet on it and they've received a just prize in the form of a great player," he said.

Despite the fact that Spurs retain 50 percent of the player's rights, the intent is for the Premier League side to potentially cash in on a second transfer should Dos Santos attract attention in Mallorca. Montes was clear, however, that the co-ownership deal did not include a clause in which Spurs can repurchase the player.

"We'll never go back to Tottenham. We're just not going to do it," he said.

While it is clear that the currently injured player will have to prove his worth in order to crack the starting lineup, according to the lawyer, Montes noted the warm reception Dos Santos received at his new club.

"From what the team's president has said about Giovani, he will be one of the team's biggest players if not the biggest," he said.

 

[Y1]

So Spurs doing all the normal last minute transfers as usual. Dempsey? There was no whisper of it whatsoever!

 

[King Binny]

Jean-Alain Fanchone, Neuton Piccoli, Lars (Joel) Ekstrand, Cristian Battocchio, Fernando Forestieri - Watford (loans with options to buy)

GIANFRANCO ZOLA has strengthened his Watford squad on transfer deadline day by signing five players on season-long loans.

The Hornets have an option to purchase all five players at the end of their loan periods.

Defenders Jean-Alain Fanchone (23), Neuton Piccoli (22) and Lars (Joel) Ekstrand (23) are joined by creative midfielder Cristian Battocchio (20) and striker Fernando Forestieri (22) at Vicarage Road from Udinese.

Left-sided defender Fanchone began his professional career with Strasbourg before he moved to Italy.

Brazilian defender Piccoli, known as Neuton, can play at left back or centre half. He started his career in his home country before moving to Europe.

Swedish centre half Ekstrand has been capped by his national side at Under-21 and senior level. Ekstrand started his career at Lunds BK before joining Helsingborgs in 2005.

Battocchio is an exciting midfielder who left Newell's Old Boys three years ago. He’s an Italian Under-20 international and was in action for Udinese as recently as last Saturday against Fiorentina.

Forestieri is an Argentinian-born striker who began his career with Boca Juniors. He has dual nationality and has appeared for Italy at Under-21 and youth ages. The striker spent last season with Bari and has previously appeared for Empoli and Malaga.

 

[King Binny]

Javi Garcia - Man City (£16m)
Spain international Javi Garcia has signed for City for an undisclosed fee from Benfica.

Garcia brings extensive experience of the Champions League with him to Manchester, having made his competition debut for Real Madrid back in 2005.

A defensive midfielder by trade, the 25-year-old has been capped by the Spanish national team once, in a friendly against Serbia earlier this year.

Garcia began his career with Madrid, representing the La Liga side's B team 86 times before graduating to the first team.

He won the European U19 Championships with his country, playing alongside Juan Mata and Gerard Pique as they defeated Scotland in the final in Poland.

Four appearances followed before the deep-lying playmaker joined Osasuna for £3m in 2007 and it was at the El Sadar Stadium that Javi’s reputation soared thanks to his impressive performances as the club avoided relegation from La Liga.

This good form saw Real Madrid exercise their buy-back clause, returning the midfielder to the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2008/09 season where he made another 15 appearances as Real finished second to Barcelona.

Benfica then swooped for Garcia who became an instant hit in Lisbon, making 30 appearances in his first season and scoring three goals.

Garcia’s first silverware arrived in 2010 as the Eagles lifted the Portuguese title and he played an instrumental role in that success, supplying goals and assists as they also clinched Portugal's League Cup.

He added another couple of Portuguese League Cups in 2011 and 2012 to cement himself as a firm fans' favourite - something the Spaniard will hope to replicate with City.

Javi, the cousin of former Liverpool star Luis Garcia, was the final transfer deal of the summer for Roberto Mancini and will hope to play a part in City's first game after the international break, away to Stoke.

Garcia has chosen to wear the no.14 shirt.

 

[King Binny]

Matija Nastasic - Man City (£10m plus Stefan Savic)

Teenager Matija Nastasic has signed for Manchester City from Fiorentina for an undisclosed fee.

Stefan Savic has gone the other way as part of the deal.

Serbian centre-back Nastasic was a revelation in Serie A last season, emerging as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the Italian top flight.

He has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being handed his debut at Fiorentina by Roberto Mancini’s former assistant, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Although Mihajlovic didn’t last long in the managerial hotseat, Matija cemented a place in new boss Delio Rossi’s XI and didn’t have to wait long to pick his wits against some of Serie A’s most fearsome predators.

Nastasic’s name was made in the Viola’s 0-0 draw against AC Milan where the defender belied his years with a mature performance marking Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Matija could also become a threat from set-pieces for the Blues, thanks to his 6ft 2 frame but he showcased his composure on the ball for his first Serie A goal in February, with a well-taken finish on the volley against Cesena.

If Mancini does continue to experiment with a three-man defence this season, he’s signed a player with experience of playing in a similar system for most of last season alongside the experienced duo of Gamberini and Natali.

Fiorentina finished 13th in the division last season but Nastasic’s 21 starts were hailed as a bright spot on an otherwise transitional season for the team.

He joined the Florence outfit in 2011 from Partizan Belgrade for a reported €3m and has represented Serbia twice, linking up again with Mihajlovic who handed him his international debut against Cyprus earlier this year.

Nemanja Vidic retired from international football in 2011 and it’s testament to Nastasic’s stock that the youngster is expected to take this national institution’s place in Serbia’s upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

Stefan Savic moves in the opposite direction after making 11 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring once in the 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in October 2011.

Everyone at the club would like to wish Stefan all the best for his future career in Florence.

 

[King Binny]

CL money comes in handy for Malaga

Oguchialu Onyewu - Malaga (loan with option to buy)

Málaga Club de Fútbol and Sporting Clube de Portugal have reached a loan agreement, with option to buy, the American, but Nigerian-born, defender, 30 year old Oguchialu Chijioke Onyewu, 1,95 metres in height. The defender/midfielder, who’s career began with French team FC Metz, has played for La Louvière, Standard de Lieja, Newcastle, AC Milan and Twente, as well as the most recent Sporting Clube de Lisboa. Onyewo is a European citizen, with a Belgian passport.

A strong, very physical player, Oguchi Onyewa has two League titles under his belt, the Belgian Supercup with Standard Lieja, as well as the KNVB Cup with Twente in 2010/11, when he was named as one of the best defenders in the competition. Onyewu has played for the United States more than 65 times, won two CONCACAF Gold Cups with the North-American side, as well as being named as the best footballer in the States in 2006. He also took part in the 2009 Federations Cup in South Africa, when the USA defeated Spain.

Roque Santa Cruz - Malaga (loan)

Málaga Club de Fútbol and Manchester City have come to an agreement over the loan of Paraguay-born striker Roque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero for one season. The international forward, who landed in Málaga last night, is now ready to join Manuel Pellegrini’s team, following his successful medical undertaken at Clínicas Rincón-Málaga Club de Fútbol. His successful career with Paraguay’s Club Olimpia saw them win three League championships; during his time with Bayern Munich, they won the Champions League, Intercontinental Cup, five Bundes Leagues, and four Germany Cups. Roque Santa Cruz has also played for Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, and also with Real Betis. His 91 matches with the Paraguay national team saw him score 25 goals, and named as one of the country’s highest goal scorers.

Roque Santa Cruz began his footballing career in the lower categories of Paraguay’s Club Olimpia at just nine years old, making his professional debut at 15. Following three League campaigns with the first team, the striker signed a contract with Bayern Munich, who he remained with for eight seasons, winning over a dozen titles.

In 2007-08, Santa Cruz signed with Blackburn Rovers. During his time with the Premier League club he scored 26 goals: 20 in the Premier League, three in the Carling Cup and three in the UEFA Cup. He was the team’s highest goal scorer and fourth highest in the Premier League that season. After sustaining an injury during his second season, the striker moved to Manchester City, though he returned to Blackburn Rovers on loan in 10-11, and Real Betis in 11-12.

Manuel Iturra - Malaga

Málaga Club de Fútbol has signed 28 year old Manuel Rolando Iturra Urrutia from Chile, for the 2012/13 season. After undergoing a medical at Clínicas Rincón-Málaga Club de Fútbol, he’ll join the Blue and Whites’ training session tomorrow. Manuel Iturra has played for Chile 34 times, receiving high praise from national coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Iturra began his football career with ‘Universidad de Chile’, where he remained for eight years, from 2003/04 to 2009/10. During his time with ‘Uni’, he took part in Liberty Cup and South American Cup matches for Chile, and enjoyed First Division champion success twice in 2004 and 2009.

In 2010/11 Iturra moved to Portugal, to join First Division side, Uniao de Leiria. He played for Real Murcia in 2011/12, in a total of 35 matches.

 

[King Binny]

Christian Benteke - Aston Villa (£7million)

Christian Benteke admitted he has taken his inspiration from fellow Belgian internationals Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Eden Hazard - as well as Villa manager Paul Lambert - as he completed his "dream move" to the Barclays Premier League, agreeing a four-year deal which will keep him at Villa to the end of the 2015-16 season.

The 21-year-old striker - Lambert's eighth signing of this transfer window - has made five appearances for Belgium, scoring his first goal against the Netherlands in the recent friendly game in Brussels and in this calendar year has accumulated a prolific 18 goals in 29 games in domestic football and in Europe.

He is determined to continue in that rich vein of form when he makes his first start for Villa next month.

"It was motivation for me when I went to join up with the national team and saw all the players from the Premier League - Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Eden Hazard - it made me want to play here," Benteke declared.

"But the manager also convinced me this was the perfect move. Aston Villa are a very historic football club and my colleagues on international duty have said good things about the football here in England.

"I am looking forward to getting my career started in the Premier League. I am a striker and I can play with my back to the goal. I can also play behind the striker and I am good in the air.

"I know Darren Bent is a great striker and I want to play with him and work hard for the team.

"I saw the game between Manchester City and Chelsea, the Community Shield, at Villa Park and I saw that it was a great stadium, so I am looking forward very much to playing here.

"Next week I have to go to join up with my national team, so I will have to wait for another week before I can do that.

"It was a special moment for me to score my first goal for the national team two weeks ago against the Netherlands and I hope that I can do this for Aston Villa many times.

"I am happy to come here, it is my dream and I will work hard to do well here. I have realised one of my dreams by coming here but my dream now is to be successful here. It will be difficult because there are good international players here but this is my challenge and I look forward to playing with them."

Villa manager Lambert said: "Christian is only 21 years of age but already he's an established Belgian international and he's had a terrific time at Genk. He's something very different to what we have here and that added dimension will enhance the football club.

"A young lad he may be, but he's definitely a handful. He's tall, powerful, he has pace and we'll be stronger with him in the side.

"We're stronger now as a unit and we're trying to build step by step. This is an important step. I believe in the players I have here that they can go and perform."

Ashley Westwood - Aston Villa (£2m)

Ashley Westwood will accept the responsibility of stepping up from League One Crewe to the Premier League "and take it in my stride" having completed his move from Crewe tonight, agreeing a four-year deal which will keep him at the club until the 2015-16 season.

The 22-year-old midfield player was a central figure when Crewe secured promotion last season, was appointed club captain this season and he is eager to prove his worth by stepping up to the big stage that is the Barclays Premier League - a move that manager Paul Lambert believes he is handsomely equipped to handle.

"I see myself as a Michael Carrick-type of player, someone who stays out of the limelight and keeps it simple, retaining the ball and laying it off to team-mates and from the conversations I've had with the new manager I think that will fit in perfectly here," Westwood said.

"He said to me that he's looking for younger lads to work with him, step up and lift this club to the next level and I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"This is a fantastic football club, a massive club and I can't wait to get started really.

"It's a bit surreal right now but I'll get out training with the lads tomorrow morning and take it in my stride."

The midfielder - a product of the successful academy at Crewe, making his debut against Millwall aged 18 - is Lambert's seventh signing of the summer.

He was part of the side that clinched promotion to League One after defeating Cheltenham in the play-off final at Wembley last season, making over 100 appearances for the Railwaymen and the Villa boss has no doubt that Westwood has the qualities to make an impact.

"Being captain of his football club at 21 years of age, I think that says a big thing about Ashley's quality, the responsibility he has taken on his shoulders and his temperament - he's a good player," said Lambert.

"He's also a terrific prospect for this football club - a real, real talent.

"He's had a really good grounding at Crewe and he will fit in with what we're looking to do here. He's a good player and he'll do fine."

Nathan Delfouneso - Blackpool (loan)

Nathan Eccleston - Blackpool (loan with option of another yr's loan)

Blackpool have completed moves for Nathan Eccleston and Nathan Delfouneso ahead of the transfer window closing.

Eccleston has joined The Seasiders permanently from Liverpool on a one-year deal with an option for a further year, while Delfouneso arrives on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa.

The strike pair, both 21, will bolster the attacking options available to manager Ian Holloway.

Eccleston as good as gone?

 

[King Binny]

Billy Sharp - Nottingham Forest (loan)

Nottingham Forest have pulled off a stunning deadline day coup by signing Billy Sharp from Southampton.

The 26 year old striker will spend the rest of the season on loan at The City Ground in a move that sees him reunited with Sean O’Driscoll who was his manager at Doncaster.

Chairman Omar Al Hasawi said: "No manager knows Billy as well as Sean does and when he made it clear he wanted to bring him to the Club we did everything in our power to make it happen.

"BIlly's goal-scoring record is outstanding and we have no doubts he will fit in perfectly at The City Ground and add to the attacking threat we already have."

Sharp, who is eligible to make his debut against Charlton tomorrow (kick-off 3pm), launched his career with his hometown club Sheffield United but it gathered pace at Scunthorpe, where he scored 53 goals in 82 league appearances.

United re-signed him in a reported £2million deal in 2007 but two years later O’Driscoll swooped to take him to Doncaster on a season-long loan.

Sharp made an instant impact, bagging 15 goals in 33 league appearances in his first season with his new club and in the summer of 2010 completed a permanent switch to Doncaster for a club record £1.15million.

He scored 25 goals in 49 league outings before joining Southampton in January of this year.

He scored nine league goals in 15 games for The Saints as they clinched promotion to the Premier League.

James Coppinger - Nottingham Forest (loan until 2 Jan 13)

Nottingham Forest have completed their second transfer deadline day swoop by landing Doncaster Rovers winger James Coppinger.

The 31 year old has joined The Reds on loan until January 2 and finds himself reunited with Sean O’Driscoll.

He was Coppinger’s manager at Doncaster for five years and is a keen admirer of the former Newcastle and Exeter man.

Coppiner and The Reds' other new arrival, Billy Sharp, are both in line to make their debuts against Charlton at The City Ground tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Chairman Omar Al Hasawi said: "James has great experience of the Championship and I know he is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Sean again.

"He is our 11th signing for Nottingham Forest and I'm sure he will prove to be a great asset for us in the weeks ahead."

Coppinger launched his career as a trainee with Darlington but joined Newcastle as a teenager. He made one league appearances for the Geordies but gained valuable experience of first team football in two loan spells with Hartlepool.

Coppinger joined Exeter in 2002 and over the next two years clocked up more than 80 league appearances.

Doncaster became his next stop in ’04 and he has been a key figure in the South Yorkshire club’s plans since.

He has made more than 300 league and cup appearances for Rovers. He scored a hat-trick in the League One play-off semi-final victory over Southend in 2008 and was in the Doncaster side that beat Leeds in the final.

He had been linked with a move away from Doncaster following their relegation last season and has opted for a second spell under the management of O’Driscoll.

 

[King Binny]

Goran Popov - West Brom (loan with option to buy)

ALBION have completed a beat-the-deadline deal for Macedonia international Goran Popov.

The Dynamo Kiev left-back has joined on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal, after being granted a work permit this afternoon.

The 27-year-old has passed a Hawthorns medical and will wear the No.4 shirt but won’t be eligible for tomorrow’s clash with Everton (ko 3pm).

Popov becomes the Baggies’ sixth summer signing and will provide strong competition for Liam Ridgewell after fellow left-backs Nicky Shorey and Joe Mattock departed the club at the end of last season.

“I’ve said many times over the past few weeks that we’ve been looking to bring in one more defender and I’m delighted we’ve managed to sign Goran,” said head coach Steve Clarke.

“We allowed two left-backs to leave at the end of last season so it’s very pleasing we’ve got another naturally left-sided player within the group to give us more balance.

“We’ve now got good competition for places in all areas of the squad.

“Goran is a player the club have closely monitored for around three years so we know what we’re getting.

“He has also given up the opportunity to play Champions League football with Dynamo Kiev to join Albion in the Premier League and he’s determined to do well here.”

Sporting & technical director, Dan Ashworth, added: “Goran first came to our attentions during our promotion season of 2009/10 but we missed out on him that summer when he joined Kiev.

“We’ve continued to monitor him and have seen him acquit himself well for Kiev in the Champions League and against Manchester City and Stoke in the Europa League.

“Goran is an established, experienced left-back who is tall, powerful, good on the ball and likes to get forward.

"I’m sure he will settle in really well with us in the Premier League.”

Popov played for his country at Under-19s and Under-21s level and currently has 36 senior caps to his name.

His early career saw him at Greek side AEK Athens as an 18-year-old and, in 2004, he moved to Red Star Belgrade, where he got his first taste of Champions League football.

Injury prevented him from kicking on with the Serbian outfit and a short loan spell at Polish side Odra Wodzislaw Slaski followed before he returned to Greece in 2005, spending two seasons at Egaleo and one at Levadiakos.

The 6ft2in defender’s performances earned him a move to Heerenveen and he enjoyed his first taste of silverware in 2009 when he won the KNVB Cup, scoring the opener in the final against FC Twente.

He spent one more season with the Dutch top-flight side before making the switch to Ukranian giants Dynamo in 2010, where he bagged two league runners-up medals.

In total, Popov has made 169 career league appearances, including 15 as a substitute, scoring five goals.

 

[King Binny]

Scott Dobbie - Brighton

Albion have agreed a deadline-day deal with Swansea City to sign striker Stephen Dobbie for an undisclosed fee.

The Scottish striker has been a target of boss Gus Poyet throughout the summer and signed a three-year deal this evening.

Poyet is delighted to finally secure the striker and told seagulls.co.uk, "He is a quality striker, who will complement our existing forwards and give us different attacking options.

"He has great quality which will unlock defences and I have no doubt he will also score plenty of goals.

"He has played and proven himself at this level and in the Premier League. His goals helped Blackpool win promotion in 2010 and he returned on loan to help them reach the play-off final last season."

Since moving to England, Dobbie has scored 26 goals from 48 starts for Swansea and Blackpool. The Glaswegian turned professional at Rangers before moving to Hibernian on a free transfer.

Two years later he switched to St Johnstone before moving to Queen of the South, where he scored over 50 goals in two-and-a-half seasons, and prompted the move to Swansea.

Dobbie will not travel to Burnley this weekend, but will link up with his new team-mates from Monday. He will wear the number 10 shirt.

Andrea Orlandi - Brighton

Albion have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Andrea Orlandi from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old Spaniard, who has also played for Deportivo Alavés and FC Barcelona, has signed a two-year deal with Albion and is available for Saturday's trip to Burnley.

Gus Poyet said, "Andrea provides us with versatility and creativity across the midfield. He can play as a typical winger, or more central in a number-ten role.

"He has played a lot of games in the Championship for Swansea, helping them win promotion to the Premier League, and he has played at the top level.

"Andrea is a creative player who likes to get forward and attack and he will give us a different attacking option in midfield."

Barcelona-born Orlandi began his career with Alavés playing in the Segunda Division for their B side. In 2005 he joined Barcelona on loan, spending two years on loan at the Nou Camp, although featuring almost exclusively for their B team.

Orlandi moved to the Liberty Stadium in 2007, and made 58 senior starts and 32 substitute appearances for the Swans.

Dean Hammond - Brighton (loan)

Dean Hammond is back with his hometown club, after agreeing a one-year loan from Southampton.

The 29-year-old graduated through Albion's youth set-up and made his senior debut in 2000.

He later became club captain at the age of 23 before leaving for Colchester in 2008.

More recently the midfielder signed for Southampton in 2009 and captained them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Gus Poyet told seagulls.co.uk, "It's like I know him because so many people at the club already know him well.

"From our special games against Southampton he was always one of the main players of the game. Now he will be on our side.

"He knows the club, he has experience, he has presence and he knows the division. He's a winner and he has quality.

"We have a lot of quality in our midfield. We need that presence in midfield. The fact it was Brighton helped him make a decision. It's important that the fans know how much he wanted to come back.

"He is a real man. We wanted that extra experience and presence on the pitch and in the dressing room. He shows what we were looking for.

"We didn't know he was available and as soon as we knew there was a small chance we went for it and waited for it to happen."

Despite still being in his twenties, Hammond has already racked up over 380 appearances, scored 42 goals and has been club captain at each of the three different clubs during his professional career.

David Lopez - Brighton

Albion have completed the signing of David Lopez from Athletic Bilbao.

The Spanish right-sided midfielder has signed a one-year deal at the Amex, after passing a medical earlier this evening.

Gus Poyet is delighted with another deadline-day acquisition and told seagulls.co.uk, "He is technically very gifted and has great ability.

"He is a right-sided midfielder, and gives us another option; ultimately he is going to bring extra quality to the squad and a different attacking midfield option."

The 29-year-old Bilbao-born midfielder has played more than 150 games in the Spanish Primera Liga for Bilbao and Osasuna.

He began his professional career with Osasuna's B side in 2001, where he made 81 league appearances, before being promoted to their Spanish club's first team, before switching to Bilbao for a reported €6m in 2007.

Lopez will not travel to Burnley this weekend, but will link up with his new team-mates from Monday.

 

[King Binny]

Joey Barton - Marseille (loan)

Joey Barton thanked QPR for giving him the opportunity to join Marseille on a season-long loan on Friday night.

Barton launched a series of tirades against the club via Twitter after he was forced to train with the youth team, but he appears to be leaving the west London club on good terms after finalising a temporary move to the Ligue 1 leaders while Stephane Mbia has gone in the opposite direction in a permanent deal.

"I am now a player for L'OM. What a birthday present! Cannot wait to get going. #allezL'OM," tweeted Barton, who turns 30 on Sunday.

"Would like to thank [agent] Willie Mckay, [Marseille sporting director] José Anigo and [chairman] Vincent Lebrune aka Mr President for making it happen. I would also like to thank [QPR owner]tonyfernandes and [chief executive] Amit-Bhatia99 for making this possible. Good luck to everyone at QPR for this season."

Stephane Mbia - QPR

QUEENS Park Rangers Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Cameroon international Stephane Mbia.

The versatile Mbia – who can play in either defence or midfield – has signed a two year-deal in W12, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with French side Olympique de Marseille for his services.

M’Bia was born in the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde and began his career at the Kadji Sports Academy when he was 17 years-old.

He later signed for French outfit Rennes in 2004, scoring his first goal in professional football two years later against Lyon, before joining Marseille in 2009.

He has represented his country 36 times, scoring on three occasions.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, R’s boss Mark Hughes said: “Stephane is a very good player, and is another who can play in a number of positions.

“He is very adept as a defensive midfielder but he has been regularly playing at centre back so we have got another player who can add to the flexibility of the squad.

“He is a big, strong guy with a strong mentality. He wants to win and is the type of player I want at the club.

“We have been talking about getting a centre back and he is in my mind for that role, but he is just as adept in midfield and I wouldn’t have any worries about playing him in either position.”

Mbia expressed his delight at the move, commenting: “It was an easy decision because this is an important move for my career.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League, which I believe is the best league in the world.

“The ambitions of the club and what the board of directors and the manager want to achieve here excites me greatly.

“I am so happy and enthusiastic about what the future holds here and can’t wait to be part of this exciting project.”

Mbia will wear the number 40 shirt at Loftus Road.

 

[King Binny]

Ashkan Dejagah - Fulham (€2.5 million)

Fulham Football Club can confirm the signing of Ashkan Dejagah from VfL Wolsburg on a three-year deal with an additional year’s option, for an undisclosed fee, which will see the player at the Club until at least 2015.

The 26-year-old winger made over 150 appearances in five seasons at Wolfsburg, having spent three years prior at Hertha Berlin.

His impressive performances for the Bundesliga side last season - where he registered many assists for his team - earned him a first international call-up, where he has so far scored two goals in three matches for Iran.

Prior to making his senior international debut for Iran, Dejagah represented Germany at every age group from the U17s to U21s.

Dejagah played twice against Fulham during the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League campaign, coming on as substitute in both legs of the Quarter-Final tie.

Dejagah said: "I’m very happy to be signing for Fulham and to come and play in the Premier League. I know Sascha [Riether] well and he told me very good things about the Club and, after I had spoken to the Manager and heard about the project here, I was convinced. So I am happy to be here and will give my best for the Club and our fans."

 

[King Binny]

Alberto Gilardino - Bologna (€1.5m)

Bologna signed Italy striker Alberto Gilardino from Genoa on Friday for an undisclosed fee.

Gilardino, 30, has 17 goals in 47 fixtures for Italy since his international debut in 2004 and helped his country win the 2006 World Cup.

He just signed a four-year contract in January with Fiorentina, but makes the switch to join the seventh club of his career. Gilardino has also played at AC Milan, Parma, Piacenza and Verona.

Terms of his contract with Bologna were not disclosed.

Marco Borriello - Genoa

"Il Grifone has rediscovered one of those strikers who has written his recent history to the sound of goals," Genoa announced on their website.

The 30-year-old forward spent six months on loan at Italian champions Juventus last season, scoring twice in 13 appearances, but failed to impress manager Antonio Conte enough to seal a permanent move.

Borriello's previous spell at Genoa during the 2007-08 season yielded 19 goals in 35 games before he returned to AC Milan, the club where he began his career and that still part-owns him.

His return to Genoa was made possible following the departure of Alberto Gilardino who has joined Bologna on loan.

 

[King Binny]

Michael Essien - Real Madrid (loan)

A multi-faceted Ghanaian midfielder with great physical performance arrives on loan from Chelsea, where he was already under the charge of Jose Mourinho

Michael Essien (Accra, Ghana, 12-03-1982) will play on loan to Real Madrid for the 2012/13 season. A midfielder with great physical performance, he's coming from Chelsea to reinforce the team led by Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach knows the African football player well, having had him under his charge on the English team. Twice champion of the French League and another two times in the Premier League, Essien joins the white squad after disputing 243 games at Chelsea.

When he signed for Chelsea in 2005, Jose Mourinho couldn’t have been more eloquent. He used the word “multifunctional” to describe the capped Ghanaian. Because Michael Essien has one ability that stands out above all others, and that is his versatility. The new Real Madrid football player has developed in midfield most of his career, but he has also played right-back wing and defensive centre-back.

After shining for Ghana’s team in the World U-17 played in New Zealand in 1999, Essien made the leap to European football to sign for Bastia in 2000. Two seasons were enough to dazzle one of the greats and sign for Olympique Lyonnais in 2002. And three more to wind up on Chelsea. His physical strength has allowed him to achieve excellent performance on defence. But Essien also has a great ability, from midfield, to organize his team's attacks, run, and make goals. On the Chelsea team, the Ghanaian played 243 games and made 25 goals.

One of the most important years of his career came in 2006, since he won the first of two English Leagues with Chelsea and made his debut with Ghana in a World Cup. He is also a fundamental man for his national team, both on the defence and on the attack. Essien has been capped 52 times and has made nine goals.

 

[King Binny]

David Goodwillie - Crystal Palace (loan until Jan 13)

Crystal Palace have signed striker David Goodwillie from Blackburn Rovers on loan through until January

The 23 year old from Stirling started his career at Dundee United scoring 51 goals before making a move to Blackburn in
August 2011.

He has made a couple of appearances this season and during his career at Ewood Park he has scored five goals in 26 appearances.

Dougie Freedman was delighted to see the Scot move south. "This is a fantastic bit of business for this club on deadline day. I have been tracking his progress for some time and missed out on getting him last season but it is great that he is now part of our squad. His quality will help strengthen our squad and look forward to working with him now we have have been able to get him into the club through until the new year."

He has signed in time to be available for selection against Sheffield Wednesday and is named in the squad for the game.

 

[King Binny]

Adam Hammill - Huddesfield (loan until Jan 13)

Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adam Hammill has joined Huddersfield Town on loan until January ahead of this evening’s transfer deadline, pending confirmation of clearance from the Football League.

The exciting 24 year-old wide man has a proven track record at Championship level and it is hoped that clearance comes through to allow him to be involved in Saturday’s game at Ipswich Town.

A goal-scoring winger who can play on either flank, Adam adds genuine competition for places alongside the likes of Sean Scannell and Danny Ward among others.

“It has been a little bit frantic!” Adam said of the final day of the transfer window. “Me and the missus jumped in the car and have flown down the M62.

“I’m delighted to be signing here. I want to get as much game time as possible and show everyone what I can do.

“I just want to play football – that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. For whatever reason it hasn’t quite worked out for me at Wolves, but I’m looking forward to my future now and working with some familiar faces and getting going.

“I’ve worked with Simon in the past at Blackpool and I know what he expects from me, so that was a big reason to come. I also know a few of the players – Keith Southern and Calum Woods – and everything I’ve heard about the Club tells me it’s a really good place to be. I’ve seen the way the team plays and that has caught my eye too.”

A product of the Liverpool Academy, former England under-21 international Adam never made an appearance for the Anfield club, instead getting his first taste of senior football via a loan spell at Scottish outfit Dunfermline Athletic in early 2007 – which included an appearance in the Scottish Cup Final.

A season-long loan at npower Championship side Southampton followed in the 2007/08 campaign, which heralded 28 further appearances.

Hammill signed a new five year contract with Liverpool in the summer of 2008 before heading out on loan again, this time to Blackpool. He returned to Anfield in January before heading out to Barnsley; in total, he made 37 Championship appearances that term.

Adam impressed at Oakwell and they signed him on a permanent deal in August 2009. He immediately became a regular in the side, making 43 appearances in his first season.

A further 27 appearances – and eight goals – in the first half of the new campaign alerted Wolves to his ability and the Premier League club triggered a release clause to take him to Molineux in the January transfer window on a three year contract.

He made 10 appearances in the latter half of the Premier League campaign and another 13 followed next season, but Hammill was then loaned out to Championship Middlesbrough in March 2012 for the rest of the season.

 

[King Binny]

Nicky Maynard - Cardiff City (£2.5 million)

Cardiff City can confirm that striker Nicky Maynard has joined from West Ham United.

Twenty-five year old Nicky joins 'City on a three year deal and will be registered in time to be considered for selection against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. He will take up squad number 23 for the 2012/13 season.

Born in Somerset, Nicky began his professional career at Crewe Alexandra in 2005 after coming through the Railwaymen's famed youth setup. He signed for Bristol City in 2008 for a deal reported to be in excess of £2 million, going on to score 45 goals in 124 appearances for the Robins over a four year spell

West Ham came knocking on the door of the much-coveted forward during the January 2012 transfer window, securing Nicky's services as they looked to secure promotion back to the Premier League. That objective was achieved in May as the Hammers conquered the Championship Play-Offs, with Nicky contributing four goals along the way.

Dedryck Boyata - FC Twente (loan)

 

[King Binny]

Luca Toni - Fiorentina (free transfer)

Luca Toni has re-signed for Fiorentina, five years after leaving the club to move to Bayern Munich.

Toni, 35, was available on a free transfer after a spell with Dubai club Al Nasr came to an end.

Siena had also been in the market for the ex-Italy international, but Fiorentina beat them to it and, in a statement on their official website, said: "Fiorentina officially announces the outright purchase of Luca Toni. The striker previously scored 49 goals in 71 appearances."

Toni joined Bayern in 2007 and left in 2010, spending spells with Roma, Genoa and Juventus before moving to Dubai at the start of 2012.

Fiorentina had been searching for a striker to partner Stevan Jovetic. Having missed out on Dimitar Berbatov, Borriello was thought to be their next target, but instead they opted for Toni.

He enjoyed the best season of his career at the Artemio Franchi, scoring 31 goals on his way to the 2006 European Golden Shoe.

Coach Vincenzo Montella also recruited Catania midfielder Cristian Llama on a one-year loan deal before the Italian transfer window closed.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Nathan Eccleston - Blackpool (loan with option of another yr's loan)

"Eccleston has joined The Seasiders permanently from Liverpool on a one-year deal with an option for a further year"

Eccleston as good as gone?

I'd say yes. I think Blackpool's offal has worded it strangely, but I think it means they took him on for the remainder of his current contract (until 2013), and have, in addition, agreed with him on an option for a one-year extension to it. On our offal, it basically says he's been sold to Blackpool, so he's off our books now and this isn't a loan arrangement for the final year. Doubt there's any fees involved as I think we were reported to be releasing him anyway back in June.

 

[King Binny]

Real Madrid C. F. and FC Anzhi have reached an agreement, pending medical examination, to loan Lassana Diarra to the Russian club.

 

[King Binny]

Michael Essien - Real Madrid (loan)

 

[King Binny]

Steven N’Zonzi - Stoke City (£3.5 million which could eventually rise to £5 million)

STOKE CITY swooped to seal the signing of Steven N’Zonzi from Blackburn Rovers shortly before the transfer deadline . . . for an initial £3.5 million fee which could eventually rise to £5 million.

The French Under-21 international signed a four-year contract at the Club’s Clayton Wood Training Ground minutes before the window closed to round off a busy day which also saw the completion of deals to sign Charlie Adam and Maurcie Edu.

N’Zonzi has emerged as a versatile performer for Blackburn over the past three years and will further strengthen the midfield and defensive options which are now at manager Tony Pulis’ disposal following his summer signings.

Manager Tony Pulis was delighted to clinch the eleventh hour deadline day deal, declaring: “Steven is an outstanding young prospect.

“He has made a big impact in the Premier League since he arrived at Blackburn three years ago and I am sure he will prove to be an excellent addition to our squad. He is the type of player who will endear himself to our supporters.

He added: “We needed to freshen up the squad with new additions and Steven’s qualities give us good options in key areas of the team.”

N’Zonzi is relishing the chance to make a swift return to the Premier League, saying: “I am very happy to be here and I would like to thank Stoke for giving me this chance because I felt that I was ready for a move and a new challenge.

“There is strong competition for places here at Stoke, but that is part of the game and that can only help to make me an even better player.

“I heard that the Club was interested in me a couple of weeks ago, although I think they have been looking at me for a long time.”

He added: “It’s been a very long day and didn’t know if it was going to happen or not, but I am delighted it has all been sorted out.”

N’Zonzi began his career in French football with Amiens SC, but he made a £500,000 move to Blackburn after two seasons there.

He quickly established himself as a big favourite at Ewood Park where he was named as Player of the Year at the end of the 2009-10 season.

In his three seasons with Blackburn, he made a total of 96 appearances and his emergence attracted interest from a number of top clubs.

 

[King Binny]

It was mentioned yesterday that he's on £92k/wk. 😵

West Ham United are pleased to confirm the return of Israel captain Yossi Benayoun on a one-year loan deal from Chelsea.
The skilful and creative attacking midfielder has moved back to the Hammers five years after leaving east London for Liverpool.

Benayoun, who was a popular figure with fans during his time at the Boleyn Ground, will further bolster Sam Allardyce's forward line alongside fellow new recruits Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis.

Benayoun began his career playing for Ajax at youth level before returning to Israel and making his mark with Hapoel Be'er Sheva and then Maccabi Haifa. He scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for the former before going on to net 16 goals in 29 matches in his first season for the latter in 1998-99. He finished with 55 goals in 130 appearances and two Premier League titles for Haifa before moving on to Racing de Santander in 2002.

Benayoun scored 21 goals in 101 appearances for the Spanish outfit before a host of top clubs across Europe took an interest in him. It was the newly-promoted West Ham United that finally sealed his signature in July 2005 for a reported £2.5m.
He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers a month later and scored his first goal on 12 September in the 4-0 win against Aston Villa. His first season in east London ended with an FA Cup final performance as West Ham United lost a thrilling match to Liverpool on penalties.

He then moved to Liverpool in 2007, where he scored 11 goals in 48 appearances in his first season, including a hat-trick against Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup. A career highlight followed two years later when he scored the winner at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid as Liverpool won a UEFA Champions League quarter-final 1-0.

The 32-year-old moved back to London with Chelsea in July 2010, before joining Arsenal on loan a year later. He has become a key player for his country since making his debut in 1998 and has scored an impressive 24 goals in 88 games.

Benayoun becomes West Ham United's eleventh summer signing as the Board and Sam Allardyce build a squad capable of making an impression on the Barclays Premier League this season.

The mercurial midfielder, who will wear the No15 shirt, will not be available to face Fulham on Saturday, but should make his second debut at Norwich City on Saturday 15 September.

"After a long and busy day I can say I had 3 offers from PL clubs..but not from Liverpool or Arsenal like some reports," wrote the 32-year-old.

"But I`m very happy to confirm that I will join on loan to West Ham! I can`t wait to start..great club."

 

[Hansern]

We should have moved for either Gilardino or Boriello on a loan deal

 

[themn]

Roque Santa Cruz - Malaga (loan)

Fucking hell, he looks 10 years younger !

David Lopez - Brighton

Yikes....damn, son !
Get to bed earlier.

Luca Toni - Fiorentina (free transfer)

Poor man's Batistuta.

Michael Essien - Real Madrid (loan)​

Odd one.

Must have photos of Maureen kissing a Barca badge.

 

[King Binny]

Chelsea loaned out of favor midfielder Michael Essien to Real Madrid, reuniting him with the man who originally signed him for Chelsea in 2005, Jose Mourinho. Though the deadline-day move came as a surprise even to Essien himself, it was a welcomed one since he describes Mourinho as being "like a father" to him. And he proved just how much he means this by repeatedly calling his manager "daddy" during his press conference.

From Reuters:
"Daddy (Mourinho) knows me very well, he brought me to Chelsea, and he knows I can play in any position he wants - except goalkeeper." [...]

"Everything went very fast and I was in my hotel room and I had a call from my daddy and he said he would be very happy to have me at the club," he said.

"I never thought I would end up here. I was focused on Chelsea and I didn't know that Real Madrid would make a bid for me.

"When Mourinho calls it's more than enough. All I want to do is play football and when he rang me I said yes immediately.

"When I arrived he was at the airport. We were really happy to see each other and I am really looking forward to starting playing and enjoying the football."

According to Gazzetta dello Sport's Filippo Ricci, Essien called Mourinho daddy "not less than 10 times" in the press conference.

It's things like this that should clear up why Chelsea players have been so resistant to many of the managers that have passed through in Mourinho's wake. Between making them believe he is their father and praising them in the shower, Mourinho really put an indelible mind-meld on them.

Anyway, while Essien talked him up, daddy was off in Manchester scouting Real Madrid's Champions League group stage opponents and having a miserable time while fans tried to take his picture...

 

[King Binny]

Gaston Ramirez - Southampton (£12 million)

First Team Manager Nigel Adkins says Saints' signing of Gastón Ramírez sends a message to the rest of the Barclays Premier League.

The Uruguayan international was unveiled as a Southampton player this evening following his move to the Club being confirmed 24 hours ago.

And gaffer Nigel is delighted that Saints have been able to entice such a hot prospect to St Mary's.

He told Saints Player: "It underlines the ambition of the Football Club that we've been been able to attract such a talented young individual like Gastón.

"He's got a massive future in the game, so we're delighted.

"He's already talked about the project and the vision that has been set out by the Chairman, Nicola Cortese.

"Everything that we're doing here is very positive at Southampton and this signing underlines the progressive nature that we've got."

Adkins had the opportunity to speak with his new signing at length this afternoon ahead of his unveiling before he jets off to participate in Uruguay's upcoming FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers.

And the manager is looking forward to welcoming him into his group over the next fortnight: "We're looking forward to him joining us," he said.

"He'll meet up with the players tomorrow in preparation for the game (against Manchester United), although he obviously can't play.

"From our point of view, it's unfortunate that he's going to go and join the Uruguayan national team.

"We have seven-or-eight players away on international duty now, but we'll all get back together a couple of days before we play Arsenal (on Saturday 15th September).

"We'll all be raring to go for that one."

New signing Gastón Ramírez says it was the Club's rise through the divisions that convinced him to join Saints.

The Uruguayan completed his move to St Mary's on transfer deadline day despite interest from a number of Europe's top teams.

And, in his exclusive first interview since moving to England, Ramírez said he could not wait to be a part of Southampton's future.

"I'm happy to be here at the Club," the 21-year-old told Saints Player.

"I came here because of the project I saw in this club – I believe in [Executive Chairman] Nicola Cortese's project.

"I know that just a few years ago the Club was in the third division, so they have had a great increase in success to be in the Premier League now.

"[Playing in England] was always my dream," he continued.

"I have been following the Premier League since before I was in Italy – that was a positive experience, but now I am delighted to be here in England and to play in the Barclays Premier League.

"Now, I am sure I can do very well for the Club and contribute to our success."

Ramírez was officially unveiled at St Mary's this evening, meaning he had the opportunity to look around his new home stadium and meet First Team Manager Nigel Adkins.

"It was a wonderful feeling [when I arrived]," said Gastón.

"The stadium is great and I had very positive impression from the manager. I also know the people here and the supporters are very warm, so I'm just looking forward to beginning my experience here.

"Now that I'm a Southampton player, I'm just looking forward to beginning.

"I am looking forward to meeting my teammates but also all of the other people on the staff of the Club. I'm sure I can great here."

 

[King Binny]

Gregory van der Wiel's going to PSG for €6m. French transfer market still open until 4 Sep.

Gregory van der Wiel ‏@Gvanderwiel
Ik heb er heel veel mooie herinneringen aan overgehouden en zal voor altijd ajacied blijven! Ik wens het team en de club alle succes!

Gregory van der Wiel @ Gvanderwiel
I have many beautiful memories of it and will forever remain Ajax! I wish the team and the club every success!

 

[ILD]

Amazing work Binny. Thanks.