Confirmed Transfers 2014/2015

[Oncy]

West Brom - Brown Ideye (reportedly £10 million)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-sign-brown-ideye-in-club-record-transfer-1768950.aspx]ALBION have signed Nigeria international striker Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev for a club-record transfer fee.

The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract, plus a further year’s option in the club’s favour, after agreeing personal terms and passing a Hawthorns medical.

Ideye will wear the No.9 shirt and becomes the Baggies’ fifth summer signing.

His undisclosed transfer fee surpasses the amount Albion agreed with Sunderland for Stephane Sessegnon last summer.

The marksman, who boasts Champions League experience, arrives with a proven record having notched 74 goals in 182 career league appearances.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: “Brown is a quality striker and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a strong, quick, powerful player who likes to get in behind defences and has plenty of Champions League and international experience.”

Ideye will meet his new team-mates when they return from the club’s pre-season training camp in Sacramento, California.

Technical director Terry Burton added: “When I arrived at Albion the recruitment department flagged Brown up as the man at the top of their wish list.

“It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player.

“I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League.

“He’s a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so.

“He gets himself into good scoring positions in the box and if there are opportunities then he will get on the end of them.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals.”

The 5ft11in forward started his career in Nigeria with Ocean Boys before moving to Swiss outfit Neuchâtel Xamax after impressing at the 2007 Fifa World Youth Championship.

He fired 23 goals in just 55 appearances for Xamax before moving on to Sochaux in France, where he helped his new club achieve a fifth-place Ligue 1 finish, scoring 15 goals.

During his time with Sochaux, he made his international debut for Nigeria in a 2-1 defeat against South Korea in August 2010.

After being snapped up by Dynamo Kiev in July 2011, he netted 12 goals in his first season with the Ukrainian giants, as they finished as runners-up to Shakhtar Donetsk.

He netted 34 goals in 74 league appearances during his three seasons in Kiev.

In 2013 Ideye helped Nigeria clinch their third Africa Cup of Nations title, scoring in the 4-1 semi-final victory over Mali.

In total he has five goals for the Super Eagles, having been capped on 24 occasions.[/article]

Bit racist?

 

[rurikbird]

Bit racist?

Good player, always scored and made things happen for Dynamo.

 

[King Binny]

West Brom - Andre Wisdom (loan)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-sign-wisdom-on-season-long-loan-1773472.aspx#2yMDcU6RAoT125Br.99]ALBION have today completed the season-long loan signing of versatile Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom.

The England Under-21 international has completed his move to The Hawthorns this morning after passing a medical. He will wear the No.2 shirt.

Wisdom will today fly out to meet his new team-mates at the club’s pre-season training camp in Sacramento, California.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Sky Bet Championship outfit Derby County, making 34 appearances as the Rams narrowly missed out on promotion, falling to defeat in the play-off final at Wembley.

Albion head coach Alan Irvine said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andre to the club.

“I've spoken to Brendan Rodgers, who I've known for a very long time and who I trust implicitly. He said Andre would do a good job for us. That was reassuring.

“You want to find out about the person. You can see the player but you want to find out what they are like as a person. Brendan spoke very, very highly about him.

“He's a versatile lad. He's played as a right-back for Liverpool in the Premier League last season, he also played as a full-back for Derby.

“He grew up as a centre-back and played on the left side of central defence for Liverpool against Preston on Saturday.”

Technical director Terry Burton added: “Andre has been schooled at Liverpool and as a result has a good football education.

“He has gained good experience last year and with the England Under-21s.

“He’s a good defender and he looks to enjoy stopping the opposition from playing which is a quality we want our players to have.”

Wisdom began his youth career at Bradford before moving to Anfield at the age of 14.

He was named in the England Under-16 side that won the 2008 Victory Shield - and a year later triumphed at the Euro U17 Championships in Liechtenstein, scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 final victory over Spain.

Wisdom went on to captain England Under-19s before being handed his Under-21s debut against Israel in September 2011.

The Leeds-born right-back, who can also play in central defence, scored on his Liverpool debut in a 5-3 Europa League victory at Swiss side Young Boys in September 2012.

Six days later he made his first domestic start in a 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Albion at The Hawthorns.

Wisdom made 19 appearances for Liverpool during the 2012/13 campaign.

In October 2013 he moved to Derby on a season-long loan.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Juventus - Patrice Evra (£1.2 million, with add ons up to £0.3 million)

[article=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/evra-completes-juventus-move]Juventus Football Club can today announce that Patrice Evra has signed a two-year contract with the club after a fee of £1.2 million, to be paid in two separate installments, was agreed with Manchester United.

A further payment of £0.3 million will be made to Manchester United in the event of Juventus qualifying for the 2015/16 Champions League. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Real Madrid - James Rodriguez (reportedly €80 million)

[article]Real Madrid C. F. have reached an agreement with AS Mónaco FC to buy James Rodríguez, who will join the club for the next six seasons.

The player will be presented today, Tuesday 22 July, at 20:00 CET, in the Santiago Bernabéu's presidential box.

Following that, James Rodríguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu's pitch wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will then answer questions from the media outlets in attendance in the press room.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Leicester City - Leonardo Ulloa (undisclosed fee, reportedly £8 million)

[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/220714-leonardo-ulloa-joins-leicester-city-1771956.aspx#bDlSJRSyHOb5rPqL.99]Leicester City Football Club is delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of striker Leonardo Ulloa.

Leo, who turns 28 this weekend, joins the Foxes for an undisclosed fee and has signed a four-year contract at King Power Stadium and will wear the No 23 shirt. He will join up with Nigel Pearson’s squad for the forthcoming visit to Thailand and could feature in Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Everton at Bangkok’s Supachalasai Stadium.

Ulloa has performed impressively during the 18 months since he joined Brighton from Spanish side Almeria, scoring 26 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions and providing a powerful platform for the Seagulls’ attacking play.

Operating as both a lone striker or accompanied by supporting forwards, the Argentinian front-man helped fire Brighton into the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs last term, scoring crucially at Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season to secure a top-six finish. He ended the campaign with 16 goals.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said: “We identified Leo as a player that could help us move forward quite some time ago. He complements the forwards we already have very well and his attributes broaden the options available to us, which will be important this season. I’m delighted we’ve been able to add him to the squad.

“He has adapted extremely well to the English game in a relatively short period of time and I’m sure he will have a great deal to offer us in the Premier League.”

Ulloa’s career began in Argentina in 2002 with second division outfit CAI, before he stepped up to the top flight with San Lorenzo three years later. Following spells with Arsenal Sarandi and Olimpo, a move to Europe beckoned for the talented forward and he joined Castellon in the Spanish second division in 2008. Ulloa began to make an impression in Spain immediately, scoring 16 times in his debut season and a further 14 the following year, despite Castellon’s relegation from the second tier. Ulloa, however, was progressing in the opposite direction and earned a move to top flight side Almeira in 2010.

Almeira were unable to retain their Primera Liga status that season and missed out on an immediate return the following year, despite their talismanic front-man leading the second division’s scoring charts with 28 goals. A move for Ulloa seemed inevitable and it arrived some six months later when he joined Brighton in the January transfer window of 2013.

Leo made a dream start at the American Express Community Stadium, scoring on his debut in an FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Arsenal and finding the net a further nine times before the end of the campaign.

Brighton were ultimately vanquished in the play-offs by Crystal Palace that season, just as they were by Derby County last term, but Ulloa will now get his shot at the Premier League in the blue of Leicester City.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

QPR - Steven Caulker (undisclosed fee, reportedly £8 million)

[article=http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/220714-qpr-sign-england-defender-steven-caulker-1775143.aspx]QPR have completed the signing of England international defender Steven Caulker.

Caulker has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Loftus Road, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with Cardiff City for his services.

The arrival of Caulker follows hot-on-the-heels of Rio Ferdinand also joining the club, and the former Tottenham Hotspur defender told www.qpr.co.uk: “I am very excited to be here. It was important for me to be back playing in the Premier League, and Harry Redknapp has given me the opportunity to be at this fantastic club.

“Harry was a big factor for me, having worked with him at Tottenham. He was very keen for me to join and that was a big plus, knowing the manager wants you.

“Being able to play with Rio was also a big draw. He has been a role model of mine for many years, along with Ledley King. To have the opportunity to play alongside him was something I felt I couldn’t miss out on.

“Our first aim this season has to be to get to 40 points, to make sure we stay up. That’s our first goal.”

Redknapp is once again relishing the opportunity to be reunited with a player he managed earlier in his career.

Caulker, 22, made his Spurs debut under Redknapp in September 2010 and the Rangers boss told www.qpr.co.uk: “Steven’s a top player, so we’re delighted to have him at QPR.

“I know the ability he has and I think it’s an important signing for the club – for the here and now, and for the future. I had him at Tottenham and I was very surprised when they decided to let him go last summer, because I thought he had a big future there.

“He’s young; he’s a good age; he’s already a fine player but he has so much more potential – it’s a really excellent signing for the club.

“When good players like Steven become available, who can come in and have a real impact, you’ve got to try and get them.

“I’m sure he will come in and show exactly what he’s capable of – he’s got everything to be a top, top centre-half, so I couldn’t be more pleased to have him.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stoke City - Bojan Krkic (undisclosed fee, reportedly £3 million)

[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/bojans-a-potter-1775217.aspx#sdoU16rEXTPEd0r4.99]STOKE CITY are delighted to announce the signing of Bojan Krkić from Barcelona on a four-year contract.

The Potters have paid an undisclosed fee for the 23-year-old Spanish international, who has become the Club's fifth signing of the summer following the captures of Mame Biram Diouf, Steve Sidwell, Phil Bardsley and Dionatan Teixeira.

The signing of Bojan was completed this morning and he will now fly out to Germany where he will link-up with his new teammates at their training base in Reit im Winkl.

The 5'7" winger is a graduate of Barcelona's famed youth system – like Marc Muniesa, with whom he will be reunited at the Britannia Stadium – and made his first team debut for the Catalan club as a 17-year-old.

City Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "We are delighted to have signed such a richly talented and exciting player, who is still only 23.

"A number of other clubs had expressed an interest in him but Bojan believes joining Stoke City will benefit his career and we have no doubts he will prove to be a wonderful addition to our squad.

"The signing of Bojan, along with the other players we have recruited ahead of the new season, underlines the progress we are making as a Club."

Manager Mark Hughes added: "Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting and an endorsement of the Club itself.

"He's desperate to prove himself in the Premier League and we're pleased to be able to offer him that platform.

"The time he spends with the squad in Germany will help him settle in and will give myself and the coaches the chance to take a good look at him."

Bojan made more than 120 league appearances for Barca, scoring 26 goals in the process, and his outstanding performances prompted comparisons to be made with Lionel Messi.

He joined AS Roma in July 2011 and although he made 33 league appearances and scored seven goals in his first season in Italy, he joined AC Milan on a season-long loan in August 2012.

Bojan returned to Barcelona at the end of the 2012-13 season and although he has not added to his tally of first team appearances for Barca, he gained further valuable experience last season in a loan spell with Ajax.

He scored five goals in 32 games as he helped Ajax secured their 33rd Eredivisie title, as well as the Dutch Super Cup. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Barceloan - Jeremy Mathieu (£16 million)

[article=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/agreement-for-the-incorporation-of-jeremy-mathieu]FC Barcelona and València CF have reached agreement for the transfer of the French player, Jérémy Mathieu. Jérémy Mathieu will sign a contract with FC Barcelona for the next four seasons, plus an optional season more. The cost of the transfer is 20 million Euros and the buyout clause will be 50 million Euros.


Mathieu (Luxeuil-les-Bains, France, 29 October 1983) is a physically imposing defender who can play in various positions at the back. He’s 1.92 m tall, has excellent positional sense and is skilful with the ball at his feet. And he is also impressively strong in the air. Until recently, he was considered a natural left-back, but of late he has tended to feature more regularly in the centre of defence.[/article]

 

[Halmeister]

That fee for him is ridiculous.

 

[King Binny]

Tottenham - Ben Davies, Michel Vorm (Gylfi Sigurdsson + £3.5 million)
[article=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/deal-for-swansea-duo-agreed-230714/]We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Swansea City for the transfers of Ben Davies and Michel Vorm.

Davies joins us on a five-year contract, while Vorm has signed a four-year deal with the Club.

The transfers will also see Gylfi Sigurdsson return to the Welsh club where he spent time on loan in 2012 and we wish him well for the future.
Left back Davies earned his first professional contract with Swansea in 2011 and has gone on to excel in their First Team, winning their Young Player of the Year accolade the past two seasons.

His impressive club form has also earned him 10 caps for Wales and he made a total of 91 appearances for the Swans, including starting their League Cup Final win against Bradford City in 2013.

Dutch goalkeeper Vorm moved to the Liberty Stadium in August 2011 and firmly established himself as first choice in their debut season in the Premier League, which saw him pick up Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player and the Away Player awards at their end of season awards.

In total, he made 97 appearances for Swansea and was also part of the Netherlands' World Cup squad this summer in Brazil.[/article]

Swansea - Gylfi Sigurdsson

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/gylfi-joins-1777692.aspx#dMcOAOe3CFue6zuC.99]Swansea City can confirm the signing of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson for an undisclosed fee, while Ben Davies and Michel Vorm have moved in the opposite direction.

The Icelandic international passed a medical on Tuesday before agreeing a four-year deal.
Keeper Vorm and left-back Davies, meanwhile, have both completed moves to Tottenham for undisclosed fees. Davies has signed a five-year deal and Vorm four years.

Sigurdsson arrives at the Liberty after spending two seasons at White Hart Lane, scoring eight goals in 58 top-flight appearances for the London club.

The 24-year-old is no stranger at the Swans having scored seven goals in 18 games during a successful loan spell in the club’s debut Barclays Premier League campaign in 2011-12.

He joins fellow new arrivals Lukasz Fabianski and striker Bafetimbi Gomis in Garry Monk’s squad as the club continues preparations for the 2014-15 season following the two-week tour in America.

With Sigurdsson coming in, Vorm and Davies have both left the Swans.
Vorm was a team-mate of Sigurdsson’s during the club’s first Premier League season after arriving from Dutch club Utrecht.

The Holland international was hugely impressive during his 89 league appearances in South Wales.

Nicknamed Penalty Killer, Vorm earned many plaudits after a successful first campaign in SA1 as the Swans claimed 11th place in 2011-12.

Vorm’s form domestically earned the attention of his national boss, with the keeper adding to his Holland caps while also being included in their European Championship and World Cup squads during his time at the Swans.

Davies, meanwhile, ends a 13-year association with the Swans having joined the club as an eight-year-old.

The Neath-born product signed a professional contract in 2011 after impressing in the youth ranks.

Then, after impressing during the club's pre-season tour of America, he made his senior debut off the bench in the Premier League win over West Ham before earning his first start in the Capital One Cup victory over Barnsley.

His impressive displays at club level also earned him a Wales debut against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier.

Davies was rewarded with a new three-and-a-half year deal in November 2012.

Overall, he made 44 appearances for the Swans in 2012/13 and was named Young Player of the Year in a campaign in which the club lifted the Capital One Cup.

He retained that accolade the following season as he scored twice in 34 top-flight appearances as the Swans finished 12th in the Premier League during the 2013-14 campaign. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

PSG - Serge Aurier (loan with option to buy)

[article]PSG club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: 'Serge Aurier, a great hope of world football who was courted by leading clubs, has chosen PSG to assert himself on the European scene.

'We are particularly pleased to welcome this young player.'
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lyon - Christophe Jallet (€2 million)

[article]Christophe Jallet has transferred to OL, signing a three-year contract with the club on Wednesday. The 30-year-old right-back is delighted to be part of 'the club's ambitious project.'

A reigning champions has landed at the Stade de Gerland. The former Paris Saint-Germain defender Christophe Jallet, signed a three-year contract with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday. The 30-year-old began his professional career in 2003 with Niort, after finishing his academy training with the club. After playing in the National third division and then Ligue 2, he signed for Lorient and debuted in the French top flight. A first XI player for three seasons in Brittany, he stepped up another level in 2009 with the capital club. He played a major role in five trophy triumphs, including championships, one Coupe de France, one Coupe de la Ligue and one Trophée des Champions, won by Paris Saint-Germain. He was voted Best right-back in Ligue 1 in 2013 and was named in the Team of the Season.

The France international, who boasts five caps, is delighted to be launching into the next chapter of his career:

"OL has had an ambitious project for a number of years. It's a project that suits me, both on a sporting and human level. A soon as Lyon expressed an interest in signing me, they were my priority. I am very happy to be here today... This is a new challenge for me. I had an interesting career and now I want to keep progressing. I spent some great moments in Paris, but I needed to transfer somewhere else to see more playing time and enjoyment. That was also a factor in my choice. I am delighted to be joining this quality squad to try and do my bit to ensure we have a great season."

Jean-Michel Aulas was also very happy to have completed the signing of Christophe Jallet. The OL president's priority in the mercato was a right-back.

"This is an important moment for the club because, first of all, he is a really good guy so it's a very positive relationship. Above and beyond that, he is a player that will bring to OL exactly what the club was lacking. He's a right-back with a lot of experience who arrives here from the French champions. It's exactly the profile of player we were looking for. He was our first and last choice." [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Swansea - Jefferson Montero (undisclosed fee, reportedly £4 million)

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/jefferson-montero-joins-1779721.aspx#o47D2M06UBoJtVaO.99]Swansea City have completed their sixth summer signing with the arrival of Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero.

The 24-year-old, renowned for his pace, has penned a four-year deal at the Liberty following his move from Mexican top-flight club Morelia for an undisclosed fee.

After passing his medical, Montero was straight onto the training pitch today (Thursday) as he linked up with his new team-mates.

Montero takes Garry Monk’s summer recruitment up to five following the acquisitions of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who joined the club on Wednesday, along with Lukasz Fabianski, Bafetimbi Gomis, Marvin Emnes and Stephen Kingsley.

His arrival gives Monk further options out wide with Montero, who is right-footed, comfortable playing on either flank.

The former Villarreal winger, who also played against the Swans at the Liberty during a friendly while on loan at Real Betis in 2011, featured in his nation’s World Cup campaign in Brazil this summer.

He started all three group games as Ecuador just missed out on qualification for the knockout stages.

Montero, who has 43 caps, also helped his country win the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil, scoring in the final as Ecuador beat Jamaica 2-1.

He was also on the scoresheet for his club Morelia as they won the Apertura Copa MX final last November.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eintracht Frankfurt - Lucas Piazon (loan)

[article]Chelsea youngster Lucas Piazon has moved to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, it has been announced.

The Brazilian spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch league but will now gain experience in Germany.

"We are glad that we were able to reach an agreement after lengthy but very fair negotiations with Chelsea and Piazon will strengthen us in the coming season," said Frankfurt sporting director Bruno Hubner.

Piazon enjoyed a fine campaign at Vitesse, scoring 11 goals and contributing eight assists, but his chances of breaking into the Chelsea team this season were thought to be slim, particularly after the arrival of Cesc Fabregas.

But he could make an impact at Stamford Bridge in the 2015/16 season if his loan spell in the Bundesliga goes well.[/article]

 

[irishred]

Leicester City - Leonardo Ulloa (undisclosed fee, reportedly £8 million)

.[/article]

Anton Chigurh?

 

[King Binny]

Roma - Davide Astori (loan with option to buy)

[article]The Davide Astori transfer saga is finally over after Cagliari confirmed that defender will go to Roma on loan, with the option to buy.

The central defender has been heavily linked with a move away from the Isolani all summer, with Lazio thought to be in pole.

However, just a few days ago it emerged that the Giallorossi were set to sneak in and land the 27-year-old.

Coach Rudi Garcia admitted earlier this morning that the club were in the market for a new defender, and this evening Cagliari have confirmed that Astori will go to the capital.

In a statement on their official website, the Sardinian side said: “The club can confirm that it has sold Davide Astori to AS Roma on a one-year loan with the right to buy.

“Cagliari would like to thank Astori for his professionalism, devotion and gratitude that he has shown right until the end.”

Roma will pay an initial €2m for the loan, and will have to splash out €5m to get Astori outright.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Juventus - Roberto Pereyra (loan with option to buy)

[article=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/roberto-pereyra-joins-juventus]Juventus Football Club can today announce that Roberto Maximiliano Pereyra has completed a move to the club after terms were agreed with Udinese on a one-season loan deal for a fee of 1.5 million.

The agreement includes the option for Juventus to make the deal permanent at the end of the 2014/15 campaign for a price of €14 million, to be paid over the course of three years.

This fee could be increased by a further €1.5 million should Pereyra achieve certain predefined sporting targets by 30 June 2020. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Greece - Claudio Ranieri (Head Coach)
[article]Claudio Ranieri is back in work again, having been confirmed today as the new Coach of the Greek national team.

The 62-year-old was released by Monaco at the end of last season and had been increasingly linked with the Greece post following Fernando Santos’ exit after the 2014 World Cup.

“Claudio Ranieri signed a two-year contract with the Greek Football Federation and is the new coach of the national team,” the Greek Football Federation have stated on their website on Friday.

“The Italian Coach, with service at many major European clubs, is expected to lead our group to new successes with Euro 2016 on the horizon.”

Ranieri, who has coached the likes of Napoli, Fiorentina, Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter in Italy, takes on a 15th managerial role.[/article]

 

[Hansern]

Aurier to PSG on a loan with an option to buy is just to get around the FFP rules.

 

[King Binny]

Crystal Palace - Fraizer Campbell (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1 million)

[article=http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/campbell-joins-palace-1782919.aspx#Cep0rKtUaoGDSs1R.99]Crystal Palace are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Fraizer Campbell for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old has penned a three-year contract at Selhurst Park after agreeing to join the Eagles from Championship side Cardiff City.

Former Manchester United frontman Campbell attracted plenty of interest from fellow Premier League clubs this summer, but has opted to link up with Tony Pulis’ men in SE25.

Campbell was a product of the academy set-up at Old Trafford but was limited to just four first team appearances for the Red Devils, although he did enjoy productive loan spells at Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 15 goals during the 2007/08 campaign with the Tigers as they won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

That form earned him a £3.5m switch to Sunderland in the summer of 2009, but he was used mainly as a substitute during his time on Wearside, which yielded 10 goals from 36 starts.

By January 2013, Campbell joined Cardiff City, hitting seven goals in 12 games at the back end of the campaign to fire the Bluebirds to the Championship title.

But he was unable to save the Welsh outfit from relegation last season despite bagging nine goals in all competitions, including a memorable brace in the 3-2 win over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City in August 2013.

Now Campbell has made an instant return to the top flight and cannot wait to get started with his new squad here at Selhurst Park.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Chelsea - Didier Drogba (free transfer)

[article]Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the return of Didier Drogba. The striker has signed a one-year contract.

Drogba of course needs no introduction.

When he came to the end of his previous contract in 2012 it was only weeks after he had stroked the ball from the penalty spot into the Bayern Munich net to place Chelsea on top of the European summit for the first time.

His earlier equalising header in that Champions League final was his 157th goal in 341 appearances, a total placing him fourth in the club's all-time highest-scorer list.

On signing his contract, Drogba said: ‘It was an easy decision - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again. Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.

‘My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team. I am excited for this next chapter of my career.’

Jose Mourinho said: ‘He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.’

His 34 goals in European competition remains a Chelsea record, as do his nine strikes in nine cup finals.

During the Ivorian’s first eight years with the club, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups as well as the Champions League triumph. He has been named Chelsea's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year and has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice.

Since leaving Chelsea in 2012, he has played for Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray, memorably making a return to Stamford Bridge last season when we beat the Turkish club in the Champions League Round of 16.

He has continued his international career and appeared in all three of Ivory Coast’s games at the World Cup, taking his caps total to 104 with 64 goals scored.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sunderland - Patrick van Aanholt (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1.5 million)

[article]Sunderland have completed the signing of left-back Patrick van Aanholt from Chelsea.

The Dutch international has joined the Black Cats on a four-year deal, for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old gained Champions League experience while with the Blues and has spent the last two seasons on loan with Dutch side Vitesse, where he also played in the UEFA Europa League.

Capped twice by his country at senior level so far, he was named in Louis van Gaal’s 30-man provisional squad ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The player becomes the Black Cats’ fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of Billy Jones, Costel Pantilimon and Jordi Gomez.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Benfica - Bebe (€3 million + 50% of any sell-on fee)

 

[Hansern]

Drogba didnt look good for Gala and the Ivory Coast. You'd wonder what he'll contribute with this season.

 

[Fabio]

Drogba didnt look good for Gala and the Ivory Coast. You'd wonder what he'll contribute with this season.

He'll contribute enough.

 

[Leo]

My life doesn't need another year of Drogba and Maureen.

 

[King Binny]

Serbia - Dick Advocaat (Head Coach)

[article]Dick Advocaat, who coached the Netherlands and South Korea at previous World Cups, has been formally introduced as the new Serbia coach.

Advocaat will seek to guide Serbia — which failed to qualify for this year's World Cup in Brazil — to the 2016 European Championship. He says Monday that Serbian players are talented but need more to achieve success.

Serbian football officials have said Advocaat's contract could be extended if Serbia qualifies for the Euros.

Advocaat takes over from Sinisa Mihajlovic, who switched to Sampdoria after failing in World Cup qualifying last year.

Advocaat has also coached the national teams of United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Russia, as well as clubs such as PSV Eindhoven and Rangers. Last season, he had a second stint with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, which reached the Europa League quarterfinals.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Arsenal - Calum Chambers (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140728/calum-chambers-completes-move-to-arsenal]Calum Chambers has joined Arsenal from Southampton on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut for the Saints on the opening day of the 2013/14 campaign, going on to feature 22 times in the competition last term.

Chambers joined the Southampton academy aged seven, breaking into the club’s first team squad at the beginning of 2012/13.

Tall and athletic, the versatile youngster started his career in midfield, but established himself at right back last season and can also play in the centre of defence. He is currently captain of England Under-19s.

Arsène Wenger said: "We are very pleased that Calum has agreed to join us. The way he adapted to the Premier League last season with Southampton at a young age shows that he has tremendous quality. He has a lot of the attributes that we look for in a young player and I am sure that he will do well with us.”

Chambers said: "I am so happy to be signing for Arsenal. They are a team I have much admired for their playing style, and a team who have been one of the top sides in Europe for many years. I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates today and beginning preparation for the season ahead.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at Southampton FC for everything they have done for me and for making this move possible."

It is expected that Chambers will make his first Arsenal appearance at the Emirates Cup 2014, which takes place at Emirates Stadium on August 2 and 3.

Chambers’ Arsenal squad number will be revealed soon through Arsenal’s official Instagram account.

Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Calum to the club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Everton - Muhamed Besic (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2014/07/28/besic-deal-complete]Everton have today completed the signing of midfielder Muhamed Besic from Hungarian side Ferencvaros for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal that will keep him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2019.

Everton announced on Thursday that talks with Ferencvaros were at an advanced stage and the World Cup star then travelled with the Blues to Bangkok ahead of their friendly against Leicester City.

Roberto Martinez confirmed after the game that the transfer was close to being finalised and all formalities have now been completed.

"Muhamed is a young footballer who has developed massively in the last two seasons," the Toffees boss told evertontv. "He has been playing as a centre-half and as a defensive midfielder at an incredible level.

"What he did with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup, he showed that he is a really mature footballer, that he covers the ground really well, that he is very dynamic and technically very gifted.

"He is bringing us really good strength in an important part of the side."

Renowned for his energetic, all-action style of play, Besic impressed during three outings at the World Cup, including one against eventual finalists Argentina.

That came some three-and-a-half years after his international debut against Slovakia, when he became his country's youngest ever senior player aged just 18.

Germany-born, Besic started his professional career at Hamburg before transferring to Ferencvaros in 2012.[/article]