Confirmed Transfers 2014/2015

[King Binny]

Wigan - Emyr Huws (5 mths loan)

[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-08-05-emyr-huws-arrives-in-wigan-1805746.aspx#lcBLrMt0rHkjTID8.99]Manchester City’s Wales international midfielder Emyr Huws joined up with his new team mates for the first time today as he began his five months loan move at the DW Stadium.

The 19 year -old was with City on their pre-season tour of the USA when the agreement was made for him to come to Wigan, and this morning he enjoyed his first training session to put him in contention to be in the squad for the Sky Bet Championship opener against Reading this coming Saturday, August 9th.

Huws said: “It’s great to meet up with everyone at last and to get to work. Everyone was very welcoming and I’m looking forward to my time here in Wigan.”

Huws scored twice in 17 appearances at Birmingham City last season – and would have made it three but for a wonderful save by Scott Carson at St Andrews. His goal at Middlesbrough in fact won the club’s Goal of the Season award.

Signed from Swansea City in 2009, where he had been in the Academy during Roberto Martinez’s time in South Wales, the midfielder made his Manchester City debut and so far only appearance for the club in January 2014 in an FA Cup replay at home to Blackburn Rovers.

He was captain of City’s Elite Development Squad prior to tasting first team league action at Northampton during the 2012-13 season, alongside Lee Nicholls.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Bastia - Brandao (free transfer)

[article]Bastia have announced a deal to sign striker Brandao from St Etienne on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old Brazilian born striker has been released from his contract with ASSE and will be eligible for the season-opener against Marseille on Saturday.

"Sporting Club de Bastia and St Etienne have come to an agreement for the player Brandao," Bastia said in a statement. "Having been released from his contract, the Brazilian striker can now officially join up with the club ahead of Saturday's game against Marseille."

No details were given regarding his contract with Bastia.

Brandao spent much of his career with Shakhtar Donetsk after being plucked out of obscurity in his homeland.

He scored 65 goals in 140 league appearances in Ukraine to earn a move to Marseille, but struggled to have a similar impact and was loaned out to Cruzeiro and Gremio before joining St Etienne in 2012, going on to score 17 times in 53 league appearances.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Blackpool - Joe Lewis (loan with option to buy)

[article=http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/article/seasiders-bring-in-joe-lewis-1806355.aspx#DFMkdxMe8hMfRmDq.99]Blackpool FC can confirm that goalkeeper Joe Lewis has agreed to join the club on a season-long loan deal from Cardiff City.

The 26-year-old, who made three appearances for The Bluebirds last season, has been handed the number one shirt at Bloomfield Road and will be eligible to make his debut for the club against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, subject to international clearance being received.

The former England Under-21 international has a wealth of experience in The Football League, having spent four-and-a-half years with Peterborough United prior to moving to Cardiff in May 2012.

"I was sat at Cardiff for the last two seasons behind David Marshall, who has done outstanding. I've had to make do with a couple of cup games and the odd league game here and there, and it was pretty frustrating really. I knew that I had to get out and play some regular football," he said.

"It's great to come to a club like Blackpool and hopefully make the number one position my own."

The move includes an option to make the deal permanent further down the line. Due to the terms of the agreement, he will be unable to face his parent club. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

West Brom - Jason Davidson (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/davidson-joins-baggies-1803924.aspx#JGgVWPoyMC3pvJRl.99]ALBION have completed the signing of Australia international Jason Davidson from Dutch top-flight club Heracles Almelo for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old left-back has penned a two-year deal, plus a further year’s option in the club’s favour, after passing a Hawthorns medical.

He impressed in all three of Australia’s Group B fixtures against Holland, Spain and Chile in Brazil and will wear the No.14 shirt for the Baggies.

And he becomes Albion's seventh summer signing, following in the footsteps of Craig Gardner, Joleon Lescott, Chris Baird, Brown Ideye, Sebastien Pocognoli and Andre Wisdom.

Head Coach Alan Irvine said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to complete a deal for Jason. He had a fantastic World Cup when he performed very well against three top teams.

“Jason is a good defender who has lots of energy, gets forward well and will give us competition for places at left-back with Sebastien Pocognoli.

“Due to contractual issues with his former club, there’s been a delay in Jason coming. This means he hasn’t trained properly since the World Cup so he’s going to need a little bit of time to catch up before we can expect him to perform at the levels he’s capable of.

“I spoke to Tim Cahill about Jason and he recommended him very, very highly both as a player and character. Tim sees him as a young player who will do extremely well in England and develop even further.”

Davidson, born in Melbourne and the son of former Socceroo Alan Davidson, spent three years from the age of 14 in the Japanese youth development system before returning to his homeland to link up with Hume City.

Amid interest from several clubs across numerous different countries, he opted to venture to Europe later in 2009 and joined Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira.

He made his Primeira Liga debut in January 2010 against FC Porto and went on to enjoy a handful of appearances as well as a loan spell at SC Covilha.

Albion Technical Director Terry Burton said: “We were monitoring Jason before the World Cup and gathered reports on him.

“The World Cup highlighted he is a player with great potential.

“During the World Cup he played against some top players in Arjen Robben, Alexis Sanchez and many others.

“He showed in those games he can hold his own against quality players.”

Davidson completed a switch to Holland in summer 2011 and joined Eredivisie outfit Heracles.

He made over 50 appearances for the Dutch side, scoring twice last season as he established himself as first-choice left-back.

Having already been on the fringes of senior international recognition, Davidson’s form earned him a maiden call-up against Scotland in August 2012 when he made his debut as a second-half substitute.

He has since gone on to make 11 appearances for Australia, including those at this summer’s World Cup.[/article]

West Brom - Cristian Gamboa (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-land-gamboa-1805832.aspx#1wKPQCIQIS6kmJCH.99]ALBION have completed the signing of Cristian Gamboa after the Costa Rica international had his work permit application approved by an FA appeal panel this afternoon.

The Baggies have beaten off strong competition to sign the World Cup star, who has joined for an undisclosed fee from Norwegian side Rosenborg.

The pacy and versatile right-sided defender, who can also play wide midfield, has penned a three-year deal at The Hawthorns after passing a medical. He will wear the No.16 shirt.

The 24-year-old will fly into the West Midlands to join up with his new team-mates for the first time once he has received his visa and passport.

Gamboa started all five of Costa Rica’s World Cup matches earlier this summer as the Central American side topped Group D and progressed to the quarter-finals, eventually losing out to the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: “As I commented the other day, it would have been amazing if Cristian had not been granted a work permit and we’re obviously satisfied with today’s outcome.

“Cristian is a player I was extremely impressed by during the World Cup.

"We faced stiff competition from other Premier League clubs for his services but we've managed to convince Cristian that West Bromwich Albion is the best club for him to join.

"Cristian is a quick, aggressive defender with good energy levels. He gets up and down the pitch really well and we believe he will continue to improve."

Technical director Terry Burton added: “Cristian had been mentioned to us before the World Cup. We’d had some reports from his time in Norway and obviously his performances in BrazIl then confirmed our views.”

Gamboa started his career in his homeland with Municipal Liberia, winning his native league title in 2009, before moving to Norway in 2010 to sign for Fredrikstad.

After just one season he was snapped up by FC Copenhagen, for whom he tasted Europa League football in 2011/12 and helped lift the Danish Cup.

In the summer of 2012, Gamboa returned to Norway to link up with Rosenborg on loan.

He impressed suitably enough to be handed a permanent contract in November 2012, helping the Norwegian outfit to third and second-placed league finishes as well as again tasting Europa League action.

Gamboa was part of the Costa Rica team who finished in fourth place at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup, before making his senior international debut against Argentina in 2010.

He has since gone on to earn 30 caps for his nation, scoring once in a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Guyana.

Gamboa is Albion’s eighth signing of the summer, following the additions of Brown Ideye, for a club-record transfer fee, and Andre Wisdom, on loan from Liverpool, as well as Craig Gardner, Joleon Lescott, Chris Baird, Sebastien Pocognoli and Jason Davidson.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Southampton - Saphir Taider (loan with Dani Osvaldo in the opposite direction, with option to buy)

[article=http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/06082014-statement-saphir-taider-signs-1808966.aspx]Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Algerian midfielder Saphir Taïder from Internazionale.

22-year-old Taïder joins on a season-long loan from the Italian outfit, with Dani Osvaldo moving in the opposite direction on the same basis.

Both transfers have independent options should the respective loaning clubs wish to make either move permanent next summer.

French-born Taïder played in two of Algeria’s games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, including their narrow second-round defeat to eventual champions Germany.

Prior to joining Inter last summer, the playmaker had a two-year spell with Bologna, where he played alongside future Saints teammate Gastón Ramírez. He started his professional career with French side Grenoble.

First Team Manager Ronald Koeman said: “It’s part of our philosophy for the club to bring in talented young players who like to learn and develop themselves, and that’s true of Saphir.

“First of all, he is a talented football player. He’s 22 and has already played for Algeria at the World Cup.

“I’ve spoken to him about the positions he can play in, and it was a good meeting because he showed me real ambition.

“He can play as a controlled midfielder, but he can also move up around the box and up front, which is a good thing for a coach or manager because it brings more possibilities to the players in the team. He brings competition to the squad.

“He can still learn some things, so we will train him and develop him this season. Over the course of the year, we will then make a decision about the future of the player.

“He’s ten days into his pre-season, so he needs to be in better physical shape but we’ll give him training and he will be ready for the kick-off.

“He will start training tomorrow morning and, depending on how he does over the next few days, we will see whether he will take part in the friendly on Saturday. I will make that decision on Friday.”[/article]

Inter Milan - Dani Osvaldo (loan)

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Don't think this has been posted yet. Interesting business by Benfica; they picked him up for 6m+ euros before the start of last season, didn't play him much, and have now turned around and loaned him out with supposedly an option for Mainz to buy at 12m+ euros. I was very impressed by what I saw of him (youtube clips, I admit) during his time at Heerenveen, coming across to me as a Coutinho-type player. Even shares a similar first name. This will be an interesting case to follow.

Mainz 05 - Filip Djuricic (loan from Benfica with option to buy)

http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2014/0000298006.php
Mainz snap up Serbia's Djuricic from Benfica

Mainz - 1. FSV Mainz 05 have strengthened their squad with the signing of Serbian international Filip Djuricic from SL Benfica.

The 22-year-old forward, who had scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists for Dutch side SC Heerenveen before joining Benfica last summer, has agreed a season-long loan deal and will link up with his new team-mates in Mainz on Thursday.
'He'll raise our level'

"Filip is a young player who has worked his way into a top European club with his performances," said Mainz's sporting director Christian Heidel. "We're delighted he sees the chance here to develop as a footballer. He's going to raise the level of our football further while his versatility gives our attacking play even more variety."

The 15-time Serbia international becomes the third new face in Mainz this summer after 05ers have already snapped up the 2014 FIFA World Cup participants Gonzalo Jara (Chile) and Stefanos Kapino (Greece).

 

[6TimesaRed]

Frank Lampard on joining Man City: "It will be easy to settle in as I recognise many of the fans from the time they supported Chelsea".

 

[King Binny]

What's happening at Benfica? Selling all their players after (finally) winning the league.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

What's happening at Benfica? Selling all their players after (finally) winning the league.

Supposedly having some financial difficulties, as per the articles on Matic's departure last season, and rumours of Gaitan's departure this season. If not for 3rd party ownership, the Portuguese clubs might not even have been able to land most of the good players they have. I guess the economic situation in the country hasn't helped, as per an article I've read for Sporting Lisbon's case (half-full stadiums, mountain of debt, unable to get back into the CL in their case).

 

[King Binny]

Bologna - Rafael Paez (loan with option to buy for reportedly £2.4 million)
[article]A statement on Serie B Bologna's website confirmed the details of the move.

It said: "The Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the transfer of rossoblù defender Rafael Paez on a temporary basis with a right of redemption."[/article]

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Bologna - Rafael Paez (loan with option to buy for reportedly £2.4 million)
[article]A statement on Serie B Bologna's website confirmed the details of the move.

It said: "The Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the transfer of rossoblù defender Rafael Paez on a temporary basis with a right of redemption."[/article]

Given that we picked him up as a free transfer after he was released from Real Madrid, we'd have done a tidy bit of business if Bologna end up buying him at the end of the loan. From what I've seen of the U21s, he's useful at our set pieces, but lacks pace defensively. Might improve with age and minutes, but right now I rate Lloyd Jones higher.

 

[King Binny]

Villarreal - Víctor Ruiz (loan with option to buy at reportedly €4 million)

Paving the way for Musacchio to Tottenham?

Villarreal - Luciano Vietto (reportedly €5.5 million)

[article=http://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/index-all-news/item/6301-villarreal-signs-luciano-vietto]Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Racing Club de Avellaneda for the transfer of the striker Luciano Vietto, who will play for the Submarine for the next five seasons. The 20 year old striker, one of the most promising players in Argentine football, is part of the Albiceleste U20 and has been the star of the 'Academia' in last seasons. The player will be presented tomorrow at an open door event at El Madrigal (1pm).

Luciano Darío Vietto (Balnearia, Córdoba, Argentina, 5 de diciembre de 1993) is a center forward, but he can also play more delayed as a playmaker. He is noted for his technical skills and goal scoring ability and has an extensive experience in high competitions despite his young age. Moreover, he has the Italian citizenship, which means he doesn't count as a foreign player.

Despite his youth, he has played more than seventy games for Racing Club (18 goals), in which he arrived coming from Estudiantes de La Plata and previously from Talleres de Córdoba. Vietto was one of the great sensations of the Clausura 2013, where he became the top scorer of his team and the fourth one of the competition.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Wolfsburg - Josuha Guilavogui (2 yr loan)

[article=https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/vfl-sign-josuha-guilavogui.html]VfL Wolfsburg have added to their squad with the signing of defensive all-rounder Josuha Guilavogui. The 23-year-old comes on a two-year loan move from Spanish champions and Champions League finalists Atlético Madrid. The new man will be officially presented at the training camp in Donaueschingen on Friday.

"We are delighted to have been able to strengthen our squad further with a young player who possesses a great deal of potential. Josuha Guilavogui has gathered an amount of international experience and he will have a part to play in helping to bring the team along in its development," insisted VfL Director of Sport Klaus Allofs. Head-coach Dieter Hecking is also very happy about the latest signing: "He is a midfield player who can be used in a variety of defensive roles. I firmly believe that Josuha Guilavogui will settle in quickly and benefit the team."

Josuha Guilavogui during his first training session with the Wolves.Guilavogui learned his trade with AS Saint-Etienne, where he played with the pros from 2010 to 2013. As a youth team player he was also active for Sporting Toulon and USAM Toulon Marines. In August 2013 he made the move to Atlético Madrid, from whom he was released on loan back to AS Saint-Etienne for a six-month period at the beginning of the year.

In 103 games in Ligue 1, the 1,88 meter tall midfielder scored six goals for Saint-Etienne. For Atlético Madrid, Guilavogui made a total of six appearances in the Primera Division, the Copa del Rey and also the Champions League. VfL’s latest signing made his debut in the French national team on June 5th 2013 against Uruguay and has since earned four further international caps, whilst being considered one of the young hopefuls in the ‚Equipe Tricolore‘.[/article]

Another 2 yr loan deal involving Atletico Madrid player

 

[King Binny]

Spartak Moscow - Roman Shirokov (free transfer), Quincy Promes (reportedly €15 million)

[article]Russia team captain Roman Shirokov has joined Spartak Moscow as a free agent, club owner Leonid Fedun said on Friday.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who missed the World Cup finals in Brazil due to injury, has moved to the capital from St Petersburg where he had spent six years playing for Zenit.

Shirokov, who helped Zenit win the Russian Premier League twice and the UEFA Cup in 2008, has signed a two-year deal with the option to extend his contract for a third season.

"Even five years ago I wanted to sign Shirokov, however, at that time we didn't get a chance," said Fedun, speaking to ITAR-TASS news agency.

"I'm happy now it happened. Before signing, the player flew to Switzerland and talked to head coach Murat Yakin. I hope Roman will quickly recover from his injury and help the team in a short time."

Russian Footballer of the Year in 2012 and 2013, he also won the Russian Cup, Russian Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Zenit, playing 201 matches and scoring 43 goals for the club.

Shirokov, who has 41 Russia caps and 12 international goals, is expected to be fit again in October after suffering an Achilles tendon injury.

Russia, who will host the 2018 World Cup finals, failed to qualify from their group in Brazil, scoring two goals and picking up two points from three games.

Spartak finished sixth in the Russian league last season, missing out on European qualification.[/article]

[article]Netherlands international Quincy Promes has moved from Twente Enschede to Spartak Moscow after a signing a four-year contract, the Dutch club said on Friday.

The 22-year-old forward, who made the 30-man shortlist for the World Cup but was cut from the final 23-man Netherlands squad for Brazil, cost 15 million euros (11.96 million pounds), Dutch media reported.

Amsterdam-born Promes extended his contract at Twente to 2017 after scoring 11 goals in the season and winning his first cap for the Netherlands.
“For me as a young footballer it is a step in my development. I get a chance to develop further in a strong league competition,” he said on the Russian club’s website (www.spartak.com).

Twente used some of the money to sign 23-year-old South African international midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo from PEC Zwolle.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Santos - Robinho (loan)

[article]New Santos signing Robinho says he has had enough of playing his football in Europe, having joined on loan from Milan.

The Brazilian forward has returned to his homeland to resign for the club with which he began his career.

Speaking to media after putting pen to paper on his temporary switch, the 30-year-old expressed his hope of remaining with his new club for many years to come.

“I want to thank the Santos directors and the fans for their faith,” Robinho told Globoesporte.com. “I am home, at the club which allowed me to realise my dream of being a footballer.

“It hasn’t been easy, the most important thing is that my family is happy. Financially the offers in Europe are higher, we have to make a sacrifice.

“I always thought that if ever I came back to Brazil it would be with Santos. It didn’t just depend on me, Milan had to agree to it too. To come back to Santos is an honour.

“I hope to continue at Santos for a long time. It depends on Milan too, I have a contract with them.

“Europe is not in my thoughts, I have played there enough.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

St Johnstone - Adam Morgan (loan)

[article]Tommy Wright today boosted his squad with the signing of striker Adam Morgan on loan from Yeovil Town until mid-January.

The 20 year old Liverpudlian was on the books of Liverpool FC, coming through their youth academy system but following loan spells with Rotherham United and Yeovil Town, he joined the Somerset club permanently in January of this year.

International clearance has been secured and he will travel with the Saints squad as they head north tomorrow for Sunday’s opening SPFL Premiership fixture against Ross County in Dingwall.

The squad and official party landed back in Edinburgh at just after 2am this morning and the players will train tomorrow morning before heading up the A9.[/article]

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Good luck to him; hopefully he'll be able to kickstart his pro career.

 

[Hansern]

Spartak Moscow - Roman Shirokov (free transfer), Quincy Promes (reportedly €15 million)

[article]Russia team captain Roman Shirokov has joined Spartak Moscow as a free agent, club owner Leonid Fedun said on Friday.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who missed the World Cup finals in Brazil due to injury, has moved to the capital from St Petersburg where he had spent six years playing for Zenit.

Shirokov, who helped Zenit win the Russian Premier League twice and the UEFA Cup in 2008, has signed a two-year deal with the option to extend his contract for a third season.

"Even five years ago I wanted to sign Shirokov, however, at that time we didn't get a chance," said Fedun, speaking to ITAR-TASS news agency.

"I'm happy now it happened. Before signing, the player flew to Switzerland and talked to head coach Murat Yakin. I hope Roman will quickly recover from his injury and help the team in a short time."

Russian Footballer of the Year in 2012 and 2013, he also won the Russian Cup, Russian Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Zenit, playing 201 matches and scoring 43 goals for the club.

Shirokov, who has 41 Russia caps and 12 international goals, is expected to be fit again in October after suffering an Achilles tendon injury.

Russia, who will host the 2018 World Cup finals, failed to qualify from their group in Brazil, scoring two goals and picking up two points from three games.

Spartak finished sixth in the Russian league last season, missing out on European qualification.[/article]

[article]Netherlands international Quincy Promes has moved from Twente Enschede to Spartak Moscow after a signing a four-year contract, the Dutch club said on Friday.

The 22-year-old forward, who made the 30-man shortlist for the World Cup but was cut from the final 23-man Netherlands squad for Brazil, cost 15 million euros (11.96 million pounds), Dutch media reported.

Amsterdam-born Promes extended his contract at Twente to 2017 after scoring 11 goals in the season and winning his first cap for the Netherlands.
“For me as a young footballer it is a step in my development. I get a chance to develop further in a strong league competition,” he said on the Russian club’s website (www.spartak.com).

Twente used some of the money to sign 23-year-old South African international midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo from PEC Zwolle.
[/article]

Quincy Promes looks excited about the move..

 

[Oncy]

Its coz theyve spelt their names wrong.
Thats gobblededuke!!

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Aston Villa - Aly Cissokho (undisclosed; believed to be £2.5m or £3m)

Cole, Senderos, now this.

 

[WhyAlwaysMe?]

Good luck to him!

 

[Oncy]

That big gigantor keeper has signed for Southampton.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Olympiacos - Ibrahim Afellay (loan)

 

[RolandG]

Manchester City confirm signing of Eliaquim Mangala from Porto

 

[SummerOnions]

Chico Flores has gone to Qatar!

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

DeAndre Yedlin to Spurs. Four-year contract, he will stay with Seattle before joining Tottenham either in January or June of 2015.

 

[King Binny]

Zenit St. Petersburg.- Javi Garcia (reportedly £13 million)

[article]Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia has joined Zenit St Petersburg on a five-year contract for a fee of £13m.

The Blues paid Benfica £16m for the Spain international, 27, in July 2012.

Although Garcia won the Premier League and the Capital One Cup last season, he was not a regular starter either for Manuel Pellegrini or his predecessor as manager, Roberto Mancini.

Garcia links up with former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas at the Russian club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sevilla - Gerard Deulofeu (loan)

[article=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/agreement-in-principle-with-sevilla-fc-for-loan-of-gerard-deulofeu]FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement in principle for the loan of Gerard Deulofeu to the Andalusian club for the 2014-15 season, an operation designed to ensure that he gets to play as many games as possible and therefore develop as a footballer.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Southampton - Shane Long (undisclosed fee, reportedly £12 million)

[article=http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/14082014-announcement-shane-long-southampton-1828920.aspx#Zm3FBy6PorCVRzOR.99]Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce that it has completed the signing of forward Shane Long.

The 27 year-old has signed a four-year contract and joins from fellow Barclays Premier League side Hull City for an undisclosed fee.

This will be the Irish international’s sixth season playing in the top flight, having previously competed at this level with West Bromwich Albion and Reading.

He now becomes Southampton’s latest summer signing and joins in time for this weekend’s season-opening trip to Liverpool.

First Team Manager Ronald Koeman commented: “Shane is a very good player. As a striker, he’s different to Graziano Pellè, which is something we needed.

“He brings ambition and a great mentality – he’s always running and always working, and he’s very down-to-earth. He’s a great person, and we need that type of player.

“He brings a lot of experience to our squad because he’s already played at Premier League level for a few years. He knows what we need at this level, and he can show that to our younger players as well.

“Shane will be an important player for us and our future.”

Long added: “I’m delighted. This came out of the blue for me but, once I’d come and had a look at the training facilities and met the manager, it seemed like the right decision for me and my family.

“It was a hard decision for me to make, but when you come down to Southampton you see how big a club it is and how well set up it is.

“You look at how well they did last season and they are developing a new squad for this year to try and achieve those accomplishments again, and hopefully I can be a big part of that.

“Southampton play a brand of football that’s enjoyable to watch, and I’m sure it’ll be enjoyable to play in as well. I think the formation they play will suit me, and the manager has a lot of knowledge about football and I’m looking to learn off him.

“In theory it’s a very good move for me, but all the hard work starts tomorrow when I get on the training pitch because I have to prove my worth.”[/article]

Southampton - Florin Gardos (£6 million)

[article=http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/14082014-announcement-florin-gardos-southampton-1829302.aspx#e2WOwfmhP7xoITS8.99]Southampton Football Club is pleased to confirm that it has signed Romania defender Florin Gardos.

The 25 year-old joins from Romanian champions Steaua București, and pens a deal to keep him at St Mary’s until 2018.

The centre-back, who has 12 caps for his country, becomes Ronald Koeman’s seventh signing for Southampton following the arrival of Shane Long earlier in the day.

Koeman commented: “I am very happy to have Florin here.

“He’s still a young player so he can develop himself a lot more, and that’s part of the ambition of Southampton.

“From the beginning, after [Dejan] Lovren left the club, we paid a lot of attention to Florin.

“Everybody knows the big names and the big players, but it’s always more difficult to find one who’s not so well known. The information the club has given to me about him has been very good.

“For now and for the future, we have a very good central defender.”

Gardos added: “This is one of the happiest days of my life. It’s the biggest step of my career so far.

“Coming to the Premier League is a very big occasion for me, and Southampton was a team that had a really good last season so this wasn’t really a hard decision.

“I’ve had a very good first impression of the club. There’s a very big difference between what I had back home and what is here.

“I’ve always said that coming to Premier League would be a dream come true, and luckily I’ve been able to achieve that dream now.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

PSV Eindhoven - Karim Rekik (loan)

[article]Manchester City defender Karim Rekik has signed a season-long loan deal with PSV Eindhoven.

Rekik spent last season on loan at the Eredivisie club making 31 appearances, scoring one goal.

The 19-year old earned a place in Louis Van Gaal’s preliminary 30-man Holland squad before this summer’s World Cup after an impressive debut season in his homeland.

This will be the defender’s fourth loan spell following spells at Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth since signing for City from Feyenoord in 2011.

Rekik has made three senior appearances for City after captaining the Elite Development Squad and he featured extensively in pre-season for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in Scotland the United States.[/article]