Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Josh Yorwerth has just moved from Cardiff City to Ipswich on a freebie........."Oy Josh yer worth.......fuck all!

Haha. Here he is

Josh Yorwerth - Ipswich (free transfer)

[article=http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/ipswich-town-to-sign-josh-yorwerth-from-cardiff-city-2503934.aspx#C6wS5iOl1slyVjJs.99]The Blues to add former Cardiff City defender to the ranks from July 1st after agreeing a two-year deal as a free transfer

Town have agreed a deal to sign Josh Yorwerth on a free transfer, from July 1st.

Josh is set to sign a two-year contract with the Blues, which includes the option of a further 12 months.

The Wales U21 international will complete his move to Portman Road at the beginning of next month, after leaving Cardiff City.

The central defender has been with Town on an extended trial from the Bluebirds and featured for the U21 Development squad on a number of occasions, scoring once against Bristol City.

Josh is yet to make his senior debut but joins Town looking to hit the ground running, ahead of pre-season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Dimitri Payet - West Ham (reportedly £10.7 million)

[article=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/June/26-June/Dimitri-Payet-signs!#HPUV0EjP8W8JAFhe.99]West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of the exceptional France international Dimitri Payet.

The outstanding 28-year-old joins the Hammers on a five-year contract, with a further one-year option, for an undisclosed eight-figure fee from French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille.

Blessed with superlative technical skills, exceptional vision and an inventive range of passing, Payet operates to great effect from his preferred central attacking midfield position, and is sure to add eye-catching flair and creativity to Slaven Bilic’s side.

Payet, who becomes West Ham’s third senior summer signing following the captures of Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph, is looking forward to bringing his formidable talent to the Barclays Premier League.

Payet said the Club's determination to bring him to east London played a huge part in him deciding to end his hugely successful spell in French football.

The player spoke to Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and new manager Slaven Bilic before putting pen to paper on his West Ham contract.

“West Ham really showed me that they wanted me to come, both the Joint-Chairmen and the manager," Payet told whufc.com. "That’s very important for me. I was also keen to sign up to a clear project. West Ham’s is very interesting and matches perfectly with my ambitions.

“Firstly I spoke with the manager, who really wished for me to come here and had been watching me a lot. He made it clear that he wanted me to sign and that too was important in my choice.

“I’m an attacking footballer so for sure I like attacking football and that they’re counting on me to help achieve that gives me a sense of responsibility. The fact that I’m here is also down to that.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s true that it’s taken a little while but that’s normal, negotiations are like that. But now that it’s done, I’m very happy."

A top-class player, Payet made more successful through balls than any player in Europe’s top five leagues last season, bar Barcelona star Lionel Messi, and chalked up a phenomenal 17 assists in 36 league appearances for Marseille.

With seven goals to his name too, it is clear the 5’9 player possesses the rare ability to both cut defences apart with his passing, and exploit the spaces created with his finishing.

It is a further mark of Payet’s influence on the game that he has recorded 51 assists over the past six Ligue 1 seasons with Saint-Etienne, Lille and Marseille.

Born on the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the Hammers new boy began his career playing for local clubs Saint-Philippe and Saint-Pierroise before moving to metropolitan France to join Le Havre at the age of 12 in 1999.

After returning to Reunion for a two-year spell with AS Excelsior, the 18-year-old Payet moved to Ligue 1 side Nantes in 2005 and made his first-team debut against Bordeaux in December of that year.

Payet scored on his first professional start against Lille in September 2006, but Nantes were relegated at the season’s end and the midfielder remained in Ligue 1 by joining Saint-Etienne. There, he helped Les Verts to qualify for the UEFA Cup, scoring on his European debut against Hapoel Tel Aviv in September 2008.

As he continued to mature, Payet’s influence grew. He scored a career-best 13 goals in 2010/11 to earn a senior France debut in a 2-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Romania, during which he laid on his country’s second goal.

That form also saw the midfielder catch the eye of French champions Lille, and he linked up with West Ham great Joe Cole and Belgium star Eden Hazard at Les Dogues in summer 2011.

Payet played UEFA Champions League football with Lille, enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in 2012/13, when he totalled 12 goals and 13 assists and appeared in all 38 Ligue 1 matches.

Marseille spent a reported €11m to take the player to France’s second-largest city in summer 2013, and he has continued to impress regularly over the past two years, recording 15 goals and 21 assists in 71 league appearances for L’OM.

In total, Payet has netted 60 goals in 332 club appearances.

Payet’s abilities have seen him capped 15 times by France, scoring once, in a friendly international against Belgium in Paris last month.[/article]

Mass exodus at Marseille. Giganc, Ayew, Payet and soon Imbula.

 

[King Binny]

Tom Cairney - Fulham (reportedly £3.5 million)

[article=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/26/cairney-joins-fulham?]The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Tom Cairney from Blackburn Rovers on a deal until the summer of 2019, with an option to extend until 2020, for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old spent time in the Leeds United academy but made his professional breakthrough at Hull City, scoring on his debut in August 2009 and going on to make a number of appearances in the Barclays Premier League.

Prior to the 2013/14 season, Cairney joined Blackburn on loan until January, with his impressive displays resulting in the move being made permanent in the New Year. He ended the campaign by winning the club's player of the season award, and he also claimed Rovers' goal of 2014/15 accolade. He leaves Ewood Park having scored nine times in 85 appearances.

Born in Nottingham, he represented Scotland at Under-21 level having qualified through his father.

Speaking at the Club’s Motspur Park Training Ground, Cairney said: “I’m delighted. Now I’m just so looking forward to getting started and meeting the boys.

“The hard work starts now because it’s pre-season but I can’t wait to get back here, get settled and get in amongst it.

“For most of my life Fulham have been a Premier League club and have only been out of it for a year. They’ve had some great players over the years and it’s a very attractive club to come to.

“Every player wants to play in the Premier League and if I can do that with Fulham that would be fantastic.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rory Donnelly - Gillingham (free transfer)

[article=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/gillingham-fc-sign-striker-rory-donnelly-2509360.aspx#QS54rthieheVg2lX.99]Gillingham have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of striker Rory Donnelly on a two-year contract.

The forward, released by Premier League side Swansea at the end of last season, becomes Justin Edinburgh’s latest addition to the first team squad and will provide competition for Luke Norris, Cody McDonald and Ben Williamson.

The 23-year-old featured twice for the Swans during his three-and-a-half year stay, making his debut on September 25, 2012 in a 3-2 Capital One Cup victory over Crawley.

He would have to wait nearly a full year for his next opportunity, starting a Europa League tie against Petrolul Ploiesti. He played the full 90 minutes but the Welsh club were defeated 2-1.

Prior to his move to the Liberty Stadium Rory impressed heavily at Northern Irish side Cliftonville, netting 20 times in 50 matches to alert the attentions of other clubs.

With first team opportunities limited in Wales, Rory had two loan spells away from Swansea – one of which with Coventry and the other with Tranmere Rovers earlier this year.

Rory proved a useful acquisition, scoring five times in 20 games including a brace against Accrington in a 3-0 win at Prenton Park.

On capturing his signature Justin Edinburgh said: “Rory is a young striker who I’ve had my eye on for a while.

“His time at Tranmere on loan will have done him a lot of good and I believe we have pulled off a very strong signing.

"I have no doubt he will be of huge benefit to our squad and we now have four very different striking options which I think is key going into the new season.” [/article]

(Rodgers') Swansea beat us to his signing in 2011.

 

[King Binny]

Marko Vejinovic - Feyenoord (reportedly €4 - 5 million)

[article=http://www.feyenoord.com/news/news-overview/marko-vejinovic-signs-for-feyenoord?]Feyenoord have added Marko Vejinovic to the first-team squad with immediate effect. The 25-year-old midfielder signed a four-year contract at De Kuip on Friday after passing his medical. Vejinovic, who joins the club from Vitesse, will hook up with his new squad-mates on Sunday for the first day of preseason training. He will play in the number 5 shirt.

Marko Vejinovic has made 67 appearances in the Eredivisie and end-of-season Europa League playoffs for Vitesse over the past two campaigns. Last season the controlling midfielder netted twelve times for the Arnhem outfit. In the past Vejinovic has played for Heracles Almelo and AZ. In his final year in Alkmaar (2008-2009) he won the title.

Technical director Martin van Geel is delighted that the club has agreed terms with the former youth international. ‘His arrival gives us more options in midfield. Marko is a very gifted player in terms of technique, who has played at the highest level in the Eredivisie for many years and has more than 160 league appearances to his name. Last season he was one of the highest scoring midfielders in the Eredivisie, thanks to his fantastic foot. Plus Marko is only 25 years old, so we are confident that we can help him become even better. We’re obviously glad to have reach agreement before the start of the new season, so that Marko will be able to join the squad when preseason gets underway.’

‘I have very quickly developed a good and warm feeling at Feyenoord,’ says Vejinovic. ‘I’ll do everything I can to make a success of myself here. I cannot wait for Sunday when I can take part in my first training session with Feyenoord.’

Marko Vejinovic is the son of a Serbian father and a Bosnian mother, but has a Dutch passport. Until his eighteenth birthday Marko’s surname was Matic after his mother. On his eighteenth birthday, together with his elder brother he decided to take on his father’s surname.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Khaled Narey - Paderborn (loan)

[article=http://www.bvb.de/eng/content/view/full/102451?]U23 player Khaled Narey has agreed on a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund until 30 June 2017 as well as a loan deal to second-tier outfit SC Paderborn for the 2015/16 season.

"As a young player in Paderborn, I have the opportunity to get some match practice in the second division under my belt and to develop at the club," explained the 20-year-old, before adding: "At this point I would like to thank everyone involved in making this next step a possibility for me."

An extremely versatile young player, Narey initially completed a switch from Bayern Leverkusen to BVB in the summer of 2014 and featured regularly for the club's second team in the third division. Narey was also named in the first-team squad on three Bundesliga matchdays. (br)[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Adam Smith - Northampton (free transfer)

[article=http://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/article/adam-smith-2506537.aspx#dj7Bl6LK1VBBbwOW.99]Northampton Town have signed former Leicester City goalkeeper Adam Smith on a two year contract, subject to a medical.

The 22 year old joined Middlesbrough from Leicester City in 2010 and spent 5 years with the Foxes, having loan spells at Chesterfield, Lincoln City, Stevenage, Cambridge United and Mansfield Town.

Smith left Leicester after having his contract terminated in June following an incident on Leicester City's tour of Thailand.

"I'm aware that this signing will create debate," said manager Chris Wilder.

"Adam was involved in an incident at Leicester that was very wrong and he knows that better than anyone. He paid a price for that, he has apologised and is ashamed of what happened.

"But, we also live in a society where, as long as people show genuine remorse, admit their mistake, learn from it and apologise then they deserve a second chance. Adam knows that and he is determined to take this chance.

"He is a very good goalkeeper, and one who needs to be in and around a first team place to push himself forward and I am sure he will prove a good addition."

Smith added: “I got myself in a situation I am deeply ashamed of, and I am desperately sorry for that.

"I know the club here do a lot of anti-racism work and have a proud record in that area and I am keen to help the club with that.

"I am really sorry for what I was involved in but I need to put that stupid mistake behind me. I am really grateful for the second chance I have been offered here and I am determined to make the most of it."

Chairman David Cardoza added, "Clearly there are a lot of discussions about the proposed sale of the club taking place, but until such time as things are completed it is business as usual and we will be supporting Chris Wilder to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season."[/article]

One of the players sacked by Leicester recently.

 

[King Binny]

Another player sacked by Leicester has found a club.

Tom Hopper - Scunthorpe (free transfer)

[article=http://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/article/united-complete-signing-of-hopper-2509281.aspx#Tk3tjfq1cXlFI4xT.99]Scunthorpe United can confirm the signing of Tom Hopper.

The club would like to make it clear that we are fully aware of the recent publicity surrounding the young striker and have put a considerable amount of thought into the decision to sign him.

However, Tom is a player that we are very much aware of, having signed him on loan last season, and we feel that we know his true character, which was not represented by this regrettable incident.

While we fully understand the position taken by Leicester City in this matter and we do not condone Tom's actions, we have discussed the issue at length with the player and he has shown a great deal of remorse and a real willingness to rehabilitate himself. The player accepts fully that his actions were unacceptable and takes full responsibility.

We understand that youngsters can make mistakes, but we are a club who believe in giving people a second chance when they have shown a genuine desire to make amends.

The club hopes that our supporters understand our position on this matter and will allow Tom to do his talking on the pitch, in the knowledge that we will be working with the player closely to rebuild his reputation and ensure there is no repeat of his recent indiscretion.

Neither the Club Officials nor the player will be making any further comment at this time.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Danny Ward - Aberdeen (loan)

[article=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6383#.VY2jfPmqqko]Aberdeen FC has this afternoon completed the signing of Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward on loan. Danny will remain at Pittodrie until the end of the season.

The Dons keeper trained with his new team mates during a double session today and he will also be in the squad for Sunday's pre-season friendly against St Johnstone in Brechin.

The 22-year-old began his career at hometown club Wrexham before moving to Anfield in 2012. The keeper has been a regular for the Liverpool U21s and recently committed his long term future to the Anfield club by signing a long term deal. Last season he had a loan spell with League Two side Morecambe and was also part of the Liverpool first team squad on a number of occasions towards the end of the campaign.

Ward has been a part of the Wales International senior squad since 2013. Prior to that he was capped on four occasions by the Welsh U21s.

Derek McInnes admitted to afc.co.uk that he is a keeper he has been monitoring for a while.

"I am delighted to get Danny on board. He is a young goalkeeper we have been aware of for some time. We are thankful to Liverpool and Brendan (Rodgers) in particular for allowing this to happen.

"He is someone who is highly regarded at his club and they see the importance of getting him out on loan. Danny now has the task and challenge of playing football at a good level with us.

"We have real competition for places in all areas of the team, and we certainly now have that in the goalkeeping position.

"We believe Danny is going to have a good career as he goes forward and we are looking forward to the opportunity of working with him as part of his development.

"He can also help us to be successful." [/article]

 

[James]

Tyrone Mings - Bournemouth (reportedly £8 million + Ryan Fraser on loan)

[article=http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/tyrone-mings-afc-bournemouth-ipswich-town-2509228.aspx#A6HWt30JYDQHOe6u.99]AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of Tyrone Mings from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old full-back, who was linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal last term, has signed a four-year contract.

As part of the deal, Scotland under-21 winger Ryan Fraser has moved to Portman Road on a season long loan.

Meanwhile, Brett Pitman, the club’s fourth all-time leading scorer with more than 100 goals, has also joined Ipswich for an undisclosed fee.

The 2014/15 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Mings, who has enjoyed a rapid rise following a move from non-league side Chippenham Town.

He made 44 appearances in all competitions, including a start against the Cherries at the Goldsands Stadium in November, as the Tractor Boys reached the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Although Ipswich fell short in the semi-finals, he was a key figure in the side, won a number of admirers and was named as the division’s player of the month in September. [/article]

Mings looks like he's about to drop the hottest RnB album of 2015.

 

[King Binny]

Shinji Okazaki - Leicester (reportedly £7 million)

[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/shinji-okazaki-agrees-leicester-city-deal-2509148.aspx]Leicester City are set to secure the services of Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki from German side 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a four-year deal, subject to work permit, international and Fifa clearance.

The 29-year-old forward arrives at King Power Stadium from the Bundesliga for an undisclosed fee and is set to become the Foxes’ third signing of the summer following additions of Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs.

Regarded as one of the finest forwards in the German league, Okazaki brings with him an exciting and explosive playing style alongside an impressive international pedigree.

His 43 goals in just 93 games for Japan make him his nation’s third all-time record goalscorer, while his 12 league goals for Mainz last season also saw him become the Bundesliga’s all-time leading Japanese scorer.

Okazaki has been a popular figure among supporters wherever he has played thanks in part to both his ability to score spectacular goals and his outstanding work ethic on behalf of his team.

With his appetite to chase lost causes and an adept heading ability that defies his 5ft 8ins frame, the Japanese international appears ready-made for an assault on defences in the Premier League this coming season.

After representing Japan Under-23s in the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, Okazaki soon established himself as a first choice striker for his country thanks to some polished performances at centre forward.

Those displays soon brought with them his first Japanese goal in 2009 against Yemen. It was a year in which Okazaki scored a remarkable 15 times for his country – including back-to-back hat-tricks against Hong Kong and Togo.

Another hat-trick for Japan in their 2011 Asian Cup campaign came in between the 2010 and 2014 World Cups – both of which Okazaki played and scored in for his country.

At club level things began for Okazaki back in Japan with J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse, with whom he signed his first professional contract in 2005. After making his debut at the age of 19 he went on to score 49 goals in 154 games for the Club before his talents caught the eye of clubs in Europe.

It was Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart who eventually made their move for the striker in January 2011 and Okazaki was thrown straight into the action with an impressive debut in the Europa League against Portuguese giants Benfica.

A stunning long-range goal against Hannover 96 opened his account for his new club and an even more impressive bicycle kick against the same side earned him the league’s Goal of the Month Award in February 2012.

After a move to Mainz in 2013 he exploded onto the scene for his new side. He ended his first season with an impressive 15 goals to help the team to a seventh placed finish and Europa League qualification. That total included an emphatic strike on his debut during a 3-2 victory over former club Stuttgart.

His 12 Bundesliga goals last season went some way towards keeping Mainz in the league.

His form in front of goal continued last season with 12 Bundesliga goals that helped steer Mainz to an 11th placed finish – just six points away from European qualification.

When he makes his Premier League debut for the Foxes he will become just the seventh Japanese player ever to play in the Premier League.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lewis Baker - Vitesse (loan)

[article=https://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/06/netherlands-loan-for-baker.html]We have agreed terms with Vitesse Arnhem for Lewis Baker to spend the 2015/16 season on loan at the Dutch club.

It will be the 20-year-old midfielder’s first opportunity to experience top-flight football abroad. He ended last season by helping MK Dons win automatic promotion to the Championship.

Baker is a product of the Chelsea Academy and signed a new five-year contract in August. He has won the FA Youth Cup and the Under-21 Premier League. He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup at Derby in 2014 and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year at the end of that season, as well as winning the fans’ vote for Goal of the Season for a back-heel against Arsenal in an Under-21 league game.

At international level he is captain of the England Under-20 side and played at the Toulon Tournament this summer.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Thomas Lemar - AS Monaco (reportedly €4 million)

[article=http://www.asmonaco.com/en/article/as-monaco-and-caen-agree-deal-for-thomas-lemar-68288.html]The 'class of 95' is setting up shop in the Principality. Two years after arriving at the club, Anthony Martial is set to renew acquaintance with a player he knows well from his time with the French national youth sides, from U17 up to U21 level.

Thomas Lemar, a 19 year-old attacking midfielder from SM Caen, has signed a five-year contract with AS Monaco tying him to the club until 2020.

"The way AS Monaco are set up, the way they play... I've been really impressed with all that. And with what the coach and the backroom staff have had to say. I hope to learn a lot from the great players in the squad. My main aim is to settle into the squad and earn some time on the pitch."

A few weeks ago, Thomas Lemar won the most recent edition of the Toulon Tournament with the French U20 side.

Vadim Vasilyev, Vice-President & CEO: "Thomas represents the future of French football at his level. He's part of the same generation as Anthony Martial, he's involved with the French U21s and so he's a perfect match for our project. Thomas has already shown some impressive qualities with Caen and I'm delighted he has chosen Monaco, rather than moving abroad. This signing is in line with our philosophy of blending talented youngsters with more experienced players. We are continuing to work on brining in other experienced players to improve the team. This transfer window is only just beginning."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mitchell Dijks - Ajax (reportedly €2 million)

[article=http://www.ajax.nl/Ajax-Nieuws/Ajax-Nieuws/Ajax-nieuws-artikel/202104/Ajax-secures-Mitchell-Dijks.htm]Ajax and Willem II have reached an agreement for the transfer of Mitchell Dijks. In Amsterdam, the defender signed an agreement that goes into effect on July 1, 2015, for three years, until June 30, 2018.

Dijks (Purmerend, February 9, 1993) had been following Ajax’s youth academy since 2009-2010, and had been under contract with Ajax from July 1, 2010, to August 29 2014, after which he moved to Willem II. During the 2013-2014 season, he was loaned out to sc Heerenveen.

The wing defender has played nine official matches with Ajax’s first team to date. He made his debut on August 5, 2012 in the PSV-Ajax (4-2) match for the Johan Cruijff Shield.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Carlos Tevez - Boca Juniors (reportedly €5 million)

[article]Boca Juniors have officially announced the signing of Argentina international Carlos Tevez.

Boca announced the deal during Argentina's Copa America quarterfinal penalty shootout victory against Colombia, in which Tevez scored the winning spot kick.

Paris St. Germain, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid had also been rumoured to be interested in acquiring Tevez's services but Boca have won the race for his signature.

Tevez joined Boca as a youth in 1997 before agreeing a move to Brazilian side Corinthians in December 2004, and then on to Premier League clubs West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City before signing for Juve in 2013 for £12 million. Tevez scored 19 and 20 goals in his two seasons in Serie A and helped Juventus to two Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia.

He has always spoken of a desire to return to the Buenos Aires-based club while still capable of performing at a high level.

The 31-year-old's current remaining contract with the Bianconeri is estimated to be worth €5 million. Boca hope to present him July 6 or 7.

"Everything I do, I do for the good of the club. I am the same person as when I was club treasurer, I know the club finances. I am not going to go crazy. When I go after a player, I am strong and I am convinced. You are all going to see because it will be public. We have had a solid administration over the past three years, we are going to close out with 63 million [Argentine pesos] in profit," Angelici said.

"We always said that if Carlos won titles in Italy, Juve would not put up obstacles, so we are very grateful for his return to Argentina.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Demba Ba - Shanghai Shenhua (reportedly €13-14 million)

 

[King Binny]

Phil Neville - Valencia (Assistant Manager)

[article=http://en.valenciacf.com/ver/41681/phil-neville-joins-valencia-cf-coaching-staff-as-assistant-manager.html]Valencia CF are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Neville as assistant manager of the first team, joining the coaching staff headed by Nuno Espirito Santo. The former Manchester United and Everton player has previously occupied the assistant role at Old Trafford, under both David Moyes and interim replacement Ryan Giggs. Neville offers a wealth of footballing knowledge to a club in constant growth.

Speaking about the new addition to his coaching staff, Nuno said: “Phil Neville has great experience at the top level of competition, but above all he has knowledge and values that fit perfectly with our team and our club. He has always been a team player, and our philosophy is based on teamwork. We are –and want to continue to be- a group. I am convinced that he is going to help us a lot.”

The new Valencia CF assistant manager played more than 680 games during his 19-year career. Besides his appearances at club level for Manchester United and Everton, Neville was also capped 59 times by England in an international career that lasted 11 years. His honours include the UEFA Champions League, six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three Community Shields and the Intercontinental Cup.[/article]

 

[Ryan]

John Heitinga - Ajax (free transfer)

[article=http://www.ajax.nl/Ajax-Nieuws/Ajax-Nieuws/Ajax-nieuws-artikel/202081/Ajax-signs-John-Heitinga.htm]Ajax has reached an agreement with John Heitinga. In Amsterdam, the transfer-free defender has signed a contract that is effective immediately, until June 30, 2016. An option for a one-year extension, until June 30, 2017, has been included in the contract.

Heitinga was born on November 15, 1983, in Alphen aan den Rijn. The player followed the entire Ajax youth academy. He made his debut for Ajax on August 26, 2001, in the Feyenoord – Ajax (1-2) match. He played a total of 215 official matches for Ajax, scoring 24 times. Heitinga won the national championship twice with Ajax (2002, 2004), the KNVB cup three times (2002, 2006, 2007), as well as the Johan Cruijff Shield (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007).

Last season he played for the German team Hertha BSC. Prior to that, he played for Atletico Madrid, Everton FC and Fulham FC.[/article]

Strong style game there from De Boer.

 

[King Binny]

Claudio Beauvue - Lyon (reportedly €5 million)

[article=http://www.olweb.fr/en/article/press-release-68337.html]Olympique Lyonnais is delighted to announce that the club has agreed terms with Guingamp for the transfer of striker Claudio Beauvue.

Claudio Beauvue will sign a four-year contract with OL, until 30 June 2019, once he has successfully passed his medical examination early next week.

Fifth top scorer with 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season, and the third-best Frenchman behind Alexandre Lacazette and André-Pierre Gignac, Claudio Beauvue scored 27 goals in all competitions last term, including five in the Europa League.

With the signatures of Jérémy Morel and Claudio Beauvue, and the return from long-term injuries of Gueïda Fofana and Clément Grenier, Olympique Lyonnais has fulfilled the majority of its summer mercato ambitions, while conserving its young academy graduates, including Clément Grenier, who has extended his contract through to 30 June 2018; and anticipating the arrival, for this season, or next, of another central defender.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Petr Cech - Arsenal (reportedly £11 million)

[article=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150629/petr-cech-agrees-to-join-arsenal#7HFMk4Jq41Ke8KiR.99]Petr Cech has agreed to join Arsenal from Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper made over 400 appearances during 11 years at Stamford Bridge, winning multiple club and personal honours. He also won the Premier League Golden Glove award on three occasions.

A seven-time Czech Footballer of the Year, Cech made his international debut in 2002. He currently has 114 caps for his country - four short of countryman Karel Poborsky’s all-time record.

Cech began his career in the Czech Republic with Chmel Blsany, before moving to Sparta Prague. He joined Rennes in France in 2002, before arriving in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us. He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”

New signing Cech said: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can't wait to join up for pre-season. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League. When Arsène Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

Cech has completed his medical and will join up with his new team-mates shortly to begin preparations for the 2015/16 season.

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

Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Petr to the Club.

The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Paulinho - Guangzhou Evergrande (reportedly €14 milllion)

[article=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3143247/Guangzhou-Evergrande-confirm-deal-sign-Tottenham-midfielder-Paulinho-9-8m.html#ixzz3eSrzuKjy ]Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande have signed Tottenham midfielder Paulinho for £9.8million, with the Brazilian putting pen to paper on a four-year contract.

Paulinho departs White Hart Lane as the first big name out of the door in Mauricio Pochettino's summer clear-out. He will link up with former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in China.

The 26-year-old struggled to make a continued impact on the Barclays Premier League since signing for Spurs from Corinthians in a £17m deal two years ago.

A statement on Guangzhou's official website said: 'Guangzhou Hengda Football Club officially announce from Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur that midfielder, Brazilian player Jose Paolo Bethesda La Maher Junior, ie Paulinho, was formally signed, for the transfer fee of €14m (£9.8m), for four years.'

Paulinho has 32 caps for Brazil and has scored five goals for the Selecao.

He will link up with former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari at the Chinese club after the ex-Chelsea boss took over the reins earlier this month on a two-and-a-half year deal.

There is a distinct South American flavour at Evergrande, as Brazil international Ricardo Goulart and countrymen Elkeson and Alan also play for the Super League side.

Guangzhou are currently third in the league standings, two points behind leaders Beijing Guoan as they go in search of their fifth successive Super League title.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kylian Hazard - Újpest (undisclosed fee)

Hungarian side Ujpest have signed Kylian Hazard, brother of Eden and Thorgan, from Zulte-Waregem for an undisclosed fee. He signed a 3-year contract.

 

[King Binny]

Giovanni Sio - Stade Rennais (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/sio-joins-rennes-revolution.htm?]Côte d'Ivoire striker Giovanni Sio became Stade Rennais' fifth recruit of the transfer window after putting pen to paper on a three-year, €2m contract with the ambitious Brittany club.

Rennes coach Philippe Montanier has already been busy this summer, bringing in the likes of stoppers Ludovic Baal (Lens) and Pedro Mendes (Parma), midfielder Yacouba Sylla (Aston Villa) and right-back Dimitri Cavaré (Lens), and on Monday he added to his strike force with the signature of journeyman Côte d'Ivoire international Giovanni Sio.

Sio, 26, spent last season on loan at SC Bastia from Swiss side FC Basel and will bring a breadth of experience - both in Ligue 1 and abroad - to bear as Montanier looks to install Rennes in the upper reaches of the table for the long haul.

"I'm very happy to have the chance to sign for Stade Rennais," Nantes youth academy alumnus Sio told his new club's official website. "It's exactly the challenge I was looking for. The club is very competitive and has a strong desire to make progress. I have a good relationship with Gelson Fernandes, whom I know from my time in Switzerland, and I'll also meet up again with Cheick M'Bengue and Sanjin Prcic, whom I played with at Toulouse and Sochaux."

With Sweden striker Ola Toivonen and Central African hitman Habib Habibou rumoured to be on the move over the summer, Sio may not be the only attacking reinforcement Montanier brings in. However, the strongest rumours of further signings for the former Real Sociedad boss concern Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff - a product of the Rennes youth academy - who is reportedly on the verge of re-signing for his former club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andrea Bertolacci - AC Milan (reportedly €20 million)

[article]Milan have officially signed Italy international midfielder Andrea Bertolacci from Roma for a reported €20m.

The deal was announced via a brief statement on the club’s official website this afternoon after passing his medical.

Bertolacci has signed a four-year contract that will expire on June 30 2019.

He had been in a co-ownership deal between Roma and Genoa until last week, but the Giallorossi bought out the remaining 50 per cent of his contract for €8m.

“I’ve arrived at a very important club, I can’t wait to get started,” Bertolacci told Milan Channel.

“Milan were always the first choice for me, I really wanted this club. The club has immediately shown me a lot of affection.

“There’s an important project, and great desire after a difficult season. I want and need to improve, I have to build on an important year and help take Milan back to the top.

“I’m expecting an important season, I’ll try to do my best and I hope to finish as high as possible.

“I’ve already spoken with [Luca] Antonelli, [Alessio] Cerci and the Coach [Sinisa Mihajlovic]. I felt great enthusiasm, and a desire to do well.”[/article]

Tidy profit for Roma. Milan clubs splashing the cash this window.

 

[King Binny]

Matheus Cassini - Palermo (reportedly €1.5 million)

[article]Palermo have officially signed Corinthians striker Matheus Cassini. “I am happy to be here. My reference point is Cristiano Ronaldo.”

The 19-year-old completed the transfer today and put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

“I am happy to be here and thank the club for this unique opportunity,” the Brazilian told the official Palermo website.

“I can grow as a man and as a player at Palermo. I know Paulo Dybala and respect what he did here, but I hope the fans think of me as Cassini and not as just the heir to Dybala.

“My reference point is Cristiano Ronaldo. I will give everything to repay the club’s faith in me.”[/article]

Palermo brought the likes of Cavani and Dybala to Italy from South America. Will he continue the trend?

 

[King Binny]

Orlando Sa - Reading (reportedly £1 million)

[article=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/reading-football-club-orlando-sa-2511408.aspx#j02ifIFJG6roDQFM.99]Reading Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Portuguese international striker Orlando Sa.

The frontman joins on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Legia Warsaw in Poland, and becomes the club's first capture of the summer.

The 27-year-old signs with an excellent goalscoring record in the past few seasons: since 2012 he has scored 32 goals in 48 starts and 24 sub appearances, finding the net every 143 minutes.

Last season he finished as Legia’s top league goalscorer after bagging 14 goals in 15(+11) appearances in the Polish top flight.

Sa has Premier League experience with Fulham, has represented Portugal at U20 and U21 level, and has one cap for the senior side.

Royals manager Steve Clarke said: "The striking department was one area of the team that everyone agreed needed strengthening this season. Obviously Orlando's goal record is really impressive but, for me, I was most impressed by his answer to my question about why he wanted to come to play for Reading in the Championship. Immediately he replied 'I want to play in the Premier League again and Reading can take me there'. He is motivated to prove that his previous spell in England with Fulham came too early in his career. He is a strong player who leads the line well and has an eye for a goal. I'm sure he will be a big asset to the squad this season."

Sa joined Braga’s youth system aged 15 and progressed through the ranks at the Primeira Liga club before signing on loan at Maria Fonte for the 2007/08 campaign. He returned the following season to represent his parent club, making his debut in a 2–0 home win against C.F. Os Belenenses and scoring his first goal in a 2-2 draw against C.F. Estrela da Amadora.

He then joined Portuguese giants FC Porto in 2009, where he worked under Jesualdo Ferreira and Andre Villas Boas, before linking up with C.D. Nacional for the 2010/11 campaign; he struck the winning goal in a 2-1 win over title challengers S.L. Benfica that season.

A year later, he moved to the Premier League, joining Fulham. After making his debut for the club against Chelsea, he notched for the Craven Cottage outfit in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

Sa swapped West London for AEL Limassol in 2012 and he went on to hit the back of the net 18 times in 39 league appearances for the Cypriot club.

That attracted the interest of Legia, who snapped him up in February of last year, where he recorded an impressive league strike rate of one goal every 122 minutes in 2014/15.

Sa made a flying visit to Berkshire to sign this afternoon, and has flown back home for the birth of his new baby. He will return to the UK next weekend, travelling with the squad for our pre-season tour to Thailand a week on Sunday. His squad number will be confirmed in due course. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ray Wilkins - Aston Villa (Assistant Manager)

[article=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4828446,00.html]Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is pleased to announce an addition to his backroom staff with Ray Wilkins MBE joining as assistant manager.

The 58-year-old begins work at the club immediately and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

During his distinguished playing career, Wilkins was a key player for the England international team and player for a host of leading clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan and Rangers.

Since hanging up his boots Wilkins has occupied various management positions during two spells at Fulham, two separate periods at Chelsea, as well as at Watford, Millwall, England U21s and most recently the Jordan national team.

Sherwood said: "I'm really pleased to bring Ray on board. He has a fantastic knowledge of the game and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Kevin MacDonald will continue to be part of the coaching set-up with a greater responsibility for developing homegrown talent.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rodrigo Caio - Valencia (€12.5 million + potential add ons up to €4 million)

[article]São Paulo have announced that they have agreed to sell 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Caio to Valencia.

Caio is on the books of the agency run by Jorge Mendes, who has a big influence at the Mestalla, although the midfielder had previously been heavily linked with Atlético de Madrid. In fact, a few days ago, São Paulo president Ataíde Guerreiro told newspaper UOL that the 'Rojiblancos' had submitted a bid for the starlet.

'Los Che' will pay an initial E12.5 million for the Brazil youth international and could eventually cough up a further E4m in add-ons.

The holding midfielder is set to make his way to Valencia next week to undergo a medical and put pen to paper.

The move for Caio follows hot on the heels of the announcement that André Gomes has been captured on a permanent basis from Benfica, inking a five-year contract after impressing during a loan spell at Valencia this past season.[/article]

Deal is off.

[article=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/158372/valencia-rule-out-caio-transfer-due-to-knee-problems/]Valencia have opted to not go through with their €12.5 million transfer for Sao Paulo’s Rodrigo Caio due to knee problems discovered during his medical.

Valencia made an official announcement on Monday that they have decided to cancel the transfer for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder, with Spanish sports daily AS reporting that it was due to knee problems discovered in Barcelona by renowned surgeon Dr. Ramon Cugat from an injury the Brazilian suffered when he was 14 years old.

“Valencia Football Club has decided not to proceed with the signing of the footballer Rodrigo Caio. The decision was taken after considering different problems in the operation.”

After consulting with Dr. Cugat, Valencia were informed of his findings and alerted them to the potential risks over the knee problem discovered, which promptly led to Los Che canceling the transfer all together.

However, the Brazilian media insists that Valencia canceled the transfer because the two sides could not reach an agreement over terms of a contract and the Champions League club chose to walk away.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

El-Hadji Ba - Charlton Athletic (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-el-hadji-ba-sunderland-premier-league-championship-transfers-2493345.aspx]Charlton have swooped for their second signing of the summer with El-Hadji Ba arriving at The Valley on a three-year deal from Sunderland, the club announced on Monday evening.

The 22-year-old began his career in his native France with Le Havre AC, making his professional debut at the age of 19, before the Black Cats won the race to bring the central midfielder to the Premier League in July 2013.

Ba made three appearances during his first season on Wearside, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Carlisle United before joining Ligue 1 side Bastia on loan for the 2014/15 season.

Despite a good start to life in the French top flight, impressing in each of his first seven games last term, a broken leg suffered in a home clash with Lorient would keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Having returned to full fitness, former France U20 international Ba has arrived at The Valley for an undisclosed fee to become Guy Luzon’s second signing of the summer and will join the first-team squad immediately as they resume their pre-season training programme ahead of 2015/16.

"It's very nice to be a Charlton player," said Ba on his arrival.

"I'm very happy to be here.

"It was a little bit difficult at Sunderland. I was young and didn't have a lot of time on the pitch, but now I am older and ready to fight at Charlton."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mitch Langerak - Stuttgart (reportedly €4 million)

[article]A further goalkeeper has signed for VfB. Mitchell Langerak moves from Borussia Dortmund and has signed a deal in Stuttgart until 2018.

The 26-year-old made his initial move to the Bundesliga, signing for Borussia Dortmund in the 2010/2011 season, making his top-flight debut in February 2011. Since then, Mitchell Langerak has made 19 Bundesliga appearances for the Black and Yellows, twelve games in the DFB-Cup, three in the UEFA Champions League and one DFL-Supercup match. During that period, the goalkeeper also played ten games for the BVB reserves.

In the closing phase of previous season, the 1,93 meter tall Australian international took over as Dortmund’s first choice keeper. Langerak was twice a Bundesliga title winner with Dortmund and once won the DFB-Cup. At home in Australia, where the keeper played from 2007 until 2010, Langerak was also a title winner, winning the league in 2008/2009 as first choice keeper for Melbourne Victory.[/article]

Jan Kliment - Stuttgart (undisclosed fee)

(front)
[article=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2015/verpflichtung-jan-kliment/page/3725-1-1-.html?f2]The VfB squad has been strengthened by the signing of Jan Kliment. The Czech U21 international has signed a deal with the Cannstatt Boys until 2019.

Last season, Jan Kliment was under contract at FC Vysocina Jihlava in the Czech first division. There the 1,85 meter tall striker made 31 appearances, scoring three goals. At the current U21 European Championships, the 21-year-old made three appearances for his country, scoring a hat-trick in the second group game against Serbia. Jan Kliment has scored a total of four goals for his country.[/article]