Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Julian Dicks - West Ham (Coaching Assistant)

[article=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/June/29-June/Legend-Dicks-joins-backroom-staff]West Ham United are delighted to announce that Julian Dicks has joined Slaven Bilic’s backroom staff as a full-time coaching assistant.

The Hammers legend started his new role at Chadwell Heath on Monday morning and will join a group of senior players heading to the Club’s pre-season training camp in Ireland on Tuesday.

Dicks, who became a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground during two unforgettable spells in Claret and Blue, joins the first-team coaching staff after a successful season in charge of West Ham United Ladies.

The 46-year-old told whufc.com he cannot wait to join forces with former Hammers teammate Bilic and start work with the Club’s first-team squad on a daily basis.

“To be joining the first-team coaching staff at my Club is fantastic news for me,” the four-time Hammer of the Year began. “I was with the Ladies last year and I thoroughly enjoyed that, but to get the opportunity to work with Slaven, his coaching staff and the first-team players is a dream come true.

“This is a Premier League club with some very good players already in the squad and some more very good players set to come in this summer. It is exciting times for me and exciting times for West Ham.

“I met up with Slaven last week and, although we had not met in person for a few years, it was like we had never been apart. We had a hug and a kiss and sat down and talked all about West Ham and all about football.

“We had a great relationship when we played together in the same team here and I am sure we will work well together again as manager and coach.”

Dicks, who scored an amazing 65 goals in 326 games from left-back, has watched his former teammate’s development as a manager closely during successful stints with the Croatia national team and Turkish club Besiktas, and is looking forward to working closely with his new boss.

“Slaven was a top player and he has gone on to become a very good manager,” confirmed The Terminator. “His teams play a high-tempo pressing game and I am sure he will instil that style of play here at West Ham.

“I have always said that the first quality that players must illustrate is hard work. If you then have very good players who work very hard, then you can achieve great things and hopefully we can do that here at West Ham.

“I understand that I will be involved on the training pitch and in the meetings and I cannot wait to get down to work with Slaven, his assistant and his other coaches.”

Dicks closed by thanking West Ham Ladies for the opportunity to manage the side last season, when he guided them to the London FA Capital Cup final and a much-improved position in the FA Women’s Premier League South.

“It would like to thank the Ladies for the chance they gave me and all the girls for the huge effort they put in last season,” he concluded.

“I have said many times that I would not have taken a similar role at any other club, but West Ham is my club and I really enjoyed the challenge.

“The Ladies have some very good players and we have already organised for some more very good players to join the club this summer, so I hope I leave them in a good position for the future.

“If this new role had not come along, I am sure I would have returned as manager this coming season, but I hope they can understand that the opportunity to work with Slaven and the first team was one that I could not turn down.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

John Peacock - Derby County (First Team Coach)

[article=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/john-peacock-joins-derby-countys-coaching-staff-2510287.aspx?]John Peacock has left his coaching position at the Football Association to join Paul Clement’s coaching set-up at Derby County as First Team Coach.

In his time at The FA, Peacock led the England Under 17 side to two European Championship titles in 2010 and 2014.

He also managed over 100 games in UEFA competition, with a 69% win record.

Holding The FA Academy Director's Licence and UEFA Pro License, Peacock is a highly experienced coach.

Peacock, who is 59, is no stranger to Derby, having been the Rams’ Academy Director in the late 1990s and the early 2000s.

On his arrival, Peacock commented: “The last 25 years of my working life has been spent with The FA and Derby County.

“The chance to work once again at this fantastic club, which has an outstanding infrastructure and above all else highly passionate supporters and Board of Directors who have an ambition for success, meant the challenge of re-joining was an opportunity I couldn’t decline.

“It is always refreshing to see an English coach succeed. Furthermore it is even more difficult for this to happen abroad. In Paul Clement we have this person after his successful spells at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and, of course, Real Madrid. I was delighted when Paul offered me this opportunity to work with him in his role as the Head Coach of Derby County.

"I am really looking forward to the next chapter in my coaching career.”

Speaking about the appointment of Peacock to his coaching staff, Clement commented: “I am delighted to welcome John Peacock onto my coaching staff.

“He is an excellent coach and has a wealth of experience, having worked at the Football Association for a considerable amount of time.

“He is a key signing for me and I am really pleased that we have been able to attract such a highly-skilled coach to my backroom team.”

Dan Ashworth, FA Technical Director, said: “We will sorely miss John and I can only thank him for his contribution to The FA and England, both as a coach and a coach educator.

“His record speaks for itself and Derby County have a fine coach to supplement the work of Paul Clement and the rest of his coaching team. On behalf of everyone The FA I would like to wish John well – he leaves behind a great legacy through his work.”

Peacock’s move to the iPro Stadium has brought the curtain down on his second spell working for The FA.

As a player, he spent seven seasons with Scunthorpe United, playing more than 200 league and cup games. His first coaching role was with Coventry City where he was a Football Development Officer.

Peacock's first spell at The FA, from 1990-1998, was spent as a Regional Director in the Midlands and during the intervening years Peacock was Academy Director at Derby where he helped develop numerous youngsters into first team players.

Following his return to the FA in 2002, he took up a number of key coaching roles: National Coach, Head of Coaching and England Under-17 Head Coach, as well as Head of Elite Senior Coach Development.

In May 2007, Peacock led England’s Under 17s to the Final of the European Championships where they lost narrowly to Spain. Peacock and the Under 17s then reached the Quarter Finals of the World Cup in Korea that summer.

Peacock then led England to glory in May 2010, when his side won the European Championship, beating Spain in the Final in Liechtenstein after a season which saw his side unbeaten throughout. They repeated that success in 2014 by again winning the tournament by defeating Holland on penalties following a 1-1 draw.[/article]

Pascal Zuberbühler - Derby County (Goalkeeping Coach)

[article=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/pascal-zuberbuhler-joins-derby-county-as-goalkeeping-coach-2510296.aspx?]Pascal Zuberbühler has become the latest high-profile coach to join Derby County after being appointed as the club’s new goalkeeping coach.

Following the arrival of John Peacock, the former Switzerland international, 44, becomes the latest member to join Head Coach Paul Clement’s new-look backroom team.

Speaking about the appointment, Clement said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring someone of Pascal’s experience into my backroom team here at Derby County.

“He is an individual who has played at the pinnacle at not only club level, but for his country as well and has been part of sides that have gone on to be very successful.

“That sort of experience will be really important for us and it is something we can call upon to benefit the goalkeepers that we have at the club.”

Throughout a decorated playing career, Zuberbühler played at the highest level for club and country.

His main success came in his native Switzerland at club level, where he went on to lift six Swiss league titles and three cups as well as play Champions League football over a 14 year spell that started at Grasshopper Club Zurich and took him to FC Basel.

On the international stage, he earned 51 caps for Switzerland featured in Euro 2004, Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup, the latter where he kept four clean sheets in four games as the Swiss bowed out to Ukraine on penalties in the last-16.

His performances earned him a move to the Barclays Premier League, where he played first for West Bromwich Albion, before finishing his career at Fulham after a brief spell back in Switzerland where he helped Neuchâtel Xamax earn promotion.

Zuberbühler has held the position of goalkeeping coach on three separate occasions with the Philippines national side as well as at Swiss top flight side BSC Young Boys.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kieran Trippier - Tottenham (£3.5 million)

[article=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/story/2507376/kieran-trippiers-move-to-tottenham-nets-man-city-124m?]Manchester City made £1.24 million from Kieran Trippier's move to Tottenham as a result of a sell-on clause agreed when they allowed the right-back to join Burnley.

Trippier was a graduate of City's youth system but did not make a first-team appearance as he failed to displace Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards from the team.

When City sold Trippier to Burnley for £400,000 in 2012 after a successful loan spell at Turf Moor, they also inserted a clause guaranteeing them 40 percent of the profits from his future sale.

Trippier signed for Tottenham for £3.5 million -- a fee enforced because of another release clause in his contract -- giving City £1.24 million and Burnley £2.26 million.

The 24-year-old, who impressed during Burnley's season in the Premier League, became Spurs' second summer signing after Austrian defender Kevin Wimmer.

The Clarets are waiting to discover how much money they will receive for Danny Ings, who has also left them to stay in the top flight, with a tribunal set to rule on the fee for the out-of-contract forward's move to Liverpool.

Burnley are likely to target two strikers in the summer transfer window, as Ashley Barnes is set to miss much of next season with a cruciate ligament injury.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jack Byrne - Cambuur (loan)

[article=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-transfer-news-prospect-9556538]Hot Manchester City prospect Jack Byrne has joined Dutch side SC Cambuur on a season-long loan.

The move comes just 24 hours after the Blues EDS and Republic of Ireland Under-21 international put pen to paper on a new thee-year deal with the club.

Byrne took to his Twitter account to announce his delight about securing his future with the club.

"Delighted and proud to sign a new three year deal with @MCFC," he tweeted.

City were keen to get Bryne secured on a longer deal before letting the highly-rated midfielder join the to the Eredivisie side.

His chances for first-team action next season would have been slim and City want Bryne to gain valuable experience at high standard.

SC Cambuur confirmed the young Irishman’s move to the club via Twitter - he is the third player they have loaned from City in under a year.

Slovak midfielder Albert Rusnák, 20, moved to Cambuur between last season.

He then went on to complete a move to FC Gronigen in December with his contract at City ending in the summer.

Austrian Under-21 midfielder Sinan Bytyqi also made a move to Cambuur on loan from City in January.

However, Bytyqi suffered a season-ending knee injury in February which will sideline him for approximately six months.[/article]
A partnership similar to Chelsea - Vitesse?

 

[King Binny]

Stephen Quinn - Reading (free transfer)

[article=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/reading-football-club-stephen-quinn-2512748.aspx#HjChvqRvoIP2mFso.99]Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that Stephen Quinn has agreed to sign a three-year contract with the Royals, with the option of a fourth year.

The creative, box-to-box left footer, who has the ability to unlock defences and find the back of the net himself, will join us on a free transfer following the completion of his contract at Hull City.

Quinn made 28 appearances for the Tigers in the Premier League last term, scoring against Arsenal in April, and he also earned six Republic of Ireland caps throughout the course of 2014/15.

The Irishman had been highly sought after in the close season and the club are thrilled to have fought off a number of potential suitors in order to secure his signature.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said: "Stephen is an unassuming player but has always caught my eye and, when I knew he was available, I targeted him quite early in the summer. His performances are always of a good standard and he is a talented, industrious, aggressive midfielder who can be influential in games.

"Obviously he has just experienced relegation at Hull City and is desperate to get back to the Premier League as quickly as possible, which can only be good for us. He has previous experience of playing in the Championship and was an important member of the Hull City team that gained promotion to the EPL in 2012/13 season.

"Stephen is also a good character who will have a positive effect in our changing room and, just as importantly, on our younger players here at Reading FC."

The 29-year-old began his career with St Patrick’s Athletic, making his League of Ireland debut as an 18-year-old, before moving to Sheffield United a year later.

His first of 220 starts for the Blades came in the Carling Cup away at Shrewsbury Town in September 2005. His next cap followed a month later, coming in the same competition at Madejski Stadium, in a clash that Reading won 2-0.

Successful loan stints at Milton Keynes Dons and Rotherham United also came during the 2005/06 season for the dynamic engine roomer, as parent club United and the Royals were both promoted to the Premier League.

He made 15 top-flight appearances the following campaign, scoring his first professional goal against Aston Villa, and also found the net against Portsmouth.

Quinn joined Hull City in the summer of 2012 and played 50 games in his first season at the KC Stadium as Steve Bruce’s side won promotion back to the Premier League. The following year, he played an integral role as they reached their first ever FA Cup final, scoring in their semi-final win and starting the final against Arsenal.

Internationally, the Dublin-born midfielder has been capped 13 times by Ireland and, last season, he played 76 minutes as the Boys in Green secured a 1-1 draw against world champions Germany in Euro 2016 qualifying. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Felix Klaus - Hannover 96 (reportedly €2 - 3 million)

[article]Hannover have announced the signing of Freiburg's Felix Klaus.

The 22-year-old winger has signed a deal through to the end of the 2018-19 season.

Recently returned from the European Under-21 Championship, Klaus' move was confirmed on Hannover's official website.

"Despite having other Bundesliga offers, Felix Klaus turned them all down and decided to pick Hannover 96 which makes us happy," sporting director Dirk Dufner said.

"During our negotiations we showed him our perspective that he will be an important part of a young team. He is the right man for the job and will strengthen our team."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Simon Church, Cody Cropper, Dale Jennings - MK Dons

[article=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-make-triple-signing-mk-dons-signing-wales-simon-church-usa-cody-cropper-dale-jennings-bayern-munich-2513038.aspx#lSCLsHDdawGdSBc6.99]Karl Robinson has signed two internationals and a former Don as he continues to build his squad for the Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Wales striker Simon Church has penned a two-year deal with the Club, while USA goalkeeper Cody Cropper and winger Dale Jennings have both signed one-year contracts with options for a further 12 months.

“I’m excited to have them on board,” Robinson told mkdons.com. “They will all bring different attributes to the group.

“Cody has got tremendous potential and he fits the type of the person we want around the place. He’s a good size, got a great work ethic and wants to learn.

“This is an opportunity for Dale, who knows he’s got work to do, but we all saw last time what he can do – he lifted the team and contributed to some good results.

“Churchy is a really top lad, a good player and can score goals. He will add tremendous quality to our team.”

Church, who spent last season with Charlton Athletic, told mkdons.com: “I’m excited to be here. With everything in place here, it was the perfect move for me and the ambition of the Club is massive and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Cropper, meanwhile, told mkdons.com: “It’s a great opportunity for myself and I’m very pleased to be here. I want to push on and develop as a goalkeeper.”

Former Bayern Munich winger Jennings told mkdons.com: “I’m really happy to be back. I enjoyed my time a couple of years ago and it was a no-brainer to return - I can’t wait to get going again.”

All three players will train with the Dons for the first time on Tuesday.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Djibril Sow - Borussia Mönchengladbach

[article]Borussia have signed Djibril Sow from FC Zurich. The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until 30th June 2020 and will initally gain experience with the U23s.

“Djibril is a talented player who has a great deal potential. We want to get him into the first team via the U23s,” said Borussia sporting director Max Eberl. Sow has been a Switzerland youth player for several years, having made a total of 21 appearances for the U16s, U17s and U19s. The recent campaign saw Sow feature 20 times for FC Zurich's reserves, who play in the so-called Promotion League, the third-highest tier in Switzerland. Sow will train with André Schubert’s U23 side for the first time on Wednesday.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Nils Petersen - Freiburg (reportedly €2.8 million)

[article]Nils Petersen has left SV Werder Bremen. The 26-year-old has joined SC Freiburg with immediate effect. Petersen was on loan to Freiburg last season and has now made his switch to SCF permanent. The transfer fee will remain undisclosed.

The forward moved to Werder in summer 2013 from FC Bayern Munich, previously playing in Bremen colours on a loan basis for a year. Petersen netted 18 goals in 69 Bundesliga games for SVW, also providing nine assists. He also made three DFB Cup appearances for Werder.[/article]

Was once highly rated...

 

[King Binny]

Dave Timmins - Port Vale (Goalkeeping Coach)

[article= http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/dave-timmins-announced-as-goalkeeping-coach-2514250.aspx#9FMRyxtuTGHzPtJR.99]Port Vale are delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Timmins as the club’s new goalkeeping coach.

Timmins becomes the second addition to manager Rob Page’s backroom staff following the appointment of Paul Bodin in May.

Formerly of Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Timmins brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Vale Park.

Timmins has previously coached the likes of England international Joe Hart and Netherlands regular Tim Krul.

He left his position at Prenton Park earlier this month and Vale boss Page is pleased to have added him to his team.

“I’m delighted to welcome Dave to the club as our new goalkeeping coach,” he said.

“He is a very well-respected coach having worked with numerous high-profile, full international keepers over the last few years.

“He has also worked with Chris Neal as well, which is obviously a big plus, having someone who knows him well.”
[/article]

John Harbin - Port Vale (Performance Coach)

[article=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/john-harbin-appointed-as-performance-coach-2514358.aspx#VRcSoD0DEjXxpaWZ.99]Port Vale are delighted to announce that John Harbin has agreed to join the club’s coaching staff as Performance Coach.

The Plymouth Argyle coach is the third new member of Rob Page’s coaching staff and will take up his new position when the players return to training tomorrow.

Harbin’s appointment comes after the addition of Dave Timmins earlier today and Paul Bodin last month.

Yorkshire-born Harbin emigrated to Australia when he was ten and has worked as a coach within both Football and Rugby, with his most notable achievement coming when he was promoted to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, working alongside Iain Dowie.

Harbin will be responsible for looking after the players’ fitness, strength and conditioning, as well as their psychological welfare.

Upon the appointment of Harbin, Valiants’ boss Rob Page said: “I’m delighted to welcome John to the coaching staff, he’s someone I have high regards for after working with him before at Coventry.

“Having someone of his experience around the place can only have a positive effect on the club so it’s a great coup for us.” [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Zdravko Kuzmanović - FC Basel (undisclosed fee)

[article]Midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic has officially joined Basel, leaving Inter after three seasons.

The Serbian international had been linked with a move to English Premier League side Watford, but has opted to return to the club where he began his career.

“I always wanted to come back to Basel, and I’m happy the deal was concluded quickly,” Kuzmanovic said in a statement on the Swiss club’s website.

“I’m motivated and ambitious, and I hope I can make my contribution for the team.”

Kuzmanovic will wear the number 22 for his new club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Hernan Crespo - Modena (Head Coach)

[article]Hernan Crespo has been appointed the new Coach of Serie B side Modena.

The club announced the deal this afternoon, signing a one-year contract with an option for another two years.

This is his first major management job, having been the Coach of the Parma Primavera youth team in 2014-15.

He was a free agent following the bankruptcy of Parma.

Crespo turns 40 on Sunday and retired from his playing career in 2012 after shining for the lines of River Plate, Parma, Lazio, Inter, Milan and Chelsea.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Karim Rekik - Marseille (£3.5 million)

 

[King Binny]

Oriol Riera - Deportivo (undisclosed fee)

[article]WIGAN Athletic striker Oriol Riera has, as expected, completed his permanent move to Deportivo La Coruna.

The 28-year-old cost Latics £2million when he joined from Osasuna last summer, but managed only one goal before being loaned out to Depor in January.

He scored four goals in 21 apperarances for the Spanish outfit, helping them to stay up on the last day of the campaign courtesy of a 2-2 draw at Barcelona.

Spanish media are reporting the fee as ‘a small amount’, with Latics left to count the cost of last summer’s catastrophic recruitment drive.

Fellow striker Andy Delort, who cost £3million from Tours FC, is also expected to be offloaded at a massive loss, having spent the second half of last term on loan with his former club in France.

Right-back James Tavernier is also being strongly linked with a move to Rotherham, after being sent out to Bristol City midway through last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luc Castaignos - Eintracht Frankfurt (reportedly €2.5 million)

[article]Eintracht Frankfurt have improved their attacking options for the new season by signing striker Luc Castaignos from Dutch top-flight outfit FC Twente.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the club that finished ninth in the Bundesliga table in 2014/15.

“In Luc Castaignos we’ve signed a player who can play in lots of different positions in attack,” enthused Eagles’ sporting director Bruno Hübner. “Despite lucrative offers from other clubs, Luc looked at the opportunities we can give him here and decided to come to Eintracht.” Castaignos himself, meanwhile, was delighted to seal a transfer to Germany’s top tier. “The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe. I’m happy to be here and to be able to compete at this level," he said.

Born in the Netherlands to a French father and a Cape Verdean mother, Castaignos began his professional career at Dutch giants Feyenoord, moving to FC Internazionale de Milano in 2011 and then back to his homeland to play for Twente in 2012. He scored a total of 42 league goals in 102 appearances in the Eredivisie.[/article]

Could turn out to be a bargain at that fee.

OptaJohan ‏@OptaJohan 14h14 hours ago
10 - Luc Castaignos is the only player to score 10+ goals in each of the last 3 Eredivisie seasons. Regular.

 

[King Binny]

Adam Legzdins - Birmingham City (free transfer)

[article=http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/adam-legzdins-birmingham-city-2508365.aspx#OXwdhJuB5xy7sbUt.99]Gary Rowett has bolstered his goalkeeping ranks by signing former Blues stopper Adam Legzdins.

Legzdins is a welcome addition to the squad, following the departures of both Darren Randolph and Colin Doyle this summer

The 28-year-old has signed a two-year deal with a further year's option in the Club's favour.

Legzdins was a free agent having been released by League One Leyton Orient in the summer.

The Penkridge-born player is a product of Blues' Academy and previously left the Club in 2008 to join Crewe Alexandra.

After two years at Gresty Road he made the switch to Burton Albion where Paul Peschisolido was first team manager and current Blues boss Gary Rowett his assistant.

His performances for the Brewers earned him a move up the footballing pyramid to Derby County. He spent three seasons at Pride Park and made 37 appearances before leaving the Rams to link up with Leyton Orient at the start of the 2014/15 campaign.

Unfortunately his playing time with the O's was limited to just 13 appearances because of injury and he left Brisbane Road this summer by mutual consent. [/article]

Jacques Maghoma - Birmingham City (free transfer)

[article=http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/jacques-maghoma-birmingham-city-2486783.aspx#qFuJVHw4rJsSI9ML.99]Gary Rowett has made former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jacques Maghoma his second summer signing.

The 27-year-old has joined Blues on a two-year deal, with a further one-year option in the Club's favour.

Maghoma, who was born in Zaire, began his playing career in England with Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy in 2003.

He was a regular with the Spurs reserve side before leaving White Hart Lane in 2009 to join Burton Albion, where Gary Rowett was the assistant manager to Paul Peschisolido.

The powerful ball-playing midfielder, who can operate on either flank or off the front, enjoyed a successful spell with the Brewers. It culminated in him being named in the League Two PFA team of the year at the end of the 2012–2013 campaign following his 18 goal contribution.

After four years at the Pirelli Stadium, during which time he made 172 appearances and scored 32 goals, he made the switch to Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2013.

In his two seasons at Hillsborough he made 66 appearances and found the back of the net four times, before being released by the Owls earlier this month.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Steve Wigley - Fulham (Under-18s Manager)

[article=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/june/30/wigley-returns]The Club is delighted to announce the return of Steve Wigley to Fulham as Under-18s Manager.

Steve initially joined the Club in the summer of 2012 and enjoyed marvellous success during his first season in the role as Fulham U18s won both the Dallas Cup and the Barclays U18 Premier League titles.

The following campaign, he led a new group of youngsters to the Final of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the Club’s history, where we narrowly lost out to local rivals Chelsea 7-6 across two legs.

During his first spell as Under-18s Manager, Steve oversaw the development of the likes of Cauley Woodrow, George Williams, Emerson Hyndman, Moussa Dembélé and Patrick Roberts.

He departed the Club in May 2014 to take up an assistant manager role alongside Stuart Pearce at Nottingham Forest – his first professional club. He had previously worked alongside Pearce with England Under-21s, while the pair also took charge of the full national team in a friendly defeat against the Netherlands in February 2012.

Wigley’s playing career saw him take in spells at Forest, Sheffield United, Birmingham City, Portsmouth and Exeter City. Upon retiring from the game he has undertaken management roles with Aldershot Town and Southampton, as well as coaching positions at Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers, Hull City and Bristol City.

Earlier Steve Wigley said: “I am delighted to return to Fulham and look forward to the exciting challenges ahead with the Under-18s. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here previously and only left to take up an opportunity that was too exciting to turn down and which has proved to be been an incredibly valuable learning experience for me.

“Fulham is a great club with a fantastic crop of young talent who I’m really keen to work with, so I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends again and getting out on the training pitch with the young lads and hopefully replicating some of the successes we saw previously.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jason Davidson - Huddersfield Town (free transfer)

[article=http://www.htafc.com/news/article/jason-davidson-joins-huddersfield-town-2509271.aspx#QvqTV82w0zp9XYSz.99]Huddersfield Town has today completed the signing of Australian international left back Jason Davidson on a three year contract.

The 23 year-old, who has 18 caps for his country, joins as a free agent, having left Premier League West Bromwich Albion at the conclusion of the 2014/15 season after his existing two year deal with the Baggies was ended by mutual consent.

Although he is an Australian native, Jason qualifies for an EU passport through his Greek mother.

On welcoming Jason as the Club’s second signing of the summer 2015 transfer window, Town Manager Chris Powell explained:

“A lot of hard work has gone into bringing Jason to the Club, so it’s fantastic that he’s joined us ahead of the start of pre-season training on 1 July.

“Recruiting a top quality left back was a key priority in this transfer window and we believe we have achieved this in signing Jason.

“The Club’s scouting process started tracking Jason a full 18 months ago during his time in the Eredivisie and our team has watched him regularly ever since for Heracles, Australia and West Brom’s sides. We tried to recruit him in March, but could not reach a deal.

“He possesses the attributes that we were looking for in a left back; he is an athletic player who has attacking ability, but most importantly he is a good defender. As a left back in my playing days, I believe the latter is the strongest quality required.”

On top of his Australian and Greek heritage, Jason also has Japanese ancestry through his Grandmother on his famous footballing father Alan’s side.

Jason started his footballing development in Japan at the age of 14, spending three years at the Seiritsu Gakuen School in Tokyo.

Upon turning 17, he returned to Australia and signed for Victorian Premier League club Hume City in his hometown of Melbourne, where he played part-time whilst attending college.

After just two months, his form for Hume earned him a call-up to Australia’s Under-20 national side in March 2009 and at the conclusion of the season he was named the Victorian Premier League’s U21 Player of the Year.[/article]

Ian Bennett - Nottingham Forest (Under 21 Goalkeeping Coach)

[article=http://www.htafc.com/news/article/huddersfield-town-ian-bennett-nottingham-forest-2511375.aspx#pJTvJwXC6irfEk72.99]Academy Goalkeeping Coach Ian Bennett has left Huddersfield Town and is set to become Nottingham Forest’s new Under-21 Goalkeeping Coach.

Bennett initially joined ‘The Yorkshire Club’ as a goalkeeper in June 2010 and went onto make 74 appearances over four years as the Terriers gained promotion to the Sky Bet Championship; including starts in both legs of the Play-Off semi-final win over Milton Keynes Dons.

Subsequently, upon his retirement from playing, Ian was appointed as Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach in May 2014, working with Academy Manager Mark Lillis and Town’s Head of Goalkeeping Nick Colgan.

Ian said:“The five years I have spent at Huddersfield Town as a player, and more recently a coach, have been brilliant. I have had the pleasure of working with a fantastic set of people and the friendships formed over the years have made this a very difficult decision.

“I would like to wish Huddersfield Town every success and thank everyone at the Club for their support over the years.”

Huddersfield Town Academy Manager Mark Lillis added:“We’re all sad to see Ian leave us, as he has taken to his new off the field role as we knew he would and has made a big contribution during his 12 months working with our young goalkeepers under Nick Colgan.

“Ian is a popular figure with everyone at the Club and we’d like to wish him all the best for the future.”[/article]

James Haycock - Arsenal (Physio)

[article]In a statement on their official website, Huddersfield Town have announced that their Head of Medical and first team physio, James Haycock, has left to join Arsenal.

The statement reads: James Haycock, Town’s Head of Medical and First Team physio, is leaving to join Premier League Arsenal’s medical team, working under Head Physio Colin Lewin.

James joined the Club from Hartlepool United in July 2012, shortly after the appointment of Simon Grayson and the Club’s subsequent promotion to the Championship.

James is a popular and respected member of the Technical Staff at Huddersfield Town and everyone at the Club would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well with the FA Cup holders.

The appointment comes in the wake of the departure of Declan Lynch, who left the Gunners to join Bath Rugby club.

He was the man with whom Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott celebrated their goals against West Brom, so the new man has some big shoes to fill.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Carlos Carvalhal - Sheff Wed (Head Coach)

[article= http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/carlos-carvalhal-named-sheffield-wednesday-head-coach-2516013.aspx#POFGUqgmEA0zxtDS.99]Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to announce the appointment of Carlos Carvalhal as head coach at Hillsborough.

The Portuguese is joined by backroom team and compatriots Joao Mario, Joao Cunha and Bruno Lage.

Carvalhal brings a wealth of experience to S6, with Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri convinced the new head coach and his team will serve as the blueprint for future success.

He told swfc.co.uk: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Carlos to Sheffield Wednesday.

“I firmly believe that this appointment will take our team and our club to the next level and towards where we all want to be, the Premier League.

“It is important for our supporters that they watch their team play attractive, aggressive and entertaining football.

“Carlos buys in completely to this philosophy and I am confident that his experience, knowledge and ability will herald the start of a successful new era for Sheffield Wednesday.”

Mr Chansiri added: “Since I came to Hillsborough in February, I have slowly absorbed how to become 100% part of the Sheffield Wednesday family.

“Myself and my team have worked extremely hard as we all have the same target, the same objectives. We are stronger now and learn more about football every day.

“Carlos, myself and everyone connected with our club have the same ambitions.

“So I say to our fans – thank you so much for supporting us in everything we have tried to do for Sheffield Wednesday in the short time we have been here and also for the exciting times we will share in the future.

“Please give everything for Carlos and the team because your support is everything, as is your trust, and I am now only looking forward to the journey we will be sharing together.

“Everyone has been so incredibly welcoming and friendly to myself and my family, which makes me even more determined to deliver the success our supporters deserve.

“We need the spirit and full backing from them all because we are all on that same journey. I believe in our supporters 100%, I trust in them, and all I ask is to have that same trust and confidence in return.

“As a club, we are getting stronger and stronger each day and the appointment of Carlos will give us a firm foundation ahead of what I am sure will be a memorable season ahead.

“So let’s enjoy this journey, let’s get excited, and let’s look forward to driving our dream together.”[/article]

Another Championship manager with Mourinho "connection".

Vincent Sasso - Sheff Wed (loan)

[article=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/vincent-sasso-joins-owls-2513592.aspx#pafj5f722ygBglxd.99]Sheffield Wednesday have signed Braga defender Vincent Sasso.

The Frenchman has joined the Owls on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old began his career with French top flight outfit Nantes, with whom he signed his first professional contract in 2008.

Sasso – a versatile stopper who can operate in central defence and at full back – swapped France for Portugal in summer 2012, joining S.C. Beira-Mar before catching the eye of Portuguese giants Braga the following January.

The European ace signed a deal with Braga until 2017 and could now be in line to face his former club in the friendly clash on Friday 24 July during the Owls’ pre-season trip to Portugal.

On the international stage, the towering defender has represented France at youth level from Under-16s through to the Under-21s and will now add further steel at the back for Wednesday. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andy Thorn, Mel Johnson - West Brom (Scouts)
[article=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-bromwich-albion-duo-leave-9557307]West Bromwich Albion have announced the departures of Terry Burton and Mervyn Day in a major shake-up of their recruitment department.

The move would seem to suggest a strengthening of Tony Pulis' position, although Albion are in no mood to rush into replacing the outgoing pair.

Sixty-two-year-old Burton joined Albion as Technical Director 13 months ago replacing previous Technical Director Richard Garlick.

Day, 60, was appointed Head of Recruitment in July 2014.

A statement on the club’s website read; “As part of the on-going review of the Club’s performance, notice has been given to terminate their contracts and they have been put on ‘garden leave’ with immediate effect.”

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: “Both Terry and Mervyn depart with our best wishes for their future endeavours and gratitude for their efforts during another demanding season.

“But I am on record as saying the club would be engaged in an on-going review at all levels and it was felt changes were required.

“We are looking ahead positively to a new beginning under Tony Pulis after two gruelling seasons. All our focus now is on preparing the squad for a stronger performance.”

Albion say they will look to fill both positions in due course but Peace explained that there would be no hurry.

“Our plans for this summer are already in place,” he added. “In Tony, we have a very experienced and hands-on operator. In the fullness of time we will recruit suitable candidates for the posts.”

Former Coventry City boss Andy Thorn is now responsible for spotting talent in the north of England.

Albion have also appointed ex-Liverpool and Tottenham scout Mel Johnson to cover the south of the country.

Former Sky Blues striker Terry Gibson has been working as a scout for a number of months.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Douglas Costa - Bayern Munich (€30 million)

[article=http://www.fcbayern.de/en/news/news/2015/press-release-fc-bayern-sign-douglas-costa-010715.php]FC Bayern München has today completed the signing of Brazil international Douglas Costa (24). The 1.72 m forward and Bayern deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, who conducted the transfer negotiations with Douglas’ previous club Shakhtar Donetsk, signed a five-year contract binding him to Germany’s most successful club until 30 June 2020.

“We are delighted we’ve been able to sign Douglas Costa,” commented Dreesen, “the five-year contract until 2020 indicates that we are planning for the future of FC Bayern with this striker. We now hope he settles quickly here in Munich and at FC Bayern and trust he will strengthen our team as we all desire.”“Douglas Costa will be good for our team,” commented sporting director Matthias Sammer, “he has great technical ability, a powerful left foot, he is very agile and extremely quick.”

The striker demonstrated these qualities for Shakhtar against FC Bayern in last season’s Champions League Round of 16. “After playing in Brazil and Ukraine, Douglas Costa has decided to take the next step in his career in the Bundesliga and at FC Bayern Munich. We will support him in every respect as he does so.”“A dream has come true for me today,” commented Douglas Costa after signing his new contract. “I’m proud to become a player for Bayern, following in the footsteps of so many magnificent Brazilian players. I’m looking forward to playing for this magnificent team and will do everything I can to fulfil the expectations placed in me.”

Douglas featured for Brazil at the Copa America until last week and will therefore be granted a few additional days leave by FCB head coach Pep Guardiola. The striker will commence training with FC Bayern on 11 July.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Giannelli Imbula - Porto (€20 million)

[article]Porto have signed Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula for a fee of €20 million.

Imbula, 22, drew favourable comparisons with Patrick Vieira for his leggy build and all-action displays in midfield for OM last season, with the player's father confirming former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was an admirer.

The player had been linked with Inter and Chelsea among others, but has signed a five-year deal with the Portuguese side with a buyout clause of €50m.

Imbula told the club's official website: "I'm extremely pleased to have signed for Porto. The sporting project is what moved me here. This is a club with many European titles in its history, with a great team, good players, and I am hoping it will be even better with my help.

"I talked to the coach [Julen Lopetegui] two or three times, and he convinced me to come. He told me that the way the team plays will be convenient for my qualities.

"I am happy to be here, at Porto, and I am hoping we can win many titles."

Earlier reports had suggested that Doyen Sports would contribute almost half of the fee to Marseille, though Porto have confirmed that the club hold "full percentage" of his rights.

The Belgian-born player is also eligible for France and Congo at international level, and has featured for Les Bleus at under-20 and under-21 level.

Imbula hit back at any suggestions he was moving to Portugal for the money -- with the 22-year-old reportedly set to become the highest-paid player in the Dragons' history -- by adding: "Porto isn't known for giving plenty of money to youngsters, so no one can accuse me of being a gold digger.

"I came here for the confidence relayed in me and for the sporting project I was shown. Leaving Marseille over Porto feels like I'm moving up in my career and I hope I'm able to confirm all the hopes the team has in me."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jackson Martinez - Atlético Madrid(€35 million)

[article]Porto have officially confirmed that forward Jackson Martinez will join Atletico Madrid for a fee of €35m.

The Colombian has been linked with several European clubs over the course of the close-season but in a statement on their official website, the Portuguese club confirmed the player will head to Vicente Calderon.

“Atletico Madrid informed Porto on Tuesday that they will activate the release clause of the player Jackson Martinez, for the value of €35m,” the statement reads.

The signing will come as a welcome boost to Diego Simeone’s side, who are looking to replace the recently departed Mario Mandzukic.[/article]

Infostrada Sports ‏@InfostradaLive https://twitter.com/InfostradaLive/status/616226818878767104
Jackson Martínez is the 9th FC Porto player sold for 30+ million Euros. No other team has sold more than 5 players for 30+ million Euros.

 

[King Binny]

Gorka Elustondo - Athletic Bilbao (free transfer)

[article]Athletic Bilbao have confirmed the signing of Gorka Elustondo from Basque rivals Real Sociedad on a two-year deal.

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, has reportedly signed a deal with a release clause of €30m.

He arrives at San Mames on a free transfer will now join up with his new teammates as Ernesto Valverde’s team begin their pre-season preparations.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eder - Swansea (reportedly £5 million)

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swansea-city-sign-portugal-striker-eder-from-braga-2508814.aspx]Swansea City have completed the signing of Portuguese international striker Eder from Braga for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old has penned a three-year deal after completing a successful medical over the weekend.

His arrival will boost Garry Monk’s attacking options, which already includes Bafe Gomis and summer signing Andre Ayew.

Eder, who was born in Guinea-Bissau but moved to Portugal as a child, scored ten goals in 29 appearances for Braga last season as they finished fourth in the top flight, while he was also in target in the club’s domestic cup final defeat to Sporting Lisbon.

He began his senior career in the lower leagues with Oliveira Hospital and Tourizense before joining Académica in 2008, with whom he won the club’s first Portuguese cup for 73 years.

His performances caught the attention of a number of European clubs, but he opted to join fellow Primeira Liga side Braga in 2012.

The 18-cap striker played in all three of Portugal’s World Cup games in Brazil last year as his nation went out at the group stage, while he scored his first international goal in a 1-0 win over Italy earlier last week.

Eder, who will wear squad number 17 for the 2015-16 campaign, becomes the club's fourth signing of the summer as he follows Ayew, Franck Tabanou and Kristoffer Nordfeldt to the Liberty. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Wilfried Kanon - Lille (reportedly €500k)

[article]ADO den Haag have sold Ivory Coast international Wilfried Kanon to Lille.

Kanon has signed a four-year deal for the French side, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season.

The centre-back rose to prominence by helping his country win the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. However Kanon’s season ended prematurely when he injured his meniscus in March. The 21 year old moves on after two years playing for ADO in the Netherlands.[/article]

OptaJean ‏@OptaJean https://twitter.com/OptaJean/status/616204889912406016
5.9 - Wilfried Kanon has averaged 5.9 clearances per game in Eredivisie 2014/15, more than any other ADO player. Dogue.

 

[King Binny]

Simon Makeinok - Charlton (loan)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-palermo-simon-makienok-transfer-championship-serie-a-2518715.aspx#w35ZhLjGKFcMKfPY.99]Charlton have continued their summer recruitment drive by securing 6ft 7in Denmark international Simon Makienok on a season-long loan from Palermo.

The giant 24-year-old striker made a name for himself with Danish 1st Division side HB Køge, netting 22 goals in 54 league appearances as a youngster before making the move to Brondby IF in 2012.

After plundering 35 goals in 74 league appearances for the Superliga giants, Makienok caught the attention of clubs across Europe, securing a big move to Serie A with Palermo last September and Guy Luzon has now moved to bring the forward to England until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.

The Næstved-born forward has earned full international recognition for Denmark, making his debut for his country in a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier in March 2013 and has won six caps in total, also featuring against Italy, Georgia, Armenia and Bulgaria.

Makienok is set to become the tallest player to have every appeared for the Addicks' first-team and will wear the number nine shirt during his time at The Valley.

"We now have a player who finally fills that number nine position we have been searching for," said Luzon of his third signing of the summer.

"He will make us stronger in attack and his height will give us a very different threat which defenders will find difficult to play against, but he is very good with his feet, also."

"I'm very pleased to welcome him to Charlton and to continue building my team for the Championship," he added.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lewis Holtby - Hamburg (reportedly £6 million)

[article]Hamburg have triggered their option to sign Lewis Holtby from Tottenham on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at the Bundesliga club, who had the option to make it permanent as part of the deal.

Holtby, who signed for Spurs under their former manager Andre Villas-Boas in January 2013, played 24 league games for Hamburg last season without scoring.

The Germany international, who has a British father, made 42 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, scoring three goals, but found himself unwanted by both AVB's successor Tim Sherwood and current head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Sherwood sent Holtby out on loan to Fulham as they unsuccessfully battled against relegation at the end of the 2013-14 season and then Holtby was allowed to join Hamburg shortly after Pochettino was appointed last summer.

Holtby began his career with Schalke before spells with Bochum and Mainz and represented four levels of Germany's youth set-up from U18 to U21. He has three caps for the senior side.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matej Vydra - Watford (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150629-watford-fc-vydra-signs-2511955.aspx#Y7z1Htlr56EOPTmr.99]WATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB is delighted to announce that Matej Vydra has signed a five-year contract with the Hornets.

Having penned a permanent deal, the 23-year-old is beginning preparations for the 2015/16 Premier League season with the rest of his Hornets' team-mates at UCL London Colney.

Vydra scored 16 times from 31 league starts during Watford’s promotion-winning campaign, adding to the 22 goals he scored during his first year at Vicarage Road in 2012/13.

The Czech Republic international, who spent a year in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2013/14, has 15 senior caps to his name and has also represented his country at various youth levels.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sylvain Distin - Bournemouth (free transfer)

[article=http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/official-afc-bournemouth-sign-sylvain-distin-2515246.aspx#qiG58mTEth62pbWu.99]Sylvain Distin has signed a one-year contract to become AFC Bournemouth’s sixth summer arrival.

Distin joins the Cherries on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Everton, where he spent six seasons and made more than 200 appearances.

The 37-year-old has played in the top flight for more than a decade after spells with Manchester City, Portsmouth and Newcastle United, as well as the Toffees.

An FA Cup winner with Pompey in 2008, the six-foot-four defender has also played in the Europa League.

Having spent time on loan at Newcastle in the previous season, he signed for Manchester City on a permanent basis in the summer of 2003 and was named the club’s player of the year at the end of his debut campaign.

He was then signed by former Cherries manager Harry Redknapp and played a key part in the most successful chapter in Portsmouth history, winning his first major honour in English football as he collected an FA Cup winner’s medal in 2008.

Distin moved to Merseyside after two seasons at Fratton Park and set a new record for the most appearances made by a foreign outfield player in the Premier League, with his current total standing at 457.[/article]