Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Didier Digard - Real Betis (free transfer)

[article]Newly-promoted Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Didier Digard from French outfit Nice.

The 28-year-old arrives at Estadio Benito Villamarin on a free transfer after his contract at his previous club expired. He has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Andalusians.

The defensive midfielder, capped at U21 level, has also had spells at Le Havre, Paris St Germain and Middlesbrough.


“I am very happy,” Digard told Betis’ official website. “I am coming to a club that looks after its players very well.

“I hope to bring balance to the centre of the pitch and the transition between defence and attack.”[/article]

Cristiano Piccini - Real Betis (undisclosed fee)

[article]Real Betis have completed the permanent signing of Cristiano Piccini from Fiorentina on a four-year contract, with La Viola retaining two repurchase options.

The Italian right-back spent last season on loan with Los Verdiblancos, helping the side return to La Liga at the first time of asking as champions.

Consequently, Eduardo Macia – the former Fiorentina technical director who is now Betis’ sporting director – has brokered a permanent deal for the 23-year-old, although his previous employers can buy him back at the end of the next two seasons.

However, the fee paid by Betis to Fiorentina, along with those for the repurchase options, have not been disclosed.[/article]

Rico Strieder - Utrecht

Hugo Almeida - Anzhi Makhachkala

[article]Portugal forward Hugo Almeida has joined Anzhi Makhachkala from fellow Russian Premier League side Kuban Krasnodar, the club announced on Wednesday.

Almeida, who has scored 19 goals in 57 internationals, signed a two-year contract with Anzhi the club's official website (www.fc-anji.ru) said.

The 31-year-old has played for FC Porto, Werder Bremen, Besiktas and Cesena before joining Krasnodar in January where he scored twice in 10 league games.

Anzhi won promotion back to the Russian Premier League for the 2015/16 season and start their campaign at home to Krylya Sovetov Samara on July 19. (Reporting By Dmitriy Rogovitskiy, editing by Tom Hayward)[/article]

Antonio Luna - Eibar

[article]Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of defender Antonio Luna to Spanish club Eibar.

Luna joined from Sevilla in a £2million deal in June 2013 and scored on his debut in a 3-1 Barclays Premier League win at Arsenal.

But the 24-year-old left-back made only 17 starts for Villa and was loaned to Italian club Hellas Verona last season before moving to Serie B club Spezia Calcio for the second half of the campaign.

Confirming Luna's departure on their official Twitter account, Villa said: "Good luck to @AntoniiioLuna who leaves us to join @SDEibar. Best of the luck for the future Antonio! £AVFC"

Eibar confirmed on their club website that Luna has signed a two-year deal with the Primera Division club and will be officially presented before the media on Friday. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Moi Gomez - Getafe (loan)

[article]Villarreal attacking midfielder Moi Gómez has joined Getafe on a season-long loan, as the 21-year-old looks to earn more minutes this season.

Gomez was seen at Getafe’s pre-season camp in Segovia on Wednesday and the 21-year-old is believed to be close to finalising a deal to make the move to the club after he was seen going through drills with the team and taking orders from new manager Fran Escriba.

The club then confirmed the deal on Thursday, after the midfielder passed his standard medical, an announcement that was soon confirmed by Villarreal.

Gomez was a promising player for Villarreal but conflicts with manager Marcelino saw the midfielder play just 17 La Liga matches last season and force him to look for more opportunities.

The Rojales-born player spent his entire career with Villarreal, coming up through the club’s youth system before making his official debut in 2011.

In Villarreal’s 2012-13 campaign, Gomez played 24 games as he helped lead the club back to the Primera Division, but was soon considered surplus to the requirement.[/article]

Birkir Bjarnason - Basel (undisclosed fee)

[article]Basel have announced the signing of Pescara captain Birkir Bjarnason on a three-year deal, beating out Torino in the process.

The 27-year-old Icelandic international enjoyed a superb season in the Serie B, as his side narrowly missed out on promotion, netting 12 goals in 38 appearances.

Torino had reached an agreement with Pescara earlier this month, but the move fell through, and Basel swooped in to steal his signature despite reported late interest from Palermo and Benfica.

Basel announced on their official Twitter account on Thursday night that they had signed Bjarnason for an undisclosed fee, and handed him a three-year contract.

Pescara signed Bjarnason from Sampdoria last summer, after being previously co-owned by both sides and quickly re-established himself as an important cog for the team.[/article]

Aridane Hernández - Granada

[article]La Liga side Granada have plucked 26-year-old defender Aridane Hernandez from the lower leagues in Spain.

Aridane Hernandez Umpierrez has joined La Liga side Granada on a two-year contract, the club have announced on Thursday via their official website and social networks.

The 26-year-old centre-back spent the formative years of his football career with Real Madrid, followed by a spell in the youth academy at Liverpool during the 2007-08 season.

However, unable to make the grade with The Reds, the Spaniard headed back to his home country to look for alternative opportunities, but found himself playing in the third-tier for the likes of Real Valladolid B, SD Ceuta and Deportivo Alaves.

In 2012 Aridane moved to Segunda B outfit CD Eldense in Alicante province, but it's his displays during the 2014-15 season that caught the eye of a number of top-flight clubs, after making 38 appearances and scoring one goal.

Back in 2013, reports in Diario Informacion linked Aridane with regular scouting interest from Atletico Madrid, as well as Premier League side Swansea City.

Following the announcement of his signing, Aridane trained with the first-team squad in their first session of pre-season, at Nuevo Los Carmenes on Thursday evening.

Amidst expectations that Aridane will be shipped out on loan to Cadiz, at this stage it is believed Granada manager Jose Ramon Sandoval wants to take a look at the player first, before any final decisions are made.[/article]

Daniele Verde - Frosinone (loan)

[article]Roma have loaned youngster Daniele Verde to newly-promoted Frosinone for the coming season.

The 19-year-old made seven Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi last season, managing two assists, and the Lupi have decided he needs more playing time to develop.

“Frosinone Calcio announces that it has acquired the player Daniele Verde,” a statement announced.

“The 19-year-old midfielder arrives from Roma on a temporary basis.”

Verde has also been capped three times by the Italian Under-19 side, scoring once.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Diego Forlan - Penarol (free transfer)

[article]Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan has signed with Uruguayan Primera Division side Penarol, where he played as a boy, the club announced on Friday.

Forlan, 36, began his youth career with the Montevideo club, where his father Pablo also starred in the 1960s. He signed an 18-month contract.

"I didn't do it for my dad, I did it for myself," Forlan said. "If it makes me happy and all those around me even happier, then for me it will be all that much better.

"I am coming to enjoy football and to try to win matches and titles with Penarol."

Forlan, who earned 112 caps for Uruguay before announcing his international retirement in March, recently left Japanese club Cerezo Osaka after his 18-month contract expired.

"With a surname linked to the club's history, son of a champion of the Americas and the world with Penarol, Diego will wear the yellow and black as he did when he was a boy and dreamt of being a professional footballer," the club said.

The former Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter striker will make his debut in his native country on Aug. 8, Uruguayan media reported. He will be presented on Saturday at 12:30 local time.[/article]

Mariano Damian Barbosa - Villarreal (free transfer)

[article]Villarreal have re-signed Argentinian goalkeeper Mariano Barbosa on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old, who played 21 times in his first spell at the club, comes back after eight years away.

Barbosa had one year left on his Sevilla contract but terminated the deal by mutual consent.

The Yellow Submarines released a statement reading: "Villarreal and Mariano Barbosa have reached an agreement for the return of the Argentinian goalkeeper, who has signed a contract for the next two seasons.

"Barbosa joins us as a free agent having spent last season at Sevilla.

"The goalkeeper had previously kept 51 clean sheets in 170 appearances for UD Las Palmas from 2010 until 2014."[/article]

Che Nunnely - Ajax

[article]Ajax has signed youth player Che Nunnely. The 16 year old right winger signed a three-year contract contract that is effective per July 1, 2015.

Director of football affairs Marc Overmars is pleased with the agreement: “Che is doing very well. He’s incredibly fast and has the right qualities to break through. We can expect a lot from Che.”

Che transferred from FC Utrecht to Ajax in 2012. The driven youth player drew attention during last season’s Future Cup match against Juventus and made debuts with both the under 19 and under 17 teams.

Che Nunnely doensn’t hide his pleasure: “This is really a great reward for the hard work from the past few seasons. I’m very happy and proud that Ajax has offered me a contract.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rod Fanni - Al Arabi (free transfer)

1 year deal

 

[Oncy]

Fucking hell.
It all kicked off tonight.

 

[King Binny]

Bastian Schweinsteiger - Manchester United (reportedly £5.75 million)

[article=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jul/manchester-united-reach-agreement-to-sign-bastian-schweinsteiger-from-bayern-munich.aspx]Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, subject to a medical and personal terms.

A further announcement will be made when the process is complete.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Georginio Wijnaldum - Newcastle (£14.5 million)

[article=http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20150711/united-complete-wijnaldum-signing_2281670_4856439]Newcastle United have completed the signing of Netherlands international midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV Eindhoven.

The 24-year-old moves to St. James' Park on a five-year deal to become the Magpies' first signing under new head coach Steve McClaren.

The deal for Wijnaldum represents the third highest transfer fee in the Club's history, after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

"I'm delighted to be a Newcastle United player," said Wijnaldum.

"I felt the time was right for me to move and the Club have shown they really want me, so I'm very happy to be here.

"There's a few players here who are from Holland - I know them well and they will help me feel at home in Newcastle.

"I know the Club has a great stadium with great fans. I want to play here as soon as possible - I want to feel the atmosphere and hear the crowd. I cannot wait to get started."

Steve McClaren added: "This signing is a real statement for the Club. It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the Club.

"He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skillful but is also capable of playing box-to-box, and - importantly - he can score goals.

"He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it, and we need that kind of character in the team."

Born in Rotterdam, Wijnaldum began his career with local side Sparta Rotterdam, remaining with them for seven seasons before joining neighbouring Feyenoord.

Wijnaldum made his first team debut for Feyenoord aged just 16, earning a man of the match award in what would be the first of 134 appearances in five seasons at De Kuip.

Shortly after being called into the Dutch senior squad for the first time in 2011, the midfielder made the switch to Eredivisie rivals PSV, where he would register 56 goals in 152 appearances before arriving on Tyneside.

As captain of PSV, Wijnaldum led the club to the Eredivisie title last season and was crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year 2014/15.

With 19 caps for the Netherlands, Wijnaldum becomes the fifth Dutch international in Steve McClaren's squad alongside Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong.[/article]

Emiliano Insua - Stuttgart (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2015/neuzugang-emiliano-insua/page/3773-1-1-.html?]VfB Stuttgart have secured the services of Emiliano Insua. The 26-year-old moves from Atletico Madrid to VfB, signing on in Stuttgart until 2018. The details of the transfer remain undisclosed.

Born in Buenos Aires, Emiliano Insua’s career began in 2006 in the Boca Juniors youth teams, before he signed for Liverpool FC in January 2007. Aside from the 'Reds', the defender also plied his trade in Europe with Galatasaray Instanbul, Sporting Lisbon, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, from where he was on loan from the Madrid club. In total, the defensive specialist has made a total of 187 professional appearances, including games in the Champions League and Europa League, scoring eight goals along the way.

In 2007, Insua won his first cap with Argentina’s U20 national team at the youth World Cup in Canada. Emiliano Insua worked his way through further youth national teams, before finally making his debut for the "Albiceleste" in 2009.

"The transfer of Emiliano Insua is a further step in our squad planning. We are delighted that he will be wearing the shirt with the infamous red hoop in the future and we wish him all the very best for a good start at VfB," commented Robin Dutt, VfB’s Director of Sport, on the signing of Emiliano Insua.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Frederik Sorensen - Cologne (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.fc-koeln.de/en/fc-info/news/detailpage/details/frederik-soerensen-joins-1-fc-koeln/]1. FC Köln has completed the transfer of Danish central defender Frederik Sorensen. The 23 year-old arrives from Italian champions Juventus Turin. The two clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee. Sorensen’s contract runs until June 30th, 2019, and he will wear the number 4 for FC.

The 194cm Frederik Sorensen first made the move from Danish club Lyngby Bk to Juventus Turin back in 2010 as an 18 year-old on a loan deal. One year later he made the transfer official. In the following years he played on loan at FC Bologna (2012 to 2014) and at Hellas Verona (2014 to 2015). In this time he appeared in 69 Serie A matches and scored 2 goals.

“I am happy that we got Frederik Sorensen as reinforcement for our central defense. He has shown his potential in the Serie A, even at a very young age,” said FC General Manager Jörg Schmadtke. “He has featured for the Danish youth teams and has all the requirements we look for in a player to strengthen our squad.”

FC Manager Peter Stöger states: “It was no secret that we were looking to add a central defender. I think it worked out really well for us with Frederik Sorensen. He brings a lot of potential to our team and can help us right away.”

“1. FC Köln is an interesting club and they have impressed me with their developments,” said Frederik Sorensen. “Of course 1. FC Köln is known in Denmark and in Italy, so I am very happy to become part of this traditional club.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Stewart - Swindon (loan)

[article=http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/stewart-signs-on-loan-2540080.aspx#3kl7p67FRiSZyrX2.99]TOWN have completed the loan signing of Kevin Stewart from Liverpool.

The defender will remain at the CG until the end of the 2015/16 season.

Formerly with Tottenham as a youngster, Stewart joined Liverpool's Academy in July 2014 after leaving Spurs.

Last term he enjoyed loan spells with Cheltenham Town and finished the campaign at Burton Albion where he scored a dramatic winner which saw the Brewers clinch the League 2 title. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

John Guidetti - Celta Vigo (free transfer)

[article]Celta Vigo have snapped up former Manchester City striker John Guidetti on a free transfer.

Guidetti, who spent last season on loan at Celtic, has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish club.

"The Swedish striker John Guidetti, a target for leading clubs in various European leagues, has joined the exciting project of Real Club Celta," the club said in a statement. "The striker, who has signed a five-year contract, will be presented on Sunday."

Celta are are hoping the 23-year-old can rediscover the form that he showed prior to suffering a virus in 2012 that threatened to derail his career.

Guidetti joined City as a youngster in 2008 but made his name during a loan spell with Feyenoord, when he scored 20 goals in 23 Eredivisie appearances, earning full Sweden honours in the process.

However, he was unable to complete the season after suffering from a virus. He returned to Manchester City, but was not fit enough to play until the following January, at which point he suffered a knee injury while featuring for the reserves.

In January 2014, more than 18 months after his final appearance for Feyenoord, he joined Stoke on loan, but made only six substitute appearances.

A season with Celtic last campaign was more successful as he scored 15 times in 35 appearances, but the Scottish champions chose not to make the move permanent.

Guidetti enjoyed a fine summer, however, as he helped Sweden to victory at the European Under-21 Championship, scoring in penalty shoot-out which settled the final against Portugal.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Alex Baptiste - Middlesbrough (undisclosed fee)

New signing Alex Baptiste has suffered a suspected broken leg while making his debut for Middlesbrough.

Baptiste was stretchered off before half-time during Boro’s friendly with York following lengthy treatment on the pitch after being injured in a challenge by a triallist.

The 29-year-old defender moved to the Riverside Stadium on Monday from fellow Championships side Bolton on a three-year deal.

"I don't like to speak about football after that," Boro manager Aitor Karanka told the club’s website. "I lost the game after what happened to Alex.

"I don't know exactly what has happened, but it looks like a serious injury, and he could be out for a long time. I think it is a complete break but we need to wait and see.

"It's the worst way to start pre-season."

 

[King Binny]

Giampaolo Pazzini - Verona (free transfer)

[article]Giampaolo Pazzini was presented to fans as a Hellas Verona player after being released by Milan.

The centre-forward turns 31 next month and was a free agent.

His signature has not been formally announced yet, but he was at tonight’s presentation of the 2015-16 squad and is called up for pre-season training.

That included the unveiling of the new team strip for this season.

Despite interest from Bologna and clubs abroad, Il Pazzo opted to join Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi.

He’ll be reunited with his former Fiorentina teammate Luca Toni, who won the Capocannoniere title last term.

Pazzini grew up in the Atalanta youth academy, going on to Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Inter and joined Milan in 2012.

The striker has scored over 100 Serie A goals.[/article]

Pedro Luis Cavanda - Trabzonspor (reportedly €1.75 million)

[article]Lazio defender Pedro Luis Cavanda has signed for Trabzonspor, confirmed the Turkish club.

The 24-year-old Belgian arrived for a reported €1.75m.

“We have the necessary signatures from the club and a verbal agreement with the player,” secretary general Koksal Guney told sabah.com.tr.

“I see no problems in completing the transfer.”

Cavanda first joined Lazio’s youth academy in 2007, going on loan spells to Torino and Bari.

He had previously been linked with Besiktas.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Valon Behrami - Watford (£3 million)

[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150710-valon-behrami-watford-fc-premier-league-2539095.aspx#Zz2dAxwLrPK5KCqI.99]WATFORD FC is delighted to announce the signing of Switzerland international Valon Behrami on a three-year deal.

The Yugoslavia-born midfielder completed a move back to the Premier League from Hamburg, after previously spending two-and-a-half top-flight years with West Ham United between July 2008 and January 2011.

Internationally, Behrami has made over 50 appearances for his country, making the Swiss squad at three FIFA World Cup tournaments and UEFA Euro 2008.

As well as his spell in England, the 30-year-old has also played at some of Italy’s top teams including Lazio, Fiorentina and Napoli.

Behrami featured during Napoli’s 2013/14 Coppa Italia final victory against Fiorentina in Rome.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ciro Immobile - Sevilla (1 season loan for reportedly €3 million)

[article=http://www.bvb.de/eng/News/Overview/Ciro-Immobile-to-make-loan-move-to-FC-Sevilla]Borussia Dortmund have agreed on a deal in principle which will see BVB forward Ciro Immobile move on loan to Spanish top-tier outfit FC Sevilla.

The move will see the Italy international striker join the La Liga outfit on a season-long loan deal until 30 June 2016, subject to an obligatory medical.[/article]

 

[Hansern]

Sevilla wanted Immobile before he went to Dortmund apparently.
14 mill to make the deal permanent I think.
Will be interesting to see if Monchi pulls off another and that Immobile scores some goals for Sevilla.

 

[King Binny]

Sevilla wanted Immobile before he went to Dortmund apparently.
14 mill to make the deal permanent I think.
Will be interesting to see if Monchi pulls off another and that Immobile scores some goals for Sevilla.

Still only 25 years old. I think he should fare well if he gets to feature regularly (though I think Sevilla might bring in another striker).

 

[King Binny]

Iker Casillas - Porto

[article=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/07/official-statement-iker-casillas]Ial Madrid C. F. and FC Porto have reached a deal on the transfer of Iker Casillas to the Portuguese club.

For Real Madrid today is a day, above all, of thanks and recognition. One of the best goalkeepers in this club is not just leaving, today the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the club and in the history of Spanish football is moving on to a new stage in his footballing career.

This goodbye evokes thousands of sensations and memories charged with hope, anticipation, sacrifice, strength and unique triumph. Iker Casillas has made our coat of arms even greater. He has been our captain and has forged his legend here since he arrived as a child at just nine years of age.

Our club is 113 years old and Casillas has worn our jersey for 25 of those years. During that time he has become one of our finest leaders and has won the respect, affection, admiration and love of the fans beyond colours and affiliations.

3 European Cups, 1 World Club Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 2 European Supercups, 5 Ligas, 2 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Supercups with Real Madrid and 1 World Cup and 2 European Championships with the ultimate Spanish national side are an important part of his legacy, but there is much, much more. The Zamora trophy, the Bravo trophy and chosen 5 times as the best goalkeeper in the world. Added to all this is the Premio Príncipe de Asturias de los Deportes (Prince of Asturias Sporting Award).

The complete list is endless and impressive, but above all it is an honour and pride of themadridistas. Iker is leaving, but his legacy is here forever. His attitude and actions in the 725 games he played in our jersey shine a light on the path for those who dream of being part of this team.

Thank you Iker, for everything you have done. Thank you for being a symbol of the best in our history. You are going but we will never forget that you'll always belong to the heart of Real Madrid.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matteo Darmian - Man United (£12.7 million plus add ons)

[article=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jul/manchester-united-completes-signing-of-italy-defender-matteo-darmian.aspx]Manchester United is delighted to announce that Matteo Darmian has completed his transfer from Torino. Matteo joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.

Darmian, 25, has made 146 appearances and scored 5 league goals for Torino since his debut in 2011. The defender has 13 international caps for Italy and was part of their World Cup squad last summer in Brazil.

Matteo Darmian said: “It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. I have loved the time that I have spent at Torino and I would like to thank the club and the fans for everything they have done for me. I am sure they can understand when the opportunity to join the biggest club in world came along it was something I had to do.

"To work with Louis van Gaal, a manager that has achieved so much in football is such an exciting prospect."

Louis van Gaal said: "Matteo is a right-sided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League.

"Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Glen Johnson - Stoke (free transfer)
[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/johnson-joins-potters-2542327.aspx#QSYTep2e1sgKC5zh.99]STOKE CITY are delighted to welcome England right-back Glen Johnson to the Britannia Stadium, subject to finalising the formalities.

The 30-year-old has signed an initial two-year contract, with the potential for a third year, after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2014/15 Premier League season.

He becomes the Potters’ sixth signing of the summer and has since arrived in Singapore to meet up with his new teammates ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy next week.

Johnson, who has also served West Ham, Chelsea and Portsmouth and been capped 54 times by England, made 200 league and cup appearances for Liverpool in a six-year spell at Anfield following an £18million move in 2009.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: “Glen’s record speaks for itself. He has a wealth of experience having a regular at international level for more than a decade and played the finals of the World Cup and European Championships.

“There was no shortage of clubs interested in him after he left Liverpool but he very much sees his future as a Stoke City player and we are delighted he has chosen to join us.”

Speaking from the Far East, manager Mark Hughes said: “Glen will be a fantastic addition to our squad. He commanded a huge transfer fee when he left Portsmouth for Liverpool but dealt with the pressure that comes with that.

“He’s a talented defender who also chips in with goals - as we discovered last season when he scored the winner against us at Anfield – and having spoken to him I know how much he’s looking forward to being a Stoke player.”[/article][/article]

 

[Red Astaire]

GlenJo looks erm....Stoked to be joining them. A picture of happiness.

 

[King Binny]

Eduardo da Silva - Shakhtar (free transfer)

[article=http://shakhtar.com/en/news/35871]The football club and Eduardo have agreed all the necessary formalities regarding the Croatian forward’s transfer to Shakhtar. The length of the player’s contract is one and a half years.

- A chance to return to the team, which is always in your heart, comes once in a lifetime. Especially to Shakhtar! Therefore, I am very happy. I really wanted it, and now I feel a great sense of relief. Everything was resolved exactly as I dreamed! – Eduardo shared his emotions.

FC Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin has commented on signing the contract:

- We are delighted that such a talented and high-class player like Eduardo will again defend the colours of Shakhtar. We hope it will help our team win new trophies and reach the ambitious targets set by Shakhtar.

Profile
Eduardo
Born February 25, 1983

Played for Dinamo (Zagreb, Croatia), Inter (Zapresic, Croatia), Arsenal (London, England), Shakhtar (Donetsk, Ukraine), Flamengo (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Played 113 games for Shakhtar, scoring 36 goals in the following competitions:

Ukrainian league - 81 games, 24 goals
Ukrainian Cup - 13 games, 8 goals
Ukrainian Super Cup - 1 game
European competitions - 18 games, 4 goals

Trophies
As part of Shakhtar: four-time Ukrainian league winner (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014), three-time winner of Ukrainian Cup (2011, 2012 and 2013) and Ukrainian Super Cup holder (2012)

As part of other clubs: two-time Croatian league winner (2006, 2007), two-time winner of Croatian Cup (2004, 2007), three-time winner of Croatian Super Cup (2003, 2004, 2006)

Part of the Croatia national team from 2004 to 2014. Played 64 matches, scoring 29 goals.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Morgan Schneiderlin - Man Utd (reportedly £24 million with potential add ons up to £3 million)

[article=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jul/Manchester-United-sign-France-midfielder-Morgan-Schneiderlin.aspx?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ManUtd]Manchester United is delighted to announce that Morgan Schneiderlin has completed his transfer from Southampton. Morgan joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.

Schneiderlin, 25, has made 253 appearances and scored 15 times for Southampton since his debut in 2008. The French international has made nine appearances for his country.

Morgan Schneiderlin said: "I am delighted to be a Manchester United player. Once I learned that United were interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make. I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart. But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss.

"I’m excited to be starting that journey on our trip to the USA. I know what Manchester United means to fans all over the world and I’m looking forward to experiencing that."

Louis van Gaal said: "Morgan is a very talented player with great energy and ability. His skills will complement the players that we already have and I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this deal before the tour to the United States. That training camp will be very important in our preparations for the new season and gives Morgan and the other players a chance to show our fans what they can achieve together."[/article]

Andrey Arshavin - Kuban Krasnodar (free transfer)

[article]Former Russia captain Andrei Arshavin has signed a one-year deal with Kuban Krasnodar as a free agent, the Russian Premier League club said on their website (www.fckuban.ru) on Monday.

The 34-year-old midfielder, whose Zenit St Petersburg contract ended last month, scored 17 goals in 74 internationals.

He played most of his career at Zenit before moving to English side Arsenal in 2009, where he netted 23 times in 105 games. He rejoined Zenit in June 2013, after a short loan spell back at the club the previous season.

Kuban, who are based in the south and finished 10th last term, appointed a new coach in June when Dmitri Khokhlov, who once played with Arshavin for Russia, took over.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Asmir Begovic - Chelsea (reportedly £8 million)

[article=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/07/begovic-transfer-completed.html]Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Asmir Begovic from Stoke City.

Goalkeeper Begovic, 28, has signed a four-year contract, and becomes our second signing of the summer following the arrival of Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.

Begovic said: ‘I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC. After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour.'

Thibaut Courtois will remain No. 13 with Begovic taking the vacant number No.1 shirt.

Begovic, who stands 6ft 6in, had spent the previous five-and-a-half years with Stoke having joined from his first professional club Portsmouth in early 2010.

At the Britannia Stadium he made 172 appearances, quickly establishing himself as first choice, and scored the Premier League’s longest-ever goal when he netted a clearance from inside his own penalty area against Southampton in November 2013.

Born in the former Yugoslavia, Begovic spent his childhood in Germany and Canada, representing the latter at the Under-20 World Cup before opting to play at senior level for Bosnia-Herzegovina. He was their first-choice goalkeeper at their World Cup finals debut in Brazil last year, and has accumulated 41 caps so far.[/article]

Robin van Persie - Fenerbahce (reportedly €4.7 million)

 

[King Binny]

Filippo Costa - Bournemouth (loan)

[article=http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/afc-bournemouth-set-to-sign-costa-on-loan-from-chievo-2543665.aspx#qffZ0gVFzbXLyBrM.99]AFC Bournemouth are set to sign Filippo Costa, who will be part of the club’s under-21s squad, subject to international clearance.

Joining from Chievo on a season long loan, the Italy under-20s full-back will continue his development with Stephen Purches’ squad.

“Filippo is a left back with very good quality,” Richard Hughes, who is part of the club’s recruitment department, told afcb.co.uk.

“He has good delivery and has a good engine. He will fit the mould of a Bournemouth full-back because his main attributes are offensive.

“I can’t be neutral but, from all the football I have seen, Bournemouth are the best club for coaching full-backs to play in the manner I think they should.

“Filippo has the attributes to do that. He’s a good younger player but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him because there’s clearly a lot of issues for him to deal with.

“If we allow him to develop, I’m sure he will fulfil that potential here.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Nicola Leali - Frosinone (loan)

[article=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2015/leali-joins-frosinone-on-loan-.php]Nicola Leali will spend the 2015/16 campaign with newly promoted Frosinone after agreeing terms on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who featured for Cesena last term, will now join up with the Canarini for their pre-season preparations. [/article]

Isaac Donkor - Bari (loan with option to buy)

[article]Inter sent 19-year-old right-back Isaac Donkor to Serie B team Bari on loan with option to buy.

The move was completed today for the Ghanaian talent, who grew up in the youth academies of Padova and Inter.

Bari have an option to buy, but the Nerazzurri also have a counter-option.

Donkor has two Serie A appearances under his belt.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Claudio Ranieri - Leicester (First Team Manager)

[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/leicester-city-appoint-claudio-ranieri-as-first-team-manager-2544745.aspx#H0iFwez0EBrQk5qX.99]Leicester City Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the Club’s new First Team Manager.

The 63-year-old Italian has agreed a three-year contract at King Power Stadium to begin his second spell of Premier League management, following a successful four years at Chelsea between 2000 and 2004.

A vastly experienced tactician renowned for his methodical approach and entertaining style of play, Claudio’s near 30-year coaching career has included spells in charge of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In addition to Chelsea, the popular Roman can count Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Roma among his former employers.

Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Director of Football Jon Rudkin flew Claudio out to the Club’s pre-season training camp in Austria on Monday, where he was introduced to the squad and began work immediately.

Leicester City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome Claudio Ranieri – a man of remarkable experience and knowledge that will lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan for Leicester City.

“His achievements in the game, his knowledge of English football and his record of successfully coaching some of the world’s finest players made him the outstanding candidate for the job and his ambitions for the future reflect our own.

“To have attracted one of the world’s elite managers speaks volumes both for the progress Leicester City has made in recent years and for the potential that remains for the Club’s long-term development.”

Claudio Ranieri said: “I'm so glad to be here in a Club with such a great tradition as Leicester City. I have worked at many great clubs, in many top leagues, but since I left Chelsea I have dreamt of another chance to work in the best league in the world again.

“I wish to thank the owner, his son and all the executives of the Club for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I've only one way for returning their trust: squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team.”

Having met the Leicester City squad on Monday afternoon, Claudio will oversee his first training session on Tuesday morning – assisted by Craig Shakespeare, Steve Walsh and the existing City backroom team – and will remain with the group for the remainder of their training camp in Bad Radkersburg.

He will have the opportunity to see the squad in action for the first time next Tuesday (21 July), when City begin their pre-season friendly schedule with a trip to Lincoln City.

Leicester also face friendly fixtures at Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, Rotherham United and Birmingham City, before kicking off the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season against Sunderland at King Power Stadium on Saturday 8 August.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stephan El Shaarawy - Monaco (loan for reportedly €3 million with mandatory option to buy at €15 million)

[article=http://www.asmonaco.com/en/article/el-shaarawy-joins-as-monaco-68391.html?]AS Monaco and AC Milan have agreed a season-long loan deal for Stephan El Shaarawy, with an option to buy.

Stephan El Shaarawy is set to join AS Monaco. After making over 100 appearances for AC Milan (scoring 27 goals), the 22 year-old Italian international forward will now be embarking on the next leg of his career in the Principality.

The “Pharaoh” is preparing to link up with Leonardo Jardim’s squad, currently on a training camp in Saint-Vincent (Italy).

Stephan El Shaarawy - AS Monaco forward: "I’m hugely excited to be signing here in the Principality. I’m delighted and thrilled. I’d like to thank the President of AS Monaco for this opportunity. I hope to have a great season with AS Monaco and please the AS Monaco supporters."

Vadim Vasilyev, Vice-President & CEO of AS Monaco: "We are immensely proud to welcome Stephan El Shaarawy, whose arrival represents a high point for our recruitment strategy.
Stephan El Shaarawy has several seasons’ experience playing at the highest level, and at the same time he represents the future.

His talent saw him burst on to the world football stage a while ago, and we are convinced that AS Monaco will allow him to realise his full potential."[/article]

 

[LeTallecWiz]

HUH? How on earth did he go from one of the hottest prospects in world football to Monaco?

 

[King Binny]

Ruben Baraja - Elche (Manager)

[article]Elche, who have been relegated from La Liga because of their financial problems, have announced that Ruben Baraja is the club's new first team manager.

Baraja, 40, started his new job on Monday, working with the squad at the club's training ground before being officially presented as the new man in charge.

His objective is to return the club to the top flight of Spanish football and he has signed a two-year deal.

The former footballer spent his playing career with Real Valladolid, who he debuted for in 1993, Atletico Madrid and Valencia, where he won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, a UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup.

Since retiring, he has worked as commentator for television, before becoming the assistant manager to Gregorio Manzano at Atletico Madrid in 2011, before Manzano was sacked and replaced by Diego Simeone.

In July 2013 he took on a role at Valencia's academy and in December of the same year briefly became the coach of Los Che's second team, Valencia Mestalla, while Nico Estevez took on first team duties. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

HUH? How on earth did he go from one of the hottest prospects in world football to Monaco?

Think he has had injury problems in recent seasons. With the attacking recruits AC Milan has made, doubt he will have much game time. Wonder if there's any kind of sell back or first refusal option for AC Milan though.