Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Lorenzo Crisetig - Bologna (2 season loan with compulsory buyout clause)

[article]Bologna have announced the signing of Inter midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig on a two-year loan with a compulsory buyout clause.

The Italy Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he made 28 Serie A appearances.

Newly-promoted Bologna announced their capture of the 22-year-old with a statement on their official website this morning.

“Bologna FC announce the signing from Inter the rights for the midfielder Lorenzo Crisetig on a two-year loan deal with a compulsory buyout clause,” read the statement.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Maxi Pereira - Porto (free transfer)

[article]Uruguay international defender Maxi Pereira has crossed one of the greatest divides in Portuguese football after signing a three-year deal with Porto.

Pereira, who spent the past eight seasons with reigning Primera Liga champions Benfica, arrived at Porto's training camp in the Dutch town of Horst on Wednesday, ahead of the club's friendly against Fortuna Sittard.

The 31-year-old right-back told Porto's official channel he could not wait to start pre-season as he looks to win another league title, but this time in blue and white rather than red.

"I am very happy to be here and be part of this group, and I've been wanting to train," said Pereira, who was part of Uruguay's Copa America squad.

"We hope the best for the team, I want to integrate myself in the group and be another player working hard to reach the goal, which is to be champion with FC Porto."

Pereira has 105 caps for Uruguay and played a key role in Benfica winning the Primeira Liga for the past two seasons.

The former Defensor Sporting man won three league titles during his time with the Lisbon-based club, playing 212 times in the Primeira Liga before deciding to join one of Benfica's fiercest rivals.

Prior to Benfica's two straight league crowns, Porto won three in a row.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Amin Younes - Ajax (undisclosed fee)

[article]Ajax Amsterdam have announced the signing of Borussia Mönchengladbach's Amin Younes on a three-year deal.

No transfer fee has been announced as of yet, although the Foals' sporting director Max Eberl said the deal "satisfied all parties" and was a good choice" for their former attacking midfielder.

Comfortable on either wing or through the middle, Younes spent last season on loan with 1. FC Kaiserslautern in order to gain some first-team minutes. He made 14 appearances, scoring twice and assisting once, as the Red Devils narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Bundesliga.

After featuring in a further 26 games in the top division for his parent club, he opted for a move abroad to try his hand at establishing himself as a true starting eleven player. Ajax is that club, and despite the abundance of exciting wingers at the club, it is synonymous with developing young talent.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was also recently with Germany under-21's in the Czech Republic, though a series of good performances couldn't prevent the Germans from crashing out in the semi-finals.

"I feel especially welcome at Ajax. Over the last while I have had good conversations with Marc Overmars and Frank de Boer," explained Younes.

He said that Ajax is a "great club" and somewhere he would "like to develop further". Younes described it as "an honor" to turn out for Ajax, and compared the Dutch club to "the Bayern Munich of the Netherlands". He concluded, "It is a very big club."

Frank de Boer, Ajax coach, spoke about the qualities of his new signing: "He is not big, but explosive. There lies his strength. Sometimes when a game is level, a player like that can force anything for you. Younes is such a player." [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Robinho - Guangzhou Evergrande (free transfer)

[article]Brazilian forward Robinho has become the latest high-profile player to head to China, joining Guangzhou Evergrande, the club with the biggest budget in the Chinese Super League.

Evergrande announced the six-month deal in a statement, although it has not been revealed how much the Brazil international will earn.

Robinho makes the move from Santos, where he had returned after his time in Europe, including a spell at Real Madrid, and has agreed to give the Asian giants first option on a possible extension.

In China the 31-year-old will link up with compatriot Paulinho, another recent signing, and former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who replaced ex-'Los Blancos' defender Fabio Cannavaro at the helm in early June.

Evergrande currently lie second in the Chinese Super League, which they have won for the last four seasons on the bounce, a point behind Beijing Guoan, who are coached by Spaniard Gregorio Manzano.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Zeljko Brkic - Carpi (loan)

[article]Carpi have officially announced the signing of Udinese goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic on a season-long loan.

The ‘keeper spent the second half of last season on loan at Cagliari, and has joined the newly-promoted side on a temporary basis.

“Carpi FC announces the temporary acquisition of Zeljko Brkic from Udinese until 30 June 2016,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“The Serbian goalkeeper has four seasons of Serie A experience, and 10 appearances for his national team.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Otavio - Vitoria Guimaraes (loan)

Lica - Vitoria Guimaraes (loan)

Both players from Porto

 

[King Binny]

Ervin Zukanovic - Sampdoria ( €2.9 million plus ownership of Fabrizio Cacciatore)

[article]After weeks of speculation, Sampdoria have officially beaten Inter to signing Chievo full-back Ervin Zukanovic.

“I am happy to be here, but also tired, so I plan to rest tonight before getting to work tomorrow morning,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Inter wanted me, but I decided it was best for my future to come to Sampdoria.”

The 28-year-old Bosnian left-back had been all set to join Inter when the move suddenly stalled.

Samp dived in and secured his signature for €2.9m plus ownership of Fabrizio Cacciatore.

The Blucerchiati confirmed the deal by posting a picture of Coach Walter Zenga welcoming Zukanovic to their training camp.

Zukanovic joined Chievo from KAA Gent in July 2014, initially on loan and then activating a €1m option to buy.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stewart Downing - Middlesbrough (reportedly £5 million)

[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2014/middlesbrough-fc-boro-west-ham-stewart-downing-2552314.aspx#hE98XcV5h3GSzFhf.99]The club is delighted to confirm the signing of Stewart Downing from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.

Downing, a product of the Boro Academy, completed his move on Thursday evening, signing a four-year contract, and is flying out to link up with Aitor Karanka’s squad in Marbella.

The move represents a return home for a player who played a key role in Boro's success in the 2000s, making almost 250 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2009.

Downing departed in 2009 for £12m to Aston Villa and two years later, he joined Liverpool for a whopping £20m. He joined West Ham in 2013 for £5m and made 69 Premier League appearances for the Hammers.

The 30–year-old, who boasts 35 England caps, has made almost 500 career appearances at the highest level, and has scored 50 goals.

Boro Head Coach Aitor Karanka was delighted to complete the signing of the player and he said: "It’s an amazing signing for us. He’s more than just a player.

"Nobody expected him to come here, but he wants to be here, and is completely committed to the club and the team. He is a very good person and I’m excited to work with him."[/article]

Jonathan Woodgate - Middlesbrough

[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2014/middlesbrough-fc-boro-jonathan-woodgate-2552431.aspx#KTilk2i8l6dAtO65.99]Jonathan Woodgate is set to join up with the Boro squad in Marbella after agreeing a deal that will see him be a part of Aitor Karanka’s squad once again next season.

The 35-year-old, who has made over 100 appearances for the club in two spells, looked set to retire at the end of last season, but Boro Head Coach has made no secret of his admiration for the defender and the experience he brings to the dressing room.

“Woody will be important in the changing room,” said Karanka.

“I really appreciated his reaction after hearing of Alex Baptiste’s injury last week, and he is ready to come back.

“He knows his role will be a bit different. He wants to come here to help us get promotion.

“I said last season and I’ll say it again, he can be very important because he is a good person and a good lad.

“He was thinking about retiring 10 months ago and now he wants to help us. We are close to being a family here, and we’re pleased to say ‘welcome back Woody.’”

Woodgate, who made nine appearances last season and scored a decisive goal at Blackpool, brings added experience to the Boro dressing room as the club gears up for another assault on the Sky Bet Championship.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kiko Casilla - Real Madrid (€6 million)

[article]Real Madrid have agreed a €6 million deal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casillas.

Espanyol president Joan Collet confirmed the news on Friday, saying: "We have reached an agreement with Real Madrid of €6m for Kiko Casilla."

Casilla added a news conference: "This opens a new stage in my life and I hope to enjoy it.

"This is a difficult moment for me because I am leaving the team I love, but the opportunity for me to go is unique for me. I hope that the club and the fans understand. I am very proud to have been at Espanyol.

"These kinds of opportunities only come around once. I am very happy to be signing for Real Madrid."

Real had intensified their search for a goalkeeper this week following the departure of Iker Casillas to Porto.

They had been keen to sign David De Gea from Manchester United but negotiations have stalled and the Spain international may now join on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

Prior to the announcement, Real coach Rafa Benitez said he was not concerned about the situation despite Keylor Navas, who is currently injured, being the only experienced keeper on the books.

"I'm not worried about the goal," Benitez had said. "I know its measurements are 7.32 by 2.44 metres and that doesn't change.

"Whoever goes in between the posts knows what his job is. I've spoken to Keylor and, right now, he knows he is the keeper that is ahead of the rest in terms of quality and experience.

"If another goalkeeper arrives that will be great -- we will work with him. I'm optimistic in that respect and I am calm.

"We have good goalkeepers but if we can improve by adding more competition in that position, it will be something positive for the team."[/article]

OptaJose ‏@OptaJose Jul 15
107- In the last La Liga season, Kiko Casilla made more saves (107) and kept more clean sheets (13) than he had in any previous term. Up

 

[King Binny]

Yaya Sanogo - Ajax (loan)

[article]Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has said he hopes to emulate Ajax greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nwankwo Kanu as he closes in on a loan to the Eredivisie side.

Sanogo, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, confirmed to AT5 on Thursday that he was about to undergo a medical with Ajax.

Asked how he felt to be in Amsterdam, the 22-year-old Frenchman said: "I am very happy. Now I go to visit medical."

He said Ajax boss Frank de Boer had contacted him personally to convince him to make the move and that he was ready to fight for first-team football with the Dutch giants.

He said: "The manager from Amsterdam called me last week and said, 'I want you to play for us, for Ajax.'

"I am very happy because I didn't think a big club like Ajax wanted me so I have to work hard to play.

"I hope to score a lot of goals."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jordy Hiwula - Huddersfield (undisclosed fee)

[article]Huddersfield Town has today completed the signing of striker Jordy Hiwula from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 20 year-old, who plays predominantly as a centre forward but can also deployed out wide, joins ‘The Yorkshire Club’ on a contract running until 30 June 2018, with the Club having the option of a further season.

Born in Manchester, Jordy is a graduate of the Manchester City Academy and achieved a fantastic goal-scoring record for the Citizens’ youth teams, with 19 goals in 30 games for the Club’s Development Squad in 2013/14 earning him an international call to England Under-19s.

Having joined City as a 12 year-old, Jordy signed a two year professional contract at the Premier League side in April 2014 and travelled on the First Team’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi ahead of last season, scoring once.

A month-long loan spell at League 1 Yeovil Town last October gave him his first taste of competitive First Team football; he made nine appearances, scoring once.

His second League 1 loan followed in February 2015 when Hiwula joined Walsall. He scored inside the first four minutes of his debut for the Saddlers and went on to net an impressive nine goals in 17 starts and two substitute appearances, including an appearance in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley in March 2015.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Uffe Bech - Hannover (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.hannover96.com/CDA/index.php?id=1096&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=55646&cHash=d53a6892851dfcdcfa35ad532062a1c3]Hannover 96 have signed Denmark U21 international Uffe Bech. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has left Danish Superliga Club FC Nordsjaelland and put pen to paper on a contract until 30th June 2019."I’m coming to Hannover 96 full of motivation"

“I am incredibly excited about the challenge of playing in the Bundesliga and I am eager to meet my new team mates. At Hannover I will link up with Leon Andreasen who is a fellow countryman. I am coming to Hannover 96 full of motivation,” said Uffe Bech after signing his contract. Bech will wear the number 17 at Hannover.

Bech reached the semifinal of the U21 Euros in the Czech Republic with the Denmark team. He has also made three appearances for the senior squad, having progressed through the different youth ranks at an international level.

"Uffe Bech is a talented attacking midfielder who has great speed. His impressive performances in the past months have attracted a lot of attention from various clubs. I am happy that he sees his future in the Bundesliga at Hannover 96,” explained sporting director Dirk Dufner.

"Uffe Bech has our confidence to do well in the Bundesliga. His speed suits us greatly as we were looking for a young player with great potential to join our attack,” said 96 manager Michael Frontzeck.[/article]

Mevlut Erding - Hannover (€3.5 million)

OptaJean ‏@OptaJean Jul 16
82 – Mevlut Erding has scored 82 goals in Ligue 1, more than any current player in the top-flight. Hannover.

 

[King Binny]

Fabian Delph - Man City (reportedly £8 million)

WhoScored.com ‏@WhoScored now21 seconds ago
Fabian Delph: Of players to attempt 50+ dribbles in the PL last season, only Yaya Touré (83.6%) had better success than Delph (82.4%) #mcfc

OptaJoe ‏@OptaJoe 5h5 hours ago
43 - Only Jesus Navas (46) had more shots without scoring than Fabian Delph last season in the Premier League (43). Frustrated.

 

[King Binny]

Mariano Ferreira - Sevilla (reportedly €3.5 million)

[article]In a statement on the club’s website on Friday afternoon, Girondins released a brief statement confirming the transfer of the 29-year-old Brazilian.

Sevilla have been in pursuit of a replacement for Diogo Figueiras and while they were in intense talks with Juventus for Chilean international Mauricio Isla, the Italian side refused to let the Copa America winner go out on loan again, ending the Andalusian’s hope of landing the defender next season.

With Isla off the table, Sevilla began earnest negotiations with Girondins for Ferreira with an agreement confirmed on Friday by the French side.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux confirms that an agreement has been reached with Sevilla FC, subject to medical examination, for the transfer of Mariano.”

Ferreira is now en route to Sevilla to undergo his medical before signing his new three year contract, almost completing the squad for next season.[/article]

OptaJean ‏@OptaJean 48m48 minutes ago
120 - Mariano has played more league games for Bordeaux than any other outfield player since 2012. Andalucia.

 

[King Binny]

Baptiste Guillaume - Lille (reportedly €3.3 million + add ons)

[article]Lille have reached a €3.3m agreement with Lens for the transfer of youngster Baptiste Guillaume excluding bonuses, according to our colleagues at La Voix du Nord.

The attacker is set to sign a four year contract tomorrow, according to the report, with Nolan Roux heading to St Étienne for €2m.[/article]

Mohamed Yattara - Standard de Liège (€2 million)

[article]Former Lyon striker, 4 year contract[/article]

Albin Ekdal - Hamburg (€4 million)

Andreas Hirzel - Hamburg

[article=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/hamburg-sign-ekdal-and-Hirzel.jsp]Hamburger SV have completed the double signing of Swedish midfielder Albin Ekdal from Serie A side Cagliari Calcio and Swiss goalkeeper Andreas Hirzel from FC Vaduz.

Hamburg's latest recruits have inked four- and three-year deals respectively, and have already linked up with their new team-mates at their Harsewinkel training camp.

"I'm happy it's gone through, I'm looking forward to playing for Hamburg and in the Bundesliga," 25-year-old Ekdal told club website www.hsv.de. "After leaving Sweden, I played in Italy's Serie A. I'm sure that the game in Germany is quicker and more physical. I'll have to get used to that fast. I'm ready for the new challenge."

Ekdal started his professional career at Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna in 2007, before moving to Juventus FC after completing his school exams in summer 2008. The 17-time Sweden international was loaned out to Siena SSD for the 2009-10 campaign, establishing himself as a regular in the side. He left a similarly good impression during a fleeting spell at Bologna FC, before signing a permanent deal with Cagliari in 2011.

22-year-old Hirzel, who is a former Under-16, U-17 and U-18 Switzerland international, has represented a number of Swiss sides including FC Baden, Grasshopper Club Zürich II and Vaduz.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andy Halliday - Rangers (free transfer)

[article=http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/9633-halliday-is-a-ranger]RANGERS can today confirm the signing of Andy Halliday on a two-year deal, with an option for a third year.

The 23-year-old had been on trial with the club after his contract expired with Bradford City at the end of the 2014/15 season.

Halliday grew up just metres away from Ibrox and the midfielder was a member of the Rangers Academy until he was 15-year old.

He then moved to Livingston, where he started his senior career and made over 30 appearances for the Lions.

The youngster then saw himself snapped up by Gordon Strachan at English Championship club Middlesbrough and he spent four years at the Teeside club.

During his time with Boro Halliday was loaned out to other English clubs, including Blackpool and Walsall.

But it was Bradford who provided the next big step in his young career when he signed for the League One side permanently in the October of last season.

Halliday was instrumental in Bradford’s historic FA Cup win over Chelsea 4-2 in the FA Cup – he scored the third goal in a game that has been dubbed one of the biggest cup shocks of all time.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton commented: "Andy has done really well for us. At 23, he brings a good number of league appearances here for a young player, and he will add real quality to the squad.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell - Barnsley (6 mth loan)

[article=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/ben-pearson-joins-barnsley-on-loan-2554908.aspx#8tTLf53z34fXio0H.99]Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce the return of popular midfielder Ben Pearson.

The Manchester United midfielder has signed on loan at Oakwell until January 3rd, 2016.

The 20-year-old impressed the Barnsley faithful with his tremendously energetic displays over 22 appearances last season and the Club are excited to have Ben back on board.

“I’m really pleased to be back,” said Pearson, speaking to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk. “I had a great time here last season - making my professional debut - and want to pick up where I left off but help take us that one step further.”

Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson added, “Ben really impressed me last season - both when he played against and for me. He is a tremendous talent with energy to burn and is a good passer of the ball. He will be an asset in our midfield and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”[/article]

[article=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/manchester-uniteds-joe-rothwell-joins-reds-in-double-swoop-2554922.aspx#CPifHQWqBK2xPCV3.99]Manchester United midfielder Joe Rothwell has become the second signing of the day, following his Red Devils teammate, Ben Pearson, to Oakwell.

The midfielder has also signed a six-month loan deal with the Reds, running until January 3rd, 2016.

A talented midfielder, Joe is highly-rated at Old Trafford and Reds fans may well remember the 20-year-old from his appearance for Manchester United Under 21s in pre-season last summer.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said Joe. “I’ve heard a lot about the place from Ben Pearson. He couldn't speak highly enough of his time here and I just can’t wait to get going.

“I had no hesitations about coming here after speaking with Lee Johnson. The Club almost made the Play-Offs with Ben here last season so, hopefully, we can go one better this time.”

Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson added, “I’m really excited to have Joe on board as well as Ben. We are very lucky to have two highly-rated midfielders on our hands and I’m really grateful to Manchester United for allowing us to bring them both here.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lee Turner - Charlton (Goalkeeping Coach)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/lee-turner-charlton-goalkeeping-coach-2547844.aspx]Goalkeeping Coach Lee Turner will be joining Charlton from Bolton Wanderers, the club confirmed on Thursday morning.

The 50-year-old, who has been at the Macron Stadium since 2012, will meet up with his new colleagues in Belgium this week.

As a player, Turner represented Ebbsfleet United and Margate before he first delved into coaching with the Southend United. He remained at the Essex club for eight years and then joined Crystal Palace in 2011.

Following Dougie Freedman's appointment as Bolton boss in 2012, Turner made the move north to be re-acquainted with the man who had taken him to Palace a year previous and he had remained at Wanderers, also going on to work under Neil Lennon, since.

Turner arrives at The Valley following the departure of Ben Roberts, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion last month. [/article]

Ahmed Kashi - Charlton (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-sign-ahmed-kashi-from-metz-2555026.aspx#kPvouCST4tcH8YMK.99]Charlton will complete the signing of Algeria international Ahmed Kashi from French club Metz, subject to finalising personal terms, the club confirmed on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old, who linked up with his new team-mates and participated in this morning's training session in Liege, was in Algeria’s squad for this year’s African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, making his international debut off the bench against Senegal in the group stages.

Kashi began his career with LB Châteauroux in France, with his professional debut coming in Ligue 2 in April 2008. The following campaign, 2008/09, he turned out 21 times and he netted his first goal for the club in a thumping 5-1 victory over Stade Brest.

Four more impressive campaigns in central France saw the midfielder earn a move west to Metz, where he went on to feature in both Ligue 2 and the French top flight, Ligue 1.

The midfielder will travel to Sint-Truiden to watch his new side in action this evening and he joins Patrick Bauer, El-Hadji Ba and Simon Makienok as the club’s summer additions so far.

Kashi is due at The Valley on Monday where the club will complete the transfer.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jokin Ezkieta - Barcelona B (free transfer)

[article]Jokin Ezkieta is now a Barça B player. The promising goalkeeper joins the club from Osasuna, where his contract had expired, signing a four year deal with the Catalan club (June 2019).

He becomes Barcelona's second team's first signing of the season, although the team are still without a manager since Jordi Vinyals left in June. Ezkieta becomes the side's fourth goalkeeper, after Ortola, Jose Suarez and Ondoa. He will loaned to another team until January, due to FIFA's transfer ban not allowing Barça to register new players.

Reports on the 19-year-old are very positive. He is 1.93m tall, has great reflexes and is also impressive with his feet. He has played for Spain at U19 level.

With four goalkeepers in Barça B's squad and three in the first team, the departure of at least one stopper is expected in the coming weeks. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Cristian Benavente - MK Dons (free transfer)

[article=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-bag-madrids-benavente-mk-dons-cristian-benavente-cristian-benavente-2554286.aspx#m5ttH8gyHwgyjtUu.99]MK Dons have signed highly-rated Peru international Cristian Benavente from Real Madrid Castilla, subject to international clearance and FA approval.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has penned a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, after completing a medical at stadiummk on Friday. He joins on a free transfer and becomes Karl Robinson’s fifth signing of the summer.

Dubbed the ‘Peruvian Ronaldinho’, Benavente has featured 33 times for Real Madrid’s reserve side, managed by Zinedine Zidane, scoring three goals. He also has collected eight caps for his national side, Peru.

Speaking to mkdons.com, the versatile forward said: “I’m so happy to be here in this stadium and in this city. (MK Dons) is a really good club with good people and I’m excited to start training and playing.”

Dons boss Karl Robinson added: “Cristian came on our radar about a month ago. We knew of him and I was able to speak to one or two of my contacts in Madrid about him. We did a lot of due diligence behind the scenes and didn’t get one bad report.

“He will take time to settle in England because of the way he plays but I feel we’re a club that suits him. There is an unpredictably about it but he’s been schooled in a wonderful way having been with Real Madrid since the age of eight.

“He has an ability to play in a number of positions. He is one for the future but hopefully he can make an impact now as well – he’s certainly an exciting talent.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lewis McGugan - Sheff Wed (reportedly £300k)

[article=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/lewis-mcgugan-signs-permanent-sheffield-wednesday-deal-2552057.aspx#62QOy8dvQhq5fHD0.99]Sheffield Wednesday have completed the permanent capture of midfielder Lewis McGugan from Premier League side Watford for an undisclosed fee.

The former Owls loanee, who shone during two separate loan spells with Wednesday in 2014/15, has signed a three-year contract at Hillsborough.

McGugan made 22 appearances last season for the Owls and scored three goals along the way.

His impressive and composed performances during his loan stints saw the midfielder’s popularity rise through the S6 roof.

As a result, the 26-year-old was voted the swfc.co.uk February and March Player of the Month.

Noted as a set piece specialist, McGugan showed his credentials on numerous occasions from dead ball situations with a wicked delivery and eye for goal; scoring with free kicks against Derby and Blackpool.

His classy style gave the Owls an extra dimension and his arrival back at Hillsborough will no doubt prove popular with Wednesdayites.

The midfield ace, who has bags of experience at Championship level with Nottingham Forest and Watford, will significantly strengthen Wednesday’s engine room ahead of the 2015/16 campaign. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Vladimir Darida - Hertha Berlin (reportedly €3.5 million + add ons)

[article]Hertha Berlin signed Czech Republic midfielder Vladimir Darida from relegated Bundesliga side Freiburg on Saturday.

Hertha says the 24-year-old Darida, who has played 25 times for his country, is getting a four-year-deal and will wear the No. 6 jersey.

Hertha sporting dirctor Michael Preetz says "Darida is a young but experienced flexible player who will bring fresh impulse to our team."

Darida scored nine goals in 54 Bundesliga games for Freiburg since switching from Czech side Viktoria Plzen in 2013. He won the Czech championship twice and cup once with Plzen.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andres Fernandez - Granada (loan)

[article]Granada have landed goalkeeper Andres Fernandez from Porto on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old moved to Estadio do Dragao for €2.5m from Osasuna last summer but played just four matches in 2014-15.

Despite the departure of fellow shot-stopper Fabiano to Fenerbahce, Iker Casillas’ arrival from Real Madrid has once more closed the door on first-team recognition for Fernandez.

However, no notion of a permanent transfer has been disclosed by Granada or Porto.

Fernandez will compete with Oier Olazabal and Roberto for the No 1 jersey at Los Carmenes.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Duje Cop - Malaga (loan with option to buy)

[article=http://www.malagacf.com/en/new/first-team/malaga-cf-and-cagliari-agree-loan-of-striker-duje-cop/241/73158]Málaga Club de Fútbol and Cagliari Calcio, with authorisation from GNK Dinamo Zagreb, have agreed the loan of Duje Cop (Vinkovci, Croatia, 01/02/1990) to the Martiricos Club for 2015/16, with the option to buy at the end of the season. 25 year-old Cop is a striker with great movement and goal-scoring ability. Proof of this are the 79 goals he scored in Croatia with HNK Hajduk Split, RNK Split and the highly successful, GNK Dinamo Zagreb; the latter with whom Cop was named the highest goal-scorer in the Croatian League in 2013/14 with 22 goals. An international with Croatia, Duje Cop, who has already passed the medical, will join the team in Germany and will shortly be officially presented, although a date has not been confirmed.

Duje Cop (Vinkovci, Croatia, 01/02/1990) started his footballing career with HNK Hajduk Split. With this Croatian team, he made his debut in the 1. HNL League in 2006/07 at just 17 years of age. Following a loan period with CD Nacional in Portugal’s NOS League in 2008/09, he stayed with HNK Hajduk Split until 2010/11, taking part in 45 official games, including six Europa League matches, scoring 11 goals. In 2011/12 he signed to RNK Split, where he participated in 29 matches in the 1. HNL League, scoring eight goals and six assists, as well as four Europa League qualifiers, scoring twice.

In 2012/13, Cop signed to GNK Dinamo Zagreb, the most successful team in Croatia, where he achieved two League titles. During his first campaign he took part in 19 matches and scored nine goals. He also played in six UEFA Champions League qualifiers, scoring two goals, and another six group stage games within the biggest competition on the continent. 2013/14 was one of the best seasons for Duje Cop. The Croatian-born striker was named the country’s highest goal-scorer, with 22 goals as well as eight assists during 33 games. The season ended with Cop scoring a total of 32 goals following another seven scored in the Croatia Cup, two in the initial rounds of the UEFA Champions League, and one in the Europa League.

During last season, following a good first half of the 1. HNL competition, playing 15 matches and scoring 12 goals, Cop was loaned out to Cagliari Calcio for a season and a half. Of the 16 games he played in the Serie A, the Croatian striker scored four goals.

Duje Cop is an international with Croatia. The striker made his debut on 4th September 2014 in a friendly against Chipre. He took part in two matches with his national team following his training period with the under-21s.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jonathan Viera - Las Palmas (reportedly €900k)

[article]Las Palmas have completed the permanent transfer of Jonathan Viera from Standard Liege for a reported €900,000.

The attacking midfielder, 25, has signed a three-year contract with the Primera new boys, with the option of a two-year extension, and prepares to begin his third spell with the club.

However, the cut-price fee comes at a premium as the Belgians have retained a 20 percent sell-on clause.

Viera returned to Las Palmas last January and played a key role in their promotion to La Liga, scoring seven goals in 21 matches, among them the all-important away goal in the side’s 3-1 defeat to Real Zaragoza in the first leg of their Segunda playoff final.

A Palma native, Viera began his career at Las Palmas, before joining Valencia in 2012, spending the 2013-14 campaign at Rayo Vallecano on loan and ending up at Standard Liege last summer, where he made just three appearances.[/article]

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4872382,00.html

Villa complete signing of Jordan Amavi
French U21 international signs.
18th Jul 2015

[article]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Jordan Amavi.

The 21-year-old full-back has signed a five-year deal with the Club and joins from French side Nice for an undisclosed fee.

Amavi is a France U21 international and is one of the most highly rated young players in Europe.

Manager Tim Sherwood said: "I'm delighted to have secured the services of someone we consider to be a terrific young player.

"Jordan has been one of the outstanding players in Ligue 1 and is still very young and can become even better.

"There were a lot of clubs after him this summer so we are really pleased to welcome him to the Club."

Amavi will meet his new team-mates for the first time on Monday.[/article]
He's a pacy left back with a right foot. Will probably leave Villa at the end of the season for City or the Gunners when they're relegated at the end of the season.

 

[King Binny]

He's a pacy left back with a right foot. Will probably leave Villa at the end of the season for City or the Gunners when they're relegated at the end of the season.

I remember this thread! 😀 Instant improvement to their starting XI already (even though I've never seen him play).

 

[King Binny]

Patrick Roberts - Man City (reportedly £2million, rising to £8m with add-ons)

 

[King Binny]

Kristof Terreur ‏@HLNinEngeland Jul 16
Total transfer fees paid for the current Belgian national team: £380m / €550m. Benteke is most expensive. #avfc #lfc

 

[King Binny]

Naldo - Sporting (reportedly €2 million)

[article=http://www.sporting.pt/English/News/newsfut_eng_futnaldodeal_170715_151951.asp]Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Udinese Calcio S.p.A. for the transfer of the player Naldo on a four-year deal, with a buy-out clause of 45,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Naldo the best of professional and personal success.[/article]

Michaël Ciani - Sporting (free transfer)

[article]Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with the French central defender Michaël Ciani, on a two-year contract with an additional optional season and a buy-out clause of 45,000,000.00 euros.

Sporting SAD wishes Ciani the best of professional and personal success.[/article]

Teó Guttiérez - Sporting

[article=http://www.sporting.pt/English/News/newsfut_eng_futteodeal_190715_152067.asp]Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Club Atlético River Plate for the transfer of the player Teófilo Gutiérrez on a three-year contract with an additional optional season and a buy-out clause of 40,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Teófilo Gutiérrez the best of professional and personal success.[/article]