Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Andrea Costa - Empoli (free transfer)

[article]Empoli have officially signed ex-Parma defender Andrea Costa as a free agent.

The 29-year-old was out of contract following the Ducali’s bankruptcy.

He put pen to paper on a three-year deal this afternoon, as confirmed by a club statement.

A left-back, Costa can also play in central defence.

His previous clubs include Bologna, Reggina and Sampdoria.[/article]

Sascha Riether - Schalke 04 (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/150723_riether/page/1730---86-.html]The Royal Blues are pleased to announce another signing. Sascha Riether will now play for FC Schalke 04. The 32-year-old has joined the club from Freiburg on a one year deal, with the option to extend it by another campaign. He will wear the number 27.

“Sascha Riether is an experienced player, one who will be useful in our young team,” explained sporting director Horst Heldt. “He’ll be an alternative on the right side because Atsuto Uchida has struggled with knocks recently.”

The defender joined Freiburg’s academy as a 15-year-old in 1998 after spells with FV Kuhbach (1987-1995) and Offenburger FV (1995-1998). He made his debut in August 2002 before joining VfL Wolfsburg. He was with the Wolves for five years and lifted the title in 2009 with them. The two-time Germany international joined Köln in 2011 before heading to Premier League side Fulham in 2012. He rejoined Freiburg in the summer of 2014.

Riether has made 226 Bundesliga appearances (10 goals), 66 Premier League appearances (1 goal) and 29 in the DFB Cup (2 goals). He has also played in 18 European matches for VfL Wolfsburg.[/article]
OptaFranz ‏@OptaFranz
226 - @saschariether has played 226 times in the German @Bundesliga_EN – more often than any other player in the squad of @s04_en. Routine.

 

[King Binny]

Cani - Deportivo La Coruña (free transfer)

[article]Deportivo have announced the signing of Cani. The playmaker/winger arrives to A Coruña after rescinding his contract with Villarreal CF. The Aragonian player is the eight signing ahead of the season 2015/16.


On Thursday Deportivo confirmed the signing of Rubén Gracia Calmache ‘Cani’. The 33-year-old player rescinded his contract with Villarreal CF and accepted the proposition from Depor. The club informed that he was arriving to A Coruña during the night and will undergo the medicals on Friday.

There’s no information about the details in the contract but the media reported that he’s signing a one-year-deal. Cani made his career at Real Zaragoza and later moved to Villarreal CF, club where he was able to play in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

He wasn’t part of Marcelino’s plans since last season, so he was loaned to Atlético Madrid, club where he only played six games in six months. Now he lands at Deportivo and still to be seen the role that Víctor Sánchez will give to him, because in Villarreal he often played on the right wing and can also perform as a playmaker.

Deportivo have now made nine signings ahead of the season 2015/16, before the Galician club made other seven incorporations: left-backs Saúl García and Fernando Navarro, right-back Juanfran Moreno, centre-backs Alejandro Arribas and Sidnei, playmaker Luis Alberto and striker Oriol Riera. The club also completed the renewals of centre midfielder Juan Dominguez and right-back Manuel Pablo.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Friesenbichler - Austria Wien (loan with option to buy)

[article]Austria Vienna has struck it rich in search of a suitable striker. The 21-year-old Kevin Friesenbichler changes on loan for a season from Benfica to the roundabout. Wiener also have a buy option for a further three years. In the last season of 1.88 meter tall striker was awarded to the Polish first division club Lechia Gdańsk, where he scored five goals.

“With Kevin, we have a player brought to us, in the even more offensive to us will be opportunities. He is one who make the box for restlessness and can act as a buyer for the balls of our wings, “said Austria sports director Franz Wohlfahrt, who wants to introduce the ÖFB-U21 striker cautiously pleased.

Coach Thorsten Fink expects a lot from the new signing: “. We trust Kevin so much and are pleased that he will join us from now. He has great potential and is a striker who can take the next step with us,” said Fink , Friesenbichler himself said he was “glad that it worked with this transfer.” “I’m very curious to know what to expect now, and want to with this team as much as possible to win,” said Friesenbichler which was formed among others in the youth team of FC Bayern.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Manuel Iturra - Udinese (free transfer)

[article]Granada and Udinese have reached an agreement for the transfer of Chilean midfielder Manuel Iturra, the Spanish team announced on Wednesday.

The deal, according to the Andalusian club, was finalized earlier on Wednesday after two days of negotiations between the two clubs and the player.

The Chilean midfielder, who had a contract with the Andalusians until the end of next season, has been instrumental to Granada in the last two seasons, capping a total of 68 games.

Speaking from the Granada training camp in La Manga, Iturra explained that has “wanted to meet a new challenge,” but nonetheless had “mixed feelings.”

He spent two years with a sensational group, and was pushed through very difficult times with a team that knew how to prove its worth when it had to, Iturra said.

Granada’s management, meanwhile, wanted to highlight that Iturra is “a charismatic player” who has, since arriving in 2013, won not only hearts of fans and family, but also those who see his sportsmanship as a philosophy in life: a constant battle to achieve the goal, a fight to win in every way.[/article]

Zhang Chendong - Rayo Vallencao (loan)

[article]Chinese Super League (CSL) side Beijing Guoan's Zhang Chengdong has joined Spanish club Rayo Vallecano on loan, the Beijing club confirmed on China's Twitter-like social media Weibo on Tuesday.

Zhang is expected to be the first Chinese player to play in La Liga.

According to Beijing Guoan, Zhang will play for Rayo Vallecano in 2015-2016 season, with his loan due on June 15, 2016.

"Thanks for his contribution to Beijing Guoan. Wish him all the best during the next phase of his career."

"Cheer for you, and wait for you," the club wrote on Weibo.

26-year-old Zhang began his professional career in Liaoning, where he had a three-season spell before joining Portuguese Club Deportivo Mafra. He also played for Leiria Uniao, Beira Mar in Portugal and Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany.

He has been in Beijing Guoan since 2013.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kevin Kuranyi - Hoffenheim (free transfer)

[article=http://www.achtzehn99.de/kevin-kuranyi-signs-for-tsgtsg/]TSG have completed the signing of Kevin Kuranyi. The 33-year-old striker has agreed a contract that will initially run until the end of the new season. Kuranyi joins on a free from Russian Premier League side Dynamo Moscow, who he had been with since July 2010.

“After five years in Russia, I’m highly motivated to prove myself once again in the Bundesliga,” said Kuranyi. He considers his return to Germany a “big challenge” that he is excited to take on. Despite enjoying success with Dynamo, netting 56 goals and assisting a further 24 in his 151 competitive appearances, he was ready to come back home to the Bundesliga, having previously played for VfB Stuttgart (2001-05, 40 goals) and FC Schalke 04 (2005-10, 71 goals).

“TSG are a club with a great structure and huge prospects and I want to help us meet them,” said Kuranyi, who is excited to work with a number of “young, highly talented players” and believes he can play an important role off the pitch as well as on it.

Hoffenheim’s director of football Alexander Rosen feels the same way. “During our talks with Kevin, we didn’t just get the impression that he wants to prove himself once more in the Bundesliga, but also that he wants to contribute to the team’s development with his personality,” explained Rosen, who is currently at TSG’s training camp in Norway. “The whole team can benefit from his years of experience at the highest level, both on and off the pitch.” Hoffenheim manager Markus Gisdol also felt it was important that Kuranyi identified himself with the club’s playing style and philosophy and said he was looking forward to an “exciting partnership”.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Kuranyi has made 261 Bundesliga appearances to date, scoring 111 goals. He won 52 caps for Germany at senior level, finding the net 19 times.[/article]

Lassana Diarra - Marseille (undisclosed fee)

[article]Lassana Diarra, who spent four seasons playing for Real Madrid, has signed a contract to play in Ligue 1 with Marseille.

The Frenchman has been out of football since leaving Lokomotiv Moscow last August and was unable to join another team because of a contract dispute with the Russian club. He had been linked with a return to the Premier League, where he played for Arsenal and Chelsea previously, but will instead return to France's top flight.

A winter move to West Ham was scuppered because of his contract dispute with Lokomotiv, which has since been resolved.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.[/article]
OptaJean ‏@OptaJean
435 - Lassana Diarra has not played a competitive game in 435 days, since the 15 May 2014 (CSKA-Lokomotiv in the Russian PL). Break.

Philipp Hofmann - Brentford

[article=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-sign-philipp-hofmann-from-1.fc-kaiserslautern-2567566.aspx#jIu7fW26IjVAVmQc.99]Brentford have signed striker Philipp Hofmann from 1.FC Kaiserslautern for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The tall Germany Under-21 international was in London today, Thursday 23 July, to complete the move. He has signed a three-year contract and will remain at Griffin Park until the end of the 2017/18 season.

Philipp, 22, has scored prolifically for Germany in youth international football. He has represented his country at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level and scored a total of 18 goals in 36 games.

He scored nine in 17 Under-21 matches including two against England in a friendly in March. Philipp was also part of the Germany squad at the recent UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

He came through the youth system at FC Schalke 04 and had loan spells at SC Paderborn 07 and FC Ingolstadt 04. Philipp moved to Kaiserslautern last summer and scored eight goals in 33 games for the German second tier side.

In total he has scored 21 goals in 91 appearances at that level.

Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “Philipp is a target man, physically strong, and a good header of the ball. His style of play is similar to mine when I played.

“He is a different type of striker to Andre Gray, so it gives us more tactical options. Philipp is only 22 so can still improve his game.”

Co-Director of Football, Phil Giles, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Philipp to Brentford. He has been playing at a good level in Germany and will adapt well to English football.

“Philipp will train with the First Team squad tomorrow and we hope that he will be available to take some part in the friendly against Stoke City on Saturday".[/article]

Lasse Vibe - Brentford (undisclosed fee)

[article= http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/lasse-vibe-joins-brentford-from-ifk-goteborg-2568451.aspx#lUPRDIjUAv6K3ptv.99]Danish international forward Lasse Vibe has joined Brentford from IFK Göteborg for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old, who has nine international caps to his name, completed the move to West London, which is subject to international clearance, after passing a medical.

He has signed a three year deal and is under contract with Brentford until the summer of 2018.

Lasse could make his first appearance in a Brentford shirt in the pre-season friendly against Stoke City at Griffin Park tomorrow, Saturday 25 July.

It is the second attacking player Brentford have signed in the past 24 hours with Germany Under-21 international Philipp Hoffman joining from 1.FC Kaiserslautern yesterday.

Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: "I am very happy that we have been able to sign two attackers. We were short of numbers in that position.

"Lasse Vibe brings a lot of experience to our young squad. He can play in all positions in the front line and scored a lot of goals last season.

"I'm excited by the possibility to work with Lasse in training and look forward to seeing him in our team in the coming season."

Lasse, who can play through the middle or on the wing, has played in all five of Denmark’s qualifiers for the UEFA European Championships 2016, scoring once.

He started his career at Aarhus Gymnastikforening, better known as AGF Aarhus, but moved on to FC Fyn and then FC Vestsjælland, where he made his name scoring goals in the Danish second tier.

Lasse moved in to the Danish top tier with SønderjyskE and scored 19 goals in a season and a half, 47 games, there before a move to Göteborg in 2013.

He scored 29 goals in all competitions in the 2014 Swedish season and followed that up with 13 in 23 games so far in the 2015 season as Göteborg lead the table just past the halfway point of the campaign.

Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: "Lasse has been playing regularly throughout the Swedish league season and therefore arrives ready for the new season.

"He will train with the first team squad today, and be available to play tomorrow against Stoke. We welcome Lasse to Brentford and look forward to seeing him play."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Luke Garbutt - Fulham (loan)

[article=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/july/25/season-long-loan]Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the season-long loan signing of defender Luke Garbutt from Everton.

The 22-year-old defender has represented England at all youth levels from Under 16s to Under 21s and recently represented his country at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship this summer.

Garbutt started his youth career at Leeds United before moving to Everton in 2009. He made over 50 appearances and scored 5 goals during his two loans spells at Cheltenham Town and Colchester United.

On his return to the North West, he made his first-team debut for the Toffees in a Premier League match against Southampton in April 2014 which lead to a first call-up to the England Under 21s side.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Garbutt said: “When I got the call saying Fulham wanted me on a season-long loan, I spoke to the manager and the staff here and I liked what they had to say and their plans for me this season. They’ve shown their faith and trust in me. I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and obviously the main objective is to get promoted this season.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Cristian Rodriguez - Independiente (reportedly €1 million)

[article]Cristian Rodriguez could close a move to Independiente by the end of this week. After unsuccessful loan spells at Parma and Grêmio, the Uruguayan's priority has been finding a club which will guarantee him regular playing time. Independiente have already reserved the number 10 shirt for him.

'Cebolla' was married in Uruguay a fortnight ago and is keen to see his daughter grow up in his homeland, the close proximity to Buenos Aires was another factor in him accepting the offer from Independiente. Yesterday, directors from both clubs reached a verbal agreement for the player, who has one year to run on his existing contract with Atlético. Independiente are expected to pay a fee close to one million euros to land the player.[/article]

Rodney Sneijder - Dundee United (free transfer)

[article=http://dufc.co/news/signing-news-rodney-sneijder-secured/]Dutch Midfielder Rodney Sneijder has, subject to international clearance, joined Dundee United on a two-year deal.

The highly rated 24-year-old, a free agent after securing his release from Almere City in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, completes the move ahead of the 2015/16 Ladbrokes Premier League campaign and has penned a contract until May 2017. Rodney had a successful youth career at Ajax before starring for FC Utrecht and RKC Waalwijk prior to joining Almere in 2014.

Sneijder, brother of Galatasaray midfielder Wesley, will be unveiled to the fans ahead of the final pre season friendly at home to Watford, today, Saturday 25 July, a few minutes before the 3pm kick-off.

Jackie McNamara, Manager, said: “I am very happy to sign Rodney. He showed great desire and application whilst training with us during pre season and he will add great quality to our midfield.

“He has a fabulous pedigree and you can see his talent. He will become a fans’ favourite at Tannadice and this signing is a real coup for the Club. I look forward to working with Rodney and seeing him in our team this coming campaign.”

Rodney, who played for the Tangerines as a trialist in two of the three pre season games in the Netherlands, is looking forward to meeting his team mates ahead of his first training session on Monday.

“I enjoyed my time with the squad over in the Netherlands and I know from speaking to the Manager where he believes this team can go. This is an excellent opportunity for me to develop and progress as a player.

“This is the right time for me to explore Scottish football and I look forward to meeting my new team mates and the Dundee United fans. I want to help the Club achieve success this season.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rhodolfo - Besiktas (reportedly €3.3 million)

[article]Gremio have agreed on a deal to sell footballer Rhodolfo to Besiktas, the Brazilian club said.

The 28-year-old central defender will join the Turkish outfit for the beginning of the new season next month following weeks of negotiations, Xinhua news agency quoted ESPN Brasil as saying.

No financial details were given of the deal.

"Rhodolfo has signed a definitive agreement and we are happy with the outcome," Gremio president Romildo Bolzan said on Wednesday.

"Gremio will receive the cash almost totally as a one-off payment. We thank Rhodolfo for everything he has done and wish him luck."

Rhodolfo was appointed captain of Gremio earlier this year and made 63 appearances for the Porto Alegre club after his 2013 arrival from Sao Paulo.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Franco Di Santo - Schalke 04 (reportedly €6 million)

[article=http://www.schalke04.de/en/news/150725_fds/page/1737--1737-86-.html]The Royal Blues have confirmed another new signing. FC Schalke 04 have recruited Franco Di Santo from SV Werder Bremen. The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Royal Blues. His deal will run out on 30th June 2019. Di Santo will wear the number 9 and completed his medical earlier today.

Di Santo will join his teammates on this week’s mini training camp and could make his debut for the club on Monday (27th July), when the Royal Blues face FC Porto. “We’re delighted that Franco Di Santo has chosen to join us,” explained sporting director Horst Heldt. “He’s exactly the sort of attacker we were looking for.”

The striker, who also holds an Italian passport, started his career in Audax Italiano in Chile. He joined Chelsea as a 19-year-old in 2008, for whom he made three Champions League appearances. After a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, Di Santo joined Wigan Athletic. He scored 13 goals in 92 league appearances for the Latics. He joined SV Werder Bremen on a free transfer ahead of the 2013/14 season. He played 49 league games for Bremen, scoring 17 goals in the process. He impressed last season – his 13 goals saw him crowned Werder’s top scorer.

Di Santo has made three appearances for the Argentina senior team and was included in their preliminary squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Brazil.[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

Manuel Lanzini - West Ham (loan with option to buy)

[article=http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/July/22-July/Hammers-snatch-%E2%80%98The-Jewel%E2%80%99#QQ8mY6qcA1b77zrg.99]West Ham United have unearthed a gem after completing the loan signing of Argentine playmaker Manuel ‘The Jewel’ Lanzini.

The 22-year-old has joined the Hammers on a season-long deal, with an option to make it permanent, from UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al-Jazira after passing his medical at Spire Roding Hospital, West Ham United’s official private hospital.

Lanzini, who came through the same River Plate youth system that produced the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Ariel Ortega and former Hammer Javier Mascherano, is an exciting attacking midfielder who can both create and score goals.

Having sealed his summer switch to the Boleyn Ground, Lanzini spoke of a massive step in his still young career.

“This is very emotional because it is one of the best teams I have ever signed for," he told West Ham TV. "It is a very important step for my career and for my future.

“I am looking forward to what is a new era for me. I’m very happy and I look forward to meeting my new teammates.

“This is a new challenge for me and that can only help in the future. It will test my ability in one of the best leagues in the world, so I am looking forward to getting started.

“I am someone who always gives 100 per cent. I’m an attacking player, I can change the game’s tempo and I hope to give my maximum for the fans to appreciate me."

Born in the Ituzaingó Partido of the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area to Italian ancestry, Lanzini joined River Plate at the age of nine in 2002.

At 17, he made his professional debut in a 1-0 home win over Tigre on 8 August 2010, and went on to make 22 league appearances for River in is debut season.

Summer 2011 saw Lanzini loaned to Brazilian giants Fluminense, where he impressed by scoring twice in 22 appearances as a teenager, helping the club to win the Serie A title.

With that experience under his belt, the player returned to River, where he was handed the coveted No10 shirt, helping the club to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and scoring a career-high eight goals in 26 league appearances in 2012/13.

A packed 2013/14 saw Lanzini play 41 times in all competitions for River, helping the Buenos Aires club to reach the last-eight of the Copa Sudamericana and attracting the attention of clubs all over the world.

It was Al-Jazira who moved for the exciting talent, securing Lanzini’s path to Abu Dhabi, where he became the youngest foreign player to appear in the UAE Arabian Gulf League at the age of 21.

Again wearing the No10 shirt, Lanzini teamed up with Montenego and ex-Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic and Burkina Faso and former Hamburg midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa to score eight goals in 24 league appearances to help Al-Jazira to finish as league runners-up last season.

At international level, the creative South American has been capped four times by Argentina at U20 level and will hope to make the step up to the senior squad if he can impress in Claret and Blue.

Lanzini becomes West Ham’s seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Carl Jenkinson, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph.[/article]

OptaJavier ‏@OptaJavier https://twitter.com/OptaJavier/status/623865705314799617
678 - In his last tournament with River, Manuel Lanzini (@whufc_official) made a league-high 678 successful passes in the opp. half. Hammer

Interesting player; I'll try to follow his progress at West Ham.

 

[King Binny]

Ben Hamer - Nottingham Forest (loan)

[article=http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/reds-secure-hamer-2570519.aspx]Nottingham Forest have secured the services of Leicester City goalkeeper Ben Hamer.

The 27-year-old has arrived at The City Ground on a season-long loan.

Hamer made eight Premier League appearances for the Foxes last season, keeping three clean sheets.

The Somerset-born stopper arrived at the King Power Stadium after making more than 100 league appearances for Charlton.

A product of Reading’s academy, Hamer spent time on loan at Crawley, Brentford and Exeter earlier in his career but, now an experienced stopper, he will challenge Dorus de Vries for the number one shirt at The City Ground.[/article]

Conor Sammon - Sheffield Utd (loan)
Billy Sharp - Sheff Utd (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-conor-sammon-billy-sharp-2571229.aspx#AS6ODA8gi6Z1rwoH.99]sufc.co.uk can announce that the paperwork has been completed on the signings of Billy Sharp and Conor Sammon.

Sharp signs after an undisclosed fee with Leeds United was agreed and Sammon arrives on a season-long loan from Derby County. Both strikers could feature in Chris Morgan's testimonial fixture on Sunday after training with their new team-mates on Saturday.

"Delighted to get both players over the line and I'm looking forward to working with them," said boss Adkins. "Billy is someone I know well and Conor is a player we have admired from afar and have monitored his progress since he was at Kilmarnock."

Sharp, 29, a self-confessed Blades fan, began his career at Bramall Lane and has enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers, Southampton and Leeds, as well as loan deals at Rushden and Diamonds, Reading and Nottingham Forest.

Sharp, who has signed a two-year deal with the option for a third, has 140 goals to his credit in 290 league starts with his most productive spell coming at Scunthorpe, under the stewardship of Adkins.

Sammon, 28, has nine caps for the Republic of Ireland after being handed his senior debut by Giovanni Trapattoni in 2013.

His club career has taken in UCD and Derry City in his homeland, before moving on to Kilmarnock, Wigan Athletic and Derby County, who paid a seven figure sum for his services in 2012. He has since had loan spells at Ipswich Town and Rotherham United, for whom he scored important goals in maintaining their Championship status last season.

Derby County Head Coach Paul Clement said: “I am pleased that Conor has agreed a season-long loan to Sheffield United, as he is in the last year of his contract and it is important that he is playing regular first-team football.

“He is very popular amongst his colleagues at Derby County and we wish him every success whilst on loan.”[/article]

Franco Brienza - Bologna (free transfer)

[article]Franco Brienza has officially completed his move to newly-promoted Bologna, the club has confirmed.

It was revealed last night that terms had been agreed between the 36-year-old and the Rossoblu, and the move has officially been confirmed.

“FC Bologna 1909 announces the outright signing of attacker Franco Brienza,” Bologna announced on their website.

Brienza was a free agent after leaving Cesena at the end of last season, following eight goals and five assists for the Cavallucci Marini last term.[/article]

Michele Camporese - Empoli (undisclosed fee)

[article]Empoli have confirmed the signing of Fiorentina defender Michele Camporese.

Camporese joins the Azzurri as they attempt to rebuild under new coach Marco Giampaolo following Maurizio Sarri’s departure to Napoli.

The 23-year-old becomes the team’s sixth signing of the summer with the likes of Andrea Costa and Lukasz Skorupski having already joined.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Empoli have confirmed Camporese’s signing on their club website for an undisclosed fee.

Camporese will play a critical in Empoli’s defensive line-up following the summer move of Daniele Rugani to Juventus.

The Italian defender has spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie B, first with Cesena, where he made 18 appearances and scored two goals before later representing Bari where he helped the Galletti to secure a mid-table finish.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Francesco Bardi - Espanyol (loan with option to buy)

[article]Espanyol have made their signing of Italian goalkeeper Francesco Bardi official, who will play on loan from Inter Milan this season. The club have secured his temporary signature, with an option to buy at the end of the coming campaign.

Bardi passed a medical at Clinica Creu Blanca and has signed his new contract with Espanyol, alongside club president Joan Collet.

Espanyol's new signing, Bardi, was one of the players wanted by coach Sergio Gonzalez. He will be presented at Estadio Cornella El Prat on Monday 27th of July, at 12.00. Fans that want to give a welcome to their new goalkeeper are able to access the stadium beforehand.

The goalkeeper's parent club is Inter Milan, but he has also played on loan at Livorno, Novara and Chievo.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stevan Jovetic - Inter Milan (reportedly 2 year loan for €2 million with mandatory option to buy at a further €12m)

[article]Inter have officially announced Stevan Jovetic will fly in for a medical tomorrow, completing his move from Manchester City.

The reports had already been circulating, but were confirmed this afternoon by the Nerazzurri.

“Stevan Jovetic will arrive in Milan tomorrow before undergoing a medical on Tuesday,” read the statement.

The deal is believed to be a two-year loan for €2m with mandatory option to buy in 2017 for a further €12m.

That brings the total transfer fee to €15m (£10.6m).[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Patrick Ebert - Rayo Vallecano (undisclosed fee)

[article]Rayo Vallecano have confirmed the signing of winger Patrick Ebert from Spartak Moscow on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old arrives at Vallecas with La Liga experience to boot, having scored nine goals and laid off 12 assists in 38 appearances for Real Valladolid between 2012 and 2014.

However, an unsavoury contract dispute saw him leave the club in February of last year and subsequently join Spartak, where he played just 25 times.

Ebert becomes Rayo’s sixth summer signing, following Ousseynou Cisse from Dijon, Jose Antonio Dorado from Villarreal, Bebe from Benfica, Chengdong Zhang from Beijing Guoan and Diego Llorente from Real Madrid.[/article]

OptaFranz ‏@OptaFranz Jul 25
9 - Scoring nine goals, Patrick Ebert was the best German scorer in Primera Division from 12-13 to 13-14 along with Mesut Özil. Comeback.

 

[King Binny]

 

[MaBigTip]

Stevan Jovetic - Inter Milan (reportedly 2 year loan for €2 million with mandatory option to buy at a further €12m)

[article]Inter have officially announced Stevan Jovetic will fly in for a medical tomorrow, completing his move from Manchester City.

The reports had already been circulating, but were confirmed this afternoon by the Nerazzurri.

“Stevan Jovetic will arrive in Milan tomorrow before undergoing a medical on Tuesday,” read the statement.

The deal is believed to be a two-year loan for €2m with mandatory option to buy in 2017 for a further €12m.

That brings the total transfer fee to €15m (£10.6m).[/article]

Good think City aren't getting the ridiculous transfer fees Chelsea are.

 

[King Binny]

Sergio Romero - Man Utd (free transfer)

[article=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Jul/manchester-united-complete-the-signing-of-goalkeeper-sergio-romero.aspx]Manchester United is delighted to announce that goalkeeper Sergio Romero has signed a three-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.

Romero, 28, made his senior debut in the Argentine Premier Division with Racing Club in 2007. He went on to play for AZ Alkmaar and more recently Sampdoria. Sergio has represented his country on many occasions and was an integral part of Argentina’s 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil, who were defeated in the final by Germany.

Sergio Romero said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United. To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career.”

Louis van Gaal said: “Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper. He was a young keeper during my time at AZ Alkmaar and I am delighted he is joining Manchester United. He had a fantastic World Cup last summer in Brazil, although that is something I have put to the back of my mind! He will be a great addition to the team and I am looking forward to working with him once again.”[/article]

OptaJohan ‏@OptaJohan
18 - In his last season under Louis van Gaal (2008/09), Sergio Romero kept 18 clean sheets in 27 Eredivisie games for @AZAlkmaar. Reunited.

 

[King Binny]

Jan-Arie van der Heijden - Feyenoord (free transfer)

[article=http://www.feyenoord.com/news/news-overview/van-der-heijden-joins-on-a-three-year-contract?]Feyenoord added to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s defensive options by signing Jan-Arie van der Heijden on a three-year contract on Monday. The 27-year-old arrives on a free transfer from Vitesse, after a four-year stay in Arnhem. Van der Heijden will wear the number 6 shirt at Feyenoord.

The addition of Van der Heijden adds depth to Giovanni van Bronckhors’s squad. ‘That’s why we’re delighted with this deal,’ says technical director Martin van Geel. ‘Van der Heijden has played at the highest level in the Netherlands for years and, at 27, he is now stronger than ever. He can compete, and his age and experience mean that he can help other players develop.’

Van der Heijden has been a regular starter at Vitesse for the past four years, making 132 appearances all told in the league and play-offs. The Leiden-born defender scored three goals last season.

Van der Heijden has also played for Willem II and Ajax. He made his official debut for the Amsterdam club on 4 November 2007. [/article]

OptaJohan ‏@OptaJohan
5931 - Over the past three seasons, Jan-Arie van der Heijden completed more passes (5931) than any other Eredivisie player. Secure.

 

[King Binny]

Sulley Muntari - Al Ittihad (free transfer)

[article]Former Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has signed a two-year contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

The Ghanaian midfielder’s contract with the Rossoneri was cancelled last month following his request not to be selected for any matches since April.

The move was confirmed by the Saudi club on their official website, with the Ghanaian FA also posting a picture of Muntari with his Al Ittihad kit, and announcing a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old made 70 appearances for the Diavolo in four seasons, scoring 11 goals.

His new club finished fourth in the Suadi League last season, with Al Nassr winning the competition.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jordan Ayew - Aston Villa (reportedly £12m)

[article=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4891745,00.html]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Jordan Ayew.

The 23-year-old forward has signed a five-year deal with the Club and joins from French side Lorient for an undisclosed fee.

Ayew, from Marseille, arrives at Villa Park following the acquisitions of fellow Ligue 1 players Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye.

Manager Tim Sherwood said: "I'm really pleased to bring Jordan to the football club.

"He is a fantastic young player who is perfectly suited to the Premier League."

Ayew completed his medical at Bodymoor Heath this morning before meeting his new team-mates for the first time.[/article]

OptaJoe ‏@OptaJoe 3m3 minutes ago
12 - Jordan Ayew hit 12 goals for Lorient last season, his best league tally to date. Firepower.

 

[King Binny]

Steven Berghuis - Watford (reportedly £4.6 million)

[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150724-steven-berghuis-signs-for-watford-fc-from-az-alkmaar-2567049.aspx]STEVEN BERGHUIS has become Watford’s 10th signing of the summer after joining from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

The 23-year-old winger, who is comfortable playing on either flank, has agreed terms on a 4-year deal with the Hornets.

Berghuis has earned much praise for his performances in the Eredivisie since moving to AZ in 2012, scoring 11 goals in 22 league games last season, adding to the nine he managed from 29 matches in 2013/14.

His impressive form resulted in a first international call-up to the full Netherlands squad ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Latvia last month.

A product of the FC Twente youth system, Berghuis made his professional debut in 2011 and went on to appear in both the Champions League and the Europa League, before a spell on loan at VVV-Venlo during the first half of 2012.

Ahead of the 2012/13 campaign he secured a switch from Twente to AZ, where he made 92 appearances in total over the last three years.

Berghuis has represented Netherlands at both Under-21 and Under-19 levels.[/article]
OptaJohan ‏@OptaJohan
8 - Only three Eredivisie players (Ziyech, Klaassen, Willems) completed more through balls than Steven Berghuis in 2014/15. Visionary.

 

[King Binny]

Maikel Kieftenbeld - Birmingham (reportedly €250k)

 

[King Binny]

Diego Fabbrini - Middlesbrough (loan)

[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2014/middlesbrough-fc-boro-deigo-fabbrini-watford-2574257.aspx#dTvbgWb4jrCUIc3A.99]Italian international Diego Fabbrini has completed his season-long loan move from Watford.

The 24-year-old, who travelled with the Boro squad to Doncaster on Saturday ahead of completing the formalities, finalised his move to the Riverside on Monday.

The highly-rated Fabbrini follows in the footsteps of Tomas Kalas by joining on a season-long loan and his arrival will further strengthen Aitor Karanka’s squad ahead of the new season.

Fabbrini, whose Italy debut came against England in 2012, is no stranger to the Championship, having had loan spells at Millwall and Birmingham City last season, as well as featuring for Watford.

Speaking after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Doncaster, Karanka said he was also hoping to finalise the move for Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani this week. [/article]

Ryan Williams - Barnsley (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/ryans-back-williams-signs-two-year-deal-with-the-reds-2572419.aspx#IKUKeToxCpdtlvJg.99]Barnsley Football Club is pleased to announce Ryan Williams has signed for the Reds on a permanent basis.

Ryan Williams said, "I'm delighted to have joined Barnsley Football Club on a permanent basis, as I much admire the playing philosophy of Lee Johnson. I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with Lee Johnson on a daily basis and to have the platform of this great Club with its wonderful supporters to showcase my talent and skills.

"One of the integral reasons for my decision to join Barnsley was that lots of other young and talented players, such as Marc Roberts and Alfie Mawson, have also decided to come and play for Lee and to work under him even though they had opportunities to join Championship Clubs. This was further enhanced when you see gifted young players such as Ben Pearson also choose to join Barnsley on loan ahead of Championship clubs.

"I'm very much looking forward to getting to work on the training ground with Lee, the staff and the players as soon as possible."

Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson added, "It's fantastic that Ryan Williams has decided to join Barnsley Football Cub today. I have admired Ryan Williams for a long time, especially since he played for Barnsley against Oldham last season. Ryan Williams signing brings to the conclusion one of the irons in the fire that we currently have when it comes to recruitment for next season. We are seeking to secure other signings of Ryan Williams’ quality and the question outstanding at the moment is persuading their current Clubs to release them. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of Patrick Cryne and Ben Mansford in getting the signing of Ryan Williams over the line.

An Australian youth international, Williams made a big impression during his six-appearance stint at Oakwell last term. Barnsley and Fulham have agreed an undisclosed fee for the transfer of the forward, who has signed a two-year contract - with the Club having an option for a third.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Javier Manquillo - Marseille (loan with option to buy)

[article]Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo has joined French side Olympique Marseille on loan for the 2015-16 campaign.

OM, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, also have the option to buy the Spain under-21 international at any time during the loan spell for an undisclosed fee.

"I am very happy to sign for a club like Marseille," the 21-year-old told Marseille's official website.

"So far, everything is going perfectly well.

"We all know Marseille are a big club. They are one of the biggest clubs in France, if not the biggest. That is what motivated me to come here."

Manquillo was originally set to complete the second half of a two-year loan deal at Liverpool this season, but Atleti recalled the defender because he was not getting enough games in England.

A statement on Atletico's website at the time read: "Javier Manquillo will not fulfil his second season on loan with Liverpool.

"The player and Atletico Madrid decided that the player would go to Anfield for two seasons to enjoy the necessary minutes to continue growing football-wise.

"However, in this first season with the Reds, the defender has not had all the minutes he and our club consider necessary for that purpose of accumulating experiences in his sports growth."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jonathas de Jesus - Real Sociedad (undisclosed fee)

[article]Jonathas de Jesus became Real Sociedad's latest new recruit on Monday night. The club had been covertly working to bring the Brazilian centre-forward to San Sebastián for the past few weeks but the sight of the player in the city on Monday came completely out of the blue. The Elche player underwent and passed a medical revision at the Policlínica in Gipuzkoa while his contract details were being formulated at Anoeta. He joins on a five-year contract.

The operation to land Jonathas was one of the reasons why vice-president Mikel Ubarrechena and not club President Jokin Aperribay made the journey to Shanghai for the team’s five-day tour of China. Aperribay has been handling negotiations personally and is straightening out the finer details of the contract with IDUB consultant Iñaki Ibáñez, who represents Mino Raiola, co-owners of Brazilian Third Division outfit, Associação Maga Esporte Clube, who own the player’s federative rights which, as it stands, have been loaned to Elche until June 2016. The problem is that Elche owe the striker 80% of the salary he should have collected last season – the reason why Jonathas to open a prosecution case against the club at the start of the pre-season. Elche rejected an offer of 1.5 million euros to release Jonathas from the second year of his loan arrangement but after the club were relegated to the Second Division B for non-payment, the player is now free to sign for whoever he wants.

La Real have been busy studying how best to deal with such a complicated transfer issue. One option was to secure Jonathas on loan, another was to acquire 50 per cent of his federative rights, for which they would have to pay between three to four million euros. It appears that the Basque club have agreed economic terms with the player but Jonathas must still resolve his contractual arrangement with Elche which could affect the final transfer fee.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ibrahim Afellay - Stoke (free transfer)

[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/club-confirm-ibrahim-afellay-signing-2575152.aspx#SJRlzcFDbCXGu6AA.99]STOKE CITY are delighted to confirm the signing of Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old winger arrives at the Britannia Stadium after his contract with Barcelona expired over the course of the summer.

Afellay, who has been capped 50 times by the Netherlands and most recently against Spain in March, joins fellow countrymen Erik Pieters and Marco van Ginkel in Mark Hughes' Stoke squad, along with ex-Barcelona teammates Bojan, Marc Muniesa and Moha.

He is the Club's eighth close season signing following the arrivals of Phillip Wollscheid, Jakob Haugaard, Joselu, Marco van Ginkel, Glen Johnson, Shay Given and Moha.

City Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "It's no secret that Ibrahim was wanted by a number of clubs and we are understandably delighted that he has chosen to join us.

"He's clearly excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he knows so many players who are already at the Club will no doubt help him settle into his new surroundings."

Afellay has flown to France to link-up with the Potters squad at their training camp in Evian and is available to be involved in this weekend's Colonia Cup competition in Germany.

He started his career with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 35 goals in 159 league appearances and helped them land four Eredivisie titles.

He won a whole host of honours during his time with Barcelona - including the Champions League - although his time at the Nou Camp was disrupted by injury problems.

Afellay made 21 league appearances for Barca and had loan spells with Schalke 04 in Germany and Greece outfit Olympiacos. He played 31 games for club and country last season.

He made his debut for Holland in 2007 and appeared in the 2010 World Cup, where the Dutch finished as runners-up, as well as Euro 2008 and 2012. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Shaun Wright-Phillips - New York Red Bulls

[article]Shaun Wright-Phillips has signed for New York Red Bulls and will join his younger brother Bradley at the Major League Soccer club.
The 33-year-old winger, who made 36 England appearances, has made the move following nearly four years at QPR.

He has also had spells at Manchester City and Chelsea and made 299 Premier League appearances.

"He has been training here and we have seen his professionalism," Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch said.

"We think he is a tremendous addition both on the field and as a veteran presence in our locker room."

Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was a free agent after his QPR contract expired last month, played with striker Bradley at Manchester City in 2004.

Bradley Wright-Phillips, 30, joined Red Bulls in 2013 and has scored 41 goals in 63 appearances for the club.[/article]

Didier Drogba - Montreal Impact

[article]Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has signed for Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact.

The 37-year-old left Stamford Bridge this summer after playing 381 games and winning four Premier League titles across two spells with the London club.

Drogba is the Ivory Coast's all-time top scorer, with 65 goals in 105 international appearances.

Montreal president Joey Saputo said the signing made it "one of the biggest days in club history".

He added: "It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact.

"From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal.

"His arrival will be beneficial in every aspect."

Drogba will be a designated player at the Canadian side, which means his wages will not be restricted by the MLS salary cap.

Impact, MLS members since 2012, finished bottom of the table last season.

Drogba follows former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard in moving to the North American league, with the 37-year-old having joined New York City.[/article]

Greg Cunningham - Preston North End (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/cunningham-completes-permanent-move-2574939.aspx]Greg Cunningham has become Preston North End’s fourth summer signing, agreeing a two-year deal, moving from Bristol City to Deepdale for an undisclosed fee.

The Republic of Ireland international defender made 32 appearances in the Robins’ League One title-winning team in 2014/15, but joins the Lilywhites until at least the summer of 2017.

Cunningham, 24, started his career at Manchester City, before loan spells in the East Midlands with both Leicester City and Nottingham Forest preceded a £650,000 move to the south west to join Bristol City.

Manager Simon Grayson has been looking to bolster his defence following the summer departures of Scott Wiseman, David Buchanan and Scott Laird and he admitted his delight at concluding the arrival.

The North End boss said: “What you find with Greg is that he is a really good age, but he is experienced as well. He has played for some good clubs, big clubs, knows the Championship and was part of a winning mentality at Bristol City last year.

“We are very pleased to have got him; he’s desperate to do well for Preston North End and try and get back into the Ireland squad and if he does that, hopefully it means we are doing well.

Whilst the Galway-born man was looking forward to a new challenge, adding: “I had a year left on my contract at Bristol City, but with my football being limited last year I was looking to get out and get games and when the gaffer and Preston showed an interest I came back early from Portugal and I am now delighted to have signed for the next two years.”[/article]

Michael Jacobs - Wigan (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/michael-jacobs-joins-wigan-athletic-from-wolves-2560369.aspx#hCGOCYsueOPPATz5.99]Wigan Athletic can confirm the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Michael Jacobs for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a three year deal at the DW Stadium and has joined up with the rest of the Latics squad back at Christopher Park, following last week's training camp in Scotland.

Gary Caldwell, Latics manager said: “I’m really pleased we’ve got this one over the line. Michael knows this league well, and knows what it takes to be successful at this level having played at Wolves when they were promoted in 2014.

“He is a potential match winner on his day and will add terrific competition to the squad, which is now starting to take shape.”

Northamptonshire-born Jacobs came through the ranks at his local club Northampton Town and went on to play 87 times in the league for The Cobblers, scoring 11 times, twice earning the Player of The Season award.

He moved to Derby County in 2012, where he played 42 times, scoring twice. He signed for Wolves in 2013, initially on loan and played 33 league matches whilst at Molineux, scoring six goals. He finished last season on loan at Blackpool. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Absolutely nothing odd behind that Luiz deal at all. Totally.

 

[King Binny]

Sam Clucas - Hull City (reportedly £1.3 million)

Ryan Taylor - Hull (free transfer)

[article]The Tigers have completed the signings of Ryan Taylor and Sam Clucas.

30-year-old Taylor arrives at the KC Stadium as a free agent having been released by Newcastle United at the end of the previous campaign, whilst 24-year-old Clucas makes the move to the Tigers from League One Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee.

Taylor has put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract with the Club, whilst Clucas has signed a three-year deal.[/article]

[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/clucas-raring-to-go-2575612.aspx#cKthQulpO8KywibD.99]Sam Clucas can’t wait to get started with the next chapter of his career after penning a three-year deal with the Tigers.

The 24-year-old, who can operate in a number of positions in all areas of the pitch, arrived from League One side Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee last night and admits the opportunity to join the Tigers was one that he couldn’t turn down.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for Hull City,” he said. “It was a fantastic opportunity for me to progress in my career and one that I couldn’t pass up.

“Since the pre-season friendly between Hull and Chesterfield, the last few days have been nothing short of unbelievable.

“Everything came a bit out of the blue, but I’m happy to have completed the move and put pen-to-paper on a three year-deal. It’s an exciting time and I just can’t wait to get going now.

“It’s massive club with big ambitions that I hope to be a part of. I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career, stepping up to the Championship and fighting for a place in a squad that is packed with both experience and quality.”

Clucas has learned his trade in the lower levels of the English game in the last few years with spells at Hereford United, Mansfield Town and Chesterfield, racking up more than 160 appearances in all competitions since November 2011 and believes he has benefitted massively from playing regular first-team football at a young age.

“Learning my trade whilst playing games in the lower leagues has been a brilliant experience for me.

“It was at Hereford where I gained my first real taste of proper men’s football in this country and everything that has happened since has been an absolute joy.

“It was nice to get some game time under my belt at the likes of Hereford, Mansfield and Chesterfield and improve in all aspects of my game.

“My game has come leaps and bounds in recent years and I’ve developed so much by actually playing games.

“I think it’s a good way to start your career - playing games and getting first-team experience at a lower level rather than just starting out at the top. You don’t get the same sort of opportunities at the top level as you do towards the bottom.

“If you come into the game right at the very top, sometimes it can too much of a jump after progressing through the youth ranks at a club, whereas if you start at the bottom and work your way up slowly, you get more opportunities at first team level.

“Thankfully it’s worked out that way for me during my career. I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at my last three clubs and hopefully I can put everything I’ve learnt in the last few years to good use whilst playing for Hull City.

“Signing for a Club like this is a big step up but I think I’ve shown in the last couple of years that, when I have stepped up a level, I’ve been able to handle it. Hopefully I can do that once again here.

“The first aim is try and get a place in the starting line-up - hopefully I can nail down a position and prove my worth to the side.

“The Club deserves to be in the Premier League and hopefully we can get the job done this season to ensure that we return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.”

Clucas will train with his new team-mates for the first time in Austria this morning and admits he is raring to go.

“It was good to meet the rest of the lads last night when I first arrived at the team hotel,” he added. “Now, I just can’t wait to get started with my first training session.

“I’ve had a good pre-season with Chesterfield. I went away to Portugal for a week with them and that all went well, so I’m ready and raring to go.”[/article]