Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Mohamed Salah - Roma (loan for €5 million with option to buy)

[article]Roma finally announced Mohamed Salah has joined from Chelsea despite Fiorentina threatening legal action. “One of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Salah had dropped hints on Twitter, changing his user picture to reflect a Giallorossi shirt and today posting a photo of him shaking hands with Francesco Totti.

Chelsea confirmed he moves “on loan and the agreement includes an option to purchase at any point during the season.”

Simultaneously, Roma released their own statement on the deal, with a loan worth €5m and an option to buy from 2016-17 "tied to certain sporting situations."

This means the option to buy for €15m will become mandatory once he reaches a certain number of appearances.

“AS Roma are delighted to confirm the signing of Egyptian international forward Mohamed Salah from Chelsea.

“The 23-year-old put pen to paper on 4-year contract with the Giallorossi on Thursday after successfully completing a medical in Rome.

“Salah is regarded by many as the best Egyptian player in the world right now and boasts 37 appearances with the national team.

“The forward, who began his career at Al-Mokawloon before joining FC Basel in Switzerland, becomes only the second Egyptian player to sign for AS Roma after Mido moved to the Olimpico in 2004.”

Salah also spoke to Roma TV, the club’s official television station.

“I think Roma are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I'm happy to be in this team. I think everybody here has ambition and everybody wants to win the title. Everybody will give their best to make the fans happy.”[/article]

Mahmoud Trezeguet - Anderlecht (loan with option to buy)

[article]Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ has finally completed his move from Al Ahly to Anderlecht, the Belgian side have announced.

Anderlecht’s interest in the Al Ahly youngster began in June, with Trezeguet himself confirming a bid was submitted to the Red Devils. The two clubs have been in constant contact, but Al Ahly were reluctant to let their playmaker leave during league play.

Due to the recent captures of Saleh Gomaa, Mohamed Hamdy Zaki, and Ahmed El-Sheikh, along with the rumored signing of Amr El-Sulaya, Al Ahly expressed their willingness to allow Trezeguet to go out on loan. Al Ahly’s director of football Alaa Abdel-Sadek said, “The next few days could see an end to Trezeguet’s situation. The new arrivals could fuel his departure.”

The situation has finally commenced, with the two teams coming to an agreement, his agent Yahia Aly tells Kingfut.com.

Trezeguet will move to Anderlecht on a one year loan, with an option to buy. The fee for the permanent transfer is reported to be in the region of €3.5 million. Shortly after, the club announced the transfer on their Twitter account.

Moreover, Anderlecht general director Herman Van Holsbeeck said the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder is a solid reinforcement for their team

“Trezeguet is a talented player that will strengthen the team,” Van Holsbeeck told Anderlecht’s official website.

“He is a young international player and we will give him enough time to adapt to our league and the Belgian culture,” he concluded.

Mahmoud Hassan, who has 5 league goals and 7 assists this season, is considered one of Al Ahly’s most dynamic players. He was raised as a striker, which helped to shape up his attacking instincts as a midfielder; developing his surging runs going forward, fueled with energy and great ball control.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Chris Mavinga - Troyes (loan)

[article]Newly promoted side ESTAC Troyes have announced the signing of French defender Chris Mavinga on loan from Rubin Kazan for the forthcoming season.

The 24 year old had a largely unsuccessful loan spell with Stade de Reims last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

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

http://www.snappytv.com/tc/732354
Scored in the 3rd min for West Ham in the Europa League

 

[King Binny]

Alberto Aquilani - Sporting Lisbon (free transfer)

[article]Alberto Aquilani has passed a medical and signed for Sporting CP in Lisbon.

The 31-year-old midfielder was a free agent after his contract with Fiorentina was not renewed.

Aquilani passed a medical with Sporting CP in Lisbon and the club announced his arrival on Thursday evening.

The club went for the Italian after failing to secure Kevin Prince Boateng.

It is reportedly a three-year contract worth €2m per season.

Aquilani had been considering Sampdoria and a move to Major League Soccer in America.

He grew up in the Roma youth academy and was sold to Liverpool for €20m in 2009, but injuries meant he never really made his mark.

Loan spells followed at Juventus and Milan, then he moved to Fiorentina in 2012.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Konstantinos Mitroglou - Benfica (loan)

 

[King Binny]

Lukáš Hrádecký - Eintracht Frankfurt (£1.4 million)

[article]Brondby have agreed to sell Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt for around 15 million Danish crowns($2.21 million), the Copenhagen side said on their website on Saturday.

Bratislava-born Hradecky, 25, made his international debut in 2010 while playing for Brondby's Danish rivals Esbjerg.

He moved to Brondby in 2013 and has established himself as Finland's number one, winning 21 caps.[/article]

Callum Robinson - Bristol City (loan)

[article]City have secured the season-long loan signing of Aston Villa forward Callum Robinson.

The 20-year-old joins the squad ahead of tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship season opener at Sheffield Wednesday.

Manager Steve Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk: “I’m pleased Callum has decided to join us.

“He’s the type of player we’ve been looking to bring in; someone who can play wide left in a three or in one of the striking roles.

“Callum is a young player who will bring bundles of pace and energy, similar to Ryan (Fredericks). He’s also brave and has a knack for nicking a goal.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure the signing of two young players in Ryan and Callum in time for the first game of the season and wish them luck for the campaign ahead.”

A regular England youth international, Northampton-born Robinson is a product of Villa’s Academy setup.

Robinson has made five appearances for the Villa first team to date, all as a substitute.

Last season he spent the campaign with Preston North End, making 28 appearances and scoring seven times in their promotion-winning campaign – including the winner at Ashton Gate in November. [/article]

 

[Oncy]

And he's 28 already. It seems like it was yesterday when he looked normal and played with our kids.

He did what with the who now?

 

[jan]

Played football with Liverpool Football Club's youth team.

 

[King Binny]

Grant Hall - QPR (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/grant-hall-signs-qpr-tottenham-hotspur-2599768.aspx#0A2hFGBBod3iYqO3.99]QPR have added another defender to their squad on the eve of the new season with the addition of Grant Hall from Tottenham Hotspur.

Hall, who impressed for the R’s whilst on trial during pre-season, has signed a two-year deal at Loftus Road, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with Spurs for his services.

The 23 year-old was registered prior to the midday deadline and is therefore expected to go straight into the Hoops squad for tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Head Coach, Chris Ramsey, told www.qpr.co.uk: “I’ve always liked Grant from when I worked with him at Spurs.

“He’s an old fashioned defender – he can head the ball, he can tackle and he doesn’t mind putting his foot in when he needs to. But he can play as well from the back, and that’s what we’ll be looking to do when the opportunities present themselves this season.

“He’s still a young boy and centre-half is a very responsible position – but he’s got experience in the Championship and that’s vitally important for us.”

Hall, who spent time on loan with both Birmingham City and Blackpool in the second tier last season, will wear the number 4 shirt.

He said: “I’m delighted to get the deal done before the start of the season tomorrow.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I can step up and force my way into the team.

“I think it’s good to have competition for places, but I’ve not come here to sit on the bench. I want to come in and stake my claim and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

R’s Director of Football, Les Ferdinand, told www.qpr.co.uk: “Grant is a solid addition at the back for us.

“He played in the Championship for two clubs in difficult situations last season and he’s come through it a better player for those experiences.

“He can certainly handle himself at this level and we’re looking forward to working with him and helping develop his game.”[/article][/article]

 

[King Binny]

Miguel Lopes - Granada (loan)

[article]Granada have completed the signing of right-back Miguel Lopes from Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old arrives as a direct replacement for Watford-bound Allan Nyom after several days of negotiations.

Lopes, who has four caps for Portugal, returns to Andalucia, having spent the 2010-11 campaign at Real Betis.

Lopes becomes Granada’s eight summer addition after Edgar Mendez, Robert Ibanez, Salvador Ruiz, Yrondu Musavu-King, Andres Fernandez, Rene Krhin and Nico Lopez.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Premier League summer transfers 2015 – in numbers (Datablog)

 

[King Binny]

Alfred Finnbogason - Olympiakos (loan)

[article=http://www.olympiacos.org/en/article/49700/finnbogason-joins-olympiacos]Olympiacos FC announce the signing of player Alfred Finnbogason.

Alfred Finnbogason, in his first quotes as a player of Olympiacos, said: "I am really happy to be here. Olympiacos is a great club and I look forward to wearing the red-and-white shirt. I wish to say to the fans that I will do my utmost in every match, I will be a professional and hope to score many goals for Olympiacos!"[/article]

Esteban Cambiasso - Olympiakos (free transfer)

[article]Greek champions Olympiakos have signed former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Leicester City midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

The 34-year-old turned down the chance to stay in the English Premier League when he left Leicester in the summer, and joins a team who have a Champions League campaign ahead.

Olympiakos posted pictures on social media of former Argentina international Cambiasso being given a lively welcome as supporters surrounded his car.

Cambiasso said on his new club's website: "I hope to play as many games as I can in the Champions League. Everyone is happy that Olympiakos will be involved in the competition."[/article]

Moses Odubajo - Hull (£3.5 million)

[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/tigers-sign-odubajo-from-brentford-2600762.aspx#HxfFaKHqrevYXvFF.99]The Tigers have completed the signing of Moses Odubajo from Brentford for a fee of £3.5million.

The talented winger and full-back has signed a three-year deal with the Club.

22-year-old Odubajo came through the ranks at Leyton Orient, making more than 100 appearances for the London club before signing for Brentford in June 2014. An impressive season at Griffin Park saw him help the Bees into the Championship play-offs before they were eventually beaten by Middlesbrough.

That prompted Tigers boss Steve Bruce to make his move and Odubajo is delighted to have put pen to paper at the KC Stadium.

“I’m pleased that everything is done now,” said Odubajo.

“Unfortunately it didn’t happen in time for me to play on Saturday, but I’m looking forward to playing for this club and I’m ready whenever the manager wants to select me.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriel Boschilia - Monaco (reportedly €10 m)

[article=http://www.asmonaco.com/en/article/gabriel-boschilia-joins-as-monaco-68593.html?]AS Monaco and Sao Paulo FC have reached agreement for the transfer of Gabriel Boschilia.

The 19 year-old Brazilian midfielder, who has made more than forty appearances in the Brazilian league (scoring five goals), has signed a five-year contract. A finalist in the recent U20 World Cup with Brazil, Boschilia played seven games in the competition and scored twice. The contract will keep him at AS Monaco until June 2020.

"I'm very proud to be signing for AS Monaco and to have the opportunity to play for a big club like AS Monaco. I'll do everything I can to help the team and work for the good of the group."

"We are very proud to welcome Gabriel Boschilia. Gabriel is a talented young Brazilian who did brilliantly in the U20 World Cup, and he's a player we've been monitoring regularly. He is only 19, and we have a lot of faith in him. We are confident that AS Monaco will enable him to develop, and that being around the other players here will help him to go on and reach his full potential."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Neal Maupay - St. Etienne (reportedly €500k plus add ons)

Jean-Christophe Bahebeck - St. Etienne (loan)

Salomon Rondon - West Brom (£12 million)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/west-brom-albion-club-record-venezuela-striker-salomon-rondon-2607821.aspx]WEST Bromwich Albion are delighted to confirm the club-record signing of Venezuela international Salomon Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg.

The 25-year-old striker has been signed on a four-year contract for a fee in the region of £12million.

Rondon arrived at Albion’s training ground late last week and breezed through his medical before becoming the club's fifth signing of the summer.

He has had to wait patiently for his international clearance but has finally been given the go-ahead to begin his career in the Barclays Premier League. He will be eligible for his first match at Watford on Saturday.

Rondon said: “I am very happy to be here.

"This is a new opportunity in my career. I can’t wait to be with the other players and to play.

"The club showed a lot of interest in me, that’s what is important for a player, what you take into account, and there are expectations of me."

Head Coach Tony Pulis is understandably excited at working with a player he believes has already made his mark – but still has much more to give.

“He’s got a fantastic goalscoring record in some of the top leagues in Europe and for his country,” says Pulis. “He’s 25 years of age and still to fulfil his full potential.

“We hope he hits the ground running of course but understand it might take him time to settle. I’m sure our fans will help him and get behind him.

“But we feel with age on his side and the prices English clubs are asking for their players, it’s a deal worth doing.

“He comes highly recommended. I have spoken to Manuel (Pellegrini) and AVB (Andre Villas-Boas), who have worked with him, and they were full of praise for the lad. We are looking forward to working with him.”

Pulis had already added James McClean, James Chester and Rickie Lambert before completing the season-long loan signing of Serge Gnabry from Arsenal.

But it is the arrival of Rondon, who has frequently been linked with a move to the Premier League, which will get The Hawthorns buzzing and represents a genuine transfer coup for the Baggies.

He has been a forward of growing reputation since his 2010 move to Malaga to begin a two-year spell which saw him impress in the Champions League, scoring 25 goals in 67 appearances.

That triggered a big-money move to Rubin Kazan and another two-year stay (13 goals in 36 appearances) before Zenit, Russia’s biggest club, snapped up his services. His 20 goals in 37 appearances last season kept his profile high.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Seydou Doumbia - CSKA Moscow (6 mths loan)

[article]Seydou Doumbia has officially completed his return to CKSA Moscow, after just seven months at Roma.

The Ivorian arrived in the capital at the end of the January transfer window, but has been deemed surplus to requirements after just two Serie A goals in 13 games.

It emerged earlier today that the forward was close to sealing a return to CSKA Moscow, and it has now be confirmed he will move on loan until January.

“CSKA and AS Roma today agreed the loan of Seydou Doumbia until the end of 2015,” the Russian side confirmed on their official website.

“There is the possibility of extending the loan until the end of the 2015-16 season. The Ivorian striker will wear the number 88 shirt, which he had prior to leaving CSKA.

“Seydou has been included in the squad list for the national league and the UEFA Champions League play-offs.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mathieu Valbuena - Lyon (€5 million)

[article]Jean Michel Aulas: "Valbuena is talented, he is a competitor, I had the chance to see him with his old club and with France."

"Mathieu has signed for a 3 year deal for €5m, basically all immediately in cash, because the Russians needed it."

Bernard Lacombe: "He has his qualities, he has a strong shot, he is capable of scoring from set pieces, I am very happy."

Hubert Fournier: "We have been talking about this for several weeks. I am relieved that he has joined us."

"He will bring his footballing qualities and his human qualities."

Mathieu Valbuena: "I am very happy to be here. I want to thank Aulas, Lacombe & Fournier, they showed me a lot of attention for me to join."

"I like the project, I don't regret my first year at Dynamo. Aulas' vey good relationship with my agent helped."

"It is true that it was a football aim, with their offering Champions League, that made an impact on my decision."

"I am super happy to join them. In a career it is important to win titles. I will bring my experience with humility."

Mathieu Valbuena will be wearing #19 with Lyon.
[/article]

 

[Leo]

Because the Russians needed it.
Hahahaha.

 

[737Max]

I've wanted Valbuena at the club ever since we faced Marseille in the champions league and he played brilliantly in both games and scored a screamer at Anfield too. Instead we got Albert effing Riera.

 

[King Binny]

Xherdan Shaqiri - Stoke (£12 million)

[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/shaqiri-signs-in-club-record-deal-2611120.aspx]STOKE CITY are delighted to announce the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri from Inter Milan for a Club record fee of £12million.

The 23-year-old Swiss international winger has signed a five-year contract with the Potters and will link-up with his new teammates this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tottenham.

Shaqiri, who has scored 17 goals in 46 appearances for Switzerland, was a member of the Bayern Munich squad that won the 2012/13 European Champions League.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: “It’s no secret that we have been pursuing Xherdan for some time now and we are delighted to have finally secured his signature.

“He’s an exciting young player who is really looking forward to playing in the Premier League having played at the very highest level in Germany with Bayern Munich and in Italy with Inter.

“Xherdan will be a fantastic addition to our squad and adds to the attacking options at the manager’s disposal.”

Manager Mark Hughes said: “He’s a dynamic and explosive player who will bring something different to the group and at the age of 23 he still has a great deal of potential.

“In the chats I’ve had with him it’s obvious that he’s excited about playing in the Premier League and showing what he’s capable of.”

Shaqiri has been allocated number 22 for the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign.

CHAIRMAN Peter Coates has refused to rule out further activity in the transfer market despite splashing out a Club record £12m on Swiss sensation Xherdan Shaqiri.

The talented winger put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, and in the process became Mark Hughes’ eighth first-team capture of the summer.

Speaking to stokecityfc.com shortly after the Club confirmed Shaqiri’s arrival, Mr Coates said that he would be surprised to see any more incomings, but stopped short of ruling it out altogether.

“I would hope that he is the last signing,” the Chairman smiled. “In football though you never know what is around the corner.

“I wouldn’t say it is likely, but if something was to come up that made sense then we would look at it, of course.

“We are attracting great players to the Club now because we are progressing on and off the pitch and they are excited by the challenge here.”

Mr Coates admits that the chase for Shaqiri has been a long and drawn out affair, but says he is delighted to finally be able to welcome him to the Britannia Stadium.

“I’m not sure how long it has gone on for – quite a while I would suggest, but football is a messy business and signings like this can take a while to conclude.

“We are obviously very pleased that he is here though, because he’s an excellent player and one that we feel will do very well for us.

“He has been an important target and we are very pleased and I know more importantly Mark and his team are delighted to have him on board.

“I keep saying we are trying to get better and this is another good example of the progress we are trying to make.”

Mr Coates added: “He’s a player we have been targeting for some time and we have had to keep plugging away and be patient and do all you can to get what you want, so it’s a brilliant to get this deal completed.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Emiliano Martinez - Wolves (loan)

[article=http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/martinez-deal-completed-2610385.aspx#H4hohHepQcMfzuKj.99]Wolves have brought in highly-rated young Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old Argentinian completed a medical on Sunday and a deal has now been completed for the Gunner to make a temporary move to Molineux.

“We are delighted to have brought Emi to the club for the season,” said Head Coach Kenny Jackett.

“I have been aware of him from being in and around the Arsenal set-up for a few years and he has also has experience of the Championship from loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham.

“It is very important to have good competition among your goalkeepers not just at the start of the season but as it progresses.

“So it is good to bring Emi in right at the start and we are looking forward to working with him.”

Head of Football Development and Recruitment Kevin Thelwell added: “We are always looking to strengthen the squad and each position as much as we can.

“The opportunity to take Emiliano Martinez, who has played in Arsenal’s first team and been on loan in this division, is one that was too good to turn down.

“It will bring us some strong competition for that number one jersey.”

Martinez joined Arsenal from Independiente in 2010 and has appeared for both the Argentinian under-17 and Under-20 sides.

He has made eight appearances for the Gunners in total, the first of which came in a League Cup tie with Coventry in 2012.

Those appearances also include two in the Champions League, victories away to Anderlecht and at home to Borussia Dortmund in the first half of last season.

To date Martinez has enjoyed three different loan spells while with Arsenal.

His debut in English football came for Oxford United in League Two at the end of the 2011/12 season.

In the 2013/14 campaign he made 15 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday and then an additional eight for Rotherham over the second half of last season.[/article]

 

[Ryan]

Shaqiri is this decade's Quaresma.

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

Shaqiri is this decade's Quaresma.

No way man, even just a few years ago there were all kinds of people in Portugal who thought Quaresma was actually more physically gifted than Cristiano Ronaldo but that he obviously hadn't put it altogether like Cristiano.

Shaqiri is a nice player but he is a midget muscle hamster.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Gabriel Boschilia - Monaco (reportedly €10 m)

This one looks interesting - saw him in a youtube clip yesterday and then read that Monaco had snapped him up. Monaco are buying young this season. They've probably already hit jackpot with the promising Bernando Silva last season, and now they've added 8 (!) guys this summer who're 21 and under. As if that's not enough, they've loaned Pasalic (20) from Chelsea and El Shaarawy from Milan (22).

 

[King Binny]

Edin Dzeko - Roma (loan with option to buy)

[article]Roma have officially confirmed the long-awaited signing of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has been training with the Giallorossi this week, but the deal met a series of delays.

The first hurdle was the Lupi’s non-EU quota, with no space on the squad list for the new signing, but that was overcome when Antonio Sanabria was loaned to Sporting Gijon.

There was concern earlier today as there was a crucial document missing to finally make the deal official, but Roma have now confirmed the signing in a statement.

"AS Roma are delighted to confirm the signing of Bosnian international Edin Dzeko from Manchester City,” the Giallorossi confirmed on their official website.

"The 29-year-old striker put pen to paper on a contract with the Giallorossi today after successfully completing his medical in Italy.

"Dzeko has been one of the most sought after forwards in Europe this summer after he made it clear he was ready for a new challenge after a four-year stay in the English Premier League."

Dzeko is therefore free to make his Roma debut in Friday’s friendly with Sevilla. The player will be presented to fans and media tomorrow.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mehdi Zeffane - Stade Rennais (undisclosed fee)

[article]Rennes announce the signing of right-back Mehdi Zeffane from Lyon for an undisclosed fee on a four year contract.[/article]

Antonio Sanabria - Sporting Gijon (loan)

[article]La Liga newcomers Sporting Gijon have strengthened their forward line ahead of the 2015-16 campaign with the season-long loan signing of Roma forward Antonio Sanabria.

The Barcelona youth product has struggled to break through at Stadio Olimpico since arriving at the club in 2014, only making his debut in February against Cagliari.

With coach Rudi Garcia having added Mohamed Salah and Leandro Paredes to his attacking options, Sanabria's first-team opportunities looked set to be limited in the capital.

Sanabria, 19, will train with his new team-mates on Thursday and could feature in Gijon's final pre-season clash with Villarreal on Saturday.[/article]

Josh Vickers - Swansea

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swans-sign-vickers-2613783.aspx#GLoCv96IZeYyJ6Io.99]Swansea City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Josh Vickers, subject to international clearance.

The 19-year-old, who featured on Monday for the Under-21s, has signed a two-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

Vickers had been on trial with the Swans since the start of July and featured a number of times for the club’s development squad as well as an impressive second-half display for the first team when Garry Monk’s side played 1860 Munich in Germany during pre-season tour.

The move to SA1 means the former Arsenal shot-stopper, who rose through their academy ranks over the last 12 years and impressed during last season’s FA Youth Cup campaign, will link-up with former Gunners goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts and Lukasz Fabianski.

“I’m really pleased to have signed my contract with the club,” said Vickers. “I have been here five or six weeks now, taking part in some great matches and feel I have settled in well.

“It's going to be great to work with Tony (Roberts) and Lukasz (Fabianski) again and everyone has welcomed me really well.

“Tony called and asked if I would come in on trial. I know how much knowledge he has of the game, I have worked with him the last four years and I couldn't turn down the opportunity.

“This club is going in the right direction. How the first team performed last year is breathing confidence though the whole team, it is a club on the up and its great to be a part of.

“My aim here is to push on. I hope to be training with the first team most days and to feature for the Under-21s doing the best I can, and I think there is a chance for me to grow and develop here.”

Vickers joins fellow goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel in signing for the club, with the German stopper returning to the Liberty on a two-year deal after his contract ended back in the summer.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Oriol Romeu - Southampton (reportedly £5 million)

[article= http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150812-oriol-romeu-signing-announcement-2614725.aspx#1A2f0hTAVpwbAUDF.99]Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu on a three-year deal.

The 23 year-old moves from Chelsea, who he joined in 2011 after graduating from FC Barcelona’s famous academy at La Masia.

Romeu was part of the same Blues squad as Ryan Bertrand, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2012 and the UEFA Europa League a year later.

He represented Spain at every level from under-17 to under-23, playing at the 2012 Olympic Games, and has spent time on loan with Valencia and VfB Stuttgart in recent years.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed commented: “We are extremely happy to be able to bring Oriol to the club on a permanent basis.

“Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to compete seriously on all fronts this season by continuing to build a squad with depth and quality.

“Oriol is a player we have had on the radar for some time – he was a prominent figure in the Chelsea team of 2011/12, when he made 24 appearances as a 20 year-old.

“Like Ryan Bertrand, we believe we have recruited another Chelsea player with an excellent pedigree but also with lots of potential to develop.

“He is another player who matches the Southampton profile – he is young and hungry, has been developed at a top academy and has already played at the highest level with plenty more to come.

“He will complement the qualities we already have among our squad and provide another level of competition for selection.”

Romeu added: “It’s very good to be a part of this club.

I was looking for a good club and for something new in my career.

“After spending two years on loan, I needed something permanent and a club with a future – and I think I chose the right one.

“Southampton are doing the right things in the last few years and, once they came to me and asked me to come here, from the first day I was hoping to come.[/article]

 

[ILD]

Shakiri face is hilarious in that pic. He's that kid trying to be serious in mass but all his friends are trying to make him laugh from across the church and he can barely keep it together.

 

[King Binny]

John Lundstram - Oxford (free transfer)

[article=http://www.oufc.co.uk/news/article/oxford-united-signing-john-lundstram-2615950.aspx#GFzVEkEdq5meoVdc.99]Oxford United this morning completed the signing of midfielder John Lundstram on a two-year deal, with the option of an extra year.

Born in Liverpool, John came through the Everton youth system and represented England in the under 17, 18, 19 and 20 teams. Still only 21, John gained first team experience through loan spells at Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Blackpool before ending last season at Scunthorpe United.

Head Coach Michael Appleton welcomed him to the U’s, saying:“John is a player who a lot of clubs have been monitoring. Everton offered him a new deal but he felt it was the right time to make a permanent move and establish himself at another club and we are delighted that he came to Oxford.

“He gets on the ball, links things through the middle of the park and he’s combative so he won’t shy away from the physical side of the game either. It gives us a lot of competition in the middle of the park and we are really happy to have him here.”

John said: “It’s a big move for me because it’s my first permanent transfer rather than a loan and I wanted to make sure that I joined the right club, one that has ambition and is looking to win things. Michael Appleton was very impressive when I met him and the whole club feels like it is going places, so I had no hesitation in coming here.”[/article]

Mason Holgate - Everton (reportedly £1 million plus add ons)

[article]Everton have completed the signing of 18-year-old defender Mason Holgate from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.

Roberto Martinez confirmed at his Thursday morning press conference that a deal for the youngster was close and the highly-rated teenager has now penned a five-year contract, keeping him at the Club until the summer of 2020.

Following his debut last December, Holgate made 22 senior appearances for the League One Tykes and Martinez sees him as an exciting prospect for the future.

He said: "With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn’t want to lose out. He is a young man with a very impressive future.

“His development is going to be important and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can have an impact on the first-team. But he is not a player who I would expect to perform straightaway in the Premier League - that would be very unfair.

“Mason, already at 18, has played 20 games in League One, which shows his incredible potential.

“I feel that we are the perfect place in order for Mason to develop into a top footballer. I know that he is a player who can bring us something quite unique, so we are excited about that possibility, even though he is one for the future rather than now.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jamie Langfield - St Mirren (free transfer)

[article=http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?p=46118]Goalkpeeper Jamie Langfield has put pen to paper on a two year deal as a player/coach to become Ian Murray’s latest addition to the squad.

A product of Dundee’s youth system the keeper made 38 appearances for the Dens Park side before leaving in 2003 for stints with Raith Rovers, Partick Thistle and Dunfermline Athletic. In 2005 Jamie signed for Aberdeen where he would establish himself as the number one choice keeper at Pittodrie going on to make 335 outings for The Dons.

Shortly after signing his deal with Saints Jamie said, “I’m absolutely delighted. After leaving Aberdeen it’s been great to get something tied up so quickly and to come to my hometown club is that bit special. To go into the player/coach capacity is another step on the ladder and hopefully I can cut my teeth here.

“I spoke to the gaffer and he made it clear that he wanted me to come in as a coach and use my experience but obviously I said I’m not just here to sit on the bench and make up the numbers and retire, I still want to play and I still want a lot of competition.

“There’s a lot of young boys in the team who need a little bit of help and hopefully guys like us [Steven Thompson, Alan Gow and Jim Goodwin] can do that and hopefully it can push us up and get us up to the right area of the table where we want to be competing with Rangers and Hibs.”

Ian Murray said of his latest signing for St Mirren, “Jamie has signed, he’s going to have a dual role, he’s going to be a goalkeeper who will compete with Mark [Ridgers] for the jersey now and also the goalkeeping coach, which is great for us all because we needed someone in to help Mark predominantly in that role and someone who will push Mark for a starting position.

“Mark will realise that he needs to be pushed and it’s always good to have other options. Mark’s attitude in the whole process has been fantastic, we understand he’s not had a lot of specialised goalkeeping coaching and that’s what he needs.

“Jamie’s at an age where he’s maybe got one eye on the coaching role and certainly improving a younger goalkeeper in Mark as well. Hopefully they can work hand-in-hand together and help each other throughout the season and hopefully be behind a defence that doesn’t concede many goals.”[/article]

Charles Aranguiz - Leverkusen (reportedly £12.75 million)

[article=http://www.bayer04.de/b04-eng/en/_site_index.aspx]Bayer 04 have come out on top in the race to sign Chile international Charles Aránguiz. After the president of his previous club Internacional Porto Alegre signed the transfer documents on Wednesday night and Aránguiz completed the medical at Bayer 04 the 26-year-old midfielder penned a five-year deal to 30 June 2020.

Aránguiz, who reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores with the top Brazilian club, came to the attention of numerous clubs thanks to his outstanding performances with successful Chile side at the Copa America.

“We are happy and satisfied that our persistence has paid off,” declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade in commenting on the successful move in the transfer market. “Our efforts have long been focused on completing this transfer and that has not been made any easier by the player's outstanding displays both at the Copa and with his club. It's even more pleasing to win out against strong competition from abroad. We were written off in the race to sign Aránguiz. We have reached a fair solution with the Brazilian.”

Rudi Völler believes signing the international with 40 caps to his credit is very important. “Charles Aránguiz has shown what an outstanding player he is above all with Chile. The energetic, aggressive style of play is similar to ours and Aránguiz has proved to be a strategic force in midfield,” added Völler. “Charles Aránguiz improves the quality of our team and we've brought in the player we wanted for this position in midfield.”

Aránguiz is looking forward to playing in Germany. “The Bundesliga is one of the best and most attractive leagues in the world and Bayer 04 has been one of the top clubs for years. My international team-mate Arturo Vidal raved about Bayer 04 and that's why I wanted to join this club,” admitted Aránguiz. “I also see Leverkusen giving me the big chance of playing in the Champions League. Leverkusen have almost been in it every year and we want to make to the group stage again this year. I'm looking forward to this huge challenge in a new country.[/article]

OptaFranz ‏@OptaFranz https://twitter.com/OptaFranz/status/631743684543967232
14 - Charles #Aranguiz ranked 2nd in chances created for Chile in the CA 2015 (14) & had hands in 3 goals (2G, 1A). Boost. @bayer04fussball

 

[Woland]

Xherdan Shaqiri signs for Stoke - and becomes the first person ever born in Albania to end up somewhere worse.