Xherdan Shaqiri - Stoke (£12 million)
He's built like a shit brickhouse.
Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)
- Thread starter King Binny
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He's built like a shit brickhouse.
Just made it up, is it old? Ah well, either way I'm use to the shit out of at the beach this weekend and claim it as my own.
Ha it's actually "brick shithouse", not what you said... I thought you were implying he wasn't particularly well-built.
Now you're whooshing me. I'm not from your islands but I know 'brick shithouse'. I've watched him play for my local team and he came across as a 'me me me poser', hence the 'shit brickhouse'.
Anyway, I gotta go home and get a bollicking or a frying pan in the face, take care and have a good night.
Anyway, I gotta go home and get a bollicking or a frying pan in the face, take care and have a good night.
I think we're whooshing each other at this point...
Raul Jimenez - Benfica (50% rights for reportedly €3 million)
[article]Raul Jimenez has brought a difficult spell at Atletico Madrid to an end by agreeing terms on a five-year deal at Portuguese champion Benfica.
The Mexico international moved to the Vicente Calderon from America ahead of last season, but struggled to make an impact in La Liga.
"I did not play the minutes I expected [at Atletico], but I believe in my worth and I want to show that I can help the team," Jimenez said. "I have the desire to play more to give the best of me. I know that it will not be easy. I'm in a great club and surrounded by high-quality teammates."
Jimenez made just four league starts under Diego Simeone, with a further 17 substitute appearances, netting a solitary goal.
On Thursday, it was announced that Benfica had secured the services of the 24-year-old forward.
"I have a year of European football, and that has helped me to adapt. Now, with the help of everyone in this great club, I will work to make things better," Jimenez said. "I am delighted to be part of a club as important as this one. I really want to help so that Benfica continues with its success and I'm very hopeful of playing well.
"I want to train to win the confidence of the coach and my teammates so I can get good performances on the pitch. I will do everything to help the team."[/article]
[article]Raul Jimenez has brought a difficult spell at Atletico Madrid to an end by agreeing terms on a five-year deal at Portuguese champion Benfica.
The Mexico international moved to the Vicente Calderon from America ahead of last season, but struggled to make an impact in La Liga.
"I did not play the minutes I expected [at Atletico], but I believe in my worth and I want to show that I can help the team," Jimenez said. "I have the desire to play more to give the best of me. I know that it will not be easy. I'm in a great club and surrounded by high-quality teammates."
Jimenez made just four league starts under Diego Simeone, with a further 17 substitute appearances, netting a solitary goal.
On Thursday, it was announced that Benfica had secured the services of the 24-year-old forward.
"I have a year of European football, and that has helped me to adapt. Now, with the help of everyone in this great club, I will work to make things better," Jimenez said. "I am delighted to be part of a club as important as this one. I really want to help so that Benfica continues with its success and I'm very hopeful of playing well.
"I want to train to win the confidence of the coach and my teammates so I can get good performances on the pitch. I will do everything to help the team."[/article]
David Nugent - Middlesbrough (reportedly £4 million)
[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2014/boro-david-nugent-leicester-city-2618675.aspx#j5r8HkJ1DHBcpuKz.99]Boro are delighted to announce the signing of David Nugent from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old former England striker has signed a three-year contract and goes straight into Aitor Karanka’s squad for tomorrow’s home match with Bolton.
“I am delighted that David has agreed to join us because everyone knows what a good player he is,” said Karanka.
“We have worked really hard to bring David to the club and everyone can see that we have not had to spend a crazy amount of money to bring him here. It’s important to get the right players at the right price.
“The good thing is that David wants to join us and believes in our project and this club. I believe we are signing a very good player.”
Nugent has completed his medical and is expected to train with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday.
The striker finished top scorer for Leicester in both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons, and hit 22 in all competitions as Leicester won promotion to the Premier League in 2014.[/article]
Adama Traore - Aston Villa (reportedly €12 million)
[article]Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Adama Traore.
The 19-year-old winger has joined the club on a five year deal from FC Barcelona.
Traore - who has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe - becomes our tenth signing this summer.
And manager Tim Sherwood is delighted with his latest acquisition.
He said: "He's someone I have been tracking for a long time.
"He's physically a man - and he has been for some time. He's a big powerful boy, very quick, dynamic and a maverick-type player. Those players are few and far between.
"We're delighted he has chosen Villa to continue his development."
Traore, who has trained with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Xavi and Iniesta, joined Barcelona's youth set-up in 2004 at the age of eight.
He's played Champions League football for the Spanish giants and is excited about pulling on the Aston Villa shirt.
He said: "It's an honour for me to come here. It's a club that showed interest in me from the first moment and made me feel important in terms of their project.
"I have spoken to the manager and have a very good impression of him and what he wants from me. All this have made this club my top attraction.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone at FC Barcelona for helping me develop as a player and as a person."[/article]
[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2014/boro-david-nugent-leicester-city-2618675.aspx#j5r8HkJ1DHBcpuKz.99]Boro are delighted to announce the signing of David Nugent from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old former England striker has signed a three-year contract and goes straight into Aitor Karanka’s squad for tomorrow’s home match with Bolton.
“I am delighted that David has agreed to join us because everyone knows what a good player he is,” said Karanka.
“We have worked really hard to bring David to the club and everyone can see that we have not had to spend a crazy amount of money to bring him here. It’s important to get the right players at the right price.
“The good thing is that David wants to join us and believes in our project and this club. I believe we are signing a very good player.”
Nugent has completed his medical and is expected to train with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday.
The striker finished top scorer for Leicester in both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons, and hit 22 in all competitions as Leicester won promotion to the Premier League in 2014.[/article]
Adama Traore - Aston Villa (reportedly €12 million)
[article]Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Adama Traore.
The 19-year-old winger has joined the club on a five year deal from FC Barcelona.
Traore - who has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe - becomes our tenth signing this summer.
And manager Tim Sherwood is delighted with his latest acquisition.
He said: "He's someone I have been tracking for a long time.
"He's physically a man - and he has been for some time. He's a big powerful boy, very quick, dynamic and a maverick-type player. Those players are few and far between.
"We're delighted he has chosen Villa to continue his development."
Traore, who has trained with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Xavi and Iniesta, joined Barcelona's youth set-up in 2004 at the age of eight.
He's played Champions League football for the Spanish giants and is excited about pulling on the Aston Villa shirt.
He said: "It's an honour for me to come here. It's a club that showed interest in me from the first moment and made me feel important in terms of their project.
"I have spoken to the manager and have a very good impression of him and what he wants from me. All this have made this club my top attraction.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone at FC Barcelona for helping me develop as a player and as a person."[/article]
Nathan Ake - Watford (loan)
[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150814-nathan-ake-signs-for-watford-fc-from-chelsea-2619925.aspx#SzZS1zzvEQB3cAOL.99]NATHAN AKÉ has signed for Watford on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 20-year-old, who can play in either midfield or defence, joins up with Quique Sanchez Flores’ first-team squad for the rest of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.
A product of Feyenoord’s youth setup, the Netherlands Under-21 international joined Chelsea at the age of 15 and made his debut two years later in a Premier League fixture against Norwich in December 2012.
He has since gone on to feature for the Blues 12 times, including appearances in both the Champions League and the Europa League, and he also won the club’s Young Player of the Year award in 2012/13.
Aké spent a short spell on loan at Reading towards the end of last season, playing five times in the Championship.
The versatile player has represented Netherlands at every youth level, and captained both the Under-17 and Under-19 sides.[/article]
[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150814-nathan-ake-signs-for-watford-fc-from-chelsea-2619925.aspx#SzZS1zzvEQB3cAOL.99]NATHAN AKÉ has signed for Watford on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 20-year-old, who can play in either midfield or defence, joins up with Quique Sanchez Flores’ first-team squad for the rest of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.
A product of Feyenoord’s youth setup, the Netherlands Under-21 international joined Chelsea at the age of 15 and made his debut two years later in a Premier League fixture against Norwich in December 2012.
He has since gone on to feature for the Blues 12 times, including appearances in both the Champions League and the Europa League, and he also won the club’s Young Player of the Year award in 2012/13.
Aké spent a short spell on loan at Reading towards the end of last season, playing five times in the Championship.
The versatile player has represented Netherlands at every youth level, and captained both the Under-17 and Under-19 sides.[/article]
Rouwen Hennings - Burnley (reportedly £3.1 million)
[article=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/clarets-snap-up-hennings-2619854.aspx#YmFoQw9LeHekYdbD.99]Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of German striker Rouwen Hennings from German side Karlsruher, subject to paperwork and international clearance.
The 27-year-old joins the Clarets from the Bundelisga 2 side on a three-year deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Hennings netted 18 times in 29 games last season to finish as top scorer in Bundesliga 2, before adding another goal against Hamburg in the promotion-relegation play-off.
And the former German U21 international is looking forward to a new challenge of competing in English football.
He said: “It’s nice to be here. I am very proud to be part of this club and I hope we have much success together.
“I think England, along with Germany, is the best place to play football and for me and my family, it is a great chance to get more experience.
“I met the manager earlier today and he talked me through his plans. It was a good meeting and now want to help the team with my skills and I want to win every game.”
The former Germany U21 international started his career at Hamburg II and after brief loan spells at VfL Osnabrück and St. Pauli, joined the latter of those sides on a permanent basis in 2009.
He netted 10 goals in 52 appearances during his time at the Millerntor Stadion, in a move that also included a loan move back to VfL Osnabruck, where he scored 5 times in 17 appearances.
Hennings will link up with the Clarets immediately, but must await international clearance before he is available for selection. [/article]
[article=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/clarets-snap-up-hennings-2619854.aspx#YmFoQw9LeHekYdbD.99]Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of German striker Rouwen Hennings from German side Karlsruher, subject to paperwork and international clearance.
The 27-year-old joins the Clarets from the Bundelisga 2 side on a three-year deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Hennings netted 18 times in 29 games last season to finish as top scorer in Bundesliga 2, before adding another goal against Hamburg in the promotion-relegation play-off.
And the former German U21 international is looking forward to a new challenge of competing in English football.
He said: “It’s nice to be here. I am very proud to be part of this club and I hope we have much success together.
“I think England, along with Germany, is the best place to play football and for me and my family, it is a great chance to get more experience.
“I met the manager earlier today and he talked me through his plans. It was a good meeting and now want to help the team with my skills and I want to win every game.”
The former Germany U21 international started his career at Hamburg II and after brief loan spells at VfL Osnabrück and St. Pauli, joined the latter of those sides on a permanent basis in 2009.
He netted 10 goals in 52 appearances during his time at the Millerntor Stadion, in a move that also included a loan move back to VfL Osnabruck, where he scored 5 times in 17 appearances.
Hennings will link up with the Clarets immediately, but must await international clearance before he is available for selection. [/article]
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa - Lyon (€8 million plus add ons up to €2 million)
[article]France defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has completed his transfer from AS Roma to Lyon after signing a five-year deal with the French league club.
Lyon, last-year's runner up to Paris Saint-Germain, said the deal is worth €8 million ($8.8 million), plus bonuses that could potentially add €2 million to the accord.
The 26-year-old Yanga-Mbiwa won the French title with Montpellier in 2012 before joining Newcastle in the English Premier League and then moving to Italy last year.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa made headlines last Wednesday when both he and Lionel Messi received yellow cards after a heated exchange that saw the Barcelona No. 10 head-butt and grab the throat of the Roma defender in a 3-0 friendly win for Barca in the Joan Gamper Trophy match.
It's unclear what provoked the incident, but in the 34th minute Messi and Yanga-Mbiwa came face-to-face, with the Argentine clearly upset about something. Yanga-Mbiwa appeared to initiate the contact, leaning in with his forehead, and Messi responded by head-butting the French defender and then reaching for his throat.
Yanga-Mbiwa, who made 28 appearances in Serie A, has also played four matches for France.[/article]
[article]France defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has completed his transfer from AS Roma to Lyon after signing a five-year deal with the French league club.
Lyon, last-year's runner up to Paris Saint-Germain, said the deal is worth €8 million ($8.8 million), plus bonuses that could potentially add €2 million to the accord.
The 26-year-old Yanga-Mbiwa won the French title with Montpellier in 2012 before joining Newcastle in the English Premier League and then moving to Italy last year.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa made headlines last Wednesday when both he and Lionel Messi received yellow cards after a heated exchange that saw the Barcelona No. 10 head-butt and grab the throat of the Roma defender in a 3-0 friendly win for Barca in the Joan Gamper Trophy match.
It's unclear what provoked the incident, but in the 34th minute Messi and Yanga-Mbiwa came face-to-face, with the Argentine clearly upset about something. Yanga-Mbiwa appeared to initiate the contact, leaning in with his forehead, and Messi responded by head-butting the French defender and then reaching for his throat.
Yanga-Mbiwa, who made 28 appearances in Serie A, has also played four matches for France.[/article]
Nikola Kalinic - Fiorentina (reportedly €5.5 million)
[article]Fiorentina have officially confirmed the signing of Dnipro striker Nikola Kalinic.
The Croatian international underwent his Viola medical yesterday, having already said his goodbyes in Ukraine.
“ACF Fiorentina announces that it has acquired the player Nikola Kalinic on a permanent basis from FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk,” a statement on the club’s website confirmed.
No official figures were revealed, but it’s thought Kalinic has agreed a four-year deal worth around €1m in wages per season.
In terms of a transfer fee, Dnipro are believed to be receiving around €5.5m.[/article]
[article]Fiorentina have officially confirmed the signing of Dnipro striker Nikola Kalinic.
The Croatian international underwent his Viola medical yesterday, having already said his goodbyes in Ukraine.
“ACF Fiorentina announces that it has acquired the player Nikola Kalinic on a permanent basis from FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk,” a statement on the club’s website confirmed.
No official figures were revealed, but it’s thought Kalinic has agreed a four-year deal worth around €1m in wages per season.
In terms of a transfer fee, Dnipro are believed to be receiving around €5.5m.[/article]
Gianluca Curci - Mainz (free transfer)
[article]Mainz 05 have signed former Roma keeper Gianluca Curci, as confirmed with an official statement on their site.
The Roma youth product returned to them after and extensive loan to Bologna, but spent the entirety of the last season on the bench. He became a free agent after the expiry of his contract.
Mainz made the signing official with a statement on their site.
"FSV Mainz 05 sign with immediate effect goalkeeper Gianluca Curci from AS Roma," reads the statement.
"The 30-year-old Italian comes as a free transfer and has signed a two-year contract until June 2017 with the Bundesliga club."
The statement then goes on to relate Curci's history in Serie A.[/article]
[article]Mainz 05 have signed former Roma keeper Gianluca Curci, as confirmed with an official statement on their site.
The Roma youth product returned to them after and extensive loan to Bologna, but spent the entirety of the last season on the bench. He became a free agent after the expiry of his contract.
Mainz made the signing official with a statement on their site.
"FSV Mainz 05 sign with immediate effect goalkeeper Gianluca Curci from AS Roma," reads the statement.
"The 30-year-old Italian comes as a free transfer and has signed a two-year contract until June 2017 with the Bundesliga club."
The statement then goes on to relate Curci's history in Serie A.[/article]
Clinton Njie - Tottenham (reportedly £10 million plus add ons up to £2million)
[article=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/njie-seals-move-150815/]We are delighted to announce the signing of Clinton Njie from Olympique Lyonnais, subject to international clearance and the player receiving a work permit.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Club until 2020.
A full Cameroon international, who can play as a centre-forward or from either the left or right wing, Njie made his debut for Lyon in November 2012 against Reims and has gone on to represent them on 43 occasions in total.
Last season proved a breakthrough year for the pacey forward, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances as Lyon went on to achieve a second-place finish in Ligue 1.
Njie also has a prolific record at international level with six goals in his 11 appearances to date for Cameroon.[/article]
[article=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/njie-seals-move-150815/]We are delighted to announce the signing of Clinton Njie from Olympique Lyonnais, subject to international clearance and the player receiving a work permit.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Club until 2020.
A full Cameroon international, who can play as a centre-forward or from either the left or right wing, Njie made his debut for Lyon in November 2012 against Reims and has gone on to represent them on 43 occasions in total.
Last season proved a breakthrough year for the pacey forward, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances as Lyon went on to achieve a second-place finish in Ligue 1.
Njie also has a prolific record at international level with six goals in his 11 appearances to date for Cameroon.[/article]
Maxime Colin - Brentford (reportedly £900k)
[article=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-sign-maxime-colin-from-r.s.c.-anderlecht-2618073.aspx#lCUMAK0mb74DgjgC.99]Brentford have signed French right back Maxime Colin from Anderlecht for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. The 23-year-old former France Under-20 international was in West London yesterday for a medical.
He completed the move to Brentford today, Friday 14 August, and has signed a four-year contract, keeping him at Brentford until the summer of 2019.
Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “After losing Moses Odubajo to Hull City I am glad we have managed to secure a new player for the right back position quickly.
“Maxime has experience of playing at a good level with Anderlecht. He is an athletic defender who is also comfortable at the ball.”
Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: "On behalf of everyone at Brentford I'd like to welcome Maxime to the Club.
“He is a player who we have watched extensively over recent weeks, so when Moses left it was relatively straightforward to move for Maxime. We look forward to seeing him play over the coming weeks."
Maxime has been with Anderlecht for just under a year, joining the Belgian side from Troyes AC last August.
He started his professional career with US Boulogne after finishing his youth development with the side in the north of France. After playing in the second tier with Boulogne he moved to the French top division with Troyes and has played 25 games for Anderlecht.
Maxime has earned seven caps for France’s Under-20 side. [/article]
[article=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-sign-maxime-colin-from-r.s.c.-anderlecht-2618073.aspx#lCUMAK0mb74DgjgC.99]Brentford have signed French right back Maxime Colin from Anderlecht for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. The 23-year-old former France Under-20 international was in West London yesterday for a medical.
He completed the move to Brentford today, Friday 14 August, and has signed a four-year contract, keeping him at Brentford until the summer of 2019.
Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “After losing Moses Odubajo to Hull City I am glad we have managed to secure a new player for the right back position quickly.
“Maxime has experience of playing at a good level with Anderlecht. He is an athletic defender who is also comfortable at the ball.”
Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: "On behalf of everyone at Brentford I'd like to welcome Maxime to the Club.
“He is a player who we have watched extensively over recent weeks, so when Moses left it was relatively straightforward to move for Maxime. We look forward to seeing him play over the coming weeks."
Maxime has been with Anderlecht for just under a year, joining the Belgian side from Troyes AC last August.
He started his professional career with US Boulogne after finishing his youth development with the side in the north of France. After playing in the second tier with Boulogne he moved to the French top division with Troyes and has played 25 games for Anderlecht.
Maxime has earned seven caps for France’s Under-20 side. [/article]
Gerardo Moreno - Espanyol (50% ownership for reportedly €1.3 million)
[article]Espanyol presented Gerard Moreno at Cornellà-El Prat at midday on Friday. The striker joins the Catalans from Villarreal after Espanyol acquires 50% of the player’s economic rights for 1.3 million euros. A clause written into the deal Espanyol must outlay another 30% of the total if they receive an offer greater than seven million euros for the player.
“We hope you put the fans on their feet here at Cornellà”, said club president Joan Collet during his introductory speech. The 23-year-old centre-forward returns to the club were he started out as a child, playing in the youth teams until his departure in 2007. “I spent six years here and coming back is special for me because I consider myself to be a perico”, Moreno said. “Now I won’t be a ballboy collecting balls on the touchline in Montjuïc, but playing for the first team. I have a huge feeling of joy because I have held this dream since I was six years old and now it has become a reality”.
A 300-strong crowd greeted the player with the same song they had dedicated to Raúl Tamudo in seasons gone by. “I’m back home, with my people and I just want to exjoy this experience to the full. I hope I am just as happy here as I was during the six years I spent here as a boy”, Moreno said, adding that he has no preference as to the squad number he will wear (his favourite No.23 is already taken by Anaitz Arbilla)[/article]
[article]Espanyol presented Gerard Moreno at Cornellà-El Prat at midday on Friday. The striker joins the Catalans from Villarreal after Espanyol acquires 50% of the player’s economic rights for 1.3 million euros. A clause written into the deal Espanyol must outlay another 30% of the total if they receive an offer greater than seven million euros for the player.
“We hope you put the fans on their feet here at Cornellà”, said club president Joan Collet during his introductory speech. The 23-year-old centre-forward returns to the club were he started out as a child, playing in the youth teams until his departure in 2007. “I spent six years here and coming back is special for me because I consider myself to be a perico”, Moreno said. “Now I won’t be a ballboy collecting balls on the touchline in Montjuïc, but playing for the first team. I have a huge feeling of joy because I have held this dream since I was six years old and now it has become a reality”.
A 300-strong crowd greeted the player with the same song they had dedicated to Raúl Tamudo in seasons gone by. “I’m back home, with my people and I just want to exjoy this experience to the full. I hope I am just as happy here as I was during the six years I spent here as a boy”, Moreno said, adding that he has no preference as to the squad number he will wear (his favourite No.23 is already taken by Anaitz Arbilla)[/article]
Wow. That means Villarreal has sold all 4 of their forwards from last season! Vietto, Moreno, Uche, dos Santos. And Cheryshev has returned to Real Madrid after his loan. They've brought in Soldado and Baptistao, but that's quite a turnover.
Héctor Moreno - PSV (reportedly €5 million)
[article]Espanyol have officially sold defender Hector Moreno to Dutch champions PSV for a reported €5m.
The move had been in the pipelines for some time, with bureaucratic issues holding the deal up, but the defender is now finally a PSV player, according to Espanyol’s official website.
Contrary to reports, however, the fee received by Los Periquitos is expected to be partly reinvested into the squad, as opposed to covering their debt with Spanish treasury Hacienda.
Nonetheless, more than €2m will be allocated for agent Mino Raiola, who is owed money from Felipe Mattioni’s switch to Cornella-El Prat in 2010.
Moreno, 28, leaves Espanyol as an important member of their first team, having played almost 150 times for the club since his arrival from AZ in 2011. [/article]
[article]Espanyol have officially sold defender Hector Moreno to Dutch champions PSV for a reported €5m.
The move had been in the pipelines for some time, with bureaucratic issues holding the deal up, but the defender is now finally a PSV player, according to Espanyol’s official website.
Contrary to reports, however, the fee received by Los Periquitos is expected to be partly reinvested into the squad, as opposed to covering their debt with Spanish treasury Hacienda.
Nonetheless, more than €2m will be allocated for agent Mino Raiola, who is owed money from Felipe Mattioni’s switch to Cornella-El Prat in 2010.
Moreno, 28, leaves Espanyol as an important member of their first team, having played almost 150 times for the club since his arrival from AZ in 2011. [/article]
Scott Allan - Celtic (reportedly £275k plus Liam Henderson on loan)
[article=http://www.celticfc.net/news/8835]CELTIC are delighted to announce that Scott Allan has joined Celtic on a four-year deal from Hibernian.
And Celtic supporters will be able to welcome the highly-rated midfielder to Paradise when he is officially unveiled at the home of the Champions just before the 3pm kick-off at this Saturday’s Premiership game against Inverness Caley Thistle.
The 23-year-old began his career with Dundee United before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2012. After two years with the English club, he returned to Scotland, joining Hibernian last year. Now he’s swapped the green and white of the Edinburgh side for the green and white Hoops of the Champions.
Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Scott said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for Celtic, such a fantastic club. It is such an honour to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started and play my part in bringing success to Celtic and our supporters.
“There are so many exciting challenges ahead for us now in Scotland and in Europe and I am looking forward to being part of all that lies ahead. I know a number of players well at the club already, so it will be great to team up with these lads again as well as all my other new team-mates, and I know we will work hard together to bring more good times to our fans.
“I know the high-quality of players at the club and I know it will be a big personal challenge for me but it’s one I’m ready for and one I am relishing.
“I would like to thank the many fans who have already welcomed me to the club. I really appreciate this support.”
Celtic manager Ronny Deila said: "We're really pleased to welcome Scott to Celtic. He's a player of huge potential and someone who is hungry for success, a young player who can have a big future at our club."
Everyone at Celtic is delighted that Scott has joined the club and wishes him every success for the future. [/article]
[article=http://www.celticfc.net/news/8835]CELTIC are delighted to announce that Scott Allan has joined Celtic on a four-year deal from Hibernian.
And Celtic supporters will be able to welcome the highly-rated midfielder to Paradise when he is officially unveiled at the home of the Champions just before the 3pm kick-off at this Saturday’s Premiership game against Inverness Caley Thistle.
The 23-year-old began his career with Dundee United before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2012. After two years with the English club, he returned to Scotland, joining Hibernian last year. Now he’s swapped the green and white of the Edinburgh side for the green and white Hoops of the Champions.
Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Scott said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for Celtic, such a fantastic club. It is such an honour to be given this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started and play my part in bringing success to Celtic and our supporters.
“There are so many exciting challenges ahead for us now in Scotland and in Europe and I am looking forward to being part of all that lies ahead. I know a number of players well at the club already, so it will be great to team up with these lads again as well as all my other new team-mates, and I know we will work hard together to bring more good times to our fans.
“I know the high-quality of players at the club and I know it will be a big personal challenge for me but it’s one I’m ready for and one I am relishing.
“I would like to thank the many fans who have already welcomed me to the club. I really appreciate this support.”
Celtic manager Ronny Deila said: "We're really pleased to welcome Scott to Celtic. He's a player of huge potential and someone who is hungry for success, a young player who can have a big future at our club."
Everyone at Celtic is delighted that Scott has joined the club and wishes him every success for the future. [/article]
Reece Wabara - Barnsley (free transfer)
[article=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/reece-wabara-joins-reds-2622795.aspx#W8RId1Om99lucoYP.99]Barnsley Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of defender Reece Wabara.
The 23-year-old former Manchester City defender has signed a short-term contract with the Reds which runs until December 31st, 2015.
Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson said, “I’m really pleased Reece has decided to join us. He is a good player with a fantastic pedigree who will provide support and competition for James Bree.”
Reece added, “I can’t wait to get cracking. It’s a great Club and the Head Coach has exciting plans which I’m keen to be a part of."[/article]
Abdul Baba Rahman - Chelsea (reportedly £21.7 million)
[article=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/08/rahman-signs.html]Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have reached an agreement with FC Augsburg for the transfer of Abdul Baba Rahman.
The 21-year-old Ghanaian international was a member of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations squad which finished runners-up to Ivory Coast in
February.
Rahman said: 'I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can't wait to train with my new team-mates and very much looking forward to working with them and Mr Mourinho.
'I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans as soon as possible.'
Rahman, a pacy and attacking full-back who can also operate as a midfielder or winger, made more successful tackles than any other player in the Bundesliga last season. He also attempted the most crosses from the left flank.
He arrives after one season with Augsburg, in which he helped them qualify for the Europa League, making 31 league appearances.
Rahman previously spent two seasons with Greuther Furth in Germany, having been spotted as a youngster with Asante Kotoko in his homeland. [/article]
[article=http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/article/reece-wabara-joins-reds-2622795.aspx#W8RId1Om99lucoYP.99]Barnsley Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of defender Reece Wabara.
The 23-year-old former Manchester City defender has signed a short-term contract with the Reds which runs until December 31st, 2015.
Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson said, “I’m really pleased Reece has decided to join us. He is a good player with a fantastic pedigree who will provide support and competition for James Bree.”
Reece added, “I can’t wait to get cracking. It’s a great Club and the Head Coach has exciting plans which I’m keen to be a part of."[/article]
Abdul Baba Rahman - Chelsea (reportedly £21.7 million)
[article=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/08/rahman-signs.html]Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have reached an agreement with FC Augsburg for the transfer of Abdul Baba Rahman.
The 21-year-old Ghanaian international was a member of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations squad which finished runners-up to Ivory Coast in
February.
Rahman said: 'I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can't wait to train with my new team-mates and very much looking forward to working with them and Mr Mourinho.
'I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans as soon as possible.'
Rahman, a pacy and attacking full-back who can also operate as a midfielder or winger, made more successful tackles than any other player in the Bundesliga last season. He also attempted the most crosses from the left flank.
He arrives after one season with Augsburg, in which he helped them qualify for the Europa League, making 31 league appearances.
Rahman previously spent two seasons with Greuther Furth in Germany, having been spotted as a youngster with Asante Kotoko in his homeland. [/article]
Botti Biabi - Swansea (reportedly "six-figure fee")
[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swansea-city-snap-up-falkirk-striker-botti-biabi-2619468.aspx]Swansea City have completed the signing of striker Botti Biabi from Falkirk for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 19-year-old has penned a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium and will link up with the club's under-21 squad, although he is not eligible to play in tonight's Premier League Division Two fixture at Brighton.
Biabi, who was born in London but has represented Scotland at under-19 level, made 31 appearances for Falkirk last season and helped them to the Scottish Cup Final.
He becomes the third Falkirk player to arrive at the Liberty Stadium in the last 18 months, following in the footsteps of his former team-mates Jay Fulton and Stephen Kingsley. [/article]
[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swansea-city-snap-up-falkirk-striker-botti-biabi-2619468.aspx]Swansea City have completed the signing of striker Botti Biabi from Falkirk for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 19-year-old has penned a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium and will link up with the club's under-21 squad, although he is not eligible to play in tonight's Premier League Division Two fixture at Brighton.
Biabi, who was born in London but has represented Scotland at under-19 level, made 31 appearances for Falkirk last season and helped them to the Scottish Cup Final.
He becomes the third Falkirk player to arrive at the Liberty Stadium in the last 18 months, following in the footsteps of his former team-mates Jay Fulton and Stephen Kingsley. [/article]
Brad Jones - Bradford (free transfer)
[article=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/jones-joins-the-bantams-2625681.aspx#2O21duPZqrsEQAqK.99]The Bantams have this Monday (17 August 2015) completed the marquee signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones on a one-year deal.
The Australian shot-stopper - pictured with City goalkeeper coach Lee Butler - finalised his move to City at the club's Apperley Bridge training ground this (Monday) morning before meeting his new team-mates for the first time.
Jones, 33, joins up with Phil Parkinson's squad on a free transfer after leaving Anfield earlier this summer.
He played in the Premier League and the Capital One Cup for Liverpool last season. In total, Jones made 27 senior appearances for Liverpool in the Premiership, plus European and domestic competitions as well.
Capped at senior level, as well as Under 20 and Under 23 level, for Australia, Jones also had a spell on loan in the Championship with Derby County back in 2011 during his five-year stay on Merseyside.
Before his move to Liverpool, Jones played the first nine years of his professional career with Middlesbrough.
Most of Jones' time at Middlesbrough was spent in the Premiership, with the 6' 3'' custodian also enjoying loan periods with Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday in particular.
Jones was Middlesbrough's first-choice goalkeeper for most of the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons before his £2.3 million move to Liverpool in the summer of 2010.[/article]
[article=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/jones-joins-the-bantams-2625681.aspx#2O21duPZqrsEQAqK.99]The Bantams have this Monday (17 August 2015) completed the marquee signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones on a one-year deal.
The Australian shot-stopper - pictured with City goalkeeper coach Lee Butler - finalised his move to City at the club's Apperley Bridge training ground this (Monday) morning before meeting his new team-mates for the first time.
Jones, 33, joins up with Phil Parkinson's squad on a free transfer after leaving Anfield earlier this summer.
He played in the Premier League and the Capital One Cup for Liverpool last season. In total, Jones made 27 senior appearances for Liverpool in the Premiership, plus European and domestic competitions as well.
Capped at senior level, as well as Under 20 and Under 23 level, for Australia, Jones also had a spell on loan in the Championship with Derby County back in 2011 during his five-year stay on Merseyside.
Before his move to Liverpool, Jones played the first nine years of his professional career with Middlesbrough.
Most of Jones' time at Middlesbrough was spent in the Premiership, with the 6' 3'' custodian also enjoying loan periods with Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday in particular.
Jones was Middlesbrough's first-choice goalkeeper for most of the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons before his £2.3 million move to Liverpool in the summer of 2010.[/article]
Michaël Ciani - Espanyol
[article]Espanyol have announced the signing of defender Michael Ciani on a two-year contract, less than a month after joining Sporting CP.
In a surprise twist, the centre-back will no longer honour his two-year deal with the Portuguese giants, instead seeing it effectively transferred over to Los Periquitos.
Ciani, 31, complements a new-look Espanyol backline, which has already been bolstered by Enzo Roco and Antonio Raillo.
He is now expected to be presented at Cornella-El Prat on Monday after successfully undergoing a medical.
Capped once by France, Ciani has also represented the likes of Bordeaux, Lorient, Sedan, Charleroi and Lazio, who he had played for until last season.[/article]
[article]Espanyol have announced the signing of defender Michael Ciani on a two-year contract, less than a month after joining Sporting CP.
In a surprise twist, the centre-back will no longer honour his two-year deal with the Portuguese giants, instead seeing it effectively transferred over to Los Periquitos.
Ciani, 31, complements a new-look Espanyol backline, which has already been bolstered by Enzo Roco and Antonio Raillo.
He is now expected to be presented at Cornella-El Prat on Monday after successfully undergoing a medical.
Capped once by France, Ciani has also represented the likes of Bordeaux, Lorient, Sedan, Charleroi and Lazio, who he had played for until last season.[/article]
Alessandro Diamanti - Watford (loan)
[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150806-alessandro-diamanti-signs-for-watford-fc-2599122.aspx]WATFORD have completed the signing of Italian international Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan, subject to receiving international clearance.
The 32-year-old playmaker joins the Hornets for the 2015/16 Premier League season from Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Diamanti has played 17 times for Italy, including three appearances at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.
He also spent a year in the Premier League with West Ham, scoring eight goals in 30 games and being voted runner-up for the Hammers’ 2009/10 Player of the Year award.
Diamanti spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A side Fiorentina, and has also previously played for fellow Italian clubs Bologna, Brescia and Livorno.
The left-footed set-piece specialist adds further quality and experience to Quique Sanchez Flores’ squad, with more than 300 domestic appearances to his name in Italy, England and China.[/article]
[article=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/150806-alessandro-diamanti-signs-for-watford-fc-2599122.aspx]WATFORD have completed the signing of Italian international Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan, subject to receiving international clearance.
The 32-year-old playmaker joins the Hornets for the 2015/16 Premier League season from Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Diamanti has played 17 times for Italy, including three appearances at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.
He also spent a year in the Premier League with West Ham, scoring eight goals in 30 games and being voted runner-up for the Hammers’ 2009/10 Player of the Year award.
Diamanti spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A side Fiorentina, and has also previously played for fellow Italian clubs Bologna, Brescia and Livorno.
The left-footed set-piece specialist adds further quality and experience to Quique Sanchez Flores’ squad, with more than 300 domestic appearances to his name in Italy, England and China.[/article]
Alex Fernandez - Reading (loan)
[article=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/alex-fernandez-loan-rcd-espanyol-2620319.aspx#PeKFGHOBbLZMeJUm.99]Reading Football Club are very pleased to be able to confirm the arrival of Spanish midfielder Alex Fernandez, who moves to Madejski Stadium on a season-long loan deal from La Liga side Espanyol subject to normal ratification by the football authorities and the player receiving international clearance.
Alex was involved when Espanyol faced Reading in a pre-season clash at Madejski Stadium this summer, playing the entire 90 minutes for Los Periquitos.
Manager Steve Clarke said: “Alex Fernandez is a talented young footballer who can play in different positions throughout the midfield area. Any footballer who has come through the youth system at Real Madrid always gets a good football education and will have a good understanding of the game.
“When we knew we could get him on loan for a season it was too good an opportunity to miss. He is another creative player who will add to the competition for places and, as he settles and adjusts to a new challenge in his career, I’m confident that Alex will prove be another good addition to our squad.”
Chief Executive Nigel Howe said: “Alex is another very welcome addition to our squad, negotiations have been ongoing for some time which shows how keen we were to bring him into English football. He has an excellent pedigree but also with room to develop as a player and once he has settled we look forward to him making an impact at Madejski Stadium.”
The 22-year-old first joined Espanyol in 2013 and registered 31 appearances for the side, as well as spending a short spell on loan at Croatian outfit HNK Rijeka last season.
He began his career as a youth player at Real Madrid alongside his brother Nacho, and made a single senior appearance as a substitute for the Galacticos. Fernandez was part of the Real Madrid B squad which lifted the Segunda Division B title in 2012.
In addition Alex has won 27 youth international caps for his country, including being named as ‘Player of the Tournament’ when Spain lifted the UEFA European Under-19 title in 2011.
And now he links up with the Royals squad, where he be part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the 2015-16 campaign. [/article]
[article=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/alex-fernandez-loan-rcd-espanyol-2620319.aspx#PeKFGHOBbLZMeJUm.99]Reading Football Club are very pleased to be able to confirm the arrival of Spanish midfielder Alex Fernandez, who moves to Madejski Stadium on a season-long loan deal from La Liga side Espanyol subject to normal ratification by the football authorities and the player receiving international clearance.
Alex was involved when Espanyol faced Reading in a pre-season clash at Madejski Stadium this summer, playing the entire 90 minutes for Los Periquitos.
Manager Steve Clarke said: “Alex Fernandez is a talented young footballer who can play in different positions throughout the midfield area. Any footballer who has come through the youth system at Real Madrid always gets a good football education and will have a good understanding of the game.
“When we knew we could get him on loan for a season it was too good an opportunity to miss. He is another creative player who will add to the competition for places and, as he settles and adjusts to a new challenge in his career, I’m confident that Alex will prove be another good addition to our squad.”
Chief Executive Nigel Howe said: “Alex is another very welcome addition to our squad, negotiations have been ongoing for some time which shows how keen we were to bring him into English football. He has an excellent pedigree but also with room to develop as a player and once he has settled we look forward to him making an impact at Madejski Stadium.”
The 22-year-old first joined Espanyol in 2013 and registered 31 appearances for the side, as well as spending a short spell on loan at Croatian outfit HNK Rijeka last season.
He began his career as a youth player at Real Madrid alongside his brother Nacho, and made a single senior appearance as a substitute for the Galacticos. Fernandez was part of the Real Madrid B squad which lifted the Segunda Division B title in 2012.
In addition Alex has won 27 youth international caps for his country, including being named as ‘Player of the Tournament’ when Spain lifted the UEFA European Under-19 title in 2011.
And now he links up with the Royals squad, where he be part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the 2015-16 campaign. [/article]
Roberto Soldado - Villarreal (reportedly £7 million)
[article=http://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/index-all-news/item/10377-a-great-signing-for-the-yellow-submarine]Villarreal and English side Tottenham Hotspur FC have come to an agreement for the transfer of Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, who will become 'Yellow' during the next three seasons (until June 30th, 2018).
Roberto Soldado (27/05/1985, Valencia) is a pure center forward, who has played internationally for Spain in 12 times, scoring seven goals with the Red shirt of the national team.
The striker has always proved to have a natural 'killer instinct' for scoring goals and has left his mark in the Spanish top tier. All through his professional career, he has scored 147 goals in the first teams of Valencia CF (82), Getafe CF (33), Tottenham Hotspur (16), Osasuna (12) and Real Madrid (4). A real scoring 'predator' who will be at Villarreal's service the next three years.
Strong and skillful, he's an excellent header. Roberto Soldado is called to be the attacking reference of Marcelino's team. A deluxe reinforcement for the Yellow Submarine.[/article]
[article=http://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/index-all-news/item/10377-a-great-signing-for-the-yellow-submarine]Villarreal and English side Tottenham Hotspur FC have come to an agreement for the transfer of Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, who will become 'Yellow' during the next three seasons (until June 30th, 2018).
Roberto Soldado (27/05/1985, Valencia) is a pure center forward, who has played internationally for Spain in 12 times, scoring seven goals with the Red shirt of the national team.
The striker has always proved to have a natural 'killer instinct' for scoring goals and has left his mark in the Spanish top tier. All through his professional career, he has scored 147 goals in the first teams of Valencia CF (82), Getafe CF (33), Tottenham Hotspur (16), Osasuna (12) and Real Madrid (4). A real scoring 'predator' who will be at Villarreal's service the next three years.
Strong and skillful, he's an excellent header. Roberto Soldado is called to be the attacking reference of Marcelino's team. A deluxe reinforcement for the Yellow Submarine.[/article]
Mateo Kovačić - Real Madrid (reportedly €30 million + potential add ons up to €5 million)
[article=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/08/official-announcement-mateo-kova%C4%8Di%C4%87]Real Madrid C. F. and Inter Milan have agreed to the transfer of Mateo Kovačić, he will remain at the club for the next six seasons.
The player will be presented tomorrow, Wednessay 19 August at 1pm, in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu, after undergoing a medical.
Afterwards, Mateo Kovačić will step out onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time wearing the Real Madrid shirt and talk to the media in the press room.[/article]
[article=http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/08/official-announcement-mateo-kova%C4%8Di%C4%87]Real Madrid C. F. and Inter Milan have agreed to the transfer of Mateo Kovačić, he will remain at the club for the next six seasons.
The player will be presented tomorrow, Wednessay 19 August at 1pm, in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu, after undergoing a medical.
Afterwards, Mateo Kovačić will step out onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time wearing the Real Madrid shirt and talk to the media in the press room.[/article]
Valentin Eysseric - St Etienne (loan with option to buy)
[article]AS Saint-Etienne have announced the arrival of Nice attacking midfielder Valentin Eysseric on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has been going hammer and tongs to overhaul his attacking sector this summer, and on Tuesday his quest continued as Valentin Eysseric joined former Nice teammate Neal Maupay, Nolan Roux and Jean-Christophe Bahebeck at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on a season-long loan.
Saint-Etienne president Roland Romeyer will have the opportunity to buy Monaco youth academy graduate Eysseric come the end of a season that could prove to be a busy one should Les Verts qualify for the group stage of the Europa League at the expense of play-off opponents FC Milsami Orhei.
In a strange coincidence, Eysseric will now be a teammate of François Clerc, the ex-Lyon and France right-back whose leg Eysseric broke in two places with a dangerous tackle while playing for Nice back in season 2012-13. Eysseric received an 11-match ban for the incident - a decision he did not appeal, wanting to take full responsibility for his action.[/article]
Ermir Lenjani - Nantes (loan)
Christian Brüls - Standard Liege (loan)
Jesper Hansen - Bastia
[article]AS Saint-Etienne have announced the arrival of Nice attacking midfielder Valentin Eysseric on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has been going hammer and tongs to overhaul his attacking sector this summer, and on Tuesday his quest continued as Valentin Eysseric joined former Nice teammate Neal Maupay, Nolan Roux and Jean-Christophe Bahebeck at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on a season-long loan.
Saint-Etienne president Roland Romeyer will have the opportunity to buy Monaco youth academy graduate Eysseric come the end of a season that could prove to be a busy one should Les Verts qualify for the group stage of the Europa League at the expense of play-off opponents FC Milsami Orhei.
In a strange coincidence, Eysseric will now be a teammate of François Clerc, the ex-Lyon and France right-back whose leg Eysseric broke in two places with a dangerous tackle while playing for Nice back in season 2012-13. Eysseric received an 11-match ban for the incident - a decision he did not appeal, wanting to take full responsibility for his action.[/article]
Ermir Lenjani - Nantes (loan)
Christian Brüls - Standard Liege (loan)
Jesper Hansen - Bastia
Gokhan Inler - Leicester (reportedly £5 million)
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/gokhan-inler-joins-leicester-city-2631597.aspx#0FKd42i0kjotzAFQ.99]Leicester City have completed the signing of Switzerland national team captain Gökhan Inler from Italian club Napoli, subject to international clearance and receiving approval from the Premier League and the FA.
The vastly experienced midfielder, 31, joins the Foxes for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-year-contract to become the latest edition to Claudio Ranieri’s squad. Inler will wear the No.33 shirt.
Inler’s 84 caps for Switzerland have included appearances at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals, along with the 2008 UEFA European Championship Finals on home soil.
He has played 15 times in the UEFA Champions League for Napoli and FC Zurich, scoring memorably for the Italians in a last 16 tie at Chelsea in 2012.
His excellent range of passing and ability to read the game are well established on the European stage – skills Inler will be eager to put to the test in the new challenge that awaits him in the Barclays Premier League.
Subject to his registration being confirmed, Inler will be available to make his City debut this Saturday, when the Foxes look to maintain their flawless start to the 2015/16 season against Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium.
Inler began his career in Switzerland with FC Basel and FC Aarau, the latter of which he made his debut for in 2005 before FC Zurich spotted his potential in 2006.
His stay in Zurich was short but successful, with two league titles to his name in a season and a half that saw him catch the eye of Udinese. He eventually signed for the Italian club in 2007. Back-to-back seventh placed finishes and a UEFA Cup campaign in Inler’s first two seasons marked them out as a success.
During Udinese’s UEFA Cup campaign, Werder Bremen knocked the Italians out at the quarter-final stage – a tie in which Inler found the net with a stunning 25-yard shot to add to his goal against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the tournament.
Across his four seasons for Udinese, Inler was one of the side’s most consistent performers and missed just 11 league games during that time.
His final campaign in Udine was arguably his most successful, as the team recovered from a bad start to surge to a fourth-placed finish and secure Champions League football – Inler’s displays once again central to that success.
That form inevitably won Inler plenty of admirers and in May 2011 it was Napoli that moved to secure his signature for a reported £10 million. He immediately picked up where he left off to eventually help the Naples side to a fifth placed finish and a Coppa Italia victory against Juventus.
Napoli also enjoyed a run to the last-16 of the Champions League, when they were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by eventual winners Chelsea – a game in which Inler added another long-range goal to send the game into extra-time.
That fifth place finish in the league was improved to second place in 2012/13 along with another third place the following campaign, while Inler also helped the team to a second Coppa Italia title in three years with a win over Fiorentina.
A cornerstone of the Swiss national team since his international debut in 2006, Inler has been his country’s captain since 2011.
He won the most recent of his 84 caps in a 2-1 win over Lithuania in June, during qualification for next year’s European Championship Finals in France.[/article]
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/gokhan-inler-joins-leicester-city-2631597.aspx#0FKd42i0kjotzAFQ.99]Leicester City have completed the signing of Switzerland national team captain Gökhan Inler from Italian club Napoli, subject to international clearance and receiving approval from the Premier League and the FA.
The vastly experienced midfielder, 31, joins the Foxes for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-year-contract to become the latest edition to Claudio Ranieri’s squad. Inler will wear the No.33 shirt.
Inler’s 84 caps for Switzerland have included appearances at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals, along with the 2008 UEFA European Championship Finals on home soil.
He has played 15 times in the UEFA Champions League for Napoli and FC Zurich, scoring memorably for the Italians in a last 16 tie at Chelsea in 2012.
His excellent range of passing and ability to read the game are well established on the European stage – skills Inler will be eager to put to the test in the new challenge that awaits him in the Barclays Premier League.
Subject to his registration being confirmed, Inler will be available to make his City debut this Saturday, when the Foxes look to maintain their flawless start to the 2015/16 season against Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium.
Inler began his career in Switzerland with FC Basel and FC Aarau, the latter of which he made his debut for in 2005 before FC Zurich spotted his potential in 2006.
His stay in Zurich was short but successful, with two league titles to his name in a season and a half that saw him catch the eye of Udinese. He eventually signed for the Italian club in 2007. Back-to-back seventh placed finishes and a UEFA Cup campaign in Inler’s first two seasons marked them out as a success.
During Udinese’s UEFA Cup campaign, Werder Bremen knocked the Italians out at the quarter-final stage – a tie in which Inler found the net with a stunning 25-yard shot to add to his goal against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the tournament.
Across his four seasons for Udinese, Inler was one of the side’s most consistent performers and missed just 11 league games during that time.
His final campaign in Udine was arguably his most successful, as the team recovered from a bad start to surge to a fourth-placed finish and secure Champions League football – Inler’s displays once again central to that success.
That form inevitably won Inler plenty of admirers and in May 2011 it was Napoli that moved to secure his signature for a reported £10 million. He immediately picked up where he left off to eventually help the Naples side to a fifth placed finish and a Coppa Italia victory against Juventus.
Napoli also enjoyed a run to the last-16 of the Champions League, when they were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by eventual winners Chelsea – a game in which Inler added another long-range goal to send the game into extra-time.
That fifth place finish in the league was improved to second place in 2012/13 along with another third place the following campaign, while Inler also helped the team to a second Coppa Italia title in three years with a win over Fiorentina.
A cornerstone of the Swiss national team since his international debut in 2006, Inler has been his country’s captain since 2011.
He won the most recent of his 84 caps in a 2-1 win over Lithuania in June, during qualification for next year’s European Championship Finals in France.[/article]
