Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

Richard Stearman - Fulham (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/september/01/stearman-signs]The Club is delighted to secure the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Richard Stearman on a three-year deal, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months, for an undisclosed fee.

Having progressed through the Leicester City academy, Stearman made his debut for the Foxes shortly after his 17th birthday in a goalless draw with Cardiff City in the Championship. He went on to play 130 times for the club, and scored 11 goals.

After winning both the fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season awards in 2007/08, Stearman joined Wolves for an undisclosed fee. He featured 40 times in his debut season at Molineux as they won the title, and he was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

He was a regular in the side as Wolves avoided relegation for two seasons running, but he was unable to prevent them slipping out of the top flight in 2011/12. In total, he appeared 77 times in the Premier League.

Stearman re-joined former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy on loan at Ipswich Town for the second half of the 2012/13 campaign, but returned to Molineux to help them secure the League One title the following season.

Last term he was a major factor in the club’s successful first season back in the Championship, as the team secured a seventh place finish, and Stearman was again named both the fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year. The 28-year-old leaves Wolves having featured 234 times for the club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Juan Quintero - Rennes (loan with option to buy for €20 million)

 

[Halmeister]

Juan Quintero - Rennes (loan with option to buy for €20 million)

WTF!? Thought he would be at a bigger club.

 

[King Binny]

WTF!? Thought he would be at a bigger club.

Yeah. The option to buy (and the price - for a Ligue 1 club) is quite surprising too.

Virgil van Dijk - Southampton (reportedly £11.5 million)

[article=http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150901-virgil-van-dijk-transfer-announcement-southampton-celtic-2662342.aspx#8Xyq12bz2wdIo8hi.99]Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch defender has agreed a five-year contract and joins from Scottish side Celtic ahead of the transfer window closing later today.

Van Dijk spent just over two years in Glasgow, playing more than 100 times and scoring 15 goals.

The 24 year-old started his professional career with Groningen, where he played alongside Dušan Tadić, and has represented his country at under-21 and under-19 levels.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said of the deal: “We’re delighted to have finally got Virgil into the club after long and lengthy negotiations.

“We’ve had Virgil in our system for a long time and have explored the possibility of signing him in previous transfer windows, and this year we had a really strong opportunity to do it.

“The Champions League had an effect on the moment of release, which we were aware of, so it was about keeping our focus and doing our due diligence before eventually getting him over the line.

“He’s still a young man but a very mature young man who has played a very good level of football at Celtic and in Europe. He’s had an excellent upbringing and still has a lot of time ahead of him.

“Virgil has signed a long-term contract, so clearly sees a strong future here with us. He’s young, hungry and wants to prove himself.”

Van Dijk added: “I’m delighted. It was a very easy decision to join this club.

“This is a very ambitious club, who have been doing very well in the last couple of years. It’s a great place to be and it’s the right step for me.

“For me now to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League is unbelievable and I will enjoy it.

“I know it’s an ambitious club – they have been through a lot throughout the years. They are trying to play football and that’s something that really attracted me.

“I’m so excited. I hope to settle in really quick, get everything around football sorted, start playing and enjoying it because the most important thing in football is to have fun and enjoy every day.”[/article]

Potentially our next signing from Southampton.

Matija Sarkic - Aston Villa (undisclosed fee)

[article]Villa have signed highly-rated goalkeeper Matija Sarkic from Anderlecht.

The 18-year-old stopper has penned a three-year deal with the claret and blues.

He has come through the youth system at the Belgian club - which oversaw the development of Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku - and has been playing for their U19 team.

Internationally, Sarkic featured for Montenegro in the U17 European Championships of 2013 and has just been called up into the U21 squad for their European Championship qualifier in Moldova, which takes place this Friday.

In other news, U21 regular Riccardo Calder has joined Dundee until January 2016.

He will now link up with manager Paul Hartley at Dens Park in the Scottish Premiership.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriele Angella - QPR (loan)

[article=http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/gabriele-angella-joins-qpr-loan-watford-2662319.aspx#7KZv3ScvLwtUEFHx.99]QPR have completed the loan signing of Watford defender Gabriele Angella.

The 26 year-old Italian has agreed a loan deal until the end of the 2015/16 season, and will wear the number 26 shirt.

QPR Head Coach, Chris Ramsey, welcomed the arrival of the former Italy Under-21 international, commenting: “Gabriele’s a quality addition for us.

“We’ve got decent competition now in the back four and Gabriele’s experience, especially at a level where he was promoted with Watford last season, will be a big positive for us.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to get this over the line before the deadline.”

Angella, who featured 36 times in the Hornets’ promotion-winning season last term, expressed his delight at sealing the switch from Vicarage Road to Loftus Road, adding: “I am very happy for this big opportunity.

“I am happy to be at this great club with big history.

“I've played for two years in England and enjoyed every minute. It’s a great place to play.”

He added: “I want to help the club this season and do my best here - this is a new page in the book of my career.

“I just want to play and improve and show the fans what I can do.”

Director of Football, Les Ferdinand, added: “We’ve been keen to add another defender to the group for some time, so we’re really pleased to bring Gabriele in.

“He’s not only a very good defender, but importantly, he’s also a big threat at set-pieces, and the more goalscorers we’ve got around the team, the better.

“We’re pleased to have him on board and we’re really looking forward to integrating him into the squad.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Papy Djilobodji - Chelsea (reportedly £3 million)

[article]Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Papy Djilobodji from Nantes.

The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a four-year contract.

Djilobodji said: 'I’m very happy to sign for a big club like Chelsea and I want to do my best to help the team win titles. I want to thank the club for giving me this opportunity.'

Djilobodji (full name Papiss Mison Djilobodji), a Senegal international, has become a key figure for Nantes since signing for the French club in 2009.

Having started his career playing for Senegalese side ASC Saloum, Djilobodji opted to make the move to Europe in October 2009 and signed for Senart-Moissy, who were in the French fourth division at the time.

An imposing physical presence, Djilobodji quickly caught the eye of teams higher up the leagues and moved to Ligue 2 side Nantes just two months later, at the age of 21.

Quick and powerful, he was initially deployed as a defensive midfielder for Nantes, before moving back into his more favoured position of central defender.

His impressive displays at the heart of the back four were a crucial factor in Nantes securing promotion to the French top flight in 2012/13.

Their first campaign back in Ligue 1 was an important one both for the player and club and Djilobodji produced a string of solid displays as Nantes preserved their top-flight status.

Last season he was once again a pivotal member of an ever-improving team at club level, while on the international stage he was named in the Senegal squad for the African Cup of Nations and started two of their three matches at the tournament.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eintracht Frankfurt ‏- Marco Fabian (£2.7 million)

[article]Mexican international Marco Fabián signed a contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until 30 June 2019.

26-year old Fabián was recently on loan from Deportivo Guadalajara at CD Cruz Azul and won the gold medal with Mexico at the 2012 Olympics in London. He also featured for the El Tricolor at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, his record at FIFA tournaments: 15 matches, 1 goal, 10 wins, 4 draws, 1 defeat.

Marco Fabián made 223 appearances in the Mexican league (56 goals) and will play with the jersey number 10 at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Eintracht Sporting Director Bruno Hübner: „Marco is a flexible offense player who can support our attack in central midfield as well as on the wings, plus he scores goals. With his call-ups to various tournaments he gathered plenty of international experience - we are glad to have him on board."

Marco Fabián: "I am looking forward to this challenge and it is an honour to receive the shirt number 10 - I will give everything to make things happen. My aim is to become part of the team as soon as possible and to work hard for our success!"[/article]
http://www.eintracht.de/en/news/article/eintracht-frankfurt-sign-marco-fabian-52864/

 

[King Binny]

Michal Zyro - Wolves (reportedly £350k)

[article]Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Polish international midfielder Michal Zyro from Legia Warsaw.

The 23-year-old, who can play on either wing, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract and will join Wolves for an undisclosed fee when the transfer window opens on January 2nd.

Zyro came through the youth ranks of the top Polish side, and is set to move to Molineux for an undisclosed fee ahead of his contract expiring next summer.

“Michal has completed his medical and will join us when the transfer window opens,” said Head Coach Kenny Jackett.

“He is left footed, 6ft 3in, and, with his physique and his power, can play in any of the four forward positions.

“Most of his time has been playing 4-3-3 – either wide right or left – and he is strong in the air.

“He is a Polish international who will be a very good addition to our front line.”

Zyro, who has four international caps to his name, has been highly thought of in Poland and was part of the Legia Warsaw squad which has won both the Polish League and Cup in recent seasons.

Head of Football Development and Recruitment Kevin Thelwell added: “Michal is a Polish international has been on our radar for a long time.

“We tried to sign him last time around but Legia Warsaw didn’t want to let him go because of their Europa League commitments.

“But when the opportunity arose again he was a player we knew a lot about and we were delighted to get the deal agreed and over the line.

“We have seen him play in various positions – on the left, the right and off the front – and he is a strong and mobile player with a great strike and he is good in the air.

“And he has scored some fantastic goals.

“He is also a good guy who is delighted to be here and I am sure he will make a positive impact.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Alejandro Grimaldo - Benfica (€1.5 million)

[article]FC Barcelona and SL Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alejandro Grimaldo for 1.5 million euros. Barça also retain the right to a share of any future sale by the Portuguese club of the player who was until now the captain of Gerard López’s Barça B team.

Alejandro Grimaldo (20/09/1995) joined the FC Barcelona U14 team in 2008 from Valencia. Although he was originally an attacking midfielder, at Barça he eventually withdrew into the left back position. Grimaldo matured quickly and was just 17 when he started playing for the B team, and also turned out for the first team in the Copa Catalunya. On 24 February 2013, he tore cruciate ligaments in his knee and spent a long period on the side-lines.

After a recovered, Grimaldo bounced straight back to the best of his game, and was even called up by Luis Enrique in the 2014/15 preseason. He has played 92 official matches for Barça B, and the team has only lost one of the 17 games in which he has been involved this term. Despite playing in defence, Grimaldo has also scored two goals this season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jonas Hofmann - Moenchengladbach (reportedly €8 million)

[article]Gladbach have completed the signing of Jonas Hofmann from Borussia Dortmund. On Tuesday, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder signed a contract at BORUSSIA-PARK running until June 2020.

“The addition of Jonas Hofmann will help compensate for the loss of wingers to injury during the second half of the season. However, we mainly see this transfer as a long-term improvement of our squad. Jonas has shown in Mainz and Dortmund that he is an outstandingly talented Bundesliga player,” said Borussia’s sporting director Max Eberl. Jonas Hofmann has made 48 appearances in the German top flight so far (6 goals) and also has ten caps for the Germany U21s under his belt (5 goals).

Born in Heidelberg, Hofmann moved from his hometown club FC Rot to 1899 Hoffenheim at twelve years old. He went through TSG’s youth system, eventually making five Regionalliga appearances for their U23s, before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2011. He only featured for BVB’s reserves in his first season at the club, scoring ten goals and providing eleven assists in 35 games as he helped his club achieve promotion to the third division.

He continued to be key player for Dortmund’s U23s in 2012/13 and added another five goals and five assists in 35 appearances. He also made his Bundesliga debut in a 3-1 loss in Hoffenheim on 16th December 2012, before featuring twice more in the top flight during the second half of the campaign. Hofmann was a fully-fledged member of the BVB first team in the following season, making a total of 39 appearances (26 in the Bundesliga, 8 in the UEFA Champions League, 5 in the DFB Cup). Despite featuring almost exclusively as a substitute, Hofmann still netted three goals and provided ten assists.

After making two further Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, Hofmann joined Mainz 05 on loan at the beginning of the last campaign. He became a regular on the wing for the Zerofivers, hitting the ground running with three goals in his first six games. However, the 23-year-old then suffered a lateral collateral ligament tear in his right knee and had to undergo surgery, meaning he featured just four more times in that campaign. Hofmann returned to BVB last summer, but hadn’t been able to break back into the first team among strong attacking competition, leaving him limited to cameo appearances. During his 14 competitive games in the first half of the season (7 in the Bundesliga, 6 in the UEFFA Europa League, 1 in the DFB Cup), he scored two goals and set up a further four.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stipe Pletikosa - Deportivo La Coruna (free transfer)

[article]On Monday, former Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa signed for Spanish top-tier side Deportivo La Coruna, following a successful medical.

Pletikosa joined until the end of the current season, with an option to extend his contract for another year.

36-year-old Croatian goalie started his career with Hajduk Split, and then continued with Shakhtar Donetsk, Spartak Moscow, Tottenham Hotspur, and finally FC Rostov, leaving six months ago.

"Deportivo is a club of rich history and excellent players. I had no doubts about coming here, and I come in good shape. In December, I was working with my coaches and I'll need some time to get into the rhthym, but speaking from experience, not too much time", said Pletikosa.

Pletikosa has 114 caps, including appearances at major tournaments. He retired from Croatia jersey after the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Szabolcs Huszti - Eintracht Frankfurt

[article]Szabolcs Huszti is back in the Bundesliga and has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a contract until June 2017. The former Hannover 96 player has played the last one-and-a-half years for Chinese club Changchun Yatai.

Frankfurt's sporting director Bruno Hübner is delighted about his new signing and is looking forward to seeing the Hungarian back in German top flight. The relegation-threatened club signed Huszti for another option in the attack, and hope to be more effective from dead-balls, as Huszti's set-pieces are well-known for their accuracy.

The player himself said to the club's website that, "I know Bundesliga well, I am looking forward playing for Eintracht and to the city Frankfurt." He added that he "wants to prove that he can keep pace up in one of the best leagues in the world".


In 2006 moved the Hungarian from Ligue 2 side FC Metz to German side Hannover 96 and became a club icon, featuring in over 150 matches for the Northerners.

In 154 matches the left midfielder scored 43 goals and assisted 46. A highlight for him was definitely the participation at the UEFA Europa League in 2012-2013, where Hannover got through the group stages. Despite a goal and an assist by Huszti, Hannover were eliminated by Anzhi after a 3-1 loss in the first leg and a 1-1 draw in the second.

In his first season for H96, Huszti had a patchy start, but he finished with four goals and seven assists in 31 matches as a first-team player. Only one season later, he proved himself with ten goals and eight assists during one single campaign.

After that, he had a bad Hinrunde and surprisingly moved to Zenit St. Petersburg in a bid to capture the Russian title. But the Hungarian there couldn't establish himself and after a poor 2009 followed a worse 2010, playing only 13 matches, where he scored just one goal and assisted three. A better season followed, but Huszti wasn't the player he was at Hannover.

In summer 2012 came the salvation; Huszti returned to Hannover and began to play on a more regular basis. The pair were back on successful path and played, as previously mentioned, in the Europa League, where he scored five times in ten matches and even assisted three goals.

Once again the midfielder had a great season for the Germans, but decided to leave them in summer 2014 to Chinese club Changchun Yatai - where he played very well.

Nevertheless, the wayfaring man couldn't leave Bundesliga alone and is now finally back. He will try to help his new club Eintracht Frankfurt finish as high as possible[/article]

Liam Ridgewell - Brighton (6 mth loan)

[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a deal with Portland Timbers to sign their MLS title-winning captain Liam Ridgewell on loan from 2nd January.

The 31-year-old former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion defender can play in the centre of defence or at left-back.

He will begin training with Albion immediately, with the club set to complete the transfer once the window reopens.

Subject to international clearance, it's likely Ridgewell will be eligible for his debut against Hull City in the FA Cup on 9th January, with the loan period running up to and including the Bolton Wanderers match on 13th February.

Albion boss Chris Hughton said, "I know Liam very well from my time as manager at Birmingham City, and he is an excellent and important addition for us.

"He will bring extra experience to our defence at a crucial time, and will give me an option both in the centre of defence and at left-back.

"Liam has played the vast majority of his career in the Premier League - with more than 350 senior appearances; he's also got experience of the Europa League and Championship from his time at Birmingham."

Ridgewell was born in Bexleyheath in London, and began his career with West Ham United as a scholar, before moving to Aston Villa in 2001.

He was part of the Villa youth team that won the 2002 FA Youth Cup, and played for England at under-19 and under-21 levels.

He made his Aston Villa debut in 2003, and went on to play 93 times for the club, during a six-year spell which also included a brief loan at AFC Bournemouth.

He was signed by Birmingham in 2007, and spent three of his four-and-a-half seasons with the Blues in the Premier League, making 175 senior appearances.

In January 2012 he signed for West Brom, where he played 78 times, before switching to the MLS with Portland Timbers in June 2014.

At the end of his first season in the MLS, he spent just over a month on loan with Wigan in the Championship, playing six times.

This year, he captained the Timbers to a third-place finish in the Western Conference, and fifth overall, securing a place in the 12-team 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Ridgewell's side beat Sporting Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps, FC Dallas and Columbus Crew in the final to be crowned US champions on 6th December - and writing in his Daily Mail column, the Londoner called it "the best feeling of my career". [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Roberto Goncalves - Barcelona B (loan)

[article]FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Brazilian club Fluminense for the loan signing of Robert Gonçalves until the end of the season. The player has passed his medical and he is expected to begin training with the rest of Gerard López’s squad from this Thursday.

Gonçalves is a 20 year old striker who has come up through the youth ranks at Fluminense and who has represented Brazil at various youth levels[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Maxi Moralez - Leon (reportedly €5 million)

[article]Atalanta winger Maxi Moralez has officially completed a move to Mexican Club Leon FC.

It was announced via the Leon Twitter feed, who welcomed ‘Frasquito’ to the club.

The Argentine has been in Bergamo since 2011, having previously played for Racing, FC Moscow and Velez Sarsfield.

This season he scored two goals and provided six assists in 18 competitive games for Atalanta.

His price-tag is believed to be in the region of €5m.

Sky Sport Italia suggest that Atalanta will push for Heerenveen attacking wide man Sam Larsson as a replacement.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Augusto Fernandez - Atletico Madrid (reportedly €6 million)

[article]Augusto Matías Fernández has become Atlético de Madrid’s new player after the agreement reached between our entity and Celta de Vigo. The Argentinian centre underwent the medical examination on Thursday at Majadahonda’s Fremap Clinic and this 1st of January, he has formalized his contract with our Club for the remainder of the season and three more campaigns.

The midfielder, born in Pergamino (Argentina) 29 years ago, came to Balaídos in the 2012/13 season from Vélez Sarsfield, the club with which he won the Clausura Tournament in 2011, and was chosen best player of the Championship. In Vigo, he established as one of the key players of the team in the three and a half seasons he has defended their shirt, with which he played 121 games and scored 10 goals.

Augusto Fernández made his debut in the first division of the Argentinian football in 2005 donning the shirt of River Plate. At the Buenos Aires club he coincided for a season with Diego Pablo Simeone (2007/08). Both won the title in the 2008 Clausura. A year later, in 2009, he made the leap to European football to play a season with Saint-Étienne.

Our Sporting Director, José Luis Pérez Caminero, welcomed the incorporation of Augusto Fernández to the team. "He's a player's of proven experience in the League that will bring quality and competition to a great midfield such as ours. His incorporation will help us face the demands of having to play three competitions."

Caminero emphasised the importance of adding a footballer who knows our championship. "In the club we are delighted with his arrival and during his stay in the League we have been able to confirm that he has great technical and tactical qualities."[/article]

Harry Forrester - Rangers (loan)

[article]RANGERS Football Club is today delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Harry Forrester from Doncaster Rovers on an initial six-month contract.

Forrester, who turns 25 on Saturday, came through the youth ranks at Watford and Aston Villa, and while he made no senior appearances for either, he gained some experience of what to expect in Scottish football with a loan spell at Kilmarnock in season 2010-11.

He made a total of eight appearances for Killie, the final one of those coming as a substitute in a 3-2 defeat for the Ayrshire side to Walter Smith’s Rangers in November 2010, a match incidentally in which new teammate Kenny Miller scored a hat-trick.

From Villa, Forrester spent time on trial with Ajax before joining Brentford in the summer of 2011 on a two-year deal, where he went on to make 69 appearances in all competitions and scored 11 goals in the process with the most significant of those being a late penalty against Chelsea to earn the Bees an FA Cup fourth round replay in January 2013.

When his contract with the London club expired, Forrester switched to Championship side Doncaster Rovers where he made 66 appearances and again scored 11 goals before making the switch north to sign for Rangers.

The deal will become official when the transfer window opens on Saturday, although it is unlikely international clearance will have been received by then, thus meaning Forrester will have to wait until the Scottish Cup tie with Cowdenbeath on January 10 for a chance to make his debut.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matty Foulds - Everton (undisclosed fee)

[article]Everton have today completed the transfer of Bury defender Matty Foulds for an undisclosed fee.

The 17-year-old came through the ranks at Gigg Lane, before signing a professional contract in February 2015.

A left-footed centre-half, who can also operate at full-back, Foulds has made trial appearances for Everton's Under-18 and Under-21 sides since the agreement between the two clubs was announced back in November.

He made his professional debut for the Shakers in their Capital One Cup clash with Leicester City in August last year.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Juan Iturbe - Bournemouth (loan with option to buy)

[article]AFC Bournemouth can confirm the signing of Juan Iturbe on loan from AS Roma, subject to FA endorsement and European work permit.

The Argentina under-20 international, who was capped at senior level for Paraguay at just 16 years of age, will join Eddie Howe’s side for the rest of the 2015/16 season. The Cherries retain the option to make the switch permanent in the summer for an undisclosed fee.

Iturbe began his career in Paraguay with Cerro Porteño, before making the move to Europe with Porto at the age of 18.

After successful loan spells with River Plate and Verona, the explosive winger made a permanent switch to Roma in summer 2014, where he scored 3 goals in 39 league appearances.

Iturbe met his new teammates on New Year’s Day and enjoyed his first training session as an AFC Bournemouth player, but will not be eligible for tomorrow's trip to Leicester City.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rhys Williams - Charlton Athletic (loan)

[article]Charlton have signed versatile defender Rhys Williams from Middlesbrough on an initial 28-day loan, the club announced on Saturday morning.

The 27-year-old is predominantly a centre-back, but has played in both full-back and defensive midfield positions during his 139-game career at the Riverside club.

Born in Perth, Australian international Williams joined the Boro academy and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2007, quickly becoming a first-team regular, but injury has seen his appearances limited over the last two seasons.

Now back fit, the defender has arrived at The Valley to regain the form which saw him named as Boro's club captain in 2012.

Williams, who has been given the number 25 shirt, is eligible to make his Addicks debut in Saturday's Championship clash with Nottingham Forest at The Valley and has been given permission to play in next weekend's FA Cup third-round clash with Colchester United. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Chris Davies - Reading (First Team Coach)

[article]Reading Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of First Team Coach Chris Davies, who will join manager Brian McDermott and fellow First Team Coach Steven Reid in the home dugout for the first time on Saturday.

Joining the Reading Academy in 2001 at the tender age of 16, Davies came through the age groups at Hogwood and captained the Royals’ youth sides under then Academy Manager Brendan Rodgers.

During that time, Chris won international caps at youth level with Wales, before his promising playing career was cut short by injury at the age of 19.

He took an academic route and soon after hanging up his boots he enrolled on a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University, graduating in 2007 with first class honours having simultaneously undertaken his UEFA coaching licences and gaining practical experience through a number of youth coaching roles.

After leaving university, Davies worked as an Academy coach at New Zealand club Hawke’s Bay United, and returned to the UK in 2010 to be reunited with Rodgers at Swansea City, where he took charge of opposition analysis.

He enjoyed two very successful seasons in South Wales, as the Swans were promoted to the Premier League and then established themselves in their first season back in the top tier.

In May 2012, he moved to Merseyside to join Rodgers' coaching staff at Liverpool, helping the Premier League side to a second-placed finish in 2014.

Whilst at Anfield he began his UEFA Pro Licence - a qualification he completed in November 2015 - and he now returns to the club where it all began to join McDermott's coaching team at Madejski Stadium.

"It is great to be back at this special club," Davies said. "But in football there is no time for sentiment, my focus is on helping the team win games and giving my all to the cause.

"There is an excellent manager and squad of players here so I'm really looking forward to the second half of the season."

Manager Brian McDermott added, “I’ve known Chris since he was a young player in the Academy at Reading and I was coaching the Under-17s and I have watched his career with much interest.

"He is a Pro Licence coach and he has a vast amount of experience having worked with both Swansea City and Liverpool. I’m absolutely delighted that he’s decided to join our coaching staff here at Reading.”

The Club would also like to thank Terry Burton for his help over recent weeks. Terry has decided to move on and explore other projects and we wish him every success for the future.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ricardo Alvarez - Sampdoria

[article]Sampdoria have officially completed the signing of former Inter and Sunderland playmaker Ricky Alvarez.

The attacking midfielder was at the centre of a FIFA arbitration case between the Nerazzurri and the Premier League outfit for months, which Inter eventually won.

The 27-year-old can now focus on playing again after signing a deal until next summer with Vincenzo Montella’s side.

“President Massimo Ferrero and U.C. Sampdoria are proud to announce that Ricardo Gabriel Alvarez is officially a Blucerhciati player,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

“The Argentine – who will wear the number 25 shirt – has signed a contract until 30 June 2016.”[/article]

Roger Johnson - Charlton (free transfer)

[article]Charlton are pleased to confirm that experienced centre-back Roger Johnson has returned to the club by putting pen to paper on an 18-month contract.

The 32-year-old spent the latter part of last season in SE7, playing 14 games as Charlton enjoyed a strong second half of the campaign.

The Addicks were victorious of four of Johnson’s opening five matches - beating Brentford, Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town 3-0 - and went on to secure a comfortable 12th-placed finish in the Championship.

After leaving Charlton in the summer, he signed a deal with FC Pune City in the Indian Super League, where he worked under former England international David Platt.

Johnson made his professional debut for Wycombe Wanderers at the age of just 17, playing 182 times for the Chairboys before his eye-catching performances earned him a move to Cardiff City in 2006.

The central defender made 136 appearances for the Welsh outfit over three seasons, playing in an FA Cup final, winning Player of the Year and being named in the Championship Team of the Season before making the step up to the top flight with Birmingham City in 2009.

While at St Andrews, Johnson lifted the League Cup, claiming an assist in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in 2011, but following the Blues’ relegation to the Championship he moved across the Midlands to Wolverhampton Wanderers and was named captain shortly after his arrival.

Johnson played 17 times for Sheffield Wednesday in 2013/14 and finished that campaign on loan at West Ham United, taking his total career appearances over the 500 mark.

"I'm very pleased to welcome Roger back to The Valley," said Interim Head Coach, Karel Fraeye.

"He's obviously a player who knows the club and, importantly, knows the league. He did the job last season, he brings a big voice on the pitch and he will bring us the experience we need."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Demarai Gray - Leicester City (£3.75 million)

[article]Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of England Under-20 international Demarai Gray from Birmingham City on a contract to June 2020.

Subject to his registration being approved by the Premier League and the Football Association, Demarai, 19, joins the Foxes for an undisclosed fee having built a reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the English game.

Speaking exclusively to Foxes Player HD, Gray said: “It’s been my dream to play in the Premier League since I started playing football so I’m very happy to join the Club.

"It’s a great Club. The facilities are great and for a player like me it’s an ideal place for me to improve. Meeting all the staff here, it seems like a nice family place, so I think that’s perfect for me.

"You can see how well the team has been doing this year and I watch a lot of football so I can see that the way Leicester City play suits my style.

"I only hear good things about Leicester and I’m looking forward to starting."

Having made his Birmingham debut aged just 17, Demarai has already made 78 professional appearances, including 51 starts in the Football League. His pace, work-rate and creativity have made him one of the most sought-after young players in the country.

Leicester City supporters will be well aware of Gray’s qualities – the Birmingham-born youngster having provided a preview of his attacking prowess with a stunning goal in the Foxes’ 3-2 pre-season win over the Blues back in August.

Gray has been capped across three youth levels for England – Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s – and in September 2015, he operated on the left wing alongside young City defender Ben Chilwell for the Under-20s against the Czech Republic.

At Birmingham since the age of 10, Gray rose through the ranks at the Blues before making his professional debut for the club as a late substitute against Millwall in October 2013. He went on to score his first goal for the Championship outfit against Blackburn Rovers in April 2014.

Gray’s stock continued to rise during the 2014/15 campaign, as his pace, technique and eye for goal strengthened his reputation as a future star. He played 43 times, netting six goals including a hat-trick against Reading in December 2014, and was named Birmingham’s Young Player of the Season.

Demarai will join up with Claudio Ranieri’s first team squad for his first Foxes training session on Tuesday, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup Third Round.[/article]

 

[JurgenKlopp]

Großkreutz joins Stuttgart

http://www.espnfc.com/story/2781472/kevin-grosskreutz-joins-stuttgart-from-galatasaray

 

[Zlate]

Schalke has signed Morocco international Younes Belhanda on loan for the rest of the season from Ukrainian champion Dynamo Kiev.

The Bundesliga side says the 25-year-old Belhanda passed a medical examination on Wednesday after joining the rest of the squad at its winter training camp in Orlando, Florida.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Gervinho (Roma) to some club in China. 15m euros.

来吧来吧!!! 请把巴洛特利也买下吧!!!

 

[Kay Age El]

Leicester have bought Daniel Amartey, 21, FC Copenhagen, for a fee in the region of £6M.

He has got all the raw ability and talent to become a £30M defensive powerhouse one day - I have been really impressed with him and it seems like a splendid signing for the wanna-be-number-ones.

Can cover at RB and in CD but his preferred role is as the midfield anchor, sweeping, clearing, harassing, bullying opponents with his great physique, clever positioning and good read of the game. He is also more than decent going forward - and got a killer shot on him too.

Will be highly interesting to follow him in the Prem, I am positive Leicester have got themselves a bargain here.

A few blinders:

 

[Fabio]

Doesn't kante play there? Guess they're already expecting a bid

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Wahbi Khazri - Bordeaux to Sunderland... ~12m euros.