Confirmed Transfers (2015/16)

[King Binny]

James McClean - WBA (reportedly £1.5 million)

[article=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/mcclean-signs-for-albion-2502850.aspx#Iu3FkVpdUm6Y8Qfw.99]JAMES McClean today became Albion's first summer signing, citing Tony Pulis' ambitions for the new season as the driving force in his decision to move to The Hawthorns.

The 26-year-old, who has penned a three-year deal with a 12-month option in the Club's favour, has joined for an undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic.

The Republic of Ireland international winger will wear the No.14 shirt in the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign.

He said: "I'm delighted. I've played in the Premier League before and not only am I back here, but I'm with a stable top flight club and one that wants to push on.

"Tony Pulis told me what his plans were, where I would fit in. It was all very positive. The Premier League is where any player wants to be.

"He also told me he has a great dressing room, it's been a stable club - but he's made it clear he wants to push this club on. I'm very ambitious. Everything about this move seems right for me - I'm very positive about it.

"Once the Albion came in this was a move I was keen to get done - this is a big club and a new chapter for me."

Head coach Pulis welcomed his first arrival of the close season.

"He's got Premier League experience from his time with Sunderland," said Pulis.

"James has had a couple of indifferent years with Wigan but he did well at Sunderland and we're very pleased to have him on board.

"I am absolutely confident that he can fulfil the potential to come back and be a big player for us.

"He's got pace, he's left-footed - so he gives us a good balance in the side - and he can score goals."

Derry-born McClean established himself with his hometown club between 2008-11, making his name in the League of Ireland.

His exploits for Derry City – where he proved himself to be a committed and energetic winger with a keen eye for assists and goals - alerted the attention of Sunderland and he joined the north-east club in August 2011.

The wide man was handed his Barclays Premier League debut off the bench in December of that year before making his first start for the Black Cats in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in January 2012.

His maiden goals followed just days later and he duly went on to enjoy a memorable first season in English top-flight football, scooping Sunderland’s Young Player of the Year Award at the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

McClean’s impressive form for Sunderland – where he played alongside Craig Gardner and Stephane Sessegnon - saw him capped by the Republic of Ireland at senior level despite representing Northern Ireland’s Under-21 side.

A whirlwind 12 months was rounded off by his inclusion in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Euro 2012 squad, where he made one substitute appearance as the Republic of Ireland bowed out in the group stages.

McClean made 41 appearances for Sunderland in the 12/13 season, racking up a total of 70 outings and 11 goals before signing for Wigan in the summer of 2013.

Lining up in the same squad as Callum McManaman, he made his bow in the FA Community Shield final at Wembley where the Latics went down 2-0 to Manchester United.

In two seasons at the DW Stadium, McClean made 86 appearances for Wigan and scored 10 goals, finishing last term as top goalscorer and walking away with the club’s Player of the Year Award as the Lancashire outfit suffered relegation to League One.

In total, McClean has been capped 30 times by Ireland – most recently in this month’s matches against England and Scotland - and hit the net four times.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Matt Lowton - Burnley (reportedly £1 million, rising to £2 million with add-ons)

[article=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/clarets-complete-lowton-swoop-2502763.aspx]Matthew Lowton becomes the Clarets' first summer signing ahead of the 2015/16 Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Burnley Football Club have completed the signing of full-back Matthew Lowton from Barclays Premier League side Aston Villa, subject to paperwork.

The 26-year-old has joined the Clarets on a three-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the two clubs for his services.

Lowton made 82 appearances in all competitions for Villa during his three year spell in the Midlands, with 13 of those coming in the 2014/15 campaign.

And Clarets boss Sean Dyche was delighted to make someone he has been a long-term admirer of his first summer signing at Turf Moor.

He said: “Even back to his days at Sheffield United, I always thought Matt was a very good player and one who I think is motivated to go again.

“He has been at a big club in Aston Villa and wants to get back to the Premier League. The challenge for him now is to play regular first team football and help Burnley Football Club to get back there and we look forward to welcoming him into the group.”

Born in Chesterfield, Lowton joined Sheffield United’s academy in 2004 and progressed through the ranks before breaking into the Blades first team in 2010.

During his time at Bramall Lane, he gained experience out on loan at non-league outfit Sheffield and Hungarian side Ferencvaros, where he made 18 appearances.

He broke into United’s first-team with a string of impressive displays in the 2010-11 season and his first senior goal for the club came against the Clarets in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Bramall Lane in October, 2010.

With the Blades relegated to League One, he became integral to the side and made 55 appearances, as well as contributing 6 goals.

In July 2012, Lowton completed a multi-million pound move to Aston Villa, who were then under the stewardship of Paul Lambert, and made 44 appearances in his debut campaign in all competitions.

He netted his first league goal for the Midlands side in a 2-0 victory over Swansea City, but his time at Villa Park is perhaps best remembered for a phenomenal strike away at Stoke City in the same season. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Maarten Stekelenburg - Southampton (loan)

[article=http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150622-announcement-southampton-sign-maarten-stekelenburg-fulham-2502863.aspx#u5pQeBovEKDEFdVQ.99]Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Dutch international joins Saints on a season-long loan from Fulham, having spent the 2014/15 campaign with AS Monaco.

He started his career with Ajax, where he made his debut under Ronald Koeman, before spending two years in Italy in AS Roma.

The 32 year-old becomes Saints’ third summer signing, following on from last week’s acquisitions of Juanmi and Cédric.

Executive Director of Football of Les Reed commented: “Maarten is a goalkeeper with a wealth of top-level experience who will prove to be an important addition to the squad at this early stage of pre-season.

“While Fraser Forster’s rehabilitation is progressing well, adding Maarten to our squad alongside Kelvin Davis and Paulo Gazzaniga will give us strength in depth for what will be a busy season.

“Maarten enjoyed tremendous success in Holland with Ajax and on the international stage, playing in the 2010 World Cup final. His experience will be invaluable to us, especially with the arrival of European football.

“There was strong competition for Maarten’s services, so we are very pleased he has committed to our cause.”

Stekelenburg added: “I’m very pleased that I’ve joined.

“It’s a big, nice club that will play European football – and I can play. Last year I didn’t play a lot, so it’s an opportunity for me. I’m grateful.

”The last two years weren’t the best of my career. As they say in England: the best is yet to come.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Philipp Hosiner - Cologne (loan)

[article]Cologne signed Stade Rennais striker Philipp Hosiner for one season on loan, the German Bundesliga club announced in an official statement on Monday.

The 26-year-old striker penned a loan-contract for one season with the "Billy Goats". Cologne already wanted to sign the Austrian international last season but the striker failed the medical due to a renal tumor.

"We are convinced of Philipp's qualities therefore we already wanted to sign him last winter break. It is nice that he recovered and we were able to agree on a transfer. With his agility and goal-getter instinct Philipp improves the variability of our offense," Cologne's CEO Joerg Schmadtke said.

Due to the renal tumor Hosiner made only 12 appearances since his transfer from Austria Wien to Stade Rennais in the summer 2014.

"For me, an emotional circle closes and I am very happy that my transfer to Cologne worked out with the second attempt," said Hosiner, who received the jersey number 15.

The Austrian international knows Cologne's coach Peter Stoeger from his spell at Austria Wien, where he scored 41 goals in 61 appearances.

The "Billy Goats" completed the last Bundesliga season in the 12th place of the standings.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Serie A with the biggest net spend so far

 

[Oncy]

Serie A with the biggest net spend so far

I dont really get what im looking at....

 

[King Binny]

I dont really get what im looking at....

😛

Rough translation:

Acquisti = Purchases
Cessioni = Sales
Saldo = Balance

Spese Serie A = Total Expenses (Incoming Transfers)
Acquisto top Serie ITA = Most expensive signing in Italy
Acquisto top = Most expensive signing (each season)

 

[King Binny]

Patrick Bauer - Charlton (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-maritimo-patrick-bauer-championship-transfers-2501752.aspx#TLxjIm12O9B3Eej2.99]Charlton are very pleased to announce its first incoming signing for the rapidly-approaching new season with highly-rated young, German defender Patrick Bauer signing a four-year deal at The Valley on Monday evening.

The 22-year-old emerged through the ranks at VfB Stuttgart in his native Germany and moved to the Portuguese Primeira Liga on an initial loan in 2012, before making the switch permanent in 2013.

The towering 6ft 4in centre-back proved to be a rock at the heart of the Marítimo defence in 2014/15, starting 29 games and scoring twice as he helped his side secure a ninth-place finish in the top flight as well as finishing runner-up in the Portuguese League Cup, losing out 2-1 in the final to Benfica.

In total Bauer made a total of 57 appearances in Portugal and he becomes Guy Luzon’s first summer signing ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

“Since the season finished we’ve been working hard to bring Patrick to Charlton,” said the Valley boss on his new acquisition.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to complete the move.

“He will bring us a lot of height and power to our defence and is a perfect fit for the Championship.”

Charlton CEO Katrien Meire added: “We understand that after reluctantly losing one of our young academy talents, the fans expect us to invest back into the team.

“We made bringing Patrick to The Valley one of our priorities as soon as the window opened and after some lengthy negotiations, we’re delighted to get our first signing over the line.

“I expect him to be the first of many new faces this summer as we look to build for the future.”

Bauer, who arrives in SE7 for an undisclosed fee, has represented his country at U17, U18 and U20 level and is set to become only the second German to ever play for the club, following defender Dietmar Bruck, who represented Charlton between 1970 and 1972. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mandela Egbo - Borussia Mönchengladbach

[article]Borussia have signed Mandela Egbo from Crystal Palace. The 17-year-old winger has signed a contract until 30th June 2019 and will play with the U23s in the upcoming season.

“We are very happy that Mandela decided to play for us. He is a player with huge potential,” said Borussia's sporting director Max Eberl. “He can play on the right wing both offensively and defensively. Now he has the possibility to rise up through the ranks of the U23 squad and make into the first team.”

Mandela made his debut for Crystal Palace U18s at the age of 15 and last year the 17-year-old made 14 appearances for the U21s. Egbo has made 15 appearances for England, at various age groups; his most recent appearance coming with the U18s.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Rob Kiernan - Rangers (£200k)

[article]MARK WARBURTON has reunited with Rob Kiernan after the defender signed for Rangers from Wigan on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old central defender put pen to paper on his deal this morning as he prepares to work once again with Warburton.

The pair worked together at Watford where Warburton coached a youth side that included Kiernan at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.

They were then reunited when Warburton was Sporting Director at Brentford and brought the player on loan from Wigan.

A Republic of Ireland captain at under-19 and under-21 level, Kiernan moves to Glasgow after a loan spell at Birmingham ended in May.

He appeared 17 times for Wigan in the first half of last season before featuring in a dozen matches during his loan with Birmingham.

Kiernan has previous experience in Scotland where he spent a short spell on loan at Kilmarnock.[/article]

Danny Wilson - Rangers (free transfer)

[article]DANNY WILSON has rejoined Rangers on a three-year deal, five years after departing Ibrox for Liverpool.

The 23-year-old defender returns to the Light Blues after two and a half seasons with Hearts.

Last year he captained the Edinburgh club to the Championship title and scored against Rangers at Ibrox in the opening match of the season.

In his first spell with Rangers, Wilson scored one goal in 24 appearances in a six month spell that saw him make his debut as a 17-year-old.

He left Ibrox having played his part in securing both the league title and the League Cup, a competition that saw him sent off in a remarkable final.

Wilson also collected a Scottish Cup medal the previous season after spending the 1-0 win over Falkirk among the unused subs.

His international career involves caps for Scotland from under-17 level right through to the full national side.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Johannes Geis - Schalke (reportedly €11 million)

[article]The Royal Blues have strengthened in midfield ahead of the new season: Johannes Geis has joined FC Schalke 04 from 1. FSV Mainz 05. The 21-year-old has signed a four-year contract until 30th June 2019 and will wear the number five in André Breitenreiter’s team.

“We are delighted that one of the most coveted young players has chosen to join our club,” said sporting director Horst Heldt. “Johannes possesses many great qualities; his dangerous set pieces, his passing game and his ability to find a man in space make him one of the Bundesliga’s best central defensive midfielders. The fact that he was already captain at Mainz at such a young age shows that he can and wants to take on responsibility.”

That’s something that Johannes Geis is now looking to do in Royal Blue colours. “Schalke fascinates me; the stadium, the fans – playing in the Arena is something special. I want to roll up my sleeves and work hard,” explained the 21-year-old. “Beyond that, the talks with Horst Heldt and André Breitenreiter were very positive. It could be the start of something new at Schalke and I want to play my part in that.”

The 5’9’’ right-footer began his career at TSV Oberstreu close to Nuremberg, before he ended up in SpVgg Greuther Fürth’s youth setup in 2008 following spells at TSV Mittelstreu and TSV Großbardorf. Geis made the step up to the Shamrocks’ first team in 2010. He then completed a switch to 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the start of the 2013/14 season. Geis has appeared in 75 Bundesliga games (6 goals) and nine 2. Bundesliga matches to date. He has already featured twice in the DFB Cup (1 goal) and in two Europa League qualifying matches.

The midfielder has been a regular feature in Germany’s youth national teams for the last seven years. Geis, who is currently away at the European U21 Championship in the Czech Republic with Max Meyer, made his debut for the DFB-Team on 16th September 2008 in the U16s’ 5-0 win over Belgium. He has won eleven caps at U21 level so far.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Kristoffer Nordfeldt - Swansea (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/swansea-city-goalkeeper-kristoffer-nordfeldt-heerenveen-sweden-2503205.aspx#ocUG33XVu1rMVICM.99]Swedish international goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt has joined Swansea City after completing his move from Dutch side Heerenveen for an undisclosed fee.

Nordfeldt, who turned 26 today, has signed a three-year contract after undergoing a successful medical.

The five-cap international will compete with Lukasz Fabianski for the goalkeeper position at the Liberty, with the Swans having seen Gerhard Tremmel and David Cornell leave the club this summer.

Nordfeldt becomes Garry Monk’s third signing this month, with forward Andre Ayew and left-back Franck Tabanou having bolstered the squad following their moves from Marseille and St Etienne.

Nordfeldt started his career with Brommapojkarna, for whom he made well over 100 appearances in both the Swedish top flight and second tier.

His impressive performances caught the attention of a number of clubs around Europe, with Nordfeldt joining Dutch top-flight club Heerenveen in 2012.

He featured over 100 times for De Superfriezen, helping them reach the Eredivisie play-offs for Europa League qualification in each of his three seasons at the club. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lucio - FC Goa

[article]Former Brazil skipper and 2002 World Cup winner Lucio has signed up as FC Goa's marquee player for the second season of the burgeoning Indian Super League (ISL), the club said on its Twitter feed on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan defender had been playing at home with Palmeiras but will join up with Brazil great Zico, who is head coach of the club in the eight-team competition.

Goa, with a number of Brazilians in the squad, finished the inaugural season of the ISL second in the table before being knocked out in the semi-finals on penalties by eventual winners Atletico de Kolkata, backed by a Spanish contingent.

Last year's headline signings, former Arsenal duo Robert Pires and Andre Santos, have been released by Goa ahead of the new season which begins in October.

"Lucio has been signed as the marquee player for FC Goa as he was strongly recommended by Zico," co-owner Shrinivas Dempo has been quoted as saying in the local media.

"We have also signed another Brazilian Andreas and are looking forward for more signings that will boost the squad."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mitchell Weiser - Hertha Berlin (free transfer)

[article]Hertha Berlin have announced the signing of Mitchell Weiser on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Weiser, 21, had joined Bayern from Cologne in 2012 but will join Hertha on a three-year contract when his deal expires at the end of the month.

Hertha announced the news on their official website under the headline "Weiser geworden" ("Become wiser") and sporting director Michael Preetz said: "Mitchell Weiser is a young player with the ability to develop.

"He can play on both wings, in attack or defence. He possesses tremendous speed and suits the profile we want perfectly."

Weiser, who spent six months on loan at Kaiserslautern in 2013, was part of the Bayern squads that won the Bundesliga three times and DFB Pokal twice as well as the FIFA Club World Cup, but he had little involvement in those successes.

He managed to break into the first-team picture under Pep Guardiola after the winter break last season, scoring once and providing four assists in his 13 appearances, but he refused to sign a contract extension as he sought a move elsewhere.

The Germany under-20 international is the son of former Bundesliga player Patrick Weiser, who played for Cologne, Wolfsburg and French side Stade Rennes.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pepe Reina - Napoli

[article]As expected, Pepe Reina is once again a Napoli player after passing his medical. “Welcome back!”

The goalkeeper had already worn the jersey in 2013-14 while on loan from Liverpool, but the clubs could not agree on terms to make his stay permanent.

He spent last season at Bayern Munich, but spent most of the campaign on the bench.

“Welcome back,” read a tweet from President Aurelio De Laurentiis, showing the two of them shaking hands.

Bayern Munich Vice-President Jan-Christian Dreesen also confirmed “he asked us to free him from his contract so he could play regularly at Napoli.”

Reina spoke to reporters outside the Villa Stuart clinic after his medical.

“Finally I am going back to Napoli, it was what I wanted.”

Reina also took to his personal Twitter account to thank fans in Italian.

“Honoured to wear this shirt again! Thank you from the heart for the affection since my first moment in the city! Always Forza Napoli!”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Dean Whitehead - Huddersfield (free transfer)

[article=http://www.htafc.com/news/article/huddersfield-town-dean-whitehead-transfer-signing-middlesbrough-2504119.aspx#UIdMh0VrL0F82rqb.99]Huddersfield Town has today completed its first signing of the 2015 summer transfer window, with Dean Whitehead joining on a two year contract.

The central midfielder, who can also play at right back, was a free agent having left fellow Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough at the conclusion of the 2014/15 season.

Whitehead, now 33 years old, has played over 550 games during a 16 year playing career, with over 420 coming in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

He made 21 appearances as Boro reached the Play-Off Final last season, starting at Wembley against Norwich City at right back.

Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell commented: “Bringing Dean Whitehead to the Club was among my top priorities during this transfer window, so I’m delighted to welcome him to Huddersfield Town today. His arrival is testament to our policy of staying patient to ensure we recruit the right players for this Club.

"The Championship is a tough and relentless division and the addition of Dean will mean we are better equipped to deal with the challenges that brings.

“Dean has proven ability and quality that will improve us. He has a vast wealth of experience at the top level of English football. He made a big contribution to a team that was excellent last year and was defensively strong. He's actually played more games than our other senior midfielders – Jacob Butterfield, Conor Coady and Jonathan Hogg – have combined.

“As well as that ability, I have often talked about how important organisation and game management is and I believe Dean will help to us that in the vital midfield area of the pitch for us, whether that is helping to lead us through difficult periods in a game or seeing out a game. He will complement the players we already have and add to the competition and depth of the group and use his experience and know how to help our younger players too.

“The hard work behind the scenes will continue as we look to recruit further in the key areas we have identified to help the Club progress in the coming Sky Bet Championship season, but today's signing is an excellent start.” [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ivan Obradović - Anderlecht (€2.5 million)

RSC Anderlecht have completed the signing of Ivan Obradović on a four-year deal

 

[King Binny]

Ewerton - Sporting Lisbon (reportedly €1.5 million)

[article]After a successful loan spell in the Primeira Liga, Sporting Lisbon have taken up the option to buy Anzhi's Ewerton on a permanent deal.

Sporting Lisbon have announced they have taken up the option to sign Brazilian defender Ewerton from Anzhi after a successful loan spell.

The 26-year-old arrived in the Primeira Liga in January and made 11 first-team appearances for Marco Silva's side, helping them earn a place in the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Ewerton's performances did enough to convince the club to utilise their right to buy him in their loan agreement with Anzhi, the defender signing a four-year deal.

"Sporting reports that we have exercised the option to buy Ewerton, [the player] getting a contract lasting until 2019 and with a release clause of €45million," the club announced on their official website. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Roberto Pereyra - Juventus (€14 million + potential add ons of €1.5 million)

[article]Juventus have taken up their option to sign Roberto Pereyra from Udinese for €14m plus performance-related bonuses.

As expected, the Bianconeri announced this evening that his loan spell was successful enough to earn a permanent transfer.

The pre-arranged transfer fee was €14m to be paid over three years, plus a further €1.5m if he reaches certain sporting targets.

Pereyra signed a contract with Juventus until June 2019.

The 24-year-old Argentine made 52 competitive appearances for the club this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists.[/article]

Andrea Bertolacci - Roma (€8.5 million)

[article]Roma have officially bought out Genoa’s half of midfielder Andrea Bertolacci for €8.5m.

The Italy international was in a co-ownership agreement between the two clubs and spent this season with the Rossoblu.

This evening Roma released a statement confirming they now own the player outright.

The Giallorossi paid €8.5m for the remaining 50 per cent of his contract.

There have been numerous reports that Milan will now try to buy Bertolacci from Roma.[/article]

 

[C/O]

Calm down Binny!

 

[Ryan]

I WANT A PICTURE OF FIRMINHO HOLDING A FUCKING RED AND WHTE SCARF ALONG WITH SOME SCRIPTED BULLSHIT BINMEISTER!

 

[King Binny]

Roberto Firmino - Liverpool (reportedly £29 million)

[article=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/187533-liverpool-complete-firmino-signing]Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical which will take place immediately following the player's participation in Copa America 2015 for Brazil.

The 23-year-old has agreed a long-term contract with the club.

Firmino will arrive at Anfield following four-and-a-half seasons in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim.

The forward made 151 appearances in league and cup for the German club, netting 47 goals, after joining them from Figueirense in December 2010.

To date, Firmino has nine caps and four goals for Brazil - including what proved to be the winner in his country's 2-1 victory over Venezuela in the Copa America on Sunday. [/article]

 

[Ryan]

THAT'LL DO JUST FINE THANKS.

 

[King Binny]

I WANT A PICTURE OF FIRMINHO HOLDING A FUCKING RED AND WHTE SCARF ALONG WITH SOME SCRIPTED BULLSHIT BINMEISTER!

Calm down Binny @Ryan!

😀

 

[DHSC]

Strange business by Villa selling Lowton and Weimann. I thought they were good for Villa last season?

 

[King Binny]

Strange business by Villa selling Lowton and Weimann. I thought they were good for Villa last season?

They were, the season before. Lowton became bit part player (lost his place to Hutton I think) whereas Weimann's performances didn't reach the height of 12/13.

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

Nico Elvedi - Borussia Monchengladbach

[article=http://www.borussia.de/english/season/news/borussia-news/news-detailansicht.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=14121&cHash=8b462b5bf8a8b9d4f921cebcd83bd7c4]Nico Elvedi of FC Zurich is set to join Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 18-year-old will complete a medical today and subsequently sign a four-year contract with the Foals until June 2019.

Elvedi made his debut in the Swiss Super League in May 2014 as a 17-year-old. He featured in a total of 18 first-division games and five Europa League matches for FC Zurich. He has also won 23 caps for Switzerland at youth level. “Nico is a huge talent who we have faith in to make the step up to the Bundesliga,” said sporting director Max Eberl. “He can play in the centre or on the right-hand side of defence, as well as in central midfield, and also brings a lot of first-team experience with him even at just 18 years old. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to bring him in.”

Elvedi joined Zurich’s youth setup as a kid and played in virtually all of their youth sides. He made the step up to their first team at 17 and made his league debut for FCZ at centre mid in a 1-0 win in Lausanne. “I mostly played in that position until U18 level, then I dropped deeper and feel more at home in the centre,” says Elvedi, whose strengths include his aerial ability and instigating counterattacks.

The all-rounder featured 16 times in the Swiss Super League last season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The 6’2’’ Elvedi also made five Europa League appearances, including FCZ’s 3-0 defeat at BORUSSIA-PARK. He is also a regular in Switzerland’s youth national teams. He has made 23 appearances at U17 and U19 level and has been the Switzerland U19s’ captain since last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pape Abdou Paye - Lorient

Right back from Dijon. 2 year contract.

 

[King Binny]

Şener Özbayraklı - Fenerbahce (reportedly €5 million)

[article]Fenerbahce have complete the transfer of Şener Özbayraklı from Bursaspor. The Yellow Canaries confirmed the news on their official website this morning.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year-deal with Fenerbahce keeping him at the club until July 2019.

Özbayraklı was one of Bursaspor’s star performers this season earning himself an international call-up.

Bursaspor’s Ozan Tufan, Volkan Şen, Serdar Aziz and Enes Ünal well also called up by Fatih Terim to the Crescent-Stars this season.

The Green Crocodiles suffered a 3-2 defeat in the Turkish Cup final and could finishd the season in sixth place.

Özbayraklı has six assists in 42 appearances for Bursaspor in all competitions this season.

Fenerbahçe finished the Süper Lig as runners up and booked a place in next seasons Champions League competition.

The Istanbul Giants have been busy in the transfer market having already signed Simon Kjaer from Lille and being close to completing the transfer of Nani from Manchester United.[/article]