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Confirmed Transfers (2016/17)

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João Teixeira - Porto (free transfer)
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[article]João Carlos Teixeira, Portuguese midfielder, aged 23, signed for FC Porto until 2020. Talking exclusively to Porto Canal, the player, who was at Liverpool in the last five years, admits it is “a dream to play in this great club” and states he believes his skill on the ball and his creativity are his biggest assets.

“I’m extremely happy. It was a dream of mine to play for this great club. I had the ambition of wearing this jersey, as I got used to watching FC Porto win titles every year. I hope everything turns out great and I want to do my best”, the midfielder stated, adding he wants to “win, always,” national titles, and, if possible, international ones, reminding that the winning culture is “part of the club”.

João Teixeira, who started his formation at Sporting de Braga and completed it in Sporting, doesn’t just want to win, he also wants to play, aware that he will find a competitive squad: “When you sign for FC Porto, you know there is going to be a strong squad, competitive, but I am still going to do my best so I can play”, the first reinforcement of the season for the Dragons stated, having already had the opportunity of talking to Nuno Espírito Santo, someone who “knows the club and its soul”.

Aged 23 since January 18, the midfielder revealed he feels “more comfortable” playing as the 10, but assures he will “have no problem” if he needs to be the 8 or even move to the left, as he has already played in those positions in the past. “I look at myself as someone with good skill on the ball, good creativity and good passing skills”, João Teixeira explained, promising the white and blue fans “plenty of work and dedication so the season is great”.

Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa believes João Carlos Teixeira, the first reinforcement arriving at FC Porto for the new season, will be an asset for the white and blue squad. The white and blue chairman welcomed a player on whom the club has “high hopes” and also revealed that the midfielder came at the request of coach Nuno Espírito Santo.

“We have high hopes for João Teixeira, for his talent, his youth, and his eagerness to sign for FC Porto, as – were he not a fan of the club – he would have signed for a big Italian club as Fiorentina, one of the clubs keeping an eye on him. He was a free player, so he was the one making the decision of signing for us, which pleases us and gives us a guarantee that he will join this team body and soul; he will surely be an asset”, the chairman stated, talking exclusively to www.fcporto.pt and Porto Canal.

Pinto da Costa admitted the club had be keeping track of the midfielder for quite some time and that he was one of the names mentioned by Nuno Espírito Santo on the very first meeting to prepare for the upcoming season: “After that, I asked about him, finding out that other clubs also wanted him, and that he hadn’t renewed his contract with Liverpool. I talked to Jorge Mendes, his agent, and asked if João Teixeira would be willing to join us. He immediately said yes, so yesterday we started his move to FC Porto and today he signed for the next four years”.[/article]
 
Miralem Pjanic - Juventus (€32 million)
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[article]Juventus Football Club can today confirm that Miralem Pjanic has completed a permanent switch from Roma for a fee of 32 million euros.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club.[/article]
 
Ronald Koeman - Everton (Manager)
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[article]
Everton is pleased to confirm the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager on a three-year contract to June 2019.

A European Cup winner as a player at Barcelona and winner of the European Championship with the Netherlands, Koeman has won eight trophies as a manager including three Dutch Eredivisie titles, the KNVB (Dutch) Cup and the Copa Del Rey in Spain.

He is the only man to have played for and managed the ‘big three’ clubs in the Netherlands – Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord – and his managerial career has embraced spells at Benfica in Portugal and Spanish side Valencia. He has also served as assistant manager for the Netherlands and Barcelona.


In each of the past two seasons he has led Southampton to seventh and sixth-place finishes in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No.1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

“The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at Board, shareholder and fan level.”

Manager Ronald Koeman said: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the Club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

“Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and Farhad Moshiri.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the Club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.”[/article]
 
Gian Piero Gasperini - Atalanta (Head Coach)
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[article]Atalanta have officially confirmed the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as their new Coach.

The 58-year-old terminated his contract with Genoa at the end of the season, with the Grifone having “made other choices”.

It was reported at the time that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Atalanta, and that has today been confirmed.

“Atalanta BC announces that it has entrusted the technical management of the first team to Mr Gian Piero Gasperini,” a statement on the Orobici’s website began.

“A football man, a maestro of football, everyone knows him: Gian Piero Gasperini, 58, a Torinese from Grugliasco.”

The statement then gives a brief summary of Gasperini’s career to date, before closing with a good luck message.[/article]
 
Sofiane Feghouli - West Ham (free transfer)
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[article]West Ham United are delighted to announce the capture of exciting Algeria winger Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia CF.

The 26-year-old will arrive from Spain on a three-year contract on a free transfer on 1 July, having successfully completed his medical at Spire Roding Hospital and agreed personal terms.

The Paris-born wideman has been a regular in La Liga since joining Valencia from French side Grenoble in 2010, scoring 42 goals in 243 appearances for Los Che.

Feghouli, who has scored eleven goals in 40 caps for the country of his parents’ birth, is looking forward to playing under Hammers boss Slaven Bilic in the Premier League.

"I am very happy to sign for the Hammers and for Slaven Bilic," Feghouli told whufc.com. "The history of the Club is important for me in my decision.

"Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers."

Born in the northern Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret on Boxing Day 1989, Feghouli spent time with local clubs Red Star and Paris FC before joining Grenoble as a teenager.

The winger spent six seasons in the Alps, helping Grenoble gain promotion to Ligue 1 in 2007/08, and moved on to Valencia following the club’s relegation two years later.

After a loan spell with Almeria, Feghouli was a first-team regular for his new club from the start of the 2011/12 season, averaging nearly 50 appearances over each of the last five campaigns.

Among them were 42 appearances in European competition, including 22 in the UEFA Champions League, which brought the Algerian an impressive haul of ten goals.

The 2012 Algerian Footballer of the Year, Feghouli is an important figure for his national team, appearing at three major tournaments.

The West Ham new boy played age-group football for France before pledging his allegiance to Algeria in 2011, scoring the winner on his debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia in February 2012.

After helping the Desert Foxes to qualify for the Brazil 2014, Feghouli netted his country’s first FIFA World Cup goal in 28 years when he scored from the penalty spot against Spain.

Feghouli could come face to face with new teammates Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho at the 2017 African Cup of Nations in January after both Algeria and Senegal clinched qualification earlier this month.

He becomes the second senior signing of the summer, following Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit.[/article]
 
Miralem Pjanic - Juventus (€32 million)
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[article]Juventus Football Club can today confirm that Miralem Pjanic has completed a permanent switch from Roma for a fee of 32 million euros.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club.[/article]
Aaaah crap. Hes on the list.
 
Kristoffer Ajer - Celtic
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[article]KRISTOFFER Ajer’s excitement is palpable now that his dreams of Paradise are set to become a reality.

The highly-rated 18-year-old officially joined Celtic yesterday (Tuesday) on a four-year deal from IK Start, having penned a pre-contract agreement back in January.

He becomes the first arrival of the Brendan Rodgers reign and will start working with his new manager and team-mates when the Hoops return for pre-season on June 20.

Over the past six months the Norwegian youngster has been keeping abreast of developments at his new employers and watched with amazement as 13,000 fans turned out to welcome Brendan Rodgers to the club.

And with season tickets being snapped in fantastic numbers, he is relishing the prospect of being roared on by a huge home support at Celtic Park.

Speaking exclusively to the official website, he said: “In my head I have dreamed about that so many times since I signed for Celtic. Here in Norway we have five or six thousand at each game and at Celtic there will be 50-60,000 at some games so that will be crazy.

“For me it’s a big dream come true to play in front of so many people. At Start we sold 900 season tickets this year so it’s a big difference and that’s what football is all about, playing in front of amazing supporters and hopefully we can bring them some success.

“I’m most looking forward to just being a professional footballer and living out my dream, to walk out at Celtic Park in front of thousands of supporters and hopefully score some goals and celebrate in front of so many people.

“I do extra training a lot by myself and I always picture this in my head and I really think it will be similar to what I will actually experience at Celtic.

"I am really looking forward to the big change from Norway to playing in front of so many fans. I’m really proud to become a Celtic player.”

Despite his tender years, the versatile midfielder has already amassed over 50 league appearances for Tippeligaen side IK Start and is considered one of the brightest prospects in Norwegian football.

Compatriot Ronny Deila won the race to sign him for Celtic back in February and, although the Norway U21 internationalist will start his Hoops career under Brendan Rodgers, he isn’t fazed by this managerial switch.

Ajer is well aware of the attractive, attacking approach of Brendan Rodgers’ teams, a style in which he believes he can thrive in.

He has also been greatly encouraged at how other people in the game have described the Irishman, including Ronny Deila, who spoke positively about the new manager.

“I watched a lot of games when he was the Liverpool manager and he’s a great manager and I’m looking forward to training with him,” said Ajer. “I haven’t met him before but I have heard some great things and I’m really excited.

“I spoke to a few guys back in Norway that know him and I also talked to my agent and Ronny and they all said really good things about Brendan.

“I have seen him being interviewed on TV and his documentary at Liverpool, and he looks great at working with the young kids in the squad which is perfect.

"I knew that Ronny might not be here when I came in but thenI saw Brendan Rodgers had been appointed, and what he brings with him made me really excited.

“Ronny spoke to me when Brendan was appointed and he wished me good luck and he told me Brendan was a good manager. Ronny has always been a great manager and I just wished him good luck and hopefully we will meet again at some point.

“It’s a dream come true, being able play under Brendan Rodgers and play alongside so many great players.

“He wants the team to have the ball and be comfortable with it and I like to play in that way so I’m really looking forward to it, along with walking at Celtic Park and hearing You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

While the talented teenager knows there is still room for him to develop as a player, he wants to stake a claim for a starting slot when the Scottish champions gear-up for the new campaign during their pre-season tour of Slovenia.

“It’s important as I want to play a lot next season and if you want to do that you have to perform in training and in the games,” he said. “I’m looking forward to pre-season and travelling to Slovenia, where I will try to play well and to get to know the players and staff."[/article]

A signing that was sealed back in Jan 2016.
 
Bernardo Espinosa - Middesbrough (free transfer)
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[article]The club can confirm a deal has been agreed to sign Bernardo Espinosa to Boro when the defender’s contract expires at Spanish side Sporting Gijon.

The 26-year-old centre-half is set to join the club on July 1 and will become Aitor Karanka’s second signing of the summer with Viktor Fischer having agreed a move to Teesside from Ajax.

Espinosa has made over 90 appearances for Sporting Gijon since joining from Sevilla in 2013 and has had a previous loan spell at Racing Santander.

The highly-rated Colombian has opted for a move to Boro despite reported interest from other Premier League clubs including Everton, Bournemouth and Watford.[/article]
 
Raphaël Guerreiro - Dortmund (reportedly €12 million)
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[article]Borussia Dortmund have completed the transfer of Portuguese international and European Championship participant Raphaël Guerreiro for the coming season. The 22-year-old left-back will be given a four-year contract which runs until 30 June 2020.

"Raphaël Guerreiro is a technically experienced player who is equally comfortable in several positions. We are very happy that he has decided to come to Borussia Dortmund," said BVB Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

Guerreiro has dual French and Portuguese citizenship and will be making the move to the Adi-Preißler-Allee from French outfit Lorient-Bretagne Sud, for whom he has played for the last three seasons.

The 1.70-metre-tall man can be deployed on the left wing - both in defence and in attack. Last season he featured in 34 of FC Lorient's 38 matches in the French top flight, Ligue 1, and has thus far scored two goals in seven international appearances for Portugal, which is the homeland of his father. In total, he played for FC Lorient on 102 occasions, scoring ten goals in the process.[/article]
 
Ricky Holmes - Charlton (undisclosed fee)
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[article]Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Ricky Holmes from Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal and is the first signing by our new Manager Russell Slade.

Holmes was named in League Two’s PFA Team of the Year last season following an excellent campaign in which he scored 11 goals in 32 matches to help Northampton to win the League Two title.

Charlton manager Russell Slade said: “I am delighted to be able to make Ricky my first signing for the club. He was a top target for me and to be able to bring him to The Valley was very important for us, as we look to build a strong squad for the season ahead.

“Ricky had a fantastic season last year at Northampton and is a player who is capable of not only scoring goals but creating them too. I know he was very popular amongst Northampton fans and I have no doubt that the Charlton fans will take to his style of play too.”

Ricky Holmes said: “Charlton is a fantastic club and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to working with Russell, he has a great reputation and really impressed me when I spoke to him about his vision for the club. After talking with Russell and seeing the great facilities, joining Charlton was an easy decision. I had a great time at Northampton and last season’s promotion was the most enjoyable season of my career, although I think this is a great next step for me. I’d like to thank Katrien for her hard working in getting the deal done and now my focus is on Charlton and doing all I can to help us have a successful season and get the club back into the Championship.”

Rochford-raised Holmes began his senior career at Chelmsford City, where he netted an impressive 49 goals in 154 league appearances.

That saw him called up to the England C squad in 2008 and also attracted the interest of Barnet , who brought him to Underhill in 2010. Following three seasons in North London, he signed for Portsmouth.

While on the South Coast, Holmes made over 50 appearances for Pompey, scoring twice. He joined Northampton on loan in January 2015 and later that month made a permanent move to the Cobblers.

Holmes excelled at Sixfields and played a vital role in their title-winning campaign of last season. Nine of his goals from 2015/16 came in league action, with his strike against Leyton Orient being named as their Goal of the Season.

As well as being named in League Two’s Team of the Year, he was also shortlisted for the division’s Player of the Year accolade.[/article]
 
Branmir Hrgota - Eintracht Frankfurt (free transfer)
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[article]Attacker Branmir Hrgota has left Borussia to move on a free transfer to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he has agreed a three year deal. Hrgota played 88 competitive matches for Gladbach, scoring 19 goals.

“I played against Eintracht in the DFB Cup for Gladbach and it was a very close and difficult match. The atmosphere was amazing. My aim is to play as many games as possible for Eintracht and score goals,” said the 23-year-old, who moved from Swedish second division side Jönköpings Södra IF to Borussia in the summer of 2012. After his first season with the club, where he scored three goals in 17 appearances (with all three coming in a 4-2 win over Mainz), he made 31 (mostly short appearances) the next year and only managed to hit the back of the net twice. He had most success in the Europa League in the 2014/15 season when he bagged eight goals in ten games but he only scored four more in 20 domestic appearances in the Bundesliga and DFB Cup throughout the rest of the season. Hrgota did not play in Europe in the recently concluded 2015/2016 season and made nine short substitute appearances in the league. His only two goals came in the 4-3 loss to Werder Bremen in the DFB Cup. The player’s current contract was not extended following the end of the campaign. Borussia Mönchengladbach wishes Branimir Hrgota all the best in his sporting future.[/article]
 
Denis Cheryshev - Villarreal (reportedly £8 million)
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[article]Denis Cheryshev has completed his move from Real Madrid back to Villarreal.

Cheryshev, 25, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract after the clubs agreed a fee reported to be around £8 million.

Cheryshev, a fringe player at the Bernabeu, was involved in controversy last season when he played for Real in their Copa Del Rey win over Cadiz.

It later emerged that he should have been suspended, having been booked three times in the competition when on loan at Villarreal in the 2014-15 season, and Real were subsequently disqualified.

A statement on Real's website read: "Real Madrid and Villarreal have agreed the transfer of the player Denis Cheryshev.

"The club wishes to thank him for his dedication and professionalism over the years and wish him luck in his new career."

Cheryshev, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, posted a message of thanks to Real Madrid on his personal Twitter account.

He wrote: "Thank you Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to become a professional footballer. It's been 14 years as a player of the club and I would not change it for anything.

"Thank you for showing me the values of a gentleman's club and forming me as a person. A Madridista to the heart leaves. My best wishes for the future. Hala Madrid."

The Russian also received a welcome message from Villarreal striker Roberto Soldado, who wrote on his Twitter account: "You already know the locker room! We await you with open arms and to see your best."[/article]
 
Raphaël Guerreiro - Dortmund (reportedly €12 million)
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[article]Borussia Dortmund have completed the transfer of Portuguese international and European Championship participant Raphaël Guerreiro for the coming season. The 22-year-old left-back will be given a four-year contract which runs until 30 June 2020.

"Raphaël Guerreiro is a technically experienced player who is equally comfortable in several positions. We are very happy that he has decided to come to Borussia Dortmund," said BVB Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

Guerreiro has dual French and Portuguese citizenship and will be making the move to the Adi-Preißler-Allee from French outfit Lorient-Bretagne Sud, for whom he has played for the last three seasons.

The 1.70-metre-tall man can be deployed on the left wing - both in defence and in attack. Last season he featured in 34 of FC Lorient's 38 matches in the French top flight, Ligue 1, and has thus far scored two goals in seven international appearances for Portugal, which is the homeland of his father. In total, he played for FC Lorient on 102 occasions, scoring ten goals in the process.[/article]

This is already the 3rd player we were interested in that Dortmund signed. Fucking hell. Not that I'm too bothered about Guerreiro, but it's just funny – we definitely found our new German Spurs. They just need to get Götze and Mane for good measure.
 
Ricky Holmes - Charlton (undisclosed fee)
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[article]Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Ricky Holmes from Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal and is the first signing by our new Manager Russell Slade.

Holmes was named in League Two’s PFA Team of the Year last season following an excellent campaign in which he scored 11 goals in 32 matches to help Northampton to win the League Two title.

Charlton manager Russell Slade said: “I am delighted to be able to make Ricky my first signing for the club. He was a top target for me and to be able to bring him to The Valley was very important for us, as we look to build a strong squad for the season ahead.

“Ricky had a fantastic season last year at Northampton and is a player who is capable of not only scoring goals but creating them too. I know he was very popular amongst Northampton fans and I have no doubt that the Charlton fans will take to his style of play too.”

Ricky Holmes said: “Charlton is a fantastic club and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to working with Russell, he has a great reputation and really impressed me when I spoke to him about his vision for the club. After talking with Russell and seeing the great facilities, joining Charlton was an easy decision. I had a great time at Northampton and last season’s promotion was the most enjoyable season of my career, although I think this is a great next step for me. I’d like to thank Katrien for her hard working in getting the deal done and now my focus is on Charlton and doing all I can to help us have a successful season and get the club back into the Championship.”

Rochford-raised Holmes began his senior career at Chelmsford City, where he netted an impressive 49 goals in 154 league appearances.

That saw him called up to the England C squad in 2008 and also attracted the interest of Barnet , who brought him to Underhill in 2010. Following three seasons in North London, he signed for Portsmouth.

While on the South Coast, Holmes made over 50 appearances for Pompey, scoring twice. He joined Northampton on loan in January 2015 and later that month made a permanent move to the Cobblers.

Holmes excelled at Sixfields and played a vital role in their title-winning campaign of last season. Nine of his goals from 2015/16 came in league action, with his strike against Leyton Orient being named as their Goal of the Season.

As well as being named in League Two’s Team of the Year, he was also shortlisted for the division’s Player of the Year accolade.[/article]
He looks far too white to be called Ricky Holmes.
 
Nicolas Gaitan - Atletico Madrid (€25 million)
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[article]Atlético de Madrid and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Nicolás Gaitán to our club. The midfielder is currently playing the Copa América with Argentina, and will travel to Madrid next July after the tournament that is being held in the United States, to finish all the necessary formalities so he can join the red and white team.

Gaitán was born in San Martin 28 years ago. He played two seasons (2008-10) in the first team of Boca Juniors, where he trained in the ranks. From there, he took the leap and was signed by Benfica in June of 2010, where he's played the last six seasons. He has played 252 matches with the team from Lisbon and has scored 41 goals. The midfielder has been a full international with Argentina 15 times, scoring 2 goals.[/article]

Pedro Pereira - Nottingham Forest (Director of Football)

[article]Nottingham Forest have appointed Pedro Pereira as the club’s new director of football.

Pereira is a football professional with extensive experience in scouting and development and has a thorough understanding of international football. He has served in both administrative and technical positions in different clubs including at Portuguese side Sporting Braga where he spent 13 years, the majority of which as the club’s CEO.

During his time with Braga the club twice participated in the UEFA Champions League group stage and also enjoyed ten seasons in the UEFA Europa League, reaching the final in 2011.

So far in his career Pereira has been responsible for the transfers of players such as Rafa Silva, Felipe Pardo, André Pinto, Willy Boly, Stanislav Kritciuk, Aderlan Santos, Eder, Nikola Kalinic, Christian Tello and many others.

During the 2015-16 season Pereira held the role of Sport Director at ACF Fiorentina as the Italians finished fifth in Serie A. This helped the club secure qualification to the group stage of the Europa League for the upcoming campaign.

Pereira is looking forward to the next chapter in his career and is relishing the challenge ahead.

He said: "It is a big honour and at the same time a great challenge to work with such a historical and important club as Nottingham Forest and I want to sincerely thank the Chairman for offering this opportunity to me.

"I respect deeply the history of the club but we have to look ahead and create the background for a new chapter of success, stability and victories. Nottingham Forest has huge potential and I believe and hope I can contribute significantly in bringing the club back to the Premier League.

"Our focus is to prepare the team for the coming season and to fulfil our ambitions. We need the support of all Nottingham Forest fans to achieve our goals."[/article]

Alberto Paloschi - Atalanta (undisclosed fee, reportedly £6 million)
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[article]Swansea City striker Alberto Paloschi has agreed to join Serie A club Atalanta for an undisclosed fee, with the transfer set to be completed on July 1.

The Italian forward signed for the Swans in January from Chievo Verona and scored two goals in ten league appearances for the club.

Paloschi opened his account with a well-taken finish against Tottenham Hotspur in February before scoring the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Stoke in April.

Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Alberto for his services and wish him well for the future. [/article]
 
Lee Novak - Charlton (free transfer)
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[article]Charlton Athletic are delighted to have agreed a deal to sign striker Lee Novak on a free transfer from July 1st.

The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Chesterfield, where he netted an impressive 15 goals in 38 games, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Manager Russell Slade said: “I’m really pleased to be able to welcome Lee to the club. He has shown a consistency at both Championship and League One level, is a proven goalscorer and his work ethic is phenomenal as well.

“Lee is a real team player, will run and stretch teams, and help us to link our play. He’ll be a real pest to centre-halves and won’t give them a minute’s peace, and that is exactly what we want. All-round Lee will be a really good signing for us.”

Novak said: “It’s brilliant to get everything sorted. I came down on Monday and spoke to the gaffer and Katrien and I’m delighted that we have got it signed. This is a huge club, the facilities here are brilliant and the gaffer’s plans for the future and his aims for the club were a real attraction for me. A club this size needs to be looking for promotion to get up the leagues and I’m hopeful that we can achieve that next season.”

Beginning his youth career with Wallsend Boys Club, Novak made the move to Gretna in Scotland before returning to his hometown to sign for Newcastle Blue Star in 2007.

A hugely-productive year saw him hit 29 goals in 47 games, attracting the interest of Gateshead, who snapped him up in 2008.

Another prolific season followed. He found the net 16 times in 18 games - which included an incredible three-minute hat-trick against Hyde United - which earned him his chance in the Football League.

Novak would go on to spend four years at Huddersfield Town, winning promotion from League One in 2012 and finding the net 42 times in 172 games for the Terriers.

He joined Birmingham City in 2013 on a three-year deal and, last season, enjoyed a successful spell on loan spell at Chesterfield.

While with the Spireites, the tireless worker’s 15-goal haul included their goal of the season - a stunning strike against Gillingham - and netted a hat-trick in the 7-1 thrashing of Shrewsbury Town at the Proact Stadium.

Novak becomes our second senior signing of the summer, following the addition of Ricky Holmes on Thursday afternoon[/article]
 
Mamadou Doucouré - Borussia Mönchengladbach
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[article]Borussia have signed France U18s international Mamadou Doucouré from Paris St. Germain. The 18-year-old centreback, who won the European Under-17 Championship with France in 2015, has signed a five year deal with the club.

Docouré completed his medical in Mönchengladbach on Friday before signing his contract. "We're delighted that Mamadou Docouré has decided to join Borussia. He is a huge talent and there were lots of big clubs looking to sign him," said Borussia's sporting director Max Eberl. "With this transfer, we are continuing our tradition of bringing young players with lots of potential to the club and giving them an opportunity to take their careers to the next level." He will not be available to join the rest of the squad when training resumes on 29th June. Unfortunately he picked up an injury in the final game of the season with PSG's U19s, so will be out for a few more weeks."

Born to Senegalese parents, the defender grew up in Paris and signed for PSG from Paris FC at the age of 13, though he never made a first team appearance for Frances biggest club. In 2015, the youngster was a leading figure in the defence of the title-winning U17 French team which conceded just two goals in the whole tournament and beat Germany 4-1 in the final. Docouré played in all six matches and captained the side in the group match against Greece. He made 32 appearances for his country at youth level for the U16s, U17s and U18s.

Last season in the UEFA Youth League, Docouré missed just three matches, but played every second of the other seven and captained his team all the way to the final where they lost 2-1 to Chelsea.[/article]
 
Jaap Stam - Reading (First Team Manager)
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[article]Reading Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Jaap Stam as first team manager at Madejski Stadium.

The Kampen-born former PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lazio and AC Milan centre-back becomes the Royals first boss from overseas in the club’s history, taking the reins immediately at the start of an initial two-year contract at Reading.

Fellow Dutch duo Andries Ulderink and Said Bakkati are set to join Stam at Madejski Stadium as part of his new-look coaching team – having both worked with the new boss as coaches at Ajax. First team coaches Steven Reid and Dave Beasant will both remain in their positions at the club, forming part of Stam’s first team staff.

“We are all extremely excited to have Jaap Stam as the new manager of Reading,” said Tiger, a shareholder at Reading Football Club. “Lady Sasima, Narin and I have spoken to Jaap about his hopes and ambitions for Reading and it is clear to see he is a man with a real passion for football and a lot of energy and enthusiasm ready to put into his new role as a Royal.

“He and his coaching team arrive from Ajax, a club globally renowned for developing young players into first team stars, and from this moment onwards we will sit down together and help to put his plans into action to build a strong squad capable of rising to the challenge of the Championship in 2016/17.

“He has achieved the very highest honours as a player and has already won a title in his coaching career, so now he can begin what we believe will be a very successful journey in management at Madejski Stadium.”

Stam, 43, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the role. His first title as a centre-half came in his native Holland, winning the Dutch Cup and then the Eredivisie title with PSV in successive years.

In 1998, he became the most expensive Dutch player and the most valuable defender in history at the time by agreeing to a £10.6million move to Manchester United.

During three full seasons at Old Trafford, Stam won three consecutive Premier League titles, one FA Cup and played a full part in a memorable UEFA Champions League victory over Bayern Munich to complete the treble in 1998/99… his first campaign at United.

United only lost a total of 17 of the 127 games in which Stam featured, across all competitions, during his stay in Manchester.

He added the Coppa Italia to his CV at Lazio and reached a second Champions League Final with Milan in 2005 before returning to Holland to end his playing career at Ajax.

An experienced Dutch international, Stam was capped 67 times by the Netherlands – taking part in three UEFA European Championships and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, reaching three semi-finals in major international tournaments during his career with Holland.

Since hanging up his boots in 2007, the former Dutch Defender of the Year initially took up a scouting role at United and then began his coaching career with PEC Zwolle, winning the Eerste Divisie with the same club he started his playing days with.


That summer, Stam signed a three-year contract with Ajax to become an assistant coach and in his first season back at the Amsterdam ArenA he helped his old club take the top tier title.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe said, “I am delighted to welcome Jaap to Reading. He was the first choice amongst a vast number of applicants interested in the position and we are thrilled that we have managed to secure the signature of a manager with such an abundance of experience. His record as both a player and coach, at the very highest level in England, Italy and Holland as well as internationally, speaks for itself and on behalf of everyone at Reading Football Club I would like to wish Jaap the very best in his career as a Royal.”

During his playing career, Stam has played under some of the greatest managers in the sport – Sir Alex Ferguson, Dick Advocaat, Roberto Mancini, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Louis van Gaal – and he has since worked alongside Frank de Boer as a coach at Ajax. He will now begin his own managerial career at Reading and everyone at the club wishes him the very best going forward.[/article]

Ched Evans - Chesterfield (free transfer)
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[article]Chesterfield Football Club are delighted to announce that Wales international striker Ched Evans, formerly of Sheffield United, Norwich City and Manchester City, will be joining the club on July 1.

Evans, who is currently a free agent, will join up with manager Danny Wilson and the first-team squad for pre-season training in preparation for the 2016/17 campaign.

Commenting on the signing, Chesterfield chairman Dave Allen said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals.

"Danny Wilson knows Ched very well, having previously managed him at Sheffield United. Chris Morgan, our first team coach, also speaks highly of him from their time together at Bramall Lane. Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court’s decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer."

Evans,who has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year, commented: "I am very excited and privileged to be resuming my career at Chesterfield and I hope to make a valuable contribution both on and off the pitch for the football club, the fans and the community."

There will be no further comments or statements relating to this matter and Chesterfield Football Club respectfully requests that the media allow Ched and his team-mates to concentrate on a very busy pre-season schedule.[/article]
 
Paco Jemez - Granada (Head Coach)
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[article]Former Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez has become the first head coach hired by Granada's ambitious new Chinese owners.

The 46-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Primera Division club, who were sold to Chinese firm Link International Sports earlier this month.

A statement published on Granada's official website said Jemez -- recently in charge of relegated Rayo -- would be presented by his new employers on Wednesday.

Las Palmas-born Jemez has previously coached Cartagena and Cordoba, and steered Rayo to an eighth-placed finish in La Liga in 2012-13.

The Madrid outfit's fortunes subsequently waned, however, and they placed 18th last season, suffering demotion to the Segunda Division along with Levante and city rivals Getafe.

Link International Sports owner Jiang Lizhang bought a majority stake from the Pozzo family after the Italians decided to focus on their other clubs, Udinese of Serie A and Premier League side Watford.

Lizhang has already replaced sporting director Juan Carlos Cordero with Javier Torralbo and, having spent 37million euros to buy the Andalusian club, looks set to invest heavily in the playing squad.

Last week he told Granada's website: "We acknowledge the work done by Gino Pozzo, in what has been a brilliant run after leading the club from Segunda B [third tier] to the Primera Division.

"And [president] Quique Pina, for the dedication and work he has done to help Granada reach the highest possible level for all these years.

"Our goal is to enhance all areas of the club to continue making our own history in the league and to get as far as possible.''

Jemez replaces Jose Gonzalez, who guided Granada to a 16th-placed finish last season after taking over the reins from the sacked Jose Ramon Sandoval in February.[/article]
 
Takashi Usami - FC Augsburg (undisclosed fee)
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[article]FC Augsburg have signed Takashi Usami from Japanese first division side Gamba Osaka for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old Japan international has signed a four-year deal to keep him at the club until 30th June 2020, subject to a medical.

The attacker, who arrives at the club with Bundesliga experience having played for both Bayern Munich and TSG Hoffenheim between 2011 and 2013, will not be present when pre-season training begins later today. Usami is expected in Augsburg at the end of June, when he will then carry out his medical.

"We're delighted that we were able to make the transfer happen, as Takashi Usami already has lots of Bundesliga experience, despite being so young. In the last few years he has developed enormously at Gamba Osaka. We're convinced that he will help our team with his qualities," said sporting director Stefan Reuter.

"I continued to follow the Bundesliga from Japan and FC Augsburg have developed massively in the past few seasons. I am very pleased to be back in the Bundesliga," said Takashi Usami on his return to Germany.[/article]
 
Keith Wynes - Aston Villa (Chief Executive)
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[article]Aston Villa Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Wyness as Chief Executive.

The 58-year-old brings a wealth of football experience with him having held the same position at English Premier League Club Everton and Scottish Premier League Club Aberdeen.

Keith said: "My experience tells me that there are many serious issues that need to be addressed and I will be doing everything to support Roberto and his team to achieve success on the pitch as quickly as we can.

"I understand the tough challenge the Championship presents and I will do all I can to bring a strong platform behind the scenes to help in that battle.

"I will bring clear leadership to the other areas of the Club as we seek to rebuild it in a new era and become leaders again in many areas.

"I will fully engage at the appropriate time with the supporter groups which is a key strength of this great Club.

"I hope that under the ambition and guidance of the Chairman the fans will see progress with deeds and not just words."

*Keith's appointment is subject to Football League approval.*[/article]


Tommy Elphick - Aston Villa (undisclosed fee, reportedly £3 million)
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[article]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Tommy Elphick.

The 28-year-old defender has signed a three-year deal with the Club and joins from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee.

Elphick becomes manager Roberto Di Matteo’s first signing and the first player purchased since owner Dr Tony Xia bought the Club.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo said: “I'm really pleased to bring Tommy to the football Club.

“He is a fantastic player and also a fantastic character which is very important.

"He knows what is required to win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship and that experience will be invaluable.”[/article]
 
Emerson Hyndman - Bournemouth (free transfer)
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[article]AFC Bournemouth have made their first new signing of the summer, bringing in midfielder Emerson Hyndman on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Vitality Stadium after his contract expired with Championship side Fulham.

Compensation has been agreed between the two clubs due to the USA international’s age and he will join up with his new team mates for pre-season at the start of July.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said, "We've moved swiftly in the window to secure Emerson’s signature and we are delighted to have finalised the deal to bring such a promising young talent to AFC Bournemouth.

"Emerson is a highly rated young player and already boasts international experience, so will be a welcome addition to Eddie and Jason's squad.

“We now look forward to seeing him in action at Vitality Stadium in of our second season in the top flight."[/article]
 
Luis Hernandez - Leicester City (free transfer)
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[article]Leicester City Football Club are delighted to announce that Spanish defender Luis Hernandez will join on a four-year deal, starting on 1 July, 2016.

The 27-year-old will join the Premier League champions on a free transfer after his contract with La Liga outfit Sporting Gijon expires.

The central defender is a product of the Real Madrid youth academy, having represented the club’s B and C sides before a move to Sporting Gijon in 2012, where he soon established himself as a starter.

With the Foxes set to embark upon their first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign in 2016/17, the addition of Hernandez bolsters what is an already formidable stable of defenders.

Hernandez will join after playing a key role in securing a final day survival for Sporting Gijon in La Liga, during which they secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal that kept them up at the expense of Getafe.

Since making his debut for Sporting Gijon against Racing de Santander in the Spanish second tier during September 2012, Hernandez has built a solid reputation for himself as a ball-playing defender with an excellent ability to read the game.

The Madrid-born defender’s 20 appearances during his debut season for Sporting Gijon helped the team to a 10th-placed finish during 2012/13. He further solidified his place the following campaign, playing 38 times en route to a fifth-place finish that saw the team miss out on promotion via the play-offs.

Hernandez’s influence continued to grow within the team and his 41 appearances during the 2014/15 campaign helped earn Sporting Gijon automatic promotion to La Liga behind league winners Real Betis

Although 2015/16 saw the newly-promoted side battling for survival for much of the season, Hernandez had no problems adjusting to the top-flight, as illustrated by a clean sheet against Real Madrid on his La Liga debut.

Hernandez will join up with his new team-mates when they return to training in July and could feature in City’s pre-season campaign, which includes matches against Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic as part of the International Champions Cup.[/article]
 
Álvaro Morata - Real Madrid (€30 million)
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[article]Real Madrid C. F. have informed Juventus FC of their decision to salvage the federative rights on the player Álvaro Morata, who will join up with the first team for pre-season training under the command of Zinedine Zidane.[/article]

Stephan El Shaarawy - Roma (€13 million)
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[article]AS Roma can confirm it has completed the permanent signing of forward Stephan El Shaarawy from AC Milan.

El Shaarawy, 23, initially joined the Giallorossi on loan in January with an option to buy – an option that the club exercised on Tuesday.

The club paid €13 million as part of the deal, with the player signing a four-year contract that expires on 30 June 2020.


“Today is a very special day for me because I am now a Roma player in every way,” El Shaarawy said.

“I would like to thank the president, Mr Pallotta, sporting director Walter Sabatini, coach Luciano Spalletti, my teammates and the entire AS Roma staff for the faith they have shown in me from day one – and especially the Giallorossi fans, who welcomed me with warmth and affection.

“Together we will achieve big things … Daje Roma!”

El Shaarawy scored eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances last season - playing a further two games in the Champions League.

The Italy international began his career at Genoa, going on to join Milan in 2011.

He spent the first half of last season on loan at French side AS Monaco, before making the switch to the Stadio Olimpico.

He is currently with Antonio Conte's Italy squad at the European Championship in France.[/article]

Norbert Gyomber - Roma (€1.5 million)
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[article]AS Roma has completed the signing of defender Norbert Gyomber on a permanent basis.

Gyomber, 23, spent the previous season on loan at the Giallorossi from Catania, and the club has now exercised its option to sign the Slovakian on a permanent basis for €1.5 million.

The player has signed a three-year contract that expires on 30 June 2019.

Gyomber, who is currently with the Slovakia squad at the European Championship in France, arrived at Roma in 2015, and has since made nine appearances for the club.[/article]
 
Sadiq Umar and Abdullahi Nura - Roma (€5 million)
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[article]AS Roma can confirm that it has exercised its option to sign young players Sadiq Umar and Abdullahi Nura on a permanent basis.

The double-deal with Spezia includes a €2.5 million fee for each player. Both players have signed four-year contracts that expire on 30 June 2020.

The Nigerian duo spent the 2015-16 season with Roma’s Primavera squad, as Alberto De Rossi's side went on to win the Italian championship.


In November striker Sadiq made his debut for the first team, going on to score two goals in six appearances so far for the Giallorossi.[/article]
 
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