Confirmed Transfers (2016/17)

[King Binny]

Jesus Gamez - Newcastle (undisclosed fee)

[article]Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.

The 31-year-old Spaniard, who has featured 12 times in the Champions League during an impressive career, has put pen to paper on an initial two-year contract at St. James' Park and becomes the Magpies' fourth summer arrival.

Gamez began his playing days at Malaga and went on to make 256 appearances during nine seasons in the first team at his local club.

The versatile full-back spent three years as Malaga's captain before departing for Atletico Madrid in August 2014, where he helped them reach the final of last season's Champions League.

"I am really looking forward to starting the next part of my career at Newcastle," said Gamez, who is expected to travel to Ireland with his new teammates on Saturday for their pre-season training camp.

"It was the right time to leave Atletico Madrid and this is the right move for me.

"We have an exciting project here, to bring Newcastle back to where it belongs, in the Premier League, and I am very happy to be a part of that."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "I am really pleased to bring Jesus here to Newcastle.

"He is a very good defender who can play on both sides, left and right.

"He is experienced, I know he has great character and, importantly, he is an excellent professional. I am sure he will give balance to the team."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

That will be fascinating to watch.

[article]Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa has pulled out of coaching Lazio in a shock move 48 hours after his appointment, which the Serie A club said could result in legal action.

"We note with amazement the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa in clear violation of the commitments and agreements signed last week," the Serie A club said in a statement on Friday.

Just two days ago Lazio said that Bielsa, who had been jobless since he abruptly quit as Marseille handler after the first match of last season, would be arriving in Rome this weekend having signed a contract as coach.

With pre-season training about to begin, Simone Inzaghi will step into the breach, having taken temporary charge in the second half of last season.

The intense Bielsa, known as "El Loco" (the Madman), called Lazio boss Claudio Lotito overnight Thursday to say he had decided not to come to Rome, Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport daily reported Friday.

With Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo, Bielsa's Argentina were favourites for the 2002 World Cup on the back of some terrifying form only to fall in the first round after a defeat to England.

But he guided his homeland to Olympic glory at the Athens Games in 2004.

At the 2010 World Cup, Bielsa led Chile to the last-16 and many feel he laid the groundwork for recent back-to-back Copa America glory.

Chile took to the idiosyncratic Argentine, who was voted the best coach in the history of Chilean football during his 2007-2011 spell in charge by the readers of football magazine El Mercurio.

The country's then President, Michelle Bachelet, hailed him a "role model for youth" and praised his "ability to get results with hard work, discipline and enthusiasm".

After quitting Chile in a row over who would lead the national federation, Bielsa took his firebrand football philosophy to the Basque Country and Athletic Bilbao.

Instilling his total football, he led them to the Europa League final, where they lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid, and also to the Spanish Cup final, in which they also lost 3-0 to Barcelona.

He was soon to become an idol in Marseille after taking over there in May 2014. The side were top of the French league for most of the 2014/15 season before a late slump saw them slide to fourth.

Then came his stunning departure from Marseille after the first match of the following season. He said he had fallen out with the directors and the club ended up finishing 13th in the league.

The job at Lazio was to be his first time coaching in Italy and the task of turning around their fortunes did not promise to be an easy one: the club, which last won Serie A in 2000, finished eighth last season, far behind arch-rivals AS Roma, who were third.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jon Gorenc Stanković - Huddersfield (undisclosed fee)

[article]Huddersfield Town has today completed the permanent transfer of Jon Gorenc Stanković from German side Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The 20 year-old centre back has signed a four year contract running until the summer of 2020, with the Club having the option to extend the deal by a further year at that point.

Born in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, Jon is capped by his country at Under-21 level and was recently called up to the nation’s senior squad for the first time.

The 6’ 3” tall defender is well known to Town’s Head Coach David Wagner; the pair worked together at Borussia Dortmund II once the player signed for the Club in 2014.

Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner commented:

“Having worked with Jon, I know he is an outstanding young talent and it is not normal that we’d get the opportunity to bring him here. When we did, it is great that we could move so quickly to complete the transfer.

“Jon will come in and work with the First Team group, but he will be given time to develop further.

“He has the height of a centre back and his physical side will continue to develop; he is only 20 years old. He is already very comfortable in possession of the ball and knows our style of play very well; this will suit his style.

“I am excited about having Jon as part of our squad, both this season and over the next few years.”

Jon began his career at Slovenian side NK Domžale, where he made his senior debut as a 16 year-old.

After his first 11 appearances for the First Team, he was signed by Borussia Dortmund on an initial loan deal.

He spent his debut season playing for David Wagner’s Under-23 side, making 31 starts in the 3. Liga; the third tier of German football.

Last season he continued to play for Dortmund II in the Regionalliga West, making another 31 starts. His performances led to an appearance on the First Team bench in the Bundesliga towards the end of the campaign.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pierluigi Gollini - Aston Villa (reportedly £4 million)

[article]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.

Gollini, 21, arrives from Hellas Verona and has penned a four-year deal.

The highly-rated Italian U21 shot-stopper has now linked up with Roberto Di Matteo’s squad as they build up their fitness levels at a training camp in Austria.

Boss Di Matteo said: “I am very pleased to have brought in Pierluigi.

“We have managed to sign him despite the fact he was being chased by a number of top sides and that is a great sign.

“He’s a young man but has plenty of experience and I’m sure he’ll prove to be an excellent signing for the Club.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sone Aluko - Fulham (free transfer)

[article]The Club is happy to announce the arrival of Nigeria international Sone Aluko.

The 27-year-old attacker joins Fulham on a two-year deal, with a Club option for an additional 12 months, following the expiry of his contract at Hull City.

A product of Birmingham City’s youth academy, Aluko took in loan spells at both Aberdeen and Blackpool while on the books of the Midlands club.

A permanent switch to Aberdeen came about in 2008, and his form for the Dons saw him sign for Scottish giants Rangers in 2011, where he netted 12 times in 21 league games.

He moved back south of the border in the summer of 2012 when he joined Hull City, and he scored eight goals in 23 matches as the Tigers won promotion to the Premier League, something he helped them do once again last season.

Aluko also has an FA Cup runners-up medal, after coming on as a substitute in their extra-time defeat by Arsenal at Wembley in 2014.

A former England youth international, Aluko has represented Nigeria on seven occasions and has scored twice.

He will now join up with the rest of the group in Cork as preparations continue for the new season. Keep an eye on fulhamfc.com for Sone’s first interview on Friday afternoon.[/article]

 

[rurikbird]

[article]Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa has pulled out of coaching Lazio in a shock move 48 hours after his appointment, which the Serie A club said could result in legal action.

"We note with amazement the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa in clear violation of the commitments and agreements signed last week," the Serie A club said in a statement on Friday.

Just two days ago Lazio said that Bielsa, who had been jobless since he abruptly quit as Marseille handler after the first match of last season, would be arriving in Rome this weekend having signed a contract as coach.

With pre-season training about to begin, Simone Inzaghi will step into the breach, having taken temporary charge in the second half of last season.

The intense Bielsa, known as "El Loco" (the Madman), called Lazio boss Claudio Lotito overnight Thursday to say he had decided not to come to Rome, Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport daily reported Friday.

With Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo, Bielsa's Argentina were favourites for the 2002 World Cup on the back of some terrifying form only to fall in the first round after a defeat to England.

But he guided his homeland to Olympic glory at the Athens Games in 2004.

At the 2010 World Cup, Bielsa led Chile to the last-16 and many feel he laid the groundwork for recent back-to-back Copa America glory.

Chile took to the idiosyncratic Argentine, who was voted the best coach in the history of Chilean football during his 2007-2011 spell in charge by the readers of football magazine El Mercurio.

The country's then President, Michelle Bachelet, hailed him a "role model for youth" and praised his "ability to get results with hard work, discipline and enthusiasm".

After quitting Chile in a row over who would lead the national federation, Bielsa took his firebrand football philosophy to the Basque Country and Athletic Bilbao.

Instilling his total football, he led them to the Europa League final, where they lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid, and also to the Spanish Cup final, in which they also lost 3-0 to Barcelona.

He was soon to become an idol in Marseille after taking over there in May 2014. The side were top of the French league for most of the 2014/15 season before a late slump saw them slide to fourth.

Then came his stunning departure from Marseille after the first match of the following season. He said he had fallen out with the directors and the club ended up finishing 13th in the league.

The job at Lazio was to be his first time coaching in Italy and the task of turning around their fortunes did not promise to be an easy one: the club, which last won Serie A in 2000, finished eighth last season, far behind arch-rivals AS Roma, who were third.[/article]

Ouch 🙁 Sad to see a great coach losing his mind like this. It's over for him, surely.

 

[King Binny]

Ouch 🙁 Sad to see a great coach losing his mind like this. It's over for him, surely.

Not sure how true this is:


I remember Biesla snubbing Dória cos he was signed against his wishes at Marseille - definitely not one to trifle with.

 

[King Binny]

Lewis Cook - Bournemouth (undisclosed fee, reportedly £7 million rising to £10 million with add-ons)

[article]AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of Lewis Cook from Leeds United for an undisclosed fee.

The promising 19-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal at Vitality Stadium after another successful season at Elland Road.

Cook won the Football League Young Player of the Year award back in April, a prestigious award previously won by the likes of Dele Alli and Gareth Bale.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said, "We're pleased to be bringing one of the country's brightest prospects to the club.

"Lewis has impressed since earning his spot in the Leeds United first-team and we feel that he can continue his rapid progress under the tutelage of Eddie and Jason.

"He's represented England at youth level and won plenty of individual awards last season, we're excited to see him flourish further at Vitality Stadium over the next four years."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Joseph Mendes - Reading (undisclosed fee)

[article]Reading Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of French forward Joseph Mendes for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 2 side Le Havre.

Mendes flew into the country last night and completed his medical with the club earlier today before this evening putting pen to paper on a two-year contract, keeping him at Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2018.

"Joseph is the type of player we have been looking for and the sort of player we need in this team," manager Jaap Stam said. "He has good height, he is strong on the ball, he's quick and he's a goalscorer as well.

"He can play in a central role as a striker or in a wider forward position, so he gives us good options. And I'm really pleased we have secured his signature."

Mendes, who turned 25 at the end of March, scored nine goals in 24 league starts for Le Havre last season including four in the last three league games of the campaign.

The 6’1” striker helped Normandy-based side to a fourth-placed finish in 2015-16; Le Havre finished their campaign ahead of the likes of Lens and Auxerre, but narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier on goals scored as Metz clung on to the last Ligue 1 place despite Mendes scoring in a 5-0 final day win for Bob Bradley’s men.

Mendes now joins Jaap Stam’s ranks at Reading, adding fresh attacking talent to the new-look squad which is set to begin its pre-season friendly schedule at Boreham Wood on Saturday.

The former Grenoble and Le Mans frontman is expected to jet off to Holland at the start of next week as part of the Royals first team group set to embark on a pre-season training camp in Oosterbeek.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe said, “Joseph becomes our third signing of the summer so far and on behalf of the club, I would like to welcome him to Reading Football Club and wish him the very best of luck here at Madejski Stadium.”[/article]

 

[Kay Age El]

Musa to Leicester confirmed.

 

[King Binny]

Musa to Leicester confirmed.

Decent fee (reportedly £16 million) for a player of his experience and potential.
[article]Leicester City is delighted to announce that they have reached an agreement for the transfer of striker Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League and FA approval.

The Nigeria international frontman, 23, has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League champions and is set to become the Club’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Nampalys Mendy, Ron-Robert Zieler and Luis Hernandez.

Speaking to Foxes Player HD, Musa said:“I feel very happy joining Leicester City, for me it’s one of the best clubs and I feel very happy. I joined because it’s one of the best clubs in the Premier League and they are like a family. That’s why I joined Leicester City and I’m very excited.

“I look forward to seeing the fans in the new season and I will do my best to make them happy.”

Known for his electric pace and clinical finishing, Musa enjoyed his most productive season for CSKA Moscow yet in 2015/16, netting 13 goals in 30 Russian Premier League games to fire them to the Russian title.

Blessed with natural speed and agility, Musa can operate either on the wing or upfront and began to make his name while out on loan from GBS Football Academy at Nigerian outfits JUTH and Kano Pillars.

His impressive strike rate at the latter then saw him make the switch to Dutch side VVV-Venlo in 2010, as he went on to score eight times in 37 appearances before Russian giants CSKA Moscow secured his services two years later.

A four-year spell in the Russian Premier League followed, as Musa began to gain many admirers for his strike rate, quick footwork and versatility.

After netting 11 goals in 28 appearances in his debut season for CSKA, Musa hit double figures again for the second-consecutive season, again scoring 11 times 36 appearances in all competitions in the 2014/15 campaign.

Musa’s most impressive goalscoring campaign arrived last term, as he fired 13 goals in 30 league games to finish as the Russian Premier League’s fifth-highest goalscorer.

The frontman’s strike rate on the international stage has also been productive for Nigeria, with 11 goals in 58 games, including a brace against Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Having made his debut for Nigeria at the age of 17, Musa went on to make appearances in the World Cup, Under-20 World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations and Confederations Cup in a six-year long international career that continues to show promise.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Alfred N'Diaye - Villarreal (reportedly €7.5 million with add ons up to €500k)

[article]Senegal international Alfred N'Diaye has joined Villarreal on a five-year deal.

Villarreal have completed the signing of Senegal international Alfred N'Diaye from fellow LaLiga outfit Real Betis, it was announced on Friday.

N'Diaye, 26, joins Villarreal on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €7.5million.

The defensive midfielder passed his medical on Friday following two and a half seasons at Betis.

Paris-born N'Diaye made his professional debut for Nancy in 2008 at the age of 17, before moving on to Bursaspor in Turkey.

He then moved to Premier League side Sunderland for the start of the 2013-14 season, before joining Betis on loan in the January transfer window of that season.

N'Diaye made 85 appearances across all competitions for Betis, scoring three goals.

He has racked up 10 caps for Senegal since his international debut in 2013, despite rising through the youth ranks of the France national team.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Djibril Sidibé - Monaco (reportedly €15 million)

[article]AS Monaco are pleased to announce the signing of Djibril Sidibé, who has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

The defender, who turns 24 years old on 29 July, and was a reserve for the France squad during preparations for EURO 2016, broke through very early with Troyes (40 appearances in Ligue 2) before establishing himself in the top flight with Lille over the last four seasons (96 appearances in Ligue 1, and seven goals).

Vadim Vasilyev, Vice-President & CEO of AS Monaco:
"Like Benjamin Mendy, Djibril Sidibé is a talented defender who, despite his young age, has solid experience at professional level and in Ligue 1. We are delighted to welcome Djibril to AS Monaco's sporting project, and his arrival reflects our commitment to strengthening the quality of our defence, and the squad as a whole."

Djibril Sidibé:
"I'm very proud to sign for AS Monaco, a historic club in the French league. I'm very happy to be here. I'm focused on the sporting side and AS Monaco is the club I was looking for, to take my career to the next level."

Djibril Sidibé's stats in Ligue 1 (2015/2016 season) - (OPTA)
- 4 goals (the highest total of any French defender in the five big European leagues)
- 3 assists
- 493 duels contested, 275 won (a record in L1)
- 122 interceptions
- 119 tackles
- 223 balls won
- 24 successful crosses from open play[/article]

He apparently rejected Arsenal for Monaco.

 

[King Binny]

Fallou Diagne - Werder Bremen (reportedly €1.5 million)

[article]It’s now official! Fallou Diagne is moving to SV Werder Bremen with immediate effect. The 26-year-old Senegalese player joins from French first division side Rennes and signs a contract until 30.06.2019. Sporting director Frank Baumann confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.

“Fallou is a very well trained player, who has recently taken the next step in his development. At 26 years old, he’s already a seasoned central defender, who has gained experience both internationally in France as well as in the Bundesliga with SC Freiburg. Fallou is strong in the tackle and is also very versatile,” said sporting director Frank Baumann.

Fallou Diagne made the step up into the French top flight from the renowned FC Metz academy in 2008. The Senegalese central defender switched to SC Freiburg in 2012. He made 57 Bundesliga appearances and featured in five DFB Cup ties, before returning to Ligue 1 two years later. Diagne chased qualification for European competition with Rennes last season and was handed his international debut for Senegal in May.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mario Rui - Roma (loan for €3 million with an option to buy for €6 million)

[article]AS Roma is delighted to confirm the signing of Mario Rui Silva Duarte.

The club has agreed terms with Empoli FC for the player to join the club on loan until 30 June 2017.

Roma will pay Empoli a fixed fee of €3 million, rising by upto €1.5m in performance-related bonuses.

The agreement includes a performance-related clause which, if triggered, will mean Roma must make the deal permanent by the start of the 2017-18 season for a fee of €6m.

“I’ve joined one of the best clubs in the world so I’m feeling great," Mario Rui said. "The first impressions are very positive.

"I hope to contribute and help the team to build on the work they did last season."

The Portuguese left-back cut his teeth in the youth academies of Sporting Lisbon, Valencia and Benfica before making his professional debut with Fatima in 2010.

Brought to Italy by Parma in 2011, he subsequently had loan spells at Gubbio and Spezia before joining Empoli in 2013.

The 25-year-old helped Empoli earn promotion from Serie B in his first year, going on to make 96 appearances in total for the Tuscan club - 70 of which were in Serie A.[/article]

Gianluca Caprari - Inter Milan (undisclosed fee)

[article]F.C. Internazionale is delighted to announce the signing of 22-year-old forward Gianluca Caprari on a permanent deal from Delfino Pescara 1936.

Caprari has been loaned back to Delfino Pescara 1936 for the duration of the 2016/17 season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

John Fleck - Sheffield United (free transfer)

[article]United's recruitment drive continues to gather pace, with Chris Wilder adding a sought-after midfielder to the ranks.

The Blades have secured the services of John Fleck, formerly of Coventry City, on a free transfer, with the left-footed player penning a three-year deal at S2 after turning down options to play at Championship level.

Fleck, who has spent four seasons with the Sky Blues, made 43 appearances for City last season, scoring four goals.

The 24-year-old started his career at Rangers and made over 50 outings, prior to cutting his teeth south of the border at Blackpool during the second-half of the 2011-12 campaign.

In the summer of 2012, following his release from Ibrox, the former Scotland U21 international joined Coventry and has become one of the most consistent ball-playing midfielders in the third tier.

On the signing of the Scotsman, boss Chris Wilder commented: "John is an outstanding midfield player in League One and we believe he can play at a higher level.

"He is another to have contract options and we are delighted to get him to Bramall Lane as he is athletic, hungry, a great age and fits the structure of the players we want to represent the club."

Fleck becomes United's fifth signing of the summer and second inside a few hours, following the arrival of defender Jack O'Connell. The signatures of James Wilson, Chris Hussey and Mark Duffy have also been secured.[/article]

Thomas Lam - Nottingham Forest (free transfer)

[article]Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of PEC Zwolle’s Finnish international defender Thomas Lam.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal and arrives at The City Ground on a free transfer.

Lam made more than 30 appearances for Zwolle in the Dutch top flight last season, playing a key role in a side that reached the Eredevisie play-offs.

He also became a regular member of Finland’s European Championships qualifying squad and played the majority of the match as his country beat the Faroe Islands 1-0 last September.

Lam, who was born in the Netherlands, has taken his first steps outside the Dutch game by signing for Forest but should feel at home in the company of Reds striker Lars Veldwijk, who played regularly with Lam while on loan at Zwolle last season.

The defender began his career as a young player at AZ Alkmaar, who gave him his senior debut aged 19 in an Eredevisie match against Roda JC.

Lam moved to Zwolle in 2014 and became a first-team regular straightaway, racking up more than 60 senior appearances before accepting Forest’s offer.[/article]

Inigo Idiakez - Derby County (First Team Coach)

[article]Popular former Derby County midfielder Inigo Idiakez has joined Nigel Pearson’s coaching staff.

The Spaniard has made the move back to Derby from Premier League champions Leicester City, where he had been working in their Academy set-up as their Lead Youth Development Coach, and has taken up the position of First Team Coach.

Pearson took Idiakez to Leicester to help nurture their talent for the future and, after being impressed with his coaching skills, has opted to add him to his staff to work with Derby’s first-team squad alongside Chris Powell, Kevin Phillips and Pascal Zuberbühler.

Idiakez, who is now 42, made 96 appearances for Derby between the summer of 2004 and August 2006 after joining from Rayo Vallecano.

He starred for the Rams under George Burley and scored 11 times in 46 appearances in the 2004/05 season as the side came narrowly close to gaining promotion, losing out to Preston North End in the Play-Off Semi Finals.

In that very same season, he was voted, by the supporters, as the club’s Player of the Year.

A further 11 goals in 44 appearances followed in 2005/06 before he joined Southampton, after making six appearances at the start of Derby’s 2006/07 promotion-winning campaign.

In total, he found the net on 22 occasions for the Rams and proved to be a fans’ favourite.

Speaking on re-joining the club, Idiakez told Rams Player HD: “I am where I want to be, which is working at this football club again.

“Three years ago, I signed a contract with Leicester City in the Academy, but this is a great opportunity for me to come here and develop as a coach as well as learn from Nigel (Pearson) and Chris (Powell).

“I felt that it was time for a change and I now have this great opportunity because of Nigel.

“I have missed Derby County and I always said that this is my club and I have that feeling at the moment that I am back at home.”

Speaking about Idiakez’s arrival, Pearson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Inigo Idiakez onto my coaching staff.

“He will bring different ideas and different coaching methods to what we've already got here on the staff - and I think that's important for us.

"He was a popular here as a player, but that is not why we’ve brought him back, it’s because he is a very good coach. He's somebody I've worked with as a player at Southampton and as a coach at Leicester City.

"We want the best people available to be the team behind the team – and I’m very happy with the individuals that are around me.”

Idiakez will begin work with immediate effect at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Papiss Cisse - Shandong Luneng (undisclosed fee, reportedly £5 million)

[article]Papiss Cisse has left Newcastle United to join Shandong Luneng.

Cisse will now be working under former Fulham boss Felix Magath.

The striker has agreed a lucrative deal with the Chinese Premier League club after turning down interest from three Premier League clubs including Hull City.

There was also interest from Watford and West Bromwich Albion but Cisse opted for a big move to the Far East after making it clear he was ready to leave the club.

His exit means the No 9 shirt at United is now vacant but the Senegal international leaves on good terms.

A Newcastle statement read: “The 31-year-old striker has signed for the Chinese Super League club for an undisclosed fee, and leaves Tyneside after four-and-a-half years.

“Cisse joined the Magpies in January 2012 from SC Freiburg and scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for the Club.

“Everyone at St James’ Park wishes Papiss all the best for the next stage of his career.”

Cisse had just one year left to run on his contract so the move is good business for all concerned.

Newcastle will receive a cash fee for the striker while Cisse has landed a bumper deal to play in the Chinese Premier League.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Leo Baptistao - Espanyol (reportedly €6 million)

[article]Espanyol have announced the signing of Leo Baptistao from Atletico Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with Quique Sanchez Flores's side.

"Leo Baptistao has become the fourth signing ahead of the 2016-17 season," an Espanyol statement confirmed.

"He has shown great professionalism and rigour during the negotiations for his transfer.

"Baptistao, who had more important offers financially, preferred to join the new sporting project at Espanyol and ignore the other approaches.

"The former Colchonero player joins for the next give seasons."

Baptistao spent last season on loan with Villarreal, where he scored six times in 34 appearances.

He joins goalkeeper Roberto, midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado and veteran forward Jose Antonio Reyes in moving to RCDE Stadium since the end of last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, Stuart Findlay - Newcastle (undisclosed fee).

[article]Newcastle United have completed the signings of forward Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and defender Stuart Findlay.

Twenty-year-old El-Mhanni has put pen to paper on a professional deal at St. James' Park, while Scotland Under-21 international Findlay has also signed professional terms with United.

Both players will join up with Peter Beardsley's Magpies under-21 squad.

London-born El-Mhanni began his career with Barnet before moving on to Aldershot Town, Farnborough and Lewes.

Last season, he spent time with Chelsea, scoring on his debut for their under-21 side against Middlesbrough in April.

Centre-half Findlay, meanwhile, left Celtic in summer, having spent the last campaign on loan at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock.

Previously, he had also enjoyed loan spells at Greenock Morton and Dumbarton. Findlay, also 20, has been capped 13 times for his country's under-21 side.

And United's football development manager Beardsley welcomed their arrival at the Club.

"It's exciting for them, it's exciting for us and it's a really good thing for the club," he said.

"Steve Nickson and his recruitment staff have done their homework and done really well, and we're excited.

"They're good lads, they're nice lads and they mix well with the group, and that for me is the most important thing."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Claudio Bordon - Swansea (Fitness Coach)

[article]Swansea City have added Claudio Bordon to its backroom team as the club’s new fitness coach.

The experienced Italian, 65, teamed up with the squad on their current pre-season tour to America having worked at Udinese, Inter Milan, Parma, Palermo and Russian side Saturn Moscow over a 30-year period.

During a distinguished top-flight career, Bordon has worked with the likes of Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio and World Cup winners Fabio Grosso, Francesco Totti, Luca Toni and Gianluigi Buffon.

He has also worked alongside current Swans manager Francesco Guidolin for nearly 14 years and will be reunited for his first experience of the Premier League.

“It is a proud moment for me to be here working in the best league in the world,’’ declared Bordon, who will work with head of sports science Jonny Northeast.

“I have had a long and good career, but this move has made me feel young again. It feels like the beginning and I have the excitement of a young boy again.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of top class managers over the years and I feel honoured to be working under Francesco again.

“I have total respect for him. I think it is a mutual respect on both a professional and football front because Francesco is not one to pick his staff because of a level of friendship. He selects his staff on work ethic and knowledge of the job, so I am humbled he asked me to join him.

“I’m looking forward to working with everyone at the club and utilising all the technological, medical and physiotherapy support that is already in place here.

“My philosophy is to work collectively with the team with the ball and individually without it to improve any weaknesses; whether that’s aerobically, strength and conditioning or injury prevention.

“Football is very demanding, so it always needs a high level of professionalism.’’ [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Aaron Tshibola - Aston Villa (reportedly £5.5 million)

[article]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

Tshibola joins us today on a four year deal from Reading.

The 21-year-old is our third transfer of the summer, following in the footsteps of Tommy Elphick and Pierluigi Gollini.

Tshibola put pen to paper this morning and has now flown out to Austria to link-up with Roberto Di Matteo’s squad, who are working hard to prepare for the upcoming 2016/17 season.

Boss Di Matteo said: “I am very happy that Aaron has joined.

“He’s a highly-rated and well respected young player who will provide us with plenty of energy, courage and determination in the middle of the park.

“I am confident he will be a tremendous addition to our squad for the very important new season - and beyond.”[/article]

Cristian Brocchi - Bréscia (Head Coach)

[article]After moving on to Brescia, Cristian Brocchi has claimed the conditions were not right for him to continue working at AC Milan.

Former AC Milan coach Cristian Brocchi has claimed he was not properly supported at San Siro after taking charge of Brescia.

The ex-Lazio midfielder became Milan boss in April after Sinisa Mihajlovic's sacking, having previously worked with their Primavera youth side.

However, Brocchi could only guide the senior team to a seventh-place finish, and he departed last month, with Vincenzo Montella his replacement.

After being confirmed as the new coach of Serie B club Brescia, the 40-year-old revealed his reasons for leaving Milan.

"I have a very particular personality and am a very humble person," Brocchi told a press conference.

"As a player I achieved great things by starting from the bottom. I found myself in an important family like Milan, a wonderful adventure in the youth academy and had the good fortune to become coach of the senior squad.

"It is fundamental for me to feel supported, so people have confidence in me.

"We did not have the right conditions to continue, so my decision to walk away was right for the good of the club and the good of [president Silvio] Berlusconi.

"I would not have worked with the right sense of calm. I wanted to show what I can do without prejudice. I am very happy to have become the coach of Brescia, a club that is very important in my life.

"I want to bring my ideas to the locker room with the hope of finding the right synchronicity and achieving success." [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ryan Fulton - Chesterfield (loan)

[article]The Spireites have moved to lessen their goalkeeper shortage by signing Liverpool goalkeeper Ryan Fulton on a season-long loan deal.

The 6' 3" 'keeper spent the second half of the 2015/16 season on loan with Portsmouth, appearing 12 times in the league, as well as against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, as Pompey reached the League Two play-offs.

Originally from Burnley, the Scotland youth international has been with Liverpool since the age of 11 and the Spireites beat-off competition from a number of other clubs to seal the signing of the highly-rated goalkeeper.

Spireites number one Tommy Lee will miss the start of the League One season after undergoing shoulder surgery and Fulton is expected to start the season as his new club's first option between the sticks.

The 20-year-old has travelled to Hungary for the training camp, joining his new team-mates as they continue their pre-season preparations. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Leandro Castan - Sampdoria (loan for €500k with maximum additional fee of €750k depending on appearances)

[article]AS Roma can confirm that Leandro Castan has joined Sampdoria on loan for the duration of the 2016-17 season.

Sampdoria will pay a loan fee of €500,000 for the 29-year-old. The agreement also contains performance-related clauses, with a maximum additional fee of €750,000 payable if both the club and the player reach certain targets.

Castan joined the Giallorossi at the start of the 2012-13 season, going on to make 81 appearances for the club – scoring one goal, against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico during his first season at the club.

Last season the Brazilian made five appearances for Roma.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Niklas Moisander - Werder Bremen (reportedly €1.7 million)

[article]SV Werder Bremen have completed the signing of Niklas Moisander. The Finland centre back joins Viktor Skripnik’s side from Serie A outfit Sampdoria. The transfer was confirmed by sporting director Frank Baumann on Saturday afternoon. No further details relating to the nature of the transfer will be published.

“Niklas is the sort of player we’ve been looking for. He has a lot of experience, having captained his country and wearing the armband during his stint with Ajax. He’s going to be a leading figure here. His quality and consistency will prove beneficial. We’re delighted that he has chosen to join us,” explained Frank Baumann.

Moisander didn’t need much convincing before putting pen to paper. “I can’t describe how happy I am. Werder are a big club. I’ve heard a lot about the place from Petri Pasanen. He was always extremely positive about the city and the supporters. I hope to become a regular here and help the team through my performances.” Before the 30-year-old can take to the field he will need some recuperation time, due to the fact that his left ankle was operated after last season concluded. Despite this, he is likely to travel with his new teammates to Neuruppin for the upcoming training camp.

Niklas Moisander made over 300 competitive appearances for PEC Zwolle, AZ Alkmaar and Ajax in the Netherlands and lifted the Dutch title on three occasions. He has also featured in the Champions League (20 appearances) and Europa League (19 appearances). Moisander made 22 Serie A appearances for Sampdoria last season and has picked up 51 international caps to date.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Adebayo Akinfenwa - Wycombe Wanderers (free transfer)

[article]Gareth Ainsworth has secured a massive coup in the transfer market, attracting one of the EFL’s biggest characters to Adams Park.

34-year-old striker Adebayo Akinfenwa issued a come-and-get-me plea to managers live on Sky Sports after helping to secure promotion glory for his former club AFC Wimbledon in the League 2 play-off final in May – and Ainsworth reacted accordingly to tempt the hitman to Wycombe on a one-year deal.

Affectionately known as the “Beast” due to his immense physical strength, Akinfenwa boasts a phenomenal goalscoring record, netting more than 150 times in English football including notable spells at Swansea City, Northampton Town and Gillingham prior to his two-year stint with Wimbledon.

His physical prowess and larger-than-life character have made him a household name in global football, and for the next year at least Wanderers fans will have the chance to enjoy his talents in the brand-new light and dark blue quartered kit, which was revealed for the first time at Adams Park on Sunday.

Ainsworth said: “Everybody knows what Bayo is about and I’m so excited to have him here because he’s the right signing at the right time for us.

“I believe that bringing Bayo to the club shows our intent to give it a real push to go bigger and better than what we achieved last season. With Dayle Southwell, Paris Cowan-Hall and Myles Weston also coming into the club this summer, I’m delighted with the way we’ve been able to strengthen our attacking options and I know this signing in particular will get people talking.

“Bayo has had a phenomenal career and still has plenty to offer, not just on the pitch but also in the changing room because of his character and real leadership qualities. He’s kept himself fit over the summer and joins the squad at a perfect time just as we’re heading out to France for a pre-season training camp which will help everyone get to know each other better and enable us to put more plans in place for the year ahead.”[/article]

 

[Whirly]

Castan is great value on that loan.

 

[King Binny]

Graziano Pelle - Shandong Luneng (undisclosed fee, reportedly £12 million)

[article]Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has joined Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng for £12m.

Pelle, 30, joined the Premier League side from Feyenoord in 2014 and scored 30 goals in 81 appearances.

He made his Italy debut while playing for Southampton and was part of their Euro 2016 squad, scoring twice.

Pelle is the third player to leave the Saints this summer, after midfielder Victor Wanyama joined Tottenham and Liverpool signed forward Sadio Mane.

Former AZ Alkmaar and Parma forward Pelle joins ex-Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse at Shandong, who are managed by former Fulham manager Felix Magath.[/article]
Reported €40M salary in 2.5 years

 

[King Binny]

Gökhan Töre - West Ham (loan for £2.5 million with option to buy at £10 million)

[article]West Ham United are delighted to announce that Gokhan Tore has joined the Club on a season-long loan for a fee of £2.5million with the option to buy for a further £10million.

Tore, 24, has been one of the star performers at Besiktas and played a big part in helping them finish above Fenerbahce to win the Super Lig title.

He is no stranger to playing in England having been brought through the youth ranks at Chelsea.

Slaven Bilic knows all about the talented winger having managed him during his spell in charge of Besiktas and knows the qualities he will bring to the first-team squad next season.

Tore will add width, pace and trickery and is relishing the chance to showcase his talents in the Premier League.

Tore said: "I am very happy to be at West Ham. I watched many games that they played last season and saw how passionate the fans are. That made me want to come here and I am looking forward to playing in front of them.

"Slaven was also a big factor in me coming here and he is a great manager. He is the main man and knows me very well. I could not have said no to him.

"He is the best manager I have worked under and he is like a father to the players. You feel like you are family."

Having been brought up in Cologne, Germany, Tore showed from an early age that he was destined to play at the highest level and came through the youth ranks at Bayer Leverkusen before being spotted by Chelsea and made the move to west London in 2009.

The talented winger spent most of his time in the reserves but learned a great deal from his time training with the first-team squad.

Tore signed for Hamburg in 2011 and made his senior debut against Borussia Dortmund.

Following a brief spell in Russia where he spent a season-long loan at Rubin Kazan, Tore really made a name for himself when he joined Besiktas on loan in June 2013.

After scoring on his debut against Trabzonspor, he went on to cement his place in the team and made a permanent move to the Turkish club in August 2014.

Tore celebrated a major achievement when he helped Besiktas win the title last season scoring four goals and creating six assists in 24 appearances.

Having learned a great deal playing under Bilic, Tore is now relishing the chance to link up with the Croatian coach once again at West Ham United and hopes to become an even stronger player.

Tore will start his pre-season preparations at the Club's training ground while the rest of the first-team finish their pre-season tour to America.[/article]

Lacina Traoré - CSKA Moscow (loan)

[article]Ivory Coast international Lacina Traore has left Monaco for CSKA Moscow on loan until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

CSKA Moscow have completed the signing of Lacina Traore from Monaco on a one-year loan deal.

The Ligue 1 side announced last weekend the towering striker was on his way to Russia and he has now inked his contract after ironing out the final details.

Traore, 25, previously played in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar and Anzhi Makhachkala, before joining Monaco in January 2014.

"I am really happy to have joined CSKA," the striker told the club's official website.

"CSKA are one of the best clubs in Russia. I have played in this league before and saw how CSKA dominated.

"I am looking forward to a fruitful cooperation."

The towering attacker spent the second half of the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Everton, but failed to impress at the Premier League side and returned to the Stade Louis II in June 2014.

He has since made 35 matches in all competitions for Monaco, scoring 11 goals in the process.[/article]

Isaac Hayden - Newcastle (undisclosed fee)

[article]Newcastle United have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Isaac Hayden.

The 21-year-old has agreed a five-year deal at St. James' Park and has joined up with Magpies' on their training camp in Ireland.

Hayden came up through the ranks at Arsenal before making his debut in September 2013 in a League Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion.

The England Under-20 international spent last season on loan at Hull City, making 24 appearances as the Tigers won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.

"Newcastle is a massive football club and to be given the opportunity to come here and progress my career is fantastic," said Hayden.

"Being at Arsenal was a great experience, I learnt a lot there and have a lot to thank them for, but I needed to move on and so when Newcastle came in for me I jumped at the chance.

"I am still young but I want to get as many games under my belt as I can and help the team bounce back to the Premier League."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "We continue with our plan to bring in players who are hungry to succeed and prove themselves, which Isaac really is.

"He is also a player who can play in different positions, which is very useful.

"Isaac is a young, strong English player with fantastic potential but also with some experience already of the Championship. We welcome him to the Club."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Danny Ward - Huddersfield (loan)

[article]Huddersfield Town has today completed the signing of Liverpool FC goalkeeper Danny Ward on a season-long loan.

The 23 year-old Wales international will take the vacant number one shirt at the Club and will join up with the Town squad for the pre-season camp in Austria on 23 July.

Standing at 6’ 3” tall, Ward has just returned from France, where he played one game for the Wales squad that made the semi-finals of the Euro 2016 tournament.

Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner commented:

“I’ve spoken before about using the loan market to bring special talent to the Club and Danny is another great example of this, following closely on from Aaron Mooy’s arrival. That is why there was such strong competition to take Danny.

“I would like to thank Liverpool FC for the help the staff at the Club have given us in allowing Danny to join us.

“Danny is a goalkeeper that Liverpool FC rates very highly, which is why he has signed a new long-term contract at the Club. He did very well out on loan last season and I believe we can help him take the next step in his career this season, so he will return to Liverpool a better goalkeeper.

“He is good with the ball at his feet, which is important in our style, but most importantly he is excellent at keeping the ball out of his net!

“Danny has had a very busy season that was extended by the part he played for Wales in Euro 2016, so he will be given some time off before he joins the squad when we depart for Austria towards the end of the month.”

Danny started his career at Wrexham, where he was signed by Town’s Head of Football Operations Stuart Webber as a 14 year-old.

He made his senior debut in 2011 during a loan spell at Blue Square Bet Premier side Tamworth, but was soon scouted by Liverpool FC and signed for the Premier League giants in January 2012 as an 18 year-old.

His first call-up to the Reds’ First Team squad followed that October, when he was an unused substitute in a last 16 game in the Capital One Cup against Swansea City.

To gain further senior experience, Danny joined Sky Bet League 2 side Morecambe on loan in March 2015 and went onto make his first five appearances in the Football League.

Ward signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool in June 2015 before joining Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen a few days’ later. Playing in the top division and the Europa League, he kept an impressive 11 clean sheets in 29 Dons’ appearances as an ever present in the first half of the 2015/16 campaign.

With Aberdeen second in the division, Danny was recalled by Jürgen Klopp in January 2016 and was a regular substitute for the Liverpool First Team.

He soon made his senior Wales debut in an international friendly against Northern Ireland in March and his Premier League bow followed; an impressive performance in a 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth in April, when he played the full 90 minutes.

Danny’s third Wales cap came late last month; he started his country’s opening game at Euro 2016 - a 2-1 win over Slovakia – with regular Wayne Hennessy injured.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - Southampton (reportedly £12 million)

[article]Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg from Bayern Munich, on a five-year contract.

The 20-year-old moves to St Mary’s for an undisclosed fee, becoming the second addition to the squad this summer, following the arrival of Nathan Redmond from Norwich City.

Højbjerg is an exciting young midfield player who the club has been watching carefully for many years, and he further strengthens an ambitious and talented group for the season ahead, both domestically and in Europe.

He made his first-team debut for Bayern in April 2013, at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player ever to make an appearance for the club in the Bundesliga.

Højbjerg, who has already been capped 17 times by Denmark, also spent the last campaign on loan at Schalke, making 30 appearances for the German top-flight side.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “Pierre is an exciting young talent, who we are delighted to welcome to Southampton Football Club.

“At the age of just 20, he is already an established international player with Denmark and has gained significant and valuable experience while at Bayern Munich and in the Bundesliga.

“Pierre boasts an impressive pedigree, as well as a great deal of potential, and it is testament to our reputation that he has chosen Southampton ahead of other suitors as the next step in his career.

“We believe the club will be an ideal place for Pierre to continue his progression and that he will be an excellent addition to our squad.

“We now have the perfect blend of positional strength, experience and dynamic youth in our midfield slots. There will be healthy competition, but also the required depth and robustness for our challenge in the Europa League.

“I believe as a group we probably have a choice from the best pool of midfield options in the Premier League.”

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg said: “I’m very pleased. It’s a big opportunity for me. I look forward to giving what I have and what I can to the club. They have put trust in me and I want to show them that they are not wrong.

“When I heard that Southampton came in for me I said to my people that this is what I want to do because I can see myself at Southampton, as it’s the way I like to think, the way I like to play and it fits me really well.

“I hope I can come here also and be a part of the Southampton family and give what I have to fight for the club and fight for my teammates.”[/article]