Confirmed Transfers 21/22

[King Binny]

Stephen Robinson - Morecambe FC (First Team Manager)

[article]Morecambe FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Robinson as first team manager.

The 46-year-old joins the club on a three year deal after spending a successful three and a half years at Motherwell, leading the Steelmen to two Cup finals in one season and a top three finish which also brought Europa League football to the club.

Robinson made 448 appearances during his playing career and had spells with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Preston North End and Luton Town before hanging up his boots in 2008. He also played seven times for the Northern Ireland national team.

He first joined Motherwell as their assistant manager six years ago under Ian Baraclough and also held the same role with the Northern Ireland national team alongside that.

After a spell as manager at Oldham Athletic he returned to Motherwell before taking over as boss.

Stephen said: "I am delighted to have agreed to become the manager of Morecambe FC and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I have been very impressed with the club and everyone involved in the process. We are looking to build on last season's successful promotion campaign and look to firmly establish the club in league One.

"There is a lot of work in terms of recruitment in the coming weeks and getting us prepared for the club's first season in League One.''

Morecambe joint chairman, Rod Taylor said: "We are delighted that Stephen has agreed to join us for our first season in League One.

"We had a number of quality applicants but we were especially impressed by Stephen's dynamism, his plans for the club and his contacts and we believe he will take the club forward.

"He has an excellent reputation and we are looking forward to working with him as we plan for an historic season.''

Fellow Joint Chairman, Graham Howse, added: "We went on record that we wanted to move quickly on this appointment and we have every confidence in Stephen putting a strong squad together for life in League One.''

John McMahon will remain as the club's assistant manager with former Shrimps striker Diarmuid O'Carroll returning to the club as first team coach after working with Robinson successfully at Motherwell.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Héctor Moreno - C.F. Monterrey (free transfer)

[article]The Rayados de Monterrey have captured the eyes in the transfer market in Liga MX, confirming the incorporation of defender Héctor Moreno in the face of the Opening tournament 2021 of Mexican soccer.

Through Twitter, the group of the gang led by Mexican coach Javier Aguirre welcomed the 33-year-old defender, who comes from the team Al-Gharafa of Qatar football.

With this, defender Héctor Moreno returns to Liga MX after participating with the Mexican team in the Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League and ending 14 years playing football in Europe.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Blackpool the lower league team I am following now thanks to Neil Critchley 😉

Reece James - Blackpool (free transfer)

[article]
Blackpool Football Club is pleased to announce that Reece James will join the Seasiders on an initial three-year contract from 1 July, 2021.

The deal for the versatile left-back, which includes an option for a further 12 months, signifies the start of the Club’s transfer activity for the upcoming season in the Sky Bet Championship.

A product of the Manchester United academy, the 27-year-old arrives at Bloomfield Road following two seasons with Doncaster Rovers, where he made 80 appearances and scored nine goals, including one against Blackpool last season.

Prior to that, he spent time with Sunderland and Wigan Athletic, achieving two promotions with the latter.

On signing for Blackpool, Reece James said:

“I’m absolutely delighted. As soon as I knew there was a bit of interest, it was something that I really wanted to follow up and jump at. Playing in the Championship was something that I’d set out to do following what had happened in the season, so it was a massive pull to come here and play in the Championship.

“In the two games that I played against Blackpool, I knew exactly what they were like. They were organised, defensively solid, very good on the ball and obviously very lethal in the attacking third. Even from the games that I’ve watched from afar, with the play-offs and the play-off final, it was something that I really wanted to be a part of.”

Neil Critchley added:

“Reece arrives here with good, Championship experience and on the back of a fantastic couple of seasons with Doncaster Rovers. He’s somebody that I’ve always been impressed with, going back to his time with Manchester United when he was younger.

“From my conversations with him, I know how much of a top professional he is. He’ll bring good experience to the group and can play in a number of different positions, which will be invaluable to us.

“I’d like to welcome him to Blackpool and look forward to seeing him pull on a tangerine shirt.”
[/article]

Daniel Grimshaw - Blackpool (free transfer)

[article]Blackpool Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of Daniel Grimshaw from Manchester City.

The goalkeeper, 23, arrives at Bloomfield Road on a two-year contract, with an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Involved in the first-team setup during his time at the Etihad Stadium, which included appearances on the bench in the Carabao Cup, the stopper spent last season on loan at Lommel SK in Belgium, playing 10 games in First Division B.

Impressing throughout his time with the under-18s and Elite Development squad at Manchester City, reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Youth League with the latter, Grimshaw becomes Blackpool’s second arrival to be announced today.

On joining, Daniel Grimshaw said:

“I’m happy and really excited to be here. I’ve worked really hard in my career to get to this point, and I want to progress further here at Blackpool.

“I’m looking forward to working under Neil Critchley and Steve Banks and alongside the goalkeepers that are already here. I can’t wait to get going.”

Neil Critchley said:

“Daniel is another player that I’ve followed the progress of. He’s what I’d class as a modern day goalkeeper and he knows what elite standards are from being around the first-team setup at Manchester City. His recent loan out in Belgium shows his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and he’s now ready for this next step in his career.

“He provides valuable competition in the goalkeeping department and I’m delighted that he’s decided to join us.” [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Shayne Lavery - Blackpool (undisclosed fee)


[article]
Blackpool Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Shayne Lavery on a two-year contract, with an option of a further 12 months.

The Northern Ireland international, 22, joins the Seasiders from NIFL Premiership side Linfield following two sensational seasons with the Blues.

A prolific striker, capped seven times for his country, Lavery has scored 47 goals in 77 games for Linfield, including 30 this season en-route to a league and cup double.

Last month, he created history by becoming the first player to be named the Ulster Footballer of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the same season.

Adding to the individual trophy haul were the Player and Young Player of the Year accolades at the NI Football Awards, with the only previous recipients of that particular double being Paul Byrne, Stuart Dallas and Gavin Whyte.

Previously on the books at Everton, the in-demand forward follows Reece James and Daniel Grimshaw in moving to the Club ahead of the new Championship season.

On joining the Seasiders, Shayne Lavery said:

“I’m very excited. Blackpool’s a massive club and I’m glad to get the deal done. I feel like I’ve proved myself back home this season and I’m now looking to test myself at the next level.

“I had mixed emotions last week lifting the league and cup with Linfield, knowing in the back of my head that I’d be moving on, but I’ve loved my time there and I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

“I’m now joining a Blackpool team that has played well all season, and it was amazing to see them become one of the three teams promoted. I watched the play-off final myself, and I’m just excited to come and play for the Blackpool fans in the Championship now.”

Neil Critchley added:

“Having first been aware of Shayne when coming through the academy system at Everton, he’s gone back over to Northern Ireland and had two fantastic years for Linfield, where his goalscoring record is phenomenal. He’s won numerous awards and now become a full international for his country.

“At 22, we’re getting somebody who is hungry and ambitious to come and prove himself. He’s a very humble individual and his character fits in perfectly with the squad we have here.

“On the pitch, he’ll bring pace, energy and scores different types of goals. We’re all looking forward to working with him.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Cool announcement videos

Bruno Peres - Trabzonspor (free transfer)


Gervinho - Trabzonspor (free transfer)


[article]
Turkish side Trabzonspor have officially signed Parma striker Gervinho and Roma full-back Bruno Peres.

Both veterans were free agents with contracts set to expire on June 30.

Gervinho will celebrate his 34th birthday tomorrow and had been at Parma since 2018, following an experience in China.

The Ivory Coast international scored five goals in 27 Serie A appearances this season, but was unable to prevent Parma’s relegation.

As for Peres, he recently turned 31 and had been on the Roma books since 2017, albeit interrupted by loans at Sao Paulo and Recife.
[/article]

Marek Hamšík - Trabzonspor (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Ivan Juric - Torino (Head Coach)


[article]
Torino have officially announced Ivan Juric has signed a three-year contract to become their new head coach ahead of 2021-22.

The Granata have moved quickly to secure a new coach after having reached safety in the penultimate game of the 2020-21 season.

Davide Nicola helped Torino stay up but has not managed to convince the patron to continue in charge.

Ivan Juric has spent the last two seasons with Hellas Verona and followed up the ninth place from 2019-20 with another top half position this term.

After securing 10th in Serie A with the Gialloblu, the Croatian has moved on to take over at the Grande Torino and the Granata have officially announced his arrival.

“Torino Football Club is pleased to announce that from July 1, 2021, the management of the first team will be entrusted to Mr. Ivan Juric,” the club wrote in a statement.

“The coach has signed a three-year contract.”
[/article]

Eusebio Di Francesco - Hellas Verona (Head Coach)


[article]
Hellas Verona have announced the appointment of new coach Eusebio Di Francesco on a two-year contract.

The deal runs to June 2023 and he became available after terminating his contract with Cagliari by mutual consent.

EDF had been fired by the Sardinians in February, but was still under contract.

His previous clubs include Sassuolo, Roma and Sampdoria.

The 51-year-old has been brought in to the Stadio Bentegodi to replace Ivan Juric, who left for a new role at Torino.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jermain Defoe - Rangers (Player/Coach)

[article]JERMAIN DEFOE has today agreed a new, one year contract with Rangers Football Club and now moves into a player/coach role.

To date, Defoe has made 72 appearances for the Light Blues and has contributed a tremendous 32 goals while also becoming a real hero in the eyes of the Rangers support worldwide.

With 57 England caps and a glittering Premier League career under his belt, Defoe moved to Gers in January 2019 and fell in love with the place, and at the age of 38, became a league champion with the Light Blues securing 55 last year. Defoe remains ninth on the list of record goalscorers in English Premier League history.

In his two-and-a-half years in Govan, he has contributed so much on the field and created some truly memorable moments, not least his incredible finish for his 300th career goal against Livingston back in November, hat-tricks against Hibs and Hamilton in 2019/20, and his first Old Firm goal last month.

His influence on so many of his teammates off the field with his phenomenal professionalism has been immeasurable in his time at the club, and it is therefore fitting that he makes his first steps into coaching at Rangers, while also still having the ability to contribute on the pitch as Gers push for more glory next season.

On his new contract and role, a delighted Defoe explained: "It is well-documented how much I love the club and the relationship I have with the fans, the players and the staff at the club.

"So to get the deal over the line, I am just delighted. It is something I wanted to happen, even before the season finished, especially the way we finished the season with winning the league.

"It was the perfect time to be at the football club and it was so special, so to sign another contract as a player/coach, and to still be a part of it, it is an amazing feeling for me and my family.

"It is something different and it is something new for me, and first of all, I want to thank the board, Ross [Wilson] and the manager and all the staff that have made this happen.

"It is an unbelievable opportunity for me and it just shows the appreciation I get from everyone at the football club which is the best feeling in the world more than anything else, and I can imagine once I get started, hopefully I will just flow into it and everything will happen quite naturally."

Manager Steven Gerrard said: “I am absolutely delighted to be retaining the services of Jermain both as a player, and now also as a coach.

“It is well-documented the relationship I have with him having known him for so many years, and I am thrilled that he is going to be passing on his amazing experience and professionalism to the attacking players throughout the club.

“He has shown this season, however, what an asset he can still be for us on the pitch, and I won’t be afraid to use him when necessary. I look forward to Jermain’s return and him beginning his new role when pre-season begins at the end of the month.

Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: “Jermain Defoe has loved playing for Rangers and in particular the energy and passion of our fans. He’s one of the finest goal scorers of his generation, the ninth in English Premier League history and his record for Rangers speaks for itself.

“Jermain will now transition towards the next part of his career into a player/coach role and I am delighted we have reached an agreement to restructure his contract to reflect this.

“JD’s popularity and influence on our squad is clear while our academy players and particularly young attacking players will only learn and develop by working with someone of his calibre. I’m delighted that his positive influence will continue and I am sure extend.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Bruno Lage - Wolves (Head Coach)

[article]
Bruno Lage has been appointed as the new first-team head coach of Wolves.

The Portuguese joins having most recently spent 18 months at the helm of Benfica, who he led to the Primeira Liga title in his first season in management.

Having coached at Benfica’s world-renowned academy, the 45-year-old took over the reins of the first-team in January 2019 and guided the Portuguese giants to 18 wins from 19 and a record-equalling 103 goals.

Another trend in Lage’s career is his development of youngsters, including Joao Felix who earned a move to Atletico Madrid, while his improvements of Ruben Dias and Carlos Vinicius saw both move to the Premier League last summer.

Having not played at professional level, Lage turned to coaching at a young age, beginning his journey in academy football at Vitoria Setubal back in 1997, meaning he arrives at Molineux with 24 years of experience to his name.

Roles as an assistant at Estrela Vendas Novas and Sintrense followed, before the Portuguese took his first steps into Benfica, where he managed every youth level between 2004 and 2012 and moulded himself into a modern day coach.

Then, the English game offered Lage the chance to progress from youth to senior football further, when he became assistant to Carlos Carvalhal at both Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.

While at Hillsborough, Lage helped the Owls to two Championship play-off campaigns, before experiencing the Premier League for the first time with the Swans.

Now the Portuguese heads to Molineux, where he’ll meet his first-team squad as pre-season for the 2021/22 campaign begins next month.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Maurizio Sarri - Lazio (Head Coach)

 

[King Binny]

[article]
When is deadline day?
Premier League clubs will have 12 weeks to complete their summer signings, with the window closing at 11pm BST on August 31.

That means Premier League teams will still be able to sign players once the 2021/22 campaign has kicked off, with the start date of August 14 already confirmed.

The Football League campaign begins a week earlier on 7 August.

Last season, top-flight clubs were given an extension to do deals with EFL teams, but no announcement to that effect has been made yet this time around.

Is this the same across Europe?
The Premier League, when announcing the details for the summer transfer window, revealed that the dates would align with the other major European leagues.

The windows in Germany, France, Spain and Italy will all close on the same day as the Premier League, on August 31, though the actual times may differ.

However, while the Premier League window opens on June 9, Goal have reported that the windows in the other major European leagues won't open until July 1.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Liam Lindsay - Preston (undisclosed fee)

[article]
Preston North End are pleased to confirm Liam Lindsay has returned to the club on a permanent basis from Stoke City.

The central defender has signed for an undisclosed fee, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal to keep him at Deepdale until 2023.

25-year-old Liam spent the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the Lilywhites after joining on deadline day in February, and he went on to feature 13 times in the Championship, scoring twice while helping the team keep four clean sheets in that period.

His permanent move to PNE puts an end to Liam’s stay with Stoke City, who he joined back in 2019 from Barnsley for an initial fee of £2m.

Speaking to PNE.Com after completing his move, Liam said: "I’m delighted and just happy it’s been done so quickly as well. I always wanted to come back here and I’m just looking forward to the season ahead.

"I got a good feeling as soon as I came really - the players, staff, just everyone about really. I've enjoyed my time so much over the last six months and I'm delighted to come back.

“[When I signed] on deadline day, it was a bit hectic, so it’s better to get it done on the first day rather than the last now. It gives me a bit of clarity and a bit of stability as well so I’m just happy to get it done.”

Gametime had been limited at his last club Stoke City and first team football was a major draw for the defender to come to Deepdale last season.

During his time with the club, he built relationships with both the players and management staff, including head coach Frankie McAvoy, who has full faith Liam will be a success at PNE.

Frankie added: “We’re absolutely delighted. Thanks to Mr Hemmings and Peter Ridsdale for getting the deal done.

“He did great for us when he came on loan, in particular the latter parts when I was head coach. He did really well for us in that back three system so we’re delighted to add him to the squad.

“When he was at Barnsley he did really well and then Stoke paid quite a bit of money for him and unfortunately it didn’t work out.

"That can happen sometimes for players, but what he’s got now is an opportunity and a chance to express himself and show the Preston North End faithful the Liam Lindsay that we know he’s capable of being, so we’re delighted with that.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Pierre Ekwah Elimby - West Ham (undisclosed fee)

[article]West Ham United is delighted to announce that promising French midfielder Pierre Ekwah Elimby has joined the Club from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old signs for the Hammers on an initial three-year deal, with the option to extend for a further year.

Ekwah had previously spent two weeks on trial in Claret and Blue, featuring in the U23s’ final two Premier League 2 Division 1 matches of the 2020/21 season – both against Arsenal – and scoring in the latter one.

A powerful defensive midfielder, also capable of dropping into the back line, Ekwah is pleased to be continuing his development within West Ham and the Academy of Football.

“I feel really good signing for West Ham,” Ekwah told West Ham TV. “I’m really happy in myself. I want to thank the Club for the opportunity they have given me. It’s a big achievement for me.

“I really think that West Ham is a Club where everyone is working all together. The U23s and the first team work really closely to each other, and I think that young players here have got a good chance of breaking into the first team, as they have done in the past.

“Loads of young players have reached the first team: Declan Rice has been captain, and he’s so young and playing so well. Mark Noble is an unbelievable player who’s been there and done the same. I just want to do similarly to them.

“When West Ham gave me the opportunity to come in for two weeks, I took it, saw how the Club worked, and I just enjoyed it. They gave me the opportunity to sign and I said ‘Yeah, I’m taking this shirt away!'"

A France Under-16 international from the small village of Avrainville, situated in the department of Essonne just south of Paris, Ekwah counts RC Arpajonnais and Bretigny FCS among his youth clubs.

The midfielder enjoyed three formative years as a teenage footballer at the highly renowned national academy INF Clairefontaine, whose graduates include the likes of Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Kylian Mbappé.

Ekwah subsequently spent a year with Ligue 1 side FC Nantes, before joining Chelsea’s Academy in the summer of 2018, where he made his Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League debuts as a 16-year-old.

Now keen to progress further at West Ham, the midfielder said: “My favourite position is definitely playing No8 – box-to-box midfielder.

“I like creative players, and players who break things up as well. I’m a ball player as well, so that’s the position I really enjoy playing in.

“I would say, because I’m French, Zinedine Zidane [was my idol]! He was my guy. [I also like] Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Claude Makélélé…

“I wasn’t looking at just one player, I was literally looking at every single team who had that midfielder who was the break-up player or the playmaker, I was just looking at them and taking in everything I could. I still do it when I watch football.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started here. It’s a big thing.”

Academy Manager Ricky Martin explained: “Pierre was identified by our recruitment department as a potential new addition for the U23s squad.

“We had an opportunity to assess him at the end of last season and, following that, we’re really happy to offer Pierre a new opportunity at West Ham with this contract.

“Everyone here wishes him a very successful career in East London.”

Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Pierre to the Club and wish him the very best for his time in Claret and Blue.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

 

[King Binny]

Georginio Wijnaldum - PSG (free transfer)

 

[King Binny]

Suat Serdar - Hertha Berlin (reportedly €8m)

The fact they lost so much potential fee just highlight the incompetence of those managing the club.

 

[King Binny]

Ashley Fletcher - Watford (free transfer)

[article]
Watford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Ashley Fletcher.

The striker, 25, will join as a free agent on July 1, having recently left Middlesbrough where he scored 28 goals in 108 appearances over four seasons.

Fletcher, who spent six years as part of Manchester United's academy as a teenager, also enjoyed a prolific early spell on loan at Barnsley, winning the Football League Trophy and League One play-off final in 2016 and scoring in both games at Wembley Stadium.

He then moved to West Ham United in the Premier League aged 21 before transferring to Teesside a year later, briefly spending time on loan at Sunderland in early 2018.

Fletcher enjoyed his most prolific season in 2019/20, scoring 11 goals and creating seven assists in the Championship, before injury restricted the striker’s appearances last campaign. His long-range strike against West Bromwich Albion in December 2019 was voted Middlesbrough's 'Goal of the Decade'.

Born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the towering yet agile forward was also capped three times by England Under-20s, scoring two goals.

Welcome to Watford, Ashley!
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Fabio Paratici - Tottenham (Managing Director, Football)

[article]
The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Fabio Paratici as Managing Director, Football, with effect from 1 July 2021.

Fabio will be responsible for managing and developing the Club’s sporting operations at the Club, facilities and footballing infrastructure.

Fabio will join us after 11 successful years at Juventus. Initially appointed Technical Area Coordinator in 2010, he took up the role of Sports Director in 2011, responsible for restructuring scouting, the academy and the delivery of Juventus Women and Juventus Under 23. In November 2018, he assumed the position of Chief Football Officer and from October 2020, that of Managing Director of the Football Area. During that time, Juventus won a total of 19 titles and trophies, including their first Serie A title in eight seasons in 2011/12, sparking a run of nine-successive scudettos, as well as five Coppa Italia titles.

Fabio started his career at U.C. Sampdoria, as the Scouting Manager, in 2004. A few years later he was promoted to Head of the Technical Area of the Blucerchiati. As a player, Fabio began his career at Piacenza, and spent 15 years as a professional at clubs in Serie B and Serie C, as well as being selected for national youth teams. Fabio is registered in the Register of Sports Directors. He has many years of experience in assessing the technical-tactical-physical qualities of professional footballers and organising scouting activity.

Daniel Levy, Chairman, said: “I've known Fabio for a number of years and he brings with him a wealth of experience in scouting, youth and football operations. He has an outstanding track record in assembling competitive squads. As we all know, Juventus have been a highly successful club and he has been a major part of that. He will be a great addition to the management structure. I am delighted that he will be heading up the football side of the Club as we look ahead to next season.”

Fabio Paratici said: “I am thrilled by this fantastic opportunity and I thank the Club and the Chairman for the trust in me. Tottenham is one of the top clubs in the UK and in Europe with an ambitious long-term plan. I will dedicate all myself to this new venture and look forward to working with the management team to write a new and hopefully successful chapter in the Club history.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gerson - Marseille (€20m)

[article]
Gerson, the midfielder of Flamengo, will join Marseille. OM announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement with the Brazilian club for the transfer of the 24-year-old midfielder, who passed through Roma and Fiorentina.

The first Marseille recruitment of the summer is completed. Olympique de Marseille announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement in principle with Flamengo for the transfer of Gerson. The compensation is not disclosed, but it could be around 25 million euros, with various bonuses and a percentage on resale.

Gerson Santos da Silva has agreed to a five-year commitment with OM. At 24, he will therefore have his third experience in Europe, after disappointing periods at AS Roma and Fiorentina between 2016 and 2019. Trained at Fluminense, the midfielder returned to Flamengo in 2019, as part of the ‘a transfer of around 12 million euros.

International hopes, Gerson is considered in Brazil as being at the gates of the Seleção. Flamengo’s centerpiece, he has notably won the Copa Libertadores (2019), the Recopa Sudamericana (2020) and the Brazilian championship twice in a row (2019, 2020). On an individual level, his name has been included two years in a row in the Championship’s typical squad (2019, 2020).

According to information from RMC Sport, the presence or Gerson with Brazil at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (July 23-August 8) has not yet been confirmed. His participation will depend on the decision of President Pablo Longoria, who must decide on all Marseille players likely to take part in the competition scheduled in Japan.

According to Brazilian media, his transfer to OM was a top priority for Jorge Sampaoli, new OM coach who had seen him play in Brazil when he coached Santos, then Atlético Mineiro.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Liam Shaw - Celtic (free transfer)

[article]Liam Shaw is now officially a Celtic player, having put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the club, and the 20-year-old is delighted to have joined the Hoops.

Wearing the green and white Hoops for the first time, the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder said: “It feels good, obviously. It’s a really nice kit in green. I’ve always been in blue but green is my new favourite colour.

'When I heard that Celtic were interested, I couldn’t believe it, to be honest – a club of this stature and one of the biggest clubs in Europe.'

"I can’t really describe how I feel, but it’s massive for me and my family to get that kind of recognition. I’ve signed now, so it’s up to me to start performing on the pitch.

“We’ve got a new manager so everyone has a fresh start and you’ve just got to go in and try to impress him.

“All the way through my career, I’ve had different managers so all you have to do is keep your head down and show your ability and show you’ve got a good attitude. And hopefully he picks me and I do well for him.”

Shaw, who came through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday, signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic back in March this year, and having now moved up to Glasgow, he can’t wait to report for duty at Lennoxtown.

“I’ll be here for pre-season, hopefully hit the ground running and meet all the lads, and just get my head down and work hard,” he said.

“It’ll be fresh for everyone, with a new manager, and it’ll be a new buzz around the place, and I can’t wait to get started and hopefully do well.”

Shaw made 22 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, scoring one goal, and he’s keen to pull on the Hoops to show the fans what he can do.

“I’m looking forward to the pre-season games,” he said. “They’re there to get you minutes and also for the fans to see and to show what you can do, and I’m looking forward to it.

'I describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, a lot of energy running up and down, I can score a goal, and be aggressive in that I like a tackle and I like to press people.'

And while he’s gearing up to kick off his Celtic career, Liam Shaw will also be a keen observer of the forthcoming European Championship, paying particular attention to the Scotland versus England fixture on June 18, given that there are a number of his new Celtic team-mates in the Scottish squad.

“I’d like to see Scotland do well because they’re now my team-mates,” he admitted, “but obviously, if England score, I’ve got to have my celebration.”

Like his new team-mates, Liam Shaw is also looking forward to playing at Paradise, and is hoping that he will be able to do so in front of supporters, including his own family.

“My family are very proud,” he said. “We sat down as a family and thought, this is the best choice for us, and for my career to join Celtic. They’re just very proud of me and they can’t wait for me to get started and be able to come up and watch me in my first game.

“That’s one of the best things about it – fans coming back into football because it’s not the same when fans aren’t in it. And my family will be really happy to come up and watch me.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andre Dozzell - QPR (reportedly £1m)


[article]
ANDRE Dozzell has signed for QPR from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder has agreed a three-year deal, while the club also has a further year’s option.

Dozzell, 22, has been at Portman Road since he joined their academy 14 years ago. Last season he was a regular for their first team, making more League One appearances for the club than any other player.

Now he is looking to progress his career and believes QPR provides the perfect opportunity to do that.

“I am buzzing and just can’t wait to get going,” he said.

“I have been at Ipswich since I was eight and I will always have love for the club but I felt now was the right time to take this step in my career.”

Dozzell’s father, Jason, also came through the ranks at Ipswich and went on to make more than 400 appearances for the club.

“This takes me out of my comfort zone and I just think it is the right time,” added the exciting young talent.

“My dad had good years at Ipswich but I’m my own player and I think it was time for me to move on.”

When Dozzell decided he was keen on a change, QPR was an “easy” decision for him.

“I spoke to Les (Ferdinand) and the gaffer (Mark Warburton),” he explained.

“They sold it to me. I was aware they were tracking me for quite some time. It’s always nice to feel wanted, so it was easy for me.”

Dozzell has represented England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 level, and he says the club’s eagerness to develop young talent was also a factor for him.

“They told me how they saw me fitting into their plans and how they can improve me – obviously there are a lot of improvements to be made, so it is exciting to come and play here.

“This was the right step for me.”

QPR boss Warburton added: “We are delighted to bring Andre on board.

“He is a player who really fits the mould of what we are looking for – he is young with lots of potential and he has that adaptability to his game.

“He can play as a deep-lying midfielder or further up the park, and with how we play and adjust our formation, that is vital for us.”

Warburton also believes the experience of the more senior players will be crucial to the development of Dozzell, adding:

“We have already seen it last season with youngsters such as Sam Field, George Thomas and Chris Willock – working with the senior lads is so important for them.

“Andre comes to us on the back of a very good season with Ipswich and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Allan Campbell - Luton Town (undisclosed fee)


[article]
Luton Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Allan Campbell, who joins the Hatters on a permanent transfer from Scottish Premiership club Motherwell, subject to international clearance.

Campbell, 22, has spent his entire career to date at Fir Park, scoring 16 goals in 159 appearances for the side whose academy he joined at the age of ten.

With his contract soon to expire, however, the Hatters have agreed to pay an undisclosed fee for him to become Nathan Jones’ third summer signing after the earlier arrivals of Fred Onyedinma from Wycombe, and Reece Burke on a free transfer from Hull City.

Like the deal to bring Onyedinma to Kenilworth Road, this transfer was made possible by the ‘Transfer Club’ fund raised by supporters who paid the full amount for their 2021/22 season ticket, donating the equivalent of a 40 per cent credit to the club.

The sought-after Scotsman made his senior debut in 2016 and was part of the Motherwell squad that reached both the Scottish League Cup and FA Cup finals in the same 2017/18 season.

Campbell has represented his country at Under-21 level on 24 occasions, making his debut against England in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier in 2017, scoring once.

He played 40 times in all competitions last season and chipped in with five goals, helping Motherwell to an eighth-place finish in the top flight north of the border.

Manager Nathan Jones was understandably a happy man at securing the midfielder's signature, saying: “We are delighted to get Allan done as he’s one we’ve been tracking for a while.

“He’s one of the best young midfield players in Scotland, athletic and hungry for success. He’s one that I’m sure will be a fans’ favourite at Kenilworth Road.

“From the moment I met him I knew he was serious about his football, and we like individuals like that. He had a lot of interest, so we’re delighted he’s chosen to join us.

“He’s already got vast experience, but at 22 years old he’s a great age and one that can grow with us.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of the season ticket holders who have donated their credit. As with the signing of Fred, we thank everyone for that wonderful support in helping us pay the fee to bring him south.”

At his unveiling to members of the Transfer Club on Zoom by assistant-manager Mick Harford, having had a tour of the stadium, Campbell said: "It has a really good feel to it. I have heard a lot of good things about the club and how close they are with the fans and how well the midweek games get here, so I’m looking forward to getting started.

"I can’t thank the supporters and Motherwell enough for what they did for me coming through. But as a footballer, there is a time in your career where you feel you need to take that next step and Luton have given me the chance to come down here and really try and prove myself at this level, kick-on and develop me as a player and a person.

"I think this is the next level up. I am an ambitious person, I set targets for myself and I’ve come down here, set targets and now I am going to try and get them.

"I spoke to the manager, Mick as well, and they really want to try and develop me as a player and that is the main thing.

"They are going to work with me, try and take me to the next level and hopefully we can do that together and bring a lot of success to the club."
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Serdar Dursun - Fenerbahce (free transfer)

27 league goals in 33 matches for Darmstadt in 2. Bundesliga last season. Looks like a shrewd signing.

 

[King Binny]

Gerard Seoane - Leverkusen (Head Coach)

[article]Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Gerard Seoane will be the club's new head coach from the end of the 2020/21 season.

Seoane, 42, has signed a three-year deal at the BayArena, taking over from interim coach Hannes Wolf who has held the reigns since Peter Bosz's departure from Leverkusen.

Seoane - a former Switzerland U21 international player - has been in charge at Young Boys since summer 2018, and is the only manager to win three titles in a row in the Swiss Super League and also the coach with the best points per game average in the league's history at 2.3 points per game. This season, Seoane's side have clinched the Swiss title with a 28-point lead over FC Basel.

"I find it extremely attractive to coach a Bundesliga squad with such potential," said Seoane. "In the very professional and ambitious environment here on the Rhine, I see ideal conditions to play attractive football and to be among the top teams in the league and in Europe. I'm really looking forward to this challenge!"

Seoane even knocked Leverkusen out of the Europa League at the last 32 stage, winning 6-3 on aggregate across the two legs.

Leverkusen clinched a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League on Matchday 33 with a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin, with Seoane able to look ahead to leading his new side into European competition in his first campaign with the club.[/article]

Zidan Sertdemir - Leverkusen

 

[King Binny]

David Wagner - Young Boys (Head Coach)

[article]
Former United States international David Wagner was hired Thursday to coach Swiss champion Young Boys.

Young Boys said the length of Wagner’s contract will be revealed at a news conference on Monday.

Wagner replaces Gerardo Seoane, who was hired by Bayer Leverkusen. He will take the four-time defending Swiss title winner into the Champions League second qualifying round, needing to advance through three rounds to reach the group stage.

“David has already worked in top leagues and stands for attractive and dynamic football,” Young Boys sporting director Christoph Spycher said in a statement.

After coaching at Borussia Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp, Wagner led Huddersfield into the English Premier League in his first managerial job.

Wagner was fired by Schalke last September with the team on an 18-game winless run in the Bundesliga that dated to the previous season.

As a player, Wagner helped Schalke win the UEFA Cup in 1997 and made eight appearances for the U.S. national team.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Danny Rose - Watford (free transfer)

[article]Experienced England international Danny Rose has agreed a move to Vicarage Road, the Hornets are delighted to confirm.

The 30-year-old left-back, who recently left Tottenham Hotspur after 14 years in North London, will join as a free agent on July 1, signing a two-year deal.

A product of Leeds United’s youth setup, Rose moved to White Hart Lane in 2007 but made his professional debut for the Hornets nearly two years later, appearing seven times during a loan spell in Hertfordshire towards the end of 2008/09.

The Yorkshireman truly announced himself with a stunning volleyed goal on his first league outing for Tottenham, against fierce rivals Arsenal in April 2010, and he would go on to perform 214 times during a prolonged and successful stay with Spurs.

He was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in both 2015/16 and 2016/17, and played in the 2015 League Cup final as well as the 2019 Champions League final.

Rose has 29 England caps to his name, including five outings as the Three Lions reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and he also represented Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.

His most recent action came during a loan at Newcastle United in 2020, where he featured 13 times.

Welcome back to Watford, Danny![/article]

 

[King Binny]

Aissa Mandi - Villarreal (free transfer)

[article]
Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Aïssa Mandi, who will play in yellow for the next four seasons (until June 2025). The French-Algerian footballer joins the Submarine as a free agent after his contract expired at Real Betis Balompié.

The footballer will join the rest of his team-mates when they return to pre-season training on XXth July. His official presentation as a Villarreal CF player will be confirmed shortly.

Aïssa Mandi (Chalons-en-Champagne, France, 22/10/1991) is an efficient defender, who dominates in the air and has good positioning.

Aged 29, he has vast experience in Spanish football after having played 173 games with Real Betis Balompié. Despite being a defender, he scored eight goals and provides four assists for the Andalusian side. He also played for Stade Reims, featuring in 169 games before joining the side from Seville in 2016.

Mandi has also represented Algeria at international level, and has 60 caps, representing them in the World Cup 2014.
[/article]

Maximilian Philipp - Dynamo Moscow (€7m)

 

[King Binny]

Gianluigi Buffon - Parma (free transfer)

[article]
Parma have officially announced the return of Gianluigi Buffon, who has signed a two-year deal with the Gialloblu.

The 43-year-old leaves Juventus after two seasons as back-up to Wojciech Szczesny and returns to be the protagonist at the Ennio Tardini.

The Ducali have confirmed Buffon returns to Parma, 20 years after leaving for Juventus in July 2001.

Buffon won the Coppa Italia, the Supercoppa Italiana and the UEFA Cup during his first spell with the Crociati.

The World Cup winner from 2006 has since picked up 10 Scudetti with Juventus and one Ligue 1 title during his season with Paris Saint-Germain in 2018-19.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Fikayo Tomori - AC Milan (€28.5m)


Nice profit for an academy player
[article]
Fikayo Tomori will complete a permanent transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan on 1 July.

The defender spent the second half of last season on loan with Milan, but will make that move permanent next month after a deal was agreed between the two clubs.

Tomori played 22 games for AC Milan last season following his January loan move, helping them to secure Champions League qualification with a third-place finish in Serie A, as well as reaching the last 16 of the Europa League and Coppa Italia quarter-finals. His only goal came in a crucial 3-0 league win over Juventus in May.

The Chelsea Academy graduate had been with the Blues since Under-8s level and made 27 first-team appearances for the club in total, scoring two senior goals.

Tomori enjoyed great success with Chelsea at youth level, winning the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League, scoring in both finals, in addition to being named our Academy Player of the Year in 2016.

He was handed his senior debut by Guus Hiddink that same year, coming off the bench to replace Branislav Ivanovic for the last 30 minutes of our final game of the season, a 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Leicester City.

The defender then spent time on loan in the Championship with Brighton and Hove Albion, Hull City and Derby County, before breaking into the Chelsea men’s first-team squad under then head coach Frank Lampard in the 2019/20 season.

The defender made his mark in a number of competitions that season. He scored a stunning first Chelsea goal by firing into the top corner from long range in a 5-2 victory away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a strike that was voted by supporters as our 2019/20 Goal of the Season, and among four Champions League starts he provided the assist for Tammy Abraham to open the scoring in a 2-1 win away at Lille. In the FA Cup, his headed goal against Hull secured victory for Chelsea and helped us on our way to the final.

Tomori’s performances earned him his first senior England call-up in October 2019, followed by his Three Lions debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Kosovo a month later. However, that remains his only international cap so far.

With added competition for places at centre-back in 2020/21, Tomori made four appearances in the first half of the campaign. Two of them were starts, both in the Carabao Cup. His solitary Premier League game came as a half-time substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in September, before moving to AC Milan on loan in January.

Chelsea is grateful to Fikayo for his contributions at the club, from youth level to men’s first-team squad, and wishes him the very best in his future career.
[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gennaro Gattuso - Fiorentina (Head Coach)

"Gennaro Gattuso quits as Fiorentina manager just TWENTY-THREE DAYS after he was appointed, in a fall-out over transfers as he tried to ship in a string of Portuguese players linked with his agent Jorge Mendes"

 

[King Binny]

Yerson Mosquera - Wolverhampton Wanderers (£4.5m)

[article]
Wolves have made promising young Colombian Yerson Mosquera the club’s first summer signing, subject to a medical and work permit.

The sought after 20-year-old central defender moves to Molineux from Atletico Nacional on a five-year-deal, where he will link up with Bruno Lage’s squad next month, as preparation for the 2021/22 Premier League season get underway.

Mosquera arrives at Wolves having made his professional debut in 2020, where he quickly became a breakout star in the Colombian top-flight.

During his first full season at the Medellin-based club, the right footed centre-back helped his team to top the league standings, while playing regularly in the backline as part of Nacional’s Copa Libertadores campaign.

As a youth international who has recently began training with the Colombian national team, Mosquera is a big hope for the future of his country’s defence.

Wolves technical director Scott Sellars said: “We’ve been monitoring Yerson for quite a while, and there has been a lot of interest from clubs across Europe, including some of the biggest names in the Premier League. They all see his potential and quality, as do we, but we spoke to him about the pathway we have at the club, and he believes Wolves is the best fit for him.

“He’s a centre-back who’s very athletic, very aggressive, very competitive and has a great attitude to defending – he wants to defend, he wants to make tackles and headers, and has great presence in both boxes, but he’s also very good technically and very composed on the ball.

“He’s certainly a player with a high ceiling, someone who is highly regarded in Colombia and we believe the attributes he has will fit very well into the Premier League and into our squad.

“Our new head coach Bruno has been involved in the process, has looked at the player, and together we feel Yerson has the perfect profile to come in and improve the depth of the squad.”

By bringing Mosquera to Molineux, Wolves have utilised new government rules which allow access to young talent outside the EU, something that would not have been possible before Brexit.

Sellars added: “There’s evidence of Colombian players who have come in and done very well in the Premier League over the last few years.

“Before Brexit, we couldn’t go into South America unless it was to buy very established players. We would’ve had to wait for a player to spend time developing at another club, and for their value to go up substantially before we could bring them in.

“But under the new rules, we can bring these talented young players into the club earlier in their careers, develop them here by giving them minutes in the first-team and have them competing with our own players, and this way increasing their market value ourselves.”
[/article]