Nikola Vlasic - West Ham (€30m plus €8m add ons)
Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid (€31m plus €9m add ons)
Dennis Praet - Torino (loan)
Eduardo Camavinga - Real Madrid (€31m plus €9m add ons)
Dennis Praet - Torino (loan)
Confirmed Transfers 21/22
- Thread starter King Binny
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Status
Georgios Giakoumakis - Celtic (€3m)
Emerson - Tottenham (€30m inclusive of add ons)
Morgan Gibbs-White - Sheff Utd (loan)
Ryan Christie - Bournemouth (£1.5m)
Ryan Christie - Bournemouth (£1.5m)
Odsonne Edouard - Crystal Palace (£14m)
Takehiro Tomiyasu - Arsenal (€20m plus €3m add ons)
Jota - Celtic (loan with option to buy)
Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic (loan with option to buy)
Takehiro Tomiyasu - Arsenal (€20m plus €3m add ons)
Jota - Celtic (loan with option to buy)
Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic (loan with option to buy)
Pablo Sarabia - Sporting Lisbon (loan)
Nuno Mendes - PSG (loan with option to buy for £34m)
Helder Costa - Valencia (loan with option to buy)
Nuno Mendes - PSG (loan with option to buy for £34m)
Helder Costa - Valencia (loan with option to buy)
Last edited:
Paul Jenkins - Burnley (Academy Director)
[article]
Burnley Football Club is pleased to announce Paul Jenkins as the club’s new Academy Director.
Jenkins, a highly respected UEFA Pro-Licence coach with more than two decades of experience in the professional game, will take on the role immediately, having supported the club as Technical Advisor since joining earlier this year.
The 46-year-old spent most of his career at Middlesbrough, working across the club’s youth set-up and under current England manager Gareth Southgate. There he helped bring through players such as Stewart Downing, Lee Cattermole and former Burnley defender Ben Gibson, as well as winning the 2003-04 FA Youth Cup.
Jenkins also managed Middlesbrough’s Under-21s to a double in 2015 – winning the Premier League second division title and North Riding Senior Cup – before graduating to first-team coach during the club’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign. After 23 years at Middlesbrough, he also spent time as Hartlepool United’s assistant manager.
Jenkins will now be tasked with shaping Burnley FC’s Category 1 Academy as part of the club’s long-term football strategy, following a successful transfer window, which will include working with international markets.
During his time at Burnley FC, Jenkins has spearheaded the global AiSCOUT talent search which has recently seen four young players invited for trials at the club and two invited back for extended trials with the Academy under-19s.
Jenkins will report into Mike Smith, the Burnley FC Executive Director responsible for overseeing day-to-day football operations, and Chairman Alan Pace.
Paul Jenkins, Academy Director at Burnley FC, said: “It is an honour to be taking on the role of Academy Director at Burnley Football Club and I look forward to working with a talented group of young players at a truly world class Academy.
“Having worked with Alan Pace and Mike Smith at ALK Capital over the last year, their vision and strategy for the long-term future of Burnley Football Club is an exciting one. It very much aligns with how I believe we can develop the Academy, its recruitment of players both nationally and internationally, and how we can use innovation and data to support current practices within our club.
“What I hope to achieve is to create a legacy of good practice for both players and staff, have a positive reputation for giving players an opportunity to maximise their potential which may take them into our first team playing in the Premier League.”
Mike Smith, Executive Director at Burnley FC, added: “We’re very proud of the Academy and its foundation. Now we look forward to working with Paul to take our Academy to the next level with Category 1 status. We will be making use of new technology and our increasing network of scouts and club partners across the British Isles and globally to find the best young talent to bring to Burnley.”
Alan Pace, Chairman of Burnley FC, added: “Paul is a hugely respected coach across the game, and he has been a valuable presence at the club for us since arriving in an advisory capacity.
“He will be provided with our deepest support, and I can’t wait to see the creation and implementation of a holistic environment for young players generating new, positive ideas on youth player development and at Burnley Football Club.”
[/article]
[article]
Burnley Football Club is pleased to announce Paul Jenkins as the club’s new Academy Director.
Jenkins, a highly respected UEFA Pro-Licence coach with more than two decades of experience in the professional game, will take on the role immediately, having supported the club as Technical Advisor since joining earlier this year.
The 46-year-old spent most of his career at Middlesbrough, working across the club’s youth set-up and under current England manager Gareth Southgate. There he helped bring through players such as Stewart Downing, Lee Cattermole and former Burnley defender Ben Gibson, as well as winning the 2003-04 FA Youth Cup.
Jenkins also managed Middlesbrough’s Under-21s to a double in 2015 – winning the Premier League second division title and North Riding Senior Cup – before graduating to first-team coach during the club’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign. After 23 years at Middlesbrough, he also spent time as Hartlepool United’s assistant manager.
Jenkins will now be tasked with shaping Burnley FC’s Category 1 Academy as part of the club’s long-term football strategy, following a successful transfer window, which will include working with international markets.
During his time at Burnley FC, Jenkins has spearheaded the global AiSCOUT talent search which has recently seen four young players invited for trials at the club and two invited back for extended trials with the Academy under-19s.
Jenkins will report into Mike Smith, the Burnley FC Executive Director responsible for overseeing day-to-day football operations, and Chairman Alan Pace.
Paul Jenkins, Academy Director at Burnley FC, said: “It is an honour to be taking on the role of Academy Director at Burnley Football Club and I look forward to working with a talented group of young players at a truly world class Academy.
“Having worked with Alan Pace and Mike Smith at ALK Capital over the last year, their vision and strategy for the long-term future of Burnley Football Club is an exciting one. It very much aligns with how I believe we can develop the Academy, its recruitment of players both nationally and internationally, and how we can use innovation and data to support current practices within our club.
“What I hope to achieve is to create a legacy of good practice for both players and staff, have a positive reputation for giving players an opportunity to maximise their potential which may take them into our first team playing in the Premier League.”
Mike Smith, Executive Director at Burnley FC, added: “We’re very proud of the Academy and its foundation. Now we look forward to working with Paul to take our Academy to the next level with Category 1 status. We will be making use of new technology and our increasing network of scouts and club partners across the British Isles and globally to find the best young talent to bring to Burnley.”
Alan Pace, Chairman of Burnley FC, added: “Paul is a hugely respected coach across the game, and he has been a valuable presence at the club for us since arriving in an advisory capacity.
“He will be provided with our deepest support, and I can’t wait to see the creation and implementation of a holistic environment for young players generating new, positive ideas on youth player development and at Burnley Football Club.”
[/article]
Djimi Traoré - Head Coach of International Academy (FC Nordsjælland)
I'll give you three guesses but you'll only need one
Steve Cooper - Nottingham Forest (Head Coach)
[article]
Nottingham Forest are delighted to confirm that Steve Cooper has been appointed as first team head coach.
Cooper led Swansea to back-to-back Championship play-off finishes in the last two seasons.
The Welshman was Liverpool’s academy manager before taking charge of England Under 16s and then the Under 17s. He led the Under 17s to the 2017 UEFA European Championships final, losing to Spain on penalties, and then the semi-finals a year later.
He was appointed Swansea head coach in the summer of 2019 and it was The Swans who pipped Forest to the play-offs at the end of the 2019/20 season. Swansea then finished fourth in the Championship last season before losing in the play-off finals to Brentford.
Dane Murphy, Nottingham Forest Chief Executive, said: “Steve was our first choice as head coach and we are delighted to have secured his services. His record of developing young talent is exceptional.
“Steve knows what is required to be successful in the Championship and has a proven track record with Swansea.
“We have reduced the age of our squad over the summer and Steve is the ideal coach to blend a team to start moving us up the table.
“On behalf of the owner and the Board, we welcome Steve to the club and look forward to providing every support he needs to be a success at Nottingham Forest”.
The new head coach is taking training with the squad this morning will be giving his first interview as Forest head coach later today exclusively on Forest TV.
Cooper’s first match in charge of The Reds is on Saturday, with Millwall the visitors. A large crowd is expected at The City Ground and you can buy your tickets here, starting at just £25 for adult and £5 for kids.
[/article]
[article]
Nottingham Forest are delighted to confirm that Steve Cooper has been appointed as first team head coach.
Cooper led Swansea to back-to-back Championship play-off finishes in the last two seasons.
The Welshman was Liverpool’s academy manager before taking charge of England Under 16s and then the Under 17s. He led the Under 17s to the 2017 UEFA European Championships final, losing to Spain on penalties, and then the semi-finals a year later.
He was appointed Swansea head coach in the summer of 2019 and it was The Swans who pipped Forest to the play-offs at the end of the 2019/20 season. Swansea then finished fourth in the Championship last season before losing in the play-off finals to Brentford.
Dane Murphy, Nottingham Forest Chief Executive, said: “Steve was our first choice as head coach and we are delighted to have secured his services. His record of developing young talent is exceptional.
“Steve knows what is required to be successful in the Championship and has a proven track record with Swansea.
“We have reduced the age of our squad over the summer and Steve is the ideal coach to blend a team to start moving us up the table.
“On behalf of the owner and the Board, we welcome Steve to the club and look forward to providing every support he needs to be a success at Nottingham Forest”.
The new head coach is taking training with the squad this morning will be giving his first interview as Forest head coach later today exclusively on Forest TV.
Cooper’s first match in charge of The Reds is on Saturday, with Millwall the visitors. A large crowd is expected at The City Ground and you can buy your tickets here, starting at just £25 for adult and £5 for kids.
[/article]
James Rodriguez - Al-Rayyan
[article]Outgoing Everton playmaker James Rodriguez will shortly be unveiled as an Al-Rayyan player, with he Qartari club teasing his arrival on their social media accounts.
Rodriguez has been in the Middle Eastern nation for transfer talks as he looks to leave the Toffees one year after joining from Real Madrid.
The Colombia star penned a two-year deal with the option for a third at Goodison Park in order to reunite with his former Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti.
But Rodriguez was left in the lurch after Ancelotti returned to the Spanish capital this summer and there were claims he was not in new Everton boss Rafa Benitez's plans.
The 30-year-old reportedly earns £200,000 per week at Everton and Benitez insists he must leave in order for the club to abide by Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
"We are talking about a special situation for this club," Benitez said of Rodriguez's situation on Tuesday night. "The financial fair play rules, we have to manage everything in the best way we can."
Benitez was otherwise tight-lipped regarding Rodriguez's imminent transfer to Al-Rayyan as he spoke after the penalty-shootout defeat by Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup third round.
"To be fair, I don't have too much information," said Benitez. "I know he (Rodriguez) is already there (Qatar). Maybe in the next couple of days we will have some more information."[/article]
[article]Outgoing Everton playmaker James Rodriguez will shortly be unveiled as an Al-Rayyan player, with he Qartari club teasing his arrival on their social media accounts.
Rodriguez has been in the Middle Eastern nation for transfer talks as he looks to leave the Toffees one year after joining from Real Madrid.
The Colombia star penned a two-year deal with the option for a third at Goodison Park in order to reunite with his former Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti.
But Rodriguez was left in the lurch after Ancelotti returned to the Spanish capital this summer and there were claims he was not in new Everton boss Rafa Benitez's plans.
The 30-year-old reportedly earns £200,000 per week at Everton and Benitez insists he must leave in order for the club to abide by Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
"We are talking about a special situation for this club," Benitez said of Rodriguez's situation on Tuesday night. "The financial fair play rules, we have to manage everything in the best way we can."
Benitez was otherwise tight-lipped regarding Rodriguez's imminent transfer to Al-Rayyan as he spoke after the penalty-shootout defeat by Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup third round.
"To be fair, I don't have too much information," said Benitez. "I know he (Rodriguez) is already there (Qatar). Maybe in the next couple of days we will have some more information."[/article]
Daniel Sturridge - Perth Glory (free transfer)
[article]Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that former Liverpool and England forward Daniel Sturridge has signed with the club for the A-League 2021/22 Season.
The 32-year-old is a two-time UEFA Champions League and FA Cup winner who scored 68 goals during a six-year spell at Liverpool and also won a Premier League title with Chelsea.
At international level, he was part of England’s squad at both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 UEFA European Championships and featured for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Sturridge is now relishing the prospect of beginning a new chapter in his illustrious career with Glory.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge," he said.
"When the opportunity came about, it felt like the right thing to do, to take my talent somewhere where I can enjoy my football in a competitive league and try and help the team be as successful as they possibly can be.
"I’m going to put my best foot forward, work hard and try and help the team win each game that comes by and then we’ll see where we end up when the season finishes.
"I can’t wait to play at HBF Park and hopefully put a smile on a lot of faces."
Glory Head Coach Richard Garcia is understandably thrilled to have a player of Sturridge’s pedigree on board.
"Daniel’s quality on the park speaks for itself," he said, "and it is fantastic for the club and the league that a player of Daniel’s calibre is joining us.
"His motivation and drive aligns with the values and ambitions of the team and the club as a whole."
Glory Chairman and Owner Tony Sage, meanwhile, believes that Sturridge’s signing represents a huge statement of intent upon Glory’s behalf.
"Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory’s history, but in the history of the A-League," he said.
"His arrival signals in no uncertain terms how determined we are to bring sustained success to the club and the lengths we will go to in order to achieve that goal.
"We know the elite-level quality Daniel will bring to the side and are hugely excited to see him wearing the famous purple this season."
Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Tony Pignata.
"It’s great that we have managed to put this deal together in such a short amount of time and we welcome Daniel to Perth Glory FC," he said.
"I would urge anyone who hasn’t already become a Glory Member for 2021/22 to sign up as soon as possible and be a part of what is shaping up to be a thrilling year of football."
Born in Birmingham, Sturridge played his youth football with Aston Villa, Coventry City and Manchester City, making his senior debut for the latter in 2007.
Two years later, he signed a four-year deal with Chelsea for a fee which would eventually rise to $15m and during his spell at Stamford Bridge, the 1.88m frontman played nearly 100 games and scored 24 goals.
Another big-money move followed in 2013, this time to Liverpool, with Sturridge being named in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of his first full season in red after bagging 24 goals in all competitions.
He added another Champions League winner’s medal to his collection in 2019 and eventually took his Premier League goal tally to 77.
Most recently, Glory’s new recruit had a spell in the Turkish top flight with Trabzonspor for whom he found the net seven times in 16 appearances.
Sturridge comes from a family steeped in football, with his father Mike and uncles Dean and Simon all having played professionally in the UK.[/article]
[article]Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that former Liverpool and England forward Daniel Sturridge has signed with the club for the A-League 2021/22 Season.
The 32-year-old is a two-time UEFA Champions League and FA Cup winner who scored 68 goals during a six-year spell at Liverpool and also won a Premier League title with Chelsea.
At international level, he was part of England’s squad at both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 UEFA European Championships and featured for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Sturridge is now relishing the prospect of beginning a new chapter in his illustrious career with Glory.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new challenge," he said.
"When the opportunity came about, it felt like the right thing to do, to take my talent somewhere where I can enjoy my football in a competitive league and try and help the team be as successful as they possibly can be.
"I’m going to put my best foot forward, work hard and try and help the team win each game that comes by and then we’ll see where we end up when the season finishes.
"I can’t wait to play at HBF Park and hopefully put a smile on a lot of faces."
Glory Head Coach Richard Garcia is understandably thrilled to have a player of Sturridge’s pedigree on board.
"Daniel’s quality on the park speaks for itself," he said, "and it is fantastic for the club and the league that a player of Daniel’s calibre is joining us.
"His motivation and drive aligns with the values and ambitions of the team and the club as a whole."
Glory Chairman and Owner Tony Sage, meanwhile, believes that Sturridge’s signing represents a huge statement of intent upon Glory’s behalf.
"Daniel is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings not only in Glory’s history, but in the history of the A-League," he said.
"His arrival signals in no uncertain terms how determined we are to bring sustained success to the club and the lengths we will go to in order to achieve that goal.
"We know the elite-level quality Daniel will bring to the side and are hugely excited to see him wearing the famous purple this season."
Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Tony Pignata.
"It’s great that we have managed to put this deal together in such a short amount of time and we welcome Daniel to Perth Glory FC," he said.
"I would urge anyone who hasn’t already become a Glory Member for 2021/22 to sign up as soon as possible and be a part of what is shaping up to be a thrilling year of football."
Born in Birmingham, Sturridge played his youth football with Aston Villa, Coventry City and Manchester City, making his senior debut for the latter in 2007.
Two years later, he signed a four-year deal with Chelsea for a fee which would eventually rise to $15m and during his spell at Stamford Bridge, the 1.88m frontman played nearly 100 games and scored 24 goals.
Another big-money move followed in 2013, this time to Liverpool, with Sturridge being named in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of his first full season in red after bagging 24 goals in all competitions.
He added another Champions League winner’s medal to his collection in 2019 and eventually took his Premier League goal tally to 77.
Most recently, Glory’s new recruit had a spell in the Turkish top flight with Trabzonspor for whom he found the net seven times in 16 appearances.
Sturridge comes from a family steeped in football, with his father Mike and uncles Dean and Simon all having played professionally in the UK.[/article]
Emile Heskey - Leicester City (Head of Women’s Football Development)
[article]
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Emile Heskey as the Club’s new Head of Women’s Football Development.
Emile begins his new role immediately, overseeing coaching, performance and recruitment at both senior and academy levels, bringing a wealth of experience to the role from a near 30-year career in the game.
A Leicester City legend with over 500 appearances and 110 goals across his Premier League career, along with 62 caps for England, Emile steps into an executive position for the first time, having spent the last 12 months in an ambassadorial and player mentoring role for LCFC Women. The role was designed to support his development through UEFA’s Executive Master for International Players (MIP) programme, which he commenced in late 2019, furthering his education in the administration of the game.
A Leicester City Academy graduate, Emile lent his experience to the establishment of the LCFC Women Academy Pathway and will continue to seek ways in which to improve opportunities for young female players in the region.
Emile will work alongside General Manager Jade Morgan, who will continue to oversee LCFC Women’s operational and commercial functions. Former Head of Women’s Football Russ Fraser has left the Club to join Liverpool.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “Emile’s appointment to this new role is another exciting step forward for LCFC Women – part of a new structure that will provide clarity and purpose to all those supporting the development of women’s football in Leicestershire. From the First Team through to the Academy, we have a strong network of support in place to drive our vision.
“Emile’s credibility in the game – built through years of experience as a player at Premier League and international level – speaks for itself. What we have seen in the last 12 months is someone with the capability and acumen to apply that experience and knowledge in a position of leadership, raising standards during what has been an important transitional period. Those skills will be invaluable to us moving forward, as we continue to adapt to the demands of the FA Women’s Super League.
“I’m excited to see what Emile will bring to the role, particularly in strengthening the collaboration with our men’s operation, enabling greater efficiencies through the sharing of best practice and appropriate expertise to the overall benefit of the Club.”
Emile Heskey said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve loved every minute of working with LCFC Women in the last year. We have a strong infrastructure of staff, a talented squad of players and excellent backing from the Club to go on and make a sustained impact on the women’s game. Susan in particular has been a real driver in this, taking the decision to host matches at King Power Stadium to increase exposure and to move the women’s team into Belvoir Drive to give us an elite facility in which to operate every day.
“The Club has made a lot of progress in a short period of time since turning professional, which means we have some work to do to make sure our progress is sustainable. Through ensuring we have appropriate guidance and support in place for our players and staff, I’m confident we’ll achieve that and successfully establish the Club among the leading teams in the women’s game.”
LCFC Women began their first season in the FA Women’s Super League in September, following promotion from the FA Women’s Championship last season. The team was professionalised in the summer of 2020 after being acquired by King Power International and becoming a core asset within Leicester City’s football operation.
Emile’s role as an ambassador and mentor to players, particularly those playing professionally for the first time, was an important one, as he helped the squad to adapt to the demands of the professional game on a daily basis at Belvoir Drive – the legendary training facility in which Emile learned his craft as a young player and which LCFC Women inherited following the men’s team’s move to Seagrave in late 2020.
[/article]
[article]
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Emile Heskey as the Club’s new Head of Women’s Football Development.
Emile begins his new role immediately, overseeing coaching, performance and recruitment at both senior and academy levels, bringing a wealth of experience to the role from a near 30-year career in the game.
A Leicester City legend with over 500 appearances and 110 goals across his Premier League career, along with 62 caps for England, Emile steps into an executive position for the first time, having spent the last 12 months in an ambassadorial and player mentoring role for LCFC Women. The role was designed to support his development through UEFA’s Executive Master for International Players (MIP) programme, which he commenced in late 2019, furthering his education in the administration of the game.
A Leicester City Academy graduate, Emile lent his experience to the establishment of the LCFC Women Academy Pathway and will continue to seek ways in which to improve opportunities for young female players in the region.
Emile will work alongside General Manager Jade Morgan, who will continue to oversee LCFC Women’s operational and commercial functions. Former Head of Women’s Football Russ Fraser has left the Club to join Liverpool.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “Emile’s appointment to this new role is another exciting step forward for LCFC Women – part of a new structure that will provide clarity and purpose to all those supporting the development of women’s football in Leicestershire. From the First Team through to the Academy, we have a strong network of support in place to drive our vision.
“Emile’s credibility in the game – built through years of experience as a player at Premier League and international level – speaks for itself. What we have seen in the last 12 months is someone with the capability and acumen to apply that experience and knowledge in a position of leadership, raising standards during what has been an important transitional period. Those skills will be invaluable to us moving forward, as we continue to adapt to the demands of the FA Women’s Super League.
“I’m excited to see what Emile will bring to the role, particularly in strengthening the collaboration with our men’s operation, enabling greater efficiencies through the sharing of best practice and appropriate expertise to the overall benefit of the Club.”
Emile Heskey said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve loved every minute of working with LCFC Women in the last year. We have a strong infrastructure of staff, a talented squad of players and excellent backing from the Club to go on and make a sustained impact on the women’s game. Susan in particular has been a real driver in this, taking the decision to host matches at King Power Stadium to increase exposure and to move the women’s team into Belvoir Drive to give us an elite facility in which to operate every day.
“The Club has made a lot of progress in a short period of time since turning professional, which means we have some work to do to make sure our progress is sustainable. Through ensuring we have appropriate guidance and support in place for our players and staff, I’m confident we’ll achieve that and successfully establish the Club among the leading teams in the women’s game.”
LCFC Women began their first season in the FA Women’s Super League in September, following promotion from the FA Women’s Championship last season. The team was professionalised in the summer of 2020 after being acquired by King Power International and becoming a core asset within Leicester City’s football operation.
Emile’s role as an ambassador and mentor to players, particularly those playing professionally for the first time, was an important one, as he helped the squad to adapt to the demands of the professional game on a daily basis at Belvoir Drive – the legendary training facility in which Emile learned his craft as a young player and which LCFC Women inherited following the men’s team’s move to Seagrave in late 2020.
[/article]
Serge Aurier - Villarreal (free transfer)
[article]Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Serge Aurier, who joins the Yellows as a free agent and will represent the Yellows this season, with the option of extending the link between both parties for two further campaigns.
After completing his medical and signing his Villarreal contract, Aurier will head off to represent his country, Côte d’Ivoire, who have called him up for two World Cup qualifiers against Malawi (Friday 8th and Monday 11th October). The defender will join up with the Yellows after the international break and will be presented officially as a new Yellows player when he returns to Spain.
Serge Alain Stephane Aurier (Ouragahio, Côte d’Ivoire, 24th December 1992) is a defender who is great physically. He stands out for his power, speed, strength and capability to join the attack. He is a versatile player who tends to play at right-back, but he can also play in the middle of defence.
Aged 28, the Ivorian footballer has player in top-level clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (81 games) and Tottenham Hotspur (110 games). He has also previously played for Toulouse FC (80 games) and RC Lens (55 games).
Aurier is also an international for the Côte d’Ivoire. He has 70 caps for his country, and is the captain for Les Éléphants.[/article]
[article]Villarreal CF have reached an agreement with Serge Aurier, who joins the Yellows as a free agent and will represent the Yellows this season, with the option of extending the link between both parties for two further campaigns.
After completing his medical and signing his Villarreal contract, Aurier will head off to represent his country, Côte d’Ivoire, who have called him up for two World Cup qualifiers against Malawi (Friday 8th and Monday 11th October). The defender will join up with the Yellows after the international break and will be presented officially as a new Yellows player when he returns to Spain.
Serge Alain Stephane Aurier (Ouragahio, Côte d’Ivoire, 24th December 1992) is a defender who is great physically. He stands out for his power, speed, strength and capability to join the attack. He is a versatile player who tends to play at right-back, but he can also play in the middle of defence.
Aged 28, the Ivorian footballer has player in top-level clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (81 games) and Tottenham Hotspur (110 games). He has also previously played for Toulouse FC (80 games) and RC Lens (55 games).
Aurier is also an international for the Côte d’Ivoire. He has 70 caps for his country, and is the captain for Les Éléphants.[/article]
Claudio Ranieri - Watford (Head Coach)
[article]Watford FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new Head Coach, on a two-year contract.
The Italian arrives at Vicarage Road boasting a wealth of experience in charge of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Premier League, Coppa Italia and Copa del Rey titles among his managerial highlights.
Having enjoyed a storied 13-year-long playing career that featured spells at Roma, Catanzaro, Catania and Palermo in his homeland, Ranieri made his name in management with Cagliari at the turn of the 1990s.
Successive promotions in Sardinia - as well as the Coppa Italia Serie C title - were followed by stints at the helm of Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia and Atlético Madrid, before his first foray into English football with Chelsea in 2000.
Besides his four-year stay at Stamford Bridge - which saw the Blues improve their points total season on season - and a spell in charge of Fulham between 2018 and 2019, Ranieri’s best-publicised period in England was as boss of Leicester City.
The Foxes had battled relegation the season prior to Ranieri’s arrival at the King Power Stadium, but the 69-year-old oversaw an incredible 2015/16 campaign in which they defied odds of 5000/1 to lift the Premier League trophy as champions.
Such exploits saw Ranieri pick up a host of individual gongs, including the 2016 FIFA Best Men’s Coach award, the 2015/16 Premier League Manager of the Season award and the 2016 LMA Manager of the Year award.
As well as a second spell in charge of Valencia and two at hometown club Roma, Ranieri has also enjoyed the top job at Parma, Juventus, Inter Milan, Monaco, the Greece national team, Nantes and Sampdoria, the latter of which he left this summer.
Ranieri will be joined at Watford by Assistant Coaches Paolo Benetti and Carlo Cornacchia, as well as Fitness Coach Carlo Spignoli. His first match in charge of the Hornets will be at home to Liverpool on Saturday October 16 (12.30pm KO).
Welcome to Watford, Claudio![/article]
[article]Watford FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club’s new Head Coach, on a two-year contract.
The Italian arrives at Vicarage Road boasting a wealth of experience in charge of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Premier League, Coppa Italia and Copa del Rey titles among his managerial highlights.
Having enjoyed a storied 13-year-long playing career that featured spells at Roma, Catanzaro, Catania and Palermo in his homeland, Ranieri made his name in management with Cagliari at the turn of the 1990s.
Successive promotions in Sardinia - as well as the Coppa Italia Serie C title - were followed by stints at the helm of Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia and Atlético Madrid, before his first foray into English football with Chelsea in 2000.
Besides his four-year stay at Stamford Bridge - which saw the Blues improve their points total season on season - and a spell in charge of Fulham between 2018 and 2019, Ranieri’s best-publicised period in England was as boss of Leicester City.
The Foxes had battled relegation the season prior to Ranieri’s arrival at the King Power Stadium, but the 69-year-old oversaw an incredible 2015/16 campaign in which they defied odds of 5000/1 to lift the Premier League trophy as champions.
Such exploits saw Ranieri pick up a host of individual gongs, including the 2016 FIFA Best Men’s Coach award, the 2015/16 Premier League Manager of the Season award and the 2016 LMA Manager of the Year award.
As well as a second spell in charge of Valencia and two at hometown club Roma, Ranieri has also enjoyed the top job at Parma, Juventus, Inter Milan, Monaco, the Greece national team, Nantes and Sampdoria, the latter of which he left this summer.
Ranieri will be joined at Watford by Assistant Coaches Paolo Benetti and Carlo Cornacchia, as well as Fitness Coach Carlo Spignoli. His first match in charge of the Hornets will be at home to Liverpool on Saturday October 16 (12.30pm KO).
Welcome to Watford, Claudio![/article]
Quique Sanchez Flores - Getafe (Head Coach)
[article]LaLiga basement side Getafe have appointed ex-Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores as coach for the third time.
The LaLiga side sacked Michel on Monday after no wins in their opening eight games of the season.
Former Real Madrid and Valencia defender Sanchez Flores got his first coaching job with Getafe in 2005.
He is now taking charge of the Madrid side again after a brief tenure in 2015 in which he resigned less than two months into the role.
The 56-year-old has also coached LaLiga sides Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol plus Portuguese club Benfica as well as managing in Dubai and China.
He takes over a Getafe side with one point and who have struggled since the departure of Jose Bordalas, who was coach for five years.
Bordalas took the club back to the top flight and then into the Europa League before leaving for Valencia in May.
Former club Watford announced a new manager this week too, with Claudio Ranieri taking over from Xisco.
Ranieri won the Premier League with Leicester and has also managed Chelsea and Fulham in the Premier League.[/article]
[article]LaLiga basement side Getafe have appointed ex-Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores as coach for the third time.
The LaLiga side sacked Michel on Monday after no wins in their opening eight games of the season.
Former Real Madrid and Valencia defender Sanchez Flores got his first coaching job with Getafe in 2005.
He is now taking charge of the Madrid side again after a brief tenure in 2015 in which he resigned less than two months into the role.
The 56-year-old has also coached LaLiga sides Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol plus Portuguese club Benfica as well as managing in Dubai and China.
He takes over a Getafe side with one point and who have struggled since the departure of Jose Bordalas, who was coach for five years.
Bordalas took the club back to the top flight and then into the Europa League before leaving for Valencia in May.
Former club Watford announced a new manager this week too, with Claudio Ranieri taking over from Xisco.
Ranieri won the Premier League with Leicester and has also managed Chelsea and Fulham in the Premier League.[/article]
Nicolas Nkoulou - Watford (free transfer)
[article]Watford FC is delighted to announce the signing of Cameroonian defender Nicolas Nkoulou on a deal until the end of the 2021/22 season.
The 31-year-old arrives at Vicarage Road as a free agent and boasts a wealth of experience at domestic and international level, with an African Cup of Nations title win in 2017 among his career highlights.
While he has also featured for the Indomitable Lions at two World Cups, his first of more than 70 caps came in 2008 following a call up by the Under-23 side for that year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.
At club level 2008 was similarly significant for Nkoulou, with his professional debut for French outfit AS Monaco that September marking the start of a three-year stay in the principality.
Stints at fellow Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Lyon followed before a switch to Italian side Torino in the summer of 2017, initially on loan, where he made more than 100 appearances.
Following his departure from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at the end of last season, Nkoulou was linked with a host of Premier League clubs, but has opted to join the Hornets.
Having taken one of the two remaining spaces in Watford’s playing squad for this season, he will wear the number 13 shirt during his time in Hertfordshire.
Welcome to Watford, Nicolas![/article]
[article]Watford FC is delighted to announce the signing of Cameroonian defender Nicolas Nkoulou on a deal until the end of the 2021/22 season.
The 31-year-old arrives at Vicarage Road as a free agent and boasts a wealth of experience at domestic and international level, with an African Cup of Nations title win in 2017 among his career highlights.
While he has also featured for the Indomitable Lions at two World Cups, his first of more than 70 caps came in 2008 following a call up by the Under-23 side for that year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.
At club level 2008 was similarly significant for Nkoulou, with his professional debut for French outfit AS Monaco that September marking the start of a three-year stay in the principality.
Stints at fellow Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Lyon followed before a switch to Italian side Torino in the summer of 2017, initially on loan, where he made more than 100 appearances.
Following his departure from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at the end of last season, Nkoulou was linked with a host of Premier League clubs, but has opted to join the Hornets.
Having taken one of the two remaining spaces in Watford’s playing squad for this season, he will wear the number 13 shirt during his time in Hertfordshire.
Welcome to Watford, Nicolas![/article]
Antonio Conte - Tottenham (Head Coach)
[article]We are delighted to announce the appointment of Antonio Conte as our Head Coach on a contract until the summer of 2023, with an option to extend.
Antonio has won titles in Serie A, including a hat-trick of Scudettos with Juventus, the Premier League and also managed Italy, leading the Azzurri to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
Born in Lecce, Antonio began his playing career at his home-town team (1985-1991) before achieving legendary status at Juventus (1991-2004). A midfielder, he won five Scudettos with La Vecchia Signora, the UEFA Cup in 1993 and Champions League in 1996. He earned 20 caps for Italy and was part of squads that achieved runners-up status in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Antonio began his coaching career as an assistant in Siena in 2005 and had spells at Arezzo, Bari – where he won Serie B – and Atalanta before returning to Juventus in 2011. He won the title in his first season, 2011/12, completing the campaign unbeaten and equalling a club record 28-match unbeaten run set by Fabio Capello. He completed a hat-trick of titles with success in 2012/13 and 2013/14, when Juve amassed a Serie A record of 102 points.
Antonio took charge of the Italian national team in 2014 and led them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, topping their group and beating Belgium and Spain along the way.
After two years in charge of the Azzurri, Antonio returned to club football at Chelsea in 2016 and secured the Premier League crown in his first season, 2016/17, with a then league record of 30 wins in 38 matches, including a run of 13 straight victories.
Antonio added the FA Cup to his list of honours in 2018 before moving back to Italy and Internazionale in May, 2019. Having finished second in Serie A in 2019/20, and reached the final of the Europa League, he guided Inter to their first title in 11 years in 2020/21, ending Juventus’ run of nine successive Scudettos.
Antonio said: “I am extremely happy to return to coaching, and to do so at a Premier League club that has the ambition to be a protagonist again.
“Tottenham Hotspur has state-of-the-art facilities and one of the best stadiums in the world.
“I can't wait to start working to convey to the team and the fans the passion, mentality and determination that have always distinguished me, as a player and as a coach.
“Last summer our union did not happen because the end of my relationship with Inter was still too recent and emotionally too involved with the end of the season, so I felt that it wasn’t yet the right time to return to coaching.
“But the contagious enthusiasm and determination of Daniel Levy in wanting to entrust me with this task had already hit the mark. Now that the opportunity has returned, I have chosen to take it with great conviction.”
Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director - Football, Fabio Paratici, said: “We are delighted to welcome Antonio to the Club. His track record speaks for itself, with vast experience and trophies in both Italy and England.
“I know first-hand the qualities Antonio can bring to us, having worked with him at Juventus, and look forward to seeing his work with our talented group of players.”
Further news on Antonio’s coaching staff will follow in due course.[/article]
[article]We are delighted to announce the appointment of Antonio Conte as our Head Coach on a contract until the summer of 2023, with an option to extend.
Antonio has won titles in Serie A, including a hat-trick of Scudettos with Juventus, the Premier League and also managed Italy, leading the Azzurri to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
Born in Lecce, Antonio began his playing career at his home-town team (1985-1991) before achieving legendary status at Juventus (1991-2004). A midfielder, he won five Scudettos with La Vecchia Signora, the UEFA Cup in 1993 and Champions League in 1996. He earned 20 caps for Italy and was part of squads that achieved runners-up status in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Antonio began his coaching career as an assistant in Siena in 2005 and had spells at Arezzo, Bari – where he won Serie B – and Atalanta before returning to Juventus in 2011. He won the title in his first season, 2011/12, completing the campaign unbeaten and equalling a club record 28-match unbeaten run set by Fabio Capello. He completed a hat-trick of titles with success in 2012/13 and 2013/14, when Juve amassed a Serie A record of 102 points.
Antonio took charge of the Italian national team in 2014 and led them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, topping their group and beating Belgium and Spain along the way.
After two years in charge of the Azzurri, Antonio returned to club football at Chelsea in 2016 and secured the Premier League crown in his first season, 2016/17, with a then league record of 30 wins in 38 matches, including a run of 13 straight victories.
Antonio added the FA Cup to his list of honours in 2018 before moving back to Italy and Internazionale in May, 2019. Having finished second in Serie A in 2019/20, and reached the final of the Europa League, he guided Inter to their first title in 11 years in 2020/21, ending Juventus’ run of nine successive Scudettos.
Antonio said: “I am extremely happy to return to coaching, and to do so at a Premier League club that has the ambition to be a protagonist again.
“Tottenham Hotspur has state-of-the-art facilities and one of the best stadiums in the world.
“I can't wait to start working to convey to the team and the fans the passion, mentality and determination that have always distinguished me, as a player and as a coach.
“Last summer our union did not happen because the end of my relationship with Inter was still too recent and emotionally too involved with the end of the season, so I felt that it wasn’t yet the right time to return to coaching.
“But the contagious enthusiasm and determination of Daniel Levy in wanting to entrust me with this task had already hit the mark. Now that the opportunity has returned, I have chosen to take it with great conviction.”
Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director - Football, Fabio Paratici, said: “We are delighted to welcome Antonio to the Club. His track record speaks for itself, with vast experience and trophies in both Italy and England.
“I know first-hand the qualities Antonio can bring to us, having worked with him at Juventus, and look forward to seeing his work with our talented group of players.”
Further news on Antonio’s coaching staff will follow in due course.[/article]
Xavi - Barcelona (First Tea)
[article]FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernández for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons. Xavi Hernández, a youth team product at Barça, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club.
It is expected that Xavi Hernández will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday 8 November his presentation as new FC Barcelona first team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou. After the event Xavi Hernández will appear in a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room.
Shortly we will detail the agenda for the presentation of Xavi Hernández as the new coach of the first team.
Barça legend: 767 games and 25 titles
Xavi is an absolute legend at FC Barcelona. His 767 appearances for the senior team were a record until he was surpassed recently by Leo Messi (778). In his 17 years in the first team (1998 to 2015), he won 25 major trophies:
Liga: 8 (1998/99, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13 & 2014/15)
Champions League: 4 (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11 & 2014/15)
Copa del Rey: 3 (2008/09, 2011/12 & 2014/15)
Club World Cup: 2 (2009/10 & 2011/12)
European Super Cups: 2 (2009/10 & 2011/12)
Spanish Super Cups: 6 (2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 & 2013/14).
A life in blaugrana
However, in total he was at the club for 24 years, beginning as an U12 in 1991/92. One of the greatest midfield maestros of all time, he helped redefine the art with his creative mind, pinpoint passing and sublime ability to read the game. The utter brains of the team, he made up for his lack of physical might with extraordinary wits, superb skills and an extraordinary talent for governing everything that went on in the middle of the park.
Louis van Gaal gave Xavi his first team debut in 1998, and he immediately secured a regular place in the starting XI. It was under Frank Rijkaard from 2003 that he truly exploded, and under Pep Guardiola from 2008 he became regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game.
After Carles Puyol retired, he assumed the captaincy, and eventually departed the club in 2015. Six years later, and he is back, this time as coach, where some of his charges are former playing colleagues: Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Ter Stegen.
Coaching experience
Xavi played out the final years of his career at Al-Sadd in Qatar, and after hanging up his boots in 2019, he became the team coach. He’d only been in the position for a few months when he won the Qatari Super Cup, and also led the team to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
In total, he coached the team to seven different trophies, three of them in 2021. [/article]
[article]FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernández for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons. Xavi Hernández, a youth team product at Barça, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club.
It is expected that Xavi Hernández will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday 8 November his presentation as new FC Barcelona first team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou. After the event Xavi Hernández will appear in a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room.
Shortly we will detail the agenda for the presentation of Xavi Hernández as the new coach of the first team.
Barça legend: 767 games and 25 titles
Xavi is an absolute legend at FC Barcelona. His 767 appearances for the senior team were a record until he was surpassed recently by Leo Messi (778). In his 17 years in the first team (1998 to 2015), he won 25 major trophies:
Liga: 8 (1998/99, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13 & 2014/15)
Champions League: 4 (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11 & 2014/15)
Copa del Rey: 3 (2008/09, 2011/12 & 2014/15)
Club World Cup: 2 (2009/10 & 2011/12)
European Super Cups: 2 (2009/10 & 2011/12)
Spanish Super Cups: 6 (2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 & 2013/14).
A life in blaugrana
However, in total he was at the club for 24 years, beginning as an U12 in 1991/92. One of the greatest midfield maestros of all time, he helped redefine the art with his creative mind, pinpoint passing and sublime ability to read the game. The utter brains of the team, he made up for his lack of physical might with extraordinary wits, superb skills and an extraordinary talent for governing everything that went on in the middle of the park.
Louis van Gaal gave Xavi his first team debut in 1998, and he immediately secured a regular place in the starting XI. It was under Frank Rijkaard from 2003 that he truly exploded, and under Pep Guardiola from 2008 he became regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game.
After Carles Puyol retired, he assumed the captaincy, and eventually departed the club in 2015. Six years later, and he is back, this time as coach, where some of his charges are former playing colleagues: Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Ter Stegen.
Coaching experience
Xavi played out the final years of his career at Al-Sadd in Qatar, and after hanging up his boots in 2019, he became the team coach. He’d only been in the position for a few months when he won the Qatari Super Cup, and also led the team to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
In total, he coached the team to seven different trophies, three of them in 2021. [/article]
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Eddie Howe - Newcastle (Head Coach)
[article]
Newcastle United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Eddie Howe as the club’s new head coach on a contract until summer 2024.
The 43-year-old arrives on Tyneside having left AFC Bournemouth last summer, ending a long affiliation with the Cherries as a successful player and manager.
As well as amassing more than 300 senior appearances for the south coast side as a player, he also has the distinction of managing AFC Bournemouth through all four tiers of English football, culminating in five years in the Premier League between 2015 and 2020.
Eddie said: "It is a great honour to become head coach of a club with the stature and history of Newcastle United. It is a very proud day for me and my family.
"This is a wonderful opportunity, but there is also a lot of work ahead of us and I am eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players.
"I would like to thank the club's owners for this opportunity and thank the club's supporters for the incredible welcome they have already given me. I am very excited to begin our journey together."
Newcastle United co-owner, Amanda Staveley said: "We have been incredibly impressed by Eddie through what has been a rigorous recruitment process.
"As well as his obvious achievements with AFC Bournemouth, where he had a transformational impact, he is a passionate and dynamic coach who has clear ideas about taking this team and club forward.
"He is a great fit for what we are trying to build here. We are delighted to welcome Eddie and his staff to St. James' Park and very much look forward to working together towards our collective ambitions."
Further announcements on Eddie's first official press conference and first team coaching appointments will follow in due course.
[/article]
[article]
Newcastle United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Eddie Howe as the club’s new head coach on a contract until summer 2024.
The 43-year-old arrives on Tyneside having left AFC Bournemouth last summer, ending a long affiliation with the Cherries as a successful player and manager.
As well as amassing more than 300 senior appearances for the south coast side as a player, he also has the distinction of managing AFC Bournemouth through all four tiers of English football, culminating in five years in the Premier League between 2015 and 2020.
Eddie said: "It is a great honour to become head coach of a club with the stature and history of Newcastle United. It is a very proud day for me and my family.
"This is a wonderful opportunity, but there is also a lot of work ahead of us and I am eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players.
"I would like to thank the club's owners for this opportunity and thank the club's supporters for the incredible welcome they have already given me. I am very excited to begin our journey together."
Newcastle United co-owner, Amanda Staveley said: "We have been incredibly impressed by Eddie through what has been a rigorous recruitment process.
"As well as his obvious achievements with AFC Bournemouth, where he had a transformational impact, he is a passionate and dynamic coach who has clear ideas about taking this team and club forward.
"He is a great fit for what we are trying to build here. We are delighted to welcome Eddie and his staff to St. James' Park and very much look forward to working together towards our collective ambitions."
Further announcements on Eddie's first official press conference and first team coaching appointments will follow in due course.
[/article]
Chris Wilder - Middlesbrough (Manager)
[article]The club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Chris Wilder as our new manager.
The 54-year-old takes over with immediate effect and will be joined by his long-time assistant Alan Knill.
Chris brings a wealth of experience to the club, having managed over 1,000 games since taking his first steps in management with non-league Alfreton Town in 2001.
He is a four-time promotion winner, having guided Oxford out of the Conference in 2010, won League Two with Northampton in 2016 and most recently guiding Sheffield United from the third tier to the Premier League in 2019.
Chris was named LMA Manager of the Year after leading the Blades to the top-flight and they finished ninth on their first season back in the Premier League.
As a player he clocked up almost 500 appearances, a century coming for Sheffield United, his hometown club. The defender also racked up three figures for Rotherham United and enjoyed successful spells with Notts County, Bradford City, and Halifax Town.[/article]
[article]The club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Chris Wilder as our new manager.
The 54-year-old takes over with immediate effect and will be joined by his long-time assistant Alan Knill.
Chris brings a wealth of experience to the club, having managed over 1,000 games since taking his first steps in management with non-league Alfreton Town in 2001.
He is a four-time promotion winner, having guided Oxford out of the Conference in 2010, won League Two with Northampton in 2016 and most recently guiding Sheffield United from the third tier to the Premier League in 2019.
Chris was named LMA Manager of the Year after leading the Blades to the top-flight and they finished ninth on their first season back in the Premier League.
As a player he clocked up almost 500 appearances, a century coming for Sheffield United, his hometown club. The defender also racked up three figures for Rotherham United and enjoyed successful spells with Notts County, Bradford City, and Halifax Town.[/article]
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