Moyes Gets His Man As Fellaini Joins United In A Deal Worth 27.5 Million Pounds

Fellaini joins former boss Moyes at Old Trafford after completing his switch just minutes after yesterday’s transfer deadline.

Manchester United finally completed their move for Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini just minutes after yesterday’s deadline came to an end, signing a long term contract at Old Trafford for a fee of 27.5 million pounds. The Belgian powerhouse opted for a move to Manchester in order to re-link up with former boss David Moyes who was responsible in bringing the midfielder into the Premier League. United looked weak in midfield during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool as a solid midfielder was just what they needed in mid-park, Fellaini being the most sensible option. The current champions also failed in a late bid to bring in Madrid’s Sami Khedira to the club in a 40 million euro bid which was automatically rejected as Athletico Bilbao’s Ander Herrera’s proposed move hit beurauatic issues, leading to the move also falling through.

The 25 year old began his career with Belgian outfit Standard Liege in 2006 in which he impressed on a number of occasions, most notably during European games as his presence became known in the Premier League. After a 2 year spell at the club, Fellaini’s reputation as a powerhouse midfielder increased rapidly as Everton signed the Belgian in 2008 for an estimated fee of 15 million pounds. Making a total of 177 appearances for the Toffees, Fellaini netted 33 times in which he was regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever play for the club, scoring several memorable goals such as their 1-0 win against Manchester United in 2012 and thier 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

Overall, Fellaini is a player that is much needed in the heart of United’s midfield as he bares the talent of sitting back just behind the midfield and also causing danger while pushing forward. An absolute treat of a player for Moyes to have available as United lacked depth and creativity in midfield on Sunday. A brilliant signing by Moyes as he will offer strength, vision and that extra something in the squad. United can surely class themselves as high favourites to re-gain the title after this signing.

Sunderland Swoop For Italian Duo Minutes Before Transfer Deadline

Borini joins on a season long loan from Liverpool after failing to make an impact at the club.

Sunderland have completed the signings of Italian duo Fabio Borini from Liverpool and Andrea Dossena from Roma as they look to have finished their summer transfer business just minutes away from the 11pm transfer deadline. Borini joins the Black-cats on a season long loan from Liverpool as Dossena moves from Italy on a free transfer, offering Di-Canio with a combination of young development and experience. Borini has struggled to find first team football at Anfield as Reds boss Brendan Rodgers made the winger available for loan, opting for a move to the Stadium of Light. 31 year old Dossena joined the club after being told by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he was open for the right back to move out of Italy, linking his with a return to the Premier League.

Borini began his professional career with London club Chelsea in which he joined from Italian outfit Bologna, making just 4 appearances for the club before experiencing a brief spell with Swansea in 2011. After making 9 appearances for the Swans, Borini netted 6 times in which sealed him with a move back to Italy in 2011 with AS Roma. After spending just 1 year in Italy, Rodgers confirmed Borini as his first transfer as Liverpool boss, spashing out 11.3 million euros on the Italian. However, Dossena is highly familiar amongst Liverpool fans seeing as the left back spent 2 years at the club, making a total of 18 league appearances during his time in Britain. Dossena has had previous spells all over Italy as teams such as Verona, Treviso, Udinese and Napoli have all experienced the defender’s services.

Dossena pens a 1 year deal at the Stadium of Light.

 

Making a total of 334 footballing appearances, Dossena contains high levels of experience as the defender can also operate on the left side of midfield, offering Di-Canio with versatility in his squad. Borini wil be looking to kick start his career in the Premier League with Sunderland as the link up of the 3 Italians could prove to be lethal if they are managed as expected. Overall, the Italian duo will offer a good sense of communication between themselves as Sunderland fans will be thrilled over these 2 new additions.

Huge Deal: Mesut Ozil Signs For Arsenal For A Club Record Fee Of 42.5 Million Pounds

Ozil pens a 5 year deal at the Emirates as he becomes the club’s most expensive transfer (42.5M).

Arsenal have completed an enormous deal for German international Mesut Ozil from Spanish giants Real Madrid on a 5 year contract, silencing all doubters on the club’s spending policy. The move will see Ozil at the Emirates until – as an intitial fee of 42.5 million pounds was agreed between both clubs, smashing Arsenal’s transfer record. The German playmaker has been desperate for a move out of the Bernabeu after slipping down the pecking order, paving the way for a move into the Premier League. As Arsenal have been highly criticized by their own fans for a lack of transfer activity in today’s modern football market, Wenger has added an absolute diamond of a signing as Ozil will certainly live up to his expectations at this footballing level due to his exceptional ability.

The 24 year old began his professional playing career with German outfit Schalke in which he was considered as one of the club’s most highly rated assets. Ozil was classed by scouts worldwide as Europe’s “next big thing” as a move to Werder Bremen was later completed due to a disagreement with Schalke’s management team. Signing for a fee of 4.3 million euros, Ozil’s development rapidly increased as club’s all over Europe were observing the midfielder’s attributes. The 24 year old made a total of 71 league appearances for Bremen in which he netted 13 times, complemented by a numerous amount of assists as he became the Bundesliga’s most creative midfielder. During the 2010 World Cup, Ozil was regarded of the biggest up-coming talents amongst the German side as a string of consistent/impressive performances secured him with a move to the Bernabeu. During a 3 year spell in Madrid, Ozil made a total of 147 appearances in which he netted 27 times, being praised as one of the best midfielder’s in the club’s modern history.

Arsenal fans will be ecstatic over this signing as Wenger will be looking to silence his critics over this deal. Certainly a transfer that would have not been expected by many, Wenger can possibly say that they do have a genuine chance of contending for the Premier League title if performances like yesterday are shown week in week out. However, in respect to Ozil’s footballing ability, was another midfielder the answer to the club’s trophy drought? The addition of a defensive midfielder and possibly one more attacking option could be needed in order for the club to state themselves as extreme title contenders. However, Ozil is a player who contains vision, flair, technical ability, skill, movement and certainly an eye for goal. An absolute dream move for Gunners fans as Premier League spectators will be more than excited to see their marquee signing in action.

Blues Capture The Services Of Paul Caddis On A 3 Year Deal

Caddis pens a 2 year deal in the Midlands as he looks to re-take his place in the starting 11.

Birmingham City are delighted to re-welcome defender Paul Caddis back to St Andrews after completing his medical earlier today following his proposed move from Swindon Town. The 25 year old pens a 3 year deal at the club in which he is highly welcomed back amongst the Birmingham faithful, following an impressive spell at the club last season. Caddis joined Blues on loan from parent club Swindon Town in 2012 as boss Lee Clark was adamant this summer to bring back the Scottsman on a permanent basis.

Caddis began his career with Scottish champions Celtic in which he made a total of 24 appearances for the Hoops. Beginning his career in 2007, Caddis experienced a brief spell with fellow Scottish side Dundee Utd in which he made 11 leage appearances for the club before returning back to Celtic Park. After failing to make an adequate number of first team appearances, the 25 year old left Celtic in search of first team football as he joined league 1 outfit Swindon, linking up with former footballing talent Paolo Di-Canio. Making a total of 92 appearances for the club, Caddis joined Blues on a season long loan in 2012 in which he showed commitment and consistency as a footballer, establishing himself as a regular first team rightback.

For an estimated fee of 150,000-200,000 pounds, Caddis re-joins the Blues squad as he looks to take his role in the squad’s starting 11. A player who posesses fitness, consistency and a high work rate wil be welcomed back to St Andrews with open arms as fans will be over the moon with this transfer. An absolute fantastic signing for cash strapped Blues as he looks to help the club achieve a higher finish than expected. Welcome back to St Andrews Paul!

Aston Villa Sign Lazio Striker Libor Kozak On A 4 Year Deal

Kozak joins Aston Villa on a 4 year deal as the striker signs for a fee of 7 million pounds.

Paul Lambert has managed to bring in one more striking option before tonight’s deadline window as he completes a 4 year deal for Lazio striker Libor Kozak from Italian side Lazio. The Czech international flew into the West Midlands earlier today as he completed his medical during the previous hour, becoming the club’s 2nd summer striker as he joins big Danish forward Nicklaus Helenius to Villa Park. The fee is expected to be in the region of 7 million pounds as Kozak topped the Europa League goalscoring table last season as he finished first with 8 goals under his belt. Kozak stated earlier today following his move:

‘I’m really happy to be at Aston Villa and I’m ready for this new step in my career. This is a big club, a very historic club with a fantastic fanbase and, for me, this is really important. From when I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing in the Premier League and to do this with a club such as Villa is incredibly motivating. It’s real now and I’m very happy about this.’

Kozak started his footballing career with Czech side Opava in 2006 in which he spent 2 years at the club before switching to Lazio in 2008 for a fee of 1.2 million euros. Not known for his prolific goalscoring record, the 24 year old netted 10 times during 58 league appearances for the Italian outfit as he even spent a brief loan spell with fellow Italian side Brescia in 2009. With a total of 114 appearances, Kozak will be looking to kickstart his career in the Premier League with much improved Aston Villa. For a fee of 7 million pounds, Kozak will have to fight for his place for a starting 11 spot as the likes of Weimann, Benteke and Agbonlahor have all started this season in good form. An impressive signing by the Villa as he might just prove to be a important player for the team in the short term future.

Arsenal Seal Deal For Palermo Keeper Emiliano Viviano On A Season Long Loan

Viviano completes a season long loan move to the Emirates from Serie B side Palermo.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano on a season long loan from Serie B side Palermo. The player has agreed personal terms with the club and has passed his medical during the last half hour, seeing the Italian at the Emirates until the end of the season. The 27 year old stands at 6 foot 5 and has been brought in to keep fellow goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny on his toes after several worrying performances at the start of this season’s campaign. The Polish international pulled off a fantastic save during yesterday’s North London derby which could potentially persuade Wenger to keep him as the team’s first choice keeper, creating high competition between the two shot stoppers.

Viviano began his career with Italian outfit Brescia in which he made his way through the club’s youth system, establishing himself as the team’s first choice goalkeeper after making his professional debut in 2004. Throughout a 5 year spell at the club, Viviano made a total of 126 league appearances for Brescia before completing a switch to Bologna in 2009. After a 2 year spell at the club, the 27 year old established himself once again as the club’s first team goalkeeper as he bares much experience in the Serie A. After experiencing a brief spell at the San Siro with Inter Milan in 2011, Palermo came calling for the Keeper’s services in 2012 in which he was loaned out to Fiorentina following the club’s relegation to the Italian second division. Viviano made 32 league appearances last season for Fiorentina in which he impressed on a number of occasions, pulling of a string of world class saves.

As Arsenal will be satisfied with this transfer, Viviano’s move also comes with the deal of a permanent deal at the end of the season if the Gunners are willing to extend the Italian’s contract. A keeper that is not well known in the UK will be looking to impress in the Premier League as he will have to fight for his place in the starting 11. A good signing by Wenger as the Italian looks highly experienced and certainly familiar with first team football. The Gunners continue a very busy deadline day as they await the confirmation of German playmaker Mesut Ozil and a possible move for Chelsea striker Demba Ba.

Stoke Gain The Services Of Aston Villa’s Stephen Ireland On A Season Long Loan

Ireland completes a season long loan move to the Britannia, becoming the Potter’s 2nd signing of the day.

Stoke City have completed the signing of Irish international Stephen Ireland on a season long loan from Aston Villa, becoming Mark Hughes’ 2nd signing of the day. Ireland joins big Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic to the Britannia as he looks to add vision and much needed depth in midfield. The Potters have won 1 of their opening 3 games of this season’s campaign as Hughes is still looking to add the finishing touches to his squad, Ireland surely being the final addition before tonight’s transfer deadline. Ireland hasn’t played first team football since January following a wrist injury as he looks to re-kindle his career under new boss Mark Hughes.

The midfielder began his career with home side Cobh Ramblers in which he made a positive impact as a youngster, creating much speculation with a move to England. In 2005, Ireland joined former Premier League champions Manchester City at the age of 18, making a big impact at the club as he established himself as a key midfielder. Several impressive performances saw the Irishman linked with a host of big clubs in the League as he slowly saw himself fall down the pecking order due to the arrivals of high profile players such as Robinho and Emmanuel Adebayor. In 2010, Aston Villa gained the services of the midfielder for a fee of 8 million pounds, seeing James Milner sacrificed in part exchange. Making 47 league appearances for the club, Ireland experienced a brief loan spell with Newcastle in 2011 as he only managed to make a total of 2 appearances for the Magpies, leading him to return to the West Midlands and spend much time on the sidelines.

There is no doubt that Stephen Ireland still bares undeveloped potential as Stoke will be looking to re-gain the best out of his ability. A key midfielder who will be looking to gain lost first team football will be welcomed by the fans as he may just re-find his form at the Britannia. An average signing by Hughes as Stoke fans will be skeptical over this transfer due to the lack of first team football Ireland has had over the past year, nevertheless a player who bares creativity and vision which Stoke will be looking to retain.

Lee Camp Joins West Brom On A 6 Month Rolling Contract

Camp joins the Baggies on a 6 month rolling contract as a cover replacement for injured England international Ben Foster.

West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of free agent Lee Camp as cover for first choice keeper Ben Foster. The Northen Irish international has been offered a rolling contract until January as he looks to take his place in the starting 11 due to a sustained injury by Foster on saturday, seeing him out of action for 3 months. The 29 year old was left a free agent following his release from Norwich at the end of last season as goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely was thrilled with the capture of Camp. Kiely stated following the Northern Ireland international’s move earlier today:

“We have acted quickly in the wake of Ben’s injury and made a really good signing. Lee comes with a strong pedigree, having played at a high level both domestically and internationally. He ticked a lot of the boxes we required when we began the search for another keeper.”

Camp began his career with Derby County as he joined the club as a teenager, gaining his first professional debut in 2002. Throughout a 5 year spell at the club, Camp made 89 league appearances for the Rams as he experienced loan spells with Norwich, Burton Albion and QPR during his time at Pride Park. In 2007 Camp joined London side QPR in which he made 50 league appearances during a 2 year spell, later moving back to the East Midlands with rival side Nottingham Forest. After establishing himself as Forest’s number one keeper, the 29 year old spent 4 years of his career at the Forest Ground before switching to Premier League side Norwich in January 2013 as cover for John Ruddy.

Overall, this was a move that was vital for the Baggies as an established and experienced keeper had to be brought in as a replacement for the England international. Camp bares much experience on the pitch as he looks to help the Baggies gain a similar league position to last season’s impressive campaign. A good signing by Steve Clarke as West Bromwich fans should also be satisfied with the deal as the 29 year old is a proven stopper.

Crystal Palace Snap Up Jack Hunt & Jamaican International Adrian Mariappa

Hunt pens a 4 year deal at Selhurst Park as Villa’s Barry Bannan looks set to join today.

Crystal Palace have completed deals for Huddersfield’s Jack Hunt and Jamaican international Adrian Mariappa from Reading on long term deals. The defenders joins the Eagles in the top flight as boss Ian Holloway believed that his squad needed more additions at the back ahead of their next Premier League fixture after the international break. Hunt joined the Eagles for a fee of 2 million pounds on a 4 year deal as Mariappa pens a 3 year contract at Selhurst Park. Palace picked up their first league win of the campaign by defeating Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday as Holloway was still keen on bringing in 1-2 more defensive options to increase the versatility of his squad.

Hunt began his career with Huddersfield Town in which he made a total of 110 league appearances for the Terriers, spending several seasons on loan with lower league clubs. Making his way up the club’s youth system, ex-manager Lee Clark gave Hunt a numerous amount of chances which led to him establishing himself as a regular first team player. The 22 year old also had brief loan spells with Grays Athletic and Chesterfield in which were part of Lee Clark’s plans for Hunt to gain experience. The young defender plays naturally as a right back as he can also operate as a centerback or even as a right midfielder, creating versatility for Holloway.

Mariappa joins the Eagles after successfully passing his medial earlier today.

Mariappa experienced the most impressive years of his footballing career with Watford in which he joined the club as a teenager. Making his professional debut in 2005, the Jamaican made a total of 247 appearances for the Hornets before switching to former Premier League side Reading in 2012 for a reported fee of 2.5 million pounds. After failing to make an impressive impact at the club, Mariappa gained the hunger for Premier League football following Reading’s relegation as he re-enters the top flight. The big centerback made a total of 33 appearances for Reading as Ian Holloway knows the ability that the Jamaican has during his years in the Championship.

Overall, there may be slight criticism concerning these signings as the likes of Hunt have no Premier League experience what so ever as fans have specifically stated they would prefer much more established players. As Hunt and Mariappa have established himself as a first team defenders for Huddersfield and Reading, the only question that Palace fans will be thinking is that do they have the ability to keep them in the top flight? Mariappa will be looking to impress on a higher level this season as the Jamaican international has much more playing experience than Hunt due to the age difference. Palace fans will be satisfied with the capture of Mariappa as possibly a change of opinion will be present over Hunt’s transfer. The deal for one more striker looks set to be completed later today as Nicklas Bendtner has been spotted at the Eagles training ground earlier this afternoon. As we know that Palace are working on a very tight budget, Holloway is still keen to bring in players as he is also close to signing Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan as he is due for a medial in the next hour.

Stoke City Obtain The Services Of Big Austrian Marko Arnautovic

Arnautovic joins the Potters on a 4 year deal, concluding Mark Hughes’ summer transfer business.

Stoke City have added more height to their frontline by completing a deal for Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic from Werder Bremen on a 4 year deal. The fee for Artaunovic is reportedly worth 2 million pounds, bolstering the Potters’ striking options after an average start to the season. Hughes has been keen to bring in one more attacking option before tonight’s deadline as he looks to add that extra finishing touch to his squad. Arnautovic joins Erik Pieters, Oussama Assaidi and Marc Muniesa to the Brittania as they look to link up and achieve a higher finish than previous seasons have offered.

The big Austrian started his professional career with Dutch side FC Twente in 2007, making his debut against PSV Eindhoven. After impressing on several occasions, Arnautovic was contacted by several other Dutch teams such as Feyenoord & AZ Alkmaar in which he declined, signing a contract extension at the club. Making a total of 59 appearances in Holland, the Austrian netted 14 times which saw him move to Italian giants Inter Milan in 2009. The move turned out to be nothing but trouble as certain disagreements between the clubs summoned Arnautovic to not making a single appearance at the San Siro, leading him to join German outfit Werder Bremen on a 4 year deal in 2010.

Making 72 league appearances, Arnautovic is known for his height and strength which is a player that Stoke will be looking for. Hughes will be happy over this move as he looks to conclude his summer transfer business with the addition of the big Austrian to the Britannia. Standing at 6 foot 4, the forward is known for his childish behaviour which could see him as a regular in the British newspapers , leading to much discipline being needed towards the player. Overall, Arnautovic will be looking to take his place in the starting 11 as the recent form of Peter Crouch has been poor, possibly leading him out of the Britannia before tonight’s deadline.