Fulham Complete The Signing Of QPR’s Adel Taarabt On A Season Long Loan

Taarabt joins Fulham on a season long loan as he makes a quick return to the Premier League.

Fulham have completed the signing of Moroccan playmaker Adel Taarabt on a season long loan from championship side QPR. The midfielder passed his medical on tuesday as he makes a swift return back to the Premier League. Fulham boss Martin Jol believes that Taarabt’s creativity is what Fulham need in midfield as they look to exploit his talent during the new Premiership campaign:

“I like his creativity and sometimes it comes off when he scores a lot of goals. It is like Dimitar Berbatov – sometimes these fantastic talents will be blamed but I hope to find a way to gel him in together with the boys we’ve got. I think he can do a hell of a job for us because he is a tremendous player on the ball.”

Jol will be looking to sculpture Taarabt’s ability into Fulham’s starting 11 as they experienced an average season last year which could be blamed on the lack of team chemistry due to a surplus of players. The 24 year old began his career with French outfit Lens in 2006 in which he only managed to make 1 appearance for the club, seeing Spurs come to his rescue as he penned a 2 year contract at White Hart Lane in 2007. During his first 2 seasons in England, Taarabt once again struggled to make any sort of impact on the first team’s squad as a total of 7 league appearances were made. However, as Spurs were developing the young playmaker’s ability during these years, QPR came calling for the Morrocan’s services in 2009 as he spent the best season on his career on loan at Loftus Road. Making 41 appearances for the R’s, Taarabt even managed to net 7 goals for the club as he went on to sign a permanent deal that reached a fee of 1 million pounds.

Fulham fans will be excited with the prospect of having such an entertaining player in their squad as he offers trickory, pace, quick feet and an eye for goal. A player that bares top quality attacking attributes will be looking to make a much more positive impact in the top flight as many fans believe that Taarabt “choked” during his Premier League years with QPR. As punters will be skeptical of the midfielder’s ability to play in the top flight, A move to Fulham looks to be much more stable as Martin Jol has not been as involved in the transfer market this summer in comparison to previous years. QPR’s spending spree last summer could have been the main factor in which they experienced relegation as this upset Taarabt’s chemistry with the previous starting 11 due to an overflow of un-needed players. Overall, this signing could re-kindle the Morrocan’s form as he looks to impress on his debut as Fulham will be eying up a Europa League place for next season.

Charlie Austin Signs A 3 Year Deal At Loftus Road For An Undisclosed Fee

Austin pens a 3 year deal at Loftus Road as they look to re-secure promotion to the top flight.

6 days after Gary Hooper’s move to Carrow Road, QPR have ended their striker pursuit as they have completed the deal for Charlie Austin from fellow Championship side Burnley. Austin signs for the R’s for an undisclosed fee which sees Harry Redknapp’s search for a first team striker come to an end. Due to the departures of Djibril Cisse to Russia and Jamie Mackie to Nottingham Forest, QPR have been looking for a championship styled striker as the exit of Loic Remy is more than likely to happen before the end of the transfer window (depsite not news being stated on this situation). Austin joins fellow strikers Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson at Loftus Road as he is most likely to take his place in the starting 11, in regards to the future of record signing Remy.

The 24 year old striker has caught the eye of a number of clubs over the past 2 years as his recent performances at Burnley have been close to exceptional. The London born forward began his footballing career with non leaguers Kintbury Rangers in which he netted 20 times in 27 appearances. After only 1 year at the club Hungerford Town snapped up Austin’s services as he failed to make such impact, only scoring 5 times in 30 appearances. However in 2008 Austin signed for Poole in which he experienced one of the best seasons of his career, scoring a phenomenal 48 goals in 42 appearances. Patience finally played its part as the striker got his big break in the football league as Swindon added Austin to their starting 11, scoring 31 goals throughout a 2 year spell as he went on to signs a 3 year contract with Burnley in 2011. Spending 2 years in Lancashire, Austin smashed several goalscoring records for the club in which he netted 41 times in 82 appearances, averaging at 1 goal per game.

With a career total of 178 club goals, Austin is a proven goalscorer as this move could work wonders for the big forward. The former bricklayer makes his big debut for financially stable QPR as he looks to play alongside the likes of Adel Taarabt, Park Ji Sung and Stephan M’bia. He joins Danny Simpson and Karl Henry at Loftus Road  as the trio look to make their debuts this coming saturday. A player that posesses extreme goalscoring ability will be looking to lift QPR back into the top flight as this season will show how well the striker copes under pressure. A good signing by QPR as fans will be excited by this move as some would have preferred the serivces of former Celtic man Gary Hooper.

Brighton Swoop For Swansea’s Kemy Agustien On A Free Transfer

Agustien joins championship side Brighton and Hove Albion as he seeks for regular first team football.

Kemy Agustien has joined championship side Brighton and Hove Albion from Swansea City on a 2 year deal. The deal was finalized earlier today as Agustien joins Brighton on a free transfer, leaving Swansea after 3 years with the club. Swans boss Michael Laudrupp made it clear to the Dutchman that his services were surplus to requirements in Wales as he was no longer part of his plans for the new season as they take on Swedish side Malmo FF in tonight’s Europa League qualifier.

The 26 year old began his career with Willem II in which he made 55 league appearances for the club during a 2 year spell. In 2006, fellow Dutch side AZ Alkmaar expressed their desire in signing the midfielder as they completed the deal later that year, sending Agustien out on loan to Roda JC, Birmingham City and Waalwijk during his 4 year spell at the club. Only managing to make 26 league appearances for AZ, the Dutch outfit decided to release Augustien in 2010 as Swansea snapped up the 26 year old on a free transfer. Making 39 league appearances for the Swans, Augustien made the majority of these appearances last season as he has experienced promotion to the top flight aswell as the League Cup during his time in Wales.

A player that has struggled to realy find his potential in recent years looks set to begin a fresh challenge in the championship as the opportunity of regular first team football is much more likely. With the arrivals of Jose Canas and Jonjo Shelvey, this looked to put Agustien’s career with Swansea to a halt as Laudrup believes that the Dutchman’s style of play does is not suitable for their current footballing programme. Being surplus to requirements, the former Holland U-21 international struggled to find his feet at the club as Brighton will be happy with this capture. A player who is willing to show off his potential could play a big role in Brighton’s promotion push as they look to tred in the same footsteps as last year and avoid the dreaded “second season syndrome”.

Doncaster Sign Tottenham’s Bongani Khumalo On A Season Long Loan

Khumalo secures a season long loan switch with newly promoted championship side Doncaster Rovers.

Spurs centerback and South African captain Bongani Khumalo has joined championship side Doncaster Rovers on a season long loan as AVB further delays the 26 year old’s career at White Hart Lane. This will be the South African’s 3rd spell in England as he has previously experienced loan spells with former championship clubs Preston and Reading. Khumalo stated earlier today following his switch:

“I am very happy to be here. I’m very happy that things have worked out and I’m just looking forward to the start of the season. All the lads have been really welcoming, which really helps. I’ve had a lot of support from the skipper and everyone has made it really easy to make the transition.”

The powerhouse defender began his career with the University Of Pretoria in which he made 50 league appearances for the club, even scoring 4 times during a 2 year spell. In 2007, Khumalo opted for a switch of teams as he felt a new challenge was needed, signing for South African outfit Supersport United in which he made 81 league appearances in 3 years. After catching the eye of several major clubs in Europe, Khumalo completed a switch to North London in the 2011 January transfer window for a fee of 1.5 million pounds, rejecting a move to Scottish side Rangers. However the 26 year old has failed to make a single appearance for Spurs in which saw him spend a 6 month loan with Reading, a season long loan with Preston in 2011/2012 and not forgetting last season’s loan with PAOK Salonika of Greece in which he made 22 appearances for the club.

This is a fantastic signing for Doncaster as they will be looking to improve their backline ahead of the new championship campaign in which the secured promotion to last season. Paul Dickov will be looking to exploit the big centerback’s strength and heading ability as they look to shock punters and secure an outside chance of reaching the playoffs. Definitely a signing that will be in favour of the fans as Khumalo posesses European experience aswell as being extremely familiar with the Championship.

Australian International Scott McDonald Joins Millwall On A 2 year Deal

McDonald joins the lions after his contract terminated at the Riverside.

Millwall have completed the signing of Australian forward Scott McDonald from Middlesbrough on a 2 year contract. The Aussie international opted for a move to the Den as he decided to end his spell at the Riverside by mutual consent. McDonald joins a host of new players that have joined the Lions this summer as Steve Lomas continues to entertain the Millwall faithful by bringing in experienced players.

Lomas stated earlier today after the completion of the deal: “I’ve watched Scott throughout his career and he has a proven track record, scoring at better than one in three games over a long period. He works hard for the team, links play well and can operate in different formations.”

The 29 year old began his career with Australian outfit Doveton in 1998 in which he experienced just 1 season at the club, before moving to Southampton in 2000 after several loan spells.. Only being able to make 2 appearances for the Saints, McDonald saw himself move on loan for the 4th time to Championship outfits Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth, before making a permanent move to Wimbledon in 2003. After once again failing to break into the first team squad, the Australian moved to Scotland penning a contract with Motherwell, making 108 league appearances and netting 42 times in a 3 year spell at the club. Finally starting to show his potential, Scottish giants Celtic came calling for the striker’s services as he joined the champions for a reported transfer fee of 700,000 pounds. After scoring an impressive 51 times in 88 league appearances in the SPL, McDonald moved to the Riverside as he netted 37 league goals during a 3 year stay.

McDonald has also made 27 caps for his country as Millwall fans will know that the agile striker offers bags of experince to the team. A player who has had a total of 450 club appearances will look to extend his 150 goal tally in the new Championship campaign as Lomas’ main objective this season will be to obtain a play-off position. Certaintly a player that fan’s will know about, McDonald offers a steady head who can lead the frontline as the former SPL player of the year will be looking to take his role in the starting 11.

 

Leicester City Snap Up Former Tranmere Full-Back Zoumana Bakayogo On A 2 Year Deal

Bakayogo joins Leicester City on a 2 year deal following his release by Tranmere Rovers.

Leicester City have completed the signing of former Tranmere Rovers full-back Zoumana Bakayogo on a 2 year deal. The 26 year old left Prenton Park at the end of last season as he pens a deal which will see him at the King Power until 2015. Knowing that the departure of the Frenchman was due to occur, Tranmere were in search for an immediate replacement as the signing of Hartlepool left back Evan Horwood put an end to his spell at the club.

Bakayogo began his career with French giants PSG in which he failed to make a single appearance for the club before moving Millwall in 2006. During a 2 year spell at the Den, the Frenchman made 16 appearances as this saw him move on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion in which he once again failed to make an impact due to a serious ankle injury. In 2009, Tranmere came calling for the left-back’s services as he enjoyed a 4 year spell at the club making 122 appearances, netting 6 times. Being of Ivorian heritage, Bakayogo has even represented his Patriot country during the 2008 Olympics qualifiers in which he made his debut against fellow African side Senegal.

Bakayogo stated earlier today following the completion of his deal:  “This is a big club and a big challenge for me, stepping up into the Championship. I’ve taken the chance, I hope to have a good season this year and do well for the team. The Championship is a new league for me so I will have to work hard to catch up to the pace.”

Overall, Leicester fans will not be too thrilled about this signing due to the lack of knowledge Championship fans know about this player, however a fast paced powerful presence could may well make a positive impact as this is an opportunity that the left-back has been relishing. A player that posesses potential has been extremely unlucky in former seasons as injuries have played a huge part in the defender’s misfortune. As this wil be a change of pace for Bakayogo, time will tell if the Frenchman we be able to cope with the Championship’s speed of play as Leicester will be looking to start a much more experienced head in the left back role as Konchesky looks set to regain his place in the starting 11.

Blues Wonderkid Departs St Andrews For Premier League Side Fulham

Nabay pens a long term contract at Craven Cottage after a move back to London was needed for family preferences.

Birmingham City prodigy Foday Nabay has quit the club and joined Premier League outfit Fulham earlier today. The 15 year old handed in a written transfer request to the club earlier this week that could not be turned down by the board as the highly rated youngster is in search of a higher standard of football after being chased by several top clubs. Being London raised, Nabay stated that he and his family were adamant on a move back to the capital as Fulham provided this option for the 15 year old’s family.

Clark stated that Nabay would have been Blues’ youngest ever player to make a professional debut as the kid’s potential was on another level. An undisclosed fee has been agreed between the 2 clubs as Clark was left dissapointed this evening:

“I was offering him the opportunity that as long as he continued in the way he was with his development and continued to show the qualities that he has, then there would be first team openings for him.

“He’s going to a super club in Fulham because I know them very well having spent seven great years there myself. But I just wish we could have had the time to make him part of my current group. It wasn’t to be, he’s made the decision, we wish him all the best for future and we’ll move forward.”

As Nabay has been compared to the likes of Yaya Toure and Patrick Viera, Blues were left ecstatic when the youngester decided to pen a new 2 year deal with the academy several seasons ago as they fought off big dogs Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City for the 15 year old’s signature. A player who is certain to make it big in the future is wished the best of luck by the Blues board and staff.

Baggies Midfielder Scott Allan Joins Birmingham City On A Season Long Loan

Allan joins Lee Clark on a season loan deal as the Scottsman makes his championship debut.

Birmingham City have secured the services of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Scott Allan on a season long loan deal. The 21 year old joins the Blues’ squad as manager Lee Clark struggled to bring back former loanee Ravel Morrison from West Ham as he believes that Allan is a perfect replacement, stating many similarities in the players’ attributes.

Clark stated earlier today following the capute of Allan:  “Scott’s been on our radar for some time and is a very talented player. It’s been common knowledge that I’ve been looking for this type of player – a Ravel Morrison-type midfield player. Obviously we’ve tried to bring Ravel back from West Ham but the indications are that after doing so well with us, he’s carried that on in the pre-season with West Ham and he’s impressed the manager.”

Clark implied that Morrison will most likely not be joining the club on a second loan season as he looks set to take his role in the West Ham squad ahead of their new Premier League campaign. Allan began his career with Dundee Utd in which he made 8 appearances at only the age of 18 back in 2010. After a 2 year spell at the club, Blues rivals West Bromwich Albion came calling for the young Scottsman’s signature as he joined the Baggies last year in which he spent 2 loan spells with crisis hit Portsmouth and league 1 outfit MK Dons. Allan is also a Scotland U-21 international in which he has made a total of 10 caps for his country, making his debut for the national team in 2011 against Norway.

Overall, Clark will be delighted with this deal as Allan has been recently linked to the likes of Celtic, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and even Rangers. A player who possesses movement and quick feet will be looking to make a positive impact at St Andrews as this move could even reach a permanent status. As not much is known about the midfielder, Allan looks like a player that requires more first team football in order to enhance his development. As Clark will know that this is vital, Allan could well be part of the starting 11 as the baggies will be keeping an eye on his future performances in the championship.

Charlton Athletic Sign Experienced Center-Back Richard Wood On A 1 Year Deal

Wood pens a 1 year deal at the Valley after leaving Coventry City.

Charlton Athletic have completed their second summer signing as they introduce defender Richard Wood to the Valley. The free agent left Coventry at the end of the season and has penned a 1 year deal with Chris Powell’s side as they look to push on for another promotion battle in 2013. The 28 year old has been training with the club as he featured in several pre-season games for the Addicks as he joins them on a permanent basis.

Charlton boss Chris Powell stated earlier today: “Richard’s impressed during pre-season and it’s good to finally get the deal done. He’s a left-footed centre half who gives us options along the backline and we’re happy to have him on board.”

Wood began his career with Sheffield Wednesday in 2003 in which he made a total of 174 league appearances over his 7 year spell at the club. A season long loan deal with Coventry in 2009 saw the experienced center back move to the midlands on a permanent basis as he signed for the sky blues in 2010. After a 3 year spell at the club, Wood established himself as a first team defender as a total of 112 league appearances were made, even netting 7 times. However due to personal reasons, Wood left the club at the end of the season in search of a fresh challenge as Charlton came calling. With a career total of 323 caps, Wood bares vast experience at the back as this signing is most certaintly a wise move by Powell. A trustworthy defender who relishes physical football will be welcomed with open arms at the Valley as he brings stability, consistency and most importantly experience to the squad. A clever move by Chris Powell as Charlton fans will be satisifed with this transfer.

Blackpool Sign Forward Bobby Grant From Rochdale A.F.C For An Undisclosed Fee

Grant joins the tangerines after leaving the Spotland with a year left on his contract.

Championship outfit Blackpool have signed striker Bobby Grant from Rochdale for on a 2 year deal with the option of a further year extension. The 23 year old leaves the Spotland after only 12 months at the club in which he made a significant impact, scoring 16 goals in 38 league appearances.

Grant began his career with Accrington Stanley back in 2006 in which he made 65 league appearances over his 4 year spell at the club, netting 15 times. This saw the striker move to Scunthorpe United in 2010 for a transfer fee of 250,000 pounds in which he spent 2 loan spells with former club Accrington Stanley and Rochdale until finally taking his spot in Scunthorpe’s starting 11. After making his move permanent at Rochdale, the striker made an impressive 59 for Scunthorpe as he only managed to net 7 times.

Grant’s recent form has persuaded manager Paul Ince to bring him to Bloomfield Road as the Tangerines are looking for a young striker who looks ready to step up to the Championship. Blackpool will be looking to achieve a higher league finish this season as the services of Grant could help them to even seal a play-off place. A young striker who bares much potential could fit Blackpool’s bill as the 23 year old has scored a career total of 47 goals in 185 appearances, a record he will be looking to enhance this season.