West Brom Land Amalfitano On Season Long Loan As Anichebe & Sessegnon Look Set To Follow

Morgan Amalfitano joins the Baggies on a season long loan as he looks to bolster up the squad’s midfield.

West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a season long loan from Marseille as Steve Clarke looks to add to his squad due to signs of second season syndrome being highly visible. The Baggies have only picked up 1 point out of their opening 3 games as they look to improve their squad following their 0-2 home defeat to Swansea yesterday. The deal comes with the option of a permanent move as the Frenchman contains much experience as he has spent all of his professional career in the French top flight.

Amalfitano began his career with French outfit Sedan in 2003 as he struggled to help the club maintain their status in Ligue 1, falling to the French second division. After experiencing a successful season in the French Ligue 2, Sedan failed to gain promotion back into the top flight as Amalfitano established himself as one of the club’s most stable players in midfield. The 28 year old went on to make a total of 126 appearances for the club which saw him make his first transfer to fellow French side Lorient in 2008, making 124 appearances during a 3 year spell at the club. Netting 13 times for Lorient, Amalfitano moved to Marseille in 2011 on a free transfer as he once again established himself as a consistent first team starter. After experiencing a successful career with Marseille, Amalfitano handed in a transfer request this summer as the Baggies have offered the midfielder a crack at the Premier League.

Overall, Baggies boss Steve Clarke will be satisfied with this signing as Amalfitano contains stability, versatility in midfield and most importantly consistency. A regular first team player who should fit in the heart of the Baggies’ midfield could provide the team with that extra bit of flair which has been lacking in recent games. A good signing by West Brom as they are also in advanced talks with Sunderland’s Stephane Sessegnon & Everton’s Victor Anichebe. A busy day at the Hawthorns as Peter Odemwingie is also on the verge of moving to Premier League new boys Cardiff City.

 

Liverpool Snap Up Defenders Mamadou Sakho & Tiago Ilori For A Combined Fee Of 20 Million Pounds

Sakho moves to Anfield for a fee of 13 million pounds, bolstering the sqaud’s defensive options.

Liverpool have strengthened their defensive options as they have completed the signings of PSG’s Mamadou Sakho and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori for a combined fee of 20 million pounds. The pair were present during yesterday’s 1-0 win against reigning champions Manchester United as they put the finishing touches on their deals earlier this morning. Sakho has been regarded as one of the most “in-form” defenders in Europe as he looks to take his spot in the starting 11 as Ilori joins for a fee of 7 million pounds, adding depth and versatility to the Red’s squad. The Portuguese centerback stated earlier today following his move:

“It feels great being a Liverpool player, coming to the Premier League has always been a dream for me. I’m going to try to achieve everything I can. I want to play as much as possible and we’ll see what the future holds. I will give my all and try my best to help the team.”

20 year old Tiago Ilori completes dream move to the Premier League as he joins from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of 7 million pounds.

The 20 year old stands at 6 foot 3 and has made 10 appearances for the national U-20 team, giving him much needed international experience. Ilori began his career with Portuguese side Sporting CP in which he made 12 appearances for the club, starting out as a striker before switching to centerback. As Ilori was born in England, he takes a keen interest in the Premier League as settling back into the UK will be much easier than expected. Sporting Lisbon took on the big defender in 2012 in which he made a positive impact, attracting interest from several European clubs. Making a total of 20 league appearances last season, the 20 year old opted for a move to Anfield as he looks to improve the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

23 year old Mamadou Sakho began his career with PSG, establishing himself as one of the club’s most prized assets. Sakho made his way up the club’s youth system in which he finally gained his professional debut in 2007 against Lorient, going on to win the game 3-0. Making 151 league appearances for the French outfit, Sakho experienced the last 2 seasons on the bench as the likes of Alex and Thiago Silva condemned the Frenchman’s services to the sidelines. Sakho has also made a total of 14 appearances for the French national side as he contains both first league and international experience.

Overall, Liverpool will be thrilled with this double signing as Sakho is a proven centrback who bares strength, aggression and much earned experience. A presence that is well known around Europe will be looking to take his spot in the starting 11 as his 13 million pound move will see Liverpool become even more of a threat in this year’s campaign. Ilori will be looking to gain experience throughout the season during cup games and substitutions as the likes of Agger, Sakho and Skrtel are most likely to be first choiced defenders. A fantastic bit of business by Rodgers as there only problem will be keeping hold of Uruguayan hitman Luis Suarez.

 

Bale Completes Madrid Move As Eriksen Joins Spurs

Bale completes a 6 year deal at the Bernabeu for a staggering 86 million pounds.

Tottenham have completed the signing of Danish international Christian Erkisen as star winger Gareth Bale completes his move to Real Madrid for a staggering 86 million pounds. The high profile summer story has finally came to a conclusion as the Welshman got his move to the Bernabeu yesterday following their 1-0 defeat to North London rivals Arsenal. Bale joins on a 6 year deal as Eriksen moves to White Hart Lane for a fee of 11.5 million pounds, meaning Spurs have spent over the 100 milion pound mark. Knowing perfectly well that Bale’s move was on the verge of completion, Chairman Daniel Levy decided to invest this money into the squad as they recruited Paulinho, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue, Roberto Soldado, Erik Lamela, Vlad Chiriches and now Danish star Eriksen. As the Spurs put in a more than average performance in yesteday’s London derby, AVB will be looking to gel the team together during monday’s training session as the club’s new project will need a good month until it can be worthy of title contending. However, Arsenal looked more than threatening yesterday as they have been linked with the likes of Mezut Ozil and Luis Suarez ahead of today’s deadline today.

Eriksen moves to White Hart Lane for a fee of 11.5 milion pounds, concluding AVB’s transfer business.

Another high profile player to enter the Lane is Christian Eriksen, who began his footballing career with Dutch side Ajax in 2010. During 3 and a half year spell at the club, Eriksen made 162 appearances in which he netted 32 times at only the age of 21. During his time in Holland, the midfielder won a numerous amount of awards such as “Danish player of the year, Dutch talent of the year and Ajax talent of the future” award. The 21 year old also helped Ajax to win 3 Eredivisie league titles as he has also made a total of 36 national side appearances.

Overall, Eriksen is an absolute super talent at only the age of 21 as he joins fellow youngster Erik Lamela to the Lane, being the club’s most expensive signing (30 million pounds). Eriksen will provide creativity, vision and also an eye for goal as Spurs lacked that creative key midfielder during yesterday’s derby. As for Bale, the winger should re-take his role on the left in Madrid as he looks to link up with Portuguese phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo and French striker Karim Benzema. A brilliant signing by Tottenham as Eriksen has proved his ability at such a young age as the squad will need to move on after the departure of their star player.

Spurs Sign Vlad Chiriches & Erik Lamela In A Combined Fee Of 39 Million Pounds As Eriksen Looks Next

Chiriches becomes Tottenham’s 7th signing as he joins club record forward Erik Lamela.

Tottenham Hotspur have proved themselves worthy of being serious title contenders by completing the signings of Romanian defender Vlad Chiriches and Roma forward Erik Lamela for a combined fee of 39 million pounds. Both players completed their moves to London earlier today as Chiriches joins from Steaua Bucharest for 9 million pounds as Erik Lamela joined from Italian side Roma for a club record fee of 30 million pounds.  This clearly shows that Madrid’s pursuit of Welsh winger Gareth Bale has indeed been concluded as Spurs reach top of the spending list in the Premier League alongside Manchester City.

Chiriches described his move to White Hart Lane as “a dream come true” as the 23 year old ends the club’s pursuit in a centerback due to the departures of William Gallas and Steven Caulker to Cardiff, leaving AVB short at the back. After spending a year of his youth career with Benfica, Chiriches joined home side International in 2008 in which he spent 2 years at the club, switching to Pandurii Targu Jiu as International was later dissovled due to financial issues. Spending 2 years with Pandurii, the centerback impressed on a number of occasions as he joined Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest for a fee of 1.2 million euros. Making 62 appearances for the club during an 18 month spell, Chiriches was considered as a future talent as Spurs landed the centerback earlier today for a fee of 9 million pounds.

Lamela joins Spurs for a club record fee of 30 milion pounds, making Gareth Bale’s move to Madrid more than likely.

Moving on to the club’s new attacking option, Lamela started his career with home side River Plate in which he was considered as one of the club’s most hottest prospects at only the age of 18. Making 36 league appearances for the club, the highly rated 21 year old joined Roma in 2011 for a fee of 12 million euros, growing to be one of Europe’s hottest talents. The forward helped guide Roma to the final of the Coppa Italia last season in which they finished runners up to rivals Lazio, summoning the club to another season without European football. Finishing in 6th place, Lamela made a total of 66 appearances as he netted 21 times, even making 12 assists as a move to London was more than tempting for the youngster.

Overall, Spurs fans will be ecstatic over these 2 signings as they will look forward to seeing both players in action in the next week, even during Sunday’s highly anticipated North London derby as they could both make their debuts from the bench. As Premier League specatators are not too familiar with these 2 players, they are highly regarded as some of the most exciting talents in Europe as Spurs will be looking to further develop their ability throughout the season. For a fee of 30 million, Lamela will be most likely to gain a first team spot due to the departure of Gareth Bale, leading him to take a free role on the left. AVB makes his summer spending reach a total of 92 million pounds as the pair join Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue to White Hart Lane. However, is AVB bringing in too many first team player that could potentially disrupt the squad? The arrival of Christian Eriksen is more than likely to be completed by Monday as the midfielder is expected to complete his medical in the next coming days. Nevertheless a great bit of business by AVB as the anticipation for Sunday’s derby grows by the hour.

Arsenal Re-Sign French Midfielder Mathieu Flamini On A 3 Year Deal

Flamini re-signs for the Gunners on a 3 year deal following his contract expiry at the San Siro.

Arsene Wenger has re-signed French midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a 3 year contract from AC Milan after being released from the club. The Frenchman experienced an injury struck career at the San Siro as Arsenal fans were more than skeptical over Wenger’s decision to re-sign the midfielder due to his constant injuries and lack of fitness. Wenger stated earlier today that he did not originally want to re-sign Flamini due to the player’s physical shape. However, physical staff at the Emirates assessed the fitness of former Arsenal man as he turned out to be in top form, changing Wenger’s mind which led to to the club offering him a 3 year deal in London.

The 29 year old began his career with French outfit Marseille in which he was part of the club’s youth squad, making his way up the team’s starting 11. After several impressive performances, Flamini gained attention from all around Europe as Arsenal came out on top to pen the Frenchman’s signature in 2004. During a 4 year spell at the Emirates, Flamini made a total of 157 appearances scoring on 8 occasions, helping the Gunners to win 1 FA Cup, 1 Community Shield and also playing a role in guiding them to the 2006 Champions League Final, loosing to Spanish giants Barcelona 2-1. In 2008, the midfielder opted for a move out of Britain as he joined Italian giants AC Milan on a long term deal. Experiencing a good 2 years in Milan, Flamini slowly saw himself pushed down the pecking order as Ambrosini took prime form, sentencing the Frenchman to much time on the bench. In 2010, Flamini suffered a serious injury which kept him out of football for 2 years, seeing his contract expire in Milan as he re-signed a new 1 year deal just 2 weeks later.

Overall, Flamini is a very controversial signing by Arsene Wenger as the French midfielder will most probably spend much time on the sidelines for a good amount of the season. However, if it is said to be true about his fitness, Flamini could even make an appearance during Sunday’s North London derby in which the player knows all so well. An average signing for the Gunners as the return of the midfielder is certainly not a move that will take the club in a higher direction, more on the lines as a squad filling player.

Chelsea Snap Up Goalscoring Legend Samuel Eto’o On A 1 Year Deal

Eto’o joins Willian as Mourinho looks to strengthen his squad in the final third.

Jose Mourinho has added more fire power to his squad as Chelsea complete the signing of Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o on a 1 year deal from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. Speculation was building this week over a possible move to Stamford Bridge as Mourinho believed he was in need of a reliable goalscorer. Anzhi have agreed to re-structure their first team squad by making every player available for transfer, allowing Eto’o to join the club on a free deal. Eto’o scored 25 league goals for the Russian side throughout a 2 year spell as he believes that playing in the Premier League was something too tempting to turn down as he joins former Anzhi team-mate Willian to the Bridge.

The goalscoring phenomenon joined Real Madrid’s youth academy during the late 1990’s in which saw him spend 3 seasons out on loan to Spanish sides Leganes, Espanyol and Mallorca. In 2000 Eto’o decided to make a permanent move to Mallorca in a deal which was worth 4 million pounds, netting 69 times in 165 appearances. After spending 4 years at the club, Barcelona were keen on obtaining the Cameroonian’s services as he was regarded as one of the most threatening forwards in La Liga. In 2004 Mallorca accepted a 24 million euro bid from the Catalan giants in which Eto’o experienced the best years of his career. Throughout a 5 year spell at the Camp Nou, the 32 year old scored 129 times in 201 appearances, holding one of the best goalscoring records in the world. Eto’o scored on a number of memorable occasions for Barca as he helped them to obtain 3 La Liga titles, 3 Spanish cups and 2 Champions League titles. During the summer transfer window of 2009, Eto’o completed a switch move to Inter Milan in a deal worth 46 million euros, seeing big Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic move in the opposite direction. Signing a 5 year contract at the San Siro, the striker left for Russia just 2 seasons later, becoming the highest paid player in footballing history. Eto’o scored 36 goals in 71 appearances during his time with Anzhi which saw him available for transfer following the club’s decision to re-structure their squad due to financial reasons.

Overall, there is no doubt that Eto’o contains exceptional ability in the final third but the main question is was he a sensible buy? Certainly a player that will consume a large amount of wages should surely not be needed if the likes of Lukaku, Torres and Ba are present in the squad. However as we know, Ba has struggled to fit into Chelsea’s style of play as Torres also has yet hit top form. Eto’o will be looking to make at impact at the Bridge as the 32 year old will want to show that his ability is still present. However, will he be able to handle the pace of the Premier League at the age of 32? In all respect to Russian football the standard is on a much more average level in comparison to the Premier League as the game pace is by far the fastest in the world. An interesting signing that could suprise a few faces as Premier League spectators will be looking forward to seeing the veteran in action.

Liverpool Winger Oussama Assaidi Joins Stoke On A Season Long Loan

Assaidi joins Stoke on a season long loan after struggling to gain first team football since his move in 2012. 

Stoke City have decided to add more attacking options to their squad by signing Morrocan winger Oussama Assaidi on a season long loan from Liverpool. The 25 year old joined the club in 2012 from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar as he failed to make any sort of first team action over the past season due to impressive performances from youngster Raheem Sterling. Hughes is adamant in adding pace to his squad as saturday’s win vs Crystal Palace showed that agility on the flanks was much needed throughout the squad.

The Moroccan began his career with Dutch second division side Omniworld in which he made 36 appearances for the club before moving to De Graafschap in the Eredivisie in 2008. Assaidi made an instant impact as he was considered as one of the most brightest talents in the league as his quick feet and agility earned him a move to Heerenveen just 18 months later. Making a total of 93 appearances for the club, Assaidi netted 22 times as his form was increasing by the week, creating interest from a host of European clubs. This saw the Moroccan move to Anfield in 2012 for a fee of 2.4 million pounds as the winger struggled to make his way up the pecking order due to high competition. Assaidi only made 4 league appearances for the reds which alerted the Potters to snap up his services on a loan deal.

A player that contains extreme pace, quick feet and an eye for goal will just be what Mark Hughes is looking for as Stoke will be looking to improve as a unit. After picking up 3 points against Palace on the weekend, the Potters will be looking to improve in several areas as the Premier League new boys put in a mighty performance as they looked worthy of  a win. Overall, this is a fantastic loan signing for Stoke as he posesses the agility to get behind defenders in order to provide ariel service for big strikers Kenwyne Jones and Peter Crouch. Assaidi joins defenders Eric Pieters and Marc Muniesa to the Britannia as he looks to take a role in the starting 11.

QPR’s Mbia Joins Sevilla On A Season Long Loan

Mbia joins Spanish outfit Sevilla on a season long loan after an average spell at Loftus Road.

Cameroon powerhouse Stephane Mbia has joined Spanish outfit Sevilla on a season long loan from QPR following their relegation to the championship. The defensive midfielder agreed to a loan move out of Loftus Road as he felt that playing championship football was not in his plans as he moves to the Spain’s La Liga. Mbia experienced a medioka spell in London as he joined the R’s on a 2 year contract, possibly making a return to the club if they gain promotion back to the Premier League.

The 27 year old began his professional playing career with French outfit Rennes in which he was a product of the club’s development system, gaining his debut in 2004. During a 5 year spell with Rennes, Mbia made 105 league appearances as he grew to be one of the most impressive defensive minded midfielders in the league. 2009 saw French giants Marseille come calling for the Cameroonian’s services as he completed a 10.4 million pound switch, helping the club to become champions that same year. After a more than impressive spell with Marseille, Mbia joined QPR on a 2 year deal which saw English misfit Joey Barton move in the opposite direction. The midfielder made a more than average impact as he could not save the London club from falling back into the hands of the championship.

Overall, Mbia brings a physically strong presence in mid-park as Sevilla will be looking to exploit his natural ability. QPR will most likely not reniew the Cameroonian’s contract as he struggled to keep up with the pace of the English game as a permanent move back to France or even with Sevilla looks more than likely. QPR still look championship favourites for promotion after an impressively worked goal on the weekend sealed them with 3 points by defeating Bolton 0-1 at the Reebok. A good player who’s presence will not be missed at the club due to a lack on impact as his ability is much more suited for a slower paced game.

 

Scott Sinclair Joins West Bromwich Abion On A Season Long Loan From Manchester City

Sinclair joins the Baggies on a season long loan as he ends a poor spell at the Ettihad. 

Manchester City castaway Scott Sinclair has completed a season long loan move to West Bromwich Albion with the option of a permanent deal next summer. Sinclair has been adamant for a move out of the Ettihad as the likes of Navas, Silva and Nasri has pushed the winger way down the pecking order. Sinclair struggled to break into City’s first team squad as he managed to make only 3 starts for the club last season, making him odds on for a move out of Manchester.

Sinclair began his career with league 2 outfit Bristol Rovers in which he was developed through the club’s youth system, making his professional debut at the age of 15, being the club’s second youngest debutant. 2006 saw London big boys Chelsea come calling for the winger’s services as he was welcomed to the Bridge for a fee of 200,000 pounds. Throughout his 4 year spell at the club, Sinclair was loaned on on 6 occasions as he experienced spells at Plymouth Argyle, QPR, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic. During these 6 spells, the winger made a total of 74 appearances as he joined high flying Swansea in 2010 for a fee of 500,000 pounds. Sinclair was an instant hit as he netted 28 times in 82 league appearances, being regarded as Swansea’s most valuable player. During the final stages of last summer’s transfer window, Sinclair was tempted to a move back into England as he joined Former Premier League champions Manchester City on a 4 year deal. However, the 24 year old’s career turned sour as he was restricted to first team football due to big named players also joining the club. Sinclair only managed to clock up 15 appearances for the team as a move out of Manchester was beckoning for the winger.

Baggies boss Steve Clarke will be thrilled with this deal as Sinclair offers pace, trickory and an overall good work rate. A player who gives 100% every game will be looking to impress at the Hawthorns as their 0-1 defeat to Southampton implied that a quick wide man was needed. Sinclair should be in the starting line up for saturday’s game vs Everton as he links up with veterans Diego Lugano and Nicholas Anelka (not in the squad due to death of his agent). A player with extreme talent will be happy with this move as this move could re-kindle the winger’s form.

Puncheon Joins Palace On A Season Long Loan

Puncheon joins the Eagles on a season long loan, giving Holloway more pace and trickory upfront.

Crystal Palace have added pace to their squad by completing the deal for Southampton winger Jason Puncheon on a season long loan. Puncheon took up the option to link up with his former boss Ian Holloway as Pochettino continues to add more depth to his team, slowly pushing Puncheon down the pecking order. The pacey winger impressed last season in the Premiership as he scored several important goals, most noticeably the Saints’ 1-2 win at Stamford Bridge. Puncheon revealed to the club’s website yesterday following his move:

“I know Ollie really well. He was a massive factor in this move. He knows the league. He’s done it before and I think he will learn from his time at Blackpool and bring it into the team here.

“I actually played for Crystal Palace as a kid when I was eight. I left and there were a few times in my career that I was due to come back but didn’t. Now I’m here that’s the main thing. I’ve always as a young kid dreamed of playing at Selhurst Park, so it’s a young boy’s dream coming true.”

Puncheon began his professional career with Wimbledon in 2003, making 8 appearances before moving to rivals MK Dons just 1 year later. After 2 years at the Stadium MK, the winger experienced spells with non leaguers Lewes and Fisher Atheltic before joining Barnet in 2006. The 27 year old experienced a successful spell with Barnet as he made 78 league appearances, netting 15 times before joining Plymouth Argyle for 250,000 pounds. As he struggled to make an impact at Home Park, Puncheon re-joined MK Dons on 2 succesive season loans, making 55 league appearances.  2010 saw Southampton come calling for the winger’s services as he made a total of 81 appearanes for the Saints, netting 10 times. Puncheon also experienced several loan spells at Millwall, QPR and Blackpool are all present on the forward’s portfolio.

Overall, Jason is a fantastic loan signing for the Eagles as he offers pace, trickory and certainly an eye for goal. A player that is still in good form could provide Holloway with much more experience upfront as he ca contains good crossing ability aswell as movement. The Eagles looked like a traditional British team against Spurs on sunday as Puncheon might be able to take them a notch higher. Palace lack Premier League experience as Holoway knows that this is something Puncheon contains as he may look to bring in one more attacking option before the end of the window.