News Archive

Latest transfers

With the first division season finishing early for the World Cup, the transfer market is already starting to move. Clubs usually get their new managers on board first, but this season it seems that most are going to keep the ones they have. That is not the case for Real Madrid though despite a record 96 points, and Pellegrini is paying for the lack of trophies with his job. The new man at the Bernabeu is almost certainly going to be Inter Milan coach José Mourinho, and both sides are just waiting for the Champions League final to be over to tie up the deal. Mallorca boss Gregorio Manzano is almost certain to move on as well as the cash-strapped club can't pay him what he wants, and he could take over from Quique at Atlético if they can't agree terms for his renewal.

Of the three teams who were relegated, Tenerife have already said they will be letting go of José Luis Oltra, even though they haven't named a replacement as yet. Javier Clemente wants to stay on at Valladolid if they can reach an agreement, but Gorosito is unlikely to remain at Xerez, especially as the club only have Mario Bermejo and Mendoza left on their books after the contracts of all the rest of the squad have ended!

Some transfers are already taking place as well, the biggest by far to date being that of David Villa for Barcelona. A fee of €40 million plus objectives has been agreed for a four year deal, although half of that will be going to pay back a finance company. Outgoing president Joan Laporta also wants to tie up Cesc Fábregas before his term of office ends, but with club elections and the World Cup coming up, time is running out. Valencia themselves have already signed up three new players, Mehmet Topal, Ricardo Costa and Sofiane Feghouli, although none of those are attacking players, and Getafe's Soldado is their current target for the centre forward spot. Elsewhere Sporting Gijón have already taken on three new players, the latest being Glasgow Rangers striker Nacho Novo, and Racing Santander have signed full backs Francis (Xerez) and Cisma (Almería). Still a very long way to go though before the transfer window closes at the end of August. Watch this space from now on for all the news! (22.05.10)

Player (Country)	Current club	New club	Position/Comments
David Villa	Valencia	Barcelona	FW First major signing of the season. Signs 4 year deal, for reported fee of €40 million plus objectives. 30,000 fans at presentation!
Mourinho (POR)	Inter Milan (ITA)	Real Madrid	MG Not quite a done deal until CL final over, but Madrid want Mou and Mou wants Madrid, so surely will agree terms?
Canales	Racing Santander	Real Madrid	MF Youngster had already signed a few months ago, but has been playing on loan for Racing. Mou will decide if he will join first team squad or be loaned out .
Ricardo Costa (POR)	Wolfsburg / Lille	Valencia	DF Experienced defender was on loan in France last year. Signs 4 year contract at Mestalla.
Mehmet Topal (TKY)	Galatasaray (TKY)	Valencia	MF Signed midfielder on 4 year contract, presumably to replace Baraja, who will be leaving this summer.
Feghouli (FRA)	Grenoble (FRA)	Valencia	MF Algerian born French under 21 international joins on four year contract.
Nacho Novo	Rangers (SCO)	Sporting Gijón	FW Prodigal son returning to Spain after 9 successful seasons "Up North". Signs 2 year deal.
Gastón Sangoy (ARG)	Apollon (CYP)	Sporting Gijón	FW Have signed forward on 4 year deal from Limassol club. Was once on trial at Córdoba.
Ayoze	Tenerife	Sporting Gijón	MF Out of contract at Canary Islanders, and with club relegated has decided to move on.
Francis	Xerez	Racing Santander	DF Out of contract at Xerez and will be staying in top flight after signing four year contract.
Cisma	Almería	Racing Santander	DF Has had good season with Lillo, but decides to move on. Signs 4 year deal at Sardinero.
Soriano	Almería	Osasuna	MF Ex Zaragoza midfielder out of contract and signs two year deal, with option for one more.