Category Archives: TRANSFERS

Sunderland chase Celtic defender

July 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

According to today’s Daily Record, the latest Dutchman to be linked to the Premier League currently plies his trade in Scotland in the heart of Glasgow Celtic’s defence. 23-year-old Virgil van Dijk has been scouted by Sunderland ahead of a possible bid that would probably need to far exceed the £2.6 million that his current team paid FC Groningen for his services.

In his first season at Parkhead, he won the Player of the Year award and has impressed largely since his summer move last year. Swansea were previously linked to the big centre-half, but were scared off by his hefty price tag placed on him by Celtic, who are in no hurry to sell the constantly improving defender.

After a deal for Ashley Williams fell through, the Black Cats manager Gus Poyet seems keen on van Dijk to fill a void left by the release of Carlos Cueller and Andrea Dossena in their defense. The aging Wes Brown and John O’Shea are currently holding down the fort but a young aggressive defender who can score goals would be perfect for a team in transition and Gus Poyet seems keen to make that happen if his recent scouting is anything to go by.

Van Dijk began his career at FC Groningen where he appeared 62 times scoring seven times, and moved to Glasgow in 2013 where he appeared for Celtic 36 times scoring five times.

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Dutch keeper joins Tottenham Hotspur

July 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Dutch international shotstopper, Michel Vorm, is on the verge of being announced as a new player of Tottenham Hotspur. The move which comes as somewhat of a surprise given Hugo Lloris’ presence in Spurs’ squad, means Vorm will be given the chance to compete for a place against French international, Lloris.

No fee has been mentioned, but Vorm himself has spoken of his excitement at such an opportunity. The London-based club are set to compete in the Europa League next year, and Vorm expects to be given game time based on the hectic nature of their schedule next season.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Vorm said “Every club has two top goalkeepers in their squad,” which might suggest he is happy to be second choice but continued, “It suits the club’s philosophy that there are two of us with Hugo and me. Especially when we see that Tottenham is active in a lot of competitions.”

Vorm clearly believes in his own ability to make an impact and capitalise on any chance that he is given with the first squad. Vorm was the third choice goalkeeper for a Netherlands’ squad that made it to the semi-final of the World Cup, but only featured a few seconds of play in the Third/Fourth place playoff during the competition.

Spurs’ and Vorm’s former club, Swansea, are currently swapping players at quite a rate. Icelandic forward Gylfi Sigurdsson is set to move back to Swansea, and Ben Davies has already signed for Spurs’, and joined them in Toronto on their preseason tour, from the Welsh club. Vorm is the latest transfer between the clubs.

Vorm turns 31 in October and began his career at FC Utrecht, amassing 157 appearances for the club before moving to Swansea City during the summer of 2011 and spending the last three years as the Swans number one.

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Feyenoord want Man City striker

July 22, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

John Guidetti is a strong candidate to replace Graziano Pellè at Feyenoord. After Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost has laughed off reports that he return to the Eredivisie, the Rotterdam club’s sporting director Martin van Geel has stated Guidetti is on the list to replace the Italian.

Talking to RTV Rijmond, Van Geel spoke highly of the young Swedish striker, “The name of John Guidetti will always be remembered by our supporters. John has become this legend since the season he was here, he was incredible. He’s always in our thoughts and he ticks all the boxes for us. We will make our best move for him. Preferably as soon as possible”

Guidetti has struggled at the other clubs he went on loan to, but took to the Eredivisie like a fish to water, scoring 20 goals in 23 games for Feyenoord during the 2011-2012. Ronald Koeman, who was manager of Feyenoord during Guidetti’s loan spell, might be interested in bringing him to his new club, Southampton, as a replacement for the departed Rickie Lambert. It was Sven Goran Eriksson who spotted the youngster and brought him to Manchester.

However, it hasn’t all been upward trending for the young Swede. In 2012, Guidetti ate an infected piece of chicken, lost the feeling in one of his legs and lost an entire season due to the mishap. He has returned with a point to prove and at the age of 22, it could be time for the striker to get a fairer share of first team football. With Manchester City’s striking options, it appears unlikely he will be given these chances in the Premier League.

If he were to return to Feyenoord, it would be to warm welcome from the fans. We’re quite sure that he would welcome them back into his life, also.

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PSV interests Belgium hardman Steven Defour

July 22, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

If PSV and FC Porto can agree a transfer fee, Steven Arnold Defour could be on the verge of joining the Eindhoven club after 3 years with the Portuguese giants. Defour’s agent Paul Stefani was originally quoted as saying “PSV are a big club and would certainly be of interest to Steve”. He is now saying that Defour has an agreement in principal with PSV but that it also depends on whether Porto allow him to leave.

Porto are certainly not lacking in midfield with players such as Hector Herrera, Josue and Juan Quintero already there and both Casemiro and Oliver Torres joining this summer on loan. Presumably as one of the more senior players at 26, Defour is likely to be on higher wages than most at the club so Porto will probably allow him to leave. PSV will bring him in to provide cover in midfield after Park Ji-Sung retired and Bryan Ruiz returned to Fulham. Also after having such a good World Cup, Georginio Wijnaldum could be a target for one or two European clubs.

Defour was born in Mechelen, Belgium and played youth football for KV Mechelen, before moving to KRC Genk in 2004. At the age of just 17 he became first choice for Genk in the 2005-06 campaign and finished it with 26 games and 1 goal. That season Genk failed to reach European football and this made Defour try and force a move to Ajax. Genk refused because the Dutch club had approached the player without the club’s permission, forcing Ajax to pull out. Defour threatened to leave over this but Ajax were no longer interested and Defour ended up signing for Standard Liege for a much reduced fee.

In his 2^nd year at Standard he was named Captain at just 19 and won the Belgian Golden Shoe (Domestic Player of the Year) for helping his team to the domestic title for the first time in 25 years. During his time at Standard he was linked with quite a few big European clubs, including Manchester United after Defour received a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson wishing him well after Defour broke his foot in 2009.

In the summer of 2011 he signed for FC Porto for €6 million, signing a five-year contract. In his first year he made 37 appearances and scored 2 goals helping Porto to the league title. Last season he wasn’t as vital in Porto’s midfield as he had been in previous years, making only 16 appearances and scoring no goals, which is probably why he is linked with a move away.

Steven Defour is an accomplished central midfielder, who has good vision as well as being a tough tackler; he will add some bite and drive to the PSV midfield, which already contains the likes of Maher and Wijnaldum. If PSV can sign him and keep Wijnaldum then they will surely challenge for the Eredivisie title this year because they will have signed a player coming into his prime and already a proven winner.

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Feyenoord reject bid for Man Utd target

July 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Feyenoord have rejected a €6m bid for defender Stefan de Vrij from Serie A side Lazio and it now appears that Louis van Gaal may be in the driving seat to take the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Eredivisie giants want around €12m and Feyenoord sporting director Martin van Geel has spoke to RTV Rijnmond and stated if the club received an acceptable offer than they would not stand in the player’s way if he wished to depart the Rotterdam club.

“It’s logical for him to leave but it has to be for the right club for Stefan at the right price,” Van Geel said. “I am happy that we did not accept Lazio’s offer as it was too low. A second higher offer has not been received as of yet.”

Sources in Italy suggest that Lazio are thought to be lining up a counter-bid, however, it is unlikely to be near the €12m figure that the Rotterdam side value him at.

Van Geel continued: “Until a sufficient offer has been received then Stefan will be a Feyenoord player after he returns from his leave after the World Cup.”

New Manchester United boss Van Gaal led De Vrij and his Oranje team-mates to third place in the World Cup this summer and now beginning life at Old Trafford has led to many stories linking members of the impressive Dutch squad to a move to Manchester.

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Bakkali offer accepted but Liverpool still in the hunt

July 21, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

UPDATED 21st July 2014 – 19:10

PSV Eindhoven contract rebel Zakaria Bakkali is wishing to move to the Premier League with Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers in an €8m deal. Although, reports tonight coming out of Holland suggest that PSV have agreed a fee with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The young highly-rated Belgian winger has rejected PSV’s approaches with a new five-year contract due to the Eindhoven club unable to guarantee the 18-year-old first team football. Even though PSV technical director Martin Brands and head coach Philip Cocu highly-rate Bakkali, the emergence of Memphis Depay and Luciano Narsingh have made sure that the youngster is sitting on the bench.

By rejecting PSV’s offers, the club has saw this as a slap in the face and are looking to cash in on Bakkal, less than week after sending the player to train with the Jong PSV squad. At only €8m, Bakkali could prove to be a real snip for Liverpool, but he may well be spending time on the sidelines at Anfield also. England international Raheem Sterling has cemented his role on the right-wing after a tremendous season last campaign at only 19 years old and has no signs of letting up.

Bakkali himself burst on the season last year with a great start in a 5-0 win against NEC Nijmegen on 11th August 2013. At 17 years and 196 days, he became the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score a hat-trick.

Even with his great feats in the Eredivisie last season, PSV are set to ditch him due to his attitude regarding his future. Although he shows great ambitions, the youngster could find himself kicking up a storm in Liverpool within a few months. This is something that Brendan Rodgers will have to take into hand before signing the prospect to a deal.

Indeed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt has been agreed, however, it is understood that Bakkali is holding off for a better offer. Could that be the mighty Reds?

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FEATURE, TRANSFERS

Western Sydney Wanderers ready to top with Castelen

July 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Western Sydney Wanderers have enjoyed a charmed life in the A-League since their inception two years ago with successive second place finishes. This meteoric rise from nothing to powerhouses of the Australian football scene was in part down to the recruitment of an astute young manager, Tony Popovic but also a playing roster that had excellent balance and experience.

However, since the end of last season, the Wanderers have lost key components of their team with the likes of Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy, Youssouf Hersi and Jerome Polenz all departing for pastures new.

Popovic himself was rumoured to be leaving to seek a new challenge but instead has stayed on and clearly the challenge of rebuilding this successful side is one that appeals to him. So all eyes were then on his player recruitment and the early signings of Dean Bouzanis and the Brazilian Vitor Saba from Brescia were steps in the right direction. The announcement this week of the signing of former Dutch international Romeo Castelen has really set tongues wagging and the Wanderers firmly believe that they’ve picked up a potential star.

Castelen was released by the relegated Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk at the end of last season and despite some good offers to stay in Europe, has decided to try a new adventure Down Under. The diminutive right winger has been capped 10 times for Oranje and a lot is riding on him to be the creative force in the team that Hersi was over the past 2 seasons. Castelen certainly has the pedigree to not only match, but eclipse Hersi’s stellar spell in the red and black jersey. Castelen, who was born in Suriname, started his career with ADO Den Haag and after 3 productive seasons with them joined Feyenoord. It was here that he established his career and earned his International Caps but his time at the club was cut short by injuries. Castelen moved over the border to Hamburg but failed to reach his previous highs and only played 17 first team games in 4 seasons.

Castelen took a sabbatical after his Hamburg contract expired and after a year out of the game signed on for Russian outfit Volga Nizhny Novgorod, but again injuries cursed him and he was released after only playing 2 games in his first season. RKC then offered him a lifeline and seemingly with his injuries behind him was a star performer in an otherwise disappointing season that ended in relegation. Castelen ended up playing 29 games and scoring 6 times and this form is what has pricked the attention of Popovic and in fact it was Popovic himself who’s words of inspiration convinced Castelen to make the move to Sydney.

Much will be expected of Castelen in Wanderers colours as they seek to try and better the runner-up slot and go one better. If he can produce the form from his early Feyenoord days and last season with RKC then the Wanderers will have one of the most exciting players in the league on their books. Let’s hope for Castelen, the Wanderers and the A-League that his injuries are behind him and he enjoys his time in Australia.

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Redknapp keen as QPR look to Van der Vaart

July 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

QPR have been linked with a move for Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart. The R’s manager, Harry Redknapp, coached the Dutch man during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and would like to rekindle the partnership as Redknapp aims to keep his team in the top flight following a successful campaign last year that resulted in promotion.

Redknapp has spoken about the London-based clubs need for six signings during the current transfer window, and the manager at Loftus Road has a history of signing players that previously worked with him – this theory only strengthened by the signing of former West Ham player Rio Ferdinand just last week.

Van der Vaart, signed with Hamburg in the Bundesliga, following a two year stint with Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of Redknapp. There were tumultuous spells between the manager and the midfielder when the latter complained publicly about being made play on the right wing. Redknapp responded by dropping the former Dutch international and claiming that van der Vaart needed to concentrate on his fitness.

It is unknown how much Hamburg would try to extrapolate from the sale of their club captain, who has appeared for the club 172 during two spells with the club. The 31-year-old cost €13 million when purchased in 2012, but given his age and the fact that Hamburg struggled desperately last year might mean that they are willing to move in another direction. The former Dutch international has one year left to run on his contract.

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Chelsea set to loan out another to Vitesse

July 20, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

Colombian striker Joao Rodriguez is set to become the third player currently on loan from Chelsea at Vitesse Arnhem, according to multiple reports.

The striker joined the club in 2012 after a successful trial as an Under-16 and would join up with Blues’ teammates Wallace and Bertrand Traore in the Eredivisie if the deal to Vitesse Arnhem goes through.

The issue that arose from Rodriguez’ transfer to Chelsea, and the reason why he hasn’t joined up with the squad is due to the fact that he can not obtain an English work permit. This is the reason he was sent back to Deportes Quindio after his initial signing, and the reason why he will likely be loaned out to the Eredivisie club, where a work permit might be more accessible.

Vitesse Arnhem have lost three Chelsea players from last season including Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu, Patrick van Aanholt and Lucas Piazon but will benefit from the additions of Wallace and ongoing loan deal involving Traore.

The partnership between Chelsea and Vitesse Arnhem appears to be growing stronger and stronger.

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Stefan De Vrij – A bright future ahead

July 19, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

As of the 19th of July it seems almost certain that Stefan de Vrij will become the latest player to leave Feyenoord this summer, after Graziano Pelle, Daryl Janmaat and Bruno Martins Indi. He has been strongly linked with a move to Lazio of Serie A and the latest info seems to be that the Rome club have bid €7m for the 22-year old while Feyenoord are holding out for a figure closer to €9m.

This disagreement in transfer could leave a small gap for another club, such as Manchester United, to swoop in and sign the player, but this is unlikely because reports are saying de Vrij is keen on Lazio. Stefan de Vrij missed only 2 games in the Eredivisie last season and contributed 4 goals which helped his side to finish 2^nd and earn a Champions League qualifying spot. However it now appears that de Vrij will join the growing list of names in Feyenoord’s ‘talent drain’.

De Vrij was born in Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, a small village in the province of South Holland. He is the son of Jan de Vrij who played for local team vv Spirit. When he was 10 years old he was talent spotted by Feyenoord as a midfielder and was later turned into a defender. He developed rapidly and in July 2009 he signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord. In 2012 he replaced Ron Vlaar as the captain but was stripped of the captaincy last season after a poor run of form.

The Oranje international has now made 19 appearances for the national side; with his only international goal coming at the 2014 World Cup in the infamous 5-1 win against then World Champions Spain. Together with former club teammates ‘Concrete Ron’ Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi he formed a rock solid partnership that conceded only 4 goals in 7 games at this World Cup, which is the same as World Champions Germany.

Overall he is an accomplished centre-back who is comfortable on the ball, very strong and is good in the air both attacking and defending. Whatever club he goes to, Lazio or somewhere else, as long as he gets significant game time then he certainly has a bright future. It looks like the only way is up for another Feyenoord youth product.

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QPR target Sigthórsson is “close to transfer”

July 18, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Kolbeinn Sigthórsson is leaving Eredivisie champions Ajax after having spent three seasons in Amsterdam. Head coach Frank de Boer earlier today stated that “Sigthórsson is close to transfer” and is set to leave to Amsterdam club writes Alex Pieter.

He is set to join English side Queens Park Rangers for a reported fee of £5m. The striker duties in Amsterdam are now the responsibility of new signings Arkadiusz Milik and Ricardo Zivkovic.

Sigthórsson’s time in Amsterdam can best be described as tumultuous. The Icelander never really developed into the player Ajax hoped he would when they bought him from AZ Alkmaar in 2011 for €4.5m. A large part of this was due to Sigthórsson’s inability to stay healthy. He suffered a series of injuries while at Ajax and was rarely in peak fitness or form. When he was, he showed brief flashes of his true potential. However, Sigthórsson did have a knack for scoring important goals for Ajax. This past season he managed 10 goals in 30 league appearances and many of those coming at vital times.

Sigthórsson’s biggest problem in Amsterdam was that he never had the attributes of a classic Ajax number nine. Sigthórsson is at his best when he is receiving a steady diet of crosses, something Ajax, traditionally, is not keen on doing.

For one, Sigthórsson struggles to create for himself and often needs his chances served to him on a silver platter in order to deliver. He is very average on the ball and lacks pace, which can be attributed to his long injury history, particularly his fractured ankle in the 2011-2012 season.

Frank de Boer tried him on the wing this year with very limited success, so versatility is another issue for Sigthórsson, as he is best as a lone or paired striker. His finishing is very inconsistent, something that must improve if he is to succeed at QPR.

Sigthórsson also has a bit of a “clutch factor” about him. It seemed this past year when Ajax was truly in need of a goal Sigthórsson was someone they could turn to, and many times he delivered. For example, he scored a huge goal in de Klassieker against Feyenoord which levelled the score 1-1, Ajax would go on to win 2-1. Another example is when he scored the lone goal in the first match back from the winter pause, to give Ajax an important three points against PSV.

For all of Sigthórsson’s shortcomings, he is still a very solid player. It may be that the Icelandic international just needs a change of scenery and a club that plays a style for suited to his strengths. A capable passer, Sigthórsson is also a physical attacker, standing at 6’3 he is a force to be reckoned with through the air.

If he is able to stay healthy, get quality service and fit into the QPR system he could end up being a very solid investment for the Premier League club.

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Defender tells Chelsea he’s leaving

July 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Chelsea defender Patrick van Aanholt has told reporters that his future does not lay at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old was quick to respond to the question, “Where will you be next season?” with a definitive, “It definitely won’t be Chelsea, I am done here.”

Since joining the Blues in 2007, the Dutch international has had loan spells at Newcastle, Leicester, Coventry, Wigan, and a more significant loan spell of two and a half years at Vitesse Arnhem. The agreement between the Dutch club and the London-based club has come to an end and van Aanholt says he needs to be playing more regular first team footbal at his parent club, so a move is on the cards.

Ashley Cole has just left Chelsea, and a deal for Luis Filipe appears imminent, which leave van Aanholt firmly in the cold. The defender is also aware that a move back to the Premier League is not an option at the moment, and may chose to go back to the Netherlands in order to rebuild his career following some very inconsistent years between clubs.

Despite becoming a mainstay in the Vitesse ranks, and appearing 67 times for the club, he has not been given any hope by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that he is needed or wanted by the club. Van Aanholt is your typical Dutch left wing back and with the trend pointing towards attacking wing-backs and hybrid players on the flanks, van Aanholt could certainly be an interesting purchase if he hits the market.

He has one year to go on his Chelsea contract, and the Stamford Bridge men may want to get back some of the money they have invested in the young defender before giving him the chance of leaving on a free next summer.

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Kasper Kusk: Twente sign Tadic replacement

July 15, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

FC Twente finally announced the signing of highly-rated Danish midfielder Kasper Kusk from AaB Aalborg today.

The 22-year-old Denmark international has possibly the hardest task of all in the Eredivisie next season… replacing Twente’s player of the season last campaign, Dušan Tadić, who joined Premier League side Southampton last week.

Kusk arrives in Enschede after nine years in Aalborg and four seasons as a first-team regular. The young Dane played 80 times for the Superligaen side and notched 20 goals.

He plays his best football on the right wing but is also comfortable on the other flank, however he has been known to play as a striker and attacking midfielder too, due to his great finishing.

He is technically gifted with great passing and quick legs and also a bit of a free-kick specialist, so his has all the attributes to potentially be as good as Tadić was over the last two seasons for Twente.

Negatively, he can be sluggish if things are not going well for him but all in all he is a great player and no doubt the Eredivisie will improve him as a player too.

Thanks to @MichaelSoegaard and @__zoen for their insight – follow them on Twitter.

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