10 done deals you might have missed, from Ashley Barnes to Ajax’s new midfielder
The European season is coming to an end, though it isn’t over just yet, but already clubs are turning their attention to the summer transfer window.
A number of clubs have the luxury of focusing on recruitment with their European, title, promotion or relegation fates sealed. That means even now, as we edge closer to the end of May, we’re seeing a flurry of activity in the UK and across Europe.
Branco van den Boomen
Welcome back in ❌❌❌, Branco!
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 29, 2023
To: Ajax
From: Toulouse
Fee: Free transfer
This isn’t a new name for Ajax, as Branco van den Boomen spent three years with the academy and youth side in between 2011 and 2014, but it is a reunion after nine years. Van den Boomen left Ajax for FC Eindhoven in 2014 and has spent most of his career in the Netherlands, also representing Heerenveen, Willem II and De Graafschap. However, for the past three seasons Van den Boomen has been with Toulouse in France, helping them achieve promotion back to Ligue 1 with 12 goals and a league-record 21 assists in 2021/22.
Ashley Barnes
Norwich City can confirm that Ashley Barnes has signed a two-year deal with the club, effective from July 1 ?#NCFC
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) May 17, 2023
To: Norwich City
From: Burnley
Fee: Free transfer
After nine-and-a-half years, almost 300 appearances, 54 goals, three promotions, and even five appearances in the Europa League, Ashley Barnes’ time with Burnley is finally at an end. The 33-year-old striker, once thought to be on the verge of getting an international call-up from Austria, is moving to Norwich City on a free transfer, with the Canaries needing an experienced head up-front following the confirmation of Teemu Pukki’s departure.
Fran Garcia
To: Real Madrid
From: Rayo Vallecano
Fee: £4.4m
The official announcement is still to come but Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the signing of left-back Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano. “Fran Garcia is a left-back who has a lot of energy. He is very fast with the ball, and he attacks very well,” Ancelotti told reporters after Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano recently.
“He is a very good profile for Real Madrid, and next year he will be with us.”
Garcia is expected to walk into the left-back role at the Santiago Bernabeu, a position Real Madrid have struggled for numbers in this season.
Hamed Traore
Some great news ?
We’re delighted to confirm the permanent signing of Hamed Traorè from Sassuolo ✍️
— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) May 16, 2023
To: Bournemouth
From: Sassuolo
Fee: £20m
Bournemouth have announced the permanent signing of midfielder Hamed Traore from Serie A Sassuolo. The Ivorian initially joined the Cherries on loan in January and has since made seven Premier League appearances. He’s not exactly the first name on the teamsheet right now, but at 23 years old, he has time on his side and is seen as someone who can quickly develop into a key player.
Will Swan
✍️ Mansfield Town are delighted to announce the signing of striker @WillSwanx on a permanent basis from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.
? Welcome back, Swanny!#Stags ?? pic.twitter.com/z8c0KTAvLq
— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) May 17, 2023
To: Mansfield
From: Nottingham Forest
Fee: Undisclosed
Once an exciting prospect for the first team, Will Swan will permanently depart Nottingham Forest this summer. The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent loan spell in League One with Mansfield Town, scoring 10 goals in 24 league appearances, and will now join the Stags on a permanent basis.
Omar Marmoush
.@OmarMarmoush! ??
The 24-year-old attacker will join the Eagles on a free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg ahead of the 2023/24 season.#SGE | #Marmoush2027
— Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) May 15, 2023
To: Eintracht Frankfurt
From: Wolfsburg
Fee: Free transfer
After a disappointing season, Frankfurt are looking to recharge for 2023/24. The latest step in that process is the signing of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, where he scored six goals in 47 senior appearances.
Raphael Guerreiro
To: N/A
From: Borussia Dortmund
Fee: Free
As well as done deals between clubs, there have also been a number of confirmed departures in recent weeks, as players’ contracts run out without new deals being signed. One of the highest profile free agents this summer is Raphael Guerreiro, who confirmed his departure from Borussia Dortmund just days after agonisingly missing out on the Bundesliga title.
“After 7 amazing years, It’s time for me to say good bye to you all with a lot of sadness,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“The memories I made here taught me a lot on myself on the pitch but also helped me a lot knowing what i really love in football. I have always been myself while learning and improving here and I will never forget the love I got from the fans and my team mates during these 7 years. I had the chance to play with some fantastic players!
“These farewells are obviously the hardest of my career according to the thrill I took while playing in this wonderful stadium. Trust me, I will never forget the feeling to play for this club and defend BVB Colors!”
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Luka Milivojevic
A captain. A role model. A legend.
Thank you for everything, Luka ❤️?
? https://t.co/vtQlDDTbeB#CPFC pic.twitter.com/C0OahzNXnB
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 24, 2023
To: N/A
From: Crystal Palace
Fee: Free
While it feels like there was a lot of fanfare surrounding James McArthur leaving Crystal Palace, Luka Milivojevic is also making his way out of Selhurst Park after six-and-a-half years – being club captain for five of those. Only Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke have scored more Premier League goals for Palace than Milivojevic’s 28.
Troy Deeney
To: N/A
From: Birmingham City
Fee: Free
Birmingham City have announced that captain Troy Deeney is among six players that will be released this summer, despite initially being offered a new deal back in March. Deeney joined his hometown club in 2021 following a long and successful stint with Watford, and went on to score 11 goals in 54 Championship appearances.
Alongside Deeney, Harlee Dean, Maxime Colin, George Friend, Jordan Graham and Kevin Long are also departing St. Andrew’s.
Bradley Dack
Bradley Dack will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract next month.
? Everyone at #Rovers thanks @BradDacks40 for the amazing memories and incredible impact he has made both on and off the pitch during his time at Ewood Park and we wish him well for the future.
?⚪️
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) May 17, 2023
To: N/A
From: Blackburn Rovers
Fee: Free
Like Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers are also turning their attention toward clearing house for the summer. Part of that process sees longtime midfielder Bradley Dack leave upon the expiry of his contract, following 57 goals in 173 appearances since joining from Gillingham back in 2017.
