Archive » 2010 » February » 01

Middlesbrough have had a busy transfer deadline day, signing Scott McDonald and Lee Miller but losing Adam Johnson to Manchester City. McDonald joins from Celtic, becoming the fifth former Bhoy to reunite with his former manager Gordon Strachan at the Riverside, while Miller has made the switch from Aberdeen. Johnson has signed for City for an undisclosed fee. He said: I’ve been there [at Boro] since I was about 12 and I’ll be forever thankful to everyone there – they know who they are – who has helped me along the way and I hope they do well this season as well. Gordon Strachan was fantastic with me from day one. He understands I’m an ambitious person and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I’d like to thank him as well.”
Source: Middlesbrough FC

Middlesbrough striker Mido has joined West Ham United on loan for the rest of the season. The Egyptian striker spent the first few months of 2009/10 on loan with El Zamalek in his home country, but is now set for a return to the Premier League. He said: “I am here to play football and to prove a point, definitely. I am very happy to be here. I had to sacrifice some things but this is a great club and I am sure I will do well here, hopefully.”
Source: BBC Sport

Fulham have signed Nicky Shorey and Roma striker Stefano Okaka on loan. Both deals will end in the summer, but the Craven Cottage side have the option to make Shorey’s switch permanent and extend Okaka’s move by a year. Roma boss Claudio Ranieri said: “Stefano is a great lad. He has been at Roma for five years and I believe the experience in England could mark a turning point in his career. He can do a lot more and the Premier League will give us back a much stronger player.”
Source: BBC Sport

West Ham United have signed Benni McCarthy from Blackurn Rovers for an undisclosed fee. The South African striker has played just 16 games for the Ewood Park side this season and moves on in a bid to earn himself a place in his country’s World Cup squad. “I am very pleased and extremely happy,” he told West Ham’s official site. “This is a great club. The reason why I am happy that it has finally happened is because about five years ago I had a disappointing experience when I thought I was going to be a West Ham player until Porto pulled out and I had to go back. I would have loved this to be my first Premier League club, I went to Blackburn instead but West Ham kept on pursuing me and eventually I am here.”
Source: West Ham United

Victor Moses has joined Wigan Athletic from Crystal Palace. The Championship club entered administration last week and need to sell players to raise money. Moses, who had been linked with a number of other clubs, signs on a three-and-a-half-year deal for a fee of £2.5million. Latics manager Roberto Martinez said: “He is a special talent,” said Roberto, “You can see that straightaway. He has been a big hit for Crystal Palace, and now he has the chance to grow and mature in the Premier League.” Source: Wigan Athletic

Celtic have moved at the start of transfer deadline day for Fulham’s Diomansy Kamara and Motherwell winger Paul Slane. 29-year-old Kamara joins on loan until the end of the season, while Slane, 18, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal. Slane is a product of the Motherwell youth academy, while Kamara has previously played under Celtic boss Tony Mowbray at West Brom.
Source: BBC Sport

Celtic have signed Robbie Keane on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season. The 29-year-old has struggled to find regular first team football at White Hart Lane this season and follows Diomansy Kamara and Paul Slane in moving to Celtic Park on the final day of the transfer window. “The club is massive,” Keane said. “I am a Celtic fan and did not have to ask much about it. I always wanted to play for Celtic and it works for all parties. I did not want to come here when I was 34 and struggling. I still feel I am in my prime and hope I can help the club.” Source: BBC Sport