In one of the biggest deals on deadline day, Inter Milan strengthened their midfield by signing Brazilian international Hernanes from Serie A rivals Lazio. The 28-year-old penned a contract four and half year deal with the Nerazzurri, joining the San Siro outfit for an undisclosed fee.
Speaking to the reporters, Hernanes said, “It was a difficult choice because the Lazio fans showed me they really loved me. I couldn’t sleep last night; it was a difficult day for me. I will always carry these fans in my heart. I knew they loved me, but I couldn’t imagine how much.”
The Brazilian played 156 games for Lazio in all competitions and scored 41 goals during his three-and-a-half-year stay in Rome, which yielded a Coppa Italia triumph in 2013. He has represented Brazil 23 times, notching two goals and lifting the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He is indeed a great player who is known for his cracking long ranger goals. Good business from Inter Milan.
Chelsea completed the signing of Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic midway through the January window on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The 25-year-old Serbian left Stamford Bridge for Portugal three years ago as a part of the deal to bring defender David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, and this return marks his second spell at the club.
“I am very happy for this opportunity. I just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy,” said Matic.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said: “He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder.”
Mourinho quickly identified the defensive midfielder as a key target on his return to Stamford Bridge and the club had no issue with re-signing a player they previously let go. He adds depth and quality to Chelsea’s midfield, and with Frank Lampard’s future being uncertain, Matic could become his successor.
PSG confirmed the signing of Yohan Cabaye from Newcastle towards the end of the January window. The France midfielder penned a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Parc des Princes. Cabaye is an all-round player who can shoot, pass and also defend well. He will definitely add good stability to this PSG’s midfield
The Ligue 1 champions said in a statement: “Paris St-Germain is delighted to announce the transfer of Yohan Cabaye to the capital club from Newcastle United until June 2017. He will wear the number four jersey.”
The Frenchman joined Newcastle from Lille in June 2011 and has been one of their best players since then, having scored 17 goals in 79 appearances for the North East club.
The transfer window received one of its biggest updates early in the window when Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski signed a pre-contract agreement with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. The Poland international agreed terms on a five-year deal and will join Bayern on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.
“We’re very pleased about completing this transfer,” commented Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Robert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world. He will strengthen the Bayern squad and give us another boost. We’re delighted both parties have today signed a five-year contract until 2019.”
The switch had been widely mooted for months, with the 25-year-old denying in September that he had confirmed he would definitely join Bayern. Lewandowski is said to be considering hiring personal security for the last few months of his Borussia Dortmund contract since he looks likely to face the wrath of angry fans after he agreed to join rivals Bayern. Anyway, he is one of the best strikers in the world at the moment and will strengthen Bayern further when he joins them in Summer.
Juan Mata completed his move from Chelsea to Manchester United in what was one of the most surprising transfer deals of the window and a record transfer deal for the reigning Premier League champions.
“The time has come for a new challenge,” Mata said. “I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club’s history. Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years.”
Mata, who joined Chelsea from Valencia in August 2011, had been Chelsea best player for two consecutive seasons and scored 32 goals for the Blues in more than 130 appearances. However, he failed to command a regular starting place under Jose Mourinho, who returned to Chelsea last summer for a second spell as manager. This is good move for the Spaniard as he will get more play time with Manchester United.
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