What went down on Thursday, the 29th day of this January transfer window?
[ MORE: Thursday’s transfer RUMOR roundup ]
The big capture of the day saw an Italian youngster move from one Serie A club to another, as AC Milan announced the signing of Roma forward Mattia Destro, 23, on loan until the end of the 2014-15 season. Destro scored 13 league goals in 20 appearances last season, but has struggled to secure regular first-team minutes this season, despite scoring five goals in his eight league starts. Destro’s loan agreement reportedly has an $18-million clause that allows Milan to sign the player on a permanent basis.
Juan Agudelo has officially returned to the New England Revolution and Major League Soccer, the player tweeted on Thursday. Out of contract since May 2014, Agudelo undoubtedly makes a still-intact Revolution squad heavy favorites to repeat as Eastern Conference champions.
[ MORE: All of Wednesday’s DONE DEAL transfer action ]
Elsewhere in MLS, Toronto FC have signed French midfielder Benoit Cheyrou from Ligue 1 side Marseille, where the 33-year-old has spent the last seven years. Cheyrou, who is expected to pair with Michael Bradley in the center of midfield, will join his TFC teammates in Orlando in the coming weeks.
Bundesliga side Hannover 96 announced the signing of starting Portuguese right back Joao Pereira after La Liga side Valencia agreed to terminate his contract, which had six months remaining. Pereira, 30, started all three of Portugal’s games at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Forward Peter Crouch signed a two-year contract extension with Stoke City, putting to bed ongoing speculation he could return to Queens Park Rangers under Harry Redknapp.
Crystal Palace announced the signing of free-agent forward Shola Ameobi, who spent 14 years at Newcastle United before being released at the end of the 2014 season, including the final five seasons under current Palace boss Alan Pardew.
