1. FSV Mainz 05 have completed the signing of striker Yoshinori Muto from FC Tokyo on a four-year deal.
The Japan international, 22, bagged 13 goals in 33 games for FC Tokyo during his debut season, equaling a newcomers’ record.
Muto had previously been linked with English Premier League champions Chelsea, but the player turned down a move to Stamford Bridge due to concerns over a lack of first-team football, and rightly so.
“We have been convinced for a long time that Yoshinori Muto can have the qualities to reinforce our attack and that is why we were so insistent in our negotiations with FC Tokyo,” said Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel.
Mainz manager Martin Schmidt added: “We spent a long time watching Yoshinori Muto because we’re certain he’ll fit in at Mainz and with our style of play.
“He’s a quick, agile and technically gifted forward who can play out wide, and he’ll bring us added qualities in those positions.”
Muto will likely feature alongside compatriot Shinji Okazaki, who tallied 12 goals and three assists in 32 Bundesliga matches in 2014/15, next season.
Vietto open to Atletico move
Villarreal CF striker Luciano Vietto has revealed he would be open to joining Atletico Madrid if they meet his buy-out clause of €20 million this summer.
Vietto, who joined Villarreal from Argentine Primera División side Racing Club last summer, impressed while scoring 20 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for Villarreal this season.
Vietto’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of several top European clubs, including English Premier League side Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, whose boss Diego Simeone managed the 21-year-old at Racing Club.
“If Atletico offer €20 million I’ll talk it through with my family and agent,” Vietto told Radio Villarreal. “We’ll try and come to the best decision, but I think everybody wins if they meet my buyout clause.”
“Nothing has happened yet, they’re just rumours and my head is at Villarreal, although nobody knows what might happen in the future.
“My aim is to be here when pre-season starts.”
Now then, should Vietto, whose current contract at El Madrigal expires in the summer of 2019, stay or should he go?
Gutierrez and Taylor release by Newcastle
Newcastle United F.C. have confirmed long-time servants Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor will leave the club this summer.
Gutierrez set up Moussa Sissoko’s opening goal and then scored the Magpies’ second in the club’s 2-0 win over West Ham United on Championship Sunday, helping the club stave off the drop.
“Ryan and Jonas have both contributed significantly to Newcastle United over a number of years and on behalf of the board, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for the excellent service they have given the club,” the club’s managing director Lee Charnley said.
Newcastle are priced at 11/4 to suffer relegation to the Championship next season.
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