Perr Schuurs joins NEC on three-year deal

NEC Nijmegen have signed defender Perr Schuurs on a three-year contract. The 26-year-old arrives on a free transfer after his contract was terminated by Torino due to a persistent knee injury. Schuurs, who previously played for Ajax and Fortuna Sittard, is currently rehabilitating and remains sidelined. NEC director of football affairs Carlos Aalbers confirmed Schuurs is eager to return but will need more time. "We give him all the time and space he needs," Aalbers said. Aalbers praised Schuurs' defensive qualities and top-level experience, highlighting his European background as valuable for the upcoming season's challenges. AC Milan have appointed Rúben Amorim as their new head coach. The 41-year-old Portuguese succeeds Massimiliano Allegri, who failed to secure a Champions League spot last season. Amorim, who previously managed Sporting Braga, Sporting CP, and Manchester United, called the Milan role a lifelong ambition. "AC Milan represents history, prestige, and extraordinary global support," he said. "I take on this challenge with pride and enthusiasm." Amorim won six trophies with Sporting, including two league titles, but was dismissed by Manchester United in January after a brief tenure. Tim Payne will join Olimpia in Paraguay after leaving Wellington Phoenix. The 32-year-old New Zealand international, who made his World Cup debut in a 2-2 draw against Iran, has signed for the Paraguayan club following a seven-year spell in the A-League. Thomas Buitink has retired from professional football at 26. The forward, who played over 100 matches for Vitesse and spent two seasons at PEC Zwolle, confirmed his decision via social media. His contract was mutually terminated. Buitink thanked supporters and teammates, stating it was a difficult but well-considered choice. He played ten official matches last season, all as a substitute. Real Madrid have extended Antonio Rüdiger's contract until the end of the 2024/25 season. The German defender, who had a expiring deal, will remain with the club. RC Lens have appointed Dino Toppmöller as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The 45-year-old replaces Pierre Sage, who left for Crystal Palace. Toppmöller, who previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt, speaks fluent French from his time in Belgium and Luxembourg. Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca praised his European experience and player development record.

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Brighton & Hove Albion have signed João Pedro Loureiro da Costa, known as Costinha, for €13 million from Olympiakos. The 26-year-old Portuguese right-back joins on a five-year deal and will team up with Dutch World Cup players Bart Verbruggen, Mats Wieffer, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Joël Veltman, who made 191 appearances for Brighton over six seasons, is now a free agent after his contract expired. Udinese have completed the permanent signing of Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray for €5 million. The 26-year-old midfielder, who previously suffered two ACL injuries at AS Roma, scored six goals and provided six assists in 34 matches last season. Mitchell van der Gaag returns to Marítimo as head coach. The Dutchman, who began his managerial career with the club in 2009/10, has managed clubs including Belenenses, NAC Breda, and Manchester United (as Erik ten Hag's assistant). Marítimo won the Portuguese second-tier title last season and will face Francesco Farioli (FC Porto) and Marco Silva (Benfica) in the top flight. Crystal Palace have appointed Pierre Sage as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The 47-year-old Frenchman arrives from RC Lens, where he won the Coupe de France and was named Ligue 1 Coach of the Year last season. Sage succeeds Oliver Glasner, who left in January. Crystal Palace finished 15th in the Premier League last season and won the FA Cup and Community Shield under Glasner. Atalanta have appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach. The 67-year-old Italian replaces Raffaele Palladino and arrives from Lazio, where he departed three weeks ago. Sarri has previously managed Napoli, Chelsea, and Juventus, winning the Europa League with Chelsea in 2019 and the Serie A title with Juventus in 2020.

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Real Madrid have signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for a reported €55 million. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back joins on a six-year deal, returning to Spain after stints at Getafe, Brighton, and Chelsea. Robert Lewandowski is in the United States to negotiate a move to Chicago Fire in MLS. The 37-year-old, now a free agent after leaving FC Barcelona, is considering a two or three-year contract. Rúben Amorim is a potential candidate to replace Danny Röhl at Rangers. The Portuguese manager, currently at AC Milan, is open to a new challenge after his tenure at Manchester United ended poorly. Derek McInnes is set to become Rangers' new head coach after leading Hearts to second place in Scotland last season. Hearts missed out on the title after a late collapse against Celtic. Ralf Rangnick has extended his contract as Austria's head coach until UEFA EURO 2028. The German, in charge since 2022, turned down an offer to become AC Milan's technical director. Austria's football association confirmed the extension ahead of their World Cup opener against Jordan. "This clarity is particularly important for the team," said Josef Pröll, supervisory board chairman. Paris Saint-Germain are targeting Ferran Torres if Bradley Barcola leaves this summer. The 26-year-old Spain international, under contract at FC Barcelona until 2027, has a history with PSG coach Luis Enrique, whose daughter was previously in a relationship with Torres. Slovan Bratislava have appointed Yaya Touré as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The former FC Barcelona and Manchester City player takes charge of Slovakia's most successful club.