While some are coming to the sharp end of their seasons, with MLS and Scandinavian campaigns running through the English summer, a total of six players have signed temporary deals in recent weeks for new clubs – with the potential for more in the coming weeks and months.
We start the other side of the Atlantic, where EDS left back Angelino has joined City teammate Shay Facey in pulling on the shirt of our sister club, New York City.
Facey had his loan extended in June and both are due to remain in the Big Apple until the conclusion of the MLS season. The duo both played 90 minutes in the local derby with New York Red Bulls, but sadly could not prevent a 2-0 loss at the Red Bull Arena.
Former Blue Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the opener while brother Shaun was also involved.
Angelino made an impact at both ends, first creating an excellent chance for NYCFC to score in the first half by sprinting down the left side to receive the ball and deliver a perfect cross for Mix Diskerud – but his powerful volley was too close to the gloves of the Red Bulls keeper.
He was also crucial in keeping the deficit at one by denying Shaun Wright-Phillips, only to see the opposition double their lead just two minutes later.
NYCFC are next in action on Thursday against DC United.
Speaking after the game, Shay Facey told NYCFC.com: “We had a few strong spells attacking and going forward.
“We created quite a few chances, but couldn’t put them away and they came back to bite us in the end. That’s the way it goes sometimes.
“We have got to get over the defeat and pick ourselves up as soon as possible. DC are a strong team, high up in the standings. We have to get the mind right and the body right, and it is a must win game for us at Yankee Stadium on Thursday.”
Seko Fofana has signed a season-long loan deal at Ligue 1 side Bastia and made his debut against Rennes at the weekend. His side managed to see out a 2-1 victory despite going down to ten men.
The Frenchman had a promising bow, looking composed in possession and always aiming to drive forward from midfield.
Elsewhere and Turkish striker Enes Unal came on for the last 20 minutes of Genk’s stalemate with Zulte Waregem.
The youngster came close to scoring in the last minute but could not quite convert from the cross. Afterwards, the side’s captain had some praise for Enes, declaring that he will bring value to the club going forward.
Stevan Jovetic marked his first start for Inter Milan in some style, scoring both goals as Inter overcame Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in a friendly.
He said: “I have come here for that [to score goals], I have scored twice and I want to do even better.
“There are two weeks until the start of the season and I hope to feel better and better. I know my team-mates and hopefully we carry on like this.”
Another waiting for Serie A to kick off is Olivier Ntcham, who is spending the season with Genoa.
“The first days here went by very quickly. Everybody welcomed me really well,” he declared.
“Here in Genoa I hope to improve greatly from a technical and tactical point of view.
“I know about Gasperini’s skill. He’ll prepare me in the best way for a championship as difficult as Serie A.”
In the Netherlands, Jack Byrne continues recovery from a minor injury sustained playing pre-season for his loan side, SC Cambuur.
He may not have played a competitive minute for the club as yet, but he’s already a hit with the fans.
Very nice to see how @Jackb_8 treats the fans Thanks for that. I hope your recovery goes well! #cambuur #leeuwarden #scc
— Dunc. (@dunc058) August 2, 2015
It was a bad week for Divine Naah, who was sent off after 30 minutes of NAC Breda’s opening weekend 4-1 defeat to Volendam in the Eerste Divisie. The Dutch side are aiming to return to the country’s top division at the first time of asking.
Meanwhile, Godsway Donyoh was an unused sub in Falkenberg’s 3-2 defeat that leaves them hovering above the relegation places, while Bismark Boateng was forced to sit out Stromsgodset’s 2-0 loss to Stabaek while he serves the final game of a red card suspension.
