The summer transfer window officially opens on Monday, 15th June, but Championship clubs are already making moves. While Birmingham City remain quiet amid reports that Craig Gardner is set to leave, ambitious sides like Southampton and Burnley have secured deals. Here is the latest round-up from across the second tier.
Keeper Secured
Southampton have confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract. Peretz initially joined on loan in January and impressed during a 21-match unbeaten run, keeping eight clean sheets as the Saints reached the Championship play-off final. However, he did not feature in that final due to the club's expulsion for spying on opponents, which also ended their Premier League hopes. Peretz, who was back-up to Manuel Neuer at Bayern, also played in the FA Cup semi-finals and now commits to Southampton until at least 2030.
Peretz told the club website: "For the last few months this was my home and we had so many good times, and also some tense times, but even in the last few weeks with how we stayed together you could really feel this home environment. That was, for me, the deal-breaker. Yes, it is my dream to play in the Premier League and on the highest stages in the world, but a bigger dream for me is to be there with Southampton. I really believe that we can be there and achieve that."
Clarets Move
Relegated Burnley have bolstered their Under-21 ranks with the addition of Jiaming Zhang on a one-year deal. The 19-year-old China U20 international previously played for Chinese second-tier side Liaoning Tieren before joining Bayern Munich's World Squad Initiative a year ago. He then moved to Serbian club FK Voždovac, scoring three goals in four matches for their Under-19 side. Zhang aims to further his progress at Turf Moor.
Zhang commented: "I've played in Serbia for the last six months, and I think that playing in Europe is quite challenging. I wouldn't say I'm a traditional kind of striker. I like to be flexible and move around the pitch, coming back to help defend as well as organising the team's attacks going forwards. I spoke to the coaches when I was on trial, mainly around tactics and how the league works here. Hopefully, I can play during the pre-season period and continue to learn the game."
Hammer Time
Sheffield United are preparing for renewed interest in England Under-21 midfielder Sydie Peck, with West Ham United reportedly entering the fray. According to the Sheffield Star, the Hammers have monitored Peck since January and, should they offload Mateus Fernandes this summer, they will have funds to bid for the 21-year-old. Nottingham Forest and Brentford have also shown interest. Peck remains under contract at Bramall Lane until at least 2028, with a potential further 12-month option.
Over and Out
Sinclair Armstrong is set to leave Bristol City to join Turkish Süper Lig side Göztepe after two years at Ashton Gate. The forward scored seven goals in 83 appearances across all competitions. On his Instagram story, he wrote: "Bristol City, thank you. I want to start off by saying that I am very grateful to have played for this football club. From the first day I walked in, everyone made me feel so welcome. To the City fans, thank you for putting up with me time and time again. [I'm] very thankful for the support during the ups and downs. To everyone associated with Bristol City, thank you. I wish the club nothing but the best. #UpTheCity."
In League One
Arsenal have entered negotiations with Leicester City over teenage sensation Jeremy Monga, according to the London Evening Standard. The Gunners have had their sights set on the 16-year-old for months, with talks held between the relevant parties. Leicester dropped to League One last season. The Premier League champions are believed to have monitored the winger for a prolonged period and are now poised to make their move. Monga, who turns professional on his 17th birthday next month, became the second youngest Premier League player in history at 15 years and 271 days when he featured against Newcastle two seasons ago. He also holds the record as the youngest goal-scorer in Championship history, netting against Preston last August at 16 years and 37 days old. Manchester City and Manchester United had also shown interest, but Arsenal have now made their move.
