Last-16 contenders make final squad changes
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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Yohan Cabaye, Michael Essien and Kim Källström are among the players to have been newly registered by this season's UEFA Champions League round of 16 contenders.
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The UEFA Champions League round of 16 contenders have finalised their squad changes for the knockout phase.
Under Article 18(18–21) of the competition's official regulations, clubs are allowed to register up to three new players by 1 February, one of whom can have been fielded in a UEFA club competition group stage match for another side in the current season provided he has not played in the UEFA Champions League. Clubs may not exceed the maximum of 25 A-list players and must also keep to the quota of locally trained players (as per Annex VIII).
One of the most eye-catching reinforcements of the transfer window was Yohan Cabaye, a reported €23m acquisition for Paris Saint-Germain. The France midfielder goes straight into the Ligue 1 leaders' UEFA Champions League squad, having not featured in Europe's premier club competition since February 2007, when he was at LOSC Lille.
Also coming into the fold are the likes of Kim Källström – on loan at Arsenal FC – and Michael Essien, who last month swapped Chelsea FC for AC Milan on a free transfer. Fellow new arrivals at San Siro, Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt, also go directly into Clarence Seedorf's new-look set-up.
Up against Milan in the last 16 are a Club Atlético de Madrid team buoyed by the re-signing of Brazilian midfielder Diego, who has been added to Diego Simeone's squad. Darren Fletcher, meanwhile, is back in contention at Manchester United FC having been overlooked for David Moyes's initial party due to long-term illness.
The list of newly registered players is here and also to the right under 'related items'.
