Everton

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed that Andre Gomes had joined Everton on a season-long loan.

The Blaugrana announced the deal on Twitter:

❗ [LATEST NEWS] Agreement with @Everton for the loan of @aftgomes https://t.co/mMgvCLX6Ig

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 9, 2018

As part of the move, the Toffees paid Barcelona €2.25 million (£2 million) for Gomes and will cover his wages.

The midfielder spent two years at the Camp Nou but struggled to replicate the strong form he had displayed with Valencia prior to the switch.

He failed to win over not only the fans in Barcelona but also manager Ernesto Valverde, who took charge last year after Luis Enrique's departure. Gomes made 31 appearances in all competitions last season but averaged just 38 minutes on the pitch per outing, starting just 12 games.

Bleacher Report's Matt Jones and the Guardian's Sid Lowe hope Gomes can rediscover his best form at Goodison Park:

Gomes was wonderful at Valencia, a midfielder able to dribble past opponents, find passes and play in different positions.

If Everton could get him and get that player back, it'd be brilliant.

Up the Barca castoff Toffees

— Matt Jones (@MattJFootball) August 8, 2018

Lots of people have sneered at Andre Gomes (or worse), but there’s a very good player in there. I hope he can prove that.

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) August 9, 2018

The 25-year-old rightfully generated a lot of buzz before his ill-fated move to Barca.

Gomes can dominate games from the centre of the park, and he will relish any freedom Everton boss Marco Silva gives him to drive the ball up the pitch.

If Everton can help him display the form he showed for Valencia, he will be an excellent acquisition. Should his struggles continue, it will have been a low-risk move for the club.

Yerry Mina has joined Everton from Barcelona for a fee of €30.25 million (£27.19 million). 

Barcelona confirmed the agreement on Thursday, noting the deal includes another €1.5 million in bonuses along with a buy-back clause.

Mina is the second defender to move to Goodison Park from Barcelona this summer after full-back Lucas Digne completed an £18 million transfer earlier in August.

Not everybody is convinced Everton made the right move. Among them, Sport and Reuters reporter Rik Sharma has expressed doubts:

Wrote profile of Yerry Mina saying he probably isn't a good signing for #mufc

Profile republished now Everton are close to signing him

Cue dozens of #efc fans shrieking about how it would never have been written if a big club were signing him

— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) August 5, 2018

Writing for the Daily Mirror, Sharma discussed how much Mina struggled in La Liga: "And when Mina did play, Barcelona tended to suffer. Their defence was tight on their title charge, conceding just 29 goals in 38 league games. Almost a quarter of those goals were spread out over just three games in which Mina was on the pitch—and he only made five league appearances in total."

Similarly, Ciaran Kelly of the Manchester Evening News was left wary by Barcelona's willingness to part company with the South American:

Jerome Boateng considered as CB alternative by United earlier this summer. Like with Yerry Mina, a little concerning Bayern are so open to getting him off books. Interesting Mourinho answered question about him pre-match. Usually refuses to talk about other teams' players. #mufc

— Ciaran Kelly (@CiaranKelly__) August 5, 2018

It's a valid point since Mina only joined Barca back in January, arriving from Palmeiras in a deal worth £10.5 million. He originally had a €100 million release fee inserted into his contract, but the Blaugrana have been content to settle for significantly less to end their association with the 23-year-old early.

The swift exit comes after Mina failed to make an impression at the Camp Nou. He made just five appearances in La Liga, but he still showed enough potential to be heavily linked with Manchester United earlier in the summer transfer window.

Everton moved quickly after United backed off, with Sport (h/t TalkSport.com's Michael Benson) first reporting the Toffees had reached a deal.

Mina may have floundered for Barca, but he did impress at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, helping Colombia reach the last 16 while proving a surprising goal threat:

1 - Yerry Mina is the first defender to score three headed goals at a single World Cup tournament since at least 1966. Hero. #COL #ENG #COLENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BD6sFwHjv1

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 3, 2018

He'll now be tasked with fortifying a leaky Everton defence and forming a useful partnership with Michael Keane as manager Marco Silva continues to reshape the squad.   

Everton secured the signing of former Shakhtar Donetsk winger Bernard on Thursday, with the Brazilian penning a four-year contract at Goodison Park.

The Toffees confirmed the capture via their Twitter account:

🇧🇷 | Bernard signs a four-year contract with the Blues!

Bem vinda, @b_10duarte!

👉 More: https://t.co/UMMPXU2WVu pic.twitter.com/MycJhWudiz

— Everton (@Everton) August 9, 2018

Bernard, 25, left Shakhtar when his contract expired at the end of 2018-19, so Everton have snapped him up for free.

Per Andy Hunter in the Guardian, they also beat a host of other European clubs to his signature as West Ham United, Chelsea, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur were all interested. 

Bernard is a 14-time Brazil international and will add even further flair to an already exciting attacking line at Everton under manager Marco Silva.

His preferred position is on the left flank, but he can also operate on the right wing or as a No. 10.

He is the second Brazilian attacker signed by Everton this summer following their £35 million capture of Richarlison on July 24.

Everton fans will doubtless be eager to see both Bernard and Richarlison in the side when the Toffees kick off their 2018-19 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.     

Everton are reportedly set to secure the signing of Barcelona defender Yerry Mina amid rumours linking the player with a move to Manchester United. 

According to Sky Sports News, the Colombia international was a target for the Red Devils, who considered him an alternative to Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, but the Toffees have moved to secure the 23-year-old's signing.

Mina appears poised to be Everton's second arrival on Thursday, the final day of the Premier League transfer window. As Sky Sports reported, Brazil international Bernard could also join the club after agreeing a move.

"The relationship between Barcelona and Everton is believed to be strong, with left-back Lucas Digne already moving to Goodison Park from the Camp Nou in this window," Sky Sports said. According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, the Toffees are also interested in a deal that would see Andre Gomes join from Barcelona.

It's been reported by Sky Sports that Mina is set to undertake a medical in Barcelona prior to moving to the Toffees.

Mina's arrival would add depth to an Everton defence that has struggled in pre-season. The club let Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams move on this summer, leaving Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane as the only fit options for Saturday's Premier League opener with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Still, Andy West of BBC Sport is still unsure about the amount of money being shelled out on the Barca man:

Looks like Yerry Mina is choosing Everton ahead of Man United. Fee around £35m, which is a sum that only an English club would even consider paying for such an unproven player (four starts for Barça, including a 5-4 loss) no matter how much potential he might have. Crazy fee.

— Andy West (@andywest01) August 8, 2018

Mina arrived at Barcelona in January, having established a reputation as one of the best defenders in Brazilian football in his time at Palmeiras. However, when he features for the Catalans during the second half of last season, he struggled.

In the 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo and the 5-4 loss to Levante, the defender's weaknesses were exposed. Mina is slow on the turn and can occasionally let his concentration waver. 

Journalist Rik Sharma is unsure about whether Mina will make the cut in the Premier League:

Wrote profile of Yerry Mina saying he probably isn't a good signing for #mufc

Profile republished now Everton are close to signing him

Cue dozens of #efc fans shrieking about how it would never have been written if a big club were signing him

— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) August 5, 2018

Still, at the FIFA World Cup, the defender was more like the player who developed a big reputation in Brazil, as he thrived alongside Davinson Sanchez for Colombia. Mina was commanding in the air, aggressive in his defensive duties and a major threat from set pieces, as OptaJavier illustrated:

3/3 - Yerry Mina 🇨🇴 is the only player to score three goals with only three attempts in a single World Cup tournament (since 1966). Premier. pic.twitter.com/dxcWORjWCH

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) August 6, 2018

Everton manager Marco Silva will be delighted to get this deal wrapped up. Mina should represent an upgrade on the defensive options in his squad.

The match against Wolves will surely come too early for the Colombian, who will need some time to get integrated into his new surroundings and familiar with team-mates. Some tweaks need to be made to his game if he's to thrive in English football, although the pedigree is there for him to push on.

Everton have reportedly won the race to sign Brazilian winger Bernard ahead of Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

According to Simon Jones of MailOnline, the 25-year-old will make the switch to Goodison Park subject to a work permit. His contract with Shakhtar Donetsk expired at the end of last season.

Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo reported that Bernard will have a medical with Everton on Tuesday:

https://twitter.com/philkecho/status/1026543113790054405

"It is considered an excellent coup for new manager Marco Silva, whose personal intervention swung the deal Everton's way," said Jones. "...Ambitious West Ham, big spenders in this window, were confident at the end of last week but they were unclear on his role in the team and have an abundance of flair attackers."

If Everton do get this deal over the line, it'd be the second major Brazilian acquisition they've brought in during this transfer window, having already landed Richarlison from Watford. According to Jones, Bernard is excited to link up with his compatriot at Goodison.

The Toffees will feel as though they've secured a major coup in Bernard, as he's excelled for Shakhtar both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League. He spent five years in Ukraine, winning three league titles; Bernard has also played 14 times for Brazil, with his last appearances for the Selecao coming four years ago.

Bernard has always been a joy to watch, as he's capable of lighting up a football pitch with a piece of skill or a change of pace. Graeme Bailey of Goal compared the playmaker to another Brazilian who thrived in the Premier League:

Everton look set to beat a host of clubs to Brazilian attacking midfielder Bernard - really like him, always reminds me of Juninho...with Yerry Mina deal close too, looks like a good end to the window for Marco Silva.

— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) August 6, 2018

While there's no doubt Everton need to improve their defensive options before the end of the transfer window, Bernard will add more ingenuity to what is shaping up to be an exciting attack under Silva.

The Brazilian duo will add flair and incision, while Theo Walcott has impressed since moving to the club from Arsenal in January, as has Cenk Tosun. Ademola Lookman is another excellent prospect who will provide competition in the wide areas.

Journalist Ell Bretland believes the arrival of Bernard may prompt a reshuffle in the final third for the Toffees:

Bernard incoming and Everton have a few decent options now.

If the deal gets done, I'd drop Sigurdsson into central midfield, playing further forward than Gueye to pull the strings, thread through balls and be the player we've needed in the centre since Arteta left. #EFC

— Ell Bretland (@EllBretland) August 6, 2018

If this one does come off, there'll be an excitement about the Brazilian. But for a player that is so slight in his build, some time may be needed to properly adjust to the physicality of English football. However, if he can adjust quickly, Everton supporters should be in for a treat.

It's a chance for Bernard to make another step forward as a footballer, too. At times some poor decision-making has prevented him from reaching the top tier of the game. But if he can smooth down some rough edges at Everton, he can be a major asset for the Merseyside club and the Premier League.

Kevin Mirallas has joined Serie A side Fiorentina on loan from Everton.

The Toffees confirmed the news via Twitter on Saturday:

↩️ | Kevin Mirallas will join Serie A side Fiorentina on a season-long loan, subject to medical.

➡️ https://t.co/lndladLecD pic.twitter.com/9t6EtYLrTK

— Everton (@Everton) August 4, 2018

Fiorentina welcomed his arrival in a statement on their website, noting they have the option to purchase the player outright.

Mirallas has been with Everton since 2012, but the Belgian's role has decreased in recent years, and he spent part of last season on loan with former club Olympiacos.

The 30-year-old was never expected to play a major role for the Toffees this year even if he had stayed, although fans noted he performed well in pre-season:

One thing to look at positive wise with this though is; Mirallas has been one of our better players throughout preseason and Silva still wants to move him on.

— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) August 2, 2018

A youth product of Standard Liege's vaunted academy, Mirallas moved to France early in his professional career before joining Everton via Olympiacos. He settled in nicely at Goodison Park and enjoyed his best Premier League season in the 2013-14 campaign, with nine goals and seven assists.

The Belgium international signed a new contract last year, but since then, the club has gone through some major changes. In Marco Silva and Marcel Brands, the Toffees have hired a new manager and director of football, and it would seem neither believes Mirallas has a place in their side.

As a mobile and versatile forward who can play in a central role or out wide, Serie A should suit Mirallas well. His profile is similar to that of former Liverpool man Suso, who has found plenty of success since moving to AC Milan.

Fiorentina relied heavily on the young duo of Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Simeone last year, and it's not a bad idea to add a more experienced option to the squad to help guide those prospects. Mirallas should be excellent as a depth option thanks to his versatility.

Cyril Thereau will likely be his main competitor for a starting position, and Mirallas will like his chances of beating the Frenchman.    

Everton have confirmed the signing of France international Lucas Digne on a five-year contract from Barcelona. 

The move was announced by the Toffees on their official Twitter account on Wednesday, with the left-back signing a contract until 2023:

🛬 | Incoming… 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/H9vI0owCRm

— Everton (@Everton) August 1, 2018

"Everton is a big club with a great history," he said in a statement on the club's official website. "I want to play games, win games and excite the fans with the quality of our football. I played good football in Rome and I played well, too, in Barcelona. I progressed a lot as a player and as a person by playing with the best players in the world."

Digne becomes the second signing made by new Everton boss Marco Silva following the arrival of Richarlison from Watford.

According to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, the Merseyside club have agreed an £18 million deal with the La Liga champions for Digne, although that may rise to £20 million due to add-ons.

The switch brings an end to two years at the Camp Nou for the 25-year-old, in which he struggled to force his way into the side at the expense of Jordi Alba. Barcelona posted the following clip of Digne reflecting on his time at the club:

🔵🔴Thanks for everything and good luck, @LucasDigne! pic.twitter.com/nQ8EM1bX2S

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 1, 2018

Previously Digne had a spell with Roma on loan having struggled to cement a first-team place at Paris Saint-Germain.

Earlier in his career he had impressed at Lille, coming through the club's academy setup and forming an exciting partnership on the left flank with Eden Hazard. WhoScored.com broke down the attributes in his game:

Lucas Digne: Statistically calculated WhoScored strengths, weaknesses and style of play

For more player stats -- https://t.co/rpsjR63c2w pic.twitter.com/j7rw8R41j4

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 21, 2018

Now the Frenchman needs some stability and regular football in order to rediscover the spark that was so evident early in his career.

Digne has the attributes to be a fine left-back for the Blues. Throughout his career he has showcased he has energy, tenacity and is intelligent enough to link up with attackers when he does overlap in the final third.

However, given he's been a fringe player at PSG and Barcelona, he hasn't had a consistent foundation upon which to showcase those talents regularly.

At Everton he will face some competition for his place in the team from veteran Leighton Baines. Ian Croll of the Liverpool Echo thinks the transfer is ideal given Baines will turn 34 in December:

Digne is the ideal left-back signing for #EFC.

Not a young understudy with potential with a view to eventually taking over from Baines.

Not an old guard defender who will slip in when Baines is injured.

Right age, right calibre. Has the quality now, when it’s needed most.

— Ian Croll (@Iancroll1) July 31, 2018

Silva can at least be content he now has two quality options in the position and will hope Digne is able to strike up an understanding with new man Richarlison down the left flank.

Digne may not be the only man to trade the Camp Nou for Goodison Park this summer either. As noted by Kirkbride, Everton are also trying to wrap up a deal for Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina.

Everton have reportedly lined up an improved contract for Jordan Pickford in order to fend off Chelsea interest in the England goalkeeper.

Chelsea are said to be considering Pickford as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois if he joins Real Madrid this summer. However, Paul Joyce of the Times wrote the Toffees will offer their No. 1 better terms "to reflect his new standing" at Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old thrived in the starting role for England as they ran to the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Russia, leading Chelsea to consider him as their heir to Courtois.

The difficulty for Chelsea is that they have yet to resolve the future of Courtois, who is still on his post-2018 FIFA World Cup holidays after starring for Belgium in Russia.

Courtois won the Golden Glove as he helped Belgium finish third at the tournament, and Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett said only when he comes back will there be any movement:

Understand #efc Jordan Pickford is #cfc first choice to replace Courtois at Stamford Bridge if, as expected, Courtois leaves for Madrid in this window. No formal approach as yet. Sarri has promised to talk to Courtois when he returns to training a week on Monday.

— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) July 27, 2018

The problem is that the Premier League transfer window closes on August 9, giving Chelsea little time to get a deal for Pickford done should Courtois leave—not to mention the fact Everton may be reluctant to sell with so little time to find a replacement of their own.

Pickford isn't likely to come cheaply, either, considering the Toffees signed him from Sunderland last summer for £30 million plus add-ons and he has four years left to run on that deal.

The 24-year-old's profile was enhanced at the World Cup, where he allayed any fears that his height—6'1" being relatively short compared to some top-class stoppers—would be an issue for the Three Lions.

In contrast, Courtois has been increasingly linked with Real after entering the final year of his Chelsea deal. The temptation may be to cash in this summer and take a higher fee, but author Mark Worrall judged the alternatives and said it would be preferable to lose the Belgian for nothing in 2019:

Honestly, given the possibility of a goalkeeping trio of Reina, Caballero & Green - I'd prefer it if Chelsea held Courtois to the last day of his contract & made him play every first team game next season. Premier League points / places gained would offset transfer fee lost.

— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) July 28, 2018

Rob Green failed to make an appearance for Huddersfield Town last season but has been brought in by Chelsea this summer, although seemingly as little more than a method of fulfilling their homegrown player quota.

Bleacher Report's Alex McGovern felt Pickford would be an acceptable replacement for Courtois given he too could count toward the homegrown quota and looked a good bet among the current market alternatives:

Quite happy with Pickford as a Courtois replacement, given the available options. English + homegrown is a plus point too.

— Alex McGovern (@AlexMcGovern11) July 27, 2018

It's unclear as to what terms Everton would be willing to offer their No. 1, but Chelsea could yet bank on their ability to trump any deal the Toffees could put in place.

For that to materialise, however, the south-west London giants must decide Courtois' status at Stamford Bridge and whether they'll require a replacement at all this summer.

Werder Bremen confirmed on Friday that they had completed the signing of Davy Klaassen from Everton.

Bremen announced the acquisition on their official Twitter account:

DONE DEAL 🤝 @DavyKlaassen has signed for #Werder from @Everton ✍️ pic.twitter.com/p6NuND9w4I

— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) July 27, 2018

According to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, the Bundesliga side paid a fee in the region of £12 million for the player.

In a statement on their official website, Bremen boss Florian Kohfeldt said he was delighted to sign the Netherlands international.

"We have found our ideal midfield player," he said. "We have been watching him closely for a long time now, and I am thrilled that we have managed to bring him here. Davy is a creative, athletic and aggressive player who is able to control the pace of the game. He will be a focal point of our team."

Klaassen leaves Everton after one year, having failed to make an impact in the Premier League. He made just three starts in English football's top flight and played a total of 251 minutes.

There was excitement at Goodison Park when Klaassen arrived from Ajax last summer as part of a significant recruitment drive. The midfielder had impressed in the UEFA Europa League for the Dutch giants in 2016-17, captaining a young side to the final of the competition.

However, the Premier League never appeared a natural fit for the midfielder. While his off-the-ball movement was astute, he was laboured in possession and struggled to deal with the physicality of English football.

As Luke O'Farrell of ESPN noted, in fairness to Klaassen, he was part of a muddled transfer strategy from the Toffees:

Klaassen the unfortunate poster boy for last summer's reckless spending. Koeman signed him then inexplicably bought two more players in his position. One of the strangest and most pointless transfers in recent years ends after just 251 minutes of Premier League football.

— Luke O'Farrell (@lukeofarrell) July 27, 2018

Although German football is also intense, the Bundesliga should be more suitable for Klaassen, and he could become an important part of the Bremen side. At Ajax, he showed he can be effective in possession and dangerous when arriving late in the box.

In the campaign before his switch to Everton, he netted 16 goals and grabbed 10 assists in all competitions.

Bremen will hope Klaassen's arrival can give them a boost for the 2018-19 campaign, as they finished in a disappointing 11th position in the Bundesliga last season.

Everton confirmed on Tuesday that they have completed the signing of Richarlison from Watford on a five-year contract.

News that the deal had been done came courtesy of the club's official Twitter account:

🌎 | From Brazil to the Blues. Introducing @Richarlison97, who joins #EFC on a five-year deal.

➡️ https://t.co/qX2Moaem9H pic.twitter.com/Y1YiYcBqAu

— Everton (@Everton) July 24, 2018

According to Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph, the transfer fee for the Brazilian youngster could reach a whopping £40 million.

The winger told Evertontv (via the club's official website) how excited he was to join:

"I want to have a lot of success with Everton. I think it is going to be important for me here to be with Marco Silva again. I will learn more because I am still learning as a player and I aim to develop and grow here.

"Everton have put their faith in me and I intend to honour this shirt and demonstrate on the pitch why I came here.

"I’ve known the manager for a while obviously, so I know how he works.

"I developed really well with him while he was with me at Watford. It was really good working with him and one day I believe he can help me to be selected for Brazil in the full national team.

"But that is for the future and my present is here with Everton. I want my dreams to become a reality here at one of the biggest clubs in England."

Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo outlined the reasons why Everton were so keen to get the Selecao youth international through the door:

https://twitter.com/philkecho/status/1020577666683088897

The move sees Richarlison reunite with manager Marco Silva, who was in charge of Watford when the club landed the forward just a year ago. The 21-year-old played his best football of the 2017-18 season under the guidance of the Portuguese, helping the Hornets get off to a fine start.

However, Watford's and Richarlison's campaign stagnated when Everton approached the club about taking Silva to Goodison Park as a replacement for the sacked Ronald Koeman. While the Hornets eventually resisted the approach, a downturn in results saw Silva relieved of his duties in January.

As noted by Dale Johnson of ESPN, after taking the Premier League by storm early in the campaign, Richarlison's form nosedived:

Everton's £50m for Richarlison gets them a player who last scored a goal for Watford on November 19, and didn't supply an assist after December 12.

This is all based on three months under Marco Silva. It's crackers.

— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) July 20, 2018

When he did play well, Richarlison looked like one of the best young players in the top flight, as he seemingly had no issue adapting his game to English football following a move from Fluminense.

He provided pace, penetration and flair on the left flank, giving opposition full-backs a torrid time. He netted five goals and grabbed four assists before the turn of the year and appeared well-suited to the high-intensity football Silva is seeking to play.

Matt Cheetham of Sky Sports noted all the statistics point towards a footballer who will improve Everton:

Richarlison faded badly, but still had more shots, created more chances from open play and dribbled past more defenders than anyone at Everton last season. Big fee, but improves attack, and would expect far more in 2nd year.

— Matt Cheetham (@Matt_Cheetham) July 20, 2018

Eyebrows will naturally be raised at the price tag, especially after Richarlison's form plummeted late in the campaign. The Toffees spent big money on a number of players last summer, and aside from the acquisition of Jordan Pickford, few of those deals really worked out; this is a gamble, with that in mind.

Still, Richarlison didn't have a summer break in 2017, is still young and made it clear he was unhappy to see Silva depart with a post on social media back in January.

There's no doubt the Brazilian has immense potential, and if harnessed correctly, he can become a wonderful player for the Toffees. Even so, given the reported fee paid for the player's services, there'll be a lot of pressure on Richarlison to shine on Merseyside.