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Everton have made further additions to their squad after bringing in midfielder Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace for £25 million.
The 27-year-old midfielder becomes the clubs fourth major summer signing after goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, Idrissa Gueye and Ashley Williams have all joined Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park during the summer transfer window.
Bolasie will come into the Everton squad to compete with fellow midfielders Gerard Deulofeu and Aaron Lennon. He could feature for Everton for the first time against West Brom on Saturday; the side his Palace team lost 1-0 to on the opening weekend.
“I am looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt. This is a big club and I know all about it having played against over the years,” Bolasie told the official Everton website.
“For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I’ve come to Everton, the job is not done. I’ve got to work hard and feel my way. I’m ready and up for the challenge.
“The club has made good signings, players like Ashley Williams who I know well. I know that I’ve joined a club that not only has lots of quality players but one that produces lots of players, like Ross Barkley, as well. This season is going to be very interesting and I’m looking forward to being part of it here at Everton.”
The Congolese international began his football career at non-league Hillingdon Borough before turning professional at Maltese club Floriana in 2007. The midfielder returned to England in 2008, at Plymouth, before being loaned to Barnet, making his Football League debut for the club.
Bolasie ended up making 16 appearances for Plymouth before moving to Bristol City, where Crystal Palace noticed him. The 27-year-old made 143 appearances for Crystal Palace in four seasons, scoring 13 goals. He helped them win promotion to the Premier League by winning a Championship play-off final and then helped keep their Premier League status.
After signing Ashley Williams from Swansea City and now Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace Everton will be hoping to challenge for a top four place this season.
As for Palace, manager Alan Pardew will be looking for a replacement for Bolasie and the outgoing Mile Jedinak, who is set to join Aston Villa.
Pardew has indicated that he’d like to sign Liverpool striker, Christian Benteke, and is also keen to bring in Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko following their relegation to the Championship last season.
Benteke would be a good fit for Pardew, particularly as his side are short in front of goal, and Sissoko could be the like for like replacement for Bolasie following his Merseyside move.
