OFFICIAL: Keane Signs For Everton In Club Record £30 Million Deal
Reuters / Craig Brough
Michael Keane has signed for Everton in a £30 million deal from Burnley – becoming the most expensive player in club’s history, alongside Jordan Pickford.
Keane had been linked with a move away from Burnley for a majority of the summer so far, and while former club Manchester United initially showed an interest, Everton made a concrete offer and beat off some intense competition to win the race for his signature.
The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Toffees, and revealed his delight at signing for the Merseyside club. He spoke glowingly of Ronald Koeman, admitting that the Dutchman was a ‘big factor’ in him making the move.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be at Everton, a fantastic football club with passionate fans and a great tradition and I can’t wait to come into training tomorrow to meet all the lads,” Keane told the club’s official website.
“First and foremost, the manager was a big factor in me coming to the Club. He played in my position when he was a world-class player for a great Barcelona side and a great Dutch side and the style of football he likes to play will suit me, I believe.
“I watched a lot of Everton last season and I believe I really suit how the team likes to play. I feel like this is a great place to come and continue my development as a player.
“He’s convinced me that he can still improve me in certain areas of my game. I’m only 24 which, for a centre-half in the Premier League, is relatively young. I’ve still got a long way to go and I know this and hopefully under his guidance I’ll keep improving.
“You always want to play for a manager who believes in you. I wanted to come somewhere I was wanted by the staff, players and fans as well. I feel like Everton is the perfect match.”
Everton boss Koeman also revealed his delight at sealing a move for a player who was a top priority this summer. He said: “Michael was high among the players we wanted to bring to Everton this summer and I’m delighted he is here at the club.
“We knew there would be competition from other clubs but Michael believes in the ambition of Everton and what we want to do and this is the perfect moment for him to come.
“I believe there is much more to come from Michael and that’s what makes his signing really exciting for me – we will see his development as a player along with the progression overall within the club.
“It’s another really positive sign of the direction the club is moving in. He’s 24 years old, his best years are to come, he’s an England international, too, and I couldn’t be more pleased that he’s now a blue.”
Keane’s signing now takes Everton’s spending in this transfer window up to a mammoth £96.3 million so far, having signed the likes of Davy Klaassen, Jordan Pickford, and Sandro Ramirez.
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