Everton Sign Gomes Permanently From Barcelona
By Max Wise
Everton have confirmed the signing of Andre Gomes from Barcelona for a fee of £22m on a five-year-deal.
Gomes spent last season on loan at Goodison Park from the Spanish champions and his impressive performances has seen Everton move swiftly to secure him on a permanent basis.
Gomes made 29 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season, scoring one goal.
West Ham United tried to snatch Gomes from the clutches of Everton but bids of £18m and £20m were rejected by Barcelona.
“I’m really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” the 25-year-old told evertontv.
“I know the Club made a massive effort to sign me and I’m very happy and thankful to them. I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me.
“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it’s even better.
“I think the ambition here is not only for me, I think it’s for all the players, the fans and the Club. We are all excited for that.”
Gomes becomes the third player Everton have signed from Barcelona in the past year following the captures of French left-back Lucas Digne and Colombian centre back Yerry Mina.
Everton manager Marco Silva expressed his delight at securing the services of Gomes, who was part of Portugal’s EURO 2016 winning squad.
"Andre was a really important player for us last season and I think we were really able to help him, too," said Silva.
"It was a good decision to bring Andre to the club and we made it one of our priorities to get him back.
"What Andre learned about the club, our fans and our vision convinced him that this is where he wants to play his football and I know he shares the big ambitions that we have going forward."
Gomes is Everton’s second signing of the transfer window after goalkeeper Jonas Lossl joined from relegated Huddersfield Town on a free transfer.
