Everton on Thursday night confirmed the signing of Davy Klaassen from Ajax.
The Toffees have been linked with a move for the Ajax captain for some time now, with manager Ronald Koeman a huge admirer of his compatriot.
Earlier in the day, Everton announced the arrival of Jordan Pickford from Sunderland, with Klaassen the club’s second signing of the summer.
“Davy Klaassen completed a €27m move to Everton from Ajax and revealed how speaking to Ronald Koeman about the Club immediately left him with ‘a positive feeling’,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The 24-year-old Netherlands international, an attacking midfielder, has signed a five-year contract with the Blues to June 2022.
“He becomes Everton’s second summer signing, following the arrival of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from Sunderland for a Club-record fee earlier on Thursday.
“After making his debut for Ajax as an 18-year-old in 2011, Klaassen, a product of the Dutch club’s famed academy, went on to score 49 goals in 163 first-team appearances, spending his final two seasons at the Amsterdam Arena as captain.
“He also helped the Dutch giants reach the final of the Europa League in Stockholm in May, where they lost to Manchester United.
“Internationally, Klaassen has represented the Netherlands on 14 occasions since being handed his debut in a friendly against France in 2014, netting four goals.”
On the deal, Klaassen said: “I’ve walked around the training ground and talked with a few people and it feels good.
“I spoke a few weeks ago with Ronald Koeman about Everton. I wanted to come here and check if this was the right club for me and since I came here I feel so happy. It’s a great club.
“The moment that I spoke with the manager directly I got a good feeling. He’s an honest guy, we talked about the Club, about the way he wants to play and that gave me a positive feeling.
“I talked to him about the Club and everything we want to achieve and he was really positive. It’s difficult to leave Ajax but I think this is a good step for me now and I’m really looking forward to my time here.”
Koeman added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Davy to Everton.
“He’s a player who is only 24 but has a lot of experience and is a leader on the pitch. He has already captained Ajax for two seasons and that shows you the type of person he is.
“He is hardworking, likes to press and, of course, will give us more creativity and goals.
“It is another major signing for Everton Football Club and I am really happy we have been able to complete the deal so early in the summer.”
