Everton complete signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz
Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz.
The Ivory Coast international arrives on a five-year deal for a reported £27.5m fee and will replace Idrissa Gana Gueye at the base of Everton’s midfield following his departure to PSG.
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Gbamin moved to Mainz in 2016 from French side Lens and made 86 Bundesliga appearances for the club, scoring three times.
The 23-year-old was once thought to be a target of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, with his agent claiming the German wanted to bring him to Anfield as a centre-back.
However, it is the blue half of Merseyside where Gbamin will play his football, a prospect which he admits “excites” him.
“It’s a big moment with a lot of emotion and now it’s on me to prove on the pitch why they bought me,” Gbamin told Everton TV.
“I’m excited because Everton is a great club here in England with a big history and ambition so I didn’t think for more than a moment – I wanted to come here.
“I like to go in the duels. I like to run a lot and tackle. I also pass good and have a good transition. All the rest, the fans will see. I will give everything on the pitch.”
Gbamin is Everton’s fourth major signing of the summer alongside fellow midfielders Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph, as well as goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.
The Toffees are expected to confirm the signing of Italian striker Moise Kean from Juventus over the weekend as Marco Silva looks to build a side which can compete for European places this season.
