Koeman kicks off Everton tenure with Stekelenburg signing

Ronald Koeman has made his first signing as Everton manager, luring Dutch international shot-stopper Maarten Stekelenburg from Fulham.

The Toffees announced the move Friday on its website, with the 33-year-old joining on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

This move should provide little surprise for anyone following Koeman's managerial career arc, as the angular 'keeper and the former Southampton gaffer have enjoyed two prior spells together. The 54-time capped Oranje international played under Koeman at St. Mary's after a decade with Dutch giant Ajax, where the two won an Eredivisie title together in 2003-04.

"He [Koeman] has come to Everton and he called me a few days after asking if I was willing to follow him. It wasn’t difficult to make that choice," Stekelenburg told Everton's website.

"He’s one of the best coaches - he’s straight talking, he’s fair and he has confidence in me which counts as well," Stekelenburg added. "I’ve been here [in England] for a couple of seasons and I love the Premier League. It’s fantastic that I can stay."

Koeman, who swapped the south coast for the Merseyside in the summer, appears to share his pupils elation for the move.

"Obviously I know Maarten well having worked with him at two clubs before," Koeman continued. "I know through his professionalism, hardworking approach, and personality he will fit in well with what I will be building at Everton."

While Stekelenburg is uncertain to start - with Joel Robles slated for first-team duties - for a Toffees side desperate for a bounce back season, the move will provide some continuity for the 'keeper. His move to Fulham from Roma in 2013 was followed by mercurial loan moves to Monaco and Southampton.