Everton secures €27M move for Klaassen from Ajax
Everton had itself a busy day in the transfer market.
Hours after making a club-record £25-million move for Sunderland shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, the Toffees bolstered their midfield with the addition of Davy Klaassen from Ajax.
Ronald Koeman's lot announced the move with a statement on its website Thursday, adding that Klaassen, 24, will make the Goodison Park pilgrimage on a five-year deal for a €27-million fee.
"I've walked around the training ground and talked with a few people and it feels good," Klaassen told evertontv.
"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."
💪 | Welcome aboard, @DavyKlaassen! The attacking midfielder has completed a €27m move from @AFCAjax: https://t.co/PF7JA4TNzp pic.twitter.com/vvKlukR2c4
— Everton (@Everton) June 15, 2017
After a breakthrough 2013-14 campaign with Ajax, Klaassen went on to become one of the Amsterdam giant's most influential pieces in a central midfield role. Over the last two seasons, the 14-time-capped Netherlands international has amassed 29 goals and 19 assists in all competitions, including stellar displays during this term's Europa League finals run.
Likely to opt for either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, Koeman will insert Klaassen into a role alongside Tom Davies or Ross Barkley in support of the striker, with the latter rumoured to be heading for the exits.
Regardless of who he's teamed with, Klaassen's directives are simple, as he told the club's website: "I'm an attacking midfielder player who likes to get in the box.
"I also like to be aggressive on the field and press all the time. I like to score and create goals and I like to win."
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