Everton recruits Richarlison in deal reportedly worth up to £50M

Marco Silva has his man.

Everton completed the signing of winger Richarlison from Watford on Tuesday in a deal reportedly worth up to £50 million.

The 21-year-old, whom Silva coached during his brief tenure with the Hornets, signed a five-year contract at Goodison Park.

The Toffees agreed to pay an initial £35 million for the Brazilian, according to BBC Sport, with another £15 million payable in add-ons.

"I want to have a lot of success with Everton," Richarlison said. "I think it is going to be important for me here to be with Marco Silva again. I will learn more because I am still learning as a player and I aim to develop and grow here.

"Everton have put their faith in me and I intend to honour this shirt and demonstrate on the pitch why I came here."

It's a sizable investment that could yet eclipse last summer's £45-million club-record signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson.

It also represents a massive profit for Watford, which paid around £11.5 million to sign Richarlison from Fluminense last year.

He made an immediate impact at Vicarage Road, scoring five goals in his first 12 appearances in the English top flight. He went scoreless for the remainder of the campaign, last striking the back of the net in November.

"He is one more player who can help us," Silva said in a statement. "He is a good player who will make our team and our squad more competitive.

"The competition between our players is really important to me. This is what will make us better as a club, always that competition within the squad."

Richarlison, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or centre-forward, will add directness to Everton's oft-times lumbering attack. He also possesses fantastic dribbling ability and pace, and is well-known for his defensive contributions.