SPORT: Yannick Bolasie joins Everton from Crystal Palace on five-year contract

 

Everton have confirmed the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace on a five-year contract.

The winger has moved for an undisclosed fee, although Sky sources understand it could rise to as much as £28m.

While Everton have not announced it as a club record transfer, that total would match the amount paid to Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku in 2014 if it was paid in full.

t is thought an initial £22.5m is being paid with another £2.5m in add-ons and a further £3m possible further down the line.

Bolasie told Everton's official website: "I'm looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt. This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years.

"For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I've come to Everton, the job is not done. I've got to work hard and feel my way in. I'm ready and up for the challenge.

"It's not about the money for me. It's about looking at the ambition of the club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football.

"It's going to be really interesting to learn from someone like Ronald Koeman, who was obviously a top centre-back as a player and he played with some of the best players in the world.

"The club has made good signings, players like Ashley Williams who I know well.

"I know that I've joined a club that not only has lots of quality players but one that produces lots of quality players, like Ross Barkley.

"This season is going to be very interesting and I'm looking forward to being part of it here at Everton."

Bolasie made his last appearance for Palace as a substitute in their 1-0 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday before travelling north for a medical on Sunday.

The 27-times capped DR Congo international also agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders before his switch was announced on Monday afternoon.

Everton manager Koeman said: "Yannick is a player who has been a long time on my radar because he's the type of winger I like - fast, strong and he can play different positions in the forward line.

"He's a really good signing for the club. At 27, he's a good age and he has experience in the Premier League.

"He will give strength to the team and I'm very pleased to have Yannick as part of what we are trying to build here at Everton."