Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes join Everton from Barcelona
Everton ended this year's summer transfer window by buying Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes from Barcelona. Mina, bought for £27.19 mn, has signed a 5-year deal with the Toffees, whereas, Andre Gomes joins them on a year-long loan. The two have been assigned jersey numbers 13 and 8 respectively. Further details regarding the transfers follow.
Mina explains why he wanted to move away from Barca
Mina had arrived at Barcelona, just 7 months ago, from Palmeiras, but never really managed to get enough game time with the first team. Barcelona have also included a buy-back clause in Mina's contract, probably due to his impressive performance at the World Cup. Mina elucidated in an interview, "This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to competing here".
Andre Gomes has his reasons for the change of colors
The Toffees have paid £1.7 million to get the Portuguese mid-fielder on loan. After being an important feature of the Barcelona squad in his first year, Gomes fell out of favor and just started 6 league matches last season. Everton manager Marco Silva is his compatriot and this played a major part in his decision to make the move.
Lucas Digne, another Barcelona player picked up by Everton
Only a few days ago Everton had picked up another Barcelona player, Lucas Digne, on a 5-year deal for a sum of £18 mn. The 25-year-old was Everton's second signing of the season after picking up the forward Richardson from Watford. He said, "Everybody loves the Premier League. I am loving the fact I am coming here. I am not afraid, I am excited."
Former Liverpool star Phil Thompson not happy with Mina's signing
Mina has filled in an essential spot of a central defender in the Everton squad. However, he has failed to impress pundit and former Liverpool star Phil Thompson. Thompson pointed out that Mina has hardly any La Liga experience. He barely featured in the Blaugrana squad, and his reputation is just based on his goal against England at the World Cup.
