Everton bolster ranks with big-money moves for Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen

16 June 2017 07:54

Everton have moved quickly to bolster their ranks ahead of next season as the Toffees splashed out over £50million on Thursday to bring in Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen.

Having announced the £30million club-record signing of Pickford from Sunderland earlier in the day, Ronald Koeman's recruitment drive continued when Everton confirmed a £23.5million deal for Ajax skipper Klaassen.

England Under-21 international Pickford was expected to depart Sunderland following their relegation from the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal linked with his signature.

Instead he joins Koeman's revolution at Goodison Park, becoming the most expensive British goalkeeper of all-time in the process.

"It's a great club, a massive club and I think it's a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do," Pickford told the club's official website.

"This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help."

Pickford, 23, has joined the Toffees for an initial £25million which could rise to £30million with add-ons, which would eclipse the £28million deal the Merseysiders struck with Chelsea for striker Romelu Lukaku in 2014.

If that was not enough good news for all Evertonians, the club followed up one big signing with another as they landed Holland international Klaassen.

The 24-year-old scored 49 goals in 163 appearances for Ajax, with his last game for the club coming in their 2-0 Europa League defeat to Manchester United.

Now he will link up with Pickford next season, with his arrival throwing more doubt on the future of Ross Barkley - who has yet to agree new terms with the club.

"I spoke a few weeks ago with Ronald Koeman about Everton," Klaassen said after his signing was announced.

"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.

"The moment that I spoke with the manager directly I got a good feeling. He's an honest guy, we talked about the club, about the way he wants to play and that gave me a positive feeling.

"I talked to him about the club and everything we want to achieve and he was really positive. It's difficult to leave Ajax but I think this is a good step for me now and I'm really looking forward to my time here."

Source: PA