London (AFP) – Democratic Republic of Congo winger Yannick Bolasie has joined Everton from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on a five-year contract, his new club announced on Monday.
The fee for the 27-year-old was not disclosed, but British media reports said Everton had paid 25 million pounds ($32.2 million, 28.8 million euros), potentially rising to a club-record 30 million pounds.
Bolasie joined Palace in 2012 from Bristol City, who will reportedly receive a sizeable sell-on fee.
“I’m looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt,” Bolasie told evertontv. “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.”
A quick, strong and dazzlingly skillful wide player, Bolasie has been one of Palace’s most impressive players over the past two seasons. He has been capped 27 times by DR Congo, scoring seven goals.
Bolasie is new Everton manager Ronald Koeman’s fourth major close-season signing after goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, midfielder Idrissa Gueye and centre-back Ashley Williams.
His arrival comes a week after Everton sold centre-back John Stones to Manchester City for 47.5 million pounds.
“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,” said Koeman.
“He’s a really good signing for the club. At 27, he’s a good age and he has experience in the Premier League.”
Bolasie made his final Palace appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion and could make his debut for his new club against the same team as they entertain Everton this weekend.
