Everton’s busy summer in the transfer market continues with the arrival of Burnley’s highly-rated centre-half Michael Keane, in a deal which could rise to a whopping £30million.
Keane joins the Toffees on a five-year deal after an impressive 2016/17 campaign which saw the 24-year-old shine for Burnley and win his first caps for the England senior team.
Keane started his career with Manchester United but after loan spells with Leicester, Derby and Blackburn, the strapping defender final settled at Burnley, making 90 appearances under Sean Dyche.
On making the move to Goodison Park, Keane said:
I’m absolutely delighted to be at Everton, a fantastic football club with passionate fans and a great tradition and I can’t wait to come into training tomorrow to meet all the lads.
First and foremost, the manager was a big factor in me coming to the Club. He played in my position when he was a world-class player for a great Barcelona side and a great Dutch side and the style of football he likes to play will suit me, I believe.
The deal for Keane came on the same day Everton also snapped up Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez for £5.2m.
Overall, Toffees’ boss Ronald Koeman has already splurged around £90m on new players, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen and Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru among the other new recruits.
Everton’s shopping spree is set to continue, with the likes of Swansea schemer Gylfi Sigurdsson on Koeman’s shopping list.
With the Toffees’ owners putting their money where there mouth is, Koeman will be no doubt be under pressure to break into the top six next season. Although the physical presence of Keane at the back will surely help move the Merseysiders on to the next level.