Everton boss Ronald Koeman is convinced the best is yet to come from defender Michael Keane after splashing a fee which could rise to £30million to secure his services.
The 24-year-old England international finally completed his move to Goodison Park from Burnley on Monday evening when he signed a five-year deal as the Toffees summer spending spree continued apace.
🔵 | We’ve signed Michael Keane on a five-year deal for a fee which could rise to a Club-record £30m
— Everton (@Everton) July 3, 2017
👉🏻 https://t.co/qifa0F6gCU pic.twitter.com/jkbyIhz145
Koeman was delighted to have got his man, telling the club’s official website, evertonfc.com: “We knew there would be competition from other clubs, but Michael believes in the ambition of Everton and what we want to do and this is the perfect moment for him to come.
“I believe there is much more to come from Michael and that’s what makes his signing really exciting for me – we will see his development as a player along with the progression overall within the club.
“It’s another really positive sign of the direction the club is moving in. He’s 24 years old, his best years are to come, he’s an England international too and I couldn’t be more pleased that he’s now a Blue.”
Former Manchester United trainee Keane revealed he had spoken to Everton’s director of football Steve Walsh, with whom he had worked during a loan spell at Leicester, before committing himself to life on the blue half of Merseyside.
However, the chance to learn from former Barcelona and Holland defender Koeman proved a major pull.
Keane said: “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.
#ThanksKeano | Michael Keane has thanked us all for his time at the club, and we can only thank him back. Best of luck Keano! pic.twitter.com/zshLKcBNkV
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) July 3, 2017
“I watched a lot of Everton last season and I believe I really suit how the team likes to play. I feel like this is a great place to come and continue my development as a player.
“He’s convinced me that he can still improve me in certain areas of my game. I’m only 24 which, for a centre-half in the Premier League, is relatively young. I’ve still got along way to go and I know this and hopefully under his guidance I’ll keep improving.
“You always want to play for a manager who believes in you. I wanted to come somewhere I was wanted by the staff, players and fans as well. I feel like Everton is the perfect match.”
Provided by Press Association Sport
