Everton transfer news: Club sign Bernard on free transfer and £27m Yerry Mina as Andre Gomez joins on loan

Everton have signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Bernard on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk and Colombian defender Yerry Mina from Barcelona for £27m, as well as securing the season-long loan of Andre Gomes from the Catalan club on a busy deadline day.

Bernard arrives from the Ukrainian side on a four-year deal after agreeing personal terms with the club, having been granted a work permit. The deal came in the final hour of transfer deadline day, and was quickly followed by Barcelona’s announcement that Colombia international Mina was also on his way to Goodison Park – albeit with a buy-back clause – after Manchester United withdrew their interest.

The Catalan side also announced a deal to send Andre Gomes to Everton on a season-long loan, and the Toffees later finalised the moves after the deal sheets were submitted before the 5pm transfer deadline, giving them an additional two hours to get the moves over the line.

Bernard admitted that the presence of manager Marco Silva convinced him to make the move this summer.

“I chose Everton because of all the things I had heard about Marco Silva and after speaking to him I was happy with what he said to me,” Bernard said after signing a four-year deal. “The manager made me feel confident about playing here. He is a very good coach and he has achieved really good things at other clubs.

“Everton is a club with a great structure and a lot of tradition, historically the fourth most successful club in England. When I found out about this opportunity and what the manager wanted out of me I was happy.

“That is why I made my choice, because of the confidence both the manager and the club showed in me. I did not need any convincing to come here. I believe I will be able to show my best as a player here.”

Having already signed Lucas Digne from Barcelona this summer, Silva has also raided the Liga club for two more player in Mina and Andre Gomes to double their transfer activity in the transfer window, having also landed Richarlison from Watford and goalkeeper Joao Virginia.

Mina, who was one of Colombia’s stand-out performers in the World Cup and scored against England in the round of 16, has signed a five-year contract and has targetted trophies at the club.

open image in gallery

“It is important that the club want to fight for something,” Mina said. “This is why I am here. I have watched the Premier League for a long time. It is the best league in the world. This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to competing here.

“I know about Everton’s players and I look forward to being able to play with my new team. I have spoken a lot to the coach and I know his passion for Everton and determination to be successful. I am also determined to do my best for Everton.”

Silva said: “Mina is a quality player, a good defender, strong in the challenge and in the duels. He has good knowledge of the position he plays and he is good on the ball as well. He will contribute in the build-up play and will also be very strong at defensive and offensive set-pieces.”

open image in gallery

Andre Gomes has had a difficult time at Barcelona and admitted last season that he hd suffered emotional distress under the pressure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I’m delighted to sign for this fantastic club – it’s a good day for me,” said Gomes. “Everton always was a big option for me, especially after speaking with the coach, Marco Silva. Every discussion we’ve had was very important in making me feel his confidence about my game.”