Gylfi Sigurdsson has completed a £45million move to Everton, and has revealed the ambition of the club and their manager was a key factor in his decision.
The Iceland international has been a key player for Swansea City in recent times, none more so than last season when his nine goals and 13 assists kept them in the Premier League. As much as the Swans were keen to retain their talisman, the Toffees had been in pursuit of his signature all summer.
Previous bids for Sigurdsson were rejected by the Liberty Stadium club, but Ronald Koeman finally had success earlier this week when a package worth £45million was deemed sufficient. The midfielder has now signed a five-year contract with a club who he clearly feels are going places.
“This is an ambitious club and it is clear we are moving in a really good direction,” said Sigurdsson. “The most important thing is that this team keeps winning games and climbing the table. I would like to score as many goals as possible and create as many goals for my team-mates as I can.
“He (Koeman) is a really good manager and his vision for Everton is clear. He has built up a really good squad here, with strong players, both young and experienced. This was a key factor for me. Ultimately, that is a dream of mine and everyone at this club. I know the supporters and players would agree.”
Everton’s club-record signing will not feature in their Uefa Europa League playoff against Hajduk Split on Thursday night, but he could debut on Monday when Koeman’s side make the short journey to Manchester to take on City, with both side looking to build on opening-day wins.
