Everton have signed striker, Neal Maupay from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
Maupay’s move to Everton comes after he spent three seasons at Brighton following his move from Brentford in August 2019, with the Frenchman having gone on to score 27 goals and provide seven assists in 109 appearances for the Seagulls.
Although the exact transfer fee is unclear, it is reported that Everton have paid around £15m to sign the 26 year-old French striker, who wasn’t registered in time to make his debut away to his former team – Brentford tomorrow (27 August).
Speaking about his decision to sign for Everton on a three-year contract with option for a further year, Maupay told evertontv.: “It feels amazing. It was an easy choice for me when I started to talk with the Club. I knew straight away I wanted to play for Everton and help the Club to succeed.
“I’m excited and it’s a new challenge for me.”
Everton are currently sat outside of the relegation zone by virtue of having scored one more goal than Wolves, with who they share the same goal difference on one point apiece.
Maupay though has vowed to prevent the Toffees from suffering another relegation scrap as he added: “I will do everything I can for Everton. That’s what the fans want – they want players that are ready to give their best, and ready to fight
“When I step on the pitch, I will run, I will tackle, I will try to make assists and score goals. Whatever the team needs, I will do it, because I want to be successful and I want my team to win.”
The 26 year-old who is yet to earn a senior international cap for France also noted that everyone at the club are “… working on the same path and trying to take the Club back where it belongs,” following 27 years without a trophy in any major competition.
Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell meanwhile iterated that Maupay is a “proven” Premier League striker who “is hungry to hit the ground running with Everton.”
On what Maupay will offer the club in terms of attack, Thelwell added: “We believe he will add an extra dimension to our attack and complements the existing players we have at the top end of the pitch.”
Manager, Frank Lampard meanwhile is “delighted” to welcome Maupay to Goodison Park as he echoed Thelwell’s comment about Maupay being of “proven quality” as he commented:
“We wanted to strengthen our attacking options and Neal provides a goalscoring threat, as well as bags of energy and a fighting spirit that are vital to what we’re building at the Club.”
Brighton’s Head Coach – Graham Potter meanwhile issued the following statement on his decision to let Maupay leave: “Neal is keen to play more regular football than we have been able to offer, and Everton are able to give him that opportunity.
“We could fully understand his position, and the deal represents a good one for all parties involved.
“We appreciate this is an excellent opportunity for Neal and his family, and on behalf of everyone here I would like to thank him for his efforts for the club and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Maupay could make his Everton debut away to Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday 30 August, with the fixture set to be televised live on BT Sport in the first midweek round of the season.
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