Everton confirm signing of Tottenham flop, as new arrival reveals three big reasons for Toffees ‘pull’
Oliver Skipp, Arnaut Danjuma and Son Heung-min in Tottenham training
Everton have announced the signing of Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan from Villarreal, six months after his original move to Goodison Park was ruined by Tottenham.
Everton tried to sign the Dutch forward in the winter transfer window and were in advanced talks over the move. However, Tottenham then burst into the race and managed to land him on a six-month loan, which included the option to buy.
Danjuma failed to force his way into the Spurs starting lineup though and only made 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring just two goals in that time.
Due to the left winger’s underwhelming spell, it came as no surprise when Spurs snubbed the chance to capture him permanently. But this has allowed Everton to pounce.
A statement from Everton has confirmed Danjuma’s arrival on Merseyside. He becomes their second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Ashley Young on a free transfer from Aston Villa.
As Danjuma is a versatile attacker, he will not just bolster Everton’s left wing options. He will also be able to help out manager Sean Dyche at centre-forward, which is a position Everton have struggled with in recent campaigns.
Danjuma, who represents the Netherlands at international level, will wear the number 10 shirt for Everton. In his first interview with club media, he revealed the three factors which gave Everton a big ‘pull’.
“It’s amazing to join Everton and I’m really happy to be here,” Danjuma said. “It’s been a long time coming to join such a massive club as Everton and it makes me proud.
Arnaut Danjuma speaks about Everton move
“I had interest from other clubs but there was a pull towards Everton because of the fans, the manager and the history of the club and it’s second time lucky for me.
“I know I did not move to the club in January, that was because there was some uncertainty over the manager situation at that time, but I think it makes it even more beautiful for me to join now. I am very grateful to be at the club and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans as well.
“I hope to bring a lot of goals and a lot of assists. The manager has clearly improved the team and there is a process ahead with him in charge that I am very excited to be a part of.
“I am very eager to perform and very determined to contribute to the entire club. There’s no vein in my body that doubts my quality, and I’m very determined to now show that for the Evertonians.”
The 26-year-old was in Spurs’ matchday squad when a 90th-minute Michael Keane stunner earned Everton a point at home. And this match was important to Danjuma ultimately joining Everton.
“It is difficult to explain in words how much they impressed me. I have heard a lot about the stadium and the fans but you can only ever experience it,” he added.
“Specifically for that [Keane] goal, I was warming up down the touchline and it literally felt like 40,000 people were screaming in my ear. It makes you more keen to play for a club with a fanbase that is so involved and so excited to cheer on their players.
“It’s why I am proud and very eager to get started; to finally feel that on my side as well.
“I’m very eager to be a part of it, and to make sure I can contribute to winning games, as well as contributing to the way we play.”
