CONFIRMED: Everton sign Andre Gomes to loan deal

Everton and Barcelona have been on good terms in recent years, and the Blues have added another player from Barca’s ranks after already bringing over defenders Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina this summer.

Andre Gomes has joined Everton on loan for the season after what seems like a whirlwind pursuit. Spanish media had linked the Blues with making a move for the Portuguese midfielder when Digne talks were just getting started, and he today underwent a medical alongside Mina in a Barcelona hospital before the loan was confirmed.

The 25-year-old has been with Barcelona for two years now after switching over from Valencia for €37m on a five year deal in a high-profile move. He rose to fame at Benfica before moving to Valencia where he caught the eye with a series of commanding performance over two seasons. That led to the Barca move where he won the La Liga title last season along with the Copa del Rey twice in a row.

Gomes has 29 international caps for Portugal, playing in a variety of midfield roles, and was part of the 2016 European Championship winning squad. He was dropped for the 2018 World Cup after some underwhelming performances for Barcelona.

Seen as a pet project for former manager Luis Enrique, Gomes has been shuttled around all over the pitch for Barca, playing at left wing, left midfield, central midfield, defensive midfield, rightt midfield, right wing and even at right back.

His versatility will be useful at Everton, with the hope that his countryman, manager Marco Silva will be able to get the best out of him again.