CONFIRMED: Everton sign Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin

Everton have made their fourth signing of the summer by bringing Mainz 05 defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin to the club for about £25 million.

Gbamin, 23, has signed a five-year contract with the Blues, and is seen by many as the direct replacement for Idrissa Gueye, who left Goodison Park for Paris Saint-Germain in a £30 million deal on Tuesday.

Speaking about the move, Gbamin told Everton’s official website:

It’s a big moment with a lot of emotion and now it’s on me to prove on the pitch why they bought me.

I’m excited because Everton is a great club here in England with a big history and ambition so I didn’t think for more than a moment - I wanted to come here.

I like to go in the duels. I like to run a lot and tackle. I also pass good and have a good transition. All the rest, the fans will see. I will give everything on the pitch.

The Ivorian midfielder, who represented his country in the African Cup of Nations this summer, scored three times in 95 appearances for Mainz, having joined from Lens in July 2016.

Manager Marco Silva added his thoughts on the newest signing:

Jean-Philippe is a player who has developed really well during the last three seasons and achieved a very good level of performance playing in a high level competition like the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, more signings are imminent - the club would like to acquire a centre-back, right back, and winger before the window closes, to say nothing of the incoming Moise Kean. This is a fun time to be an Everton supporter.