What are Everton getting with new signing Moise Kean?

Everton made their biggest signing of the summer on Sunday by completing a £27.5 million deal for Juventus’ 19-year-old striker Moise Kean.

Italian forward Kean, who has signed a five-year deal with no buy-back clause, made his Juve debut almost three years ago aged 16, went on to score eight times in 21 appearances for the club.

Having already represented and scored for his country, Kean is considered by many as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

He will provide further competition for fellow young forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as well as Cenk Tosun and Oumar Niasse, should not the duo not make expected summer departures from Goodison Park.

Following Kean’s arrival, we spoke to freelance Serie A writer Chloe Beresford on what Evertonians should expect from their new Italian striker (you can also read Chloe’s excellent piece on Kean here):

RBM: Firstly, given Kean is so highly-rated, why do you think Juventus were happy to let him go?

Chloe: With teams like Juventus, Financial Fair Play is always going to be a consideration, and for them, Kean represented a pure profit on the books as he came from the youth sector. They also have Mario Mandžukić and Gonzalo Higuaín at the club, and have been struggling to offload the latter.

I don’t think getting rid of Kean would have been their first option, but circumstances have meant that they have taken the difficult decision to do so.

RBM: Kean was subject to racial abuse from Cagliari fans during Juventus’ Serie A clash with them in April. Though he handled it admirably, how big a part do you think that would have played in his decision not just to leave Juventus, but also Italy altogether?

Chloe: Racism is a problem in Italy, but it’s too difficult to make a guess on whether this was a factor without hearing from the player himself.

RBM: Aside from his finishing, what else should Kean bring to this Everton team?

Chloe: He will bring so much. Maturity beyond his years, pace, skill, tenacity and confidence.

Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

RBM: Kean seems an extremely confident, driven character. At just 19, though, do you think being Everton’s first-choice striker immediately could be too much of a burden on him?

Chloe: I don’t think so. He has handled every single challenge he has faced with ease, including his debut for the senior Italy side.

RBM: Similarly, does Kean strike you as a player who will take some time to adapt to the pace and style of play in English football?

Chloe: I think it’s hard for any player who moves to a different country, there’s so much to get used to. It may take him a little time, but equally I wouldn’t be surprised if he exploded onto the scene.

RBM: Finally, which club do you think has got the better deal here - Everton or Juventus?

Chloe: I think it’s Everton. Juve wanted a buyback clause but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to be the case although they may get first refusal if Everton eventually sell him.

The Bianconeri wouldn’t normally want to let a young star like this leave the club, and so Everton have really fallen on their feet.

Our thanks to Chloe for her time.