Gbamin: I’ll be there and ready

Everton completed a double signing over the last few days, first introducing midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin before sealing the deal with striker Moise Kean on Sunday.

In the player’s introductory press conference, the Ivory Coast international went first, touching on a number of topics, starting with the most important, how was he settling in and if he would be ready for the Blues’ season opener at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“I feel really good and have had a great welcome from everyone which is really nice. I just finished my second training session with the lads.

“Everyone has been helpful to the same degree to myself and Moise.

“I’m concentrating on getting myself totally fit, this week might be a little bit too soon. A more realistic option might be the following game. As I say, I’ve only had two training sessions.”

The midfielder was asked on his decision to join the Blues, and revealed that the club has had their eye on him for some time now, likely with all the interest Idrissa Gueye has had from Paris St. Germain over the last year.

“I was aware they really wanted me and they wanted me to play in a position that I love playing. Everton are a big club and when a big club comes in for you, you don’t hesitate.

“They had been looking at me a long time.

“We could maybe pick up a trophy along the way, maybe one of the cups. That is the ambition of every professional player and I think we can get one of the European spots.”

The 23-year-old has already picked up a reputation for being versatile, lining up along the backline as well as in midfield, and is enjoying the relationship he’s building with manager Marco Silva.

“From knowing him just a short time he puts his trust in you and he gives you confidence to go out and play and do your stuff on the field. I think that it will be a good relationship.

“I’m just focusing on getting myself right and ready for the first game I can play and increase my fitness.

“If the coach needs me in whatever position I’ll be there and ready.”

Gbamin appeared excited to get on the pitch and show his worth to the fans.

“I’ve played at clubs where fans show passion and I know for a fact the fans are noisy and get behind the side - I can’t wait to experience that myself for real.

“There’s been a lot of confidence shown in me bringing me to the club. I want to show people what I’m capable of. I’m demanding of myself and will push myself to be the best I can.

“You can certainly feel the ambition at the heart of this club to grow it to the highest level. I think we are showing it too by signing quality young players.”

The midfielder also added that he had seen the visuals for the new stadium to be built at the Bramley-Moore docks.

“I’ve seen how it looks on virtual reality and it gives you such a desire to play there for real.”

Read Moise Kean’s comments from his press conference here.