CONFIRMED: Everton sign Brazilian midfielder Allan from Napoli

Everton’s long hunt for midfield reinforcements is over after they confirmed a deal for Brazilian Allan from Napoli.

The 29-year-old has cost the club a reported £22m plus bonuses and has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal at Goodison Park.

He has been linked with a move to Goodison for several months given the close relationship he has with Carlo Ancelotti.

The player reportedly turned down a number of other offers in order to be reunited with the Italian on Merseyside.

“It is a real pleasure to sign for Everton. I am immensely happy to be here.

“I hope, like I have done in my entire career, I contribute with my performances together with my teammates and that I put in some great games, great performances and win important things.

“It is a club with a rich history in the Premier League, has real ambition and then there is Professor Ancelotti.

“He has done everything possible to bring me here.

“It is the size of the club and the name of the coach which means you don’t think twice about coming to Everton.”

Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

The former Udinese player could finally be the replacement for Idrissa Gueye we have been craving for the past 12 months.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin was supposed the fulfil that role, and still could in the long term, but has had rotten luck with injuries that has ruled him out for more than a year.

That left the Toffees desperately short in the centre of the park, with any combination of Fabian Delph (who was also injured a lot), Tom Davies, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Gomes failing to click.

So what will Allan bring?

Well he is used to playing Ancelotti’s favoured 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 system so should be able to slot in easily.

He is able to press high and win the ball up the pitch, allowing our forward players to gain possession in much more dangerous areas.

Even on a basic level that represents a substantial upgrade on what we currently have.

There are some valid concerns about his ability to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, though his success in the Champions League is an encouraging sign.

It also depends who he plays alongside. Abdoulaye Doucoure would certainly provide the legs alongside Allan and looks an intriguing partnership on paper, should they manage to sign the Frenchman from Watford FC.

I also understand those who feel the club should be looking for younger targets. However, given the dearth of midfield options at the club, Ancelotti needed someone he could trust who can slot in straight away.

Allan looks to be that man.