Everton complete double signing of Townsend, Begovic
Everton have confirmed the signings of Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively.
Townsend spent the last five years of his career at Selhurst Park where he scored 16 goals and provided 28 assists from his 185 appearances.
The wide-man played under manager Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United and describes joining the Merseyside club as a “no-brainer.”
Sell Kane, PEA FINISHED: Five kneejerk preseason reactions
Speaking to evertontv, Townsend said: “Everton is a massive football club and very ambitious.
“They would admit I’m coming here to be a squad player.
“My job now is to prove I’m good enough to be an important part of this football club.
“Whenever I get the opportunity in pre-season, I will try to prove I’m good enough to be an important player here.
“That’s what drives me, it is what wakes me up in the morning and gets me out of bed.
✍️ | @andros_townsend has signed for the Blues on a free transfer, penning a two-year contract. 🔵
— Everton (@Everton) July 20, 2021
“I worked with Rafa at Newcastle and had great success [personally] with him.
“We tried to link up on a few occasions after that but it wasn’t to be.
“When he called me, with the backing of Everton, who are a massive football club and have big ambitions… it was a no-brainer.
“I feel I am at my peak physically, at the best stage of my career.
“And, hopefully I can show the other side of my game, the crosses, the goals, and getting the shots in, as I did when I was younger.”
Everton have also completed the signing of Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth.
The Bosnia international has signed a 12-month contract at Goodison Park with the option of a further year.
The 34-year-old has previously played for Portsmouth, Stoke and Chelsea in the Premier League. He will provide back-up to first-choice Jordan Pickford after he shone for England at Euro 2020.
Everton are also linked with former Leicester City man Demarai Gray.
Gray is going to cost Benitez‘s side around £1.5m. The attacker currently plays for Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen and he only joined them in January.
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has said that he is “surprised” that the Toffees are landing Gray with no competition for his signature.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “He’s a fantastic player.
“I’m just surprised it’s only Everton in the running. We’ve seen the ability he has.
“Although he struggled at Leicester, £1.5million is next to nothing for a player who is only 25.
“He is also yet to enjoy his best years of football. He’s been around the Premier League for many years now.
“This signing could really excite the Evertonians if he can get going and show more of the quality he has. The service he will provide for [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin will be fantastic.”