Everton have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Yerry Mina, who was also being targeted by Manchester United for a move this summer.
Barcelona have made an official statement to announce the departure of Yerry Mina from Camp Nou. Everton completed the deadline day signing of the Colombian defender, who was also a summer target for Manchester United, and joins in a £28.5 million deal.
2018 has been a bittersweet year for Yerry Mina. The Colombian defender completed a dream move to Barcelona in the January transfer window, but could never manage to establish himself as a regular in the first-team squad. The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a high point, with the player a revelation with his aerial prowess.
✍️ | Meanwhile in Barcelona… Signed and sealed. ???? pic.twitter.com/NIIbP2tJ1I
— Everton (@Everton) August 9, 2018
However, as Barcelona signed three South American players this summer, it became abundantly clear that Mina will become an expendable, with his departure only a matter of time. But, there was no dearth of suitors in his pursuit, with Manchester United and Everton showing a lot of interest in him.
Manchester United spent the entire summer transfer window scouring for a centre-back who could not just add solidity at the back but also be a leader in defence. To that end, several options were considered, and while Mina didn’t exactly suffice the latter criteria, he was still a viable target to bolster the defence.
However, Manchester United were put off by the excessive demands made by the player’s agents, which ultimately resulted in them pulling the plug on the move. With Manchester United backing off his chase, Mina looked set to join Everton, who have done exactly that.
The Toffees were in desperate need of a new centre-back after a disastrous campaign that had its roots in the defensive frailties. Manchester United academy graduate Michael Keane had failed to be a solution for Everton upon joining from Burnley, while Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka were clearly past their best.
Mina could thus, be a top signing for Everton, depending on how quickly he can settle in the Premier League. The Merseyside club have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign the player in a £28.5 million deal, with the Blaugrana inserting a buyback clause as well.
The Colombian has signed a five-year deal, and expressed his delight upon completing his move to Goodison Park, while speaking to the official Everton website.
“It is important that the Club want to fight for something. This is why I am here. I have watched the Premier League for a long time. It is the best league in the world. This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to competing here. I am also determined to do my best for Everton.”
Mina will have some familiar faces for company at Everton, with former Barcelona teammates Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes also joining the Toffees this summer. Manchester United though, have ended the transfer window in disappointment, having been unable to sign any centre-back.
