Everton have confirmed both Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic, who will be the first arrivals in the Rafa Benitez era.
Townsend joins after his Crystal Palace contract expired at the end of last season. During the previous promotion, he played in all but the Eagles’ Premier League matches, but did only once.
Townsend said after the move was confirmed on Tuesday to Townsend to Everton TV: “I think everyone knows what Everton is. It is a massive football club, it is very ambitious, a club that has tried to get back to where it belongs in Europe and beyond. I’m doing everything I can to help the club do that.
“Rafa is very experienced. He does a lot of work on the tactical side of the training ground, he leaves no stone unturned. But more importantly, he is a good man, a good man-manager, and he always talks to you. I’m sure that he will be very successful here. “
Townsend has previously had spells in Newcastle United and Tottenham. While at Spurs, he spent most of his career on loan to likes Ipswich Town, Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers. He arrives at Goodison Park on a two-year contract.
Meanwhile, Begovic has agreed from AFC Bournemouth on a 12-month contract with a one-year extension.
Totally happy to join @Everton. Can’t wait to get started and represent this fantastic football club. Let’s go! ???? ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/jYuh90ZXl7
– Asmir Begovic (@ asmir1) July 20, 2021
He said: “When I first heard about the possibility of joining Everton, I was really excited.
“Opportunities like this do not come around every day so I am honored and happy to be here. The ambition is to get this club where it belongs. We want to be challenging for the European places, challenging for trophies and be in the top team in the league.
“With the group we have, the fans and the club tradition, everything is in place for us to succeed.”
The 34-year-old Begovic is likely to back England as number one Jordan Pickford, with Robin Olsen returning to Roma after his loan spell.
