Everton complete the signing of £18million Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev on a four-and-a-half-year deal, as Rafael Benitez secures his first January recruit
- Everton have secured the services of Dynamo Kiev defender Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Ukraine international has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park
- The 22-year-old becomes the Blues’ first signing of the January transfer window
- Lucas Digne now looks set for the Everton exit with several clubs interested
Everton have confirmed their first capture of the January transfer window, securing the services of highly-rated Dynamo Kiev full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko for £18million.
The Ukraine international, who will wear the No. 19 shirt, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal until June 2026, having impressed for both club and country.
His move to Goodison Park could see him replace the out-of-favour Lucas Digne, who continues to be linked with a move away, following a fall out with manager Rafael Benitez. Newcastle, Brighton, Chelsea and Inter Milan are all keen on swoop for the Frenchman.
Everton have confirmed the signing of full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev
The 22-year-old Ukraine international joins the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal
The arrival of Mykolenko could spell the end for the out-of-favour Lucas Digne at Everton
Mykolenko, 22, has made a total of 21 appearances for his national team, helping his side reach the last-eight of Euro 2020.
He previously helped Ukrainian champions Dynamo to the league title at the end of 2020/21 season, and featured regularly in the Champions League the past two campaigns.
‘Moving to Everton is a big and important step in my life,’ he told Everton’s official website.
‘I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. English football is where the game was born and I think that it will suit my game very well.
‘I am 22 but I don’t feel like a youngster. I have experience of playing at European level and hope I will continue to improve as a player.
‘I am excited about the opportunity of playing in front of our supporters at Everton. I have seen the last few games at Goodison Park and they were unbelievable.
‘They are incredible fans to whom I feel great responsibility.’
The full-back was all smiles as he was unveiled as Everton’s latest signing on Saturday
The left-back says it is a ‘dream’ to play in the Premier League and in front of the Everton fans
Mykolenko (right) battles for the ball with England forward Raheem Sterling at Euro 2020
The 22-year-old has featured in the Champions League the past two seasons for Dynamo Kiev
The versatile attacking left-back, who can also feature as a centre-back, was a standout performer during the qualifying stages of Euro 2020, starting four out of five matches for Ukraine, whilst helping his side top Group B.
Mykolenko made a total of 132 first-team appearances during his time in the Ukrainian capital for Dynamo, netting seven goals and contributing to 20 assists in the process.
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