Fellaini Signs New Contract

Blues midfielder pens new five year deal.

Marouane Fellaini has pledged his long-term future to Everton by signing a new five-year contract.

The 23-year-old had 18 months remaining on his previous agreement but has clinched fresh terms that will tie him to Goodison Park until the summer of 2016.

Fellaini has flourished into a key part of manager David Moyes’ plans since his £15m switch from Standard Liege in 2008.

The Club have been working tirelessly to resolve the midfielder's future and Chief Executive Robert Elstone is thrilled that Fellaini has put pen to paper on a new deal.

He said: “We are all delighted we have secured the services of Marouane for the long term.

“As everyone is aware these negotiations have been ongoing for some time but both parties remained positive that we would reach agreement.

“Marouane has been a hugely influential player for Everton since his arrival in 2008 and we hope that remains to be the case for the next five years.”

Fellaini’s raw potential was always apparent and he ended his first campaign in English football with nine goals, an FA Cup final appearance and being named Young Player of the Season by the fans.

His fine form continued the following season, prompting Moyes to declare him the league's best midfielder after a goal at Sunderland on Boxing Day 2009, but a serious injury in January’s Merseyside derby ended his season prematurely.

Fellaini was back to his best in 2011 but frustratingly for the big Belgian, sustained an ankle problem against Sunderland in February and again his season was curtailed.

As ever it hasn’t taken him long to rediscover his touch in 2011/12 and he has recently shown signs of forging a formidable midfield partnership with Jack Rodwell.