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Everton have smashed the Club record transfer fee after completing the signing of Belgian international Marouane Fellaini from Uefa Cup opponents Standard Liege.
The deal was completed by Chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes in the hours leading up to Monday’s transfer deadline and was the culmination of hard work that started over the course of the weekend.
Club officials confirmed the deal in the early hours of Tuesday morning and Fellaini joins the Blues for an initial fee of 18.5 million euros (£15 million) that will rise throughout the deal, putting pen to paper on a five year deal at Goodison Park.
Acting Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the Club. We have signed one of European football’s most exciting prospects who will have a huge part to play at Everton over the next five years.
“I spoke with Bill Kenwright and David Moyes shortly after concluding the deal and they are delighted we have managed to secure his services. It came late on, like a lot of the big deals in the Premier League, but he’s with us and we look forward to welcoming him to Goodison.”
Still only 20, Fellaini made 84 appearances for the Belgian champions - Everton's forthcoming opponents in Round One of the Uefa Cup - scoring 11 times.
He impressed in his former club's narrow Champions League defeat to Liverpool last month, and was the subject of reported interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Last year he made his debut for Belgium, and has now made 10 appearances, also featuring at the recent Beijing Olympics where he was sent off in the opening game for two yellow cards against Brazil.
In his homeland he has developed a reputation for his high quality midfield performances, and at well over six foot he will add a real physical presence to Moyes’ side.
Fellaini’s arrival at Everton was the third signing made by the Club on the final day of the transfer window, coming hours after Carlo Nash joined from Wigan Athletic which followed confirmation of Louis Saha’s move from Manchester United.
tomas bilong
i am so delight when moyes sign fellaini, one of the bright star in european football. hope he can coupe the english football quickly.will be good partner with arteta.hope vagner will join in january. COYB!!!!
Agree with tomas?
Wednesday 3rd Sep 2008 00:36