Amadou Onana joined Everton in August 2022 for an undisclosed fee, the central midfielder agreeing a five-year deal until the end of June 2027.

Powerful, fast and technically skilled, the 6ft 4in Belgium international moved to the Blues with the reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.

Born in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, Onana’s path to Goodison was routed through Brussels, having played his youth football with Anderlecht, RWS Bruxelles, and Zulte Waregem before signing with German club Hoffenheim in July 2018.

Following three years of development there, Onana signed for Hamburg ahead of the 2020/21 season and was quick to make an impact in Bundesliga 2, making 26 appearances and earning plaudits for his displays.

“Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites,” Hamburg’s Director of Sport Jonas Boldt said of the then-teenager. “He is fast, technically skilled, tall and strong in tackling.”

When Hamburg just missed out on promotion to Germany’s top-flight, Onana moved to Ligue 1 club Lille in August 2021 and, once again, took little time to catch the eye.

The midfielder was a regular throughout the campaign, making 42 appearances across all competitions, including eight in the Champions League.

Onana’s form saw him called up into the Belgium senior squad in May 2022, earning his first cap the following month against the Netherlands.

His performance led to more praise from Belgium manager, and former Everton boss, Roberto Martinez, who said: "He has a strong personality. We saw him as soon as he started playing. He never hides, he asks for the ball and dares. That’s why I wanted to bring him into a situation of pressure.

“He is different from other midfield players. It is in this perspective that I wanted to test it. He did what I expected of him. He brought physicality but also his quality in small spaces, in keeping possession of the ball. He will be able to develop with our team."