Everton have finally acquired Iliman Ndiaye, after weeks of speculation, and months of cute suggestions that they held an interest.
The silky forward promises to add something truly unique to Sean Dyche’s setup, and it is a testament to Kevin Thelwell that they have wrapped yet another transfer up so early in the window.
However, it is always useful to understand the finer details of these deals, particularly when PSR is still seeking to leave the Toffees hamstrung.
Fortunately, Fabrizio Romano is on hand to deliver that, alongside his infamous catchphrase in his confirmation tweet.
Fabrizio Romano provides details on Iliman Ndiaye deal
The Italian journalist writes: ‘Iliman Ndiaye to Everton, here we go! Deal in place for €18.5m plus €1.5m add-ons. Olympique Marseille accepted terms and contracts are set to be signed.
‘Ndiaye has agreed on five year deal at #EFC, despite other PL clubs interest he only wanted Everton.’
To stretch this sum out over such a long contract marks a further piece of intelligent business, with amortisation rendering this a shrewd acquisition.
Whilst Thelwell is seeking to improve the squad this summer, he is also having to balance the books ahead of the June 30th PSR deadline.
It marks a tough task, given all the turmoil suffered in recent years, but one which he seems set to succeed at, particularly after Everton exploited a PSR loophole which left the Premier League furious.
Now, welcoming Ndiaye as the fruits of such labour, this is shaping up to be a transformative summer for the Toffees.
Everton getting summer business done early
What is most refreshing about these two transfers is how early they have been completed.
In years gone by, it has always felt like Everton have done their business in a rushed, unplanned manner, recklessly chasing after players as the window drags on.
Naturally, their financial limitations likely forced them into such a hole, but combing back over the recent windows outlines this painful trend well.
Last summer, Youssef Chermiti and Beto were only confirmed in August along with Jack Harrison, and the summer even before that, James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye were last-gasp buys right at the end of the window as Frank Lampard desperately sought to plug his midfield.
Things could not be more different now, and that is for the better.
Hopefully, we can see a couple more shrewd signings in the coming weeks, to allow them all to integrate well and enjoy a Dyche pre-season before the new Premier League campaign.