Everton have become the first Premier League team to announce a major signing in the January transfer window with the signing of Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv for a fee of around £17million, with a deal for the Ukranian left-back being confirmed by the Merseyside outfit on Saturday morning.
Mykolenko, 22, has already made 21 caps for his national team as he cements his place as one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming left-backs.
The Cherkasy-born talent made his debut for Dynamo as an eighteen-year-old in August 2017 against Stal Kamianske, and since made 132 appearances for the club.
Scoring seven goals and registering an impressive 20 assists in that time, the Ukraine star had been touted with a move to some of Europe’s biggest sides after his exploits.
And Everton have won the race for his signature with their announcement on New Year’s Day.
Mykolenko has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Goodison Park, in a deal that is likely to spill over the £20m mark.
With reports that Lucas Digne could be on his way out of the club, Mykolenko could gain first-team action sooner than anticipated.
And the Ukrainian has already told fans of how he is going to start life on Merseyside on the front foot.
“Moving to Everton is a big and important step in my life,” Mykolenko told the club’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.”
Everton fans will be expecting Mykolenko to replicate the attacking output that Digne has exuded over the years in what will be a new-look left-hand side of defence.
And the 22-year-old has told fans how he likes to play in a bid to win them over.
“I like to play on the front foot and get forward when I can,” Mykolenko continued.
“Modern football demands that full-backs are able to attack as well as defend. I think I am a versatile defender who can get up and down the pitch.
“But I believe desire and commitment are the most important attributes and I will aim to bring those qualities. I hope it won’t take me too long to settle in and get used to the style of football.
“I feel great right now and it is very important for me to communicate with the team, the management and the fans. For that, I need to learn the language and understand culture of this city, this country and this club. I will do my very best.
“I believe here at Everton, with the Club’s traditions and ambitions, I will grow as a person and as a player.”