Pictures of Gylfi Sigurdsson in Everton colours as a youngster have emerged.
Sigurdsson was unveiled as the Blues’ new club-record signing on Wednesday after he completed an initial £40 million move from Swansea City.
But the Iceland international’s link with Goodison Park appears to predate this summer.
A photo posted by Sigurdsson’s elder brother Ólafur Már Sigurðs shows the midfielder standing next to the Dixie Dean statue in an Everton training top.
He also revealed that the 27-year-old spent a week training on Merseyside and served as a ball boy before taking part in a youth tournament.
Leifar Gardarsson, Sigurdsson’s former headteacher in his native Reykjavik, also confirmed that he was involved in the player’s trial stint at Goodison.
He tweeted: “Some years ago I sent Gylfi Sigurdsson on trial at Everton. He’s finally joining them today!”
Back in blue 🔵💪👏 pic.twitter.com/Mtmva8ZhZS
— Ólafur Már Sigurðs (@OliMarSig) August 16, 2017
Ronald Koeman has hailed the capture of Sigurdsson, who will wear the no.18 shirt, as one of Everton’s most crucial signings of the summer tranfer window.
He said: “Of course, from the beginning, he was one of the key players we wanted to bring to Everton.
“That’s because of his quality first and foremost and his experience in the Premier League.
“We need more productivity. We don’t sign one player who will score 25 goals but we need several players around our striker to get that number.
“He is one of those productive players – he’s shown that at Swansea and also in the past.
“In my opinion, in his position, he is one of the best in the Premier League.”