Everton have confirmed the signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford.
Confirmation of Doucoure’s £20 million arrival from the Championship outfit marked the third high-profile incoming at Goodison Park in just four days.
The French midfielder follows Allan and James Rodriguez in joining Carlo Ancelotti’s side ahead of the forthcoming Premier League campaign.
Doucoure, 27, has signed a contract until June 2023 with the option to extend that by an additional 12 months, similar to Rodriguez’s two-year deal.
He said: “I have been waiting a long time to come here and now it has happened so I am very happy.
“I had some interest from other clubs but from the beginning when Everton showed an interest in me I told my agent to focus on Everton.
“It was the only club I wanted to join.
“Everton has a big history in English football and it is a good club for me to have a step up in my career.
“I am very happy now to be an Everton player and very excited for the future.”
With over 100 top flight appearances in a four-season spell at Vicarage Road, Doucoure has pledged to delivery similarly efficient displays for the Blues.
“I can bring my energy – I am a powerful player, I can run a lot, all the game,” he added.
“I can add goals as well. I will try my best to score goals and help the team.
“It is an ambitious project here and it was a big part of my decision, having [Director of Football] Marcel [Brands] and the coach Carlo Ancelotti wanting me.
“When you come to a club you want the manager and, of course, the board to support you. It was the case with Everton and I was very eager to come here.”