Everton have announced the arrival of Barcelona defender Lucas Digne on a five-year deal running until 2023.
Marco Silva has identified Digne as the ideal long-term replacement for Leighton Baines and Everton have reportedly shelled out £18m for his signature.
Digne arrived on Merseyside on Tuesday to undergo his medical and has now been confirmed as Everton’s second signing of the summer.
“Everton is a big club with a great history. I want to play games, win games and excite the fans with the quality of our football,” Digne told the club’s official website.
“I played good football in Rome and I played well, too, in Barcelona. I progressed a lot as a player and as a person by playing with the best players in the world.
“When you play with the best players it helps you build your character and, of course, it helps on the training ground and during games, too, because you want to give the best of you.
“I want to show my best football here and discover the best league in the world. Everybody loves the Premier League. I am loving the fact I am coming here.
“I am not afraid, I am excited. For me, it is a new challenge to discover a country, a league, people and a great club such as Everton. It is fabulous.”
Digne has great pedigree at big European sides having spent time at Paris Saint-Germain, Rome and Barcelona, but failed to make a real impression at the latter.
The 25-year-old only managed 22 league starts during his two seasons at Barcelona and will hope for better fortunes at Everton.
Digne finished last season as Barcelona’s second highest WhoScored rated player in the Champions League (7.51).
