Klaassen: I had a good feeling about Everton

Friday, 16 June, 2017 49comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton's new £24m signing says that this was the only club he spoke to and he feels he will be right at home at Goodison Park.

Davy Klaassen was unveiled as the second big-money signing of a historic day for the Blues when he completed a transfer from Ajax Amsterdam just hours after Jordan Pickford's £25m-plus move from Sunderland had been announced.

A product of Ajax's famed youth academy, he rose through the ranks and captained the Dutch side to the Europa League final and the runners-up spot in the Eredivisie, finishing a point behind champions Feyenoord.

His performances in both competitions — he scored 14 times in 33 league appearances and registered nine assists from attacking midfield — attracted plenty of attention and he was linked in recent weeks with some of the top six clubs in England.

It was Everton and their Dutch connection in the form of Ronald Koeman who made the first serious move and it turns Klaassen was sold on the idea of making the switch to Merseyside.

”I am delighted to sign for Everton and I have a good feeling about the club that was apparent when I went there yesterday," Klaassen told NOS in an interview.

”I spoke to Ronald Koeman a couple of weeks ago and my feeling about Everton was positive and he spoke about the plans that the club have for the future and the role that I will play.

”Koeman also told me that Everton want to score a lot of goals next season and use my attacking qualities. He was also very open and clear about what he wants to achieve with the club. The fact that Koeman is also Dutch means it will be easy to communicate with him.

”Everton is the only club I spoke to in regards to a transfer. I could have also waited until the end of the transfer window but if I have a good feeling I go for it. After the international games I knew that I wanted a new challenge. I was not planning to leave Ajax just for the sake of it.

”Goodison Park has a great atmosphere. England is also a footballing country and I believe that I will feel at home here.

”I have already seen the opening fixtures for the new Premier League season playing against Stoke City then Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. I am looking forward to it and I want to play at the highest level.

”Everton finished 7th last season and our goal is to finish higher than that this coming season and close the gap between us and the top 6 and I hope to play a big part in that."

Klaassen's agent, Soren Lerby, spoke in similarly glowing terms about his client's experience meeting with Everton – Koeman was not in attendance, which further underlines the favourable impression he formed of Finch Farm – and he is in no doubt that the Netherlands international has made the right move.

"Everton made an unforgettable impression on Davy Klaassen on the first day,' Lerby said. “It was a long but beautiful day, Davy is very happy with this deal.”

Translation provided by Football Oranje



Reader Comments (49)

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Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:03:27
We've got a good feeling about you too, son. Welcome aboard and enjoy the support from the finest fan base in the world.
Mark Morrissey
2 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:03:47
A quality signing but wearing a crappy training kit shirt. Bring back Hafnia, ha ha. Can't have everything in life.
Martin Nicholls
3 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:11:38
Mark (#2) – is that what it is? I wondered whether we might be getting an inadvertent sneak preview of new away shirt but think you're probably right!
Gio Mero
4 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:12:00
The Captain of one of Europe's biggest teams. At 22. This is a big deal for our club. We mean business!!!
Denis Richardson
6 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:30:54
Getting goosebumps for next season already.

Is it just me or could he be Denis Bergkamp's twin brother?

Jeff Armstrong
7 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:35:02
Just get Sandro and Keane signed; forget Niang – he's a dud. Go for Davy's teammate Dolberg and our business will be done – apart from getting rid of the wantaways & not requireds to balance the books.
Mike Berry
8 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:50:14
You see the importance of Finch Farm and the set-up – how could any possible signing not be impressed with what they see and the way the club is moving?

Also, the way Everton conduct business is always said to be of the highest standard.
Don Alexander
9 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:54:48
Interesting that the lad's agent, Lerby, was a team-mate of our Ron at PSV when they won the European Cup in 1988. Both scored penalties as they won out at 6-5 following a nil-nil. Winners attract winners.
Mark Frere
10 Posted 16/06/2017 at 18:58:04
Welcome aboard, Davy. I can't help but feel we have overpaid for both Davy and Jordan; I think that is a result of getting business done early.

We can't have it both ways: if we wait until the end of the Transfer window when the clubs and players are losing their bargaining power, we can miss out on many targets, like last summer, where we were all left feeling frustrated.

It's always better to secure players early so they can be integrated into the pre-season schedule and early Europa League qualifying in our case.

Of course, in most cases, players will wait until the end of the Transfer Window to weigh up all their options so I do expect us to still be doing some of our business on Transfer deadline day.

I really hope we get the Sandro deal over the line at some point as this was the player I, personally, am excited about; perhaps because I've seen him play a few times – he looks class to me. As for Klaassen, I'm more sceptical, but still intrigued nonetheless.

Neil Pearse
11 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:16:58
Do you think Romelu Lukaku might be wondering whether he is about to make a big mistake?
James Morgan
12 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:18:32
Mark Frere, quite the contrary. The later you leave it, the more desperate you become and end up forking out whatever the other team are asking for. We almost did it with Sissoko; luckily we dodged that bullet. These players were most likely spoken to (via their agents and clubs) weeks, if not months ago.

Pickford may seem a touch high but he could be our keeper for the next 12 years, not to mention there is always a premium on English talent. For me it's a fair price.

As for Klaassen, only time will tell but I think he could be a steal. A 24 year old Dutch international, goal scoring midfielder and captain of Ajax for £24m? That's not expensive in my eyes at all.

Nigel Johnson
13 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:35:05
I think with another two midfield players coming in, three midfield players will be leaving: Barkley, Besic and McCarthy out. Koeman wants high-energy players in the middle of the park.

If Everton can get Smalling and Keane that would be amazing. Just need to get goal scoring strikers in.

I think Everton can rack in at least £150 Million from selling Lukaku, McCarthy, Barkley, Besic, Stekelenburg, Funes Mori, Lennon, Kone, Valencia, Deulofeu, Niasse and McGeady, saving fees and salaries.

Peter Roberts
14 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:36:42
Wasn't Lerby part of the Bayern Munich team in 1985 as well? Wonder if the effect of that night had any input into selling Everton to his client?
Mark Dunford
15 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:43:09
We've clearly stopped shopping in the bargain basement for far too long – two very good signings that make a clear statement about ambition at the start of the window.

So relieved to get an outstanding keeper and a goal scoring midfielder. Now we need a centre-half, cover for Lukaku and a replacement if he finally goes.

Mike Andrews
16 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:43:58
Seems like a Klaass act. We are moving in the right direction, Blues.
Jeff Armstrong
17 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:44:15
Soren,

Lerby I think was a Denmark international. Great technical player; yes, I think he was playing "that night". Goodison hasn't changed much since that night so an easy sell to Davy.

I'm answering my own question but is it Davey ,or Davy, like-divvy but with an 'a'...?

Mark Frere
19 Posted 16/06/2017 at 19:56:46
You may be correct in some cases, James, but it just seems we paid what the clubs wanted just to get the deals over the line before these players heads were turned by interest from other clubs. That's all conjecture on my part though.

I also think there's a big possibility (as you say) that these deals have already been set-up via their agents weeks ago.

I do think we have overpaid for both players though because Klaassen isn't blessed with massive technical ability – he seems to have a good footballing brain, which allows him to find space and pop up in good positions (so I'm led to believe). That's in the Dutch league though, it's a massive step up in the Premier League. All signings are a risk I suppose and Klaassen is no different.

Pickford looked good in a Sunderland that was constantly under the cosh, by pulling off several top class saves. Does he have the rest of the attributes to be a top goalie though? £30 million is an expensive gamble.

Mike Gaynes
20 Posted 16/06/2017 at 20:05:27
Mark (#19), my guess is that they'll look like bargains by the time the window closes. The prices being quoted for ordinary players are amazing.
Nigel Munford
21 Posted 16/06/2017 at 20:15:20
Well, Mark, my glass is half-full; yours is half-empty, I guess. I think we will see these two players end up being bargains.

The £5/£10 million players two seasons ago are now the £20/£30 million players today, due to the sport being awash with money.

I think we are asking in excess of £40 Million for Ross and, comparing Klaassens stats, we have a bargain, or we are going to mug some team with Ross.

Steven Jones
22 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:00:28
Getting business done early with these two quality acquisitions, for now and the future, will also help send signals to other targets and make others consider their move to so-called greener pastures.

This was needed to give everyone in the recruitment team confidence. Good momentum but we do need to continue successes as this is only a start of hopefully bare minimum 6 and if we sell Ross and Rom then it is likely that another 3 will come.

Nine new players would normally be difficult to integrate but, with the Koeman brothers, Dunc and the whole Finch Farm set-up, we should be able to get a clear playing style and forward looking culture for the new boys.

It will be interesting if Bill has been doing the deals as the old penny-pinching needed for a club with slim financial resources would have sat heavily with him as well as us.

David Chait
23 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:13:29
This is the first purchase I can remember where we bought a player from a big club in his prime, not looking to move and the club not looking to sell. That alone has been a long time coming!

Barkley though we don't have enough leverage to command the fee we might expect. Everyone knows we want to sell. £30m, maybe £35m or more if there was demand... which there doesn't overly appear to be.

Michael Burke
24 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:13:38
Mark (#19), you need to move with the times.

Fees for players are going through an exponential growth phase. It's difficult to work out what a 'good price' is currently for players with the sheer volume of money being banded around.

Would you pay £17m for Maguire 2/3 years ago? (Probably wouldn't now!)

James Morgan
25 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:15:52
I get what you mean, Mark, but listening to fans of Sunderland and Preston as well as goalkeeping legends like Big Nev, it seems we've got a top player who was destined for the top from a young age.

Sissoko cost Spurs £30m and he's done nothing, getting a highly rated player like Klaassen for £6m less is a gamble worth taking, I say.

Tony McNulty
26 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:31:05
I am currently in France on a seminar. During various breaks today I took the opportunity to discuss him with the half-a-dozen Dutch male football fans on the programme, both separately, and in two informal 'groups.'

The view was unanimous: we have done an excellent deal and he is really worth the money.

David Currie
27 Posted 16/06/2017 at 21:55:16
Good signing, he is young and hungry just like Pickford.

Now get Keane and a new left back. I hope Sandro joins; no to Niang.

Get rid of Barry and Williams as both are too slow and not up to playing for a club looking to go places.

John Hughes
28 Posted 16/06/2017 at 22:00:28
Blimey days. We never get deals done quickly enough. We never pay the going rate. Then we get the deals done quickly and, according to some ,we now end up paying too much!

Does Pickford have the attributes to be a top class ' keeper? Frankly, I have no idea whatsoever but Neville Southall and Peter Shilton think he has. That'll do for me!

Peter Morris
29 Posted 16/06/2017 at 22:15:00
I get the feeling that the Sandro deal has gone. Surely he would have given an answer by now if it were positive? Maybe he just wants to stay in Spain and wait for Atletico?

Klaassen looks like Bergkamp? Yep, I can see that. A bit of the Andy Johnsons about him too.

Phil Bellis
30 Posted 16/06/2017 at 22:21:01
Mark (19)... with all due respect Minister, I'll go with Cruyff's assessment of our new man.. Till I see him in a derby of course! Bring it on!
Peter Morris
31 Posted 16/06/2017 at 22:21:34
I'd love to know what the club are paying Klaassen per week, versus the offer made to Barkley, as it does appear that the Barkley stand-off is all about money.
Tony Twist
32 Posted 16/06/2017 at 22:42:14
Don't know what it is but he reminds me of Naismith. We need Sandro plus another striker and a playmaker.
Nigel Johnson
33 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:21:28
Everton have done great business!!! Both players are young and signed five year deals. They are both winners one a captain and leader which in time might end up being captain of Everton and the other hates letting goals in. Both have a strong winning mentality which Everton don't have enough of those players at the club.

On the subject of Barkley, no top 6 club are in a hurry to sign him because he is not a top player for any of those teams. He would be seen as a squad player and none of the top 6 teams will need to rely on him – they have better players.

Everton are looking to spend £150 million while Chelsea are looking to spend £250 million and they have already a strong squad. The two Manchester teams will spend £200 million each, if not more.

Harvey Miller
34 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:27:30
To the tune of Davy Crockett:

Davy, Davy Klaassen, King of the Merseyside

Harvey Miller
35 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:39:54
Well Tony (#32), you could be right but he sure is a whole lot of a better footballer, he just reads and sees the game better.

That's why Naismith (a very nice guy but not good enough for Premier League) is playing for Norwich (a nice team) and not for us.

Phil Bellis
36 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:40:23
Like it.. cribbed from People's Forum... "King of the Blues midfield."
Damian Wilde
37 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:40:44
Peter, I reckon Ron doesn't rate Ross and it's obvious why... sell!

Good to have the Dutch lad here. COYB!

Christopher Wallace
38 Posted 16/06/2017 at 23:50:13
These type of big-money signings can often be a gamble.

The one thing for sure about Davy is that he is a proper footballer and a true professional. There will be no sideshow. He will do his talking on the pitch, and can only improve.

He could be anything, even future captain, though I've got Schneiderlin ear-marked for that role.

Fuck me – how good is our midfield going to be this season?!!

Brian Wilkinson
39 Posted 17/06/2017 at 01:14:56
These are the players we need, wanting to chase honours and be a part of Everton's success; just a damn shame we have two players who want success yesterday and are not prepared to commit, they would prefer to join a team of prima donnas.

I like what Ronnie is doing, be part of what we are building and trying to achieve or jog on.

Now for the next phase of operation Goodison, those who want it: great! Anyone who does not, close the door on your way out.

Onwards and upwards.

Mike Gaynes
40 Posted 17/06/2017 at 01:43:23
Gerry (#39), he's definitely an imposing presence, and 34 goals in 118 games in Serie A is decent, but it's not exactly burning the house down.

By comparison, Sandro has 23 goals in 63 La Liga games.

Hugh Jenkins
41 Posted 17/06/2017 at 06:05:46
Mike (#41) Prima facia, the comparison of figures quoted certainly seem to indicate that Sandro is far more of a "goal machine" than Zapata.

But, if you divide the goals by games in both cases, the ratios come out as 2.7 and 3.0 respectively (rounded to 1 decimal place).

On that basis, there is not that much to choose between them.

Over a 38 game league season, should those scoring rates apply, the return would be:-

14 goals for Sandro and 13 for Zapata ( both rounded to the nearest whole number).

There are several indicators here:

Firstly, neither would seem as prolific as Lukaku;

Secondly, I think Koeman / Walsh recognise this and through Koeman have already said that they want goals from elsewhere in the team; hence the signing of Klaassen;

Thirdly, the combination of a good finisher, with a good provider should mean that the striker should get more opportunities than before, so we might look for some improvement on the projected returns from the strikers.

It appears to me, that what Koeman and Walsh are trying to achieve is to have a team where goals can come from anywhere in the team and that it is better to have a team with several players scoring in the low to mid teens rather than one player in the twenties and the next highest scorer on 4 or 5.

To begin with, who does the opposition mark most closely?

Presently, in Everton's case, mark Lukaku out of the game and you nullify our goal threat.

Under the new regime, the opposition's choice is much wider as they just won't know where the threat is coming from, causing a bit more panic in the defensive lines, if three or four potential scorers are all running towards them at the same time.

It's always nice to see an Everton player in and amongst the table of "Premier League top scorers". But, from a results view point, if spreading the scoring means more points in the League Table proper, I for one, will be happier with that.

Jeff Armstrong
42 Posted 17/06/2017 at 08:41:04
Simples...

Get in Sandro and Zapata, debate over.

Dave Williams
43 Posted 17/06/2017 at 09:09:25
Any transfer is a gamble- will the player settle on Merseyside, will he be comfortable with the style of play, will he tell on and off the pitch with his workmates. The foreign lads may or may not settle in a strange country- how many of us would settle quickly if we moved overseas to work?

I recall signing John Collins who was billed as a world class midfielder and he was very ordinary and never delivered at that level.

One of my mates ridiculed the signing of Arteta from Rangers saying he was too small, too weak and too slow!

Pienaar was dismissed in similar fashion by many people but he did pretty well in the end.

Richard Wright was hailed as a brilliant signing and was hopeless though granted he had awful luck with injuries that didn't help!

A certain Neville Southall was dropped and replaced by a journeyman keeper called Jim Arnold but with time to settle properly he did okay!!

Quite simply there are very few sure things in transfers because there are a lot of elements which need to be right but Davy has the pedigree to succeed and some nous about how to play football which Ross seems to lack. Some have likened him to Lampard which is good enough for me. All we can do is trust Walsh and see if it all works.

As for paying too much, sometimes in life you have to pay top dollar to get what you want before someone else comes along who is happy to pay more – no different to buying a house.

Just remember a couple of years ago posters on here were furious that we had paid £28M for Lukaku, saying it was a waste of money – I think Kenwright and Roberto did pretty good business that day didn't they!!

Ian Linn
44 Posted 17/06/2017 at 09:22:01
I like the fact that we're buying early – reduces the chances of panic buys and bidding wars.

As for this fellah, never heard of him, wish him well – tear it up lad.

Jon Withey
45 Posted 17/06/2017 at 09:30:34
Schneiderlin, Gana, Klaassen and Davies – yes please.

Perhaps we'll still try and replace McCarthy.

Keeper situation almost sorted.

Attack and defence still an issue though, especially with Rom leaving and Bolasie injured.

Keep 'em coming.

Paul Thompson
46 Posted 17/06/2017 at 11:42:54
Klaassen adds something we have been woefully missing in recent seasons, an attacking midfielder who can score goals. He also has a great engine and will improve Ron's desire to press higher up the pitch.

With these factors in mind, Barkley's days appear to be numbered and I have little sympathy as he's been holding out for a big club transfer that is unlikely to materialise.

Charles Barrow
49 Posted 17/06/2017 at 19:51:58
I see him as an addition to the squad, not a replacement for Barkley. Too many people are assuming Barkley is digging in for more money. The truth is we don't know.

I think we need to keep our better players and get rid of the real dross. Barkley is not dross!!

William Cartwright
50 Posted 18/06/2017 at 05:21:38
I recall when Roberto left it was without ceremony or fond farewells. Roberto was waiting for a meeting but Moshiri didn't speak to him and he was gone, at a very pointed moment; just before the last game of the season. Roberto got the message.

Could be similar with Ross and Rom. No-one is bigger than the club. No need to speculate or tout their wares around the market.

If a club(s) come in for them with an acceptable offer(s) then they will be gone. If not then they will have to adjust to the new strength in the squad and do things Ronnie's way or fall further away from the limelight.

Perhaps someone with a bit of nouse should have a word in their ears before they slip too far behind?

Mark Morrissey
51 Posted 18/06/2017 at 15:22:09
Just maybe Koeman has promised Rom that he will build the team around him and the early signings are to show good intent, just maybe...
Tony Hill
52 Posted 18/06/2017 at 19:51:04
If Jags goes, or isn't played, who will be captain? Would Klaassen have a chance given his history at Ajax? Presumably not, if he's just arrived.

Our next captain is a big decision.

Steve Mink
53 Posted 19/06/2017 at 19:29:09
I look at Klaasen's YouTube clips and I'm most reminded of Timmy Cahill in his pomp.

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