Everton have signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth on a one-year-deal with an option for a further year.
Due to Everton not going ahead with signing Robin Olsen permanently after his loan deal from Roma there was a need for a backup goalkeeper.
Hence why Begovic has been recruited for free just like Andros Townsend.
The 34-year-old has been at Bournemouth since 2017 but has had a couple of loans away to Qarabag and AC Milan.
However last season he was back as their number one choice in the Championship as Bournemouth failed to come back up to the Premier League.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international played 51 games in all competitions last season and kept 18 clean sheets showing he still has the quality that is needed.
He will want to be putting pressure on Jordan Pickford although he will be coming back from a very impressive European Championships.
“I’m definitely here to compete, Jordan is a world-class goalkeeper and I think the group here is fantastic.
“We are going to push each other every single day and set those standards in training.
“I’m going to look to help in whatever way I can with a bit of leadership around the group and trying to be a positive influence. Not just on Jordan but on all my teammates.”
With a Premier League medal which he won at Chelsea he has been in a winning dressing room so he can certainly share that experience and mentality with his new teammates.
“The talent at this club over the years has been amazing.
“It is no different now, with a lot of good players coming through, especially in the goalkeeping department.
“If I can help them in any way, shape or form, then I would love to do that and set an example train well, play well and hopefully help them along in their careers.”
“I want to be part of a successful club and with the squad we have, the fan base, everything is in place for us to be successful.”
A smart signing realistically due to the price and Begovic’s experience means Evertonians will not have to worry about their goalkeeping situation for the next couple of years with Pickford showing he is more than up to the task over the past 6 months and now he has a safe pair of hands behind him in the pecking order always ready to fill in.
Begovic has already called Pickford world class and is understanding of what his role will be withing the squad.
That can only bode well for the future.
IMAGE CREDIT: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images
