Amadou Onana: Everton sign Belgium midfielder from Lille

Everton beat West Ham to the signing of 20-year-old Belgium international Amadou Onana, who has signed five-year deal with Toffees; “I know it’s a big, big club, one of the biggest in England,” says Onana

Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Lille on a five-year deal.

Onana becomes Everton’s fifth summer signing after the Toffees beat West Ham to the signature of the 20-year-old Belgium international.

West Ham had agreed a £33.5m fee with Lille for Onana but the player’s personal terms proved an issue, opening the door to Everton who moved swiftly to agree a fee and conduct a medical.

“I know it’s a big, big club, one of the biggest in England,” Onana told evertontv. “It’s something I want to be part of for many years.

“Everyone here showed they really wanted me and they have a plan for me, so I really appreciated the talks I had with the manager (Frank Lampard) and director of football (Kevin Thelwell). They told me how they wanted me to play and I enjoyed it.

“They both have a lot of ambition and that’s the type of guy I am so it matches.

“The manager was one of the big reasons. He played at the highest level, won many things and was a midfielder, too. It means a lot to have interest from him and I think he can teach me many things.”