LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Everton appears to be making progress in their assault under Rafa Benitez, beginning with the winger position. Three Premier League players have been linked to the Blues in recent days, and they have now moved quickly to sign one of the better free agents available.
Andros Townsend has signed a two-year contract with the Toffees. After being released by Crystal Palace at the conclusion of his five-year contract with the London club, the 30-year-old became a free agent.
He has three goals in 13 international games for England and has played on all levels of youth teams. Townsend played in 185 games for the Eagles during which time he scored 16 goals and collected 28 assists. Having progressed through the Spurs development system, he has played for Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the past.
When Benitez took over at the Magpies late in the 2015–16 season, Townsend was there on loan from Spurs, and the winger had played for him for a few months.
Townsend said the following during his signing:
“I believe everyone is familiar with Everton. It is a very large and ambitious football team that has been working hard to return to Europe and other top leagues.
“I’ll do every effort to assist the club in achieving that.
“Everton is a sizable football team with lofty goals for the next season. It was, to use a tired cliche, a no-brainer.
Rafael has a lot of experience. On the practice field, he puts a lot of effort into the tactical side and does not spare any detail. He’s a fantastic man, a great man-manager, and he talks to you all the time, which is more important. He’ll do well here, I have no doubt about it.
When asked what he could contribute, Townsend added:
“I can cross the ball with either my left or right foot, and I can get the ball into the box. I enjoy getting one or two goals. I work hard both on and off the ball—a skill I honed playing with Rafa.
“My job right now is to demonstrate that I’m good enough to contribute significantly to this football team, and I’m working hard to do that in practice, games, and whenever I have the chance in preseason. That is my motivation.
The transaction is anticipated to start a hectic week for Everton. Asmir Begovic, a goalkeeper, is anticipated to join Everton from Bournemouth on a one-year deal. Demarai Gray, a winger for Bayer Leverkusen, is also thought to be a target for the Toffees.
After that, the team will go to the United States to compete in the Florida Cup. Games against Millonarios and either Inter Milan or Arsenal are set for the following week.
