Everton have completed the signing of Andre Gomez on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The Portugal international has struggled to claim a regular starting role with the Blaugrana over the past couple of seasons and he has now been offered the chance to make an impression with Marco Silva’s side.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Gomez admitted that Silva’s presence played a key role in luring him to Merseyside, he said: “I’m delighted to sign for this fantastic club – it’s a good day for me. Everton always was a big option for me, especially after speaking with the coach, Marco Silva. Every discussion we’ve had was very important in making me feel his confidence about my game.Everybody in Portugal knows how Marco Silva works and his abilities as a coach. For me, it was really good to speak to him because I know how good he is and I feel motivated to work with him and to play for Everton, a great club.”

Gomez was previously the subject of strong Premier League interest during the summer of 2016 but he opted to make a surprise move to Barcelona from Valencia instead. Thereafter, he could not command a regular role with the Blaugrana where he was often the subject of fan criticism and hopefully, a change of environment can bring the best of his ability.

Aside from Gomez, Everton enjoyed a good transfer deadline day as they acquired the services of Bernard, Yerry Mina, and Kurt Zouma. Bernard arrived on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk after the Toffees beat West Ham United to his services. On the other hand, Mina joined them on a permanent basis from Barcelona with the option of a buy-back clause whilst Zouma was the club’s last recruit on a season-long loan from Premier League side Chelsea.