Everton have completed the permanent signing of Belgian winger David Henen from Olympiakos, on a three year deal.
Henen spent last season on loan with Everton U21s and impressed for David Unsworth’s team. The fee for the move has not yet been disclosed.
Henen was reportedly ready to join Everton on a permanent deal last summer but a stall in the move allowed Olympiakos to complete the deal and sign him from Anderlecht. Everton had been looking to make the deal permanent in January but Olympiakos had been unwilling to sell the player so early.
Showing promise
The winger, 19, was a regular for Everton’s U21 side last season and even chipped in six goals during the campaign. He is thought to regarded highly by first team coaches and could even break into the first team next season, after a possible loan spell away from the club this season.
It is reported that Henen will be sent out on loan this season after interest from multiple Sky Bet Championship teams including Bolton Wanderers and teams in League 1. Bolton manager Neil Lennon inquired about brining Henen in on loan in January after Everton thought they had signed him.
Perfect place to develop as a youngster
Henen is delighted with his move and even went as far as saying that it was the "perfect place" to continue growing as a footballer.
Henen settled in quickly at Finch Farm and towards the end of the season he even tweeted about being settled in England and hoped that a deal could be completed before the start of the season.
Everton have been busy this window
Henen is Everton’s third signing this summer. He follows Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu in joining the Toffees this summer. Everton boss Roberto Martinez is not done yet, however, as he will have to find replacements for Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz.
Martinez has also reportedly made an inquiry for Napoli winger Dries Mertens, with the Serie A side looking for around £10 million for the Belgian. Everton could sign Mertens as a replacement for fellow Belgian Kevin Mirallas.
Mirallas has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer with Monaco and Olympiakos reportedly ready to make bids.