Why Everton have completed a masterstroke by signing this Barcelona duo

Everton seemed increasingly likely to end their transfer window by just signing Richarlison and Lucas Digne. The Brazilian made the move from Watford to reunite with former manager Marco Silva this summer, while Digne joined from Barcelona to replace the long-serving Leighton Baines at left-back.

But the Toffees stunningly landed three more players before the window shut. Everton signed Barcelona duo Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, along with free agent Bernard (h/t Skysports).

Mina, a highly rated centre-back, joined the Merseyside club for a fee of around £27.2 million, which could rise to a total of £28.5 million with add-ons. Gomes, on the other hand, joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona.

Mina and Gomes’s acquisition was a brilliant piece of business from Marco Silva. Everton were facing a defensive dilemma but Mina’s presence will certainly provide them with further depth and cover if needed.

The highly-rated centre-back failed to make the mark at Barcelona after joining the club earlier in January. To be frank, it’s hard to label the player a flop since he was barely handed a regular stretch of games. Given that the likes of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti kept him out the squad, it’s hardly surprising.

The 23-year-old defender impressed for his country at the World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 3 appearances. Mina is a tall, strong and agile defender who is rarely prone to making mistakes. He is also quite speedy for a centre-back and possesses a wide set of qualities to flourish under Silva. He also poses a huge aerial threat from set-pieces and deliveries, comfortably asserting his dominance in the air.

In Gomes, Everton have snapped up a talented midfielder who is capable of playing in a wide number of roles and systems. Unlike Mina, Gomes joined Barcelona from Valencia in 2016. However, he too had failed to nail down a regular role in the squad.

The Catalans have added Philippe Coutinho, Arthur and Arturo Vidal to their midfield department, meaning Gomes would not have been a regular starter this season.

The versatile midfielder is comfortable playing either through the centre or on either flank. With his pinpoint passing ability, Gomes will be an able distributor for the squad in the middle of the park. A tireless runner on and off the ball, the Portuguese international is also quite strong in the air.

Both players will surely prove to be fruitful signings as the season progresses for Everton. It was an anxious final few days for the Toffees but they have certainly completed a massive coup by completing deals for Mina and Gomes.