The Premier League winner swaps North London for Merseyside in a £7m deal, citing David Moyes' ambitious project and the club's electric atmosphere as keys to his arrival.
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Everton have confirmed the signing of Christian Norgaard on a two-year deal from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Toffees agreed a deal to sign Norgaard from the Gunners for a fee in the region of £7m. Everton have been in the market for an additional midfielder during the summer transfer window, following the departure of Idrissa Gueye at the end of his contract.
Norgaard brings experience, a winning mentality, and control in the middle of the park that Everton need, particularly following Gueye's exit.
The 32-year-old moved to Arsenal last summer from Brentford, but struggled to break into the side on a regular basis. The Danish international did contribute, however, playing a part in helping Arsenal lift the Premier League title.
The experienced midfielder has 41 caps for Denmark under his belt, and he joins Merlin Röhl, Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney as summer additions for Everton.
To find out more about our new signing, check out the analysis article below.
The Toffees are nearing a rapid £7m deal for the versatile veteran. This tactical pivot promises to inject elite ball-winning stats and vital leadership into David Moyes' midfield.roundtable.ioEverton Close to Signing Arsenal's Christian Norgaard: Player Analysis
The Toffees are nearing a rapid £7m deal for the versatile veteran. This tactical pivot promises to inject elite ball-winning stats and vital leadership into David Moyes' midfield.
Everton confirm Norgaard signing
Everton have now officially confirmed the signing of Norgaard from Arsenal on a two-year contract, keeping him tied down until June 2028.
Speaking about his move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Norgaard explained why he has decided to join Everton, and how pleased he is to get the deal over the line.
"It feels amazing. I'm so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton.
“There were many factors to it. I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role. When I spoke to David Moyes and others at the Club involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued. Coming here just makes that feeling even stronger."
Norgaard references the atmosphere he's witnessed at both Goodison Park and the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and how he can't wait to play in front of the Everton supporters.
“Also, my past experience of playing against Everton: the whole atmosphere, the fans, is something I really look forward to experience as an Everton player. It’s a big, big honour for me, and it's something I'll do my very best, not only on game days, but in general to remember how much it means for people who support this club. It will be my mindset to represent the Club in the best possible way.
“I can't wait to experience the atmosphere as an Everton player. Goodison was amazing. I just remember the ground was shaking – literally shaking. Then we came to the new stadium last year and I was so surprised because you often see clubs lose that intimacy and atmosphere [at a new stadium]. But I was so overwhelmed by how good the atmosphere was as well. So I can see that the soul from Goodison has been brought to the new stadium.”
The new Everton addition also mentions Mikel Arteta, who was positive about the club when Norgaard spoke to him about a potential move to Merseyside.
“I spoke to him quite a lot about the potential move. And he had only positive things to say about Everton and also David Moyes.
“He played for him for a long time and the whole experience he had as an Everton player seemed to me as if he had a fantastic time here and really also excelled as a player under David Moyes. Hopefully I can get the same feeling as an Everton player.”
Norgaard also spoke about the leadership qualities that he can bring to the club, while also discussing Everton's attempts to qualify for European football.
“I think leadership is something I have to bring and it's something I will bring without really thinking about it. Hopefully that will fit in really good with the culture and with how the players are here.
“I think the Club is moving in the right direction and last year was proof of that. I thought there were so many good players in the team and Everton was so difficult to play against.
“Last year they were in the mix for the European spots and I think that probably leads into this season as if we can take another step and fight for an even higher place. There is a lot of optimism around the place. I can’t wait to join in on that.”
We're not just over two weeks away from Premier League action returning, with Everton getting four players through the door on permanent deals. The Toffees are still waiting for that much-needed right-back signing, while we could see further additions all over the pitch.
Everton have held talks to sign Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, with manager Martin O'Neill even confirming there may have been a bid submitted from the Toffees.
Although the Premier League returns in just a few weeks, the summer transfer window remains open until early September, giving Everton plenty of time to get bodies through the door.