Everton have completed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon.
The versatile former England international has completed his medical and finalised his move to the Toffees on deadline day.
Maitland-Niles has signed a three-year contract with Everton, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.
Everton land Maitland-Niles from Lyon
Everton reached an agreement with Lyon earlier on Tuesday for Maitland-Niles, with the deal understood to be worth around £4.2 million.
The player subsequently travelled to England to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Maitland-Niles arrives with considerable Premier League experience, having come through the Arsenal academy and made 72 Premier League appearances for the Gunners.
He also spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion, Roma and Southampton before leaving Arsenal permanently.
The move to Everton sees him return to the Premier League after three seasons in France with Lyon.
Versatility key to Everton move
Maitland-Niles’ ability to operate in several positions is likely to be a major attraction for Moyes.
Although primarily capable of playing at right-back, where he’ll be dearly needed, he has also operated in midfield throughout his career and has experience playing in a number of other roles.
His arrival comes after Everton agreed to sell Nathan Patterson to Torino, while the club’s attempts to sign Fulham’s Kenny Tete failed to materialise.
Maitland-Niles therefore provides Moyes with another option on the right side of his team while also giving the Everton manager additional midfield flexibility should the club sign another right-back in the future.
Another former England international joins Everton
Maitland-Niles won five England caps during his career, making his senior debut in 2020.
He was part of Arsenal’s FA Cup-winning side in 2020 and has also experienced European football during spells with both Arsenal and Lyon.
His move to Everton represents another opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League after his departure from Arsenal.
Now, with his Everton transfer completed, the focus will turn to whether Maitland-Niles can make an immediate impact for Moyes.
After a dramatic deadline day, Everton have their man.
Welcome to Everton, Ainsley.