Arnaut Danjuma says it is ‘second time lucky’ as he finally has signed for Everton six months after sensationally pulling out of a move to Goodison Park at the last minute to join Tottenham instead.
The Nigerian-born Netherlands international has joined on a season-long loan from Villarreal to become Sean Dyche’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa.
Danjuma, 26, changed his mind on a move in January due to managerial uncertainty but says the history of Everton tempted him to finally join the club.
“It’s amazing to join Everton and I’m really happy to be here,’ he said. ‘It’s been a long time coming to join such a massive club like Everton and it makes me proud.
I had interest from other clubs but there was a pull towards Everton because of the fans, the manager and the history of the club and it’s the second time lucky for me.
I know I did not move to the club in January, that was because there was some uncertainty over the manager situation at that time, but I think it makes it even more beautiful for me to join now. I am very grateful to be at the club and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans as well.”
Danjuma made just nine Premier League appearances and scored one goal for Tottenham before returning to Villarreal. His former club Bournemouth held an interest in bringing Danjuma back to the south coast but Everton emerged as his favoured destination.
Danjuma will take the No.10 shirt at Everton and joke with a snake and winking face emoji on social media. He says he was taken aback by the famous Goodison Park atmosphere when visiting with Spurs last season.
Everton have won both pre-season friendlies so far this summer – against Stade Nyonannais and Wigan – and will play three further matches in the next fortnight at Bolton and Stoke before hosting Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park.
