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Everton have completed a surprise deal for Southampton defender Cuco Martina today, signing the full-back to a three-year contract at Goodison Park. Martina rejoins his old coach at the Saints, Ronald Koeman, as the Toffees continue a very busy summer on the transfer market.
The 27-year-old defender, born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, started out his career at Feyenoord before working his way up through the leagues in Holland. A move to Roosendaal, followed by transfers to RKC Waalwijk and FC Twente followed prior to the dream move to England with Southampton back in 2015. The Saints paid £3.5 million for Martina.
Despite playing regularly in the Premier League for the Saints back in 2015-16, last season Martina's opportunities in the first team were somewhat limited in 2016-17 under ex Southampton manager Claude Puel. The club decided to let Martina leave on a free transfer as Southampton's newly appointed coaching team had no place for Martina in their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Cuco Martina had been released by Southampton at the beginning of July and this was a surprise for many who had enjoyed watching Martina's marauding runs down the flank at St Mary's. Martina had been brought to Southampton by Ronald Koeman and the Dutchman will be delighted to link up with the Curacao international defender for a second spell.
Martina is expected to be a regular starter at Everton whilst Seamus Coleman recovers from his broken leg sustained last season.
Martina is a versatile defender, comfortable playing on either flank, but normally better suited to the right-back position. At times, Martina has also played as a central defender or a defensive midfielder. Martina prefers to play on the right hand side of defence.
“Everton is a big club with big ambitions and I’m really looking forward to joining this group of players and the manager as we try to step forward next season,” he told the Toffees' official website.
“Obviously, I know the manager from my time at Southampton, so I know what he wants and he knows what I can do.
“Everton supporters are really passionate about their club and everyone’s excited about where the club is aiming. You can see this is a club that wants to achieve something and the players we are bringing certainly show this.
“When you come to a new club, you need to get to know one another so the training camp in Holland will be great for me and for the other new players as well. We will play against Twente, one of my old clubs too, and I’m really looking forward to showing everyone what I can do.”
Everton has been the Premier League's most active team on the transfer market so far this season, with big money moves for Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen signaling their intent for the upcoming campaign. Wayne Rooney also made a transfer back to Goodison Park. Can Everton compete for the Premier League title? Check out the football tips for today.
Written by Ketan Patel
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