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 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.
Nottingham Forest were also keen on a move but look set to sign Everton target Anthony Elanga instead.
‘I hope to bring a lot of goals and a lot of assists,’ added Danjuma, who was top scorer in Villarreal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2022. ‘The manager has improved the team and there is a process ahead with him in charge that I am excited to be part of.
‘I am very eager to perform and very determined to contribute to the entire club. There’s no vein in my body that doubts my quality, and I’m very determined to now show that for the Evertonians.’
Danjuma will take the No 10 shirt at Everton and joked 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.
‘It is difficult to explain in words how much they (the fans) impressed me. I have heard a lot about the stadium and the fans but you can only ever experience it.
‘I was warming up down the touchline and it literally felt like 40,000 people were screaming in my ear. It makes you more keen to play for a club with a fanbase that is so involved and so excited to cheer on their players.
‘It’s why I am proud and very eager to get started; to finally feel that on my side as well. I’m very eager to be a part of it, and to make sure I can contribute to winning games, as well as contributing to the way we play.’
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.
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