Everton have announced the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace for £25 million.
Bolasie in action for Palace on Saturday
The move had been in the offing for a while but was finally confirmed earlier today.
Bolasie signed for Crystal Palace from Bristol City in 2012 and went on to make 133 league appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.
The French-born midfielder also has 27 caps for DR Congo.
Bolasie came off the bench during Palace’ 1-0 opening-day defeat to West Bromwich Albion and received a warm reception from fans, perhaps in an attempt to convince him not to leave.
However, Palace manager Alan Pardew said after the game to BBC Sport: “We know his heart and soul may be elsewhere.”
Pardew is increasingly under pressure from the Selhurst Park faithful due to his side’s poor form in 2016.
The Palace manager is under fire from Palace fans
In the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat, Palace fans were using #PardewOut on Twitter to show their dismay at the current state of affairs.
The departure of Bolasie, who was one of the driving forces behind the club’s good form at the beginning of the 2015/16 season, will only serve to exacerbate the issues at the club.
In an interview with Evertontv, Bolasie said: “For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I’ve come to Everton, the job is not done. I’ve got to work hard and feel my way in. I’m ready and up for the challenge.
“It’s not about the money for me. It’s about looking at the ambition of the Club and where they are trying to get to.”
Crystal Palace fans are not happy with what’s happening to their club
Palace fans have taken to Twitter to comment on the signing, with many comments focusing on the need for the club to use Bolasie’s transfer fee and buy a suitable replacement.
He seems to have been a divisive figure in terms of popularity, with a variety of reactions ranging from sadness at the departure of a club favourite to happiness at saying goodbye to a player who flattered to deceive.
Some fans are also disappointed with the manner of Bolasie’s departure, as he did not pay tribute to the fans after Saturday’s match and before his departure, as has become de rigueur for departing players.
Pardew will need to sign some replacements to arrest his side’s decline on the field and quell the anger among Palace fans.
His side next play Tottenham at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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