‘Complete surprise’: Everton’s imminent £17m deal met with confusion, Benitez plans questioned

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Everton are set to sign Dynamo Kiev left back Vitaliy Mykolenko in a deal that may spell the end for Lucas Digne.

How much are Everton paying for Mykolenko?

The Athletic report that Everton have agreed a deal worth €20million (£17million) for Mykolenko.

It’s claimed that Mykolenko was in Liverpool last week to put the finishing touches to his Everton move.

Mykolenko will become an Everton player on January 1st, representing the first major cash signing of the Rafael Benitez era.

Digne has been left out of the Everton team in recent times, and Mykolenko will now come in as Everton’s first-choice left back.

The Ukrainian, 22, has pace and attacking ability, as well as major potential for the future as Everton prepare for his arrival.

Getsko surprised by Mykolenko move

Mykolenko’s move is of course huge news over in Ukraine; it’s not often you see many Ukrainians in the Premier League.

The likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Serhiy Rebrov and Andriy Voronin all struggled in England, whilst Andriy Yarmolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko are the only Ukrainians in the Premier League right now.

Former Ukrainian international Ivan Getsko has now told Sport in Ukraine that Everton’s interest in Mykolenko is a ‘complete surprise’.

Getsko does think Mykolenko can cope in the Premier League, but feels the fee is huge for a full back and thinks Mykolenko may actually be better as a winger, questioning Benitez’s apparent plans to play him in defence.

“For me, the interest of the famous Premier League club to the young Dynamo player came as a complete surprise. Moreover, it’s such a lot of money for a full back,” said Getsko.

“Will Mykolenko withstand the test of the strongest world football league? Physically – yes, and if Vitaly feels trust in himself in Everton, then there will be no questions for him in terms of his playing qualities. Although, it is still difficult to say in what position Mykolenko is going to be used at Everton. I am still inclined to believe that he will be more useful as a left midfielder,” he added.