Stekelenburg became Everton’s first signing of the summer transfer window on Friday.
Southampton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
Maarten Stekelenburg has revealed to Everton’s official website that Johnny Heitinga told him he would love the club.
The goalkeeper agreed a move to Goodison Park on Friday, becoming their first signing on the summer transfer window.
He is also Ronald Koeman’s first signing as Blues manager, linking up with the new Toffees manager once again having played under him at Southampton last season.
Southampton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
He arrives as competition for current number one Joel Robles as well as providing a replacement for Tim Howard, who made a return to the USA at the end of last season.
The goalkeeper will now get accustomed to his new surroundings in pre-season, but has revealed that a former Blues star has already given him the lowdown on the club.
“Johnny rang me a couple of days ago to congratulate me,” he told evertonfc.com.
“He was very pleased for me and said it was a fantastic club and I would like it here. He’s a good friend of mine as I played with him from the youth level until the end of his career.”
Southampton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
It now remains to be seen who will be Everton’s first choice goalkeeper next season after Stekelenburg’s arrival at the club.
Joel Robles currently occupies that role after replacing Howard last season, but there are questions about whether he is the long-term answer for the side.
Stekelenburg is viewed in a similar manner, and it will be interesting to see whether Everton look to add a big money goalkeeper to their squad.
Southampton’s Maarten Stekelenburg attempts save as Willian (not pictured) scores the first goal for Chelsea
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