£22m Gomes switch from Barcelona officially complete

Tuesday, 25 June, 2019 143comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton have confirmed the acquisition of André Gomes as a full-time player in the deal worth £22m that was struck with Barcelona last week.

The Portuguese has signed a five-year contract and made permanent his switch from the Nou Camp after a successful season on loan at Goodison Park in 2018-19 and becomes the club's first major signing of the summer following the arrival on Jönas Lossl on a free transfer.

“I know the Club made a massive effort to sign me and I'm very happy and thankful to them,” Gomes told evertonfc.com. “I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me.

"Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it's even better.

“I always got massive support since day one. I'm really happy to have this badge on me right now.

“I want to give all the fans my best because I think they deserve the best. I have to thank Marco and Marcel, too, because they made a really massive effort for me to be here.”

Gomes joined Barca in a big-money deal in 2016 that was worth €35m up front and included another €20m in appearance-related add-ons following his impressive form for Valencia and on the international stage for Portugal where he was in the team that won the 2016 European Championships.

He made just 29 starts in call competitions for the Liga giants, being used more as a substitute than a first-team regular as his much-vaunted move turned sour. Linked strongly with a move to Tottenham in the summer of 2017, Gomes would end up staying at Barca but was open about the psychological toll his poor form was taking and he welcomed the chance to join Everton on loan a year later.

A hamstring injury suffered during Barcelona's pre-season trip to the United States would prevent him from making his Blues debut until October but he quickly established himself as a vital member of Marco Silva's team and forming a strong partnership with Idrissa Gueye in central midfield.

The fee agreed with for his services will reportedly entail another £2m in add-ons that would take the final fee to around £24m should the Blues qualify for the Champions League during Gomes's time at Goodison.

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Reader Comments (143)

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Michael Kenrick
1 Posted 25/06/2019 at 17:14:47
Some neutral observations on Gomes from Noel Whelan, now presumably a football pundit:

“Everton are getting a great player there,” Whelan told Football Insider. “He is one of those players who is a class act and who will be even more effective in his second season than in his first.

“Lots of teams looked at him – Tottenham, West Ham, even Liverpool wanted him at one point. That tells you a lot. Midfielders who are physical, can mix it, cover the pitch and have the technical ability to operate in tight space and put the ball on a sixpence are worth their weight in gold.

“Personally, I think he has made the right choice to join Everton, as he knows Marco Silva's playing style, is happy at the club and he should be a different prospect next season.

“Sometimes, it can take a whole season to get used to the pace and style of the league, as well as the manager's playing style and how he wants to use you. All these factors have to be taken into consideration.”

Les Moorcroft
2 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:12:02
Welcome home lad. Now 8 out of 10 every game, handsome.
Paul Smith
3 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:12:24
Goodstuff! Off to Turkey for my hols tomorrow with a spring in my step with this news.
Tim Locke
4 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:14:06
Boom 💥
Brian Williams
5 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:14:38
We'll be paying that £2m soon enough!
Stephen Davies
6 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:17:28
Really pleased about this signing, a couple more of this calibre and the sky is the limit.
Gordon White
7 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:19:29
Great news! Welcome back to Everton.

I wonder who will be next?

Andrew Keatley
8 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:20:30
Very good business. Not a lot of proven quality at that price. Very good on the ball, just needs to be a bit smarter without it.
Karl Jones
9 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:21:12
Brilliant news... Never thought we'd see a player this good playing for us again. Hopefully, we can persuade Gana to stay alongside him.
Christy Ring
10 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:22:43
Great signing, onwards and upwards!
Phil Malone Jnr
11 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:23:39
Top business... Hopefully follow it up with Kurt and then a right back, Striker, another winger, a Gueye replacement, and ship out some of the deadwood...
Mike Gaynes
12 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:25:22
Yowza!

Good move, good price.

Now keep your eye on the ball, young man.

Phil Malone Jnr
13 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:25:30
Need to reiterate, £15M for Digne and £22M for Gomes... Let's just go to Barce for all their fringe players... Defo could do worse. Malcom anyone??
Fran Mitchell
14 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:27:06
Look at the market, £22 million is the price of a Championship player in this position, a great deal.

Personally, I think he has it all to be our midfield general, skill on the ball, strength on the ball, physically imposing. He has the attributes to be a real box-to-box midfielder. He has yet to truly show that on a consistent basis, but he is young and as the team develops, so will he.

Hopefully, his midfield partner will be Gueye.

Eugene Ruane
15 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:30:47
Great.
Christy Ring
16 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:32:28
Oh no, "We've spoiled the window" again Merse!
Joe O'Brien
17 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:37:08
Karl, mate, @9, I was thinking the exact same thing. Hopefully it'll convince Gueye to stay and also convince Zouma to come on board. He's a class act and for £22M it's robbery.
Tommy Carter
18 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:40:56
Considering that we paid more than this for Bolasie, Schneiderlin, Cenk and Klaassen this I great value.

This is a player with lots of ability. What's even more encouraging are the displays he put in against some of the top sides in the Premier League, particularly away at Liverpool.

He had an awful blip after that actual game that lasted about 2 months. This worries me. It's an unfortunate trend throughout his career. Hopefully he can add this level of consistency to his game.

Welcome, André Gomes. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum!

David Pearl
19 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:42:02
We have, Christy. Although, if Man Utd pay over £50M for Wan-Bissaka, they may spoil it even more.
Ray Roche
20 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:44:00
Paul @3,

I was in Turkey golfing last month. The Turkish lads we spoke to were football mad. You'll enjoy some lively conversation I'm sure. And you can tell everyone we're a club on the up. Great signing.

Anthony Murphy
21 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:47:44
My missus will be made up!
Dermot O'Brien
22 Posted 25/06/2019 at 21:55:15
Everton sign Rylan. Get in!!!!
Les Moorcroft
23 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:07:33
Tommy 18. As I said in my first post, 8 out of 10 every game now. That's why. He just needs to be more consistent.... that worries me.
Jack Convery
24 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:11:29
Great news – at last!! Why it took so long, who knows but it's done now and that's what matters. Now on to the next jigsaw piece.
Tommy Carter
25 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:11:54
I agree. I hope there is not an element of Duncan Ferguson to him. Where he can get himself going for the big games but doesn't even turn up for your run-of-the-mill Premier League games, which are 65% of your games and your bread and butter
Andrew James
26 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:15:58
He began as a tidy deep-lying string puller for us. But, after that blip which did apply to most of the squad, he added bits to his game like being a deep-lying playmaker prepared to come and support Gylfi and Bernard. The more he does that, the more dangerous we will be.
Neil Thomas
27 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:17:28
Being a permanent player for us now might bring out more consistency in him. But on his day he's almost unplayable. Well, I'm definitely happy about it.
Neil Copeland
28 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:19:05
Quality player. A team with quality players tends to attract more quality players so hopefully this is just the start.
Andy Crooks
29 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:23:12
Tommy, thanks for the reminder of that wasted money. My God, Bolasie... Klaassen etc. Our club actually paid compensation to the second rate shite that signed them.
Brent Stephens
30 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:31:33
£24 m with add-ons, over 5 years. £5m / year! Who's making these deals. This is daylight robbery!
Andy Crooks
31 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:36:58
Eugene, great to see you back. What is this new minimalism all about?. "Great"? What do you think about it all?
Chris Gould
33 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:47:08
Gomes will be better this season now that he's settled and made a decision based on happiness. He seems like the type of bloke that needs to feel loved. Tickle his belly and watch him purr. A full pre-season and a lot of love from the fans will get the best from him. An absolute bargain.
Rob Halligan
34 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:52:08
Spurs were allegedly interested in Gomes, but have now agreed to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for £65M. Can't say I know much about him, but is he worth £43M more than Gomes?
Paul Dewhurst
35 Posted 25/06/2019 at 22:59:20
33-Chris I think you make the two most pertinent points. A full pre season which he missed and also he is now settled at Everton meaning he's not carrying the apprehension of Barca into the season.

I'm hoping for him to get forward a bit more, score a few more goals, and have us dominating a few more games.

Si Smith
36 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:07:39
Boom — it's official.

Next!

Paul Birmingham
37 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:12:38
Good news and a welcome boost to preseason.

Now for Zouma, hopefully soon a few more signings. MB will have done his homework, let’s see what happens the next month.

Chris Jones [NZ]
38 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:15:22
Really chuffed with this. Love watching him give himself time and space in a crowded midfield with relative ease. Sure, I'm aware of his flaws, but he can work on those. Quality player and 'gets' the club.
Liam Reilly
39 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:16:40
Good news, certainly a capable player.

Hopefully a full preseason will help improve his goals and assists, but for sure a quality player on his day.

Christy Ring
40 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:21:01
It looks like Lampard is heading back to Chelsea, and I can't see him selling Zouma.
Neil Copeland
41 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:24:04
Christy, agreed although a new manager will not want unhappy players either (assuming that the rumours about Zouma wanting to join us are true).
Jim Harrison
42 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:38:09
A year of Premier League experience under his belt now too, proved he could get stuck in and take the knocks and the pace of play. Made up.

One thing that does intrigue me though, Klaassen gets a lot of stick on here, for being a flop. From what I understand, he has been doing well in Germany, looking to be the player he was before joining us.

Not to say he was a good player for Everton, but I don't ever remember him getting a serious run in the team in his best position.

But hey ho. He has gone.

Hopefully we can add some players who compliment Gomes.

Graeme Beresford
43 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:42:00
I'm actually made up with this! This is a fantastic signing for us. I think we all figured he would move elsewhere once he had performed to his highest ability with us, and essentially propped himself up in the shop window.

Maybe this is a turning point for us where we can actually attract players who I truly believe are world class. Gomes is world class. So elegant on the ball, skills like we haven't seen in a long time in a blue shirt. And make no mistake, Blues, for £22 million in today's disgustingly inflated market this is a steal. I don't think I've been this excited over a player since we signed Lukaku permanently just because he had already banged the goals in for us and he was exactly what we needed at the time.

Maybe the days of Tosun, Bolasie, Vlasic etc have gone and maybe we can now aim towards the very best. This is a great signing. How about another two loan signings this season like Gomes & Zouma. Go and get players who are sitting on the bench at big clubs such as Madrid, Barca, Atletico, Roma, Napoli, Inter and make them an offer they can't refuse along the ‘come here, break into the team, play well, the fans will love you, build your reputation back up and then, come the end of the season, we will talk'.

I've been very critical of Silva but one thing I can not argue with are his signings, whether they are his or not. He hasn't signed a Niasse or Sandro yet. He's gone out and bought very very good players. I'm delighted as a Blue right now. Also delighted that the red lot haven't spent a penny yet and we are now up and running. Come on, you Blues. Make us believe.

Eddie Dunn
44 Posted 25/06/2019 at 23:42:29
This is excellent news and such good value. The man has already proved what he is capable of, and now hopefully, we will see him play even better next season.
Martin Berry
45 Posted 25/06/2019 at 00:00:41
A bargain! And he will be an outstanding player for us.
Si Cooper
46 Posted 25/06/2019 at 00:09:39
I like this deal but it will be even better if he shows everyone why Barca were prepared to invest up to €55 million three years ago.

An important piece of the puzzle but there are a few more to bring in this summer if we are to really threaten the top 6.

Nice to see Eugene R may be emerging from his period of dormancy.

Iain Johnston
47 Posted 26/06/2019 at 00:24:58
Excellent! Now, all we need to do is get our hands back on Zouma... in order to just keep what we had last season. We can then attempt to sign players ready to improve and expand on what we had.
Kase Chow
48 Posted 26/06/2019 at 00:25:26
Great deal at a great price. I hope he can add consistency and goals to his game. We can't afford Gomes, Gueye and Bernard to all be non-goalscorers.

In fact, if we got a great offer for Bernard, then I'd replace him with Bertrand Traore or Neres or Malcom or someone else that scores goals. Bernard in a front 3 needs to be hurting teams more

But I massively digress: Gomes to dictate play, score 5+ a season and please oh please beat the shite (and dominate them again, like you did last season)

Don Alexander
49 Posted 26/06/2019 at 00:33:08
As others have inferred, what's in Gomes's (and any other player's) head? Does he have the desire to go "pro-active" in pursuit of trophies with us or is he just another complacent millionaire footballer happy to merely turn up, as and when, whilst his bank account continues to bulge?

Time will tell.

Justin Doone
50 Posted 26/06/2019 at 00:42:30
Every Barca sale comes with a buy-back clause. Maybe that was the hold-up. I will wait to hear the finer details but a great bit of the business for a very classy midfielder.

Derek Knox
51 Posted 26/06/2019 at 01:15:04
What a surprise! They kept this one quiet. Welcome aboard, André, and a an even bigger thanks (again) for Marcel Brands, our best signing of the lot in recent times.

The pieces are gradually coming together nicely, I said on here a while back that I believed it would be £23M so it's slightly less, which is great news in terms of the new crazy prices that are being bandied about.

Hopefully Zouma will not be that far behind him, as Neil Copeland mentioned, with it looking increasingly likely that Lampard will be stepping into the Chelsea hot-seat, if Zouma has said as allegedly reported, that he wants to make the move to us too. It would be rare for any Manager to want to hold on to players who weren't fully committed.

Even with Chelsea's Transfer situation being as it is, they are not exactly short of players, and with Zouma's history there, he has been loaned out more than played, that should also send a clear message, both to Zouma and Manager alike.

Andrew Keatley
52 Posted 26/06/2019 at 01:37:44
Rob (34) - I reckon Ndombele is going to be one of the very best central midfielders in world football for the next ten years. He's got everything. We've got Gomes for a good price, but Ndombele might end up being a bargain for Spurs too.
Chris Davies
53 Posted 26/06/2019 at 02:14:04
Two things told me he'd never sign for us:

- My dad speaking of players that have endless time and space without (apparently) moving a muscle(which Gomes has).

- Steve Ferns pointing out the fact that he'd bury the ball into Digne's midriff, knowing it was safe, vs a slow, safe ball into the (majority of the) rest.

I hate the comparisons with Arteta, but he's the only one we've had since, I reckon(!).

Now he's ours! For cheaper than Bolasie 3 years ago, no less??

Congratulations again, Blue Bill 🤷‍♂️

Dan Parker
54 Posted 26/06/2019 at 02:21:47
This is a terrific signing and a modern day replacement for Arteta. Took a while!

Well done to all involved at the club, a good fit for both parties.

Brands still is our most important signing of the last few years. Knows what he’s doing.

Annika Herbert
55 Posted 26/06/2019 at 03:02:58
Great news!! Pleased to finally hear we have finally got this one over the line.

Kase @48, I don't think selling Bernard would be a good move, especially if we replaced him by any of the players you mention. Bernard now has a full season in the Premier League behind him and all the players you mention are unproven in it.

Derek Knox
56 Posted 26/06/2019 at 03:49:47
While I agree with Annika about Bernard being an integral part of our set-up, and in all fairness has only had a year with us to 'acclimatise' to the Premier League, he has never been a regular goalscorer throughout his career.

It would be a bonus if he could manage to get on the score sheet, even if it was only 5-6 a season, but I think we have to resign ourselves to him being more of a wizard and provider.

Having said that, I believe this coming season may be a make-or-break season for Calvert-Lewin; we all love the lad, his enthusiasm and effort can't be faulted, but strikers are measured in terms of goals. As he has shown so many times, he gets in great positions, but too often fails to convert.

Mike Gaynes
57 Posted 26/06/2019 at 04:50:01
"Every Barca sale comes with a buy-back clause."

Not true. Barca's buy-back policy is for young players who are considered to have the potential for future stardom, like Yerry Mina (who reportedly carries a £55m buy-back option in his sale agreement). Players who are perceived to have failed at Barca are sold without buy-back options. Gomes's tenure there was considered a complete failure and, with the arrival of Frenkie de Jong, I believe there's no way in the world Barca would consider a buy-back.

If there was a holdup, IMO, that wasn't it.

Laurie Hartley
58 Posted 26/06/2019 at 05:16:32
Kase # 48 – no way known we are going to sell my favourite player.

The Gomes deal is great. He is pure class. I forget who we were playing but I can still see in my mind's eye a curling 40-yard pass he pinged up the right wing at Goodison to I think Theo Walcott. It was a thing of beauty.

Up the Blues!!!!

Eugene Ruane
59 Posted 26/06/2019 at 06:37:10
Andy #31 - REALLY great.
Darren Hind
60 Posted 26/06/2019 at 07:26:33
True, Mike,

But normally if they don't tie you up one way, they will get you another. They are renowned for putting in clauses such as add-ons. £2 million in add-ons is chicken feed today.

I started getting angry about our ability to negotiate a decent deal for a player about three years ago... I honestly began to wonder if we hadn't gained ourselves a reputation of being a soft touch. I'm hoping this represents a change of attitude, a tougher line.

I don't know if Brands actually sits at the table or not, but Whoever did the negotiating here has already earned his/her money.

I think our window will be harder than everyone else's. We don't have European football to offer to those coming in and the deadwood we are trying to shift seems so much deader than everyone else's.

Karl Masters
61 Posted 26/06/2019 at 07:40:41
I think the ‘hold up’ was because he’s been on holiday, as probably have many others in the football world. Things will hot up in the next week or so as they all return for pre-season.
Mike Gaynes
62 Posted 26/06/2019 at 07:42:48
Darren #60, agree 100%. Despite the obvious challenges, Brands impresses me more with every deal.

Eugene #59,

"Brevity is the soul of wit." - Shakespeare

Nice to see you.

Steve Ferns
63 Posted 26/06/2019 at 07:44:03
Now he’s ours, he can evolve and get even better.
Dave Abrahams
64 Posted 26/06/2019 at 07:51:52
Eugene (59), welcome back, you’re like a new signing, that’s if you are staying here.
Dean Johnson
65 Posted 26/06/2019 at 08:02:12
Lovely, lovely.
Hugh Jenkins
66 Posted 26/06/2019 at 08:15:26
Derek (56) - I seem to recall once reading that Calvert-Lewin had said that he started out as central midfielder and converted to a striker in his late teens. For the life of me, I can't remember where I read it, so I may be mistaken.

However, if it is true, then perhaps he is not a "natural" goalscorer – and therein lies the problem?

I'm sure we all hope that he finds his "shooting boots" this coming season as he seems to have all the other attributes needed to be a successful centre-forward.

Derek Knox
67 Posted 26/06/2019 at 08:22:26
Hugh @ 66, one thing in his favour, he is prolific in comparison with Sandro, although it can be said that Sandro is consistent; 1 goal every 2 years. :-)
Dale Rose
68 Posted 26/06/2019 at 08:45:28
Excellent news.
David Chait
69 Posted 26/06/2019 at 08:58:54
Best thing about this is, one, we know what we getting and if he can adapt... and most importantly I genuinely believe he will be far better in his 2nd spell than he was in his first. I expect some more quality in front of him, whether it be new players or a couple of them also having a season under their belt, which will help significantly.

Tony Everan
70 Posted 26/06/2019 at 09:07:35
Very pleased we've signed André Gomes, a quality footballer, and for £22M, it is excellent business.

On to Zouma, I hope I am wrong but I think the first thing Lampard will do is say he wants Kurt to stay and promises him game time. I suspect we need a Plan B well and truly researched on that one.

Jer Kiernan
71 Posted 26/06/2019 at 09:08:35
Anybody else get the feeling our recent transfer dealings are starting to look... I dunno... Competent???
Brent Stephens
72 Posted 26/06/2019 at 09:15:13
Dave #64 "Eugene (59), welcome back, you’re like a new signing, that’s if you are staying here".

A new signing! Cracker. And I saw him at John Lennon, so hope springs eternal!

Sam Hoare
73 Posted 26/06/2019 at 09:33:24
£22M looks like a bargain in today's market. Well done Brands.

I'm pleased mainly because he is better than what we have, brings continuity to the squad, and seems a positive character to have around.

In terms of ability, he certainly has it but in terms of efficacy, I'm not entirely convinced. It's not enough to show some nice touches and composure in the middle and just knit play together.

A top box-to-box player must be making tackles and interceptions and also creating chances for his teammates whilst scoring a few himself. Gomes's records in these fields were pretty low last season. I hope that with a good pre-season and being settled with a team and manager who believe in him Gomes can improve in these areas.

We've been so starved of technical prowess in the middle that we may over-value it now but we must not be satisfied with the odd snazzy turn or Hollywood pass, Gomes must be looking to affect games more directly and more consistently. I hope he can. Welcome and good luck, Andre.

Ajay Gopal
74 Posted 26/06/2019 at 10:16:00
One thing which has gone largely unmentioned on this thread is his age - at 25 years (turning 26 in a month), he is in his prime as a footballer. Given that he is a Portuguese international, ex-Barcelona player, his relatively young age, 1 full 'pre-season' with Everton understanding the coaches, the other teammates and the fans, this is an absolutely top-class bargain signing. Well done to everybody at the club.

Now, having established that Barcelona are Everton's feeder club ;-), and that they are about to sign Greizman, can we take one of their surplus forwards on loan, maybe Dembele or Malcom?

Conor McCourt
75 Posted 26/06/2019 at 10:16:45
I don't tend to comment much anymore but I am just really delighted by this signing. I'm glad to read the positive vibe on this thread because the general consensus has been that everyone wanted Zouma and with Gomes we could do better.

For me, I have a totally different view. Gomes is an absolute steal. He has been criticised for his inconsistency, his fitness, his goals, his assists and even for being a failure at Barca.

In terms of consistency, to my eye, every time I watched him at Valencia or Portugal, he was their top performer. He went to Barca and was brilliant at first but was then hindered by injuries and loss of form and psychological problems which can happen at the biggest club in world football. The criticism of being a complete failure there is nonsense and more accurately is that he didn't live up to the billing he promised. For example, if you compare his record for Barca to Dignes then he definitely had more success than the Frenchman but none of us are doubting the acquisition of Digne on that basis.

In terms of assists, that is very much down to the players you have around you. When he has put players like Calvert-Lewin, Tosun, Walcott and Bernard through then it only becomes an assist if they score. Hopefully this season his tally will be different if we were able to have the likes of Neres and Kean finishing the chances off in addition to our only recognised finishers in Richarlison and Sigurdsson.

The one criticism which I do think is fair is that he needs to get to 5 goals a season and hopefully he will improve in this department. However, even if you look at most of the players in his position outside of Man City, only Tielemans would be looking at double figures, so I see his primary role to boss the game and goals as a bonus.

In this regard I really feel like we have the 2nd best midfield partnership in the league and with a full preseason and having an English winter behind him I fully expect him to prove this.

For me, had he not had these doubts, he wouldn't be coming here and especially at this price, he would be still at Barca or another elite club, so, in a way, I'm glad he has these doubts.

John Hammond
76 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:09:25
So glad this happened... and for £22m is just mental considering he's an experienced international and hitting his prime. We must have a seriously healthy relationship with Barcelona.

I know these players are told what to say to butter up the fans but you get the feeling with him that he is genuinely happy to be here.

John Pickles
77 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:13:47
The best little Portuguese we know!
Alexander Murphy
78 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:19:36
Solid common sense to sign this very talented player.

I heartily echo what others have said that our incoming transfers are increasingly reassuring and inspiring.

December 1982, a 26-year-old lad arrived, he played midfield and things began to change distinctly for the better thereafter.

Welcome home, André Filipe Tavares Gomes, welcome home, mate.

"Once Everton has touched you ".

Colin Malone
79 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:20:56
Great. Now let's make Idrissa an offer he cannot refuse.

Tom Bowers
80 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:30:29
Here's hoping he becomes instrumental in making this club successful again – soon!!
Brian Williams
81 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:30:55
I have to congratulate the club on it's communication with regard to Andre's transfer too. From receiving an email "from him" to the wording of his and the clubs tweets and messages, it was well done, and done in such a way that it was like "one of the lads" tweeting to his mates.

Handled brilliantly in my opinion and I look forward to Andre's tweet to the big man when he signs, something like "What kept you, bro?"

Fran Mitchell
82 Posted 26/06/2019 at 11:35:46
John Pickles, at 6'-2", not so little.
Anthony A Hughes
83 Posted 26/06/2019 at 12:26:43
Good news... and if we can get Zouma back, we're par for what we were last season. If we want to frighten the top 6, then a couple of top quality players still need to brought in.
Tommy Carter
84 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:11:42
@78 Alex

Another blue, another person who thinks the past can be recreated.

Forget 1982. How about 2019?

I'm certain beyond almost any doubt that Silva, Brands and Moshiri are not trying to sign replicas of players for the early 80s.

Living in the past and although it is important and special to remember those days. They are gone. And any success we have had is long in the past.

Amit Vithlani
85 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:19:42
"Now, having established that Barcelona are Everton's feeder club ;-), and that they are about to sign Greizman, can we take one of their surplus forwards on loan, maybe Dembele or Malcom?"


There is a transfer tug of war at Barcelona and apparently Malcom is in the Middle.

Okay, I'll get me coat.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

86 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:45:29
I loved Malcolm in the Middle, Amit!

The 'sliding doors' style episode at the Bowling Alley, in which two parallel stories unfold with different scenarios, one with the father Hal taking the boys to a bowling alley, and the other with the mother Lois taking them, is a classic.

Wouldn't say no to Malcom in the Middle (or on the flanks) at Everton, either.

Winston Williamson
87 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:50:34
Glad Gomes has arrived. Class player. Hope he scores a few more like the goal he got last season. Rocket.

Zouma next. Then Neres and Kean and I believe we'd be set for next season.

Just sales to get through and out the door – tough job that though – they're mostly like those floating turds that won't flush away!

Robert Leigh
88 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:50:37
Jay Wood - indeed a classic! Is the series on Netflix I wonder...

Back to football - would very much like to secure the season-long loan of Dembele out of the two; the way he tore the Bundesliga apart was incredible to watch. Given they likely have Neymar coming back too, there's surely room.

His #7 shirt is free too...

Sam Hoare
89 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:51:35
Amit/Jay, yes I'm a big fan of Malcom. Think I'd choose him over Neres. He seems to have better vision and his long-range shooting could be very useful. If there's any chance we could get Malcom for the reported £25-30M, I'd bite their hand off.
Alexander Murphy
90 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:52:10
@78 Alex

Another blue, another person who thinks the past can be recreated.

No, I don't, Tommy @84. You attributed that opinion to me. Keep your off-target opinions of others to your self.

Jason Broome
91 Posted 26/06/2019 at 14:52:16
I'm loving this thread. So refreshing to read the optimism.

I hope fans are patient and allow him to just enjoy his football.

Welcome home, André. I now have a favourite player.

Mike Gaynes
92 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:06:06
Conor #72, Gomes's failure at Barca wasn't a criticism, just a simple statement of fact. It got so bad that his teammates and the fans didn't want him there anymore.

Your version of events there simply isn't accurate. He wasn't "brilliant at first" or ever... I'm a regular Barca watcher, and he was certainly competent through 2016-17, starting some games and subbing on in others, but rarely having a major influence. Furthermore, he was never "hindered by injuries" during his time at Barca... his only injury was a hamstring strain that cost him four games in late 2017. Check the record -- his only long stretches of absence were in 2018 when his psyche collapsed and Barca essentially gave up on him. The only major injury of his career has been the hamstring tear he suffered last summer on tour, shortly before he was loaned to us.

Anybody can fail in the crucible of Barca -- ask Coutinho -- and there's no shame in it. I would argue that Digne was not viewed by the club or fans as a failure, but just a victim of circumstances in being trapped behind one of the best left-backs in the world and having little hope of a regular starting role. Gomes played a lot more than Digne because he did have every opportunity to become a regular starter, but he simply couldn't do it.

Either way, I'm glad they're both with us. And like you, I view Gomes's permanent transfer as an absolute steal.

Tommy Carter
93 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:07:57
@90

Alex

I apologise. But what has Peter Reid got to do with anything?

Rob Halligan
94 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:11:34
Regarding any future transfers, I hear we're after Borja Iglesias from Espanyol.

I heard he's going for a song!!

Francis van Lierop
95 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:14:28
Very pleasing news. He's the kind of footballer most Evertonians love.
Mike Gaynes
96 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:17:33
Rob #94, I like the tenor of your post... it's music to my ears.
Jay Harris
97 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:26:46
Very succinctly put, Mike, and I too am glad we got him but I still have reservations about his ability under pressure and his psyche when the chips are down – which hopefully won't be too much in the coming season.
Jim Potter
98 Posted 26/06/2019 at 15:40:10
If only all signings were such good value.

Well done, Marcel (and Marco).

Welcome back, Mr Gomes.

Now for a guy who scores 20+ per season and Zouma.

Robert Williams
99 Posted 26/06/2019 at 16:08:10
Eugene, Andy,

The prodigal returns – great! Just great.

Conor McCourt
100 Posted 26/06/2019 at 16:19:35
Mike, if you watch Barca on a weekly basis then I am not arguing with you about his form in that first season. I remember him playing quite a lot and when I'd seen him I often thought he did well. My use of brilliant was wrong but no doubt he contributed to that team during that first year and not just the squad. We know what happened by the end.

I was making the same point as you that not making it at Barca is not a barrier to him signing for us. Digne yes he had Alba in front of him but he didn't get a game for PSG ahead of Maxwell who wasn't a superstar and If they considered him so highly as back up then why did they let him join us when Alba was reaching his 30s for such a paltry fee when Digne didn't instigate it?

Again when I'd seen him play he didn't cover himself in glory and I would argue Barcas midfield in 2016 wasn't too shabby either.

Like you I'm glad they are both here. Mike, can I ask you what you think of Mina? I'm hoping he will be a big asset this year and obviously he had a tough season last year. He looks a beast for his country and has that aura about him but he too was disliked at Barca. What's your feeling about him?

Mike Gaynes
101 Posted 26/06/2019 at 16:23:24
Jay #97, I'm less concerned about his psyche under pressure (he was excellent at Anfield, for example) and more about his judgement in games when he gets frustrated. The red card was idiocy. He needs to get the foolish fouls out of his game. That and a goal or assist every 4-5 games would be improvement enough for me.

He has been described above as world class. I believe he is nowhere near that -- 6th, at best, on the team sheet behind Gana, Digne, Pickford, Richarlison and Sigurdsson -- but I do think that he will be a key supporting cog as we become a Champions League side.

Ray Said
102 Posted 26/06/2019 at 16:31:58
Great bit of business. I would still like to see him with a proper defensive midfield anchor behind him so he can push forward and make use of his powerful runs, good dribbling, and that great shot.

Well done, Brands now have a go at getting Wissam Ben Yedder from Seville, who apparently has a £36M release clause... although that may be just 'paper talk'.

Mike Gaynes
103 Posted 26/06/2019 at 16:41:47
Conor #100, personally I considered Maxwell a quietly magnificent player -- a speedy, understated little guy who would go through entire seasons without making a mistake -- and I thought it was completely understandable that Digne couldn't displace him at PSG, even as he was starting a World Cup game at age 20. I was ecstatic when we got Luca from Barca, but I had no idea how good he would actually be.

I consider Mina a future star -- he's a joyful, staggeringly confident player with great defensive presence and a lovely touch on his passing. He's still raw, and I think he'll put us through an error-filled first three months of the season as he gains Premier League experience and works on his defensive fundamentals under Silva, just as Zouma did. But I continue to predict that by January we'll have one of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League.

Mike Gaynes
104 Posted 26/06/2019 at 17:07:31
PS... Conor, Barca didn't dislike Mina at all, just considered him too raw. They put a buyback clause in his transfer to us. They can take him back anytime for £55m.
Conor McCourt
105 Posted 26/06/2019 at 17:40:45
Mike, I'm really hoping so and was the reason I initially posted that I was more concerned about getting Gomes over the line than Zouma as, although like most Evertonians, I wanted both, I feel that Mina has the most potential of our centre backs and hope he fulfills that this year.

The recent comments of his agent were brilliant to hear and the fact he feels he owes us, I'm hoping he will come back to preseason with that extra determination to force his way into the team.

With regard to how they viewed him, I seem to remember a lot of their journos commenting on how they mugged us off and I didn't think the fans were too enamoured by him there.

Mike Gaynes
106 Posted 26/06/2019 at 18:29:06
Conor, I can't remember what the journos wrote about Yerry, but the fans barely saw him -- he only started two home games there (both were shutouts), so I'm guessing most of the criticism was about how few minutes they got out of a high-profile €12m purchase.

Both Mina and his agent have said all the right things, and by all accounts, he's an awesome kid, so I really expect him to bloom.

Andy Crooks
107 Posted 26/06/2019 at 18:36:09
Mike @103. I absolutely agree with you about Mina. However, do you not already dread the abuse that will be rained on him while he settles in to the side. He will make mistakes but he will require time and patience. He will, in my view, be great. Even better than Duffy, Mike !!!
Joe McMahon
108 Posted 26/06/2019 at 18:45:51
Brill, now Zouma and a quality striker will make us happy bunnies!
Darren Hind
109 Posted 26/06/2019 at 18:59:55
All the usual praise about Mina, Mike. He's become a favourite of yours, before he has become a player of ours... but I'm more interested in knowing who this top young centre-back you are predicting we will have.

Mason?

Mike Gaynes
110 Posted 26/06/2019 at 19:08:45
Andy, wow, better than Duffy? From you, that's a stunning compliment.

Darren, that's cute. Actually I share your opinion of Mason as a centre-back, but obviously Silva doesn't, and neither of his managers at West Brom did either.

Tommy Carter
111 Posted 26/06/2019 at 19:16:30
I agree and have said this on other threads, we should build our defence around Yerry Mina. He's exactly the character and of the exact ability we require. He will be an incredible centre half with experience.

He was superb at Anfield in spite of his sitter. This was a sign to me of what he has to offer, not the games in which he inevitably lost form whilst trying to adapt to a new culture with the weight of a large transfer fee and ‘failure' at Barcelona on his shoulders.

In a similar scenario many years ago, we had a player of incredible ability who struggled to adapt in his first season at Everton. Marco Materazzi. We cashed in and the following season he was incredible for Perugia and earned a big move to Internazionale. International recognition followed as well as a goal in the World Cup Final. I'm not sure Mina has the same level of ability but he is just as big a character I feel. We should not make such a mistake again.

Develop Mason alongside him. Mason is another player with character. He backs himself and I like this. He lacks some of the physicality required but Yerry will compliment this. Mason perhaps has more ability on the ball than Mina. I think, with time, they could be a very good centre-back partnership for many years

Ed Prytherch
112 Posted 26/06/2019 at 19:24:52
Joe 108, dead right. Just keeping the squad together for another season will make us a better team. We may be lacking in depth in some positions but #9 is the only real weakness in the starting 11.
Tony Everan
113 Posted 26/06/2019 at 19:47:34
I agree with the comments about Yerry, he needs a run of fitness and game time and he will blossom.

Fingers crossed for a solid pre-season from him, it will do him the world of good having proper preparation for the season.

Mike Gaynes
114 Posted 26/06/2019 at 19:51:57
Tommy #111, as I mentioned to Darren, I'm pretty sure Silva doesn't share our opinion of Holgate as a centre-back. He gave him four starts early in the season and banished him, first to the bench and then the stands. The kid never played another minute. Even with Mina out injured, Zouma's early struggles, Keane's head injury and Jags being 36, Mason couldn't even make the bench. And every appearance at West Brom was at right-back.

I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this, but I don't expect to see Mason at centre-back again for us.

Darren Hind
115 Posted 26/06/2019 at 20:07:01
I think you are probably right, Mike. As it stands here and now, Mason does not appear to be in Silva's plans. Not at centre-back anyway.

We all have our preferred way of playing; if Silva's next few steps send us on an upward trajectory, Holgate will swiftly be forgotten... but there's the rub.

For some inexplicable reason, players who are left out in the cold become better players in the eyes of the fans when the team is not doing well. Silva will feel the full force if things start going a little Pete Tong.

I'm not just talking about the centre-back position. I shudder to think of the abuse Silva will get if Seamus has a bad start, or if his gamble of not signing a striker goes wrong and Calvert-Lewin continues firing blanks.

I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks!

Raymond Fox
116 Posted 26/06/2019 at 20:14:44
A real bargain in today's market, there's no doubt.

We are still 7th material, though, unless we really push the boat out on 2 or 3 top 6 quality players. Difficult to get those players to come I know but we have improved our profile I'd say.

Whatever, I think we will have a good entertaining season that cements our standing in the Premier League.

Jamie Crowley
117 Posted 26/06/2019 at 22:23:28
This is a fantastic signing, and an absolute steal at that price.

Really well done Marcel Brands and Everton!

Now my only "negative" comment:

Please, André, don't give away silly, stupid fouls in dangerous positions!

That's his one weak point – he sticks in a leg 20 to 25 yards out from our goal too often for me.

I'm sure Silva will rectify that tendency, but it does concern me.

But, on the whole, I'm thrilled with this signing.

Jamie Crowley
118 Posted 26/06/2019 at 22:26:04
Raymond @116 -

I'm not sure about that. With our team now under Silva for a year, playing together for a year, knowing where one another are on the pitch and teammate's tendencies and preferences.

I see improvement coming, and a few of the "Top 6" in flux.

I have high hopes this season. Cautious hopes, but hopes nonetheless. I'm not so sure breaking that Top 6 is unattainable, even if we don't sign 2-3 players.

Hope springs eternal.

Andy Crooks
119 Posted 26/06/2019 at 22:36:55
Jamie, I agree with your post. However, I think that Gomes was suffering from "trying to impress syndrome", an affliction that affects loan players. They lose the ball and foul to get it back.

Sadly, it affects young players. Ruined James Vaughan. Fucked Ross Barkley... and is fucking young Tom.

Jamie Crowley
120 Posted 26/06/2019 at 22:43:32
Good point, Andy.

I'd argue Davies has gotten much, much better in regards to playing the tough guy and trying to impress, committing fouls too often.

But I don't see Tom Davies in an objective light. I love the kid, and want him to succeed desperately.

But TTIS is a real thing, and affects a heck of a lot of footballers.

Let's hope Andre suffered from TTIS, and it's not a common part of his game moving forward. He's got oodles of talent, and he's a great, great signing.

Si Smith
121 Posted 27/06/2019 at 02:45:46
We need more than just Gomes and Zouma though imo, we have been down this road before and fell flat on our faces.

Lukaku and Barry were massively important to Roberto Martinez's team as loan players, they were signed and kept up there side of the bargain, but we went backwards.

For me both are big players, both are important, and I see Mina like a new player too, but we need more.

Oust Mirallas, Bolasie, Niasse, Martina, Steklenburg, Besic, McCarthy, Walcott, Tosun and any other high-paid player who isn't getting valuable minutes and replace with literally anyone who the gaffa 'n' Brands thinks worthy.

There's a lot of work to be done, maybe too much for one window, but these players are bleeding the life blood out of the club and need to be paid off and shipped out to allow for the club to flourish.

Mike Gaynes
122 Posted 27/06/2019 at 04:13:16
Jamie and Andy, I hadn't considered that but you might be right. Gomes has always had an issue with fool fouls, but last season was excessive -- 7 yellows in 27 Premier League games. Maybe he really was just overanxious.
Sam Hoare
123 Posted 27/06/2019 at 10:45:04
Yup, I'm excited to see the best of Mina. Like Mike says, I expect we will have to suffer some errors and teething issues but I think, after he settles and really gets a feel for the Premier League, he could be quite an asset. Physically dominant, surprisingly good passer and a big character to boot. Could grow into a real leader in a season or two I think

I don't think he's ever going to have that lateral pace or acceleration that can be very useful though. He needs a partner with good recovery pace to make up for that.

I suspect that Mina and Zouma might be Silva's long term centre-back wish. Whether we can get the Frenchman from Chelsea I remain doubtful over.

Gomes is a good start. For me a dream window would be completed by Zouma, Malcolm, Moise Kean and Kenny Tete (a very decent young right-back who is underused at Lyon and would be cheap). I'd also love Ibrahim Sangare if Gueye gets bid for and asks to move.

Derek Wadeson
124 Posted 27/06/2019 at 11:46:33
Does anybody know since Farhed Moshiri became involved how much we have spent and received in transfer dealings?
Matthew Williams
125 Posted 27/06/2019 at 12:02:31
I'm pleased that my fellow Blues are pleased!

I can't help thinking back to that game away at Fulham, mind...

Rob Marsh
126 Posted 27/06/2019 at 12:38:15
I was expecting Barca to want around £35m for him, but by today's prices he's a bargain, well done EFC.

The delay in signing him was probably Barca hanging on and waiting for other bidders to come in, it looks like they didn't, strange nobody else wanted him???

Ray Roche
127 Posted 27/06/2019 at 12:56:52
Not really, Rob, Gomes was making it clear from the off that he wanted to return to Everton, so any potential rivals for his signature were not encouraged, apparently.
Rob Marsh
128 Posted 27/06/2019 at 14:44:47
Hello Ray,

It's good to hear he had his heart set on us and we weren't a second choice.

I am I have to say again surprised that no other clubs atleast tried to poach him, he has easy to see quality.

Anyway bargain price let's not look a gift horse in the mouth.

John Malone
129 Posted 27/06/2019 at 15:01:02
Got to give it to Moshiri – he his doing everything in his power to make us into a decent team.

My biggest fear after the whole Koeman - Walsh false dawn fiasco was, after seeing how much money he had wasted, he wouldn't be willing to keep investing every summer.

We spent a lot of money last summer and look to be willing to do the same again this year.

It's a nice feeling to finally have faith in the men in charge at our club! Onwards and upwards, up the toffees!

Ray Roche
130 Posted 27/06/2019 at 15:07:54
Yes, Rob, I'm looking forward to seeing him play after a full pre-season and injury-free. Same goes for Mina.
Kevin Dyer
131 Posted 28/06/2019 at 00:44:59
Jim #42,

The problem with Klaassen is we brought in three central attacking midfielder starters in one window and he wasn't going to be selected ahead of Rooney or Sigurdsson so his opportunities were limited. In the end, ironically by about November, we weren't playing anybody in the No 10 position!

Still, £24m for a player to be third choice, good going EFC! I liked Klaassen at Ajax but was puzzled we were going for him rather than their two wide attackers. Or Dolberg, although his stock has fallen. To me, he's a good system footballer, ill-suited to our team at the time, with its lack of pace and also whatever system Koeman was attempting to play.

Raymond Fox
132 Posted 28/06/2019 at 12:30:45
Jamie 118, I think we will have a good competitive season and I'm looking forward to it more than for a long time.

I don't think we are far off agreeing, but obviously a couple more outstanding players would do no harm to our chances.

Off topic, I can't help thinking that Moshiri's Russian mate's money is getting mixed up with his!

Paul Burns
133 Posted 01/07/2019 at 13:01:34
Chris Davies #53, "congratulations again Blue Bill." Are you for real?

Kenwright has made Everton into a fucking joke and you congratulate him (again). Everything you need to know about why Everton FC have become practically invisible in the last 25 years is encapsulated in that fatuous, nonsensical statement.

And I thought I had enough on my plate with moronic Liverpool "fans".

Dave Abrahams
134 Posted 01/07/2019 at 13:30:52
Paul (133), I thought Chris (53) was taking the piss out of Kenwright, that’s the way I read it.
Martin Mason
135 Posted 01/07/2019 at 14:17:28
Paul, we had been just as bad if not worse during the previous 25-year period where, apart from 3 brilliant years, the club virtually bankrupted itself.

You're barking up the wrong tree with Bill Kenwright, he was a caretaker owner and, in the end, he got the top level finance that he'd promised all along. The club survived under his stewardship when it had little income, little right to survive, and several times came very close to going under.

Just out of interest, what would you have done different or better? You would perhaps have put your own money in? Do you not acknowledge the superb coup in getting Moshiri's money behind Everton at a time he could have picked any club? Do you not feel that the club is in a very good place now, mainly due to Kenwright's efforts?

We have a very professional set up now because, yes, mainly because of Bill Kenwright's vision for the club. As nobody really knows what was going on at the club over the bad years, I can't understand how they can criticise him so blindly. There are more myths surrounding Kenwright than King Arthur! Unfortunately some believe them.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

136 Posted 01/07/2019 at 14:59:13
"There are more myths surrounding Kenwright than King Arthur! Unfortunately some believe them."

And unfortunately, some continue to pedal rose-scented myths about BK AND continue to believe them.

Brian Williams
138 Posted 01/07/2019 at 15:44:28
Nobody knows the whole truth about Kenwright's reign and it's very easy for some to argue either way strongly and claim their arguments are based on fact. Most of them aren't.

Some will argue that he's done a good job (Martin #135) and some choose to blame the club's lack of success, over an extended period, on him.

I find it a bit of a pointless argument because neither side knows much about it to be perfectly honest, despite what they may claim.

Paul McCoy
139 Posted 01/07/2019 at 16:30:44
Martin, you're right. No one on here really knows the truth about what went on during the Kenwright era. Instead, we have to base our views on his words and actions in public and those don't paint a very good picture. Outright lies (Fortress Sports Fund "cheque is in the post") and dumb decisions (disastrous Tesco ‘funded' stadiums). No wonder the majority on here don't like him.
Mike Gaynes
140 Posted 01/07/2019 at 16:50:14
Paul #139, the majority on here who choose to post about him don't like him.

I'd say the vast majority of us simply ignore the crashingly boring, repetitive argument when it comes up and choose to click over to more interesting topics.

Dave Abrahams
141 Posted 01/07/2019 at 16:55:45
Mike (140), I trust you also ignore those posts that support him, seems to me you only answer the posts that have a go at him.
Eddie Dunn
142 Posted 01/07/2019 at 16:59:16
Martin 135, as for Moshiri, surely he has not really spent any great sums of his own money so far, but guranteed various loans etc. Is there any evidence that (apart from the guarantees and buying shares- which he will be able to make a profit or loss on) that he has pumped any cash into the club. It seems to me that it is the ridiculous amounts we get from the TV deals that has enabled us to spend money on players and wages.
Amit Vithlani
143 Posted 01/07/2019 at 17:22:02
"Martin 135, as for Moshiri, surely he has not really spent any great sums of his own money so far, but guranteed various loans etc. Is there any evidence that (apart from the guarantees and buying shares – which he will be able to make a profit or loss on) that he has pumped any cash into the club?"

No, you are wrong. He has lent the club a very sizeable amount on interest free basis with no fixed repayment period. Effectively equity. The amount was £150M in the last set of accounts with a further £100m post year end.

Look at the club's financials.

Mike Gaynes
144 Posted 01/07/2019 at 17:26:26
Dave #141, I don't recall answering posts addressing Kenwright one way or the other.

I remember posting a few questions over the years, like what the hell "ring-fenced" meant, but all in all I pretty much have always found the debate mind-numbing.

Kevin Molloy
145 Posted 01/07/2019 at 17:44:23
I used to defend Bill alot when Tesco was raging, and before. Now though, since the last three years, I have changed my mind alot about him.
I remember I used to believe him when he said he was always looking for a proper custodian for Everton. And what do we find, after his 25 year search during which just about every club in the top three divisions has found new backers, who did we end up with? Why the best mate of a soviet era oligarch.
the terms of the deal? well, just coincidentally, these allow Bill to stick around fully invested in the club, whilst the new ground issue gets played out (which if it gets off the ground will double our two friends' investment).

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