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Everton set seal on Besic move

The final details of complicated and protracted negotiations were hammered out while the 21-year-old midfielder was on the Blues' trip to Thailand over the weekend and Besic can finally be announced as an Everton player.
He becomes the second signing of the summer after the capture of free agent Gareth Barry on a permanent deal and Roberto Martinez has spoken of his desire to bring in at least three more players before the transfer deadline at the end of next month.
Besic spoke with evertontv after the deal was confirmed and cited Roberto Martinez as the key factor in his agreeing to join the Blues.
“I know Everton is a really traditional club and the supporters are fantastic here," he said. "I think this is the biggest step I can make after Hungary.
“The most important reason why I signed for Everton was Roberto Martinez — I think he is a fantastic coach."
Having bedded in with the Everton squad at the pre-season camp in Austria and then the Bangkok trip, Besic is now looking ahead to making an impression on the Premier League, an environment to which he feels he will adapt well.
“I think my style is suited to playing in the Premier League and I think this is the best league in the world,” he continued. “I can play anywhere [in defence or midfield], but for Everton I think I will play as a central midfielder. I'll play where the coach says, though. It's not a problem.
“I enjoy playing in midfield because I get to see a lot of the ball and I think it is my best position.”
He faces competition from the likes of Barry, James McCarthy and Darron Gibson but with the addition of Europa League football this coming season, there should be plenty of scope for squad rotation.
“It will be difficult for me [to get into the team] because we have fantastic players, but I think with the help of the coach, I will do my best.
"The World Cup was really important and I think the most important game for me was the Argentina game. I think I did a good job and many clubs were looking... Mr Martinez also."
Reader Comments (120)
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2 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:53:08
3 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:00:06
4 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:59:15
HeÂs going to have to learn English pretty sharpish, as our squad is a bit short on Bosnian speakers. Or German speakers, for that matter.
5 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:03:46
I also assume he will be in contention for first team duty for the next pre-season game !
Even if he doesnÂt slot in to the Prem side, he will put pressure on the players ahead of him, should that be the case !
Welcome aboard Mo !
6 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:12:02
7 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:09:22
8 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:16:25
10 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:17:43
11 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:16:27
12 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:11:37
13 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:24:06
e.g. vs. Argentina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uyy_vcx3GI
14 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:32:46
15 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:32:00
Kev #4, the lad grew up in Berlin and Hamburg so his English is probably better than half our squadÂs!
Onwards and upwards.
( did someone say need a striker?)
16 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:39:04
17 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:36:16
Thanks for the link mate, he certainly looks to be useful,good awareness and brilliant distributor of the ball .
Why do these clips on you tube, always have the most annoying tunes to accompany them ? I know you press the mute , but it doesnÂt quite seem the same with no background noises, ie. shouts ball hitting bar or post etc.0
18 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:37:59
The little I have seen of him he seems a Grav/Cars cross. Now that could be interesting.
UP THE BLUES.
19 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:43:25
20 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:39:39
21 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:42:23
Harold (my toffeewiki!), how did you pick up that Roberto didnÂt know him until WC?
22 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:46:41
25 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:53:53
Seems to speak pretty good English already on the videos on the official site. Says Martinez was his biggest reason for coming.
27 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:00:31
28 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:03:37
29 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:58:14
Think we should give Rodwell a break. Good kid, brilliant teenager who moved like a Gizelle... Injuries and moving too early held him back in my opinion.
30 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:07:23
31 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:02:09
Having another midfielder with a "bit of steel in his armoury" is no bad thing at all.
Just hope that he adjusts to the PL quickly, but if it takes a season then so be it.
Now letÂs get Romelu to get his pen out !
33 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:11:41
35 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:07:06
Did he play in the Europa games or was he still on World Cup leave??
IÂm not so sure he has been playing but could be completely wrong
36 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:09:36
What Roberto really needs to do now is sort out a striker. No more short term loan solutions either, sign a striker permanently and put and end to this problem.
It will be great if itÂs Lukaku but if not then so be it, find someone else.
37 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:15:43
38 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:18:14
39 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:13:17
I hope personally, that he will not wait too long before being introduced into the Prem games even if it is from the bench!
41 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:14:07
Oh yeah, and for all your Bosnian Toffees out there:
I to je Everton, Everton fc, mi smo daleko najveći tim je svijet ikada vidio
Hajde ti blues!
43 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:37:56
Just been on the Ferencvaros website and Besic wasnÂt in the squad for either match – so he can play in the Europa for us!
46 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:47:47
48 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:46:50
49 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:35:45
50 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:53:34
Assuming he met Roberto out in Brazil (only an assumption, but...), then so much for the criticism of Roberto being in Brazil when he should have been signing players!
51 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:44:55
The second one? Well, Toffee Lady Amanda Holden uttered the words with impressive gusto at the end of this Everton in the Community clip. (At 1:32, if you canÂt be bothered watching the whole thing.)
52 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:58:26
53 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:00:28
55 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:03:29
56 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:53:53
From his interview, he seems a very focused, serious individual and he has the same squinty stare as Roy Keane. Hopefully heÂll turn into a quality midfielder like Roy did, and I think Martinez sees him as the long-term partner for McCarthy.
My main concern about the balance in the side is that McCarthy, Besic, Barry and Gibson all seem very like similar kinds of players. I really would love to see Martinez nab someone with some creativity to play centre mid, for when we play teams like Leicester who sit deep.
57 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:02:50
58 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:03:04
I would echo AlÂs (#6) comments but in the 93rd minute when weÂre 3-0 up at their place.
59 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:19:10
LetÂs welcome the lad and hope heÂs good enough to force his way into the first team on a regular basis and have a long and successful career at EFC.
60 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:28:28
Listening to Besic on OS seems like heÂs got his head screwed on. When asked what did Martinez say to him, he replied "itÂs between us". Not giving any secrets away, and then when asked about his ambitions for the season he didnÂt want to set any targets, just to make a good impression on the pitch. Also said he can play almost anywhere. LetÂs hope he can play in goal if Howard gets injured during a game!!
61 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:29:49
62 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:33:26
63 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:43:56
I note your comments and tend to agree, but one defensive position really worries me, the ultimate one!
As I have mentioned before, Tim Howard canÂt be expected to play every game, and letÂs not even think if he picked up an injury. Robles just simply is not good enough.
I couldnÂt understand also why Stanek never even got any sort of game time in either of the two pre-season games, while all other squad members were rotated!
I trust Roberto, but feel maybe he knows something or is there another surprise!
64 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:54:16
I personally would like Marshall from Cardiff (if heÂs still there that is). Look a very promising keeper but would he be prepared to sit on the bench most weeks?
65 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:46:36
I think this kid is going to be a steal.
He looks hard as shit.
I think this is going to be a fantastic signing. ItÂs exactly the kind of signing we need - buy the as of yet unheralded young talent cheap.
I trust RM to find these diamonds for years to come.
As others have said, now please, please go get Lukaku.
66 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:01:47
67 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:00:35
You are exactly right there mate!
"Problem with goalkeepers Derek, is that they can only play in goal, nowhere else!"
That is exactly my point, Robles canÂt ! With any degree of inspiring confidence either in the players in front of him, or us fans watching his poor positional sense!
Great shout on Marshall!
68 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:58:29
Hopefully Duffy can force his way into MartinezÂs plans and –with Garbutt looking like he will be challenging Baines and Oviedo for the left back position – itÂs looking like we are quite formidable from goalkeeper to defensive midfield with just the right back position needing strengthening as Hibbert and Stones can do a job but not at the level that we need.
69 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:05:32
As for Lukaku he is prolonging too much his hedging of bets. Time for Plan B and a different striker.
70 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:59:41
71 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:22:53
72 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:22:30
73 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:28:42
74 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:41:00
75 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:46:43
Everyone else got some game time in, except the Stanek lad.
76 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:57:07
77 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:00:15
I donÂt think Barkley or Besic were ever down to play, and went because of the PR side to appease the sponsors, King Power, or, in our case, Chang!
78 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:03:30
Now for strikers. Whatever happened to Bony?
79 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:05:18
80 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:00:10
Finally. Welcome aboard, kick some ass.
81 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:59:02
Remember in the Â70s when England had both Ray Clemence and, Peter Shilton I think it was, and they played alternate games, just to keep them both happy. That canÂt be good for instilling confidence in a back four towards their goalkeeper.
If, for arguments sake, we did sign Marshall from Cardiff, how long would it be before he decided to call it a day because he wasnÂt playing enough?
82 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:18:39
HeÂs a Colin, not a Howard.
83 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:56:06
We have spent ٢ million on him, a Championship transfer amount at best. We paid ٣ million for Johnny Heitinga years ago and he wonÂt exactly go down as a legend, will he??
Besic is young enough and, without any evidence to prove otherwise, we will have to trust RobertoÂs instincts. ThereÂs players joining our nearest rivals for ١ and ٢ million that arenÂt even making the news ,yet we are trumpeting his arrival as some sort of second coming of Everton legends of times gone by!
It goes to prove what disappointing business we have done this summer when thereÂs such excitement about a player who is obviously going to take time like the Fellainis etc before him to settle into a new country and culture.
Our team of last season were short a striker (thatÂs with Lukaku in the squad) and a playmaker; in my opinion, we havenÂt addressed either with 3 weeks to kick-off.
84 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:16:16
Glad you brought that up, I have not got to remind you that we are involved on four fronts this season, so that will most probably be one game every four days or so, not to mention the travelling element!
So, hopefully you can see my concern, and two decent keepers could well be employed, without any dissent or (hopefully not) injury!
85 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:16:04
His passing looks really accurate and instinctive (apart from one very unwise example).
His movement seems very intelligent.
His tackling looks bloody solid.
On this evidence, no wonder Roberto has tracked him for a couple of years, thanks ESPN for paying for RobertoÂs fact finding mission.
86 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:28:00
Colin Harvey wore No 6.
John Hurst used to wear No 10.
Mo sounds more like a Howard Kendall — No 4.
87 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:32:25
By the way, I wish YouTube montages would give a swerve to players doing step-overs. TheyÂre no big deal. Anyone can do them - it depends whether thereÂs an end result. If not, they are pitifully naff.
When I played Sunday League, if an opponent did step-overs in front of me, I just thought "Yeah, yeah, get on with it, you bloody poser". Then I kicked him.
88 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:38:32
89 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:10:47
Maybe jumping the gun, but I feel it wont be long till heÂs a regular first teamer, looks like a real asset to have in the squad.
Just been watching our last season highlights and its essential that we get Lukaku, he has that rare physical presence that gives defenders the willies.
90 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:47:31
Then I woke up.
91 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:52:25
92 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:53:39
This guy looks to have an edge to him. I really liked his interview on the official site, respectful of Roberto and his new teammates who I am sure will get the best out of him.
93 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:00:30
Seems like we have got us a quality player at a decent price.
94 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:06:37
Everybody else seems to be buying their players so why donÂt we take a punt on their goalie?
95 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:49:32
HeÂs a very good shot stopper, but his decision making is letting him down I admit. What he needs is match practice, no wonder heÂs rusty!
Problem is if heÂs making bloomers, like when Leicester scored, heÂs probably not going to get the games unless he goes on loan somewhere. ItÂs difficult for any 2nd choice goalie I suppose.
96 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:06:28
97 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:13:37
I hope to see plenty of him in our colours!!!
98 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:10:28
I agree with you completely. Keepers need games in order to improve. It is so much more psychological than any other position. Experience is absolutely key. I think it makes sense to send him out on loan with an option to recall him.
Stanek can warm the bench for now and also represent the club at U21 level.
99 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:01:40
ThatÂs hilarious. In the menÂs league I play in – and I certifiably suck never having even touched a soccer ball until aged 40 – when some douche starts his shitty Ronaldo impersonation with the step overs my eyes instinctively leave the ball and I look right at his mid-section so the prick canÂt get by me (thatÂs how they teach it in hockey...). Then you just pull the "Oops! Sorry Âbout that, Ol friend, I was gong for the ball."
If some dude in a menÂs league (read pub league) is pulling that crap - if they were good enough to pull it off theyÂd not be playing in the old fart league IÂm in... kick em down... help em up - gotta be a gentleman about it after all...
100 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:59:58
Following RobertoÂs orders, he and his team watch youth tournaments worldwide and carefully monitor the progress of those they have earmarked. These lads will probably be followed by Henen and Galloway. What else is going on is anyones guess but itÂs all very exciting.
101 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:19:41
After all those years my memory is totally crap, and having worn the #10 shirt I played nothing like John Hurst – or Colin for that matter...
102 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:17:37
As well as lacking match practice heÂs probably letting his nerves get the better of him when he does get a chance to play, and of course he knows as well as anyone when heÂs making mistakes which only adds to his anxiety.
103 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:58:40
Apart from these 2 and Traore there are no other genuine targets. If these guys are our only primary targets, whats happened to our transfer budget? Besic ٢M, Lukaku 㾾-22M, Benin ٠M and Traore ٟM loan which is a total of between 㿅-29M. I know this is normally huge for us but that budget only covers our remaining recouped sales from Fellaini 㾺M (knocking off the McCarthy buy), Jelavic ٤M and Anichebe ٤M.
I want to know what has happened to the large TV revenue and prize money we should have received in the last two seasons.
104 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:27:23
I saw him a couple of weeks ago in Crosby but resisted the temptation to exact retribution for the many heinous fouls he committed on our forwards.
105 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:56:04
106 Posted 28/07/2014 at 23:24:26
Excellent pass completion stats in the World Cup, but not just short Essien style 2-10 yard passes.
Absolute steal at rumoured price. Welcome aboard Mo!
107 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:04:53
I wouldnÂt ever buy on the above info as if we were too you may end up with El Hagi Diouf or Phil Babb!!!
That said, I have faith in Bobby and would like to believe he knows an awful lot more than me who to spend our money on, so I must say IÂm more than happy with our acquisition.
Welcome aboard, Mo!
108 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:34:48
109 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:31:57
Get a grip people!! "The new Colin Harvey"??? Up until a month ago, not one Everton fan had ever heard of him and now he is some reincarnation of past everton legends?? I am sure the lad has potential but will also take time to fit into a new country and culture.
Christ, we have been talking about Champions League?? We can talk about what we do and donÂt need financially but ٢ million on transfers doesnÂt move us anywhere but backwards!! 㿊 million minimum is what we should expect with our TV revenue, player sales, and keeping our fucking powder dry??
Lukaku and one other major signing at the very least or itÂs glass ceiling time again!!
110 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:55:27
Will the moaners at least give it a rest for a day or two now?
111 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:01:53
112 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:13:02
One new player an hour and it will be all be sorted by breakfast this morning.
Why canÂt the Club see this?????
113 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:52:58
IÂve tried not to comment on the abject level some posters descend to... but to bitch and moan ten to the dozen, for what seems like months on end, about the lack of new signings, and then state that you are Âdisgusted with this excellent singing of Mo Besic... well it sickens me to the core. What the fuck is wrong with you people? (Yes, Andrew Hawes, IÂm talking about your astounding post @ #109.)
Earlier, you comment that the fee is "a Championship transfer amount at best." Somebody needs to respond to this utter drivel... what would you call Seamus Coleman at $60k? Such negativity is unbelievable! Then you add: "without any evidence to prove otherwise, we will have to trust RobertoÂs instincts." A face-palm moment if ever there was one.
Yes, I hate it as well when people have to match current players with those of yesteryear — a totally meaningless exercise — but the transfer window still has plenty of life left in it. Please allow it to run its course, and even then, donÂt prejudge the signings (what is the point?). YouÂve heard this lad state he signed for Everton because of Roberto Martinez. LetÂs see what he can do in a Royal blue Everton shirt under his tutelage (hopefully with a suitable allowance of time to bed in, please).
114 Posted 29/07/2014 at 02:49:10
http://thepremierleagueowl.com/everton-steal-muhamed-besic-and-make-the-rest-of-the-league-blush/
115 Posted 29/07/2014 at 03:07:28
Positive signing, yes, but IÂd rather see the kid play in a blue shirt before making any judgments positive or negative...
We still need to invest in a proven creative CM and Lukaku.
116 Posted 29/07/2014 at 03:20:50
117 Posted 29/07/2014 at 03:32:42
Feel free to call me dr doom but I cannot be the only Blue praying we get a season out of Gibson.
118 Posted 29/07/2014 at 03:46:44
119 Posted 29/07/2014 at 04:06:00
IÂm not bothered about lack of No9. I think the way we play Mirallas could do a job
Think Lukaku no longer quite does the job for us.
120 Posted 29/07/2014 at 04:43:46
TW has this debate every pre-season, but I would hold up our transfer dealings up over the last few years against most. LetÂs hold our nerves for at least a couple more weeks.
121 Posted 29/07/2014 at 05:09:50
122 Posted 29/07/2014 at 05:45:43
They, ( RS ) implying it was over the medical, and Harry quite plausibly ( for once ) saying that he has at least four similar medicals, in the last year. Marseilles, QPR,Newcastle and for the French National team just prior to the WC !
I, like you, have always believed that Lukaku ,would eventually arrive, but this has been protracted beyond all comprehension .
I am also a bit skeptical as to the dialogue , supposedly emanating from Everton about alternatives etc. More worryingly so, Roberto saying that LukakuÂs contributions will not be forgotten, but that was last season etc.
WouldnÂt it be ironic if, the aforementioned Monsieur Remy ,turned out to be one of those alternatives , should the unthinkable happen ?
It would certainly spice up interest in the Derbies !
I note also, having brought up the subject of Goalkeepers for this season coming , that we have been linked with a move for Reading keeper Alex McCarthy !
123 Posted 29/07/2014 at 06:00:24
124 Posted 29/07/2014 at 06:39:14
Yeah. This Remy business is a strange affair. Feel a bit sorry for the lad. Something to do with the heart I believe but Harry didnÂt mention it. Very talented lad who knows where the net is.
On the Lukaku thing. YouÂre right. It was quite strange. Martinez deliberately referred to him in the past tense. "He was here, he was a great bloke, now letÂs move on." sort of thing. Transfer tactics? I wouldnÂt know. ItÂs certainly got us all tied up in knots.
125 Posted 29/07/2014 at 07:09:52
Alex McCarthy eh? Interesting. A proper goalie. Does he still have his diamond business and celebrity girlfriends? Much more assured than Robles who is a bag of nerves and would be a good backup for Howard. Our ace goalie coach would bring him on a ton. Amazing bloke. Where did Roberto find this guy?
126 Posted 29/07/2014 at 07:36:20
128 Posted 29/07/2014 at 08:43:04
All in all heÂs another string to the bow and he looks like a good one!
129 Posted 29/07/2014 at 10:00:59
On what basis? A 2 minute clip on YouTube where a step over is repeated 6 times? Or 3 very average games in the World Cup? Very Cristiano Ronaldo, donÂt you think Micheal #113?
My point was a 4 million signing is not what we expected at this stage of pre-season. What I expected was the 5 or 6 quality players that Roberto insisted he needed only 3 months ago. I am glad we have signed him but not at the expense of the playmaker and forward-thinking players even Roberto himself has stated we desperately need.
I am all for optimism but sometimes you have to say it how it is. Besic and Barry in with 3 weeks to go is not good enough! Not when you see what our nearest rivals have done to improve.
If that " sickens" people tough because guess what it sickens me too!
130 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:09:52
Based on that premise, why the negativity over this lad ?
Coleman @㿨k -embarrassing purchase by a once great Club reduced to buying players for pub team fees ?
No ?
If WE had purchased Torres at the time for 㿞 million then weÂd all have been wetting ourselves with anticpation at the goals he was going to score. Title would have been nailed on.
That transfer didnÂt turn out too well, did it ?
131 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:37:42
WeÂve already got three.
132 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:33:38
Now if we can sort out a couple of strikers we will be set for a good season. Lukaku on a permanent deal, Traore on loan and perhaps an other right winger (Atsu on Loan or Bahoui for a reasonable price). I see that Tadic has signed for Southampton. Shame as I thought he would be ideal for us.
133 Posted 29/07/2014 at 18:56:09
This guy for me looks like he has great defensive qualities, with good control and passing and in my humble view a similar style to Kendall. If he turns out half as good we will be happy.
Totally agree on the other points you make, Michael.
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1 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:50:33