Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Confirmed: Maarten Stekelenburg completes Everton move as Ronald Koeman's first signing
RONALD KOEMAN has made Dutch compatriot Maarten Stekelenburg his first signing as manager of Everton.
Maarten Stekelenburg signs for Everton as Ronald Koeman's first recruit
The 33-year-old former Holland international has signed a three-year contract and will be reunited with Koeman for a third time in his career.
Koeman brought Stekelenburg with him to Southampton on loan last season following injury to first-choice stopper Fraser Forster and also worked with him for three years at Ajax.
"I'm very happy - things have moved very fast over the last couple days," the former Fulham goalkeeper told evertontv.
"He [Koeman] has come to Everton and he called me a few days after asking if I was willing to follow him. It wasn't difficult to make that choice.
BREAKING: We have signed goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from @Fulhamfc on a three-year contract. #WelcomeMaarten pic.twitter.com/CLXuHhH51l
— Everton (@Everton) July 1, 2016
"He's one of the best coaches - he's straight talking, he's fair and he has confidence in me which counts as well.
"I've been here [in England] for a couple of seasons and I love the Premier League. It's fantastic that I can stay."