Everton sign Ukraine left back Mykolenko

The 22-year-old becomes Rafael Benitez’s sixth signing for the club and has agreed on a four-year deal.

Everton have completed the signing of Ukraine defender Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old left-back, who has won 21 caps for his country, has signed a four-year deal keeping him at Goodison Park until June 2026.

Mykolenko told Everton TV: “I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. English football is where the game was born, and I think that it will suit my game very well.

“I am 22, but I don’t feel like a youngster. I have experience of playing at European level and hope I will continue to improve as a player.

“I am excited about the opportunity of playing in front of our supporters at Everton. I have seen the last few games at Goodison Park, and they were unbelievable.”

Mykolenko, who becomes Rafael Benitez’s sixth signing for the club, brings a wealth of experience, having played in the Champions League and reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Mykolenko, who can also operate in central defence, is expected to replace Lucas Digne, who has fallen out of favour with Benitez in recent weeks and is heading to the south coast with Brighton.