Andros Townsend reunites with Rafa Benitez at Everton as former England winger signs on a free transfer on a two-year deal following the expiration of his Crystal Palace contract
- Andros Townsend’s contract at Crystal Palace expired at the end of last season
- The winger will link up once again with Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park
- Townsend previously played under the experienced Spaniard at Newcastle
- Townsend spoke of his delight after sealing his free transfer to Everton
Everton have signed former England winger Andros Townsend on a two-year contract.
The 30-year-old was available on a free transfer after his deal at Crystal Palace expired at the end of last season.
The move will see Townsend link up once again with Rafa Benitez, the new Everton manager, after previously playing under the Spaniard at Newcastle.
Andros Townsend has completed his free transfer to Everton after leaving Crystal Palace
The 30-year-old winger has put pen to paper on a two-year contract at Goodison Park
Townsend told Everton TV: ‘I think everyone knows what Everton is. It’s a massive football club, it’s very ambitious, a club which has been trying to get back to where it belongs into Europe and beyond.
‘I’ll be doing all I can to help the club do that. As the old cliche goes, it was a no-brainer.
‘Rafa is very experienced. He does a lot of work on the tactical side on the training pitch, he leaves no stone unturned.
‘But, more importantly, he’s a great man, a great man-manager, and he’s always talking to you. I’m sure he will be very successful here.’
Townsend, who has 13 England caps, made his name at Tottenham, where he came through the youth ranks.
Townsend admits he can’t wait to get going at Everton, labelling the club as ‘massive’
He moved to Newcastle in 2016 but left for Palace after their relegation from the Premier League later that year. He spent five seasons at Selhurst Park.
Townsend tweeted: ‘After 5 amazing years and countless memories, it’s time to say my goodbyes to everyone at Crystal Palace.
‘I’d like to say particular thank yous to the chairman for bringing me to Selhurst and giving me the opportunity to wear the red and blue, to Sam (Allardyce) and Roy (Hodgson) for their belief in me, and to my team-mates for the special moments we enjoyed together on the pitch.
‘To the Palace fans. The beating heart of the club. To each and every one of you… Thank you. Thank you for all of your support, it’s that support which makes the club and Selhurst Park so special.
‘It’s a shame we didn’t get to say goodbye properly, but we’ll be seeing each other soon enough and I’m already looking forward to returning to Selhurst when we meet again. Until next time, there’s a star-man playing on the right.’
Townsend and Rafa Benitez have worked together before during their time at Newcastle
Townsend sealed his move to Everton after undergoing his medical on Monday.
Townsend is set to be joined at Goodison by former Leicester winger Demarai Gray. Everton are talking to his current club Bayer Leverkusen with a buyout clause set at around £1.7m.
Crystal Palace have also expressed an interest in 25-year old Gray.
Everton are also among the clubs to have asked about Burnley’s Dwight McNeil as they look to improve the service into their strikers. They also need cover with Richarlison taking part in the Olympics with Brazil.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had his medical at the weekend and agreed a one year contract with Everton with an option of an extra year after Bournemouth allowed him to leave as they trim their wage bill.
Townsend penned an emotional farewell message to Palace following five years with the club