Staff Reporter.
Everton have signed defender Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
The 22-year-old, who joins for an undisclosed fee, has won 21 caps for his country and will fill the left-back position which has proved troublesome in the extended non-injury related absence of Lucas Digne.
“I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League,” Mykolenko told the club website.
“Moving to Everton is a big and important step in my life.”
Mykolenko, who becomes Everton manager Rafael Benitez’s sixth signing, won a league title and two Ukrainian Cups with Dynamo during his 132 appearances for the club.
“English football is where the game was born and I think that it will suit my game very well.” he added.
“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. I have seen the last few games at Goodison Park and they were unbelievable.
“They are incredible fans to whom I feel great responsibility.”
Mykolenko was part of the Ukraine team that reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals last summer while he won a league title with Dynamo Kiev last season and featured in their last two Champions League campaigns.