Dutch delight at Everton as Fer gallops in
As the end of the transfer window appears on the horizon, David Moyes appears to have pulled a Dutch rabbit out of the hat. FC Twente have accepted an offer for Leroy Fer and the midfielder looks set to join for around 8 million pounds. The midfielder is due on Merseyside to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical before Thursday’s deadline.
Similar to the failed swoop for Yann M'Vila, the deal will be staggered in consideration of the tight pursestrings at Goodison. After an initial downpayment, further installments will follow later. The nature of the deal means Everton are not required to sell any players to fund the move.
Dubbed "The Bouncer" in light of his physical presence, Fer is highly rated in and has two international caps for Holland. Fer leaves a Twente side are just a point off top spot in the Eredivisie. PSV Eindhoven tops the table on 43 points with Twente on 42 and Ajax third on 40. It seems the lure of Premier League football and a European chase has convinced the midfielder to sign on at Goodison.
In 20 appearances for Twente this season, Fer showed his scoring capabilities, netting nine times in 17 starts. Adding two assists to his goal tally, Fer appears at his best when used as a box-to-box player. Since Darron Gibson is suited to the holding role and Marouane Fellaini has the advanced role, there is certainly a spot available for Fer in the Everton midfield.
At 17, Fer made his Feyenoord debut in a 6-0 win over Heracles Almelo, replacing Nuri Sahin in the 84th minute. Four days later, the youngster signed his first professional contract and put pen to paper on a 4 1/2-year deal. After several substitute appearances, Fer started his first match, a 3-0 defeat at Ajax in February 2008; new teammate John Heitinga opened the scoring for the home side.
Showing his versatility - a welcome trait given Everton’s threadbare squad - Fer started the Ajax match at right back and continued in the position several weeks. The midfielder notched his first senior goal in March 2008; Fer opened the scoring but could not prevent his team losing 3-1 against NAC Breda.
In the two seasons that followed, Fer found himself switching between central midfield positions, playing in front of the back four or behind the striker. After establishing himself, Fer moved to FC Twente in August 2011. After the transfer, the midfielder gave his reasons for leaving Feyenoord: "This club [Twente] is playing for the title and at European level. That means I will develop better".
Everton are short on numbers in midfield, so the move appears astute business at first glance. As the window closes, the hunt for players continues with Moyes chasing a striker. With the limited funds going on Fer, it is likely that any further additions would be on loan. Last January's additions were the catalyst for a strong finish and the hope is that Fer can have a similar impact.
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