Everton land Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split as Ronald Koeman makes NINTH summer signing
Croatian teen signed a five-year deal before vowing to lead the Toffees into the Champions League
EVERTON have completed the signing of Croatian teenager Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split.
The highly-rated midfielder signed a five-year deal to become Ronald Koeman's ninth summer capture.
And the ambitious Croat international set his sights on firing his new club to the Champions League.
Vlasic, 19, said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to play for this big club.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world and this is one of the top clubs in England. It is such a big honour for me to be here.
“When I heard that Everton were interested in me, I knew straight away I wanted to come here.
"Whenever someone called my manager or my father, I told them I only wanted to come to Everton.
“The ambition of the club is to ultimately play in the Champions League and I want to help achieve that goal. I believe in myself and in this team - I think we can do great things together.”
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Vlasic - who operates behind the striker or on either flank - broke into the Hajduk first team in 2014 and went on to be named vice-captain.
Dad Josko is Croatia’s decathlon record holder, while sister Blanka is an Olympic silver medallist in the high jump.
The talented athlete is strong for his age and won full international honours in a friendly against Mexico in May.
Toffees boss Koeman said: “We are very happy to bring Nikola to the club as he is one of the big young talents in Europe.
“He showed that quality when we played Hajduk in the Europa League and he is only 19, so he will develop.
“Nikola is one of those players who can play a big part in Everton’s future and in what we want to achieve as a club.”
