Everton signed Mikulenko

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Everton have signed defender Vitaly Mikolenko from Dynamo Kiev for an undisclosed fee, and the Ukraine international has agreed to a four-and-a-half-year deal until the end of June 2026.

Mikolenko, 22, became the Blues’ first signing of the January transfer window after impressing him at club and international level in recent years.

Mykolenko, the first left-back for Ukraine, played 21 caps for his country and was an essential part of the team that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Mikolenko appeared regularly in Dynamo’s previous two Champions League campaigns and was instrumental in his team’s victory in the domestic league title in 2020/21. He also won the Ukraine Cup with Dynamo.

Speaking to evertontv after coach Rafa Benitez became his sixth contract manager for the Blues, Mikolenko said: “The move to Everton is a huge and important step in my life.

“I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. English football is where the game was born and I think it would fit my game well.

“I’m 22 but I don’t feel young. I have experience playing at European level and I hope to keep improving as a player.

“I am excited about the opportunity to play in front of our Everton fans. I have watched the last few games at Goodison Park and they have been fantastic.

“They are great fans for whom I feel a great responsibility.”

Mikolenko, who can also work in central defense and as a winger, made his debut for Dynamo at just 18 years old, with his consistently high quality performances, being rewarded with a major international call-up one year later.

He quickly established himself as the number one left-back for club and country and shone in Ukraine’s qualification for Euro 2020 in impressive fashion.

Andrei Shevchenko’s team passed the qualifying section unbeaten, taking first place in a group that included a star-studded Portuguese national team. Mykolenko went on to start four of Ukraine’s five matches in the European Championship.

Meanwhile, Mikolenko’s growing stature at Dinamo was underlined when he was appointed as captain for a league match against FC Lviv last season. He played a total of 132 first-team matches with Dynamo, scoring seven goals and providing 20 assists.

Vitaly Mikulenko

I believe here at Everton, with the club’s tradition and ambitions, I will develop as a person and as a player.

“I like to play with the front foot and go when I can,” Mikolenko added.

“Modern football requires full-backs to be able to attack as well as defend. I think I am a versatile defender who can go up and down the field.

“But I believe desire and commitment are the most important traits and I will strive to achieve these qualities.

“I hope it won’t take long to settle down and get used to the football style.

“I feel great now and it is very important for me to communicate with the team, the management and the fans.

“For that, I need to learn the language and understand the culture of this city, this country and this club. I will do my best.

“I believe here at Everton, with the club’s tradition and ambitions, I will develop as a person and as a player.”

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