3) Everton: Yannick Bolasie – £30m
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After manager Ronald Koeman moved to Everton from Southampton, he went about strengthening the squad in defence and attack. While Ashley Williams was prised away from Swansea for £12m, the Toffees spent more than twice that amount to sign Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old winger played a key role for Palace last season, clocking more than 2000 minutes on the pitch in 23 starts in the league. But Bolasie saw Everton as a new challenge and was excited to move to Merseyside.
“This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years,” Bolasie said. “For me, it was a no-brainer to come here.”
Although the fee matches the price they paid for Romelu Lukaku, the club did not announce Bolasie as a record signing. The initial fee is said to be £22.5m with add-ons taking the price to close to £30m.
2) Crystal Palace: Christian Benteke – £32m
Liverpool may have spent around £32m to sign Chrsitian Benteke but they will recoup the amount after Crystal Palace were more than ready to take him off their hands. The Belgian striker never really fit into Klopp’s style of play and found himself playing very little football at Anfield.
In fact, Palace broke their own transfer record in this window. They had previously signed Andros Townsend from relegated Newcastle for £13m. Benteke joins four other players Alan Pardew has brought to the club, including Steve Mandanda, James tomkins and Loic remy (on loan).
“I've met the manager a few times before I signed and that's why I wanted to come here,” Benteke explained. “I was really happy to hear about his project and that is why I am excited to come here.”
