Evanilson: Bournemouth sign Brazilian forward in club record deal

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Evanilson from Porto in a club record £40.2m deal.

Evanilson, 24, scored 60 goals in 154 appearances for Porto during his four years in Portugal.

The Cherries will pay an initial fee of £31.7m with the potential for another £8.5m on top, should certain clauses be met, making him their most expensive buy.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “Evanilson is a hugely sought-after striker and for us to bring him to the club in a record-breaking deal shows our ambition and intent.

“Having scored 25 goals last season, including goals in the Champions League, we feel that his experience and ability despite only being 24 will help us to match our ambitions moving forward.

“It’s well known that we were keen on bringing a striker to the football club and for us to complete this deal so quickly is a testament to our recruitment team.”

Evanilson is a two-time Brazil international, having won his first senior international cap earlier this year.

He was part of Brazil’s squad at the Copa America, featuring as a late substitute in their quarter-final exit to Uruguay.

The new recruit will wear the number nine shirt vacated by Dominic Solanke, who signed for Tottenham in a deal worth up to £65m earlier this month.