Everton seal Yobo deal
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Article summary
Everton FC have completed the €6.2m signing of Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo from Olympique de Marseille.
Article body
Severance payment
Following talks between Everton and Marseille officials, Yobo secured a severance payment from the French side, allowing the deal to go through. The 22-year-old will cost the Merseysiders €4.8m in addition to the €1.4m they paid to sign him on a one-year loan last summer.
Impressive campaign
Yobo, who has agreed a four-year contract, becomes Everton's first capture of the close season. Everton manager David Moyes said: "Joseph has now completed the move and with him signed and Tony Hibbert and Wayne [Rooney] and Richard Wright, we are beginning to get the start of a young side which is not just for now, it is for the future."
On the up
Centre-back Yobo had an impressive first term at Goodison Park, making 24 Premiership appearances as David Moyes's team finished seventh in the table, Everton’s highest league position in seven years.