Vitaliy Mykolenko’s first words as Everton sign Ukraine international from Dynamo Kiev

Everton have confirmed Ukraine international Vitaliy Mykolenko as the club’s first signing of the January transfer window.

The Dynamo Kiev left-back arrives for a reported fee of £18 million. He’s signed a contract until the summer of 2026 at Goodison Park.

The deal represents the club’s first major transfer outlay since Rafa Benitez was appointed manager in June.

Everton spent just £1.7 million in the summer transfer window to bring in Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen. Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan were brought in for free.

The Toffees’ interest in Mykolenko, 22, first emerged midway through December.

It was widely reported that Everton began negotiations last month - agreeing a fee, wage demands and the player undergoing a  medical - in anticipation of the deal being done on January 1.

The left-footed Ukrainian champion is an exciting talent and can also play as full-back, in central defence and as a wing-back.

He already has Champions League experience and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Roma in the past.

Mykolenko revealed that moving to Everton and a chance to play in the Premier League is a dream come true.

He told Everton’s official website: “I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. English football is where the game was born and I think that it will suit my game very well.

“I am 22 but I don’t feel like a youngster. I have experience of playing at European level and hope I will continue to improve as a player.

“I am excited about the opportunity of playing in front of our supporters at Everton. I have seen the last few games at Goodison Park and they were unbelievable.

“They are incredible fans to whom I feel great responsibility.”

He added: “I like to play on the front foot and get forward when I can.

“Modern football demands that full-backs are able to attack as well as defend. I think I am a versatile defender who can get up and down the pitch.

“But I believe desire and commitment are the most important attributes and I will aim to bring those qualities.

“I hope it won’t take me too long to settle in and get used to the style of football.

“I feel great right 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 culture of this city, this country and this club. I will do my very best.

“I believe here at Everton, with the Club’s traditions and ambitions, I will grow as a person and as a player.”

Will Mykolenko play against Brighton?

Unfortunately not. Mykolenko would have to watch Sunady’s Premier League match against Brighton from the stands.

Rules state that no new players registered between 1-3 January are eligible to play in the Premier League during matchweek 21.

When could Mykolenko make his Everton debut?

The 22-year-old could instead make his debut on Saturday, 8 January, when Benitez’s side travel to Hull City in the FA Cup third round (17.30 kick-off).

Mykolenko’s Premier League bow might be the trip to Norwich on 15 January.

What does the Mykolenko deal mean for Lucas Digne?

The arrival of Mykolenko cast further doubt on the future of fellow left-back Lucas Digne at Goodison Park.

The French international has not played for the club since a reported bust-up with Benitez prior to the Premier League clash with Arsenal on 6 December.

Digne, it is claimed by The Athletic, is unhappy that he is no longer able to be an attacking influence under the Everton manager.

The former Barcelona defender, who joined Everton for £18 million in 2018, has already been linked with Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and newly rich Newcastle United.