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Doucoure joins Everton for reported £20M to complete new-look midfield

Tony McArdle - Everton FC / Everton FC / Getty

Carlo Ancelotti's renovations at Everton continue.

Abdoulaye Doucoure moved from Watford to the Toffees on Tuesday, linking up with fellow summer signings Allan and James Rodriguez at Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old midfielder reportedly cost Everton £20 million. He inked a three-year contract on Merseyside, with a club option for a fourth season.

"When I heard the names of Allan and James joining Everton it was even more exciting to come. I did everything in my power to come here as soon as possible," Doucoure said.

"It has been a long time (negotiating the transfer this summer) and I am happy to come here in this exciting moment."

Doucoure joined Watford from Rennes in 2016 and quickly established himself in the first team after a season-long loan at Granada. He made 129 Premier League appearances before last season's relegation and fulfilled defensive and attacking duties in the heart of the Hornets' XI.

He joins a midfield that struggled over the 2019-20 Premier League campaign. Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Andre Gomes dealt with injury problems, Fabian Delph didn't consistently provide the sturdiness required in the middle of the park, and Gylfi Sigurdsson - the main creative outlet of the ensemble - scored twice and assisted only three times. Academy product Tom Davies has also not fully delivered on the promise he displayed during his 2016-17 breakout term.

Everton boss Ancelotti now expects Allan, Colombian playmaker James, and Doucoure to fix that part of his lineup.

The club begins its 2020-21 season with Sunday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

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