Ruben Vinagre has signed for Everton on a season-long loan from Sporting Lisbon for 2022-23 campaign.
This move sees Vinagre return to the Premier League after previously enjoying a five-year spell at Wolves, although he made his last appearance in English Football in August 2020 as Wolves lost 4-0 at West Ham.
Vinagre was loaned out to Olympicaos and Famalicao for the rest of that season before he moved to Sporting Lisbon initially on loan last season, with the move made permanent earlier this month although Sporting have decided to send him out on loan to Everton for experience.
Speaking to evertontv. about his loan move, Vinagre described it as “a dream come true” and went on to comment that the playing squad and manager played a part in his decision, as he said: “The opportunity to work with very good players and a very good coach in Frank Lampard made me excited to sign.
“The manager is a football legend. Everybody knows him and the opportunity to work with and learn from him and someone like Ashley Cole – one of football’s best left-backs – is very big for me.”
Vinagre will also be reunited with Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, who first brought him to Wolves initially on loan from Monaco in 2017-18 season which led to a permanent transfer.
The 23 year-old left wing-back proceeded to admit that Thelwell also played a part in his decision, as he added: “Kevin was important, too, because he knows me very well from when we worked together at Wolves.
“He explained to me about Everton’s proud history and the qualities you need here because it’s a very big club and you have to give everything for the supporters.”
On what fans can expect from him this season and his memories of playing against Everton whilst at Wolves, Vinagre said: “I give everything for my teammates. I always want to win because that is the only way. That’s why I’ve come to Everton: to win. They are my characteristics.
“I’m good with the ball, I like to attack and also recover the ball – I like to do everything in the game!
“I remember that Goodison Park is a very difficult stadium to play in for opponents because of the atmosphere. Now it’s good to be on Everton fans’ side. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Vinagre will wear the number 29 shirt this season and could make his debut in Friday’s (29 July) friendly against Ukraine’s Dynamo Kiev at Goodison Park.
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