“‘Easy Decision’ – Everton Announce Sixth Signing of the Summer”

Asmir Begovic has returned to Everton, signing a one-year contract that will keep him with the club until the end of June 2025.

The 37-year-old Bosnia & Herzegovina international is back with Sean Dyche’s squad to provide experienced backup for England’s first-choice goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

Last season, Begovic was the primary goalkeeper for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

Begovic’s previous stint with Everton was from 2021 to 2023. He made his debut for the Blues in a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Huddersfield Town in August 2021.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Begovic began his career at Portsmouth before moving to Stoke City, where he played for five years.

His career also includes time with Chelsea, where he won a Premier League title, as well as stints at AFC Bournemouth and AC Milan.

Following his return to Merseyside, which was reported in the ECHO on Tuesday, Begovic expressed his excitement on evertonfc.com: “I’m delighted to be back.

It was an easy decision when the call came.

I had two really good years here before and built special relationships with the staff and players.”

He continued, “Everton has a way of leaving an imprint on you.

The relationship I have with people here, how special the club is, the amazing fanbase, and with it being such a significant last season at Goodison, means it’s a great time to be at the club.”

Begovic is eager to reconnect with the team, stating, “I’m looking forward to working with the keepers here again.

Jordan is a friend of mine for three years now and is someone I really respect.

Along with Joao Virginia, Harry Tyrer, Billy Crellin, and our Goalkeeper Coach, Billy Mercer, it’s a great group.

The way we push each other daily brings out the best in us on matchdays.”

He added, “I want to help be a leader, set standards, be a pro every single day, and pass on my experience. I can’t wait to be a part of it again and help the club in any way I can.”

Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, spoke highly of Begovic, saying, “We obviously know Asmir very well from his previous time with us, and his reputation as an excellent goalkeeper was reinforced by his being first-choice at QPR last season.”

Thelwell continued, “Asmir is a top-class professional and, in addition to providing experienced backup for Jordan, his attitude and commitment will once again be invaluable for our younger goalkeepers to learn from.

His return also allows some of our young keepers to go out on loan and gain valuable experience for their development.”

Begovic left Everton last summer due to financial issues. Reflecting on his departure, he told the ECHO, “The business side is part of the game – I totally get that.

That’s the unfortunate part because if it was just down to the people and everything else, it would be easier. Of course, there are certain realities that I understand the club is in, and we couldn’t come to an agreement.

There’s no hard feelings; that’s just the way it goes.”

He concluded, “I understand where the club is at and the fixtures they have, and we move on. It’s as simple as that.

I cherished my time at Everton, and I think I’m a better player for my time here. I wish the club nothing but the very best.”

Begovic is the sixth summer signing for the Blues, following the arrivals of Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Iliman Ndiaye, Jake O’Brien, and Tim Iroegbunam.