Ramiro Funes Mori to Everton: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Everton have completed the signing of Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate for a fee of £9.5 million on a five-year deal.

The club confirmed the deal on their official Twitter feed with an accompanying image of the defender in the Toffees jersey:

The centre-back told the club's official website that he can't wait to get started at Everton:

"

I'm the type of player who likes to work hard in every training session and in every game. I train the way I play and I'm going to give it 100 per cent every time I go out there to play for Everton.

When I heard about Everton's interest, I didn't think twice. My agent told me about this opportunity and Everton did everything to bring me over and I wanted to come. 

I know it's a Club with a lot of history and a lot of good players have come from Everton, so I'm very happy to be here.

"

Mori joins the Merseyside club after a successful spell in Argentina, where he helped his former club win the Copa Libertadores earlier this year. The 24-year-old scored in the final for Los Millonarios, but he has earned plaudits for his commanding defensive displays. He has been capped once by the Argentina national side.

Here’s a closer look at what Everton will be getting from Mori:

The defender was on Merseyside to watch the Toffees face Manchester City earlier this season, and manager Roberto Martinez cited his winning mentality as a key motivating factor in the transfer, per Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo:

"

He’s a player who has won the Copa Libertadores, he’s 24, left footed centre half, and he would fit the squad extremely well. He has a winning mentality – you don’t get many opportunities to bring in a player that has won the Copa Libertadores, and bring that winning mentality to the squad.

"

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Mori will add some much-needed depth to a segment of the squad where Everton are a little short. The Toffees only have two other senior centre-backs, in John Stones and Phil Jagielka, meaning Mori will likely be battling with the likes of Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning for spots in the squad.

However, South American football expert Rob Brown doesn’t think this a move that represents good business for the Merseysiders:

Indeed, while he is a strong distributor of the ball and powerful in the air, Mori has been prone to major lapses in concentration in the past. It’s something that’ll be unforgivingly pounced upon in the Premier League should those traits continue, and it’ll be intriguing to see just how well he settles.

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press/Associated Press

Mori can speak English, which will expedite his integration into the squad, but there will still most likely be an abrasive period of adaptation for the defenders. It's likely Everton supporters will have to be patient before seeing the defender at his best.